Kennesaw State University and AURO University Partner to Shape Global Hospitality Leaders

Kennesaw State University and AURO University Partner to Shape Global Hospitality Leaders

By Author

Published on October 5, 2023

The global hospitality industry is poised for significant growth by 2027, but it also faces a severe staffing shortage. To tackle this challenge head-on, Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia, has joined hands with India's AURO University. Together, they aim to equip students with the skills needed to meet the global demands of the hospitality sector.

Recently, Kennesaw State and AURO University formalized their partnership with an agreement. This collaboration will involve faculty and student exchanges between the hospitality management programs at both institutions throughout the year. These exchanges will offer students from India and the U.S. valuable international insights into the hospitality industry, fostering cross-cultural awareness.

Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State, emphasized the global nature of the hospitality industry, stating, "Almost any organization our students work for will have international guests and clients or will operate in multiple countries. Partnering with AURO means our students will be better able to compete in the global marketplace."

Leaders from both universities gathered at Kennesaw State to formalize this partnership. Among them were H.P. Rama, Founder and President of AURO University, Suresh Mathur, AURO's Chief Operating Officer, and Leonard Jackson, Director of Kennesaw State's Hospitality Management program.

AURO University, established in 2011 by H.P. Rama, who is also the founding chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and current chairman of Auro Hotels, has earned a global reputation for producing quality hospitality professionals. AURO students in the hospitality program already undertake a one-year internship in the U.S. as part of their studies. With this partnership, these students will spend part of their time at Kennesaw's campus, interacting with peers, faculty, and gaining insights into the Metro Atlanta hospitality industry.

H.P. Rama highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that it goes beyond academic knowledge. He stated that students and faculty from both institutions would gain a deep understanding of cross-cultural values and diverse experiences. He also mentioned that the collaboration extends to Auro Hotels in the United States and India.

This partnership is a two-way street, allowing Kennesaw State students to visit India. The hospitality management faculty is planning an education abroad experience to India for Spring 2024. During this program, students will visit AURO's campus in Gujarat, Surat, and explore the surrounding region.

In addition to student exchanges, the agreement includes faculty exchanges. Both institutions are developing virtual and in-person exchanges, where faculty will share ideas on incorporating global perspectives into their teaching. Furthermore, there is interest in expanding these exchanges to include students and faculty from other disciplines.

With the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India projecting a shortage of 150,000 skilled workers in the luxury hotel market alone by 2029, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association reporting that 81 percent of hotel owners struggle to fill open positions, there's a bright future for well-trained, globally-focused hospitality professionals. The partnership between Kennesaw State University and AURO University positions students from both institutions to excel as leaders in this thriving industry.

AURO University, Surat, is one of the fastest-growing universities in Gujarat, inspired by the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and The Divine Mother. It offers programs in Business, Hospitality Management, Law, Information Technology, Design, Journalism & Mass Communication, Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Sri Aurobindo Integral Life Centre (SAILC). For more information, please visit AURO University's website.


Radisson Hotel Group Launches AI-Powered Real-Time Hotel Price Matching Technology

Radisson Hotel Group Launches AI-Powered Real-Time Hotel Price Matching Technology

By Hariharan U

Published on July 5, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group has launched a new AI-powered real-time price matching technology, aimed at transforming the way guests book directly through hotel websites and strengthening transparency in hotel pricing.

The system automatically identifies lower publicly available rates for Radisson properties listed on third-party platforms such as OTAs and search engines, and instantly matches those prices on RadissonHotels.com. This removes the need for manual claims, screenshots, or approval processes that are typically required under traditional best rate guarantee programs.

Unlike conventional models, the new system operates in real time. When a lower rate is detected on platforms including Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Trip.com, and others, the AI engine verifies the pricing difference and automatically applies the matched rate, redirecting users directly to the hotel’s booking platform.

According to Gianni Di Fede, Global Chief Commercial Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, modern travellers expect speed, simplicity, and confidence when booking. He noted that the new feature ensures guests always receive the best available price when booking directly with Radisson.

For guests, the system eliminates uncertainty around pricing and simplifies the booking journey. For hotel teams, it reduces administrative workload associated with manual price match requests and allows staff to focus more on guest service and operational efficiency. The tool also provides better visibility into pricing trends and booking behaviour.

The AI-powered price matching feature is now live across all Radisson Hotel Group properties worldwide, marking a significant step in the company’s digital transformation strategy.

The initiative forms part of Radisson’s broader push toward automation and AI-driven solutions aimed at improving direct bookings, enhancing transparency, and creating a more seamless digital experience for travellers. By replacing traditional reactive pricing guarantees with a fully automated system, Radisson is positioning itself at the forefront of hospitality technology innovation.


Radisson Hotel Group Launches App-Only Rates Across Hotels in India

Radisson Hotel Group Launches App-Only Rates Across Hotels in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 4, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) has introduced App-Only Rates across its portfolio of hotels in India, giving travellers access to exclusive savings when they book through the Radisson Hotels mobile application. The new initiative is designed to make direct bookings more rewarding while offering guests a smoother and more personalised booking experience.

With the launch of App-Only Rates, guests booking through the mobile app can enjoy up to 10% additional savings over existing public rates. The move is part of RHG's strategy to encourage direct bookings while enhancing the overall guest journey through digital innovation.

Members of Radisson Rewards can unlock even more benefits, including member-only discounts, personalised offers, and exclusive promotions. By combining App-Only Rates with membership benefits, eligible guests can enjoy savings of up to 23%, along with tailored offers and exclusive experiences.

The Radisson Hotels mobile app allows travellers to browse hotels, book stays, manage reservations, explore hotel facilities, and access member benefits from a single platform. Whether travelling for business, a family holiday, or a weekend getaway, guests can enjoy a convenient booking experience from reservation to check-out.

Commenting on the launch, Nikhil Sharma, MD & COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, said, "At Radisson Hotel Group, we are constantly looking for ways to create greater value for our guests. The introduction of App-Only Rates in India reflects our aim to enhance the guest experience through digital innovation, rewarding loyalty, and offering exclusive benefits that make every stay even more rewarding. We remain focused on delivering a seamless and personalized experience for travelers at every touchpoint."

The introduction of App-Only Rates forms part of the group's broader digital strategy to strengthen customer engagement, increase direct bookings, and provide greater value through its own platforms. The offers are now available across participating Radisson Hotel Group properties in India through the Radisson Hotels mobile application.

Radisson Hotel Group currently has more than 200 hotels in operation and development across India, making it one of the country's largest international hotel operators. The group also maintains the largest presence among international hotel brands in Delhi NCR, while more than half of its portfolio is spread across tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Its portfolio in India includes brands such as Radisson Collection, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Park Inn by Radisson, Park Plaza, Radisson Individuals, and Radisson Individuals Retreats, catering to a wide range of business and leisure travellers.


District by Zomato Introduces Splitpay for Hassle-Free Group Dining

District by Zomato Introduces Splitpay for Hassle-Free Group Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 13, 2026

District by Zomato has announced the launch of Splitpay, a new feature designed to make group dining payments simpler and more convenient. Available within the District app, the feature allows diners to instantly split restaurant bills and pay their exact share at the table, removing the need for post-meal transfers, reminders, and payment follow-ups.

The feature addresses a common challenge faced during group outings, where one person typically pays the entire bill and waits to be reimbursed by others later. With Splitpay, users can enter the total bill amount, choose the number of people in the group, and divide the bill equally or customise individual shares directly within the app. Each diner can then complete their payment in just a few taps.

District by Zomato says the feature is aimed at making dining experiences smoother by eliminating the need to calculate dues, share payment screenshots, or chase friends for settlements after a meal. Since all payments happen within the app, users do not need to exchange payment details with one another.

Adding to the benefit, every diner receives cashback on their individual share of the bill, ensuring that rewards are not limited to the person who makes the full payment.

Commenting on the launch, Rahul Ganjoo, CEO, District by Zomato, said, "A meal out belongs to the whole table, but it has always ended with the least social moment: one person paying and everyone else doing maths. It's something we noticed at restaurant tables, on social media, and in conversations with our users, so we built Splitpay to fix it. It's one more step in the same direction we've been moving all along: taking the effort out of every stage of going out, so the only thing people take home is the experience itself."

To support the launch, District has unveiled a campaign film featuring veteran actors Boman Irani and Anupam Kher. The film captures a familiar dining situation where friends compete to pay the bill at the end of a meal. What begins as a polite attempt to settle the bill quickly turns into a humorous struggle, eventually reaching a comic peak when Anupam Kher stuffs the bill into his mouth to prevent his friend from paying.

While the campaign highlights a well-known social habit through humour, it also showcases how Splitpay offers a practical alternative by allowing everyone at the table to pay their own share instantly and receive cashback in return.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.