Sayaji Hotels has made a significant debut in Goa with the launch of Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji — its first property in the state’s bustling capital. Positioned as a modern business hotel with leisure elements, the new opening reflects the brand’s vision of creating destinations that appeal to travellers seeking both efficiency and comfort.

Located on Dr. Atmaram Borkar Road, Effotel Panaji enjoys a prime spot in the heart of Goa. Its proximity to airports, railway stations, government offices, business hubs, and cultural landmarks makes it equally convenient for corporate travellers and holidaymakers exploring the city and its iconic beaches.

The property offers 48 thoughtfully designed rooms spread across Deluxe, Superior, and Premium categories. Each space combines contemporary design with practical amenities, making them suitable for short business stays as well as relaxed leisure visits.

Dining is anchored by The Cube, the hotel’s all-day restaurant, which serves a mix of global cuisines and Goan favourites. An adjoining bar adds to the social energy, making the hotel a lively culinary destination for both locals and visitors. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop swimming pool with sweeping views of the city or recharge at the spa, designed as a calming escape within Panaji.

Speaking about the launch, Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Business Development Head at Sayaji Hotels, said, “With Effotel by Sayaji, Panaji; we are delighted to bring the Sayaji brand ethos of thoughtful hospitality, modern design, and curated experiences to Goa. This property not only strengthens our footprint in India’s key markets but also reflects our vision of creating destinations that resonate equally with business and leisure travellers.”

Sarfraz Sheikh, Director at Anwar Hassan Group, added, “Goa has always been seen as a leisure market, but with Panaji’s growing prominence as a business hub, Effotel Panaji brings the best of both worlds to our guests.”

Rajendra Joshi, Director of Operations, Sayaji Group, further shared, “As our first hotel in Panaji, this launch represents both a strategic expansion and a heartfelt commitment to elevating the hospitality experience in the state. We are confident that Effotel Panaji will become the preferred choice for travellers visiting Goa’s capital.”

With its modern design, culinary highlights, and balance of business convenience and leisure experiences, Effotel Panaji is set to redefine contemporary hospitality in the heart of Goa.

Elior India, part of France-based Elior Group, has acquired a majority stake in Platos, a Bengaluru-based cafeteria management company founded by Arjun Subramanian and Raj Jain in 2019. The move represents a strong push towards building a digital-first model of workplace dining in India, blending Elior’s culinary expertise with Platos’ technology-driven cafeteria solutions.

Platos began as a cafeteria-tech platform and has since grown into a pan-India digital and aggregation solution. The company partners with food brands and institutional caterers, giving corporates more flexibility and choice in workplace dining. With Elior’s global standards in food safety and operations, the acquisition is set to bring greater reliability and efficiency for corporate clients across India.

Highlighting the importance of the deal, Rohit Sawhney, CEO of Elior India, said, "Institutional dining in India is at a turning point. Clients no longer evaluate partners on food alone; they want transparency, accountability, and technology that makes workplace dining seamless. With Platos joining the Elior family, we are shaping more transparent, trusted, and engaging dining ecosystems for workforces across the country. And with Elior’s global expertise and scale, we are uniquely placed to deliver these outcomes with consistency and trust".

Adding to this, Raj Jain, Co-founder of Platos, said, "We started Platos to simplify workplace dining, from meal ordering to subsidy management. Over time, we’ve grown into a digital and aggregation platform trusted by leading corporates, bringing greater flexibility and choice. Partnering with Elior is an exciting step; it gives us the scale to grow faster and the opportunity to reimagine workplace dining. With Elior’s culinary strength and our technology, we can redefine cafeteria experiences for the future of work".

By 2026, Elior and Platos are expected to serve over 1.5 lakh meals daily across 150+ establishments, significantly expanding Elior’s presence in digital-first dining. For corporates, the partnership translates into one integrated provider handling everything from food preparation and vendor compliance to digital cafeteria operations and employee engagement. For employees, it promises a more seamless app-based experience, offering choice, convenience, and consistency.

Looking ahead, the joint roadmap includes enhancing pre-ordering systems, cafeteria analytics, and sustainability-led initiatives aimed at reducing food waste and improving efficiency. With Elior’s global experience and Platos’ digital innovation, the collaboration is poised to set new benchmarks in institutional dining and reshape workplace meals into a blend of taste, technology, and trust.

About Elior India: 

 Established in 2017 and headquartered in Bengaluru, Elior India delivers premium food services for corporate, education, and healthcare sectors. A subsidiary of the €6.05 billion Elior Group, the company serves over 90,000 meals daily across major Indian cities. With a team of 1,700+ professionals, Elior India focuses on chef-led innovation, nutrition, and sustainability.

About Platos:

Founded in 2019, Platos is a technology-led cafeteria platform that digitizes meal ordering, cafeteria operations, and subsidy management. It partners with leading corporate kitchens and caters to companies across multiple cities in India, ensuring hygiene, compliance, and customer-focused experiences.

Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ leaders, Mr. Karanveer Singh and Mr. Pawan Mudgal, have been honored with the Outstanding Leadership Awards 2025 by MakeMyTrip. The event, hosted by MakeMyTrip in Gurgaon on 7th August 2025, recognized individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry.

The award celebrates visionary leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence in the hospitality industry. Both leaders have played pivotal roles in driving Amritara Hotels & Resorts to new heights in customer satisfaction, revenue growth, and brand positioning.

Mr. Karanveer Singh, with his expertise in revenue management and strategic planning, has been instrumental in elevating the performance of Amritara properties, consistently ensuring top rankings in competitive markets. His innovative approach towards pricing, distribution, and customer engagement has set new benchmarks for the brand.

Mr. Pawan Mudgal, with his extensive leadership experience and sharp business acumen, has been a driving force in strengthening Amritara’s market presence. His ability to align teams with the brand’s vision and his relentless pursuit of operational excellence have contributed immensely to the group’s success.

Speaking on the recognition, the awardees expressed their gratitude to MakeMyTrip and dedicated the honor to the hard work and dedication of the Amritara Hotels & Resorts team.

"This award is not just a personal achievement, but a reflection of the collective efforts of our incredible team at Amritara Hotels & Resorts. Together, we are committed to redefining hospitality with innovation, authenticity, and exceptional guest experiences," said Mr. Singh and Mr. Mudgal in a joint statement.

The Outstanding Leadership Award 2025 reinforces Amritara Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to excellence and further strengthens its position as one of India’s leading hospitality brands.