Hospitality News is thrilled to celebrate D. Gukesh, the 18-year-old chess prodigy who has become the world’s youngest chess champion. Gukesh’s remarkable victory over reigning champion Ding Liren in a nail-biting final not only brings immense pride to India but also signals a new era for global chess.

Gukesh, now the 18th world champion and only the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to achieve this milestone, showcased incredible resilience and strategy throughout the match. His decisive win in the 14th and final classical game came after a small but costly blunder by Ding on the 55th move, which Gukesh capitalized on with precision and composure.

At Hospitality News, we are in awe of his journey—from his gold-winning performances at the Chennai and Budapest Chess Olympiads to his victory in the Candidates Tournament. Gukesh’s unwavering focus, strategic brilliance, and ability to thrive under pressure remind us of the endless possibilities when talent meets hard work.

We also applaud the mentorship of GM Viswanathan Anand and the efforts of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy in nurturing such exceptional talent. Gukesh’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of chess enthusiasts and elevate India’s status in the global chess community.

Here’s to D. Gukesh, a young legend in the making! We at Hospitality News proudly stand behind him and look forward to witnessing his continued success.

As the biggest shopping event of the year, Black Friday 2024 is redefining the retail landscape, particularly in shopping malls across India. This global shopping phenomenon, known for massive discounts and limited-time offers, is more than just a sale—it’s a celebration of consumer excitement, brand engagement, and experiential shopping.

At Hospitalitynews, we delve into how shopping malls are stepping up their game, creating vibrant environments to attract visitors, offering them more than just discounts but a holistic shopping experience.

The Rise of Experiential Shopping

Unlike the isolated online experience, malls are leveraging Black Friday to offer interactive and immersive shopping experiences. From exclusive giveaways to extended sale hours and entertainment zones, malls are going beyond traditional shopping. The goal? To keep footfall high and make the shopping journey memorable.

Top Malls Leading the Charge

Gaur City Mall, Greater Noida West

Known for housing a blend of premium and budget-friendly brands, Gaur City Mall is offering flat 50%-60% discounts on over 60 renowned brands. Extended hours from 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM ensure that shoppers don’t miss out on the best deals.

Omaxe Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Delhi

Nestled in the heritage-rich Chandni Chowk, Omaxe Chowk merges tradition with modern retail. Shoppers spending ₹1,00,000 or more are rewarded with ₹5,000 gift vouchers, while top spenders (₹3,00,000+) can win 24kt gold coins.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka, Delhi

This vibrant mall lives up to its name with its “Record-Tod Sale”, offering flat 50% off on premium brands like H&M, UNIQLO, and Bath & Body Works. For cinema enthusiasts, PVR INOX’s ₹99 movie tickets and unlimited popcorn refills add a touch of entertainment to retail therapy.

Urban Square Mall, Udaipur

Urban Square Mall combines shopping and leisure with its Cinema Lovers Day, allowing visitors to enjoy movies for just ₹99 on 29th November. PVR INOX Kotak Credit Card holders get an even sweeter deal with ticket prices slashed to ₹1.

Malls: A Hub for Hospitality and Retail Synergy

Malls are becoming spaces where retail meets hospitality, offering curated dining experiences, themed events, and personalized customer service. These efforts amplify footfall and create lasting impressions on shoppers, blending commerce with comfort.

How Black Friday Benefits the Hospitality Industry

The synergy between retail and hospitality industries is evident as Black Friday sales encourage increased dining, hotel bookings, and even tourist traffic to iconic shopping destinations. Malls like Omaxe Chowk, situated in cultural hubs, are seeing visitors turn shopping sprees into mini-getaways.

This Black Friday, malls are no longer just shopping centers; they are retail ecosystems, offering a unique combination of discounts, entertainment, and experiences. The evolving mall experience reflects how retail spaces are adapting to modern consumer demands, making Black Friday a pivotal moment for both retail and hospitality sectors.

Hospitalitynews celebrates these innovations and invites readers to explore the transformative world of Black Friday 2024. As the lines between shopping, leisure, and hospitality blur, it’s clear that malls are here to stay as the heart of modern retail.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is set to strengthen its footprint in India's hospitality sector with the signing of Cygnett Inn Kharagpur in West Bengal. Positioned as a full-service midscale hotel, this property aims to address the increasing demand for quality accommodations in Kharagpur, a key industrial and educational hub. The strategic expansion underlines Cygnett’s vision to provide exceptional hospitality experiences in India’s growing secondary markets.

The upcoming Cygnett Inn Kharagpur will feature over 75 contemporary rooms, designed to offer comfort and convenience for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel boasts an impressive 6,000 sq. ft. of banquet space and a 5,000 sq. ft. landscaped lawn, making it ideal for corporate events, social gatherings, and celebrations. Guests can look forward to premium amenities such as an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, a well-stocked bar, a health club, and a swimming pool, delivering a well-rounded experience.

Highlighting the property’s importance, Mr. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, shared, "Kharagpur is a key industrial city with a significant base of corporate and leisure travelers. Cygnett Inn Kharagpur will offer a perfect balance of affordability, quality, and modern amenities, becoming a preferred choice in the region.” The property is expected to not only meet local accommodation demands but also contribute to the city’s hospitality landscape.

This signing is a part of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts’ broader strategy to reach 100 operational hotels by 2029. By focusing on destinations with untapped tourism potential and robust business activity, the group aims to create meaningful experiences for travelers while driving sustainable growth. The addition of Cygnett Inn Kharagpur reinforces this approach, as the brand continues to build a strong presence across India’s tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

With the global budget hotel market forecasted to grow from $276.3 billion in 2022 to $430.9 billion by 2032, Cygnett Hotels is poised to capitalize on this momentum. By offering a combination of consistent service, value for money, and sustainability-focused practices, the brand is redefining the midscale hospitality segment, ensuring guests receive high-quality experiences at affordable prices.