India’s leading hospitality entrepreneurs and short-term rental professionals have announced the launch of ISTHA (Indian Short-Term Rental Host Association), the country’s first national platform dedicated to the short-term rental and alternative accommodation sector. With India seeing strong growth in homestays, boutique stays, serviced apartments, vacation rentals, guesthouses, B&Bs, and experiential accommodations, the industry has long operated without a unified structure or representation. ISTHA has been created to address this gap.

Speaking about the launch, Mr Gaurav Marwah, President of ISTHA, said that India’s short-term rental segment has expanded faster than traditional models but remains largely unorganised. He shared that ISTHA aims to build a credible and structured voice for hosts and operators with a focus on quality, compliance, and community. The platform will work to standardise documentation, hosting practices, and operational frameworks across India while helping hosts with knowledge exchange, compliance support, and collaboration.

ISTHA’s mandate includes establishing best-practice standards for hosts and property managers, engaging with authorities for regulatory clarity, providing training programmes and certification, creating state and regional chapters, encouraging collaboration with OTAs, tourism boards and technology partners, and promoting responsible hosting, safety standards and guest trust across the ecosystem. “Our mission is not just to build a network, it is to build trust. Trust between hosts, guests, and policymakers. ISTHA will champion responsible hosting, safety norms, and a consistently high-quality guest experience nationwide,” added Mr. Gaurav Marwah.

ISTHA is structured as a federal, member-driven organisation led by professionals from hospitality, tourism, real estate, and property management. The leadership team includes:

• Gaurav Marwah, President: Airbnb Superhost and property management professional handling over 50 units across NCR and Jaipur, with active involvement in host representation and regulatory clarity.
  
  

• Tarun Arora, Treasurer: Hospitality entrepreneur with experience in real estate and budget accommodation, overseeing financial and membership operations.
  
  

• Priyanka M, General Secretary:  Hospitality and operations specialist managing communications, documentation and organisational development.
  

Several homestay owners, B&B operators, vacation rental hosts, and property managers from Delhi NCR, Jaipur, Mumbai, Goa, Chennai, Coimbatore, Shimla, and Bengaluru have joined ISTHA during its founding phase. The association will soon introduce its first National Conclave, State Host Councils, and collaborations with OTAs, tourism boards, and technology partners.

About ISTHA (Indian Short-Term Rental Host Association)

ISTHA is a Section 8 non-profit industry body formed to represent India’s short-term rental, homestay, B&B, and alternative hospitality ecosystem. Its mission is to promote responsible hosting, support policy dialogue with authorities, provide training and resources for host development, and strengthen India’s position as a hub for flexible, experiential, and community-driven hospitality.

Cinépolis India is celebrating a major moment for Indian cinema as the iconic film Sholay returns to the big screen for its Golden Jubilee. The classic, known for its unforgettable characters and evergreen storytelling, will be showcased in a digitally remastered 4K uncut version across select Cinépolis cinemas nationwide.

This special re-release holds an emotional note for fans, especially with legendary actor Dharmendra, who played the beloved Veeru, in everyone’s thoughts. Cinépolis joins audiences across the country in wishing him continued strength and good health.

Sharing the significance of this milestone, Devang Sampat, Managing Director, Cinépolis India, said, "Sholay occupies a very special place in the hearts of Indian audiences, and it is a privilege for Cinépolis to bring this landmark film back to cinemas for its Golden Jubilee. We are grateful to be part of this moment that allows families across generations to come together for a story that has shaped our culture for fifty years. We hope this brings back warm memories for many and creates new ones for those watching it for the first time."

For fifty years, Sholay has been deeply rooted in India’s cultural memory. Its dialogues, moments and characters, from Gabbar’s legendary “Kitne aadmi the?” to the timeless friendship of Jai and Veeru, continue to resonate with audiences. The film remains one of the rare classics that every generation instantly recognises. Bringing it back to cinemas allows families to relive the experience together, while introducing younger viewers to the magic of watching it on the big screen.

The re-release also comes at a time when more viewers are returning to theatres to rediscover the joy of watching films collectively. Classic films showing in cinemas have become a meaningful way for audiences to reconnect with stories they grew up with, while new moviegoers enjoy them in a fresh and immersive format.

About Cinépolis India
Cinépolis India is the first international cinema exhibitor in the country and a part of the global Cinépolis group. With a focus on creating memorable moviegoing experiences, the brand operates 487 screens in India under Cinépolis, Cinépolis VIP and Fun Cinemas.

The brand is well known for driving innovation in cinema exhibition, including luxury viewing with Cinépolis VIP and the kid-friendly Cinépolis Junior auditoriums. Its loyalty programme, Club Cinépolis, enhances the overall experience with free registration, reward points, pre-screening invites and access to special events.

Over the years, Cinépolis India has earned several honours, including the IMAX Big Cine Award for India's Top Multiplex Chain of the Year and multiple recognitions at MAPIC India for excellence in leisure and entertainment.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the country’s largest hospitality group, has signed a new Ginger hotel in Shillong, marking the brand’s debut in Meghalaya. The upcoming property is a greenfield project and aims to serve the city’s fast-growing mix of business and leisure travellers.

Speaking about the announcement, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Shillong, with its vibrant spirit, resonates with Ginger’s philosophy of blending work and play. Under the Smart City program, Shillong is evolving into a significant administrative and economic hub. Its prime location, coupled with panoramic views of the hills, make it an ideal setting for the brand to serve the city’s evolving hospitality needs. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Khongsngi for this project.”

The hotel will offer 90 keys and include Ginger’s signature all-day dining restaurant Qmin, a stylish bar, a meeting room and a fitness centre, bringing together everything needed for guests who want comfort and convenience during their stay.

Mr. Khongsngi said, “We are happy to partner with IHCL to bring the Ginger brand to Shillong and contribute to the city’s growing hospitality landscape.”

Often called the Scotland of the East, Shillong blends its colonial charm with rich Khasi culture. With pleasant weather, rolling hills and attractions such as Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls and the famous Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival, the city continues to draw both travellers and investors.

With this addition, IHCL’s presence in Meghalaya grows to three hotels, including one under development.

About the Owning Company

Mr. Khongsngi is a real estate developer in Shillong and also serves as President of the Khasi Hills Archery Sports Institute (KHASI), an organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional sport of archery in Meghalaya.