Absolute Hotel Services (AHS) has signed a new hotel management contract with Gold Stone Adventure Resorts for a premium property in Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a significant step in the company’s expansion strategy. This development marks AHS’s second signing in Rajasthan, reinforcing its goal to create a strong hospitality cluster in one of India’s most culturally rich states.

The new hotel, positioned as an upscale 5-star destination, will offer 92 stylish keys, a modern all-day dining restaurant, a vibrant bar with a speciality restaurant or nightclub, and a spacious 5,500 sq. ft. pillarless banquet hall with a 2,000 sq. ft. pre-function area. The property will also include 20,000 sq. ft. of expansive lawns for weddings and social events, a children’s play lawn, a spa with four treatment rooms, and an indoor games area with snooker and board games.

Ajmer, known for its spiritual significance and cultural depth, is home to key landmarks like the Ajmer Sharif Dargah and Ana Sagar Lake. The city has become a magnet for both pilgrims and modern travelers looking for a blend of tradition and comfort. AHS’s entry into Ajmer comes at a time when Rajasthan is witnessing a revival in tourism demand driven by heritage travel, religious tourism, and destination weddings.

Commenting on the partnership, Sameer Dharkar, Managing Director of AHS India & South Asia, shared,

“We are delighted to expand our footprint in Rajasthan with this remarkable property in Ajmer, a city that beautifully blends heritage, spirituality, and tourism. This second signing in the state underscores the trust that owners place in AHS’s proven management expertise and our ability to deliver world-class hospitality.”

He further added that this signing aligns with AHS’s larger vision of building clusters in key destinations to promote operational efficiency, staff sharing, and strong brand presence — resulting in higher value for owners and memorable experiences for guests.

AHS has consistently grown across India and the region, offering management for properties under various renowned brands such as U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels & Resorts, Travelodge, and Vienna House. The Ajmer signing adds to the company’s portfolio of upscale retreats and positions it strategically within Rajasthan’s flourishing hospitality scene.

With this new development, AHS reaffirms its commitment to offering guests authentic local experiences while delivering international standards, and strengthening long-term partnerships that support its mission of redefining hospitality across Asia.

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

Headquartered in Bangkok with regional offices in India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Europe, AHS is one of Asia’s fastest-growing hospitality groups. The company operates brands across luxury, upscale, midscale, and economy segments, including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels & Resorts, Travelodge, Vienna House, and more. AHS also operates in the golf industry through Absolute Golf Services and remains the exclusive operator of Travelodge in Thailand and Vienna House in Asia.

Website: www.absolutehotelservices.net

In a major step towards building a skilled and inclusive workforce in India's hospitality sector, the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Lalit Suri Hospitality School (TLSHS). The signing ceremony took place at The Lalit, New Delhi, in the presence of prominent leaders from both organisations.

The MoU was formally signed by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC. Also present at the event were Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, Mr. Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Mr. Anupam Mukherjee, Dean, TLSHS, along with senior officials.

This partnership signifies a shared commitment to enhancing hospitality education by aligning academic training with real-time industry requirements. The focus is on structured, inclusive, and employability-driven programs to skill youth and open national and international career opportunities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Jyotsna Suri stated, "This partnership signifies a powerful convergence of academic expertise and industry demand. At The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, we believe in building not just businesses but communities, and skilling is a key pillar of that philosophy."

Ms. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, THSC, added, "Such partnerships are the backbone of a strong, demand-driven skilling ecosystem that responds to real industry needs and unlocks true potential among India's youth—especially in tourism, one of the most people-centric sectors."

Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC, highlighted the sector's evolution, saying, "With institutions like TLSHS, we can ensure that students receive not only domain knowledge but also industry-relevant exposure, life skills, and certifications that open doors globally."

Keshav Suri, Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, emphasized inclusivity, stating, "Through this partnership, we hope to skill and place youth from diverse backgrounds—including the LGBTQIA+ community and economically weaker sections—so they can thrive in an industry built on service and compassion."

This MoU is expected to play a key role in bridging the gap between industry expectations and academic delivery, ensuring a job-ready and globally competent talent pool for India’s ever-growing hospitality and tourism sector.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced a major expansion of its partnership with the Ambuja Neotia Group through the signing of agreements for 15 new hotels. These properties will be spread across West Bengal, Sikkim, and Himachal Pradesh, and will be a mix of greenfield, brownfield, and conversion projects. The partnership is set to grow to over 40 hotels in total.

These new projects will include iconic brands from IHCL’s portfolio, with a majority expected to operate under the Taj brand. Among the first four confirmed projects are a Taj in Darjeeling, SeleQtions hotels in Kolkata and Siliguri, and a Tree of Life in Lataguri. Several of the properties will also include Taj branded villas in Darjeeling, Sikkim, Lataguri, and Raichak.

Commenting on the development, IHCL’s Managing Director & CEO Puneet Chhatwal said,

“IHCL’s pioneering legacy of building destinations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, and the Andaman and Lakshadweep Islands will now extend to unlocking the tourism potential of the East and North East with this agreement.”

He added that the capital-light model and strategic locations will support tourism development in relatively unexplored regions.

Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group, echoed this vision:

“North East, the unexplored region of India has tremendous potential for bespoke luxury travel… The addition of premium room inventory this fiscal to Taj Chia Kutir in Kurseong as well as the upcoming Taj branded luxury villas in Darjeeling, Lataguri, and Gangtok reflects the growing demand from the segment.”

This partnership highlights IHCL’s focus on destination-led development. With Taj recently named the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand, the group is poised to bring world-class hospitality to new Indian regions and strengthen its footprint in the leisure travel segment.

Timeline (Indicative):

• Current FY: Launch of Taj Chia Kutir, Kurseong and Taj villas in key destinations.

• Next 5 Years: Progressive launch of 15 hotels under Taj, SeleQtions, and Tree of Life across the identified locations.