Loading...
You have Successfully logged In !
Already have an account? Login
By clicking Register you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Don't have an account?Register
Enter your E-mail address below, We will send the verification code
Please enter the code send to
Didn't receive the email?Click to resend
Your password has been successfully reset!.
Please login again to access your account.
An OTP has been sent to
Enter the 4-digit code
By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on May 10, 2024
Marriott International and KKR, a prominent global investment firm, are spearheading a new era in midscale hospitality in Japan. Building on KKR’s recent acquisition of Unizo Hotel Company, Limited, along with a portfolio of 14 hotels from Unizo Holdings, the collaboration marks Marriott’s debut in Japan’s affordable midscale market and its first footprint in the Asia Pacific region following its global launch in this segment in 2023.
These 14 hotels, strategically located across major tourist destinations in 10 cities including Hakodate, Morioka, Utsunomiya, Yokohama, Kanazawa, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, and Hakata, are set to undergo transformation into Four Points Express by Sheraton. Anticipated to open in the latter half of 2024, the venture will introduce over 3,600 new rooms to KKR’s and Marriott’s hotel portfolios in Japan.
Four Points Express by Sheraton aims to provide budget-conscious travelers with a seamless hotel experience, emphasizing reliability, simplicity, and value in both design and guest services. This tailored approach reflects Marriott’s commitment to meeting evolving guest needs while offering franchisees a competitive pricing strategy designed to foster growth.
Rajeev Menon, President, Marriott International, Asia Pacific excluding China, said, "There's a growing consumer demand for reliable-yet-affordable accommodation in the region. Our goal is to be everywhere our guests want us to be, with the right property in the right location, at the right price point. This collaboration with KKR will expand our ability to do exactly that – starting in Japan, with opportunity to grow our midscale presence in the region. Our new midscale brand will offer hotel owners an affordable conversion opportunity with an efficient operational design, access to Marriott International’s expansive distribution systems and the backing of our powerful award-winning Marriott Bonvoy travel program.”
Kensuke Kudo, Managing Director, Real Estate, at KKR, said, “International and domestic tourism in Japan has rebounded strongly since the pandemic and continues to pick up pace. As demand for midscale hotels grows rapidly, we see a tremendous opportunity to offer high-quality and comfortable accommodation at great value. We are delighted to be strategic partners with Marriott International, one of the world’s pre-eminent hotel companies, to launch the Four Points Express by Sheraton brand in Japan. By combining KKR’s real estate investment and operational expertise and Marriott’s deep hospitality experience, we look to deliver outstanding-yet-affordable lodging experiences to international and domestic travelers across Japan.”
Aligned with Marriott’s acclaimed Marriott Bonvoy® loyalty platform, which boasts over 200 million members worldwide, the new midscale brand will leverage Marriott’s global sales organization and digital platforms to drive efficient direct bookings.
This transformative partnership between Marriott International and KKR represents a significant milestone in Japan’s hospitality landscape, promising travelers unparalleled experiences and hotel owners exciting growth opportunities in the midscale segment.
IHCL’s Gateway Brand Reaches 50-Hotel Milestone with Hyderab...
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality co...
Roots Café Has Become Anahata Café and the Transformation Go...
Some rebrands are just a fresh coat of paint. The transforma...
Seoul Dak Opens in Oshiwara Andheri and Mumbai's Korean Food...
Mumbai's love for Korean food isn't slowing down, and Seoul ...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai Celebrates Eid with a Festiv...
LOYA at Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is welcoming the festive sp...
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 22, 2026
Elite Island Resorts has launched its latest campaign, “A Love Letter To Antigua,” inviting travellers and travel professionals to experience the island beyond just a resort stay. Designed for the summer season, the campaign focuses on Antigua’s rich culture, history, and scenic beauty through engaging and interactive storytelling.
The initiative brings together curated itineraries created in collaboration with content creators, along with a 360° interactive map that gives a closer look at the island. From cinematic visuals to detailed travel ideas, the campaign positions Antigua as an ideal summer destination for those seeking a well-rounded Caribbean experience.
The brand’s portfolio in Antigua includes a range of all-inclusive properties, each offering a distinct experience. Galley Bay Resort & Spa and Hammock Cove Antigua cater to adults looking for a peaceful escape, while Pineapple Beach Club Antigua and The Verandah Antigua offer lively beachfront settings. St. James’s Club & Villas adds a family-friendly touch with activities suited for all age groups. As part of the campaign, The Verandah Antigua is offering a “5th Night FREE” deal, valid for bookings made until May 31, 2026, for travel between May 1 and September 30, 2026.
A key highlight of the campaign is its interactive approach to travel planning. Through a social media series, content creators engage with audiences by allowing them to vote, ask questions, and shape their ideal itineraries. These journeys cover popular attractions such as Nelson's Dockyard, Devil's Bridge, rainforest trails, and local cultural events, helping travellers visualise their trip in a more personalised way.
The newly introduced 360° Antigua map further enhances this experience by showcasing all 365 beaches, natural harbours, cultural landmarks, and lesser-known spots across the island. With integrated videos and creator insights, the map offers a virtual preview of what travellers can expect before they even arrive.
Adding to this, Elite Island Resorts has also released a national parks video featuring Antigua’s protected landscapes. Narrated by Causion, widely known as the “Reggae Ambassador of Antigua,” the film captures stunning aerial views of the island’s coastline and landmarks, including areas around Devil's Bridge and Nelson's Dockyard National Park.
Beyond tourism, the resorts continue to stay closely connected with local communities. The Verandah Antigua supports sustainability by producing its own water, beer, and nursery resources on-site. Pineapple Beach Club contributes to literacy programs, supports schools, and runs a turtle sanctuary, while also promoting products from nearby village businesses like Granma Aki's hot sauce. Galley Bay Resort & Spa focuses on education and environmental efforts through scholarships, school support, and eco-friendly practices such as hydroponic farming, recycling, and wildlife protection in partnership with AB Sea Turtle Awareness.
"Antigua is a Caribbean gem unlike any other, offering a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture," says Kari Tarnowski, Chief Commercial Officer of Elite Island Resorts. "Through our community partnerships, regenerative tourism initiatives, creator-curated itineraries, and new 360° interactive island map, we are creating meaningful ways for travelers to experience Antigua through both its landscapes and the distinctive experiences our hotels provide. We want every guest to leave inspired, having discovered the heart of the destination, and eager to return."
With “A Love Letter To Antigua,” the brand encourages travellers to explore deeper, plan better, and truly connect with the destination.
Published on March 19, 2026
Ludlow Coffee Supply, the Lower East Side-born coffee brand known for its community-driven approach and single-origin coffees, is expanding its presence in Miami with a new location at Domus Brickell Park. The opening marks the brand’s third location in South Florida and second in Miami.
This new outpost represents a significant step for Ludlow Coffee Supply, introducing its first all-day café concept that transitions from a daytime coffee destination into an evening cocktail lounge. The move reflects the brand’s evolution from a neighbourhood coffee shop into a broader hospitality experience that blends coffee culture with nightlife.
Building on its success in New York and South Florida, the brand has developed a loyal following through its specialty coffee offerings and fresh food selections. The Domus Brickell Park location will roll out in two phases. The first phase will feature Ludlow’s signature café experience, similar to its existing outlet at 801 Brickell, while the second phase will introduce a full-service evening menu along with curated programming such as DJ sets, listening sessions, and late-night events.
Speaking about the expansion, John Seymour said, “Miami has always felt like an extension of what we built on the Lower East Side; a city that moves fast but still makes time for real connection. Domus Brickell Park gives us the space to fully realize that vision: a place where the morning espresso crowd and the late-night cocktail crowd are really the same people, just at different hours. We're not just opening a café - we're planting a neighborhood.”
The café menu will feature crafted lattes, espressos, single-origin cold brews, teas, and smoothies, along with signature flavours such as maple, bourbon vanilla, salted caramel, and mocha. Food offerings include breakfast tacos, sandwiches, salads, and grab-and-go options. As the day transitions into evening, a dedicated cocktail programme will take centre stage, extending the experience into a social nightlife setting.
Designed by Zyscovich, the space blends Ludlow’s Lower East Side character with Miami’s indoor-outdoor lifestyle. Guests can enjoy a bright coffee bar for work and meetings, along with an open patio designed for relaxed, all-day gatherings. As night falls, the venue transforms into a vibrant cocktail space, bringing a new energy to the neighbourhood.
Adding to the experience, Ludlow Market Supply will offer a curated selection of wellness products, pantry essentials, home goods, and vintage items, enhancing the brand’s community-focused approach.
With this launch, Ludlow Coffee Supply continues to expand its footprint while introducing a new format that brings together coffee, culture, and nightlife in a seamless experience.
The Imperia by Dhaba has announced the appointment of Jasbir Singh Adhikari as Assistant Chef. The restaurant, known for its fine-dining Indian cuisine, is part of a well-established family-owned group with a strong presence across New York City and New Jersey.
With an impressive 36 years of culinary experience, Chef Adhikari brings deep expertise in Indian cuisine, especially in traditional and tandoor-based cooking. Over the years, he has built a strong reputation for balancing authenticity with evolving global tastes, shaped by his extensive work across international kitchens.
He has previously worked with Old World Hospitality, including its well-known restaurant Chor Bazar, where he contributed to showcasing India’s rich culinary heritage. His international experience includes roles at Tandoori King, Indian Restaurant Maharani, and Indian Restaurant Ganga, further refining his skills and understanding of diverse dining preferences.
In India, he has also been associated with Residency Resort Pvt. Ltd., strengthening his foundation in premium hospitality and guest-focused dining experiences. His career across continents reflects his adaptability, consistency, and commitment to quality.
In his new role, Chef Adhikari will support the culinary leadership team in delivering authentic Indian flavours while maintaining the brand’s standards of excellence and innovation.
Sharing his thoughts, Chef Jasbir Singh Adhikari said, “I am truly honored to join The Imperia by Dhaba, a brand that represents authenticity and excellence in Indian cuisine. I look forward to contributing my experience to create memorable dining experiences while staying true to traditional flavors.”
The management expressed confidence that his experience and passion will play a key role in enhancing guest satisfaction and further strengthening the restaurant’s reputation in the region.
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.
A platform dedicated to showcase the skills and creativity of hospitality professionals. Share your articles, videos and other content related to the industry and get recognized for your unique perspective and expertise. By posting your content and gaining likes from your own community, we'll categorize your talents and expose them to the hospitality world. Join our community of passionate hospitality professionals and let your talent shine!.
Already have an account?Login
By clicking you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.
Subscribe for ₹2,000 and receive our monthly magazine for one year (12 months) from the coming month and save 2 months cost.