Marriott International's Bold Expansion: 28 New Deals in South Asia

Marriott International's Bold Expansion: 28 New Deals in South Asia

By Author

Published on March 1, 2024

Marriott International, Inc. is set to significantly bolster its presence in South Asia with the announcement of 28 new deals, signalling a robust expansion strategy that will introduce over 4,600 rooms across the region by the end of 2024. This ambitious growth plan not only reaffirms Marriott's commitment to South Asia but also highlights the region's burgeoning potential within the global travel and tourism landscape.

Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific excluding China for Marriott International, underscored the initiative's alignment with the dynamic expansion of the travel sector in South Asia. "Our strategic expansion in South Asia solidifies our commitment to accentuating the strong growth within the region's travel and tourism sector," Menon stated, emphasising the diverse brand portfolio and the award-winning Marriott Bonvoy program as key drivers of this growth.

In a move that reflects the evolving preferences of today's travellers for high-quality service and immersive experiences, 77 percent of the rooms signed in 2023 fall within the Luxury and Premium segments. This strategic focus is evidenced by the planned debut of iconic brands such as The Ritz-Carlton in Shimla and the JW Marriott in Bangladesh and India, enhancing Marriott's luxury offerings in sought-after leisure destinations.

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Kiran Andicot, Regional Vice President Development for South Asia at Marriott International, highlighted the significance of entering new markets and capitalising on key urban and resort destinations. "Our focus remains on capitalising on opportunities in key gateway cities, strategic commercial centres, and sought-after resort destinations throughout the region," Andicot remarked, pointing to the introduction of Marriott's portfolio in emerging destinations as a testament to its commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences.

The company's expansion strategy also includes a strong emphasis on the Select service segment, which caters to the demand for stylish, smart, and affordable hospitality options. Brands like Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott are expected to represent approximately 45 percent of the new openings in the next four years, marking significant growth across India.

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As Marriott International gears up to expand its footprint in South Asia, the company's existing portfolio of 160 operating properties across 17 distinct brands stands as a testament to its diverse offerings and commitment to excellence in hospitality. With the addition of new properties, Marriott continues to pave the way for innovative and differentiated experiences for travellers across the globe.

This expansion comes at a time when South Asia's tourism sector is poised for rapid recovery and growth. Experts, including Prof Haiyan Song of PATA and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, project a significant increase in visitor arrivals by 2026, further underscoring the region's appeal as a premier travel destination. Marriott International's strategic investments in South Asia not only contribute to this positive trajectory but also reinforce its position as a leader in the global hospitality industry.


Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

Ramee Group of Hotels Unveils Special Independence Day Stay Package

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

Ramee Group of Hotels has announced a specially curated Independence Day stay package, available from 1st to 19th  August 2026 across its properties, except Udaipur. Designed for leisure travellers and families, the limited-period offer combines festive touches with signature hospitality to create a memorable holiday experience.

Guests booking the package will be welcomed with a signature tricolour beverage on arrival, along with an exclusive Independence Day amenity. The stay also includes complimentary early check-in and late check-out, as well as a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, all subject to availability.

To make the celebration even more enjoyable, guests can savour a chef-curated three-course meal once during their stay, along with complimentary evening snacks. They can also enjoy 20% savings on food and beverages across participating hotel outlets.

Families travelling together will benefit from the offer, with up to two children below 12 years staying complimentary when sharing the existing bedding.

Available for a limited period, the Independence Day package reflects Ramee Group of Hotels' commitment to creating thoughtful and comfortable guest experiences, bringing together festive celebrations, dining, and family-friendly benefits under one offering.


ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

ELIVAAS Expands Jim Corbett Portfolio with Five New Hospitality Launches

By Hariharan U

Published on August 6, 2026

ELIVAAS has strengthened its presence in Jim Corbett with the launch of five new hospitality experiences Farm Naturelle, Sylvaara, Puvalgarh Farms, Aranya Library, and Dhela Jungle Retreat, expanding its portfolio in one of India's fastest-growing wildlife and leisure destinations.

The expansion reflects the evolving preferences of modern travellers, who are increasingly seeking immersive, experience-led holidays over conventional hotel stays. Together, the five properties offer diverse accommodation formats ranging from luxury farm stays and boutique retreats to private villas and full-service resort experiences, all underpinned by ELIVAAS' focus on personalised hospitality.

Farm Naturelle is an eight-acre farm retreat surrounded by orchards, organic farmland, and lush green landscapes, offering guests a luxury villa experience inspired by slow rural living.

Sylvaara has been designed as an intimate boutique retreat, catering to couples, families, and small groups looking for contemporary luxury amidst nature.

Puvalgarh Farms combines the charm of an English countryside estate with the serenity of Jim Corbett's wilderness. The property features a four-bedroom villa and a cottage-style suite, making it ideal for exclusive family holidays and group getaways.

Aranya Library introduces thoughtfully designed row villas featuring landscaped surroundings, dedicated reading spaces, and private accommodations suited for extended family vacations and longer stays.

Completing the collection, Dhela Jungle Retreat offers a nature-inspired resort experience with spacious suites, duplex accommodations, dining venues, and recreational facilities designed to complement the natural landscape of Jim Corbett.

Across all five properties, guests can enjoy curated destination experiences including wildlife safaris, bonfire evenings, farm activities, outdoor dining, private celebrations, and personalised concierge services, allowing visitors to experience Jim Corbett beyond the traditional hotel stay.

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Commenting on the expansion, Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, said that Jim Corbett has evolved into much more than a wildlife destination, with travellers increasingly seeking authentic, immersive, and personalised hospitality experiences. He added that the five new properties have been developed to cater to different travel preferences while maintaining ELIVAAS' commitment to thoughtful design, exceptional service, and memorable stays.

The latest expansion reinforces ELIVAAS' strategy of building destination-led hospitality experiences that provide travellers with the flexibility to choose between farm stays, boutique retreats, luxury villas, and resort accommodations under a single hospitality brand.


Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

Brigade Hospitality Rebrands MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre

By Hariharan U

Published on August 5, 2026

Brigade Hospitality has announced the rebranding of its MLR Convention Centre Whitefield as MLR Cultural Centre, marking the venue’s transformation into an emerging destination for arts, culture, and creative expression in Bengaluru.

The rebranding includes a refreshed logo and updated visual identity, reflecting the venue’s evolving role as a platform for cultural engagement. Over recent years, MLR Cultural Centre has expanded beyond traditional conferences and corporate events to host a diverse range of artistic experiences, including music, theatre, dance, literature, and performing arts.

The new identity recognises this journey and reinforces the venue’s commitment to creating meaningful cultural experiences by bringing together artists, audiences, and creative communities.

The nomenclature and visual identity of Brigade Hospitality’s MLR Convention Centre in JP Nagar will remain unchanged.

Commenting on the rebranding, Gurmeet Singh, Assistant Vice President, Brigade Hospitality, said that the identity change reflects the transition the venue has undergone, with cultural activities becoming a stronger focus while continuing to accommodate conferences and corporate events.

He added that the vision is to establish MLR Cultural Centre as a space where artists, audiences, and ideas come together to celebrate India’s vibrant cultural fabric and create memorable experiences.

The rebranding marks a new chapter for MLR Cultural Centre as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for art, music, and cultural performances in Bengaluru and beyond.

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