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.


The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

The Ritz-Carlton Pune Celebrates Ukiyo's 50 Best Discovery Recognition

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2026

 Ukiyo, the signature Japanese restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, has been featured on 50 Best Discovery, the global platform that highlights outstanding restaurants, bars, hotels and vineyards across the world.

The inclusion comes as part of the platform's latest expansion in July 2026, which added more than 650 hospitality venues. The update also introduced over 75 new cities and towns to the platform, further broadening its global coverage of dining, drinking and travel destinations.

With the latest additions, 50 Best Discovery now features more than 3,500 hospitality establishments across 800+ cities and towns worldwide, including over 210 restaurants, 110 bars, 130 hotels, and, for the first time, more than 190 vineyards as a dedicated category.

Each venue on the platform, including Ukiyo, is selected based on votes from the expert voting Academies responsible for creating the annual global and regional 50 Best lists.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Ukiyo offers a contemporary Japanese dining experience that combines traditional techniques with modern influences. The menu features handcrafted sushi, sashimi, robata-grilled specialities and signature dishes designed for sharing, prepared using premium ingredients while staying true to authentic Japanese flavours.

Complementing the dining experience is an elegant al fresco bar, serving handcrafted cocktails inspired by Japanese artistry. The venue is designed to cater to intimate dinners, celebrations and social gatherings in a refined setting.

A key highlight of the restaurant is the Ukiyo Drift deck, home to Pune's iconic al fresco bar. Featuring Japanese-inspired mixology, seasonal ingredients and signature cocktails, the space has become one of the city's sought-after destinations for elevated evening experiences.

50 Best Discovery serves as a curated digital guide for travellers, diners and cocktail enthusiasts. More than 3,000 Academy members from around the world, recognised for their expertise in local hospitality scenes, contribute to the selection process. While the platform extends the annual 50 Best rankings, it is not a ranking itself, and venues cannot apply for inclusion. Instead, selections are made solely through recommendations from the expert voting Academies.

The inclusion of Ukiyo on the platform further strengthens The Ritz-Carlton, Pune's position as a destination for world-class dining and premium hospitality experiences.


Cravings at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara Wins Family Restaurant of the Year 2026 Award

Cravings at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara Wins Family Restaurant of the Year 2026 Award

By Author

Published on July 19, 2026

Cravings, the signature all-day dining restaurant at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Family Restaurant of the Year 2026’ award at the Restaurant India Awards 2026. The recognition celebrates the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence, exceptional service, and creating memorable dining experiences for families and guests across generations.

A flagship dining destination at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, Cravings has established itself as a preferred choice for guests seeking quality cuisine, variety, and warm hospitality. Known for its extensive breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, the restaurant offers a diverse selection of Indian and international cuisines, along with thoughtfully curated menus, seasonal food festivals, and live culinary experiences.

With its inviting ambience and guest-focused approach, Cravings caters to a wide range of occasions including family celebrations, festive gatherings, business lunches, and casual dining experiences. The restaurant continues to blend culinary innovation with the signature hospitality standards of Sayaji Hotels.

Commenting on the achievement, Anand Mishra, Director of Operations, Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, said, "We are honoured to receive the 'Family Restaurant of the Year 2026' award at the Restaurant India Awards. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of our guests, who inspire us to continually elevate our dining experiences. We remain committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and creating memorable moments for every family that dines with us."

The award highlights the passion and dedication of Cravings’ culinary and service teams, who continue to enhance the dining experience through innovative concepts, regional food festivals, interactive dining experiences, and personalised service.

Through its focus on quality cuisine, guest satisfaction, and memorable experiences, Cravings continues to strengthen its position as one of Gujarat’s leading family dining destinations. The recognition further reinforces Sayaji Hotel Vadodara’s commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences and hospitality excellence.


Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

Hyatt Hotels in Goa Launch GOA YOU 2026 with New Hyatt Hideaways Seasonal Experience

By Hariharan U

Published on July 14, 2026

Hyatt Hotels in Goa have announced the launch of GOA YOU 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year of the destination-led campaign that celebrates Goa beyond its traditional tourism experiences. This year's edition introduces Hyatt Hideaways, a seasonal stay offering designed to encourage travellers to experience the destination at a slower, more personal pace during the summer and monsoon months.

Built around the belief that Goa allows every traveller to discover a different version of themselves, GOA YOU 2026 focuses on meaningful experiences ranging from relaxed mornings and local discoveries to leisurely dining and moments of quiet indulgence. The initiative highlights how every visit to Goa is unique, whether for families, couples, or solo travellers.

The campaign brings together Hyatt's five properties across the state: Grand Hyatt Goa, Alila Diwa Goa, Hyatt Centric Goa, Ronil Goa – a JdV by Hyatt Hotel, and Hyatt Place Goa. Together, the hotels offer diverse experiences spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and contemporary accommodation across North and South Goa.

Introduced as the centrepiece of this year's campaign, Hyatt Hideaways is a curated seasonal package available for stays from 28 April to 30 September 2026, with bookings open until 15 September 2026. The offer requires a minimum stay of two nights and is designed to encourage guests to explore Goa beyond the peak holiday season.

The package includes a welcome beer on arrival, daily buffet breakfast, one cocktail or mocktail per guest during dinner or a daily beer bucket, along with an INR 1,000 hotel credit per night. Through these inclusions, Hyatt aims to enhance the guest experience while promoting longer, more immersive stays.

By showcasing Goa's lush monsoon landscapes, local culinary experiences, and slower pace of life, GOA YOU 2026 encourages travellers to rediscover the destination from a fresh perspective. The initiative reinforces Hyatt Hotels' long-standing connection with Goa while positioning the state as a year-round destination for leisure and experiential travel.

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