Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts recently brought together over 60 travel professionals from across Goa for an exclusive meet-up at its stunning Aralea Beach Resort, Morjim. The scenic gathering set the stage for a meaningful afternoon of connection, collaboration, and conversation—focused on enhancing Goa’s presence as a leading destination for travellers.

Hosted with a blend of relaxed charm and business purpose, the event underscored Stone Wood’s continued commitment to strengthening partnerships within the travel ecosystem. From industry insights to discussions on guest experience enhancement, the meet-up served as a platform for open dialogue and mutual growth.

“We are delighted to have brought together such a vibrant community of travel professionals under one roof,” said Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts. “This gathering represents our ongoing commitment to building stronger partnerships that will ultimately benefit travelers seeking exceptional experiences in Goa. The enthusiasm and expertise shared by our guests reinforces our belief in the collaborative spirit that drives our industry forward.”

Set against Morjim’s serene shoreline, Aralea Beach Resort offered the perfect venue—providing not only breathtaking views and premium hospitality but also a real-time showcase of what Stone Wood stands for: quality, comfort, and thoughtful service.

Abhijit Dey, Vice President of Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, added: “The meet-up exemplifies the power of bringing together diverse perspectives from across the travel ecosystem. The insights shared by our esteemed travel agent partners will be invaluable as we continue to innovate and enhance our offerings. These collaborative efforts ensure that we remain at the forefront of delivering seamless and memorable experiences for every guest.”

From immersive conversations to first-hand property experiences, every detail of the event reflected the brand’s guest-first approach and forward-looking vision. As Goa’s tourism landscape continues to evolve, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts is actively shaping that future—focusing on sustainable growth, stronger collaborations, and exceptional hospitality.

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) is gearing up for the 8th edition of its flagship event, the AHP Hospitality Challenge & Awards 2025, bringing together the best of India’s hospitality talent this July. Known for its nationwide impact and industry relevance, this year’s edition raises the bar once again with a sharp focus on skill development, scale, and inclusivity.

Running from 3rd to 9th July, with the grand awards night on 30th July at The Suryaa, New Delhi, the event offers a dynamic blend of competitions and recognitions across hospitality domains—culinary arts, front office, F&B service, and housekeeping. With over 300 participants, judged by 50 distinguished jury members across 20+ competition categories, the platform reflects the depth and dedication of India’s hospitality sector.

AHP has carefully curated a multi-venue format to provide a professional, real-world setting for each skill category:

• Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (3–5 July): Culinary Challenges
  

• Indian Hotel Academy (8 July): Front Office Master
  

• Radisson Blu, Paschim Vihar (9 July): Art of Bed Making & Towel Folding
  

• The Suryaa, New Delhi (7 & 30 July): War of Spirits, Table Setting, and Awards Ceremony
  

Vinod Gulati, President of the AHP Executive Committee, shares:
"Hospitality is a deeply human profession. This platform recognises the unseen excellence of those who shape guest experiences every day. It’s their moment to shine."

A cornerstone of the 2025 edition is “Sashakt – Empowering Special Ability Professionals”. This initiative invites specially-abled individuals to participate in the same categories as their peers, without separate judging criteria. By offering equal opportunity and thoughtful accommodations, AHP champions inclusion and celebrates skill over limitations, pushing forward a hospitality culture that’s accessible to all.

From live cooking showdowns and F&B innovation to bed-making artistry, towel folding, and front office simulations, every contest is designed to challenge and celebrate the multidimensional nature of hospitality.

Devipshita Gautam, Founder and General Secretary of AHP, adds:

"This isn’t just a competition—it’s a tribute to intent and craftsmanship. As we host the 8th edition, we reaffirm that hospitality is more than service—it’s a calling, deserving pride and visibility."

The event culminates in a grand recognition ceremony on 30th July, where AHP will present the Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025, Tourism Excellence Awards, and Food Awards. The honours will celebrate individuals and institutions alike—from chefs and housekeepers to boutique hotels and sustainable dining brands—that define excellence in India’s hospitality industry.

As a not-for-profit organisation registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860, AHP continues to elevate India’s hospitality community through skill competitions, award platforms, training initiatives, and industry collaborations—fueling pride, performance, and progress in one of the world’s most human-centric professions.

 It’s that time of the year again! Ospree Duty Free has kicked off its most awaited festive campaign—Shop & Win 2025—bringing back travel excitement with a twist of big rewards. Supported by global partners VISA and Holidays by TripXOXO, this year’s edition is bolder, brighter, and brimming with surprise treats for shoppers flying in and out of the airport.

Whether you’re at departures embracing the "Stop. Shop. Fly." spirit or arriving with "Your holiday starts with us," the experience promises an upbeat start or end to your travel.

Here’s what’s in store:

Shoppers stand a chance to win a BMW G310 RR or an all-expenses-paid Dubai trip for two, which includes:

• A 3-night/4-day stay in a 3-star hotel
  

• City tour, desert safari with BBQ dinner, Marina dhow cruise, and a Dubai Frame ticket
  

• Return flights, single-entry e-visa, and airport transfers

Every qualifying bill is automatically entered into the lucky draw. And that's not all—every eligible shopper also receives an Assured Attraction Pass, courtesy of TripXOXO, unlocking free or discounted access to top attractions in select countries.

To add to the vibe, Ospree’s stores have been transformed into a colourful travel-themed zone, featuring:

• A photo-worthy summer corner
  

• A dedicated travel guide desk for added engagement
  

Over the years, Ospree has made headlines with campaign prizes ranging from luxury cars like Audi A6 and BMWs to iPhones, gold bars, and even a trip to Finland. With each year raising the bar, this season’s campaign promises premium rewards and a whole lot of festive flair.

An Ospree Duty Free spokesperson shared:

"At Ospree Duty Free, this is one campaign we look forward to every year. It's a tradition our customers eagerly anticipate. This time, we've made it even more exciting with curated travel experiences and premium rewards. For us, shopping should always feel like the start of a great journey, and that's exactly what we're delivering."

The Shop & Win campaign is live now and will run until the end of July 2025. So whether you’re flying in or flying out, stop by Ospree Duty Free, shop big, win bigger, and let your travel story begin with a celebration!