Dnyaan Prasad Global University (DPGU) School for Hospitality and Tourism, under the Dr. D. Y. Patil Unitech Society, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore's Nanyang Institute of Management (NIM) to strengthen academic collaboration and expand international learning opportunities for students and faculty.

The agreement was signed under the leadership of Dr. Pradyuman Rathore, Director, DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism, along with representatives from Nanyang Institute of Management, including Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Ms. Tanny, Deputy Director – Student Recruitment & Admissions, and Mr. Harsh Pagaria, Assistant Country Manager – India (Sales & Marketing).

The partnership aims to foster cross-border collaboration through student and faculty exchange programmes, joint research initiatives, and the sharing of academic resources, teaching methodologies, and best practices. The collaboration is designed to provide hospitality and tourism students with broader international exposure while encouraging knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

Commenting on the partnership, Hon. Dr. Somnath P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dnyaan Prasad Global University, said the collaboration reflects the university's commitment to preparing students for a global hospitality industry by creating opportunities for international learning, cultural exchange, and academic excellence. He noted that the initiative would help equip students with global perspectives, industry exposure, and cross-cultural competencies.

Dr. Rohini S. Patil, Chief Operating Officer, said the agreement marks an important milestone in the university's vision of delivering globally relevant education. She added that collaborative research, faculty engagement, and international student exchanges would enrich the academic experience while preparing graduates for an increasingly interconnected hospitality industry.

The MoU has been signed for an initial period of five years, during which both institutions will gradually introduce collaborative programmes across academics, research, and student mobility.

Speaking on the collaboration, Mr. Khoo Raymond, Vice President (SRA), Nanyang Institute of Management, Singapore, said the partnership reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to developing globally competent hospitality professionals through knowledge exchange, innovation, and international learning experiences. He expressed confidence that the collaboration would create long-term value for both students and faculty.

The partnership further strengthens DPGU School for Hospitality and Tourism's growing network of international collaborations, supporting its objective of preparing graduates with practical global exposure alongside industry-focused education. By connecting students with diverse academic environments and hospitality practices, the institution aims to develop professionals equipped to succeed in an increasingly global hospitality and tourism sector

ONE Atmosphere has unveiled plans to invest ₹500 crore towards the expansion of its luxury serviced apartment business, targeting approximately 7,500 keys across India and select international markets over the next five years.

The move marks the next phase of growth for the premium aparthotel brand, which combines the comfort and space of a residential apartment with the services and operational standards of a hotel. Positioned around its "LIVE THE ONE" philosophy, the brand aims to cater to evolving traveller preferences that increasingly favour longer stays, greater flexibility, and home-like living environments.

Designed to bridge the gap between traditional hotels and residential accommodation, ONE Atmosphere offers fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchens, living areas, dedicated workspaces, and daily hotel services. Guests also benefit from amenities such as breakfast, housekeeping, concierge support, and professional hospitality services throughout their stay.

The expansion comes amid growing demand for extended-stay accommodation. India's extended-stay hospitality sector was valued at more than USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate exceeding 15 percent through 2030, driven by demand from business travellers, relocating professionals, expatriates, and families seeking larger accommodation options.

Across its portfolio, ONE Atmosphere plans to offer a mix of hospitality facilities including all-day dining venues, coffee bars, coworking spaces, wellness centres, conference rooms, terrace lounges, and banqueting facilities. The brand will continue to operate through an asset-light model, partnering with developers and property owners through management and lease agreements.

Commenting on the expansion plans, Sandeep Ahuja, Managing Director of ONE Atmosphere, said the hospitality market is witnessing a clear shift towards experiences that combine hotel-level services with the comfort and functionality of residential living. He noted that the investment will enable the brand to expand into new markets while maintaining its guest-centric approach.

The company expects approximately 60 percent of its inventory demand to come from corporate partnerships and bulk room-night agreements, supported by professionals relocating for work assignments and expatriates requiring longer-term accommodation. Average stay durations are projected to exceed five nights, while shorter-stay demand is also expected to increase.

The brand's first property, ONE Atmosphere Suites at Corner Walk in Gurgaon, developed in partnership with M3M India, is scheduled to open in September 2026. The project will serve as the flagship for the company's future expansion strategy.

ONE Atmosphere is the fourth hospitality brand under Atmosphere Core, a hospitality group known for its portfolio of luxury resorts in the Maldives. While Atmosphere Living focuses on branded residences and hospitality-backed real estate, ONE Atmosphere has been developed as a dedicated hospitality platform focused on luxury serviced apartments.

The company's domestic expansion pipeline includes Gurgaon, Noida, Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. International growth plans cover markets such as Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the brand's ambition to establish a presence across key business and leisure destinations.

Passionate People Ventures (PP Ventures), the hospitality company behind Bengaluru's popular concepts Roxie, Roxie & Barry, and Helen's Place, has announced the launch of its fourth hospitality destination, scheduled to open next month. The upcoming project marks the company's most ambitious expansion to date and reflects its belief in the growing importance of India's emerging "third space economy."

As urban lifestyles continue to evolve, consumers are increasingly seeking spaces that exist beyond the traditional boundaries of home and workplace. Hospitality venues are gradually transforming into destinations where people gather, build relationships, celebrate milestones, and engage with their communities. PP Ventures sees this shift as one of the defining trends shaping the future of the hospitality sector.

The new destination will be located along Bengaluru's rapidly developing Sarjapur–Varthur corridor, an area witnessing significant residential and lifestyle growth. Rather than positioning the venue solely as a dining establishment, the company has envisioned it as a community-driven destination where guests can return repeatedly to create meaningful experiences and lasting connections.

According to the company, the project has been conceptualised around the idea that hospitality today is about much more than food and beverage offerings. Modern consumers are increasingly looking for spaces that provide a sense of belonging, participation, and shared experiences, making restaurants and social venues an integral part of neighbourhood culture.

Speaking about the expansion, Pravesh Pandey said, “For years, restaurants have competed on food, service and ambience. Those things will always matter, but they are no longer enough. The most relevant hospitality brands of the future will be those that create connection. People are increasingly looking for places where they can spend meaningful time, build relationships and feel part of something larger than themselves.”

He further noted that the company's expansion strategy is rooted in understanding how cities are evolving and how hospitality can contribute to shaping community life. According to Pandey, emerging neighbourhoods are increasingly defined by the social destinations where people choose to spend their time rather than simply by residential and commercial developments.

The hospitality group's existing portfolio, which includes Roxie, Roxie & Barry, and Helen's Place, has been built around immersive experiences, distinctive identities, and strong community engagement. The upcoming venture is expected to further strengthen this philosophy while expanding the company's presence in Bengaluru's competitive hospitality landscape.

Pandey also highlighted the growing role of hospitality establishments as cultural and social infrastructure within urban centres. As cities continue to decentralise and new lifestyle districts emerge, restaurants and hospitality venues have an opportunity to become gathering spaces that contribute to the character and vibrancy of neighbourhoods.

With over two decades of experience across hospitality, restaurants, and consumer experiences, Pandey has held leadership positions with notable brands including Hard Rock Cafe, Shiro, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, and Zomato. His experience has played a key role in shaping PP Ventures' approach to experience-led hospitality.

As PP Ventures prepares to unveil its fourth destination, the company remains focused on creating spaces that blend food, culture, and community, positioning itself at the forefront of India's evolving hospitality landscape and the rise of the third space economy.