IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Mandi in Himachal Pradesh. The signing marks another step in the company's growth strategy in India, further strengthening its presence in emerging commercial and transit destinations across North India.

The upcoming hotel will feature 100 rooms and suites and will be strategically located in Mandi along the Chandigarh–Manali corridor. With strong connectivity between the National Capital Region and popular leisure destinations in Himachal Pradesh, the hotel is expected to serve a mix of business, leisure and transit travellers.

Holiday Inn remains one of IHG's most recognised brands globally, known for delivering comfortable and welcoming stays for travellers. In India, the brand continues to witness strong growth, with 17 operational hotels and 34 additional properties currently in the pipeline, highlighting its appeal across business, leisure and emerging destination markets.

The hotel's location in Mandi positions it close to a key administrative and commercial hub in the state. Supported by improving regional infrastructure and connectivity, the property is expected to benefit from growing travel demand in the region.

In addition to its guest rooms, Holiday Inn Mandi will feature three food and beverage outlets along with flexible event facilities, including a ballroom designed to cater to meetings, social gatherings and celebrations.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We continue to see strong opportunities to expand our presence across emerging destinations in India, supported by improving infrastructure and growing travel demand. The signing of Holiday Inn Mandi marks an important step in strengthening our footprint in Himachal Pradesh, as we bring globally recognised brands to high-potential commercial and transit markets.”

Sharing his views on the partnership, Amit Bajaj, Director, Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited, said: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the globally recognised Holiday Inn brand to Mandi. The city’s growing importance as a commercial, administrative, and transit hub presents a strong opportunity for quality branded hospitality. With IHG’s global expertise and trusted brands, we are confident that Holiday Inn Mandi will deliver consistent, high-quality experiences and emerge as a preferred choice for travellers visiting the region.”

IHG currently operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a robust pipeline of 98 hotels expected to open across the country over the next three to five years.

India is set to host the Destination Wedding Planners (DWP) Congress for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the country's luxury wedding and events industry. Organised by QnA International, the 17th edition of the globally recognised B2B platform for destination weddings will take place from 6–8 October 2026 at Fairmont Udaipur Palace in Rajasthan.

The announcement comes after the successful conclusion of DWP Congress Macao in April 2026 and further strengthens India's position as a leading destination for luxury weddings and celebrations. More than 350 destination wedding planners, creative partners, hoteliers, tourism boards and industry leaders from over 75 countries are expected to participate in the three-day event.

According to industry estimates, the global destination wedding market is projected to exceed USD 400 billion by 2030. India continues to emerge as one of the fastest-growing luxury wedding destinations, attracting both large-scale domestic celebrations and international weddings seeking cultural experiences, heritage venues and world-class hospitality.

Commenting on the announcement, Sidh N.C., Director, QnA International, said: "Bringing DWP Congress to India for the first time is a defining milestone, not just for the Congress, but for the global destination wedding industry. India has long been the world's most celebrated canvas for luxury weddings, and Udaipur, with its timeless romance and regal grandeur, is the perfect stage for this chapter. Partnering with Fairmont Udaipur Palace was an inspired choice: a property that embodies modern Indian luxury at its finest, offering the scale, warmth, and experiential depth our global delegates deserve. We look forward to showcasing India's extraordinary wedding ecosystem to the world's most influential names in destination celebrations."

Over the years, DWP Congress has established itself as one of the most influential gatherings in the destination wedding industry. Previous editions have been hosted in destinations including Athens, Mauritius, Florence, Phuket, Los Cabos, Dubai, Lake Como, Bali, Doha, Victoria Falls, Colombo, Aqaba and Macao.

Serving as the Host Palace Partner, Fairmont Udaipur Palace will play a central role in the event. Nestled amid the Aravalli Hills, the luxury property spans 18 acres and features over 1,40,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event spaces. Key venues include Jewel, one of India's largest ballrooms, Jashn Bagh and Chand Baori. The palace has been designed to blend Rajputana grandeur with contemporary luxury, making it an ideal venue for global celebrations.

Speaking about the partnership, Vishrut Gupta, General Manager, Fairmont Udaipur Palace, said: "At Fairmont Udaipur Palace, we believe in the art of celebration, creating moments that bring people together through culture, emotion, hospitality, and meaningful experiences. Partnering with DWP Congress 2026 as the Host Palace Partner was a natural extension of our vision to position Udaipur among the world's most inspiring luxury celebration destinations. As the Congress comes to India for the very first time, we are truly excited to welcome the global wedding fraternity and bring this prestigious platform to the country in a setting that reflects the grandeur, culture, and modern luxury of India."

Delegates attending the congress will experience curated culinary journeys, wellness activities, cultural performances and immersive destination showcases that highlight Rajasthan's hospitality and heritage. The programme will also include pre-scheduled business meetings, educational sessions, masterclasses, networking opportunities and destination presentations aimed at creating long-term business partnerships.

Highlighting changing trends in the luxury wedding segment, Vishrut Gupta added: "We are seeing luxury destination weddings evolve into highly immersive, experience-led celebrations where guests seek far more than a traditional wedding format. International clientele today are prioritising authenticity, cultural connection, and personalised storytelling and there is a growing preference for multi-day itineraries that combine celebrations with curated wellness activities, local cultural immersion, and bespoke entertainment. As India hosts DWP Congress 2026 for the first time, the story of Fairmont Udaipur Palace is really the story of a new era of Indian luxury hospitality, one that blends global sophistication with Rajasthan's rich cultural heritage, while staying true to our philosophy of Make Special Happen."

As demand for experience-led luxury travel and destination celebrations continues to grow, DWP Congress 2026 is expected to serve as a major platform for showcasing India's wedding ecosystem to the world while strengthening Udaipur's reputation as one of the most sought-after wedding destinations globally.

Baden-Württemberg, located in southwest Germany, has announced dedicated tourism initiatives in India as part of its strategy to strengthen engagement with one of the world's fastest-growing outbound travel markets. The destination has partnered with AVIAREPS India to drive trade outreach and public relations activities aimed at increasing awareness among Indian travellers and travel professionals.

Known for its blend of culture, nature, wellness, gastronomy, luxury and innovation, Baden-Württemberg is positioning itself as a premium destination for Indian travellers seeking immersive and authentic experiences. The region offers everything from historic cities and fairytale castles to world-class automotive attractions, wellness retreats and Michelin-starred dining experiences.

India has emerged as a key growth market for Baden-Württemberg. In 2025, the destination welcomed 42,615 Indian visitors, who generated 163,900 overnight stays. The state also recorded more than 5.47 million international guest arrivals during the year, reinforcing its status as one of Germany's leading tourism destinations.

Commenting on the destination's growing focus on India, Christine Schönhuber, Managing Director, Tourism Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg, said: "With its growing middle class and strong desire to travel, India is a market with enormous potential for Baden-Württemberg, and one in which we will be stepping up our efforts in the future. I've already had the opportunity this year to learn firsthand about the interests of Indian travelers and was impressed by their enthusiasm for our destinations and offerings. Baden-Württemberg stands out for vacation travel with its world-famous natural landscapes and cultural heritage, but it is also a major MICE destination."

Sharing her views on the partnership, Ellona Pereira, General Manager, AVIAREPS India, said: "Indian travellers today are looking beyond traditional European itineraries and are increasingly seeking destinations that offer authenticity, immersive experiences and a strong sense of place. Baden-Württemberg answers this demand through its unique blend of offerings. From iconic attractions and scenic landscapes to world-class shopping and enriching local experiences, the destination offers something for every kind of traveller. This partnership with Baden-Württemberg marks an exciting new chapter for AVIAREPS as we work to place this diverse and experience-rich region of Germany firmly on the Indian traveller's map."

As part of its India market strategy, Baden-Württemberg will highlight its annual 2026 tourism theme, "Desirable Destinations – Where Baden-Württemberg Captures the Heart." The campaign celebrates destinations and experiences that create meaningful connections and memorable travel moments, encouraging visitors to discover their own favourite places across the region.

The destination offers a wide range of attractions, including the historic cities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Tübingen. Visitors can explore renowned landmarks such as Heidelberg Castle, Hohenzollern Castle and Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, while automobile enthusiasts can experience the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.

Nature and wellness remain key draws for the region. Travellers can discover the Black Forest, Triberg's famous waterfalls, the spa town of Baden-Baden, the lakes of Titisee and Schluchsee, and the scenic Lake Constance. The region is also known for its traditional Black Forest cuckoo clocks, reflecting its rich local heritage and craftsmanship.

Baden-Württemberg is equally recognised for its culinary offerings, featuring Germany's highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants with 73 Michelin stars. The destination is also home to celebrated wine regions and authentic local cuisine. Families and leisure travellers can enjoy Europa-Park, Germany's largest theme park, which further enhances the region's tourism appeal.

As part of its promotional efforts in India, Baden-Württemberg will also showcase key tourism partners including Baden-Baden, Outletcity Metzingen and Stuttgart Airport, highlighting the diverse experiences available to visitors exploring southwest Germany.