India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, marked World Environment Day 2025 with a meaningful and symbolic event at The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, Chanakyapuri.

Centred around the heartfelt campaign ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, this initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide call to plant a tree in honour of one’s mother, a tribute that intertwines gratitude with ecological consciousness.

The event was led by Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Managing Director, ITDC, and witnessed enthusiastic participation from Functional Directors, senior management, and dedicated staff. Notably, ITDC also honoured its gardening personnel and their children — the often-unsung green champions behind the lush surroundings of The Ashok and Hotel Samrat.

This initiative resonated with the United Nations’ 2025 World Environment Day theme — “Beat Plastic Pollution”, as ITDC showcased its strong commitment to a plastic-free, sustainable future.

A symbolic tree plantation drive formed the core of the event, where each participant planted a sapling in their mother’s name, creating a deep emotional and environmental connection with the act of nurturing life.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, shared,

“Planting a tree in the name of a mother is like paying homage to the universal Mother Earth, the nurturing life force that procreates, nurtures, and sustains all of life. Inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister's call of ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’, on this World Environment Day, ITDC reiterates its commitment towards a circular economy and sustainable environment, free from plastic waste.”

ITDC’s flagship properties, The Ashok and Hotel Samrat, already exemplify climate-responsive architecture, with designs that follow natural contours, preserve existing trees, and minimise heat-island impact. This creates a naturally cooler microclimate and reinforces ITDC’s focus on eco-conscious hospitality.

As the world comes together to celebrate sustainability, ITDC’s tribute to both mothers and Mother Earth stands as a touching and timely reminder of the nurturing power shared by the two.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced its foray into McLeodganj, Himachal Pradesh, with the signing of a 65-key Gateway hotel, strategically located just a short walk from the Dalai Lama Temple and Namgyal Monastery—important landmarks in the heart of the town.

This brownfield project, developed in partnership with Mcleo Times Square, further strengthens IHCL’s footprint in key leisure destinations across the state. Speaking on the development, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said,

“This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy of strengthening its presence in Himachal Pradesh across key leisure destinations like Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Naldhera, and Sirmaur among others. McLeodganj with its cultural richness is attracting both domestic and international tourists. We are delighted to partner with Mcleo Times Square for this project.”

Gateway McLeodganj will offer panoramic views from its cliffside location, overlooking lush valleys and snow-covered peaks. Just steps away from the vibrant McLeodganj market, the hotel is ideally positioned to cater to both leisure and spiritual travellers.

The hotel will feature:

• An all-day dining restaurant
  

• A bar
  

• Meeting rooms
  

• A fitness centre
  

• A spa
  

Rahul Pathania of Mcleo Times Square added,

“We are excited to partner with IHCL to bring the Gateway brand to McLeodganj. This collaboration will offer guests an authentic yet contemporary hospitality experience in this vibrant destination.”

Nestled in the scenic Kangra district, McLeodganj is known for its monasteries, trekking trails, and rich cultural experiences, making it a favourite among spiritual seekers and nature lovers. With this new addition, IHCL now has 13 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, including eight under development, reinforcing its leadership in the region’s hospitality landscape.

Suba Group of Hotels has announced the signing of its second Comfort Inn property in Bengaluru, Karnataka, in collaboration with Desai Developers. The upcoming Comfort Inn & Suites, set to open in December 2025, will feature 72 luxury rooms and suites, offering a modern and comfortable stay for both business and leisure travellers.

Sharing the development, Mubeen Mehta, CEO of Suba Group of Hotels, stated,

“We are excited to announce the signing of our seventh property, located at Brookefield, Doddanakundi in Bengaluru, Karnataka. This will be our second hotel under the Comfort Inn brand. The other hotel under the same brand is operational near the World Trade Center in Yeshwanthpur.”

The contract for the new property was signed by Mansur Mehta, Managing Director of Suba Group, with Desai Developers. He remarked,

“The Bengaluru hospitality market has been a good source of revenue for us; that is why we decided to add one more hotel to our portfolio.”

The new hotel will offer a coffee shop, fully equipped gym, meeting rooms, and banquet facilities, catering to a wide range of guest needs.

Suba Group already operates three properties under the Click Hotels brand and one each under the Quality Inn and Clarion brands. In South India, the group has an established presence in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kochi, Kaikaluru, Kumbakonam, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam.

With 95 operational properties across over 70 destinations and 5,000+ keys, Suba Hotels is one of India’s fastest-growing hospitality companies. The group follows four strategic business models—Owned Properties, Leased & Revenue Sharing, Managed Properties, and Franchise Model—that ensure sustainable growth and investor-friendly scalability.