Pride Hotels Group's D.R.E.A.M 2.0 Program Achieves 50% Female Representation

Pride Hotels Group's D.R.E.A.M 2.0 Program Achieves 50% Female Representation

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 31, 2024

Pride Hotels Group has announced the successful completion of its D.R.E.A.M Program 2.0, marking a significant milestone with 50% of its management trainees being women. This achievement reinforces the organization’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, preparing future leaders for the hospitality industry.

The D.R.E.A.M (Determine Refined Excellence for Aspiring Managers) program is designed to offer exceptional career opportunities to aspiring associates interested in the Management Trainee (MT) and Hospitality Operations Trainee (HOT) programs at Pride Hotels Group. The initiative equips candidates with a comprehensive understanding of the theories and operational processes vital for the growth and development of the hospitality industry.

The program began with a three-day orientation at Pride Plaza Ahmedabad. "We are immensely proud of the success of the D.R.E.A.M Program 2.0," said Atul Upadhyay, Executive Vice President of Pride Hotels Group. "This milestone not only reflects our commitment to nurturing exceptional talent but also highlights our dedication to diversity and inclusivity within the hospitality industry. By achieving 50% women in our management trainee group, we are empowering the next generation of leaders to bring their unique perspectives and strengths to the forefront."

The orientation featured welcome sessions led by Shailendra Dharme, Head of Corporate Learning and Development, and Jayesh Wadher, Head of Corporate Talent and Culture. CEO Satyen Jain and Executive Vice President Atul Upadhyay graced the event, sharing valuable insights with the new trainees, referred to as "DREAMER’S."

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A highlight of the orientation was an inspiring session delivered by acclaimed travel storyteller and architect, Murli Menon, who shared insights from his extensive travel experiences. Virtual greetings from corporate leaders underscored Pride Hotels Group's dedication to nurturing talent within the hospitality industry.

The enlightening sessions featured guest faculty from the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), who introduced participants to innovative concepts aimed at enhancing guest experiences through modern technology and culinary arts trends. This segment was part of a collaborative skill development initiative between IIHM and Pride Hotels Group.

The D.R.E.A.M Program is a vital step in shaping a more equitable future for the organization and the industry. Upon successful completion, candidates will have the opportunity to advance to assistant manager or executive positions within the organization.

Pride Hotels Group continues to lead the way in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, empowering aspiring managers with the essential knowledge and skills required for leadership in the dynamic hospitality sector.


The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

The Leela Gandhinagar Marks Earth Hour with Sustainability Initiatives

By Hariharan U

Published on April 1, 2026

The Leela Gandhinagar marked Earth Hour 2026 with a focused set of sustainability-driven initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to responsible hospitality and environmental stewardship.

As part of the global movement, the hotel switched off non-essential lighting and reduced power consumption across key areas for 60 minutes, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm. The symbolic gesture reflected a collective effort towards climate awareness while maintaining the refined standards associated with luxury hospitality.

Beyond the hour, the initiative underscored the hotel’s broader sustainability philosophy. From energy-efficient systems to responsible resource management, environmentally conscious practices are integrated into its day-to-day operations, aligning with the evolving expectations of modern travellers.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikas Sood said, “Earth Hour reminds us that meaningful change begins with small yet consistent actions. At The Leela Gandhinagar, sustainability remains integral to how we operate and deliver thoughtful luxury experiences.”

Through its participation, the hotel continues to build on its commitment to sustainable hospitality, contributing to a more responsible and environmentally aware future.


Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle Marks Three Years of Hospitality and Guest Experiences

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 31, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle marked its third anniversary on 28th March, celebrating three years of hospitality, memorable guest experiences, and a growing presence in the city. Over this period, the hotel has welcomed guests from across India and abroad, hosted over 30 distinguished celebrities, and maintained a strong position among top properties on TripAdvisor since its opening.

While these milestones highlight its journey, the hotel places equal importance on the moments it has shared with its guests. Over the years, it has grown into more than just a place to stay, becoming a space where people come together for celebrations, conversations, and memorable experiences. The return of familiar faces and continued guest trust have played a key role in shaping its journey.

A key part of the hotel’s identity is its dining approach. Known for its 100% vegetarian, sattvic cuisine, the hotel focuses on meals that are prepared with care and authenticity, while also keeping well-being in mind. This thoughtful approach has helped create a strong connection with guests who value both taste and mindful dining.

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Speaking on the occasion, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, said:

"These three years have been incredibly special for us. Beyond numbers and milestones, it’s the relationships we’ve built and the memories we’ve been part of that truly define our journey. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and support."

Looking ahead, Novotel Jodhpur ITI Circle remains focused on growing further while continuing to offer experiences that reflect warmth, comfort, and flavour.

Three years. Countless memories. Infinite flavours.


Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

Grand Continent Hotels Enters Delhi NCR with Gurugram Launch

By Hariharan U

Published on March 31, 2026

Grand Continent Hotels Limited has marked its entry into the Delhi NCR region with the launch of a new property in Gurugram, signalling a significant step in its North India expansion strategy. The move builds on the brand’s strong presence in South India while tapping into one of the country’s most dynamic business hubs.

Located in Sector 45, Greenwood City, the property is positioned to cater to corporate travellers, long-stay guests, and domestic leisure segments. With close proximity to key business districts and connectivity points, the hotel is designed to offer a practical and comfortable stay aligned with evolving mid-market hospitality expectations.

Further strengthening its presence in the city, the company has also signed a new 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. This dual development underlines the brand’s intent to scale rapidly in high-demand micro-markets across NCR.

The launch comes as the company expands its footprint to 30 properties across 17+ cities, with over 1,800 keys. Its growth has been driven by a focus on high-demand urban locations, standardized service delivery, and efficient operational models that appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

Commenting on the expansion, Ramesh Siva said, “The launch in Gurugram marks an important step in our growth journey. Having established a strong foundation in South India, we are now focused on expanding across key North Indian markets including Delhi NCR, Ayodhya, Jaipur, Varanasi, Somnath and Rameswaram. Strengthening our presence in the city further, we have also signed a 56-key hotel near the Google office in Gurugram. Over the next two years, we plan to add 15 hotels across these key cities as we continue to build a scalable and sustainable hospitality network.”

The Gurugram hotel features 38 rooms, including Premium Rooms with balconies and Deluxe Rooms, designed with contemporary interiors and equipped with essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, minibar, and workspaces. The property also houses a multi-cuisine restaurant, fitness centre, banquet and conference spaces, catering to both business meetings and small-format events.

With rising demand for organised mid-market hospitality across NCR and emerging destinations, North India is expected to play a critical role in the company’s growth. Its expansion strategy will focus on asset-light models, strategic partnerships, and high-demand locations to drive scalability and operational efficiency.

The Gurugram launch not only marks a geographic milestone but also reinforces Grand Continent Hotels’ long-term vision of building a pan-India hospitality platform centred on consistency, accessibility, and value-driven offerings.

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