Radisson and Radisson Blu's Remarkable Year in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Hospitality Excellence

Radisson and Radisson Blu's Remarkable Year in Sri Lanka: A Celebration of Hospitality Excellence

By Author

Published on December 23, 2023

Sri Lanka witnessed a triumphant year with the Radisson and Radisson Blu brands, as they commemorated a successful year of operations at their three distinguished properties located in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. The celebratory event, hosted at Radisson Hotel Colombo, marked not only a milestone but also served as the launchpad for an enticing destination marketing video featuring all three hotels.

Under the adept management of La Vie Hotels & Resorts and owned by Sino Lanka, these hotels have redefined hospitality since their debut in May 2022. The trio, strategically positioned in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, has become synonymous with a hospitality standard that exceeds expectations, offering warm and attentive staff and carefully curated amenities.

Alan Christie, the Area General Manager overseeing the three properties, expressed heartfelt gratitude to key stakeholders and partners during the celebration. He emphasized that these hotels are more than just places to stay; they are destinations where unforgettable moments are created and cherished memories are made.

Shankar Sreekumar, Head of South & Southeast Asia for La Vie Hotels & Resorts, lauded the cluster hotel teams for driving exceptional performance through effective leadership, a strong cultural foundation, and substantial owner returns in a dynamic year. He also acknowledged the positive trajectory of these three signature hotels under the Radisson Hotel Group portfolio in Sri Lanka.

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Andre de Jong, the Area Senior Vice President for South East Asia and the Pacific at Radisson Hotel Group, extended gratitude to guests and partners, reflecting on the remarkable 18 months since the launch of these three hotels. He eagerly looks forward to strengthening the partnership with Sino Lanka and La Vie Hotels & Resorts, with a continued focus on creating memorable moments for guests and partners alike.

Among the trio, the Radisson Blu Resort Galle stands out as an award-winning destination wedding venue, nestled along a pristine stretch of soft sand. Boasting 172 well-appointed rooms and suites with captivating sea views, a spacious lagoon pool, and a dedicated kids club, the resort recently earned the prestigious Apex Award for the 'Most Scenic Destination Wedding Venue' at the 12th Exotic Wedding Planning Conference in India.

The other two urban hotels, Radisson Hotel Colombo and Radisson Hotel Kandy, offer a modern and comfortable retreat with world-class amenities. Featuring 158 and 122 well-appointed rooms and suites, respectively, they contribute to the collective success story of Radisson and Radisson Blu in Sri Lanka.


Chalet Hotels Ltd Reports Strong Q2 Results and Launches New Brand ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts

Chalet Hotels Ltd Reports Strong Q2 Results and Launches New Brand ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts

By Hariharan U

Published on November 9, 2025

Chalet Hotels Limited announced a robust performance for the second quarter of FY26, ending September 30, 2025, showcasing steady growth across its hospitality and development portfolio.

The company’s core business (excluding residential) reported revenues of Rs 460 crores, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase, while EBITDA rose 25 percent YoY to Rs 200 crores. EBITDA margins expanded by 1.4 percentage points, reaching 43.4 percent, reflecting operational strength and efficiency.

During the quarter, the company unveiled its new premium hospitality lifestyle brand, ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, a concept built around joy, wellness, and sustainability. This brand positions Chalet to capture the rising demand for premium experiential travel, while offering a scalable framework for future developments under a unified brand vision.

Chalet Hotels also achieved a significant sustainability milestone by becoming the first hospitality company to meet Climate Group’s EV100 target, reinforcing its leadership in responsible business practices.

The Board of Directors declared the company’s first interim dividend of Rs 1 per equity share (face value Rs 10), a move that underlines Chalet’s commitment to shareholder value and growth.

The quarter also saw a 10 percent increase in room inventory, driven by strategic acquisitions and the addition of new rooms across properties.

On the development front, several projects made strong progress:

  • Taj at Delhi Airport is on track for completion in H1 FY27.

  • Varca Beachfront Resort, Goa, continues as scheduled, with delivery expected in FY28.

  • The second commercial tower at The Westin Powai Lake and Cignus II, Powai, are both advancing steadily, with completion slated for FY27.

Reflecting on the company’s performance, Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, shared, “Chalet delivered a strong and steady performance this quarter, reaffirming the resilience of our diversified portfolio and the power of our operational discipline. Even amid volatile external conditions, from unpredictable weather to geopolitical shifts, our teams executed with clarity, consistency, and purpose.

The quarter also marked a strategic milestone with the debut of ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, Chalet’s own premium lifestyle brand anchored in joy, wellness, and sustainability. The transformation of the iconic The Dukes Retreat into ATHIVA Resort & Spa, Khandala sets the stage for a broader brand roll-out in the years ahead, strengthening Chalet’s position as an integrated and future-ready hospitality platform.

As I near the close of my tenure as MD & CEO, I am deeply proud of the leadership depth we have built. The seamless transition with Shwetank and the leadership team gives me full confidence in Chalet’s continued growth momentum and its enduring commitment to long-term value creation.”

With consistent growth, expanding assets, and a strong sustainability focus, Chalet Hotels continues to cement its place as a leading integrated hospitality company in India — shaping the future of modern, mindful, and experience-driven hospitality.


NRAI Kolkata Celebrates Annual Social 2025 with New Beginnings and Community Spirit

NRAI Kolkata Celebrates Annual Social 2025 with New Beginnings and Community Spirit

By Hariharan U

Published on November 9, 2025

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Kolkata Chapter brought together the city’s dynamic food and beverage community for its much-anticipated Annual Social 2025, held at Olterra, Park Street. The evening was a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, connection, and new beginnings, perfectly capturing the essence of Kolkata’s spirited hospitality scene.

Designed around the theme of togetherness and renewal, the event paid tribute to the chapter’s ongoing journey and the people shaping its future. The evening began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the outgoing management committee, whose dedication and leadership over the past term strengthened NRAI Kolkata’s initiatives and advocacy efforts.

The spotlight then turned to the new management committee, marking a symbolic transition and ushering in a fresh chapter for the association — one focused on innovation, inclusivity, and continued collaboration within the restaurant industry.

Once the formal proceedings concluded, the evening transformed into a lively celebration. Celebrity DJ Akash Rohira set the tone with an energetic playlist that had guests on their feet. Restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals mingled over cocktails and a networking dinner, exchanging ideas and laughter in an atmosphere brimming with warmth and creativity.

Reflecting on the occasion, Abhimanyu Maheshwari, Mentor, NRAI Kolkata Chapter, shared, “It’s heartening to see the Kolkata Chapter continue to grow in strength and vision. The seamless blend of professionalism, passion, and friendship in our community sets a benchmark for others. The evening beautifully captured that spirit of collaboration and renewal.

Adding his thoughts, Piyush Kankaria, Chapter Head, NRAI Kolkata, said, “This gathering is a celebration of both tradition and teamwork. It reflects the vibrant energy of Kolkata’s restaurant community and our shared commitment to strengthening this ecosystem. As we welcome the new committee, our focus remains on creating more opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth.”

Representing over 450 restaurants and F&B brands, NRAI Kolkata continues to champion innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and build a strong foundation for the city’s evolving hospitality sector.

The Annual Social 2025 wasn’t just a night of celebration — it was a reminder of Kolkata’s unmatched sense of community, creativity, and connection. As the city’s restaurant fraternity looks ahead, the evening set a positive tone for another year of collaboration and culinary evolution in the City of Joy.


SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

SpiceJet expands winter fleet with five new aircraft

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 9, 2025

SpiceJet has expanded its winter schedule with the induction of five new leased aircraft, taking the total additions this season to ten. The latest inclusions comprise a reactivated Boeing 737 MAX, three Boeing 737s, and an Airbus A340 that was introduced earlier.

“These inductions mark another significant step in our fleet and network expansion strategy,” said Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer, SpiceJet. “The response to our new flights has been encouraging, and we remain focused on enhancing operations across both domestic and international markets.”

All five newly added aircraft have entered commercial service, increasing capacity across key routes amid growing passenger demand. The airline said it plans to more than double its operational fleet and triple its available seat kilometres (ASKM) by the end of November.

The expansion reflects SpiceJet’s continued efforts to strengthen its route network and provide additional travel options during the peak season, supporting its strategy to scale up operations and improve connectivity across markets.

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