Ramada Encore by Wyndham Opens in Srinagar’s Rajbagh, Elevating Hospitality in Kashmir

Ramada Encore by Wyndham Opens in Srinagar’s Rajbagh, Elevating Hospitality in Kashmir

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 16, 2024

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant cultural heritage, has a new addition to its hospitality scene. Al Habib Emporio, a leading hotel and development company based in Srinagar, has announced the opening of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with over 9,200 hotels in more than 95 countries.

Located in the upscale Rajbagh locality, along the serene banks of the Jhelum River, this new hotel is just 2.5 km from Dal Lake and 12.5 km from Srinagar Airport. It is ideally positioned for travelers, being close to key tourist attractions such as Shankaracharya Temple, Shalimar Bagh Mughal Garden, Tulip Garden, and Jama Masjid, as well as the city’s commercial hub.

Modern Hospitality for Travelers

The Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh offers 48 elegantly designed rooms and a host of premium amenities. Guests can enjoy a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant, a swimming pool, a fitness center, event space, and a business center, ensuring both comfort and convenience for leisure and business travelers alike.

Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, expressed the brand’s enthusiasm for entering the Srinagar market:
"Opening Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh represents a strategic milestone in strengthening our footprint in high-potential markets like India. Srinagar, with its growing tourism appeal and rich cultural heritage, offers an ideal setting to meet the rising demand for quality accommodations. This hotel, featuring a prime location and modern amenities, is perfectly positioned to cater to the evolving needs of business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Wyndham’s commitment to driving growth in key regions."

A Gateway to Kashmir’s Beauty

Srinagar is renowned not only for its role as the summer capital but also for its houseboats, gardens, and natural attractions. Aatif Yaqeen, Proprietor of Al Habib Emporio, highlighted the strategic location of the hotel, which places guests within a two-hour drive from iconic destinations like Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg.

"We are excited to unveil our hotel affiliated to the internationally recognized Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand. The tourists are going to benefit extensively from our branded hotel services and strategic location situated conveniently in the city center and at a mere two hours driving distance from key destinations such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg,” he shared.

A Step Forward in Tourism Growth

The addition of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Srinagar Rajbagh marks a pivotal step in catering to the increasing demand for quality accommodations in Srinagar. With its mix of cultural charm and modern amenities, the hotel promises to enhance the travel experience in Kashmir, further positioning the region as a world-class destination for business and leisure.


Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

Raffles Cambodia Secures Top Honours in Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026

By Hariharan U

Published on June 30, 2026

Raffles Cambodia’s iconic heritage hotels have secured top honours in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026, reaffirming their position among the region’s leading luxury hospitality destinations.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh was ranked Cambodia’s No. 1 city hotel, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor in Siem Reap secured the No. 2 position in the same category. Both properties also featured prominently across additional award categories, highlighting their continued excellence in luxury hospitality.

In the “Best Hotel Swimming Pools” category, Raffles Hotel Le Royal ranked No. 2, while Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor secured the No. 4 position. The Siem Reap property also earned the No. 4 spot in the “Best Hotel Spas” category. Adding to the accolades, Raffles Hotel Le Royal General Manager Dagmar Lyons was recognised among Cambodia’s best General Managers.

Commenting on the recognition, Dagmar Lyons said the achievement reflects the dedication of the entire team in bringing the heritage spirit of the hotel to life while maintaining Raffles’ signature warm and intuitive service.

Joseph Colina, General Manager of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, noted that the recognition reinforces the hotel’s role as a historic gateway to Angkor and its commitment to preserving Cambodia’s cultural and hospitality legacy.

The strong performance at the awards follows recent heritage-focused initiatives by Raffles Cambodia, including the launch of the “Grand Path of History” tour and a new publication chronicling the golden age of travel in Southeast Asia. The brand also continues to showcase archival materials and historical artefacts across its properties.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, originally opened in 1929, is known for its French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco-inspired design, following a major restoration completed in 2019. Meanwhile, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, established in 1932, continues to reflect classic French Art Deco architecture blended with Cambodian influences.

Both properties were previously among the select hotels in Cambodia to receive MICHELIN Keys in the inaugural edition of the guide for the country. Raffles Hotel Le Royal was also ranked the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

With continued global recognition, Raffles Cambodia strengthens its position as a custodian of heritage luxury hospitality, blending history, culture, and refined service across its iconic properties.


Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

Novotel Cairo Airport Marks World Oceans Day with ‘From the Nile to the Ocean’ Initiative

By Hariharan U

Published on June 25, 2026

Novotel Cairo Airport commemorated World Oceans Day with its "From the Nile to the Ocean" initiative, a sustainability-focused programme designed to highlight the connection between local environmental responsibility and global marine conservation.

The initiative brought together wellness, education, and responsible dining experiences to encourage greater awareness of the importance of protecting water resources. Through the campaign, the hotel sought to demonstrate how local actions can contribute to broader environmental preservation efforts.

The day began with an outdoor yoga session overlooking the Nile River, creating a reflective and mindful setting for participants. The wellness activity reinforced the campaign's message that meaningful environmental change begins with individual awareness and conscious choices.

Following the yoga session, hotel associates participated in an interactive educational presentation focused on water conservation and ocean safety. The discussion highlighted the role local waterways play in supporting larger marine ecosystems and emphasized the importance of protecting rivers such as the Nile as part of a global sustainability effort.

As part of the celebration, Novotel Cairo Airport's culinary team curated a special menu centred on fresh, local, and responsibly sourced ingredients. Served poolside, the dining experience showcased how sustainable sourcing and conscious food choices can contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting local communities.

By integrating wellness activities, environmental education, and sustainable dining into a single initiative, the hotel aimed to create a holistic experience that encouraged participants to reflect on their relationship with natural resources and the environment.

The programme further reinforces Novotel Cairo Airport's commitment to responsible hospitality and sustainability, while supporting Accor's broader vision of promoting environmentally conscious practices across its global portfolio.

Through initiatives such as "From the Nile to the Ocean," the hotel continues to engage both its team members and guests in conversations around sustainability, inspiring collective action toward the protection of vital water ecosystems and the preservation of the planet's natural resources.


The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre Celebrates International Yoga Day with Wellness Morning in Ahmedabad

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre marked International Yoga Day with a thoughtfully curated wellness initiative that brought together guests, wellness enthusiasts, and hotel associates for a morning dedicated to mindfulness and holistic wellbeing in Ahmedabad.

The event featured a guided yoga and meditation session designed to encourage participants to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and embrace balance in an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle. Attendees from different age groups took part in yoga asanas, breathwork exercises, and mindfulness practices in a calm and energising environment.

Positioned as a community-focused initiative, the celebration reflected the growing importance of wellness in modern hospitality experiences. The session aimed to create a shared space where participants could prioritise both physical and mental wellbeing while taking a conscious break from daily routines.

Speaking about the initiative, Kalpesh Prajapati, Managing Director of The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre, highlighted that wellness has evolved from being an occasional luxury to an essential part of contemporary living and travel. He emphasised the hotel’s commitment to creating experiences that promote mindfulness, balance, and overall wellbeing within the community.

As wellness continues to shape the hospitality landscape, The Forum Hotel & Convention Centre has been focusing on experiences that extend beyond accommodation and events, encouraging meaningful engagement with both guests and the wider Ahmedabad community.

The International Yoga Day celebration concluded with healthy refreshments and informal interactions among participants, reinforcing the importance of conscious living and collective wellbeing.

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