RAS AL KHAIMAH Tourism development authority appoints Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director

RAS AL KHAIMAH Tourism development authority appoints Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director

By Author

Published on April 19, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director, a strategic move to reinforce its commitment to expanding the emirate’s presence in the India market.

Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will be responsible for leading RAKTDA’s strategy and operations across the Indian market to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of choice for Indian travellers. Bhatia will be responsible for strengthening Ras Al Khaimah's business relations to accelerate its growth in India, which remains one of the top five key source markets for Ras Al Khaimah.

Bhatia joins RAKTDA with more than two decades of expertise in the travel and tourism business, having led market development initiatives, and driven sustainable visitor growth across India. Bhatia served as Country Manager at VisitBritain, where he played an important role in shaping the UK’s tourism strategy in the Indian market. Over his tenure, he managed integrated market strategies, executed effective B2B and consumer campaigns, and built significant collaborations to strengthen Britain’s brand position. His market insights, people leadership, and collaborative mindset were critical to maximising India’s tourism potential.

On his appointment, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA, said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year-round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”

Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”

Ras Al Khaimah, the Destination of Future, has emerged as a preferred getaway for Indian travellers seeking authentic experiences, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly attractions. With enhanced air connectivity, a growing array of luxury resorts, and visa-on-arrival access for Indian passport holders, the destination is well positioned for long-term growth in the Indian outbound market.

With this appointment, RAKTDA reaffirms its strategy emphasis on high-growth markets in South Asia and its long-term commitment to India.

For more information about Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, please visit www.raktda.com.


India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

India’s Top Luxury Wedding Photographers Turning Celebrations into Fine Art Stories

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 12, 2025

In the ultra-luxury wedding space, photography has transformed dramatically. It’s no longer just about documenting the day—it’s about legacy, artistry, and emotion. Across India, some of the country’s top wedding photographers are not only preserving these grand celebrations but elevating them into globally relevant, editorial-quality narratives.

Whether it’s an opulent palace wedding or a private international elopement, ultra-high-net-worth families, celebrities, and legacy households trust these artists to capture the very soul of their special moments. Each brings a distinctive vision to the evolving language of Indian wedding photography, merging tradition, fashion, emotion, and fine art into timeless keepsakes.

Here are five standout names leading this movement:

  • Karan Sidhu: Renowned for his soulful, cinematic storytelling, Karan’s emotive style is rooted deeply in authenticity, capturing honest, unscripted moments.

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  • Joseph Radhik: A global name synonymous with iconic celebrity weddings—like Anushka-Virat and Priyanka-Nick—Joseph weaves poetic visual narratives that transcend cultures.

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  • Ombre by Harsheen Jammu: This luxury boutique studio is redefining fine art wedding photography with profound emotional depth and aspirations that extend far beyond India.

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  • Ramit Batra: A seasoned storyteller with more than 500 weddings shot worldwide, Ramit beautifully blends grandeur with genuine sentiment.

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  • Reels and Frames (Anand Rathi): Based in Mumbai, this studio is behind several high-profile weddings, known for its modern, cinematic flair and a collaborative approach that resonates with clients.

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Together, these photographers illustrate how Indian wedding photography today is an immersive art form—one that turns moments into masterpieces, memories into legacies, and emotions into stories cherished for generations.


Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts Appoints Priyanka Kumari as Corporate Training Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 12, 2025

Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Priyanka Kumari as the group’s new Corporate Training Manager, a strategic addition aimed at enhancing team capabilities and maintaining consistent service standards across all properties.

Priyanka brings with her over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with leading global hotel brands such as Marriott, Wyndham, Carlson Rezidor, and Le Méridien Bangalore. Her expertise lies in designing and executing training programs that drive performance, uplift service delivery, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning.

In her new role, Priyanka will lead training and development initiatives across all Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, ensuring staff are equipped to deliver superior guest experiences. She will oversee the development of standardized training frameworks, implement best practices across operations, and support team engagement and career progression.

Known for her approachable leadership and tailored training strategies, Priyanka has consistently empowered frontline staff and management teams alike. Her programs have contributed to tangible improvements in both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Commenting on the appointment, Shikhar Kumar, Managing Director, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts, said,

“We are pleased to welcome Priyanka Kumari to our leadership team as we continue to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences across all our properties. Her extensive experience with leading hospitality brands and proven expertise in training and team development make her the ideal candidate to elevate our service standards.”

Outside of work, Priyanka enjoys exploring new destinations and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—an interest that further enriches her understanding of guest service and hospitality excellence.

With this appointment, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts reaffirms its commitment to professional development, consistency in service, and excellence in hospitality.


The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie Appoints Eshant Rajput as Senior HR Executive

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 11, 2025

The Fern Brentwood Resort, Mussoorie, a leading sustainable hospitality destination in the hills, has appointed Eshant Rajput as its new Senior HR Executive. With more than six years of experience in HR operations, payroll, compliance, and administration, Eshant steps into the role with a strong operational foundation and people-centric approach.

Eshant has previously handled HR responsibilities for over 150 employees across sectors like hospitality, healthcare, and waste management, giving him a diverse and agile perspective. He is well-versed in HRMS tools, ISO audits, labor relations, and employee engagement, making him a valuable addition to the resort’s evolving people strategy.

Mr. Arindam Bahel, General Manager, The Fern Brentwood Resort Mussoorie, expressed his optimism about the new appointment, saying, “We are delighted to welcome Eshant to the team. His extensive operational know-how and people-first mindset align well with our mission of building a motivated and service-oriented workforce.”

In his new role, Eshant will be responsible for recruitment, statutory compliance, employee engagement, and other core HR functions, with the goal of ensuring smooth operations and a positive work environment. He will also play a key role in strengthening staff retention efforts and aligning HR practices with the resort’s broader service goals.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Eshant Rajput said, “I’m excited to be part of a brand like The Fern Brentwood, which is as committed to its people as it is to sustainability. My focus will be on driving operational efficiency and enhancing employee engagement to support the resort’s vision of exceptional hospitality.”

With Eshant’s appointment, The Fern Brentwood Resort reinforces its commitment to both employee well-being and guest satisfaction, setting the tone for a culture rooted in excellence, care, and collaboration.

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