Revolutionizing Hospitality Education: THSC and GD Goenka University Join Forces

Revolutionizing Hospitality Education: THSC and GD Goenka University Join Forces

By Author

Published on November 30, 2023

The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned School of Hospitality and Tourism at GD Goenka University. This collaboration is a significant leap forward, integrating skill courses seamlessly into Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma programs. The partnership aims to bridge the gap between industry demands and academic offerings, aligning with the goals outlined in the National Education Policy.

Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC, expressed excitement about embedding practical skills into academic programs. This collaboration has the potential to revolutionize hospitality and tourism education, creating a workforce that is not just well-educated but also highly skilled. The initiative focuses on providing students with a comprehensive education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare them for the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality and tourism industry.

The joint effort involves designing and implementing skill-based courses within the curriculum of Bachelor’s Degree and Diploma programs. This strategic collaboration ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, making them adept at handling the challenges and opportunities in the dynamic fields of hospitality and tourism.

As Bahadur addressed the students, he emphasized the transformative power of skilling education, shedding light on the vast opportunities available in the hospitality and tourism sector. The focus was on the importance of acquiring practical skills, setting students apart in a competitive job market.

This collaboration stands as a testament to the commitment of both THSC and GD Goenka University in fostering excellence in education and preparing students for successful careers in the vibrant and ever-growing industries of hospitality and tourism.


IHG Signs InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, Expanding Luxury Portfolio in India

IHG Signs InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon, Expanding Luxury Portfolio in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited for the development of InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon. Scheduled to open in Q1 2030, the new hotel will further strengthen IHG’s luxury portfolio in India and expand its presence in Mumbai, one of the country’s most important business and travel destinations.

Located in Goregaon, a rapidly growing commercial hub in Mumbai’s western suburbs, the hotel will feature 350 guest rooms, including 70 suites. Positioned between Andheri and Malad, the property will offer convenient access to key business districts, entertainment centres and transportation networks, making it suitable for both business and leisure travellers.

The signing marks another milestone for InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the luxury brand known for delivering globally inspired experiences while connecting guests with local culture and destinations. The brand currently operates more than 237 hotels worldwide and has over 100 properties in its development pipeline.

Commenting on the development, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said:

"We are delighted to partner with Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited to bring InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon to the city. Mumbai continues to demonstrate strong demand across both business and leisure travel, and Goregaon's emergence as a growing commercial corridor makes it an ideal location to expand our luxury portfolio."

He added:

"InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is synonymous with culturally rich and globally inspired hospitality. With InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon joining our portfolio, we look forward to creating a destination that offers world-class amenities, intuitive service, and a strong sense of place, catering to the evolving needs of modern travellers."

Sandip Gupta, Director, Zon Hotels (Mumbai) Private Limited, said:

"We are pleased to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the world-renowned InterContinental brand to Goregaon. This collaboration builds on our existing relationship with IHG and reflects our shared vision of developing landmark hospitality destinations. We are confident the hotel will set a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Mumbai. Leveraging IHG's global expertise, enterprise systems, and powerful loyalty platform, we are well positioned to deliver exceptional value to both guests and stakeholders alike."

The hotel will feature five dining venues, including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurants, a bar and a lobby lounge. Guests will also have access to a range of wellness and leisure facilities, including a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.

Designed to cater to large-scale events and corporate gatherings, the property will offer extensive meeting and event spaces, including one of the largest ballrooms in Mumbai. Additional facilities will include retail spaces and ample parking, enhancing the overall guest experience.

Commenting on the project, Ishwar Shukla, Director, DGS Group, said:

"The hotel will be a landmark destination in North Mumbai and a flagship asset for all stakeholders involved. Designed to the highest international standards, the property will feature exceptional architecture and contemporary design, setting a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. Catering to a diverse range of customer segments, the hotel will offer world-class experiences, combining luxury, comfort, and outstanding service."

As IHG continues to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio across India, InterContinental Mumbai Goregaon is expected to play a key role in strengthening the company’s presence in major gateway cities. The property aims to combine international hospitality standards with meaningful local experiences, creating a distinctive luxury destination in Mumbai.

IHG currently operates 52 hotels across seven brands in India, including InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Six Senses, Crowne Plaza, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort and Holiday Inn Express. The company also has a strong pipeline of 98 hotels planned to open across the country over the next three to five years.


American Airlines Temporarily Suspends Select Summer Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs

American Airlines Temporarily Suspends Select Summer Routes Amid Rising Fuel Costs

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

American Airlines has announced the temporary suspension of select routes during August and September as rising jet fuel costs continue to impact airline operations. The carrier said the schedule adjustments are a response to elevated operating expenses and broader challenges affecting the aviation industry.

In a statement, the airline confirmed that passengers impacted by the route suspensions will be offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds. American Airlines also clarified that the affected services are being suspended temporarily and that no routes are being permanently removed from its network.

The airline noted that the decision reflects wider industry trends as carriers worldwide face increasing pressure from higher fuel prices and operational costs. Despite the temporary changes, American Airlines said it remains committed to offering one of the largest flight networks in the United States.

The increase in jet fuel costs has become a major concern for airlines, with fuel accounting for a significant share of operating expenses. Industry data indicates that jet fuel prices have risen sharply in recent months amid disruptions in global oil supplies and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The situation has been further affected by reduced traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes. Continued disruptions have contributed to supply concerns, leading to higher energy prices across several sectors.

As airlines adjust to these conditions, many carriers have introduced schedule reductions, revised flight frequencies and implemented cost-saving measures. Some airlines have also increased fees and reduced certain customer benefits to offset rising operational expenses.

The impact is being felt beyond the aviation sector, with higher fuel costs contributing to increased prices for transportation, food and other essential goods. Travellers may also face fewer flight options and higher airfares as airlines continue to navigate the challenging operating environment.

American Airlines has not yet provided a detailed list of the affected routes. However, reports indicate that six routes, primarily involving services from Los Angeles and other destinations across North America, could be impacted by the temporary suspensions.

The airline said it will continue monitoring market conditions and operational costs while making adjustments aimed at maintaining network efficiency and service reliability.


LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Introduces New Menu Inspired by Spain’s Regional Flavours

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar Introduces New Menu Inspired by Spain’s Regional Flavours

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 7, 2026

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, the rooftop dining destination at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, has unveiled a new menu that celebrates the rich and diverse flavours of Spain. Located on the 33rd floor and overlooking Bangkok’s skyline, the venue brings together authentic Spanish cuisine and a unique dining experience beneath the transparent base of the hotel's infinity pool.

The new menu has been crafted by the hotel's Spanish chef de cuisine, Juan Ignacio Garcia Racionero, popularly known as Chef Nacho. Originally from Madrid, Chef Nacho has built his culinary expertise in some of Spain’s leading kitchens and has designed the menu to showcase flavours from different regions across the country.

Drawing inspiration from Spain’s varied gastronomic traditions, the menu features everything from San Sebastian-style pintxos and Basque-influenced dishes to Madrid street-food favourites, Andalusian seafood specialities, and traditional rice and fideuà dishes associated with Spain’s eastern coastal regions.

Among the signature offerings are Steak tartar y Gilda San Sebastian, which combines Wagyu tenderloin tartare with brown and white anchovies and Spanish pickles on ciabatta, and Tacos de Rabo de Toro, featuring braised oxtail, roasted piquillo peppers and smoked Idiazabal cheese served in homemade corn tacos.

Seafood takes centre stage across the menu with dishes such as Carpaccio de Gamba Roja, a red prawn carpaccio finished with espelette pepper and extra virgin olive oil, and Lomo de Corvina al Pil Pil de Azafran y Aji Amarillo, a croaker dish paired with saffron-infused pil-pil sauce, yellow chilli and fish collagen.

Other highlights include Pulpo Frito served with mashed potato and paprika oil, black squid-ink fideuà with red prawns and octopus, and a seafood paella prepared with clams, mussels and squid.

The dessert selection continues the Spanish theme with a burnt Basque chocolate cheesecake served alongside white chocolate ice cream, warm chocolate fondant with vanilla custard, and creamy rice pudding topped with confit strawberries.

"This menu is very personal to me because it draws on the different regions and flavours I grew up with in Spain," said Chef Nacho. "Spanish cuisine changes dramatically from one region to another, and I wanted the menu to encapsulate that diversity and match the energy of LUZ's, with dishes designed to be shared over cocktails and incredible views of Bangkok".

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar welcomes guests daily from 4pm until midnight, offering an elevated dining experience that combines Spanish culinary traditions with panoramic views of Bangkok.

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