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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on March 15, 2025
Riyadh Air is set to strengthen its presence in the Indian aviation market as CEO Tony Douglas leads a delegation to India for a series of high-level discussions. The visit, scheduled from March 12 to 14, 2025, will focus on exploring potential partnerships with key Indian aviation stakeholders.
As Riyadh Air prepares for its official launch later this year, the airline is prioritizing India as a crucial market. With Saudi Arabia's tourism sector targeting 7.5 million Indian visitors annually by 2030, this initiative is expected to bolster connectivity and economic ties between the two nations. In 2023, the number of Indian travelers to Saudi Arabia increased by 50%, surpassing 1.5 million visitors, highlighting the growing demand for enhanced air connectivity.
During the visit, Riyadh Air representatives will engage with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to obtain requisite permissions and regulatory support for launching India operations. Additionally, discussions with Air India and IndiGo, the country’s two largest airlines, will focus on potential collaborations to enhance route connectivity and passenger experience.
"India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning ahead of our operations launch. As travel and business opportunities multiply, India will play a significant role in our airline’s success," said Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air. "Beyond connectivity, our partnerships will foster economic growth, strengthen tourism, and enhance bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and India. We are dedicated to collaborating with Indian aviation stakeholders to create a sustainable and mutually beneficial relationship."
The visit coincides with Riyadh Air’s appointment of Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Renowned for its expertise in the Indian travel industry, Bird Travels will play a pivotal role in enhancing Riyadh Air's market presence and promoting its services across the country.
Gaurav Bhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are honored to be Riyadh Air’s exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Indian travelers can look forward to Riyadh Air’s innovative services and exceptional onboard experience."
Saudi Arabia and India share strong economic and cultural ties, with diplomatic relations established in 1947. Riyadh Air’s expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to diversify the country’s economy and create employment opportunities. By 2030, the airline plans to connect over 100 global destinations, contribute $20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP, and generate over 200,000 jobs worldwide.
As Riyadh Air continues to shape the future of global aviation, its India expansion marks a significant milestone in enhancing international air travel and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
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Published on May 31, 2025
With a legacy rooted in global sophistication, Playboy Clubs are bringing a new standard of nightlife to India—one that blends international luxury, immersive experiences, and high-end hospitality. Today’s discerning guests expect more than just a night out. They’re looking for exclusive, tech-driven, and unforgettable moments and that’s exactly what Playboy Clubs are made to deliver.
Whether it's our high-energy nightclubs, stylish beer gardens, or intimate Bunny Bars, each space under the Playboy banner is thoughtfully designed to elevate entertainment and create lasting impressions. Through every detail from world-class interiors to exceptional service we set the bar for what nightlife can be.
“At Playboy Clubs, we’re not just building venues—we're curating premium lifestyle experiences that reflect the evolving aspirations of India’s modern generation,” shares Rohit Malhotra, CEO & Owner of Playboy Clubs.
Recognising the shift in expectations, Play Clubs have integrated cutting-edge technology across all their venues. AI-powered bartenders, personalised VIP services, and augmented reality features—all tailored to create one-of-a-kind experiences. But innovation doesn’t stop at tech. Sustainability is equally central to our vision. We’ve implemented zero-waste cocktail programs, eco-conscious designs, and more, because we believe in building a future that’s as responsible as it is glamorous.
Our commitment is backed by a ₹250 crore investment over the next five years as we expand into major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Goa. This journey is not about scale alone—it’s about delivering quality, exclusivity, and global experiences rooted in Indian hospitality.
“We’re not here just to follow global nightlife trends. We’re here to shape them—right from India,” says Malhotra.
and he also shared, "Our focus will always remain on crafting venues that embody immersive themes, luxury, and forward-thinking design, catering to a young, affluent, and experience-hungry audience."
At Playboy Clubs, Rohit Malhotra and his team is setting the tone for the future of nightlife in India—where every night is more than an event; it’s a memory in the making.
In a continued stride of strategic expansion, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts proudly welcomes Hotel Blue Magnets in Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh, to its growing collection. This addition marks the brand’s 10th hotel, showcasing its commitment to bringing quality hospitality experiences across India under both the ALIVAA and The Hoften brands.
Hotel Blue Magnets will now operate under The Hoften brand, known for offering smart, efficient, and high-value services that cater to the modern traveller. This move aligns with ALIVAA’s goal of redefining midscale hospitality with consistency and care.
Akash Bhatia, CEO – ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts (Managed & Franchise), shared,
“We’re thrilled to welcome Hotel Blue Magnets to The Hoften family and the broader ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts collection. Dalhousie is a truly enchanting destination, and this partnership allows us to offer our guests an even wider array of exceptional experiences.”
Vikramjit Singh, Founder of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts, highlighted the milestone,
“We aspire to be the fastest growing Indian brand and our 10th signing in less than a year of our first opening validates our endeavour.”
Inderpal Batra, Co-founder, added,
“This expansion into Dalhousie with Hotel Blue Magnets is a testament to our robust growth strategy and our belief in the immense potential of India’s most scenic destinations.”
Paramjit Singh Khurana, owner of Hotel Blue Magnets, expressed optimism about the collaboration,
“Joining forces with ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts and bringing Hotel Blue Magnets under The Hoften brand is a momentous occasion. Their expertise and commitment to guest satisfaction perfectly complement our vision for Dalhousie.”
With this latest signing, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts continues to carve a niche in the Indian hospitality landscape, offering reliable and memorable experiences across a growing network of distinctive destinations.
Leading the way in inclusive hospitality, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group is once again championing Pride Month 2025 with a dynamic and deeply meaningful line-up of celebrations and initiatives. Going beyond symbolic gestures, this year’s programming reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) under the leadership of Dr. Jyotsna Suri, along with Deeksha Suri and Keshav Suri.
Across all Lalit properties, the month kicks off with the iconic #PureLove Parade and Flag Hoisting ceremonies. These inclusive events bring together hotel staff, corporate partners, artists, NGOs, and guests in a united display of pride.
Celebrations continue with Drag Bingo, Queer Quizzes, storytelling sessions, and themed room experiences such as “Walls of Love”, custom décor, special menus, and Pride-themed keycards and hampers to create a fully immersive guest journey.
At The Lalit New Delhi, guests can engage with a curated art residency for queer artists, a filmmaking workshop led by Tushar Tyagi, and an awareness walk on inclusive practices in hospitality by chef Ritu Dalmia and the Lalit School team.
The Keshav Suri Foundation (KSF) will launch Pride Pathways, a mentorship program for LGBTQIA+ professionals, and co-host the Trans Employment Mela in partnership with the TWEET Foundation. Other KSF highlights include:
The Rainbow Networking Event
The Aditya Nanda Award for Best Mental Health Film
A panel at KASHISH Mumbai Queer Film Festival
Engaging conversations continue with a Diplomatic Drag Queen Story Hour at OKO, Queer Content Creators Meet at The Lalit Mangar, and PridePitches where college students propose DEI strategies. DEI trainings and the “My Identity, My Pride” sharing circles further deepen awareness.
At The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa, guests are invited to a Pride Escape, with Group-wide social media campaigns spotlighting queer team members and allies. Interactive email quizzes, digital events, and the Queering the Law campaign (with Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy) broaden the celebration online. The new edition of Elphie, a children’s book, will also be released in collaboration with Westland Books.
Pride Month will conclude with the launch of Karma Care, a mental health initiative focused on affirmative therapist training, and a virtual Pride Gathering led by the Group’s DEI team and senior leadership.
Dr. Jyotsna Suri shared,
“At The Lalit, we have always ensured that diversity and inclusion are not just campaigns, but the very conscience of the hotel. Pride Month provides a moment to remind us of the strength in diversity and the impact of supporting with a clear vision. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community, not only in June but all throughout the year.”
With this powerful and heartfelt approach, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group reaffirms its role as a true advocate for inclusivity, ensuring Pride is more than a celebration—it's a core value.
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