Summit Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Deepak Bothra as its Corporate General Manager, as the brand continues to expand across the Eastern Himalayan region. The move comes as part of the company’s efforts to strengthen its operational leadership and maintain consistency across its growing portfolio.

Deepak Bothra brings close to three decades of experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong background in hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Throughout his career, he has worked with several international and regional brands, taking on senior roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.

In his new role, he will lead operational strategy across Summit’s properties, with a focus on improving service standards and overall performance. His responsibilities will also include refining systems, strengthening quality benchmarks, and ensuring a consistent guest experience as the brand expands its footprint in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and other parts of the Northeast.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, "Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio."

With this appointment, Summit Hotels & Resorts aims to further streamline its operations while supporting its long-term growth plans in the region.

LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is set to host a special one-night rooftop experience featuring Michelin-starred Chef Manuel Alonso. Scheduled for April 25, the event titled “Taste of Tapas: Touch the Sky” will bring together Spanish culinary traditions and a lively dining atmosphere in the heart of Bangkok.

The four-hour takeover is being organised in collaboration with the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce and will also feature LUZ’s Head Chef Juan Ignacio “Nacho” García Racionero. The evening will focus on a shared dining concept, with a curated tapas menu designed by both chefs.

Chef Manuel Alonso brings with him over four decades of experience from Casa Manolo, his family-run restaurant in Valencia. Known for its deep connection to Mediterranean coastal cuisine, the restaurant has earned a Michelin star along with several Sol Repsol recognitions. His cooking style reflects a balance of locally sourced ingredients and techniques shaped over years of experience in Spain’s leading kitchens.

At LUZ Bangkok, guests can expect dishes that highlight his roots, including a seafood paella inspired by Valencia, along with ajo blanco, a chilled almond and garlic soup served with smoked sardine. The menu is designed for sharing, staying true to the social nature of Spanish dining.

The event will be held from 5 pm to 9 pm. Guests will be served a selection of tapas along with one drink, while DJ music adds to the relaxed rooftop setting. Members of the Spanish-Thai Chamber of Commerce will also receive a welcome sangria on arrival.

Located across the 33rd and 34th floors, LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar offers an indoor-outdoor layout with open views of the city skyline. A unique highlight of the venue is the view from the 33rd floor, where diners can look up into the base of the pool above.

Sharing his thoughts, Tarek Beheiry, general manager of INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, said, "Chef Alonso's cooking comes from decades of consistency and a very clear point of view. Spanish food is meant to be shared, and this social way of dining sits at the heart of how both chefs approach food; made even more special by our spectacular vistas of Bangkok's skyline."

With limited seating available, guests are encouraged to book in advance for this exclusive dining experience.

The Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Hyderabad (IHM-Hyderabad), a premier Central Government institute under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, hosted its Annual Awards Ceremony for the academic year 2025–26 at its campus in DD Colony, Vidyanagar. The event brought together students, faculty, and industry leaders to celebrate academic excellence, strong placement results, and overall student achievements.

The ceremony was attended by several distinguished guests, including Sri Pradyumna Krishna Dasa, Spiritual Leader (ISKCON); Mr. Deep Preet Bindra, General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace; Mr. Gaurav K. Kumra, VP & GM, Trident Hyderabad; Mr. Ajit Singh Garcha, Area GM, The Park Hyderabad; Mr. Baranirathan Chidambar, VP Operations, Green Park Hotels; Mr. Vishal Srivastava, General Manager, Vivanta Hyderabad; Mr. Nagesh Pampati, Chairman, TAAI Andhra Pradesh & Telangana Chapter; Mr. Krupakar Ravipati, Assistant Director, India Tourism and Mr. Sanjay Thakur, Principal, IHM-Hyderabad.

The programme began with a traditional Ganesh Vandana followed by the National Anthem. In his welcome address, Principal Mr. Sanjay Thakur highlighted the institute’s continued focus on building skilled and industry-ready hospitality professionals. One of the key moments of the event was the unveiling of the annual college magazine CACKLE, which showcased the institute’s achievements and creative work over the past year.

Faculty and administrative staff were also recognised for their contribution to the institute’s growth, reflecting their role in maintaining strong academic and operational standards.

Placement performance stood out as a major highlight this year. Around 40 students secured Management Trainee roles with leading hotel chains, while more than 150 students were placed across sectors such as QSRs, FMCG, retail, co-working spaces, airport outlets, corporate catering, and facility management. Several final-year students are also moving towards international placements, showing the institute’s strong industry connections.

Student achievements were celebrated across multiple areas. Academic toppers and sportspersons were honoured at the Yamuna Ranga Rao Trophy Inter-College Sports Meet. Creative talent was recognised through the Inter-Collegiate Flower Arrangement Competition, while students who performed well in state and national culinary competitions like India Skills and Everest Better Kitchen were also felicitated.

Among the academic award winners, Preeti Chouhan (Alumnus 2025) secured first rank in the final year and topped in F&B Service and Accommodation Operations. Hedaoo Rushil Avinash (Alumnus 2025) was recognised as the second topper of the final year. Rahil Sharma (Batch 2026) was awarded topper of the second year B.Sc., while Nalla Bipin Teja (Batch 2026) secured the second position. Meghana Bhutada (Batch 2026) was recognised as topper in the vegetarian course. In the first year category, Sattwikee Ray (Batch 2027) secured the top position, followed by Akshit Baliyan (Batch 2027) as second topper. Kovvuri Pavani (Alumnus 2025) and Amaresh Samal (Alumnus 2025) were honoured as the first and second toppers respectively in the Craftsmanship Certificate Course in Food Production & Patisserie.

The event also featured insightful addresses from the invited guests, offering students guidance and industry perspectives as they prepare for their careers.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Rachna Agashe, HoD, followed by a rendition of Vande Mataram. Guests were then served a specially curated lunch prepared by the institute’s chefs. A note of thanks was extended to EazyDiner for supporting the event as sponsor.