Kangra is set to witness a significant boost in its hospitality landscape with the development of a ₹180 crore five-star hotel under an Asian Development Bank (ADB) project, as announced by R S Bali, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC).

The announcement was made following a board meeting of the corporation, highlighting a major step forward in strengthening tourism infrastructure in the region. The upcoming property, set against the scenic foothills of the Dhauladhar Range, will be developed as a premium five-star hotel.

According to Bali, the project will feature the state’s first musical fountain, adding a unique experiential element to the development. The tender for the project, one of the largest hospitality initiatives in the state, is expected to be finalised on April 6.

Beyond Kangra, the corporation is also investing in upgrading its existing hospitality portfolio. In Shimla, ₹45 crore has been allocated for the renovation of Hotel Holiday Home, with approvals already secured from the central government.

Renovation efforts are also underway in Manali, where three properties are being upgraded to enhance guest experience and infrastructure standards. Additionally, ₹20 crore will be invested in Hotel Hamir, while ₹35 crore has been earmarked for the development of facilities at Jwalamukhi.

As part of its broader modernization strategy, HPTDC has also approved the establishment of a 24/7 call centre to improve customer service and accessibility for travellers.

The new developments reflect a strong push by the state to position Himachal Pradesh as a premium tourism destination, combining natural beauty with upgraded hospitality infrastructure.

India’s hospitality industry is entering a defining growth phase, with skill development taking centre stage under the national vision led by Nirmala Sitharaman. The direction is clear. The industry needs talent that is not just qualified, but ready to perform from day one.

Yet, a critical gap continues to hold hotels back.

Every year, thousands of graduates enter the workforce with a strong understanding of hospitality fundamentals. They know the processes, the standards, and the theory. But when real pressure hits, when guest complaints escalate, when operations peak, when coordination breaks down, many struggle to respond effectively.

The problem is not knowledge. It is performance readiness.

Across the industry, this gap shows up in tangible ways. Complaints take longer to resolve, peak-hour service becomes inconsistent, and teams spend valuable time reteaching basics during live operations. With rising attrition and constant rehiring, the cycle continues, impacting both service quality and operational efficiency.

HOSPI Sigma™ is built to change this reality.

A CPD UK accredited operational excellence programme, HOSPI Sigma™ is designed specifically for the hospitality industry to bridge the gap between learning and execution. It focuses on transforming how individuals think, respond, and perform in real operational environments where every moment matters.

The approach goes beyond traditional training. It develops judgment under pressure, strengthens understanding of how departments connect, and drives consistency in execution. Inspired by structured methodologies like Lean Six Sigma, it brings discipline, clarity, and measurable improvement into hospitality operations.

At the core of HOSPI Sigma™ is deep industry experience. Founded by Sanjeev Kumar, with over three decades across leading brands such as Taj, ITC, Starwood, and Premier Inn, the programme is shaped by real challenges faced on the floor, not classroom assumptions. It is practical, focused, and aligned with what hotels truly need today.

Its impact is felt across the ecosystem. Hotels benefit from faster onboarding, more reliable teams, and consistent service delivery. Institutes gain stronger placement outcomes and a clear industry-aligned edge. Students and professionals step into their careers with confidence, clarity, and the ability to perform under pressure.

The shift in hospitality is already underway. Success is no longer defined by what professionals know, but by how they perform when it matters most.

HOSPI Sigma™ delivers exactly that capability.

Where structured thinking meets real hospitality, HOSPI Sigma™ is building a new generation of professionals who are not just trained, but truly performance ready.

https://www.hospisigma.com/

CRC Group has partnered with CBRE to manage integrated facility operations at CRC The Flagship, its large office-led mixed-use development in Sector 140A along the Noida Expressway. The move comes as the project enters its final stage of construction, with delivery expected in the 3rd quarter of this year.

Spread across around 2.4 million sq. ft., CRC The Flagship is designed as a campus-style IT/ITES development. The project brings together Grade A+ office spaces along with retail, food and beverage outlets, and hospitality elements, creating a well-rounded business environment.

The master planning for the project has been done by Benoy, UK, with architectural inputs from RSP and Vastunidhi Architects. Several specialist consultants have also contributed across areas such as structure, MEP services, façade, lighting, traffic planning, and security. The overall design focuses on efficient layouts, smooth movement across the campus, and long-term operational ease.

Under this partnership, CBRE will handle end-to-end facility management services. This includes operations and maintenance, sustainability practices, technology-driven systems, and predictive maintenance. The scope will cover office towers, retail spaces, shared areas, and hospitality zones, with a focus on maintaining service quality and enhancing the overall occupier experience.

The office infrastructure has been built to support large-scale corporate operations. Each tower includes 10 high-speed elevators with destination control systems to manage peak-time traffic. The campus also features separate driveways for different zones, organised vehicular movement, and spacious multi-height lobbies, offering a premium arrival experience.

Sustainability is another key highlight of the project. CRC The Flagship is IGBC Platinum pre-certified and includes features such as climate-responsive design, high-performance façade glazing, centralised air conditioning with air quality monitoring, EV-ready parking, and a Building Management System to improve energy efficiency. The developer has also enhanced the nearby green belt to improve the surrounding environment.

Commenting on the association, Salil Kumar, Director-Marketing & Business Management - CRC Group, said the company was pleased to bring CBRE on board as the project nears completion.

“We welcome CBRE into the CRC Group ecosystem and place strong trust in their proven commitments and service delivery capabilities. As CRC The Flagship moves into its operational phase, we look forward to delivering a best in class workplace experience with CBRE, aligned with the expectations of global IT/ITES and enterprise occupiers,” he said.

With its scale, infrastructure, and location along the Noida Expressway, CRC The Flagship is set to emerge as a future-ready office destination, catering to the evolving needs of businesses in the NCR market.