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By Nishang Narayan
Published on February 28, 2025
The Sommeliers Association of India (SAI), the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, has introduced a game-changing initiative for the Indian sommelier community. For the first time, the prestigious ASI Sommelier Diploma will be conducted in India, exclusively through SAI. This globally recognized certification is a hallmark of excellence in the wine and hospitality industry, setting a new benchmark for professionals in the field.
The ASI Sommelier Diploma Exam will take place on March 10, 2025, in Mumbai, and is open to SAI members with at least three years of experience. Candidates can qualify at three levels—Bronze (60%), Silver (65%), and Gold (75%), with an additional 10% bonus for foreign language exams in English, French, or Spanish. Those who pass will receive the ASI Sommelier Diploma, an official pin, and a certificate, granting them global recognition.
To further support professional development, SAI will host a special lecture by Mattia Antonio Cianca on March 17, 2025, at The Lalit Suri Hospitality School in Delhi. The following day, March 18, 2025, the ASI Certification 1 Exam will be conducted at the same venue, exclusively for SAI members. Interested candidates must register by February 28, 2025.
Speaking on this milestone, Amrita Singh, President of SAI, shared:"Bringing the ASI Sommelier Diploma to India is a monumental step for our industry. This certification validates the expertise of Indian sommeliers and opens doors to global opportunities, strengthening India's presence on the international wine stage. Our membership program is designed to empower sommeliers with the tools and connections they need to succeed."
Adding to its list of achievements, SAI recently concluded the 2025 Best Sommelier of India Competition, celebrating Jai Singh as the winner. Jai will now represent India at the 2025 ASI Best Sommelier of Asia & Pacific Competition, with the ultimate goal of competing in the 2026 ASI Best Sommelier of the World Championship. The competition tested participants on knowledge, tasting expertise, and service skills, making it a defining moment for India’s sommelier industry.
In addition to these initiatives, SAI’s Membership Program provides exclusive benefits to sommeliers and wine professionals. As the only official ASI-affiliated body in India, SAI membership grants access to the ASI Sommelier Diploma, international networking, industry masterclasses, and top-tier competitions. Only SAI members can register for the ASI Diploma Exam and international sommelier contests, making membership a gateway to global success.
Mattia Antonio, Vice President of SAI, emphasized the significance of these developments, stating:"The ASI Sommelier Diploma and SAI Membership Program mark a new era for Indian sommeliers. By equipping them with world-class education and a global network, we are paving the way for India to become a key player in the international wine and hospitality industry."
SAI invites wine and hospitality professionals to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you aspire to earn the ASI Sommelier Diploma, compete for the title of Best Sommelier of India, or expand your professional network, this is your opportunity to elevate your career in the Indian wine industry.
For more information, visit: Sommeliers Association of India
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 25, 2026
Courtyard by Marriott Madurai is celebrating its eighth anniversary, marking eight years of hospitality, culinary experiences and strong connections with the city. Since opening in 2018, the hotel has grown alongside Madurai’s tourism, business and hospitality sectors.
The property has built a strong presence among Leisure Travellers, Temple Tourists, Corporate Guests, MICE groups and Wedding celebrations. Over the years, it has continued to adapt to changing guest expectations while focusing on personalized and experience-led hospitality.
Mr. V. Vasudevan, Chairman, said, “Eight years in Madurai is a milestone built on trust, commitment and strong relationships. We are proud to have grown alongside the city and look forward to creating greater value for Madurai’s hospitality landscape in the years ahead.”
The hotel is also seeing strong business momentum in 2026. During the first half of the year, Courtyard by Marriott Madurai recorded 25%+ growth, with occupancy crossing 85%. Hotel revenue grew by 19.9%, while occupancy growth stood at 8.8%.
Mr. C. Muralikrishnan, Managing Director, said, “Our eight-year journey reflects our ability to evolve with Madurai and its changing hospitality landscape. The strong growth this year reinforces our confidence in the city’s potential and our vision for the future.”
Food and beverage continues to be an important part of the hotel’s offering, with Madurai Kitchen becoming a prominent dining destination for both hotel guests and local diners. Its buffet, food festivals, brunches and curated culinary experiences have added to Madurai’s growing premium dining culture. The hotel has also strengthened its presence in the weddings and MICE segment, having hosted 25+ medical conferences, including national and global associations.
Mr. V. Akshay Ram, Executive Director, said, “Hospitality is ultimately about creating experiences that guests remember. Over the past eight years, we have continually evolved our offerings while staying committed to personalized service and meaningful guest experiences.”
Guest loyalty remains an important part of the hotel’s journey, with repeat guests returning year after year. The property also recorded record guest satisfaction in the first half of 2026. Alongside technology-led convenience, the hotel continues to focus on the human connection that remains central to hospitality.
Sustainability has also become part of the property’s daily operations. Its glass-bottle water plant and energy-efficiency initiatives have helped bring annual electricity consumption down from 2,980,550 kWh to 2,908,447 kWh, saving 72,103 kWh despite an 8.8% increase in occupancy and 19.9% growth in hotel revenue. Engineering-led operational practices have also helped reduce HLP costs from 9.4% to 8.4%.
Mr. Mahesh Padala, General Manager, said, “Our eighth anniversary is a celebration of our guests and our associates who make every experience special. The loyalty of our guests and record satisfaction this year inspire us to raise the bar even further.”
As Courtyard by Marriott Madurai enters its ninth year, the hotel will continue to focus on guest experience, F&B innovation, weddings, MICE, technology and sustainability, while growing alongside Madurai and contributing to the city’s evolving hospitality landscape.
By Hariharan U
Published on August 23, 2026
Taj Agra is inviting guests to make the most of the monsoon season with a specially curated Monsoon Staycation, combining comfortable accommodation with dining and wellness benefits for a relaxed getaway in the historic city.
The staycation offer provides guests with savings across key aspects of their stay, including accommodation, food and beverages, and spa and salon services.
Guests can avail 25% savings on breakfast-inclusive stays, along with daily breakfast at the designated dining venue. The offer also includes 25% savings on food and beverages and 25% savings on spa therapies and salon services during the stay.
Speaking about the offer, Bikram Pradhan, Revenue Manager, Taj Agra, said, “The monsoon season offers a wonderful opportunity to slow down, reconnect and enjoy a more leisurely getaway. Through our Monsoon Staycation, we are delighted to welcome guests to Taj Agra for a relaxed and enriching experience, with thoughtfully curated dining and wellness benefits.”
Additional benefits under the offer include up to 8% NeuCoins on eligible bookings and spends, along with standard Wi-Fi throughout the stay.
The Monsoon Staycation is available for bookings from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with stays valid from 18 July to 30 September 2026.
Located in Agra, Taj Agra offers guests a blend of contemporary hospitality and the cultural heritage of the destination, making it a setting for leisure escapes, celebrations and business stays.
Guests can book the offer through Taj Hotels' official booking platform.
Published on August 22, 2026
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is inviting guests to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed city escape with its new Luxury Retreat Reserve, an experience created around leisurely mornings, unhurried afternoons and memorable evenings.
Set within the luxury urban sanctuary, the stay offers rooms overlooking a sprawling 1,000-acre forest, giving guests a peaceful setting while still being in the heart of the city.
The experience begins with breakfast at Spectra, the award-winning all-day dining restaurant, followed by a three-course lunch at Diya. Known for its contemporary take on Indian cuisine, Diya brings together traditional flavours and a refined dining setting.
Guests can then spend a relaxed afternoon at The Courtyard Garden, where afternoon tea is served among lush greenery and private cabanas. The setting offers a quiet break from the pace of everyday city life.
For guests who prefer to spend their leisure time outdoors, the experience also includes access to activities at The Leela Ambience Golf Greens and The Leela Cycling Trail, available at an additional charge. The 9-hole golf course offers views of the surrounding landscape, while the cycling trail features curated routes for guests looking to explore the outdoors. After an active afternoon, guests can unwind at the spa with an exclusive credit, which can be used towards personalised therapies.
As the day comes to an end, Zanotta offers an Italian dining experience with panoramic Pearl and Ruby views overlooking Gurugram’s skyline. The restaurant combines Italian cuisine, elegant interiors and a curated beverage selection for a refined evening. The experience also includes round-trip transfers within a 10-kilometre radius and a bottle of house wine, adding to the ease of the stay from arrival to departure.
Available for bookings from 1 September 2026, Luxury Retreat Reserve is designed for guests looking to step away from busy schedules and simply enjoy a slower pace, good food, outdoor experiences and the comfort of having nowhere else to be.
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