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By Author
Published on December 29, 2023
In a significant move to rejuvenate the tourism sector, the Himachal Pradesh government kicked off the inaugural Shimla Winter Carnival, a 12-day celebration aimed at uplifting the spirits of the hill state. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated the event at the historic Ridge, marking a historic moment for the city.
The winter carnival holds special significance as it comes on the heels of a challenging period for Himachal Pradesh's tourism industry, severely impacted by the recent monsoon disruptions. Chief Minister Sukhu, during the inauguration, acknowledged the adverse effects of the monsoon fury but expressed optimism about the state's recovery. He highlighted the influx of 30,000 tourist vehicles in the past days as a promising sign of the tourism industry's revival.
Emphasizing the government's commitment to promoting tourism, Chief Minister Sukhu announced a substantial increase in the budget for the tourism sector, reaching Rs. 3,000 crores from the previous Rs. 50 crores. This financial boost aims to support the recovery efforts and further elevate Himachal Pradesh as a preferred tourist destination.
To facilitate a seamless experience for visitors, the state government has permitted all restaurants, dhabas, and food shops to remain open 24 hours from December 20, 2023, to January 5, 2024. This move is aligned with the government's focus on providing a warm welcome to tourists and enhancing their overall experience in the state.
The Winter Carnival promises an array of attractions, including cultural parades, folk dance performances like Mahanati, and exhibitions featuring local dishes and cultural programs. The carnival, set to conclude on January 5, 2024, is strategically timed during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere in Shimla.
Apart from being a delightful experience for tourists, the carnival aims to celebrate Himachal Pradesh's rich cultural heritage. Cultural programs such as Kullavi Nati and Singtu of Sirmaur district were presented, contributing to the vibrant celebration. The event, graced by dignitaries, including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, is expected to have a positive economic impact on the state.
The Shimla Winter Carnival signifies a turning point for Himachal Pradesh's tourism, ushering in hope, festive cheer, and a promising outlook for the future.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on August 30, 2026
Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, is set to bring its ASAI Hotels brand to Malaysia with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove on 15 September 2026. Located in the 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township in Selangor, the 13-storey hotel is around 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
With 280 rooms, ASAI Gamuda Cove will be the largest ASAI property to date and the brand's first hotel outside a city neighbourhood. It will also become Dusit's second hotel in Malaysia, following Dusit Princess Melaka, which opened in December 2024.
The hotel follows ASAI's Live Local approach, with the surrounding nature and attractions playing a key role in the guest experience. It is located beside the 1,111-acre Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary where guests can explore freshwater wetlands and spot native wildlife. The nearby 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum also offers walking trails, birdwatching and environmental learning activities.
For families and adventure seekers, SplashMania Waterpark is nearby with 39 slides and attractions, while Discovery Park offers outdoor recreation and entertainment. An electric tram network connects different parts of the township, making it easier for guests to move between its nature, leisure and commercial areas.
The hotel will offer a range of room categories, from compact rooms for solo travellers and couples to balcony rooms, bunk-bed options and a two-room family category that can accommodate up to six guests. Selected rooms will overlook the wetlands, while facilities include fast Wi-Fi, smart televisions, walk-in showers and practical storage.
Guests can also make use of an infinity pool overlooking the wetlands, a gym, co-working areas and flexible meeting and event spaces for up to 100 people. Dining will be spread across three venues, with Malaysian flavours at the heart of the offering.
Nasi & Khao will combine Malaysian and Thai comfort food with familiar Western dishes. Tea Shop will offer curated teas and light bites from morning until late, while the Pool Bar will serve handcrafted cocktails, refreshments and snacks alongside views of the infinity pool and Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.
The property's location will also place guests around 20 minutes by car from Sepang International Circuit, where Formula 1 will return for the first time since 2017 with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, scheduled from 2–4 October 2026.
"ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our Live Local approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together," said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. "It will give travellers a comfortable and practical base, provide local residents with new places to meet and dine, and put the wetlands and the wider township within easy reach. Opening just ahead of Formula 1's return gives us an excellent opportunity to demonstrate what ASAI offers to visitors from Malaysia and around the world. And the hotel's role will extend well beyond the race weekend: we want every stay to help guests experience more of the area and connect with the people who call it home."
ASAI Hotels focuses on travellers looking for well-designed essentials, accessible rates and a closer connection with the destinations they visit. The brand combines compact and functional rooms with social, dining and co-working spaces that reflect the local setting.
ASAI Gamuda Cove will become the brand's fourth operating hotel, joining ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, ASAI Bangkok Sathorn and ASAI Kyoto Shijo in Japan.
The Malaysian opening is another step in Dusit's expansion in the country. Following Dusit Princess Melaka in December 2024, the company is also preparing to open Dusit Princess Ipoh in October 2026, with further details to be announced soon.
Sundays at Horizon, the Pan-Asian rooftop restaurant at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, now come with a new reason to stay a little longer. The hotel has introduced FOMO, its signature Sunday brunch experience, bringing together Pan-Asian flavours, free-flowing pours, commercial retro music and panoramic views of Bengaluru.
Located 31 floors above the city, FOMO is designed as a relaxed afternoon where guests can enjoy good food, drinks and music while taking in the changing cityscape. The experience revolves around four elements — Flavour. Overpour. Music. Over the City.
The food offering features a curated Pan-Asian set menu served to the table, with sushi, sashimi, dim sum, bao, Asian grills and wok-fired specialties. Alongside the food, guests can enjoy unlimited champagne and cocktails, while the music gradually picks up through the afternoon. As the afternoon moves towards sunset, Horizon's rooftop setting adds another part to the experience, with wide views across Bengaluru and the city skyline providing the backdrop.
FOMO is positioned for different kinds of Sunday plans, whether it is a birthday celebration, a long lunch with friends, a family gathering, a girls' afternoon or simply a relaxed Sunday spent over good food and drinks. The four-hour brunch runs from 1 pm to 5 pm, giving guests the freedom to settle in and enjoy the menu and free-flowing pours at their own pace.
For guests who want to continue into the evening, FOMO: Sky After Dark offers an extended experience from 5 pm to 7 pm. The sundowner brings together cocktails, sparkling pours, music and the city lights at Horizon.
Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest alliance of independent hotel brands, is strengthening its presence in Turkey and Poland with the addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels to its portfolio.
The two homegrown hospitality brands will together bring 15 hotels into the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme. The Marmara Hotels' six properties across Turkey are already live on the programme, while PURO Hotels' portfolio is set to join in Q3 2026. The latest additions highlight the growing interest among independent hotel brands in gaining international reach while keeping their local identity and character intact.
"Independent hotel brands are increasingly looking for ways to reach more international travellers while staying true to their local identity," said GHA CEO Chris Hartley. "GHA enables brands to achieve this by combining global reach and scale with the freedom to maintain their individuality. With their amazing history and unique culture, Turkey and Poland are destinations experiencing significant growth in international demand, as people expand their travel horizons, and we are now able to offer a fabulous choice of hotels in these markets."
With more than four decades of experience, The Marmara Hotels has its roots in Istanbul and combines contemporary comfort with Turkish heritage. Its portfolio includes hotels in Taksim Square and Pera, along with properties in Bodrum and Antalya.
Each property is designed around the character of its destination, while reflecting the warmth and generosity associated with Turkish hospitality. The brand's connection to local heritage can also be seen through its involvement in preserving historic landmarks, including Esma Sultan Palace by the Bosphorus and the restored Zeyrek Çinili Hamam.
PURO Hotels brings a modern urban approach to hospitality, with its hotels located across Warsaw, Wrocław, Kraków, Poznań, Gdańsk and Łódź.
The brand combines design, art, gastronomy and local culture to create spaces that appeal to both travellers and local communities. Its hotels also serve as social hubs where people can meet, work, enjoy food and experience culture. PURO blends local influences with Nordic sensibilities and focuses on creating stays that go beyond comfort. The brand is also expanding outside Poland, with its first international hotels planned for Budapest in 2026 and Prague in 2027.
"These brands are particularly exciting additions to GHA, marking the arrival of our first homegrown Polish and Turkish hotel brands. Each brings a strong sense of place, deep local expertise and a distinctive hospitality culture to our portfolio. This is at the heart of what we want to offer our members: authentic experiences rooted in the destinations they visit, while giving independent brands a global platform to share their unique stories," concludes Hartley.
The addition of The Marmara Hotels and PURO Hotels further expands the choice available to GHA DISCOVERY members while giving both independent brands access to a wider international audience.
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