Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

Shimla Winter Carnival: A Historic Celebration Boosting Himachal's Tourism

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.

image

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.


Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

Marriott International Recognised Among Top Five in 2025 World’s Best Workplaces

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marriott International, Inc. has been recognised as one of the top five World’s Best Workplaces for 2025 by Great Place To Work and Fortune magazine. The global recognition underscores Marriott’s enduring commitment to excellence, its strong people-first culture, and its focus on fostering employee growth across the world.

“We are honored to once again be named one of the world’s best workplaces. This recognition reflects Marriott’s longstanding commitment to excellence and our people-first culture that continues to be our north star across the company and around the world,” said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. “This year’s recognition is a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of our global teams and a powerful affirmation of the core values we’ve upheld for nearly a century. I am proud of our associates’ dedication to creating authentic and memorable experiences for our members and guests and being a force for good in our communities.”

Marriott’s culture is built on its “Be” people brand, which empowers associates to begin their career journey, belong to a global team, and become the best version of themselves. The company’s signature learning initiative, Elevate, helps frontline associates step into leadership roles by providing essential skills and confidence for career advancement.

According to Marriott, associates who participated in Elevate are twice as likely to experience career growth through a job change within the organisation and over five times more likely to be promoted compared to those who have not yet taken part in the program.

Today, nearly 800,000 associates around the world proudly wear the Marriott badge, delivering exceptional guest experiences and building rewarding careers. The company’s ongoing recognition as one of the best workplaces globally reflects its deep commitment to opportunity, empowerment, and community impact.

“The powerful impact of these great companies on our planet is a sacred trust,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work. “Of the more than nine million employees surveyed, more workers at these remarkable companies say their company trusts them and wants them to grow as people and professionals. These economic powerhouses also strengthen the communities where they operate and are leaving behind a better world than the one they inherited.”

Alyson Shontell, Editor-in-Chief of Fortune, added, “The World’s Best Workplaces list casts an important spotlight on what employees believe are today’s exceptional workplaces, companies where they feel trusted, empowered, and energized to do their best work.”

To learn more about Marriott’s workplace culture and career opportunities, visit Marriott Careers.


Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

Four Seasons unveils New World Icons 2027 Private Jet Experience with five first-time destinations

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Marking a decade of redefining luxury travel, Four Seasons has announced the debut of New World Icons, an all-new Private Jet Experience itinerary set to take flight from March 26 to April 14, 2027. The 20-day global journey introduces five first-time destinations, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, along with the return of two guest favourites, Hong Kong and Langkawi.

The New World Icons experience invites 48 travellers to embark on an extraordinary adventure combining city vibrancy, island serenity, and natural splendour. Highlights include snowmobiling across Iceland’s Langjökull Glacier, admiring the grandeur of Venice’s Doge’s Palace, and exploring Langkawi’s limestone karsts and mangrove forests. Guests will stay at some of the newest and most iconic Four Seasons properties, including the soon-to-open Danieli, A Four Seasons Hotel, Venice, and the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo San Lucas at Cabo Del Sol.

image

Marc Speichert, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Four Seasons, said, “The Four Seasons Private Jet Experience continues to evolve with our guests’ growing curiosity and desire for transformative and meaningful travel. New World Icons builds on our legacy of seamless, personalized travel, boundless freedom, and unrivalled discovery, continuing to redefine how guests experience the world with Four Seasons.”

The curated itinerary spans seven destinations, Hong Kong, Langkawi, Jaipur, Venice, Iceland, Anguilla, and Los Cabos, balancing cultural depth and relaxation. Guests can expect exclusive experiences such as palace galas in Jaipur, helicopter rides over Cortina d’Ampezzo from Venice, and deep-sea fishing in Los Cabos. Each journey is supported by a dedicated Four Seasons team, including an Executive Chef, Concierge, Journey Physician, and Experience Manager, ensuring world-class comfort aboard the customized Airbus A321neo-LR designed for just 48 passengers.

Priced from USD 219,000 per person (based on double occupancy), New World Icons represents Four Seasons’ latest step in expanding its experiential travel offerings.

Meanwhile, most of the 2026 Four Seasons Private Jet itineraries, including Asia Unveiled, Ancient Explorer, International Intrigue, and World of Wellness, are already near full capacity, reaffirming the growing demand for immersive, personalized global travel.

With New World Icons, Four Seasons once again elevates the art of journeying, blending luxury, exploration, and cultural connection into one seamless experience.


Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

Haldiram’s Eyes Global Palate with Talks to Bring Jimmy John’s to India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 16, 2025

Indian sweets giant Haldiram Group is reportedly in advanced talks with US-based Inspire Brands to bring the American sandwich chain Jimmy John’s to India. The move marks a significant step for Haldiram’s as it looks to enter the Western-style quick service restaurant (QSR) space, appealing to younger, urban consumers with global flavours.

According to reports, the talks are at an advanced stage, and the franchise deal could be finalised soon. The partnership would represent one of Haldiram’s boldest strategic shifts, expanding its reach beyond its traditional Indian offerings. Analysts suggest the move could reshape both Haldiram’s business trajectory and the competitive landscape of India’s ₹7.76 lakh crore food services market.

Founded in 1983, Jimmy John’s is a popular American sandwich and wrap chain known for its fast delivery and customisable menu. The brand operates over 2,600 restaurants across the US, Canada, South Korea, and the UAE. Its parent company, Inspire Brands, manages over 33,000 restaurants globally and has expressed strong interest in expanding Jimmy John’s international footprint.

For Haldiram’s, this move aligns with its growing ambitions in the hospitality sector. A member of the Agarwal family told Economic Times that the group aims to compete with international brands like Subway and Tim Hortons while connecting with aspirational young Indians who prefer Western café formats.

If finalised, the QSR venture will operate under Haldiram’s restaurant division, which already manages over 150 outlets nationwide and generates around ₹2,000 crore in annual revenue. This would be separate from its FMCG business, which reported ₹12,800 crore in revenue and ₹1,400 crore in net profit for FY24.

The development follows a series of strategic moves by Haldiram’s. In April 2025, the company merged its Delhi and Nagpur FMCG arms and attracted major investors, including Temasek and Alpha Wave Global. Earlier this year, Kamal Agrawal, a family member, led a ₹150 crore investment in Wow! Momo, hinting at Haldiram’s growing appetite for the QSR segment.

Industry experts note that India’s QSR market is entering a new phase, driven by rising disposable incomes and growing demand from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. As western chains such as Subway, Tim Hortons, and McDonald’s expand aggressively, Haldiram’s move could create a unique fusion of Indian trust and international appeal.

By combining its strong domestic legacy with Jimmy John’s global brand power, Haldiram’s may well bridge the gap between India’s traditional food culture and its fast-modernising dining habits, offering a new recipe for the next generation’s appetite.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.