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.


Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

Oohmami Debuts at Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru with Rooftop Pan-Asian Dining

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2026

 Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru has unveiled Oohmami, a new rooftop dining destination that brings together contemporary Pan-Asian cuisine, signature cocktails and immersive entertainment in a vibrant setting overlooking the city.

Located on the 12th floor of the hotel, Oohmami has been designed as a day-to-night destination where guests can enjoy bold flavours, curated music and a lively social atmosphere. The concept blends modern dining with engaging hospitality, offering an experience that extends beyond a traditional restaurant visit.

The opening marks a new addition to Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru's food and beverage portfolio, with a focus on creating memorable culinary and social experiences for both residents and visitors.

image

Commenting on the launch, Manuj Sawhney, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, said:

“We are incredibly excited to reveal Oohmami to Bengaluru. This has been a deeply collaborative journey, with our teams thoughtfully curating every detail, from the design language and interiors to the culinary and beverage experiences to create a destination that feels distinctive, welcoming and relevant to a wide range of occasions. As we open our doors, we are excited to invite the city to TURN UP THE HEAT with us.”

The menu features a range of contemporary Pan-Asian dishes, including Cream Cheese Dim Sum, Seoul Spicy Prawn Ramyun, Bang On Shrimp, Tokyo Chicken Karaage, and Thai Galangal Dumpling Soup, showcasing a modern interpretation of Asian flavours.

Complementing the food is a thoughtfully curated beverage programme centred on contemporary cocktails, while live performances, curated music and immersive programming add to the rooftop venue's energetic atmosphere.

Launched on July 17, 2026, Oohmami is currently accepting reservations for dinner service, welcoming guests to experience a new rooftop dining destination where flavour, music and city views come together.


Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director to Drive Next Growth Phase

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts Appoints Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director to Drive Next Growth Phase

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has appointed Gaurav Mudgal as Managing Director, marking a key leadership milestone as the company enters its next phase of expansion across Rajasthan and other emerging leisure destinations.

The appointment comes as Black Rock Hotels & Resorts strengthens its position as one of Rajasthan's growing hotel management companies, with a strategic focus on luxury resorts, destination hotels, experiential hospitality assets, and owner-focused management solutions.

In his new role, Gaurav Mudgal will oversee the company's strategic growth initiatives, business development, owner relations, operational performance, and expansion into larger hospitality projects. He will also focus on enhancing Black Rock's management solutions for hotel owners while driving sustainable long-term growth.

With over 22 years of hospitality experience, Mudgal brings extensive expertise in pre-opening strategy, commercial planning, revenue management, sales, distribution, marketing, and full hotel operations. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with hotel owners to develop commercially successful hospitality assets by integrating revenue strategies and operational planning from the early stages of development.

Prior to joining Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, Mudgal held leadership positions with leading hospitality organisations including Fairmont Jaipur and InterContinental Hotels Group, gaining experience across luxury hospitality operations and commercial strategy.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Mudgal, Managing Director, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said, "Black Rock has witnessed remarkable growth over the last few years, and we are now entering a phase where scale, strategic planning and execution will define our success. Our focus will be on expanding our portfolio of luxury resorts, destination hotels and experiential hospitality assets while strengthening our management solutions for hotel owners."

He added, "We also want to partner with owners from the earliest stages of development, helping them create commercially successful hospitality assets through strong planning, revenue strategy and operational excellence. I look forward to working closely with our team to create long-term value for our owners, guests and stakeholders."

Anshul Bhargava, Founder & Chairman, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts, said that Mudgal's understanding of commercial strategy, hotel operations, and owner expectations makes him the ideal leader to guide the company through its next phase of growth.

He added that as Black Rock continues to expand its portfolio with larger hospitality assets and destination-led developments, Mudgal's leadership will play an important role in delivering value for partners and strengthening the company's market position.

The company is expected to continue its growth across Rajasthan and other high-potential leisure destinations, with a focus on luxury resorts, destination wedding venues, wildlife hospitality, and large experiential properties.

With an expanding portfolio, strong development pipeline, and experienced leadership team, Black Rock Hotels & Resorts is positioning itself for the next chapter of growth in India's evolving hospitality sector.


Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

Jaypee Hotels Celebrates Mango Season with 'More Mango' Menu at The Boomerang Café

By Hariharan U

Published on July 21, 2026

Jaypee Hotels has introduced its exclusive seasonal 'More Mango' menu at The Boomerang Café, offering guests a refreshing culinary experience inspired by India's favourite summer fruit.

Curated by Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh, the limited-period menu brings together fresh seasonal mangoes, premium ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques to showcase the versatility of the king of fruits across beverages, appetisers, salads, and desserts.

Designed to celebrate the vibrant flavours of the season, the specially crafted menu combines traditional favourites with innovative creations, highlighting the natural sweetness of ripe mangoes while pairing them with complementary ingredients that enhance every dish.

The beverage selection includes refreshing classics such as Aam Panna, Mango Shake, and Mango Lassi, all prepared using handpicked seasonal mangoes. Guests can also enjoy a variety of light and flavourful starters including Mango Salsa with Nachos, Mango Avocado Salad, and Chicken Mango Salad, offering a refreshing balance of fresh produce, herbs, and vibrant dressings.

The culinary experience concludes with indulgent desserts such as Cut Mango with Ice Cream and the traditional Mango Shrikhand, bringing together classic Indian flavours with the richness of seasonal mangoes.

Commenting on the launch, Executive Chef Harsha Pal Singh said that mango is much more than a seasonal fruit, representing nostalgia, celebration, and togetherness. He added that the "More Mango" menu has been designed to honour this beloved ingredient while presenting it through fresh and contemporary culinary interpretations that create memorable dining experiences.

The introduction of the seasonal menu reflects Jaypee Hotels' continued focus on creating innovative dining experiences centred around fresh, locally inspired ingredients. By blending authentic Indian flavours with modern culinary craftsmanship, The Boomerang Café continues to offer guests unique gastronomic experiences throughout the year.

Available for a limited period, the "More Mango" menu invites families, food enthusiasts, and mango lovers to savour the flavours of the season while experiencing Jaypee Hotels' signature hospitality.

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.