In a significant move for its Asia growth strategy, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) has announced the signing of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts (THR), marking its formal entry into Japan’s fast-growing tourism market.

The agreement will see more than 40 properties operated by THR integrated into GHA DISCOVERY, GHA’s multi-brand loyalty platform that connects over 34 million members worldwide across 50 independent hotel brands.

Tokyu Hotels’ portfolio spans key destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Okinawa, offering a spectrum of experiences from beach resorts to premium business hotels. The group’s brands include The Capitol Hotel Tokyu, Tokyu Hotel, Tokyu Resort Hotel, Excel Hotel Tokyu and Tokyu Rei Hotel, alongside its DISTINCTIVE SELECTION collection featuring lifestyle-forward concepts such as Stream Hotel and Storyline.

Japan continues to record strong tourism numbers, welcoming 42.7 million international visitors in 2025, with Tokyo consistently ranking among the world’s most visited cities. The country’s blend of heritage, innovation and refined hospitality has positioned it as a cornerstone of global travel demand.

“With Japan seeing a sustained boom in tourism, our agreement with TOKYU HOTELS is both timely and strategic,” said Chris Hartley, CEO of GHA. “We look forward to welcoming such an authentic and well-established Japanese brand into the GHA family – it will mark a key milestone in expanding our presence in one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world.”

Founded in 1960, Tokyu Hotels & Resorts is widely associated with Japanese elegance and service precision. The group was also among the founders and previous owners of the Pan Pacific brand in 1989 and continues to maintain marketing ties for select properties.

“This partnership is a natural step forward in our international strategy,” said Takashi Takei, President and Representative Director of THR. “As a hotel chain rooted in Shibuya — one of Tokyo’s most dynamic destinations — we are pleased to join forces with GHA to offer our guests greater benefits through GHA DISCOVERY while introducing our unique Japanese hospitality to a broader global audience.”

With this alliance, GHA strengthens its footprint in Asia while Tokyu Hotels gains access to a powerful global loyalty ecosystem, setting the stage for deeper cross-border travel engagement in the years ahead

This Women’s Day, Keen Mustard Ventures is blending indulgence with impact. The Bengaluru-based hospitality collective has introduced ‘Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding,’ a limited-edition dessert available exclusively on March 8 across its brands Daysie, Serious Slice and Quarter House.

More than just a celebratory sweet, the initiative carries a deeper purpose. A percentage of proceeds from every portion sold will be donated to Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust, a Bengaluru-based organisation focused on strengthening educational access and infrastructure in rural Karnataka.

Golden Embrace is designed as a layered, flavour-forward creation. The dessert features a warm hazelnut toffee pudding with a molten chocolate centre, lightly dusted with icing sugar and finished with a dark chocolate drizzle. It is paired with banana caramel ice cream and praline crumble, bringing together richness and texture in every bite.

“At Keen Mustard Ventures, we see hospitality as more than just dining - it's about building experiences that feel alive and connected to the communities around us. With Golden Embrace, we wanted to mark Women’s Day in a way that goes beyond symbolism. By supporting Shri Balabyraweshwara Educational & Charitable Trust and its work in strengthening rural education infrastructure, we’re contributing to an initiative that creates tangible, long-term impact,” said Anirudh Kheny, Founder of Keen Mustard Ventures.

Established in 2010, the Trust works closely with government and rural schools across Karnataka to improve basic facilities and create better learning environments for students from underserved communities. Through this partnership, Keen Mustard Ventures hopes to support sustained educational development while encouraging guests to participate in meaningful change through a simple dining choice.

The Golden Embrace – Hazelnut Toffee Pudding will be available only on Women’s Day across all participating outlets in Bengaluru, turning a festive indulgence into a shared contribution towards a larger cause.

The beachfront landmark Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach has unveiled GDV 2.0 at its iconic outlet Gadda Da Vida, marking a refreshed culinary direction rooted in bold coastal flavours and refined cocktail craftsmanship.

More than just a menu update, GDV 2.0 leans confidently into a seafood-forward narrative. Signature highlights include Lobster Tail with Mustard Butter, Seared Salmon with Lemon Butter, Caribbean Blackened Snapper with Plantain Purée and Miso Glazed Seabass. From Charcoal-Grilled Prawns in Jerk Marinade to Fish Cafreal with Smoked Potato Mash, the dishes focus on fresh ingredients, layered seasoning and contemporary presentation.

The menu also introduces interactive shareable plates designed for social dining. Fennel-Smoked Fried Prawns, Jerk Chicken Skewers and Crispy Calamari Rings sit alongside inventive vegetarian options such as Malvani Soy ‘Tacos’ and Truffle Mushroom Xacuti Tartlets. The coastal story continues into desserts with Tropical Fruit Pavlova, Coconut Mango Panna Cotta and Espresso Tiramisu.

Complementing the cuisine is a curated cocktail programme crafted to enhance the seafood-led menu. Signature drinks including Angel's Delight, Synapse Sour, Temple Smoke, Gadda's Secret and Plumnori feature progressive infusions, layered aromatics and vibrant flavour profiles. Contemporary plating and mixology theatre add visual drama, transforming sunset dining into a multisensory beachfront experience.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, said, “With GDV 2.0, our vision was to go beyond a menu refresh and reimagine the entire beachfront experience at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach. Gadda Da Vida has always been synonymous with sundowners, and this change allows us to align the culinary narrative more closely with our seaside setting. With this menu revamp, we aim to elevate the value proposition of our F&B portfolio while reinforcing our standing as one of Mumbai's most dynamic beachfront hospitality destinations.”

With GDV 2.0, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach strengthens its position as a vibrant seaside hotspot, blending curated cuisine, cocktail innovation and high-energy social ambience into a refreshed sundowner destination.