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.


Lucofast Expands Distribution Network Across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai

Lucofast Expands Distribution Network Across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai

By Hariharan U

Published on December 14, 2025

Lucofast Foods and Beverages Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s fastest-growing hydration drink brands, has announced its official expansion into Mumbai and Navi Mumbai with the launch of a newly established distributor network. The move marks a key milestone in the brand’s growth journey and strengthens its footprint in one of the country’s most competitive FMCG markets.

With this expansion, Lucofast’s full hydration drink range Strawberry Lemonade, Peach and Passion Fruit, and Citrus Orange will now be available across retail stores, gyms, cafés, modern trade outlets, and general trade locations throughout the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Announcing the expansion, Arif Sharif, Brand Manager, Lucofast Foods and Beverages Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to bring Lucofast to Mumbai. In a short span of time, Lucofast has built a strong consumer base across Pune city, and entering Mumbai is a natural step in our expansion strategy. Over the next two months, customers will start seeing Lucofast products widely available across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai as we scale our distribution footprint.”

Lucofast has been witnessing accelerated growth, driven by rising consumer demand for pure, functional, and refreshing hydration beverages. Its non-carbonated, non-caffeinated formulation, enriched with electrolytes and B vitamins, positions the brand as a preferred alternative for consumers seeking sustained energy without the crash associated with traditional energy drinks.

The Mumbai and Navi Mumbai rollout further strengthens Lucofast’s presence across general trade, modern trade, and on-the-go retail formats, supporting the brand’s long-term vision of becoming a hydration-first beverage brand in India.

As Lucofast continues its nationwide expansion, the company remains focused on delivering high-quality, great-tasting hydration solutions tailored to active and everyday lifestyles.

Key Highlights:

  • Launch of a dedicated distributor network across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai

  • Widespread availability expected within the next 60 days

  • Strengthened presence across general trade, modern trade, and fitness-led outlets

  • Reinforces Lucofast’s mission to lead the hydration-focused beverage category in India


Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk Crosses 1.60 Lakh Cases in 2025, Targets 2.70 Lakh by March 2026

Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk Crosses 1.60 Lakh Cases in 2025, Targets 2.70 Lakh by March 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 14, 2025

Sanjay Dutt’s The Glenwalk has marked another major milestone in 2025, crossing 1.60 lakh cases and setting its target at 2.70 lakh cases by March 2026. After emerging as Maharashtra’s No. 1 selling Scotch whisky earlier this year, the brand has continued its rapid growth, supported by strong consumer demand, sharp category insight, and a flavour profile created for the Indian palate. This performance builds on the 60,000 cases the brand sold between April and September 2025, during a time when the global whisky industry saw shifts due to economic changes, regulations, and evolving consumption behaviour.

Entering the final quarter of the year, The Glenwalk strengthened its momentum and expanded from a state-level success to a growing national brand. Its presence across Indian states and duty-free markets has helped accelerate its reach, and the brand is also preparing to introduce a new range of contemporary expressions in the coming year.

Speaking on the brand’s rise, Mokksh Sani, Founder of Living Liquidz & Mansionz and Co-founder of Cartel Bros., said, “2025 has validated everything we believed about The Glenwalk: its craft, its distinct taste, and its resonance with today’s Indian consumer. Crossing 1.60 lakh cases by November is a testament to this momentum, but we are only getting started. With robust demand and clear market opportunities, we are confidently targeting 2.70 lakh cases by March 2026. The Glenwalk is not just growing, it is shaping the future of premium Scotch consumption in India.”

The Glenwalk’s growth has also been backed by a strong portfolio of awards. The brand was named the ‘Most Disruptive Brand of the Year’ at the 8th Talent Track Awards and has earned several global honours, including a Bronze Medal at the London Spirits Awards 2025, Gold and Silver wins at ProWine 2023 and 2024, Silver medals at the London Spirits Competition and the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2024, a Silver Medal at the IWSC 2024, and a Gold at the Spiritz Achiever Awards 2024. These recognitions highlight the contribution of co-founders Mokksh Sani, Jitin Merani, Rohan Nihalani, Manish Sani, and Chief Business Officer Vishal Rajan.

Co-founder Sanjay Dutt added, “Watching The Glenwalk win hearts across India has been incredibly fulfilling. 2025 was a landmark year, and the awards we’ve received reaffirm the passion and precision behind this brand. As we look to 2026, our vision is even stronger, greater reach, deeper consumer connections, and a commitment to delivering a world-class Scotch experience crafted for India.”

As it moves into 2026, The Glenwalk is preparing for its most ambitious growth phase. The brand is experiencing rising demand across on-trade and retail channels and is expanding production, strengthening distributor partnerships, and aiming for deeper penetration in key markets within India and internationally.


Meliá Pattaya Hotel and LAY Beach Club Celebrate Their First Christmas with Festive Buffets and Seaside Parties

Meliá Pattaya Hotel and LAY Beach Club Celebrate Their First Christmas with Festive Buffets and Seaside Parties

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 14, 2025

Meliá Pattaya Hotel and LAY Beach Club, both launched on February 14 this year near Bangkok, are celebrating their very first Christmas with a series of festive events. From lavish buffets to seaside countdown parties, the celebrations bring together food, music, and holiday cheer.

At Meliá Pattaya Hotel, the festive mood begins at Yítong Chinese Restaurant with the Christmas Eve Dinner, a luxurious buffet held on December 24 from 7 pm until late, offering Chinese favourites along with Western seasonal dishes. The celebration continues on Christmas Day, December 25, with a Traditional Christmas Day Buffet at Sanehh Sarae and DEN from 1 pm to 4 pm. Guests can enjoy roast turkey with all the trimmings, international selections, and rich desserts, along with an optional free-flow package of wine and beer. Both Christmas buffets, with an optional beverage package.

New Year’s Eve at Meliá Pattaya brings two grand celebrations on December 31 from 7 pm onwards, set against Pattaya’s stunning fireworks. Yítong Chinese Restaurant will host a New Year’s Eve Chinese Kitchen Party featuring signature dishes and festive specials, with a free-flow package available that includes wine, beer, and a midnight sparkling wine toast. Guests can also welcome 2026 at Yítong Sky Bar with the New Year’s Eve Countdown party, which includes gourmet canapés, free-flow wine and beer, and a midnight glass of sparkling wine. The hotel is also offering a NYE Sparkling Staycation package for stays from December 31 to January 1, inclusive of the New Year’s Eve dinner buffet and daily breakfast.

At LAY Beach Club, the festive cheer continues by the sea. The Christmas Eve by the Sea event on December 24 offers an international buffet with holiday favourites, live entertainment, and a relaxed beachfront vibe. Christmas Day Brunch on December 25 features carving stations, gourmet treats, and holiday-inspired dishes from 1 pm to 4 pm. The celebrations extend to December 26 with a Boxing Day BBQ filled with premium grilled meats, seafood, sides, and salads in a chilled-out setting. The Christmas Eve and Boxing Day buffets and Christmas Day Brunch will add a perfect tone for celebration. A free-flow wine and beer package is also available at each event.

LAY Beach Club will close the year with the New Year’s Eve Seafood Buffet & Countdown Party from 7 pm until late, offering guests a front-row view of Pattaya’s spectacular fireworks. The evening will feature fresh seafood, shellfish, gourmet dishes, live music, and a glass of sparkling wine at midnight.

“Our ‘A Season to Sparkle’ program is extra special as it makes for our first Christmas welcoming guests, as we reflect on what has been a remarkable debut year for our hotel,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “From refined Chinese feasts high above Pattaya to relaxed beachfront brunches with toes in the sand, every celebration with us this festive season will be one joy with Mediterranean flair.”

Meliá Pattaya Hotel is a 12-storey urban resort with 234 rooms, offering views of the Gulf of Thailand. The property features a diverse dining landscape including Yítong Chinese Restaurant and Sky Bar, DEN with Japanese-Peruvian Nikkei cuisine, and Sanehh Sarae inspired by flavours from the coastal villages of Bang Saray.

LAY Beach Club, located on Beach Road, features a hydro bar where the pool merges with the ocean, surrounded by loungers, cabanas, and a Mediterranean-style lounge with a chic rooftop overlooking Pattaya Beach.

For more information or to make a booking at Meliá Pattaya Hotel, guests can visit the official website.

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.