The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with The Godwin Group for The Leela Jaisalmer, marking its debut in Rajasthan’s famed desert capital, the Golden City. Spread across 30 acres of scenic desert landscape, this 80-room luxury Desert Resort and Spa is slated to open in 2026, enhancing The Leela’s growing presence across India’s leading leisure and cultural destinations.

The signing represents a key milestone in The Leela’s strategic growth, reinforcing its vision to expand through a balanced portfolio of owned and managed assets while maintaining its hallmark of service excellence and luxury.

Located near the historic Jaisalmer Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Leela Jaisalmer is designed to be an oasis of calm in the Thar Desert. The resort will feature elegantly designed rooms and tented villas, an expansive spa, a salon, a dedicated kids’ club, a swimming pool, multiple dining venues, a man-made lake, a pillarless ballroom, and outdoor spaces ideal for weddings and celebrations.

With this signing, The Leela strengthens its footprint across Rajasthan’s high-demand leisure circuit, creating new synergies with The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace Jaipur.

Mr. Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director and Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts Limited, said, “We are delighted to announce our foray into Jaisalmer with our first Desert Resort and Spa. Rajasthan continues to hold immense potential for luxury travel, with Jaisalmer emerging as a preferred destination for global travellers. This signing strategically expands our footprint in one of India’s most evocative landscapes and aligns with our vision to curate distinctive properties that celebrate the essence of India.”

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, Mr. Chiranjeev Singh Bajwa, Director, Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt Ltd, said, “We are excited to partner with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts to bring their distinguished legacy of luxury hospitality to Jaisalmer. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to showcasing India’s rich heritage through experiences that blend world-class standards with a deep sense of place.”

Adding to this, Mr. Tanveer Singh Bajwa, Director, Godwin Palace & Hotels Pvt Ltd, said, “Jaisalmer has long enchanted travellers with its golden landscapes and living history. Together with The Leela, we look forward to creating a desert sanctuary that captures the Golden City’s timeless allure and reimagines luxury for today’s traveller.”

The resort will see the implementation of The Leela’s signature touchpoints and will be branded as The Leela Jaisalmer in 2026, ushering in a new chapter of luxury desert tourism in India. With its refined architecture, serene setting, and thoughtfully designed experiences, the resort will embody Rajasthan’s regal heritage blended with The Leela’s signature expression of luxury with purpose.

The Leela currently operates 13 properties with 3,544 keys across 11 cities in India. With 10 more hotels in the pipeline, including Agra, Ayodhya, Bandhavgarh, Mumbai, Ranthambore, Sikkim, Srinagar, Dubai, and now Jaisalmer, the brand is on track to reach 23 properties with over 5,000 keys in the coming years.

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Kolkata Chapter brought together the city’s dynamic food and beverage community for its much-anticipated Annual Social 2025, held at Olterra, Park Street. The evening was a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, connection, and new beginnings, perfectly capturing the essence of Kolkata’s spirited hospitality scene.

Designed around the theme of togetherness and renewal, the event paid tribute to the chapter’s ongoing journey and the people shaping its future. The evening began with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the outgoing management committee, whose dedication and leadership over the past term strengthened NRAI Kolkata’s initiatives and advocacy efforts.

The spotlight then turned to the new management committee, marking a symbolic transition and ushering in a fresh chapter for the association — one focused on innovation, inclusivity, and continued collaboration within the restaurant industry.

Once the formal proceedings concluded, the evening transformed into a lively celebration. Celebrity DJ Akash Rohira set the tone with an energetic playlist that had guests on their feet. Restaurateurs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals mingled over cocktails and a networking dinner, exchanging ideas and laughter in an atmosphere brimming with warmth and creativity.

Reflecting on the occasion, Abhimanyu Maheshwari, Mentor, NRAI Kolkata Chapter, shared, “It’s heartening to see the Kolkata Chapter continue to grow in strength and vision. The seamless blend of professionalism, passion, and friendship in our community sets a benchmark for others. The evening beautifully captured that spirit of collaboration and renewal.”

Adding his thoughts, Piyush Kankaria, Chapter Head, NRAI Kolkata, said, “This gathering is a celebration of both tradition and teamwork. It reflects the vibrant energy of Kolkata’s restaurant community and our shared commitment to strengthening this ecosystem. As we welcome the new committee, our focus remains on creating more opportunities for collaboration, learning, and growth.”

Representing over 450 restaurants and F&B brands, NRAI Kolkata continues to champion innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and build a strong foundation for the city’s evolving hospitality sector.

The Annual Social 2025 wasn’t just a night of celebration — it was a reminder of Kolkata’s unmatched sense of community, creativity, and connection. As the city’s restaurant fraternity looks ahead, the evening set a positive tone for another year of collaboration and culinary evolution in the City of Joy.

The much-awaited Holiday Expo, Visakhapatnam opened to an enthusiastic response, drawing travel enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourism brands from across India and abroad. The two-day event, held from 7 – 8 November 2025 at RVR Conventions, Ram Nagar, Daspalla Hills, serves as a dynamic platform connecting travel trade and holiday seekers with exciting opportunities and destinations.

The event was inaugurated by Smt. Ekta Kabra of Rajasthan Tourism, who lit the ceremonial lamp, marking the formal opening of the expo. The inaugural function also witnessed the presence of distinguished guests, Mr. K. Vijaymohan, President of the Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA); Mr. Pavan Kartheek, President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Andhra Pradesh; and Mr. Ravi Kumar, President of the Andhra Pradesh Event Management Association.

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Dilip Biswas, Director of Holiday Expo, said, “Visakhapatnam has emerged as one of India’s most promising tourism markets, with growing interest from both leisure and business travellers. Through Holiday Expo, we aim to provide a dynamic marketplace that inspires new travel ideas, partnerships, and experiences for visitors and the industry alike.”

The Holiday Expo features a wide spectrum of tourism products from destinations, hotels, and travel agencies to airlines, cruises, and travel technology providers. With active participation from state tourism boards and private exhibitors, the expo provides a valuable opportunity for travel enthusiasts to explore new destinations and for industry professionals to network and expand their business connections.

This year’s edition includes participation from Rajasthan Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, along with leading travel operators and hospitality brands from across India and overseas. Visitors can explore exclusive offers on domestic and international holidays, special packages from airlines, resorts, and cruise companies, and attractive deals designed to encourage travel planning.

The Holiday Expo, Visakhapatnam will remain open for visitors until 8 November 2025, promising an engaging experience for all travel lovers. The next edition of the Holiday Expo is scheduled to take place in Coimbatore on 23 – 24 January 2026, continuing the event’s mission to promote travel, tourism, and business networking across key cities in India.