Skal International Surat – South Gujarat Officially Launches, Strengthening Skal’s Presence in India

Skal International Surat – South Gujarat Officially Launches, Strengthening Skal’s Presence in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 19, 2025

The vibrant city of Surat witnessed a landmark moment as the Installation and Inauguration Ceremony of the newly formed Skål International Surat – South Gujarat club took place at Emerald 1, Orange Megastructure LLP (formerly TGB). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Skal International India board members and was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and commitment from all participants.

This newest addition to the Skal India family marks a significant step in the organization’s mission to establish active clubs in every state and union territory of the country. The event featured valuable discussions, forward-thinking suggestions, and a shared vision for collaborative growth in the tourism and hospitality sector.

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“It is heartening to see the spirit with which Surat has embraced the Skal movement. This club is set to become a beacon of positive change for the region’s tourism community. Our mission remains to be the unified voice of progress and cooperation in Indian travel and hospitality,” said Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skal International India.

The Skal International Surat – South Gujarat team also shared their enthusiasm for the future. “We are honored to become part of this global movement. With passion, purpose, and partnership, we aim to elevate Surat’s presence in the international tourism map,” said Rajiv Shah, President, Skål International Surat – South Gujarat.

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The office bearers of the newly inaugurated club are Rajiv Shah - President, Vikas Gupta - Vice President, Sumit Bansal – Secretary, Vimal Vaghani – Treasurer, Sumit Saluja - Director-PR, Communication & CSR, and Nitin Gupta – Membership Development Officer.

Skal India continues its journey with renewed zeal to foster professional camaraderie, build bridges across borders, and create opportunities that benefit the industry and its stakeholders. Here's to many more milestones ahead as the future of tourism in India takes shape.

About Skal International India: 

Skal International India is part of Skal International, the world’s largest global network of travel, tourism, and hospitality professionals in leadership roles, with over 13,000 members across 85 countries. The organization is dedicated to promoting global tourism, business ethics, and cultural understanding through its vast network of chapters and events.


Taj Expands Footprint with New Signing in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh

Taj Expands Footprint with New Signing in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality firm, has announced the signing of a new Taj-branded hotel in Naina Tikker, Himachal Pradesh. This brownfield project marks the brand's strategic expansion into a serene, relatively unexplored hill station in the Sirmaur district.

The upcoming 120-key Taj Naina Tikker will offer uninterrupted views of the majestic Dhauladhar mountain range. The resort will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty restaurant, bar, and a lobby lounge. For events and celebrations, it will include a spacious 4,000 sq. ft. banquet hall, meeting rooms, and pre-function areas. Wellness facilities such as a heated pool, gym, spa, health club, and activity centre aim to enhance the experience for both leisure and group travellers.

Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice PresidentReal Estate & Development, IHCL, stated, “Naina Tikker represents a unique opportunity for the Taj brand to mark its presence in a relatively unexplored part of Himachal Pradesh... It is poised to become a sought-after destination for leisure, MICE and social celebrations.”

Located amidst protected forests, Naina Tikker is a tranquil destination known for its pristine beauty, spiritual heritage, and vibrant biodiversity. With landmarks like the Mata Naina Tikker shrine and Bhureshwar Mahadev Temple, the area holds strong appeal for both spiritual and nature-loving travellers.

Mr. Sachin Kapoor and Ms. Sagarika Kapoor of Micro Turners Group, the hotel’s development partner, said, “We are excited to partner with IHCL for another project and bring the iconic Taj brand to Naina Tikker. This collaboration will redefine luxury hospitality in the region.”

With this addition, IHCL will have a total of 13 hotels in Himachal Pradesh, including eight currently under development, further strengthening its foothold in the North Indian hospitality market and forming a travel circuit across Chandigarh, Chail, Theog, and Dehradun.


Monika Alcobev Lists on BSE, Marks Milestone for India’s Premium Spirits Market

Monika Alcobev Lists on BSE, Marks Milestone for India’s Premium Spirits Market

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 1, 2025

Monika Alcobev Limited, one of India’s leading importers and distributors of premium wines and spirits, has officially listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), becoming the first player in its segment to go public under its unique business model.

The company’s IPO received an enthusiastic response, being oversubscribed 4.1 times and raising ₹165.63 crore. This strong market debut reflects growing investor confidence in the potential of premium alcohol brands in India.

“This milestone is more than just capital raised, it’s a vote of confidence in our governance, our national presence, and our long-term vision,” said Kunal Patel, Managing Director of Monika Alcobev.

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With a presence across 24 states and more than 170 cities, Monika Alcobev has built a robust pan-India footprint. While the company has long been strong in metropolitan markets, its growth in North India has been particularly impressive.

“North India has always played a strategic role in our expansion. Today, it stands out as one of our most exciting frontiers,” added Patel.

Monika Alcobev represents over 100 global brands and manages a portfolio of more than 200 SKUs, spanning wines, spirits, and liqueurs. Its full-service platform covers import, compliance, logistics, distribution, and brand activation, making it a trusted partner for international brands entering the Indian market.

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The company caters to top hospitality chains, premium bars, and modern retail outlets across the country, delivering consistently from Mumbai to Delhi, Hyderabad to Jaipur, and Bangalore to Guwahati.

“We’ve always approached the market with a national mindset,” said Hemang Chandat, Chief Commercial Officer. “Our growing presence across geographies is a reflection of that strategy and the scale we’ve built is now speaking for itself.”

With its successful public listing, Monika Alcobev is now set to accelerate its growth, deepen its brand partnerships, and continue shaping how India experiences premium alcoholic beverages.


How East Corp Group Is Setting New Benchmarks in Hotel Fire & Life Safety

How East Corp Group Is Setting New Benchmarks in Hotel Fire & Life Safety

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

In the hospitality sector, where guest comfort often takes centre stage, safety systems work quietly in the background, until they’re put to the test. But in a country like India, where hotel infrastructure is rapidly expanding, fire and life safety can no longer be treated as secondary.

Between 2016 and 2020, over 63,000 fire incidents were reported across India, leading to tragic losses of more than 62,000 lives. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need for safer hotel environments. Hotels, due to high footfall, 24/7 activity, and guest unfamiliarity with layouts, are particularly vulnerable. Add to that common hazards like kitchen fires, overloaded electrical systems, and skipped maintenance checks, and the risks grow significantly.

This is where East Corp Group, under the leadership of Hemant Khadse, is making a meaningful difference. With over 30 years of global experience, Khadse has built East Corp into one of India’s most trusted names in Fire & Life Safety (FLS) and risk management for the hospitality industry.

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Group CEO, Mr. Hemant V.Khadse

Working with architects, developers, and hotel operators, East Corp offers a full range of services, from design and audits to consulting and code compliance. Their approach is future-facing and thorough, covering everything from smoke control systems and emergency egress plans to façade fire protection and passive fire safety designs.

What really sets East Corp apart is their people-first approach. Beyond just checks and reports, they empower hotel teams with mock drills, seismic design reviews, and compliance training. Their use of VR-based safety simulations offers a modern, immersive way to build safety awareness among staff.

Their work doesn’t stop at India’s borders. With a presence in countries like Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Congo, and having trained over 10,000 professionals across 700+ clients, East Corp’s global footprint proves the growing demand for their expertise.

As hotels move towards more guest-centric and tech-savvy operations, safety must evolve to match that pace. Regular FLS audits every two years, and strict adherence to standards like NBC 2016 and NEC 2023, should be routine, not reactive. East Corp Group has partnered with several leading hospitality brands, including IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), Hilton, Radisson, Savvy, Sayaji Hotels, Sorriso Boutique Hotel, Pearl Grand Hotel, and the Brigade Group, delivering expert services in fire safety, life-safety systems, and compliance solutions across their properties.

Companies like East Corp are leading that change. They show that operational excellence and uncompromised safety can go hand in hand. In protecting people, properties, and reputations, East Corp isn’t just providing a service, they’re helping shape a safer and smarter future for hospitality in India and beyond.

Because in the end, a truly Surakshit Bharat isn’t just a goal, it should be the norm.

https://eastcorpgroup.com/

info@eastcorpgroup.com 

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