Tamil Nadu Signs MoUs Worth Rs 22,700 Crore at Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026

Tamil Nadu Signs MoUs Worth Rs 22,700 Crore at Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 3, 2026

Tamil Nadu witnessed a major boost to its tourism and hospitality sector with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding worth Rs 22,700 crore at the Tamil Nadu Global Tourism Summit 2026, held at Mamallapuram. The wide-ranging investments are set to strengthen tourism infrastructure across the state, covering hotels, amusement parks, sports facilities, heritage attractions, and healthcare projects.

The announced investments include new hotels, a multipurpose sports stadium, sports recreation parks, amusement parks, a heritage theme park in Chengalpattu, and a ropeway project in Salem, among others. These developments are expected to enhance Tamil Nadu’s appeal across leisure, heritage, spiritual, and experiential tourism segments.

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In a first-of-its-kind move, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced the formation of a dedicated Tourism Governing Body for Mamallapuram. The special body will oversee basic infrastructure works and tourist facilities in the heritage town. An initial allocation of Rs 100 crore has been announced for this initiative.

A key highlight of the summit was the signing of an MoU with Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, Vingroup, the parent company of VinFast. The group will establish VinWonder amusement parks and a luxury hotel in Tamil Nadu. The state government also signed an MoU with Arenaone to develop sports and recreation centres with an investment of Rs 1,400 crore, creating employment for 2,100 people.

SPR Group signed an MoU worth Rs 500 crore to set up a multi-purpose convention centre in the heart of Chennai, strengthening the city’s position as a major events and business tourism destination.

Several major hotel projects were announced across Tamil Nadu. Sujan Life will invest Rs 500 crore in a wilderness resort in Coimbatore. Brigade Hotels will invest Rs 900 crore in Chennai, while Kodai Heights will invest Rs 300 crore in Kodaikanal. Other notable hotel investments include projects by J Hotels, Giovanni Resorts, Hall Mark Group, Home Trotter, Ampa Group, Ankit Construction, Popeyye Hotel in Tiruppur and Tiruvannamalai, Sangu Chakra Hotels in Ramnad, CGH Heritage Resort, YMRT Hotels in Kanchipuram, Sri Venkateshwara Hotels, Chandrakela Hotel in Tirupattur, Amutha Surabhi in Coimbatore, Ramya Group in Trichy, VGP in Trichy, Birdee Club Hotel in Chennai, Direct Hotels in Thanjavur, Rathna Group in Trichy, Great Lagoon in Coimbatore, and Ascott Hotels. Several other firms also signed MoUs for projects in Nellai, Theni, Kanyakumari and other regions with investments below Rs 50 crore.

Adding further momentum, Amrita Group signed a Rs 3,000 crore MoU with the Tamil Nadu government to develop a heritage theme park in Chengalpattu, which is expected to generate employment for 12,000 people. GRT Hotels & Resorts also signed an MoU worth Rs 300 crore to develop luxury hotels in Coimbatore and Tuticorin.

Beyond tourism and hospitality, L&T announced plans to set up a multi-speciality hospital at Siruseri SIPCOT with an investment of Rs 600 crore. The project, spread across four acres, is expected to create employment for 3,000 people, supporting medical infrastructure and allied tourism opportunities.

The grand event featured an eminent panel of speakers, including Diwan Gautam Anand, Former Executive Vice President, ITC Hotels; Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO); Sumitro Kar, Executive Director, WTTC; Neil Davidson, Territory Director, PADI; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts; Michael Dominique, Director, CGH Earth; and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor.

The event also witnessed the participation of senior government officials such as Innocent Divya, Commissioner of Tamil Nadu Tourism and Managing Director of TTDC; Supriya Sahu, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, Tamil Nadu; Pooja Kulkarni, IAS, Special Secretary to Government, Finance Department and CEO, TNIDB; and Dr. K. Senthil Raj, IAS, Managing Director, SIPCOT.

With these large-scale commitments, Tamil Nadu is set to witness a new phase of tourism-driven growth, strengthening employment, infrastructure, and the state’s overall appeal as a diversified tourism destination.


The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

The Sleep Company Opens New Experience Store at Vihang Ventura in Mumbai's Mira Road

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 6, 2026

The Sleep Company has announced the opening of its new experience store at Vihang Ventura in Mira Road, further expanding its retail footprint in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Located within the upcoming premium commercial development by Vihang Ahead, the new outlet adds to the growing presence of national brands at the project.

The comfort-tech brand, known for its patented SmartGRID® technology, has grown rapidly across India with more than 200 stores in less than four years. Its latest store at Vihang Ventura is part of the company's strategy to expand into fast-growing suburban markets where demand for premium lifestyle and comfort products continues to rise.

Situated opposite Kashigaon Metro Station, Vihang Ventura is being developed as an integrated commercial destination featuring premium retail outlets, flagship showrooms, office spaces, and lifestyle brands. The project is attracting leading national retailers looking to tap into the growing consumer base of the Mira Bhayandar region.

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The new experience store offers customers an opportunity to explore and try The Sleep Company's complete range of SmartGRID mattresses, ergonomic chairs, recliners, sofas, and sleep accessories before making their purchase decisions.

Commenting on the development, Purvesh Sarnaik, Director, Vihang Ahead, said:

"The Sleep Company's decision to establish its presence at Vihang Ventura is another strong endorsement of Mira Bhayandar's emergence as a premium retail destination. As consumer aspirations evolve and the region continues to attract high-quality residential and commercial developments, national brands are increasingly recognising the market's long-term potential. Our vision for Vihang Ventura is to create a vibrant commercial ecosystem that brings together leading retail, lifestyle and business brands in one landmark destination."

Speaking about the expansion, Sharad Shukla, Senior Director-Retail Expansion, The Sleep Company, said:

"Our retail expansion strategy is centred around markets that are witnessing strong residential growth, improving infrastructure and a rising base of aspirational consumers. Mira Bhayandar has evolved into one of the fastest-growing suburban markets within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, making it an ideal destination for our next experience store. Vihang Ventura offers the right ecosystem for us to engage with customers seeking innovative comfort solutions and a premium in-store shopping experience."

The launch comes at a time when India's organised retail sector continues to see steady growth, supported by strong retail leasing activity and increasing expansion into emerging suburban markets. Improved infrastructure, Metro connectivity, and sustained residential development have also made Mira Bhayandar an attractive destination for organised retail and lifestyle brands.

With The Sleep Company joining its retail mix, Vihang Ventura continues to strengthen its positioning as a modern commercial and lifestyle destination, bringing together brands across lifestyle, wellness, food & beverage, and retail while offering consumers premium shopping experiences closer to home.


17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

17 Injured After Air India Phuket–Delhi Flight Encounters Turbulence

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Air India Flight AI2379, operating from Phuket to Delhi, encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday, leaving 17 people injured, including 13 passengers and four cabin crew members. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, where medical teams were immediately deployed to assist those onboard.

The flight, operated by an Airbus A320 (VT-EXO), was carrying 137 passengers, including three infants, along with eight crew members comprising two pilots and six cabin crew.

According to Air India, the aircraft experienced a momentary change in altitude during the cruise phase before stabilising and continuing its journey safely to Delhi. Flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft descended by approximately 300 feet around 2.5 hours into the flight, while flying over Odisha.

Following the landing, medical teams attended to all passengers and crew as a precaution. Eight passengers and four cabin crew members were admitted to hospitals for detailed medical evaluation and treatment. Air India stated that all those admitted are stable and are receiving appropriate medical care, while the remaining passengers were provided with the necessary assistance and support.

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The Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, personally visited the injured passengers at Fortis and Medanta Hospitals to enquire about their condition and assure them of the government's full support. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation also visited the hospitals and are coordinating closely with the airline and hospital authorities to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care.

The aircraft has since been moved to the hangar, where the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) have been secured for detailed examination.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA said they are closely monitoring the situation, reiterating that passenger safety remains the highest priority and that all necessary measures are being taken.


Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

Bikanervala to Open New Outlet at SPS Realty's Helios in Zirakpur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 3, 2026

SPS Realty has announced that Bikanervala, one of India's most recognised food and sweets brands, will open a new outlet at its flagship commercial development, Helios, located on VIP Road in Zirakpur. The addition is set to strengthen the project's retail and food & beverage ecosystem while enhancing its appeal as a lifestyle destination.

The upcoming outlet will offer Bikanervala's wide range of traditional Indian sweets, snacks, and dining options, catering to residents, businesses, and visitors from Zirakpur and nearby areas. The brand's presence is expected to serve as a key food and beverage anchor within the commercial development.

Commenting on the association, Rohit Singla, Director, SPS Realty, said, "The addition of Bikanervala at Helios reflects our vision of creating a well-rounded commercial destination that brings together premium retail, food, and lifestyle experiences. We aim to curate a diverse ecosystem where businesses can thrive while offering visitors a complete experience under one roof."

Helios has been designed as SPS Realty's flagship commercial project, featuring contemporary architecture, premium commercial spaces, and a strategic location on VIP Road. The development comprises 177 premium retail and showroom spaces, offering high-visibility opportunities for established brands, entrepreneurs, and businesses.

The arrival of Bikanervala is expected to further strengthen Helios' growing tenant mix while enhancing customer engagement by adding a well-established food and beverage destination. With increasing urbanisation and rising demand for organised retail spaces in the region, the project is positioned to emerge as a preferred commercial hub in Zirakpur.

Through this partnership, SPS Realty continues its focus on developing commercial destinations that combine retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences while creating new opportunities for businesses and consumers alike.

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