The Leela Palace Udaipur Tops ULTRAs 2023 as Best Hotel in Middle East & India

By Author

Published on November 29, 2023

The Leela Palace Udaipur has been crowned the Best Hotel in Middle East & India at the 17th edition of the Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) 2023. This prestigious accolade was presented at a glamorous ceremony in Dubai, recognizing global travel excellence.

Voted for by the 25 million members of the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty program, the ULTRAs celebrate the finest in global travel. The Leela Palace Udaipur, perched along the tranquil Lake Pichola, stands as a testament to Rajasthani architecture and the grandeur of Udaipur’s royal heritage. Its luxury is a reflection of the Land of the Mewars, adorned with traditional artisanal crafts and cultural inspirations from Rajasthan.

“We are humbled to receive this recognition on such a renowned platform,” said Nishant Agarwal, Vice President and General Manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. He credits the award to the hotel’s commitment to authentic luxury experiences and the continuous support of their guests.

GHA CEO Chris Hartley highlights the ULTRAs as a true barometer of luxury traveler sentiment, emphasizing the awards' reflection of evolving travel demands. The ULTRAs 2023, hosted at Nikki Beach Club in Dubai, celebrated travel leaders across 18 categories. The ceremony, attended by celebrities and sports stars, was a testament to the luxury travel sector's resilience and innovation.

The Leela’s focus on meeting the needs of luxury travelers is evident in its experiences that embrace “Atithi Devo Bhava”—seeing the guest as God. The brand, part of the Global Hotel Alliance, has been repeatedly recognized for its excellence in showcasing India’s rich heritage and luxury hospitality.

The ULTRAs 2023 award is a significant milestone for The Leela Palace Udaipur, underlining its status as a premier destination for luxury travelers and affirming its commitment to offering unforgettable experiences that embody the spirit and elegance of India.

Marriott International Hosts 10th 'Road to Give 2024' to Empower Communities Across South Asia

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 30, 2024

Marriott International celebrates the 10th edition of its flagship charity run, Road to Give 2024, designed to champion community empowerment and well-being across South Asia. This annual event, widely anticipated by Marriott associates and guests alike, encourages participants from 156 Marriott hotels and resorts in the region to come together in the spirit of giving. Set to take place on October 20, 2024, at locations like The Westin Kolkata Rajarhat, Fairfield by Marriott Kolkata, and JW Marriott Kolkata, this year’s event reflects Marriott's deep commitment to social responsibility.

Aligned with the launch of Marriott’s new people-focused initiative, BE, Road to Give 2024 emphasizes personal empowerment and community support, aiming to cultivate a people-first environment for associates and guests. This year’s run raises funds for Rising Star Outreach of India, a non-profit dedicated to improving lives affected by leprosy through education, medical care, and community development.

“We are excited to engage our associates, partners, and guests in such a meaningful cause,” shared a Marriott spokesperson. “The BE initiative and this event align perfectly with our vision to prioritize community care and support the holistic well-being of our people.”

Open to Marriott associates, families, friends, and guests, Road to Give 2024 offers an inspiring opportunity to reflect, care for both mind and body, and contribute to a cause that aims to build a more cohesive and compassionate society. Marriott invites everyone to join on October 20, 2024, in this journey to make a difference and empower lives across South Asia.

Celebrating Eight Glorious Years in the Heart of Jaisalmer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 30, 2024

Nestled in the heart of Jaisalmer, the Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa is celebrating eight illustrious years of setting new standards in luxury and hospitality. Known for its lavish accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalized service, this resort has become the very cornerstone of hospitality in Jaisalmer, attracting guests from around the world and elevating the region’s reputation as a sought-after travel destination.

Blending contemporary comfort with timeless architecture, the resort offers a truly immersive cultural experience that begins the moment you step in. Evenings are celebrated with a touch of Rajasthan’s rich heritage, featuring local snacks paired with a traditional puppet show in the central courtyard. Talented artists perform live, and the music fills the air, weaving a nostalgic journey into Jaisalmer’s storied past.

The resort’s prime location provides easy access to iconic palaces and forts, making it the perfect base for travelers eager to explore the Golden City’s heritage. Its culinary offerings, particularly at Wyra, the rooftop venue, have attracted dignitaries and state guests alike, drawn to its regional specialties served against the backdrop of Jaisalmer Fort’s majestic silhouette.

Since opening, Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa has not only provided luxurious accommodations but also played a crucial role in hosting destination weddings and high-profile events, helping to firmly establish Jaisalmer as a premier choice for these memorable occasions. “As the resort celebrates eight years, we take immense pride in how it has gracefully evolved,” said Shiv Bose, General Manager. “Our focus remains on honoring the rich brand legacy, and our team is committed to delivering unparalleled hospitality as we step into a new dawn.”

As Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa looks to the future, it continues to offer the best of Rajasthani hospitality, ensuring each guest experience is a blend of cultural richness and modern luxury.

For further details, please visit the official website.

Hyatt Hotels Sets Ambitious Goal of 100 Properties in India Within 5-6 Years

By Nishang Narayan

Published on October 29, 2024

Hyatt Hotels Corporation is setting its sights on nearly doubling its footprint in India, planning to reach 100 properties within the next 5-6 years. With India's hospitality market growing at an unprecedented rate, this ambitious target reflects Hyatt's dedication to catering to the surging demand for high-quality travel experiences across the country.

Currently, Hyatt operates 52 hotels in Southwest Asia (50 in India and two in Nepal) under nine distinct brands, having already crossed the 10,000-key milestone. “With our strong pipeline and strategic growth initiatives, we are confident that we will achieve the milestone of 100 hotels within the next 5-6 years,” stated Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director for India & Southwest Asia at Hyatt Hotels Corporation. This growth is part of Hyatt’s focused strategy, aiming to tap into India's expanding travel and hospitality market by delivering personalized, luxury, and lifestyle-focused experiences.

The expansion will see Hyatt introduce more global brands to India while reinforcing its core brands, such as Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, and Hyatt Centric. The company also recently introduced the ‘Grand Showroom’ at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, an innovative venture designed to enhance hyper-personalized guest experiences and showcase Hyatt’s diverse hospitality offerings.

In line with its expansion goals, Hyatt has slated Hyatt Regency properties in Kasauli and Ghaziabad and Hyatt Place hotels in Aurangabad and Haridwar. Expanding into new countries, Hyatt Place Dhaka Uttara will soon open in Bangladesh, and India will welcome The Unbound Collection in Bhopal in 2025, reflecting the brand’s increasing regional diversity.

Hyatt's growth strategy in India aligns with what the company calls the “LLLLW” approach: loyalty, luxury, leisure, lifestyle, and wellness. "India is among Hyatt Hotels' top global growth markets, and we see tremendous potential for continued expansion in this region," said Sharma. This approach allows Hyatt to meet evolving guest preferences, solidifying India’s position as a key growth market for Hyatt globally.

The company's expansion goals are further supported by the ongoing growth in both domestic and international tourism in India. With a robust demand for luxury and wellness experiences, Hyatt remains optimistic about India's rising position in their global market rankings, with continued development and innovation on the horizon.

Event Details:

Dates: Expansion over 5-6 years
Location: Multiple key destinations across India

For more information, contact Hyatt Hotels Corporation at +91-XXXXXXXXXX.

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