Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts has announced the addition of The Royal Hotel Cookstown to its international portfolio, marking a significant step in strengthening its presence across the United Kingdom.

The move reflects the group’s strategy of building a curated collection of distinctive hospitality destinations that combine design, cultural authenticity, and personalised guest experiences.

Under this partnership, the property will continue to be owned by the Thom family, while Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will take over the day-to-day management. The collaboration is designed to merge the hotel’s established legacy with the group’s experience-led approach, ensuring a balance between operational efficiency and high-quality service delivery.

The group plans to focus on refining the hotel’s brand positioning across regional and international markets, while enhancing operational performance. Key initiatives will include strengthening service delivery through people-first training, implementing structured operational frameworks, and driving commercial outcomes through disciplined revenue strategies. A more cohesive, design-led identity across guest touchpoints is also part of the transformation plan.

Commenting on the expansion, Richa Adhia, Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Northern Ireland with The Royal Hotel Cookstown. This is a natural step in strengthening our footprint in our home market while continuing to build a globally connected portfolio. Our focus will be on elevating operational performance and guest experience, while preserving the property’s identity and legacy.”

For guests, the transition is expected to be seamless, with existing service standards maintained while benefiting from enhanced operational systems and upgraded experiences.

With a growing portfolio that includes brands such as Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes, and Signature Collection, Eight Continents continues to expand across key destinations. Its presence spans regions including Belfast, Guernsey, and Zanzibar, alongside a strong footprint in India across Kasauli, Varkala, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, and Pushkar.

Founded in 2020 by Haninder Sachdeva, the group has positioned itself as a design-led, experience-driven hospitality brand, focusing on boutique properties that blend local heritage with global standards.

This latest addition reinforces the group’s ambition to build a globally connected hospitality network while maintaining a strong emphasis on curated, meaningful travel experiences.

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Espire Hospitality Limited, has marked a significant milestone with six hotel openings within a single month, strengthening its footprint across key travel destinations in India.

The latest additions include new properties in Goa, Katra, and Patna, following earlier launches in Rishikesh and Dehradun. With this, the brand continues to build a diverse, multi-format portfolio catering to leisure, pilgrimage, and business travellers.

The 44-key Country Inn in Goa marks the brand’s entry into one of India’s most popular leisure markets. Located close to Calangute Beach, the hotel offers a relaxed coastal setting with an all-day dining restaurant, Ruhani, and a poolside bar, Liquid, alongside modern rooms and leisure facilities.

In North India, the launch of Country Inn in Katra strengthens the brand’s presence in pilgrimage destinations. Positioned near the gateway to Vaishno Devi Temple, the 36-room hotel is designed to offer convenience and comfort for spiritual travellers, with easy access to key routes and attractions.

Further expanding into urban markets, Country Inn Smart Stays in Patna introduces a new format tailored for city travellers. Located in a central commercial district, the 50-room property offers access to landmarks such as Mahavir Mandir, Golghar, and Bihar Museum, along with business-friendly amenities including banquet halls and meeting spaces.

Commenting on the expansion, Akhil Arora said, “These openings across Goa, Katra, and Patna, following our recent launches in Uttarakhand, represent a thoughtful step in strengthening our presence across India. By tapping into diverse markets—from leisure and pilgrimage to urban centres, we are building a portfolio that aligns with evolving travel trends.”

With this rapid expansion, Country Inn Hotels & Resorts continues to focus on destination-led growth, combining accessibility, comfort, and brand-led hospitality across emerging and established markets.

The Golden Tusk has introduced a curated all-inclusive summer retreat, responding to the growing demand for short, driveable ‘micro-vacations’ among Indian travellers.

Located on the edge of Jim Corbett National Park, the experiential resort is positioning itself as a preferred escape for North Indian families, especially as rising temperatures follow a phase of erratic weather across the region.

Industry trends indicate a notable shift in travel behaviour, with an estimated 18% year-on-year increase in summer bookings. Travellers are increasingly opting for bundled, hassle-free experiences, moving away from traditional itineraries toward destination-led stays that offer convenience and immersion.

Commenting on the trend, Anirudh Lakhotia said, “Summer travel in India has moved past simple sightseeing. With the sudden onset of intense heat, families are looking for a ‘resort-as-a-destination’ where every hour is thoughtfully planned. We’ve created an environment where children stay engaged while parents can truly unwind.”

The summer package is built around effortless relaxation and all-inclusive comfort, offering full-board dining with buffet meals and evening high tea, alongside curated entertainment experiences that bring a lively, community-driven atmosphere to evenings.

For active travellers, the resort integrates sports and recreation with nature-led experiences. Facilities include multiple swimming pools, courts for volleyball, badminton, and basketball, along with a dedicated pickleball court—reflecting the rising popularity of the sport in India. Younger guests are catered to with craft activities, indoor play areas, and outdoor recreational zones.

The offering also includes wellness-driven benefits, such as discounts on spa services and dining experiences, enhancing the overall stay. Packages start at ₹29,999 for a two-night, three-day experience, with optional jeep safaris available to explore the park’s high tiger-density zones.

Lakhotia added, “As travellers seek more meaningful short breaks, our focus is on creating experiences where nature, wellness, and recreation come together seamlessly, ensuring guests leave with memories that go beyond the duration of the stay.”

With this launch, The Golden Tusk reinforces its positioning as a destination-led retreat, aligning with evolving travel preferences where shorter, experience-rich getaways are becoming the new norm.