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By Manu Vardhan kannan
Published on September 26, 2025
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel forex services company, has announced a pioneering initiative in the country’s foreign exchange sector by partnering with Blinkit, a quick commerce company, to deliver forex cards at customers’ doorsteps in minutes.
This collaboration introduces forex retail as a dedicated service on Blinkit, beginning with Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, with phased expansion planned across key source markets. The initiative covers Thomas Cook’s Borderless Travel Card for leisure travellers and Study Buddy for students, making the company the first forex service provider in India to leverage Blinkit’s rapid last-mile delivery model.
The move comes in response to evolving consumer behaviour, where speed, convenience, and digital-first solutions are now expected even in traditionally complex categories like foreign exchange. Quick commerce has seen exponential growth in India, surging from $300 million in 2022 to $7.1 billion in FY25, and is projected to reach $35 billion by 2030.
Through this partnership, customers can place an order on Blinkit and receive a blank forex card within minutes. Post-delivery, Thomas Cook India’s forex team manages the Video-KYC, card loading, and statutory compliances, enabling customers to be fully travel-ready within an hour. Each card is supported with activation instructions, a dedicated helpline, and access to a secure portal, ensuring a seamless and secure experience.
Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President - Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “By offering our blank forex cards via Blinkit, we are enhancing convenience and redefining travel readiness, enabling customers to be fully equipped within minutes at their doorstep. This game-changing solution is ideal for last-minute forex needs and aligns with our India Ka Forex Specialist positioning.”
Anish Shrivastava, Senior Vice President - Revenue, Blinkit, added, “Together with Thomas Cook India, we’re transforming what was once a time-consuming task into a simple and seamless experience for travellers, right at their doorstep.”
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Hashmato, a leading provider of end-to-end restaurant and retail automation software, today announced it has been acquired by Romeo Bravo Software (RBS), a global provider of operator-first hospitality technology based in St. Louis, Missouri. This strategic partnership will accelerate Hashmato's innovation and expand its reach in the global hospitality market.
Romeo Bravo Software is a global hospitality technology company serving over 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS provides software solutions for ranches, lodges, hotels, and restaurants, with products including Yellowstone for specialty lodging operations and WinCloud for hotel management.
Glenn Turner, CEO of Romeo Bravo Software, commented: " Hashmato brings world-class restaurant technology that perfectly complements our hospitality platform. Together, we’re creating the most comprehensive operator-first suite in the industry, unifying lodging, dining, and specialty operations"
The acquisition positions Hashmato to leverage Romeo Bravo Software's extensive hospitality expertise and global network spanning more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries. RBS's operator-first approach aligns perfectly with Hashmato's commitment to simplifying operations for foodservice businesses of all sizes.
"Joining Romeo Bravo Software represents an exciting new chapter for Hashmato and our customers," said Hasan Moulana, CEO of Hashmato. "Our mission has always been to equip operators with intuitive, reliable tools that help them thrive. With RBS's global scale and resources, we're excited to deliver stronger support, new features, and accelerated innovation while maintaining the confidence that our customers' long-term success remains at the heart of everything we do."
The partnership also strengthens Hashmato's ability to serve its diverse customer base, which includes leading international restaurant brands as well as institutional clients in the education and healthcare sectors. Customers can expect continued reliability and innovation in their existing solutions, plus access to new integrated capabilities as the companies work together.
About Hashmato
Hashmato (formerly Dineplan) is a global provider of software solutions for restaurants, franchises, institutions, and enterprises. Headquartered in Singapore, the company's platform covers POS, online and kiosk ordering, waiter apps, kitchen display systems, inventory, analytics, and more, serving thousands of businesses worldwide. Hashmato is trusted by leading international brands, as well as schools and hospitals, to streamline foodservice operations and elevate customer experiences.
About Romeo Bravo Software
Romeo Bravo Software builds operator-first technology for the global hospitality industry. Trusted by more than 6,000 properties in over 35 countries, RBS simplifies operations for ranches, lodges, outfitters, hotels, and restaurants. Its portfolio includes Yellowstone, an all-in-one system for specialty lodging and adventure operations, and WinCloud, a modern cloud-based hotel management solution. With a growing global team and partner network, RBS is committed to helping operators work smarter, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and grow profitably.
The combined company is positioned to lead the next era of hospitality technology. The terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.
By Hariharan U
On the occasion of World Tourism Day, Intrepid Travel has reiterated its commitment to reshaping the way people travel by making responsibility the foundation of tourism. The company is working closely with local partners in India and worldwide to ensure that travel creates meaningful impact for both travellers and host communities.
Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager – India, Intrepid Travel, emphasized the brand’s vision, “Conscious travel is no longer a choice, it's a responsibility. At Intrepid, we believe tourism should uplift communities, protect cultures, and preserve our planet. In India and across the globe, we're working hand-in-hand with local partners to create travel experiences that are not only enriching for travellers but meaningful for the people and places they visit. From reducing single-use plastics to planting a tree for every trip under our One Trip One Tree (1T1T) initiative, we're committed to making a tangible impact. World Tourism Day is a powerful reminder that transformation in tourism begins with purpose and we're proud to be part of that change.”
Through initiatives like One Trip One Tree (1T1T), which ensures a tree is planted for every journey, Intrepid Travel is creating real, measurable outcomes. The company has also taken steps to reduce its reliance on single-use plastics and continues to build sustainable practices into its operations worldwide.
With India’s adventure travel sector gaining momentum, Intrepid’s focus on purpose-driven tourism positions it as a leader in shaping a more inclusive, environmentally responsible, and culturally respectful travel industry.
Published on September 25, 2025
Adrian Zecha, the 92-year-old hotelier behind some of the world’s most iconic luxury stays, recently made his way to Vietnam to spend time at Azerai Ke Ga Bay and Azerai La Residence, Hue. Both properties hold special importance for him, as they represent the core values of Azerai Resorts embracing nature, local culture, and authentic experiences.
Often asked when he will retire, Zecha laughs it off. “I can’t sit there and do nothing. I mean, come on, it’s crazy,” he said. With characteristic energy, he added, “I feel that my new journey is just beginning. There’s so much to do. God gives you life, you should use it.”
At Azerai Ke Ga Bay, a 56-key beachfront resort spread along five kilometers of sandy shoreline, Zecha highlighted how connecting with nature remains central to his vision. “Nature brings me tranquility and peace, supporting my quest to explore new destinations,” he said while walking through the resort’s ginger forest.
Zecha was accompanied by longtime business partner Jonathan Breene, with whom he co-founded Mahaman, the company that owns Azerai Resorts. Breene praised Zecha’s instinct to create spaces that truly connect with their setting, saying there’s no fixed formula for an Azerai property.
Opened in 2020, Azerai Ke Ga Bay offers a quiet oceanfront escape, contrasting with Azerai La Residence, Hue—an elegant 122-room retreat built around a 1920s mansion in Vietnam’s former imperial capital. “I liked both. I thought: Why not do two?” Zecha quipped when recalling the decision to expand.
Julian Moore, General Manager at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, noted how the resort draws charm from its cultural setting. Guests often see local fishermen catching their morning meals offshore. “With Azerai, we want to make sure you feel Vietnam, you feel the people,” Moore explained.
Recognition has followed, earlier this year, Luxury Travel Advisor named Azerai Ke Ga Bay the “Most Instagrammable Hotel in Asia, the Indian Ocean and South Pacific,” and second globally. The Times of London also included it among Southeast Asia’s best boutique hotels.
Up the coast, Azerai La Residence, Hue offers a very different experience. Its riverfront setting, facing the city’s historic Citadel, allows guests to enjoy leisurely cruises past pagodas, temples, and imperial landmarks. General Manager Minh Phan Trong describes the property as a balance between “vibrant city life” and “a tranquil resort feel.”
Breene emphasized its charm lies in the Art Deco flourishes and colonial design touches. “You really feel like you’ve stepped into another time,” he said. The hotel’s accolades include being listed among Time Magazine’s “World’s 100 Greatest Places” and being named by The Times of London as one of Vietnam’s best hotels.
While industry peers regard Zecha as a visionary, he attributes his success to his team. “I lead fantastic people who will continue these legacies, and I’m delighted to be working with them,” he said.
With Azerai Resorts, Zecha continues to prove that age is no barrier to new beginnings his focus on understated elegance, cultural depth, and connection with nature remains as strong as ever.
For bookings:
A.kegabay@azerai.com, azerai.com/azerai-ke-ga-bay/
.laresidence.hue@azerai.com, azerai.com/azerai-la-residence-hue/
About Azerai
Founded by Adrian Zecha, Azerai is a collection of refined resorts known for elegance, thoughtful design, and personalized service. The name draws inspiration from Zecha’s initials and the Persian word “caravanserai,” referencing historic inns that welcomed travelers in unique destinations.
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