Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the opening of Taj Bush Lodge, Greater Kruger South Africa, marking another milestone in the brand’s international expansion journey.

Commenting on the launch, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “As Taj steps into Greater Kruger with the first of three luxury wilderness lodges, it brings with it a legacy of over a century of offering exceptional experiences deep rooted in the destination. The opening of Taj Bush Lodge, Greater Kruger strengthens the brand’s presence in the country extending the South African itinerary combining the panoramic landscapes of Cape Town with the wildlife of Kruger National Park.”

Located within the Big Five Balule Nature Reserve, the six-key Taj Bush Lodge has been thoughtfully designed to blend with its natural surroundings. Inspired by the textures and heritage of the region, the lodge features thatched roofs, warm wooden accents, and earthy interiors that reflect the local landscape and culture.

Guests can enjoy home-style dining experiences combining global flavours with local South African influences, prepared using fresh seasonal ingredients. The property also features Taj’s signature J Wellness Circle, offering holistic wellness therapies in a peaceful natural setting.

The lodge offers a range of curated experiences including open-air breakfasts in the bush after morning game drives, traditional South African braais under the stars, and full-day safaris in Kruger National Park. Guests can also explore activities such as the Blyde Canyon boat cruise, quad biking through the Maseke Reserve, day trips along the Panorama Route, and visits to attractions including Jessica the hippo and the Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Boat cruises on the Olifants River are also part of the experience.

Speaking about the expansion, Mark Wernich, Cluster General Manager Operations South Africa & General Manager – Taj Cape Town, said, “Our entry into Kruger National Park invites travellers to experience Taj’s world-class hospitality, seamlessly integrated with a proven eco-tourism model. This will be complemented by two additional Taj lodges in the park, set to open in the coming months.”

Spread across nearly two million hectares, Kruger National Park is among Africa’s largest and most well-known wildlife reserves, recognised for its biodiversity and sightings of the famous Big Five.

Spice Route Restaurant & Catering has announced the appointment of Amit Prakash as its new Business Operations Specialist, further strengthening the restaurant’s leadership team with extensive international hospitality and operational experience.

With close to 18 years of experience across India, Canada, and New Zealand, Amit Prakash has built strong expertise in restaurant operations, culinary management, guest relations, and team leadership. His appointment reflects Spice Route Restaurant & Catering’s continued focus on operational excellence while delivering authentic culinary experiences and premium hospitality services in New Jersey.

Before joining Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit served as Restaurant Manager at Khazana Indian Restaurant. In this role, he contributed to improving operational systems, enhancing guest satisfaction, and maintaining high service standards, while supporting the restaurant’s smooth day-to-day operations.

Over the years, Amit has worked with several well-known hospitality brands including Punjab Grill Restaurant, WE Restaurant & Bar, Columbus Coffee, Cafe Espressoholic, Chandnee Contemporary Indian Cuisine Restaurant, and The Oberoi. His experience spans Modern Indian cuisine, restaurant administration, food quality management, staff training, and multi-cuisine operations.

During his time at Punjab Grill Restaurant as Senior Sous Chef, Amit worked closely with the Executive Chef to introduce innovative fusion dishes inspired by North Indian cuisine. He also managed a kitchen brigade of more than 40 team members while ensuring high standards of food safety, hygiene, and quality control.

As Executive Chef at WE Restaurant & Bar, he expanded the restaurant’s culinary offerings by introducing Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisine concepts. He also oversaw kitchen operations and operational compliance across departments.

Amit further gained international operational experience at Columbus Coffee in New Zealand, where he worked as Head Chef & Café Manager. His responsibilities included operations management, inventory control, SOP implementation, and employee training and development.

In his new role at Spice Route Restaurant & Catering, Amit Prakash will oversee business operations, process optimization, vendor coordination, customer service standards, staff supervision, and strategic growth initiatives to further strengthen the brand’s presence in New Jersey’s hospitality market.

PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.

The portfolio spans major gateway cities such as New York, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix, along with business hubs including Charlotte, St Louis, Richmond, and Indianapolis. It also includes leisure-focused destinations like Las Vegas and suburban markets such as Oakland, Greenville, and Pasadena.

The Studio 6 brand focuses on extended-stay accommodations designed for guests staying several days to weeks. The properties typically offer kitchenettes, workspaces, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and flexible housekeeping services, catering to corporate travellers, relocating families, and project-based professionals.

Each hotel features approximately 100–120 rooms, a configuration that supports operational efficiency while serving consistent long-stay demand. PRISM is positioning the segment as a high-efficiency hospitality model, driven by lower turnover costs, reduced housekeeping frequency, and improved occupancy stability.

The company has stated that the expansion is part of its broader strategy to transition from a domestic hospitality platform to a globally scaled operator, leveraging India-built technology, AI systems, and revenue management tools across its international portfolio.

Speaking on the development, PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has expanded its U.S. extended-stay footprint with the launch of 38 new hotels under the Studio 6 brand operated through G6 Hospitality.

The portfolio spans major gateway cities such as New York, Dallas, Houston, and Phoenix, along with business hubs including Charlotte, St Louis, Richmond, and Indianapolis. It also includes leisure-focused destinations like Las Vegas and suburban markets such as Oakland, Greenville, and Pasadena.

The Studio 6 brand focuses on extended-stay accommodations designed for guests staying several days to weeks. The properties typically offer kitchenettes, workspaces, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, and flexible housekeeping services, catering to corporate travellers, relocating families, and project-based professionals.

Each hotel features approximately 100–120 rooms, a configuration that supports operational efficiency while serving consistent long-stay demand. PRISM is positioning the segment as a high-efficiency hospitality model, driven by lower turnover costs, reduced housekeeping frequency, and improved occupancy stability.

The company has stated that the expansion is part of its broader strategy to transition from a domestic hospitality platform to a globally scaled operator, leveraging India-built technology, AI systems, and revenue management tools across its international portfolio.

Speaking on the development, Ritesh Agarwal said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.

The latest rollout follows PRISM’s approximately $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality and builds on earlier phases that included eight initial hotel openings, followed by 30 additional properties in the current expansion cycle.

The move highlights growing momentum in the U.S. extended-stay segment, which continues to attract investor interest due to stable demand patterns and efficient operating economics.

 said the U.S. market is witnessing a structural shift toward longer-duration stays driven by corporate assignments, medical travel, construction projects, and temporary relocations. He added that the expansion aims to deliver a tech-enabled, operations-first hospitality model focused on consistency and affordability.

The latest rollout follows PRISM’s approximately $525 million acquisition of G6 Hospitality and builds on earlier phases that included eight initial hotel openings, followed by 30 additional properties in the current expansion cycle.

The move highlights growing momentum in the U.S. extended-stay segment, which continues to attract investor interest due to stable demand patterns and efficient operating economics.