The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) Hyderabad hosted “Mystical Mélange,” an Indo–French culinary and cultural showcase at the Phoenix Arena in HITEC City. The evening brought together flavours, talent, and cultural exchange in a vibrant celebration curated entirely by students.

The event gained special significance with the presence of Mr Pascal Loreau, Deputy Consul and Head of the Bureau de France, and Mr Suresh Chukkapalli, the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad. Their participation added diplomatic prominence to the celebration. Senior hoteliers, hospitality leaders, and dignitaries from across the city were also present, highlighting the importance of the evening for Hyderabad’s hospitality landscape.

“Mystical Mélange” was curated by over 70 third-year students of IIHM as part of their annual culinary showcase. They presented more than 40 dishes for over 400 guests, including parents, VIPs and other attendees. The event focused on bringing forward a rare blend of French gastronomy and Indian culinary artistry, creating a meaningful platform for hospitality and cultural stakeholders.

Speaking about the event, Dr Suborno Bose, Chairman of IIHM Hotel School, said, “Hospitality is not just an industry; it is a celebration of human connection. At IIHM, we are committed to nurturing professionals who lead with skill, compassion, and global vision. Our mission is to create world-class hospitality leaders who can stand tall anywhere in the world. Excellence in education is not an act for us, it is a daily discipline.” He also added that the future of hospitality will belong to those who combine service with innovation, and IIHM continues to shape young minds to become global ambassadors of India’s hospitality excellence.

The festival was organised under the guidance of Chef Sanjay Kak, Culinary Director of IIHM Hotel School, and Mr Earnest Immanuel, Campus Director of IIHM Hyderabad. The students led the entire execution of the event, showcasing skills that help prepare them for real-world roles in the hospitality industry.

The evening featured an Indo–French menu crafted and executed by IIHM’s student chefs. Guests enjoyed Brochettes du Chef, the institute’s signature Indo–French grilled skewers, and a Fresh Pasta Live Station offering classic sauces with refined French techniques. The menu also included Chicken Tikka Vol-au-Vents, where French puff pastry was paired with Indian-inspired fillings, and Aubergine Parmesan au Four, an elegant oven-baked eggplant dish with European flavours. With its rich culinary showcase, cultural exchange, and high-profile participation, “Mystical Mélange” stood out as one of the season’s most memorable culinary events in Hyderabad.

Skål International India has installed its 20th club, Skål International Kashmir, with a grand ceremony held at Taj Dal View in Srinagar. This historic event marks the first time an Indian Chief Minister has inaugurated a Skål Club of India. Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, presided as the chief guest, bringing together Skålleagues, tourism leaders, hospitality stakeholders and dignitaries. The inauguration highlighted the growing importance of tourism in the Kashmir Valley, widely known as the paradise on earth.

The ceremony followed official Skål protocols with the oath-taking, pinning of office-bearers and founder members, certificate presentations, and recognition of contributors to tourism in the region. This new club further strengthens Skål International India’s expanding presence, following the installation of Skål International Jammu & Kashmir earlier this year as the organisation’s 19th club.

Speaking about the moment, Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu & Kashmir, expressed confidence in the valley’s tourism strength, saying: “Kashmir welcomes Skål International with open arms, together, we will invite the world to rediscover our peace, beauty, and hospitality. Any B2B networking is good for the Kashmir economy. Tourism is our key business and Skål International India is doing excellent work, we are happy to see Kashmir in the spotlight for Skål International India.”

Mohan NSN, Vice President, Skål International 2026 & President-Elect 2027, highlighted the global appeal of the valley and added: “Kashmir is a destination that touches hearts, Skål International stands committed to empowering its tourism community with global opportunities. India is now one of the most dynamic forces in the Skål World community, our progress is truly outstanding.”

Sanjeev Mehra, President, Skål International India, reflected on the organisation’s growth and said: “Our 20th club in India reflects our belief in Kashmir’s power to inspire global travel and drive sustainable tourism growth. Our goal is to establish at least one club in every State and Union Territory and even multiple clubs where the industry size demands it.”

Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon, Vice President 1, Skål International Kashmir, shared the club’s mission: “Our mission is to unite every tourism professional here to showcase Kashmir’s timeless heritage and unmatched experiences to the world.”

• Office Bearers — Skål International Kashmir
  
  
• President — Sk Zahoor Ahmad Qari
  
  
• Vice President 1 — Sk Showket Ahmad Pakhtoon
  
  
• Vice President 2 — Sk Shamim A Shah
  
  
• Secretary — Sk Ather Yameen Narwari
  
  
• Treasurer — Sk Mir Anwar
  
  
• Membership Development Officer — Sk Tanveer Ahmad Khan
  
  
• Director — PR, Communications & CSR — Sk Irshad Hazari
  
  
• Auditor — Sk Rahil Patloo

Skål International India reaffirmed its commitment to advancing sustainable and responsible tourism, strengthening alliances with valley-wide stakeholders, enhancing global visibility and exchange, and contributing to socio-economic progress through tourism excellence.

The installation evening celebrated Kashmiri culture with musical performances, felicitations and warm camaraderie, reflecting unity, pride and a shared vision for the future of tourism in the valley. With this landmark inauguration, Skål India continues to embrace its philosophy of “Doing Business Among Friends” while strengthening tourism leadership across the country.

Wonderla Holidays Limited has proudly unveiled its fifth amusement park in Chennai, with the inauguration led by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.K. Stalin, through video conferencing. Over the past few weeks, Wonderla Chennai has become a sensation on the internet, and it is now ready to welcome the public with exciting experiences.

This new park is the biggest among Wonderla’s amusement parks located in Kochi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Bhubaneshwar. Spanning 64.3 acres and featuring 43 rides, including both land and water attractions, Wonderla Chennai is set to open its doors to visitors from tomorrow.

The inauguration event was held in the presence of Thiru. Dr. T.R.B Rajaa, Honourable Minister for Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu; Thiru. T. M. Anbarasan, Honourable Minister for MSME, Government of Tamil Nadu; Mr. Arun K. Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & Managing Director; Mr. Dheeran Choudhary, Chief Operating Officer; Mr. Vyshakh Ravindran, Park Head – Chennai; members of the Board of Directors; senior leadership of Wonderla Holidays Ltd.; senior government officials and other distinguished dignitaries.

Speaking at the inauguration, Arun K. Chittilappilly, Executive Chairman & Managing Director, Wonderla Holidays Ltd., said:
“The launch of Wonderla Chennai is a significant milestone in our journey, and we are truly honored to have the Hon’ble Chief Minister and distinguished leaders from the Government of Tamil Nadu with us today. Their sustained guidance and support have been instrumental in transforming this vision into reality. Tamil Nadu is a dynamic and forward-looking state, and we are committed to further investing, expanding, and contributing to its tourism and entertainment ecosystem in the years ahead. With Wonderla Chennai opening to the public tomorrow, we look forward to welcoming guests from across the region and building a long-term partnership with the state.”

The park also demonstrates strong sustainability practices, with a 3.75 crore litre rainwater harvesting system, 1,000 KW solar panels (Phase 2), and 32,000 sqm of green spaces featuring 1,000 indigenous trees. The design incorporates locally sourced materials and natural ventilation, ensuring world-class entertainment is balanced with environmental responsibility.

Located near Old Mahabalipuram Road in Illalur, Thiruporur, Wonderla Chennai is set to become a major landmark in Chennai’s tourism landscape and adds a vibrant boost to the city’s hospitality scene.