Virgin Limited Edition Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

Virgin Limited Edition Joins Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ Legend Collection

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on July 22, 2024

Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent hotel brand, has announced a new partnership with Virgin Limited Edition, adding nine ultra-luxury retreats to its prestigious Legend Collection. Effective immediately, these properties, known for their exquisite settings and exceptional service, are available on the Preferred Hotels & Resorts website.

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The new additions include Mont Rochelle (South Africa), Necker Island (British Virgin Islands), The Lodge (Switzerland), Ulusaba (South Africa), Mahali Mzuri (Kenya), Son Bunyola Hotel & Villas (Spain), The Branson Beach Estate (British Virgin Islands), Kasbah Tamadot (Morocco), and Finch Hattons Luxury Safari Camp (Kenya). These properties join the Legend Collection, which is celebrated for offering sophisticated accommodations, intuitive service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas in some of the world’s most remarkable destinations.

This partnership builds on the strategic alliance formed in 2022 between Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Virgin Hotels Collection, which saw several Virgin Hotels locations join the Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ L.V.X. Collection. As the Virgin Hotels Collection portfolio continues to grow, more hotels, including the recently announced Virgin Hotels London-Shoreditch, will join Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

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"We are thrilled to expand our strategic partnership with Virgin Limited Edition, bringing some of the world's most extraordinary properties into our esteemed Legend Collection," said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group. "This collaboration underscores our mutual commitment to delivering unparalleled, personalized guest experiences and promotes transformational travel. For instance, guests at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa can engage in life-changing wildlife safaris, while those at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco can immerse themselves in the rich local culture through community projects and artisanal workshops. Each of Virgin Limited Edition's unique, luxury retreats offer distinctive opportunities for guests to embark on profound, meaningful journeys."

James Bermingham, CEO of Virgin Hotels Collection, said, "We are delighted to be introducing our unique Virgin Limited Edition retreats into Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ prestigious Legend Collection, further strengthening our successful partnership. This opportunity aligns perfectly with our strategy for careful growth and will allow us to bring Virgin Limited Edition’s ultra-luxury offering to even more travelers looking for incredible experiences around the globe."

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Virgin Limited Edition properties offer distinctive opportunities for guests to embark on profound, meaningful journeys. For example, visitors to Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa can enjoy life-changing wildlife safaris, while guests at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco can immerse themselves in local culture through community projects and artisanal workshops.

All Virgin Limited Edition properties now have access to Preferred Hotels & Resorts' expertise in leisure, corporate, and group sales, as well as innovative marketing and distribution solutions. Additionally, these properties will participate in the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program, which offers points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, Titanium status, and other valuable benefits from eligible stays at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide.

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Travelers can book stays at any of the Virgin Limited Edition properties through the Preferred Hotels & Resorts website. Travel advisors and agents can book client stays using the “VL” and “PV” chain codes in the Global Distribution System (GDS).

About Preferred Hotels & Resorts

Preferred Hotels & Resorts represents more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. The brand connects discerning travelers to unique luxury hospitality experiences tailored to their preferences. Each property within the portfolio meets high standards of quality and service as required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking unique experiences. For more information, visit Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

About Virgin Limited Edition

Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Richard Branson's collection of unique, ultra-luxury retreats located in some of the most breathtaking settings in the world. The group includes properties such as Necker Island, The Branson Beach Estate, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, Kasbah Tamadot, The Lodge, Mahali Mzuri, Finch Hattons, Mont Rochelle, and Son Bunyola Estate.

Image Credit: Virgin Limited Edition


Restaurant Brands Asia Reports 18% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY27

Restaurant Brands Asia Reports 18% Revenue Growth in Q1 FY27

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Restaurant Brands Asia Limited (RBA), one of India's leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) operators, has reported strong financial results for the first quarter ended 30 June 2026, driven by higher revenues, improved profitability and steady network expansion.

During the quarter, the company's consolidated restaurant network expanded to 752 outlets, with nine new restaurants added in India since 31 March 2026.

On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations increased 17.9% year-on-year to ₹8,226 million, while Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) surged 265.7% to ₹435 million, compared to ₹119 million in the same quarter last year.

The India business delivered an even stronger performance. Burger King India recorded a same-store sales growth (SSSG) of 12.6%, its highest level in the past 15 quarters. The company also achieved its highest-ever quarterly revenue and EBITDA.

Standalone revenue from operations rose 23.6% year-on-year to ₹6,829 million. Restaurant EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) grew 68.1% to ₹900 million, with margins improving from 9.7% to 13.2%. Meanwhile, Company EBITDA (Pre-Ind AS 116) increased 133.6% to ₹527 million, with margins expanding from 4.1% to 7.7%.

Alongside its quarterly performance, Restaurant Brands Asia announced the completion of Inspira Global's acquisition of a controlling 42% stake in the company.

As part of the transaction, Inspira Global, which owns leading home-grown QSR brands including Chinese Wok, has invested ₹1,050 crore through the issuance of fresh equity shares and warrants. Upon exercising the warrants, the company will invest an additional ₹450 crore, increasing its shareholding in Restaurant Brands Asia to 48%.

The fresh capital is expected to strengthen the company's balance sheet and provide greater financial flexibility to support restaurant expansion, brand-building initiatives, digital capabilities and long-term growth plans.

Commenting on the results, Rajeev Varman, Whole-time Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Restaurant Brands Asia, said:

“Q1 FY27 has been an important milestone in our journey towards sustainable and profitable growth in India. We have built upon positive momentum from the second half of last year and delivered strong growth in restaurant and company operating profits. Our continued focus on value, menu innovation, digital capabilities and disciplined execution enabled us to achieve our strongest quarterly SSSG in the last fifteen quarters. Burger King Indonesia business is also improving, with higher Restaurant EBITDA. Our new promoter Inspira Global brings deep industry expertise and a strong understanding of the food service business. Together, we are focused on improving operational efficiency, accelerating growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders.”


TUTC to Launch FHR Wilderness Lodge at Forest Hill Resort Near Chandigarh

TUTC to Launch FHR Wilderness Lodge at Forest Hill Resort Near Chandigarh

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Forest Hill Resort is set to elevate experiential hospitality with the upcoming launch of FHR Wilderness Lodge in partnership with The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC). Nestled amidst the scenic surroundings of Forest Hill Resort near Chandigarh, the new luxury lodge will combine TUTC's signature hospitality with the region's forests, lakes and the picturesque Shivalik foothills.

Designed for travellers seeking a peaceful escape from city life, FHR Wilderness Lodge will offer thoughtfully crafted luxury accommodation surrounded by nature. Guests can unwind in tranquil surroundings while enjoying personalised hospitality and curated experiences that celebrate the destination's natural beauty.

The lodge will feature a range of outdoor and recreational experiences, including golf, horse riding, boating, trekking, nature drives, angling, bonfire evenings, organic farm visits and exclusive dining experiences. Whether visiting for a family holiday, a private celebration or a corporate retreat, guests can look forward to immersive stays designed around comfort, relaxation and meaningful experiences.

FHR Wilderness Lodge will also enhance destination weddings at Forest Hill Resort by offering luxurious accommodation for wedding guests, intimate pre-wedding celebrations and curated experiences for family and friends. Together with the resort's elegant wedding venues, the lodge aims to create memorable celebrations that extend beyond the wedding day into a complete destination experience surrounded by nature.

The partnership marks a significant milestone for Forest Hill Resort as it strengthens its position as a leading destination for nature-inspired stays, celebrations and hospitality in the region.

For The Ultimate Travelling Camp (TUTC), which is known for creating luxury stays across some of India's most remarkable destinations, FHR Wilderness Lodge will add a distinctive wilderness retreat near Chandigarh to its growing portfolio.

Blending refined luxury with immersive outdoor experiences, FHR Wilderness Lodge is set to offer travellers a unique way to reconnect with nature while enjoying the comfort and personalised service that define both TUTC and Forest Hill Resort.


Radisson Hotel Group Eyes 500 Hotels in India by 2030, Says Nikhil Sharma

Radisson Hotel Group Eyes 500 Hotels in India by 2030, Says Nikhil Sharma

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 4, 2026

Radisson Hotel Group is strengthening its long-term growth strategy in India, with plans to reach 500 hotels by 2030 by expanding across emerging urban centres, regional towns, leisure destinations and religious tourism hubs. The company believes India's growing domestic travel market and rising investor confidence will continue to drive its next phase of expansion.

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Speaking about the group's growth plans, Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director & COO, South Asia, said India has become one of Radisson Hotel Group's key global growth markets.

"Without question. India has evolved from being an important market to becoming one of Radisson Hotel Group's strategic growth engines globally."

Highlighting the company's progress, Sharma said Radisson signed 18 hotels and opened four new properties during the first half of 2026. This has taken its development pipeline to 98 hotels, while its operational portfolio now stands at 142 hotels across 86 cities.

Over the next two years, the company will focus on three major priorities—accelerating the conversion of its existing hotel pipeline into operational properties, expanding further into Tier II, III and IV markets, and diversifying its portfolio across business destinations, leisure locations and religious tourism centres.

Sharma said Radisson's expansion strategy now extends well beyond India's traditional metro cities. The group is strengthening its presence in emerging commercial and industrial centres such as Rajkot and Jamshedpur, gateway destinations like Siliguri, leisure markets including Kasauli and Gopalpur, and fast-growing spiritual destinations such as Nathdwara and Prayagraj.

According to Sharma, more than half of Radisson's portfolio in India is already located in Tier II and III cities, giving the company a strong position as travel demand continues to grow beyond major metropolitan markets such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

On the company's development strategy, Sharma said Radisson will continue with its asset-light model, with management contracts remaining its preferred approach. He added that hotel conversions are becoming an increasingly important part of the group's expansion strategy.

"Conversions allow us to bring quality inventory to market much faster while creating value for owners." Alongside conversions, Radisson will continue to pursue greenfield developments in destinations where branded hotel supply is still developing, evaluating each project based on long-term demand, owner capability and its strategic value to the network.

Addressing concerns around geopolitical tensions in West Asia and rising aviation costs, Sharma said the company has not seen any significant impact on bookings across its portfolio.

"At this stage, we are closely monitoring the situation, but we have not seen any significant impact on overall booking trends across our portfolio." He noted that India's hospitality sector remains well supported by strong domestic travel demand.

Sharma also reiterated the industry's call for policy reforms to support hotel development, including wider implementation of infrastructure status across states and streamlined single-window clearance systems to improve project viability and reduce approval timelines.

He identified Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh as key growth markets, driven by better air connectivity, expanding highway infrastructure and increasing government investment.

"The next phase of hospitality growth will increasingly be driven by these emerging destinations rather than the traditional gateway metros." On the overall market outlook, Sharma described the current performance of India's hospitality sector as a healthy correction following the exceptional post-pandemic period.

"We would describe it as a healthy normalisation rather than a slowdown." He also dismissed concerns over a structural decline in corporate travel, stating that businesses are becoming more focused on value and productivity rather than reducing travel altogether.

"Companies are certainly becoming more disciplined in how they travel, but they are not travelling less. What has changed is that travel decisions today are more outcome-driven, with greater emphasis on productivity, flexibility and value."

Looking ahead, Sharma believes the biggest growth opportunities for the hospitality sector lie in the convergence of MICE, destination weddings and religious tourism, which continue to drive demand across emerging destinations in India.

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