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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.
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.
"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."
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.
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
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on May 30, 2026
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and financial year ended March 31, 2026, reporting steady operational growth supported by strong occupancy levels and continued expansion across key hospitality markets.
The company reported revenue from operations of INR 183.70 crore for Q4 FY26, compared to INR 177.32 crore during the same quarter last year. Operating EBITDA for the quarter stood at INR 52.99 crore, while profit after tax (PAT) was reported at INR 11.88 crore.
ASPHL recorded occupancy levels of 90 per cent during the quarter, reflecting sustained demand across both business and leisure travel segments and reinforcing the company’s position within India’s hospitality sector.
For the full financial year FY26, the company crossed the INR 700 crore annual revenue milestone for the first time, reporting revenue from operations of INR 707.28 crore. Annual PAT for the year stood at INR 65.72 crore.
The company stated that growth during FY26 was supported by expansion into Tier II and Tier III cities along with strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening its presence in high-potential hospitality destinations.
During the financial year, ASPHL acquired control of Zillion Hotels and Resorts Private Limited, Fisherman’s Grove Resorts Private Limited, and Thali Hotels and Destinations Private Limited. These acquisitions are expected to further strengthen the company’s hospitality presence across Mumbai and Kerala.
ASPHL also reaffirmed its long-term growth plans and said it remains on track to more than double its room inventory to 6,653 keys over the next five years.
The company’s bakery and confectionery brand, Flurys, also continued its expansion during FY26. The brand currently operates 110 outlets and recorded a 29 per cent year-on-year revenue growth during the financial year, supported by new store additions and strong performance across existing outlets.
Commenting on the results, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said FY26 marked a significant milestone as the company crossed INR 700 crore in annual revenue for the first time. He added that Q4 reflected resilient operational performance with continued leadership in occupancy and RevPAR metrics.
Dewan further noted that the sale of serviced apartments at EM Bypass, Kolkata, contributed positively to cash flow during the year. He added that the company remains focused on long-term value creation through portfolio expansion, guest-centric experiences, operational efficiency, and margin improvement.
The company also highlighted that recent global recognition received by Ran Baas The Palace, Patiala and The Lotus Palace, Chettinad further strengthens its positioning as a design-led and experience-driven hospitality group.
By Hariharan U
Published on May 25, 2026
India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, has reported a strong financial performance for FY 2025–26 with a 14 percent increase in profit before tax (PBT) compared to the previous financial year.
The corporation also announced a dividend payout of Rs 22.02 crore to the Government of India, reflecting continued operational strength and improved financial performance despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties impacting the global hospitality and tourism sector.
According to the company, the growth was driven by enhanced operational efficiencies, strategic initiatives across business verticals, optimal resource allocation, and continued focus on customer-centric service delivery.
Commenting on the performance, Mugdha Sinha said the results reflect ITDC’s ongoing efforts towards strengthening service standards while building on the organisation’s long-standing legacy and institutional trust.
During the financial year, ITDC also introduced three operational manuals focused on procurement of goods and services, sound and light shows, and general clauses aimed at improving governance, standardisation, and transparency across institutional processes.
The corporation further highlighted its increasing focus on technology-enabled transformation through the adoption of AI-based solutions to improve operational agility, customer experience, and business planning capabilities.
FY26 also marked two major milestones for the organisation as ITDC celebrated 60 years of its legacy alongside 70 years of The Ashok, one of India’s most iconic hospitality properties.
The company stated that its future strategy will continue to focus on operational excellence, digital transformation, sustainability, and long-term value creation while strengthening its contribution to India’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem.
The financial performance comes at a time when India’s hospitality and tourism sector continues to navigate evolving global market conditions, changing travel patterns, and increased focus on technology-led efficiencies across public and private sector enterprises.
Quick commerce platform Zepto is reportedly preparing to launch its much-awaited Rs 11,000-crore initial public offering (IPO) in July 2026. According to people familiar with the matter, the Bengaluru-based startup is targeting a stock market debut before July 31.
If the public issue moves ahead as planned, Zepto will join competitors Zomato and Swiggy, which are already listed on Indian stock exchanges.
The company recently received approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) for its maiden public issue and is now expected to submit its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus (UDRHP). Zepto had earlier filed its IPO papers through the confidential route in December 2025.
Founded by Stanford University dropouts Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto has built its growth strategy differently from many players in the quick commerce space. A recent report by brokerage Bernstein highlighted that the company has focused more on strengthening existing markets rather than rapidly expanding into newer locations.
According to the report, Zepto currently has the highest concentration of dark stores in the quick commerce category, operating nearly 21 stores per city. In comparison, several competitors operate around nine stores per city.
The report also noted that Zepto currently runs 1,255 dark stores across 61 cities, while rival Blinkit has 2,222 stores spread across 243 cities. Instead of aggressively entering more markets, Zepto appears to be prioritising stronger penetration within the cities where it already operates.
Bernstein further pointed out that Zepto maintains the highest store-to-pincode ratio in the segment, reflecting its strategy of building density in selected urban markets.
The company's network continues to remain heavily focused on metro cities, where factors such as faster delivery timelines, higher order frequency and stronger customer engagement can help improve operations over time.
According to the analysis, rather than pushing growth through large-scale expansion, Zepto appears to be focusing on building stronger usage patterns and operational efficiency within a smaller number of markets.
With IPO plans now moving forward, Zepto is preparing for a major milestone that could further strengthen its position in India's growing quick commerce market.
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