Wild Whispers Showcases Kenya’s Safari Luxury at OTM Mumbai 2025

Wild Whispers Showcases Kenya’s Safari Luxury at OTM Mumbai 2025

By Author

Published on February 7, 2025

Wild Whispers, a premier luxury safari operator from Kenya, made a remarkable impact at OTM Mumbai 2025, held from January 30 to February 1. The prestigious travel exhibition served as an ideal platform for the company to introduce Indian travellers to the unparalleled beauty and exclusivity of Kenyan safaris. With a growing interest in high-end, immersive wildlife experiences, the showcase attracted substantial attention from travel professionals and safari enthusiasts alike.

Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the iconic Maasai Mara, home to the Great Migration, to the serene conservancies that offer private wildlife encounters, proved to be a major draw for visitors at the event. Wild Whispers’ tailor-made safari experiences, combining adventure with opulence, garnered keen interest, highlighting the rising demand for customized African travel among Indian tourists. The company’s luxury tented camps and bespoke itineraries, crafted to provide both comfort and conservation-conscious travel, resonated strongly with attendees eager to explore beyond traditional vacation options.

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Aman Shah, CEO of Wild Whispers, expressed his enthusiasm about engaging with Indian travellers at OTM 2025. He emphasized that safari tourism today extends beyond mere wildlife viewing, focusing on immersive experiences that create lasting memories. The company’s presence at the event underscored its commitment to making African safaris more accessible and unforgettable for discerning Indian tourists seeking unique travel adventures.

Kenya has witnessed a growing influx of Indian visitors, drawn by its rich biodiversity, spectacular landscapes, and high-end hospitality offerings. Wild Whispers’ participation at OTM Mumbai 2025 reinforced its dedication to catering to this expanding market, offering curated safari experiences that blend thrilling wildlife encounters with luxury and personalized service. The success of the event marked another step in strengthening the connection between Indian travellers and the enchanting wilderness of Africa, paving the way for more unforgettable safari journeys.


Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2025

A powerful collaboration between Radisson Hotel Group, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and strategic partner The Job Plus, has helped launch careers in the hospitality industry for 308 underprivileged youth across India. Through focused training programs and industry partnerships, this initiative is changing lives—one placement at a time.

A standout success of the project is from Jammu & Kashmir, where 70 youth were trained by Arc Hospitality and Swale IT & Skills, and later placed in well-known hotel groups like Radisson, Park Inn, and The Svelte. Of these, 20 young individuals were awarded offer letters during a special ceremony held at Radisson Hotel, Srinagar, in the presence of Mr. K. B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC.

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This event wasn’t just a celebration of job placements, it was a showcase of how collaboration between corporates, training partners, and skill councils can create real impact. Organizations like the Hotel Association of India (HAI) also play an important role by supporting industry-focused skilling efforts alongside THSC.

The broader placement drive has opened doors at renowned hospitality names including Hilton, Conrad, The Oberoi, Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn, Sarovar Ahuja Residency, Amritara, Park Plaza, and Svelte. A notable aspect of the initiative is its strong commitment to gender inclusion, with 155 female (51%) and 153 male (49%) candidates placed across the country.

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This program stands as a real example of CSR-driven skilling leading to meaningful employment. It offers young individuals, especially from underserved regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the opportunity to join India’s growing hospitality sector with pride and purpose.

By combining the strengths of corporate support, strategic execution, and quality training, this model proves that large-scale, high-impact employment initiatives are possible. It sets a promising path for similar programs to take shape across more parts of the country.


Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 19, 2025

Once seen as a quaint weekend escape, Alibaug is now transforming into a premier real estate destination, according to a recent report by SKYE Hospitality. Nestled on the outskirts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the coastal town’s charm and serenity are now being matched by a rising wave of experiential real estate developments, including gated villa communities, branded plots, and vacation homes.

The report outlines a sharp upward trend in property prices, noting that branded plots by top developers have reached an average of ₹6,700 per sq. ft. in 2025, compared to ₹3,300 per sq. ft. in 2021 — a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3%. Non-branded land options are still available at lower rates ranging between ₹1,300 and ₹2,000 per sq. ft.

The luxury villa segment has experienced even steeper appreciation, growing at a CAGR of 27% between 2021 and 2025. Average villa prices have surged to ₹14,800 per sq. ft., reflecting growing demand for curated, high-end living. Leading developers including House of Abhinandan Lodha, Mahindra Lifespaces, Avas Wellness, Emaar, Equinox, and Axon Developers have either entered the Alibaug market or are preparing to launch projects soon.

“Alibaug is no more a quaint neighbourhood situated in the peripheries of the MMR. It is now in the midst of a property bull run,” said Mr. Ankit Kansal, MD, SKYE Hospitality. “With work-from-anywhere becoming the norm, Alibaug is an ideal destination for curated, premium living — from sea-facing bungalows to serviced villas and farmstays.”

The report also notes that Alibaug is now seeing demand for primary residences, with many residents from Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding regions considering a permanent move. Enhanced connectivity, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and fast ferry services to Mandwa, has made Alibaug a practical alternative to urban neighbourhoods.

“The emergence of curated, high-quality residential formats further signals a maturing market,” added Ms. Taran Chhabra, Director, SKYE Hospitality. “This is no longer just about second homes — it’s about daily living in a refined and nature-rich environment.”

With price appreciation expected to accelerate up to 35% annually, Alibaug is well on its way to becoming one of India’s most aspirational property destinations.


ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

By Author

Published on July 18, 2025

ELIVAAS, India’s leading luxury vacation rental brand, has partnered with Akasa Air to redefine the travel experience with seamless, pet-friendly holidays. This strategic alliance, which includes its sister brand Alaya Stays, will allow Akasa Air customers to enjoy exclusive discounts on over 100 ELIVAAS-managed luxury villas and fully serviced apartments across the country, all pet-inclusive.

The partnership brings together two customer-centric brands aiming to simplify travel for today’s modern Indian families, especially those with pets. With Akasa Air’s growing pet-friendly service, Pets on Akasa, and ELIVAAS’ thoughtful accommodations, travellers now have a smooth, end-to-end journey for every member of the family and their paws included.

“Through this collaboration, we’re not just offering a place to stay, we’re creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS. “Akasa Air’s inclusive approach aligns beautifully with our philosophy. We want every guest, including their pets, to feel at home the moment their journey begins.”

The collaboration caters especially to India’s emerging DINKWAD (Double Income No Kids With A Dog) demographic, which is increasingly seeking premium, pet-inclusive getaways. The special offer is available to all Akasa Air customers via a unique coupon code and applies to bookings of two nights or more, across any of ELIVAAS or Alaya Stays’ destinations.

Whether it's a weekend escape or an extended retreat, ELIVAAS’ concierge team provides personalized service to ensure every detail, from pet amenities to family-friendly setups  is taken care of. This partnership offers flexibility, warmth, and convenience, helping travellers skip the stress of planning while still enjoying a curated experience.

As India’s appetite for luxury and pet-friendly travel grows, this partnership between ELIVAAS and Akasa Air sets a new benchmark. With a shared commitment to thoughtful hospitality, they’re reshaping how India travels, one paw at a time.

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