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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.
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on October 8, 2025
Espire Hospitality Limited has announced the signing of a brand-new ZANA Resort in Dehradun, scheduled to open in April 2026. Strategically located near the Indian Military Academy, the resort will bring the brand’s signature blend of soulful luxury and nature-inspired design to one of North India’s most sought-after leisure destinations.
Spread across 7 acres of lush greenery, the upcoming ZANA Resort Dehradun promises a serene escape with 50 luxurious cottages, including select cottages featuring private plunge pools. Designed to offer a seamless connection with nature, the resort will combine modern comforts with an atmosphere of tranquility and rejuvenation.
Guests can look forward to the brand’s signature Mayfair restaurant with adjoining alfresco seating, a stylish bar, and 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor banqueting space, perfect for destination weddings, social events, and corporate gatherings. Recreational offerings will include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool, kids’ play area, and gaming arcade, making it an ideal getaway for families, couples, and groups alike.
Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Akhil Arora, CEO & MD of Espire Hospitality Limited, said,
“The signing of ZANA Resort in Dehradun is a strategic addition to our growing portfolio and further strengthens our presence in North India’s popular leisure markets. Dehradun has always been an important destination for travellers, and this one-of-a-kind expansive, nature-inspired resort will cater to the increasing demand for high-quality, experience-driven stays in this market. At Espire, our focus remains on developing well-differentiated hotels that combine thoughtful design, modern amenities, and exceptional hospitality.”
With this new signing, Espire Hospitality continues to expand its premium leisure portfolio across North India, moving closer to its vision of having 30 operational hotels by FY26. The upcoming resort reaffirms the brand’s focus on nature-led experiences, immersive hospitality, and creating destinations that inspire.
Published on October 7, 2025
Indian travellers applying for US B1/B2 business and tourist visas continue to face long interview wait times, as per the latest data from the US Department of State updated in September 2025. New Delhi now records the longest delay, with appointment availability stretching to 12 months. In contrast, Chennai has seen a remarkable improvement, with average wait times dropping sharply from 8.5 months in August to just 2.5 months in September.
According to the latest figures, Hyderabad’s average wait time remains steady at three months, while Mumbai and Kolkata show minor fluctuations, now averaging 4.5 and 5.5 months respectively. The sudden rise in New Delhi’s wait period, up from 3.5 months in August to 12 months in September, has raised concerns for applicants planning urgent travel.
City
Avg Wait (Aug 2025)
Avg Wait (Sep 2025)
Next Available (Aug 2025)
Next Available (Sep 2025)
Chennai
8.5 months
2.5 months
5 months
3 months
Hyderabad
3.5 months
Kolkata
6 months
5.5 months
Mumbai
4.5 months
New Delhi
12 months
Average wait time refers to the typical delay from visa fee payment to interview, based on historical data. The “next available appointment” indicates the earliest date open for scheduling and can shift frequently as new slots are added. Applicants are encouraged to monitor embassy systems regularly to reschedule earlier appointments when possible.
Previously, Indian travellers could apply for non-immigrant visas in third countries such as the UAE, Qatar, or Singapore, where appointment wait times were often shorter. However, the US has now ended this practice, requiring applicants to apply in their home country or place of residence. This policy aims to prevent “visa shopping” but may lead to longer delays for many Indian applicants.
Existing third-country appointments are expected to be honoured, but new ones must be made in the applicant’s home country. The Department of State continues to update visa wait time data monthly and advises applicants to refer to embassy websites for the latest details on interview scheduling, rescheduling, and waiver options.
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited has announced the signing of its latest property, Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar. The new property will be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. This addition further strengthens the company’s growing presence in Uttarakhand, catering to both religious and leisure travellers seeking a refreshing, value-driven stay experience.
Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Haridwar will feature 52 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, conference hall, and recreational facilities including a fitness centre. The property enjoys a convenient location, approximately 32 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and 9 km from Haridwar Railway Station, with excellent connectivity via public and private transport.
Speaking on the occasion, Vilas Pawar, CEO, Managed & Franchise Business, Lemon Tree Hotels, said, “With this signing, we will expand our leisure portfolio in Uttarakhand, a state where we have eight operational and nine upcoming properties in addition to this one. While expanding its footprint across the country in cities of all tiers, this signing by Lemon Tree Hotels perfectly aligns with the company’s vision of offering refreshing and comfortable stays across religious and spiritual destinations.”
Currently, Lemon Tree Hotels Limited (LTHL) operates 120+ hotels across 75+ cities in India and abroad, with a pipeline of 110+ upcoming properties. From major metro hubs like Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to tier II and III cities such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Kochi, and Indore, as well as international locations in Dubai, Bhutan, and Nepal, the brand continues to deliver exceptional comfort, consistent quality, and a warm, refreshing experience.
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