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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 9, 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII), the apex private sector body representing India’s travel and tourism industry, has announced the appointment of its Office Bearers for the 2026–2028 term. The appointments were confirmed by members during the WTTCII Annual General Meeting held in New Delhi.
Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, has been appointed Chair of WTTCII for the 2026–2028 term. Vikram Madhok, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent, India, takes on the role of Vice Chair, while Ragini Chopra, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at InterGlobe Enterprises, has been appointed Vice Chair – Advocacy. Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman of MakeMyTrip India Pvt. Ltd., completed his term as Chair of WTTCII.
WTTCII placed on record its appreciation for Deep Kalra for his leadership as Outgoing Chair, acknowledging his role in guiding the Council through a high-intensity agenda focused on reforms, investment facilitation, competitiveness, and sustainability for India’s travel and tourism sector.
Speaking on the Council’s direction, Deep Kalra said, “WTTCII is committed to working alongside Government, at the Centre and in States, to support India’s long term tourism growth and help the sector scale responsibly as a global destination. We will work with decision makers to translate reform intent into measurable outcomes. We are delighted to welcome Airbnb and Hilton as WTTCII Members, further strengthening a broader platform across the travel ecosystem and deepening WTTCII’s capability, voice and impact.”
Sharing her vision as the newly appointed Chair, Dr Jyotsna Suri said, “With the Union Budget 2026 setting a clear direction, delivery now rests on State-level execution, where investment and visitor experience are shaped. WTTCII will work with States/UTs to improve project timelines, destination management and quality standards. Our ongoing engagement through the Goa Tourism Board and the recent MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu reflect this commitment to on-ground implementation.”
Vikram Madhok highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s inbound tourism journey, stating, “To grow inbound tourism, India must strengthen the full journey, seamless access, stronger connectivity, sharper international marketing and better-run destinations, so we can attract high-value visitors, build year-round demand and spread benefits across regions. A key step in that direction is the new visa application platform that the Government of India is expected to commission later this year. The goal is simple, a brand promise that matches India’s visitor experience.”
Ragini Chopra emphasised the role of focused advocacy, saying, “India needs a focused, priority-market international marketing campaign and it must be matched by reliable onground delivery in States, where policy meets execution. WTTCII’s advocacy will be evidence-led and solutions-first, leveraging our diverse membership, airlines, hospitality, travel services, OTAs, PSUs and consulting expertise, to help governments adopt practical reforms and deliver measurable performance improvements for India’s travel and tourism sector.”
With the appointment of its new leadership team, WTTCII enters the 2026–2028 term with a renewed focus on collaboration with government, state-level execution, and building a stronger, more competitive, and sustainable travel and tourism ecosystem for India.
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By Hariharan U
Published on July 17, 2026
World St. at Worldmark Aerocity, New Delhi has welcomed Starbucks Reserve, bringing the premium coffee brand’s elevated café experience to one of the capital’s most vibrant lifestyle and dining destinations.
The opening strengthens World St.’s vision of creating a globally inspired urban destination featuring celebrated brands, immersive experiences, and curated food and beverage offerings. Positioned as “The Social Spine of Worldmark,” World St. is designed as a walkable F&B and lifestyle hub within Delhi’s prominent business district, offering guests a blend of dining, leisure, and social experiences.
The launch marks the fourth Starbucks Reserve store in India and the third Starbucks Reserve destination in Delhi NCR, further expanding Starbucks’ premium coffee footprint in the country. Built around Starbucks’ philosophy of creating a welcoming “third place” between home and work, Starbucks Reserve offers guests an enhanced coffeehouse experience focused on connection, discovery, and community.
The café showcases the craftsmanship behind specialty coffee through a selection of rare and premium coffees, signature espresso creations, handcrafted beverages, and curated food offerings. Guests can also enjoy the brand’s bake-in menu, designed to complement the premium beverage experience.
A key highlight of the store is the Black Eagle espresso machine, an advanced brewing system that enables Coffee Masters to achieve greater precision in extraction and preparation. The technology further enhances the artistry and expertise behind every cup served at Starbucks Reserve.
The arrival of Starbucks Reserve adds to World St.’s expanding portfolio of globally recognised dining and lifestyle brands. Spread across approximately half a kilometre through Worldmark 4, 5, and 6, World St. covers nearly 2,60,000 sq. ft. of gross leasable area and has been developed as a pedestrian-friendly destination featuring global cuisine, alfresco dining spaces, green courtyards, art installations, and contemporary street furniture.
Connecting three iconic Worldmark developments, World St. brings together work, leisure, and culture through a diverse mix of cafés, patisseries, restaurants, and bars. The destination has established itself as one of Delhi-NCR’s prominent food and lifestyle destinations, featuring brands such as India’s first Olive Garden, P.F. Chang’s, and Magnolia Bakery.
With the addition of Starbucks Reserve, World St. continues to strengthen its positioning as a destination for premium experiences, attracting visitors seeking international brands, culinary discovery, and vibrant social spaces.
Starbucks Reserve at World St., Worldmark, Delhi will be open to customers from 15 July 2026, operating from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM.
Published on July 16, 2026
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that its iconic brand Taj has once again been recognised as India's Strongest Brand across sectors in the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report. The achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that Taj has earned the distinction.
Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said:
“Being recognised as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth consecutive year is a matter of immense pride. For over 120 years, Taj has remained an enduring symbol of Indian hospitality, staying rooted in its timeless values of warmth, authenticity and excellence. This recognition reflects the deep trust and emotional connection that generations of guests have placed in the brand, as well as the unwavering commitment of our associates who bring the spirit of Tajness to life every day through thoughtful service and genuine care.”
He further added:
“Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, IHCL’s iconic brand Taj has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism landscape. Today, with a portfolio of 150 hotels across 15 countries, it offers a distinctive collection of grand palaces, landmark city hotels, wildlife safaris, beach and hill resorts and service residences. Guided by Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the brand’s growth is anchored in responsible business practices that balance environmental stewardship, social impact and cultural preservation. As a custodian of Indian hospitality, Taj remains committed to creating long-term value while enriching destinations, empowering communities and preserving the heritage and traditions that define its legacy.”
According to the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report, Taj recorded a 32% increase in brand value, reaching USD 878 million. The brand also retained its AAA+ brand strength rating, supported by a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100.
The report highlights Taj's strong brand familiarity, customer preference, and deep understanding among Indian consumers. It also notes that the brand's signature hospitality experience, widely recognised as 'Tajness', continues to set it apart, with a significant number of respondents identifying Taj as their preferred hotel brand.
Commenting on the recognition, David Haigh, Chairman, Brand Finance, said:
“Taj Hotels’ position as India’s strongest brand for the fifth consecutive year reflects the strength of its reputation and consistency of its brand performance. Brand Finance’s research shows exceptionally high levels of familiarity, preference, and understanding in its home market, underscoring the value of investing in a distinctive brand experience, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, and delivering what guests value most. As Taj continues to expand its footprint across India and internationally, preserving these strengths will be key.”
The latest recognition further reinforces Taj's position as one of India's most trusted hospitality brands, reflecting more than a century of excellence, guest trust, and continued growth across domestic and international markets.
Published on July 15, 2026
Punjab & Sind Bank has announced that its Cochin Branch has been awarded the IGBC Green Interiors Certification by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) under the IGBC Green Interiors Rating System (New Interiors), reinforcing the Bank's commitment to sustainable infrastructure and environmentally responsible banking practices.
The certification recognises the Bank's efforts in creating a workplace that incorporates green interior standards, energy-efficient design, and sustainable operational practices. The initiative is aimed at providing a healthier environment for both customers and employees while reducing the branch's overall environmental footprint.
The recognition marks another milestone in Punjab & Sind Bank's ongoing sustainability journey, highlighting its focus on integrating environmentally responsible practices across its operations. The Bank said the certification reflects its commitment to embedding sustainability into its operational framework while promoting resource efficiency and responsible infrastructure development.
Punjab & Sind Bank continues to align its sustainability initiatives with the Government of India's vision of promoting green infrastructure and sustainable development. Through environmentally conscious banking practices and infrastructure upgrades, the Bank aims to contribute towards building a more sustainable and resilient future.
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