Wyndham Introduces Trademark Collection Brand to India with Opening of The Earth Amritsar

Wyndham Introduces Trademark Collection Brand to India with Opening of The Earth Amritsar

By Nishang Narayan

Published on April 10, 2024

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the global leader in hotel franchising, marks its entry into India's hospitality market with the debut of the Trademark Collection brand through the opening of The Earth Amritsar. This 57-room heritage hotel, situated in the heart of Amritsar, Punjab, offers upscale accommodations in a historic setting, presenting guests with a unique blend of luxury and cultural immersion.

Operated in collaboration with Earth Suites & Resorts Private Limited, The Earth Amritsar is a testament to Wyndham's commitment to providing travellers with distinctive experiences in diverse destinations. The property spans five acres and features two distinct buildings, including a 130-year-old heritage structure once home to the Victoria Jubilee Hospital, as well as a new build addition currently under construction.

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Dimitris Manikis, President of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA, expresses enthusiasm for the brand's expansion into India, stating, "Trademark Collection by Wyndham is one of the fastest-growing brands in our portfolio, offering independent and unique experiences to travellers. The Earth Amritsar exemplifies the spirit of the Trademark Collection brand, providing guests with upscale accommodations and personalised service in the culturally rich city of Amritsar."

With India being a strategic market for Wyndham, the company aims to leverage the strength of the Trademark Collection brand to cater to midscale and upscale travellers seeking distinctive experiences. Mr. Vivek Shah, Director of Earth Suites & Resorts Private Limited, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the fruitful collaboration between the two companies and the potential for delivering an elevated guest experience in Amritsar.

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The Earth Amritsar boasts 57 contemporary suites designed to seamlessly blend with the property's natural surroundings and historical elements. Guests can enjoy high-end amenities, including a fitness centre, outdoor pool, two restaurants offering elevated culinary experiences, a sophisticated whiskey lounge, and event spaces for meetings and banquets. Luxury transfers to and from Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport further enhance the guest experience, ensuring convenience and comfort throughout their stay.

As Wyndham continues to expand its footprint in India, The Earth Amritsar serves as a testament to the brand's commitment to providing travellers with memorable and authentic experiences in key destinations around the world.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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