India's Halwai Legacy Meets Modern Craft as Amara Makes Its Debut

Amara launches with a flagship store and 10 satellite stores in Bengaluru, bringing together generational artisans and elevated regional flavours in one menu for the first time

Bengaluru, March 2026 - Amara is officially open, introducing Bengaluru to a new kind of dessert experience, one that bridges India's rich regional heritage with contemporary craft. The brand launches with its flagship store in Indiranagar, along with 10 satellite stores across Bengaluru. It marks the arrival of India’s first premium, frozen dessert brand built around collaboration with generational halwais. At Amara, dessert recipes passed down over decades are given a thoughtful makeover using new-age formats, delivering flavour profiles that feel elevated and new, while remaining deeply nostalgic.

For decades, India’s most iconic cold desserts have remained regional treasures, tied to specific cities and seasons, carried forward through memory rather than accessibility. Meetha paan belonged to Banaras. Gudbud was a Udupi speciality. Chikki was synonymous with Lonavala. Meanwhile, the premium dessert market has largely been shaped by Western formats or mass-produced sweets that lack cultural depth and emotional connection.

Amara exists to address this gap. The brand brings together cold desserts from across India, working directly with traditional halwais whose families have preserved these recipes for generations. Everything at Amara is made with 100% real milk and natural ingredients, with zero preservatives, following time-honoured techniques that have stood the test of time.

“We realised there was a clear gap in the premium dessert space,” says Edwin Daniel, Co-founder of Amara, “India has extraordinary regional dessert traditions, but they were either hyper-local or not presented in a contemporary format. We wanted to bring these flavours together on one platform - not as fusion, but as respectful reinterpretations that make them accessible year-round, without losing their authenticity.”

Amara's debut collection reads like a map of India's sweetest memories. From the North comes the Meetha Paan Sundae - a post-meal dessert that captures the taste of paan in a modern format. From the South comes Gadibadi, a modern interpretation of the Mangalore classic Gudbud. From the West, there is the Lonavala Salted Caramel Chikki Sundae. The menu also features a dessert that encapsulates the taste of the masala chai-soaked Parle-G biscuit that so many fondly remember. Rounding out the collection are creative interpretations like Filter Kaapi ice cream, Gulkhand Rose Sundae, and Desi Tres Leches.

"With the launch of a flagship store and 10 satellite stores, our focus is on reach and accessibility from day one. We wanted Amara to feel premium but approachable - a brand that can scale while staying rooted in authenticity. Bengaluru is the right city to begin this journey; it embraces craft and innovation. This is just the start of building a nationally relevant dessert brand," said Jeff Jose, Co-founder of Amara.

The Indiranagar store is designed like traditional Indian homes, featuring red oxide floors and rattan furniture that reflect the warmth and familiarity of Indian households. The space celebrates the pride and legacy of Indian dessert-making, creating an environment that feels nostalgic yet contemporary, much like the desserts themselves.

Amara enters the market at the right moment. Indian consumers are increasingly moving away from mass-produced sweets toward artisanal, heritage-driven indulgences made in small batches with unadulterated ingredients. The brand fills a clear gap: premium frozen desserts that are unmistakably Indian, deeply rooted in regional tradition, and presented with confidence.

Address of the store - 472, HAL 3rd Stage, 80 Feet Road, Thippasandra, Bangalore

The Indiranagar store is open from 12 noon to 1 AM. Also available on Swiggy, Zomato, and Ownly. 

About Amara
Amara is a premium frozen dessert brand that bridges India's dessert traditions with contemporary expression. Collaborating with generational halwais and skilled sweet makers, Amara creates cold desserts that honour regional heritage while presenting them in modern formats. Amara currently operates across its flagship store in Indiranagar and 10 satellite stores across Bangalore, serving timeless Indian frozen desserts. 

Ingredient Ideology | Delectable Recipes Using Fox Nuts By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani – Celebrity Master Chef.

Makhana Also Known As Lotus Seeds Or Fox Nuts Are One Of The Nutritionally High Ingredients With Versatile Uses And Benefits To Assist Us In Our Daily Cooking With Recipes In Various Categories And Forms. With The Growing Awareness Of This Ingredient Over The Years It Is Important That We Are Updated With The Reasons Of Why To Include Them In Our Diets As Well. While Some Say They Are Tasteless And Some Seem Confused On How To Make It Interesting On The Dinner Table To Get Compliments We Do Have A Choice Of Recipes Below For All To Try And Enjoy The Flavors Of Makhana!

Let Us Have A Look At A Few Health Benefits Of Makhana:

1. Makhana Is Good For Weight Loss And Management.

2. Makhana Should Be Consumed Since It Provides Energy And Is Also Good For Bone Health.

3. Makhana Is Also Considered Good For Heart And Kidney Health Along With Able To Manage Blood Pressure Issues Too.

4. Makhana Also Has Benefits Of Being A Good Anti-Oxidant, Reduces Fatigue And Also Reduced Palpitations.

5. Makhana Is A Low Glycemic Index Ingredient Hence Making It A Good Choice To Come By Into Our Recipes.

Culinary Uses Of Makhana:

1. Makhana As A Lightly Roasted Snack From Plain Salted, To Kali Mirch And The Masala Spice Mixes Are All A Perfect Munch Option To Sit Back And Enjoy When In Between Meals And To Manage Hunger Pangs.

2. A Makhana Mattar Ki Subzi With A Base Of Onion-Tomato Masala With Mild Powdered Spices, A Little Green Peas And Fresh Coriander Leaves Is Great To Enjoy With Hot Phulkas And Rotis.

3. For A No Onion-No Garlic Option Of Preparing Makhanas Go For A Tomato Base Gravy With Little Cashew And Cream And Add Capsicums And Paneer Along With It To Bring Out The Flavor.

4. Makhane Aur Anar Ka Raita, A Welcome Bowl Of Chilled Raita Concept With Toasted Makhanas And Pomegranate Seeds With A Little Roasted Crushed Jeera, Kala Namak And Mint Leaves Is Just Too Good!

5. Korma Gravy With A Base Of Onion Paste, Curd, Poppy Seeds, Cashew Or Charmagaz, Coconut And Mildly Spiced And Laced Onto Makhanas With A Few Choice Of Colorful Crunchy Veggies Is A Great Option Too For A Variety To Enjoy Makhanas.

6. Soya Bean Keema Ka Dum Pulao With Makhanas Is Simply A Treat To The Eyes And The Palate! I Love The Pulao To Be Steaming Hot And Topped With Crunchy Fried Makhanas Tossed With Spices In A Little Ghee Added Just Before Serving!

7. Sweets And Desserts Also Go Well With Makhanas My Favorites However Are The Classic Makhane Ki Kheer, Makhane Aur Khajoor Ka Pannacotta, Gulkhand Makhana Mousse, Makhane Ki Rabdi And Makhana Masti Pancakes.

Here Are A Few Recipes With Makhana For All To Try Out And Relish

Recipe-1] Kaju Makhane Ka Milaap

Ingredients:

Makhanas/Fox Nuts- 2 Cups Fried/Lightly Roasted.

Oil/Ghee- 2 Tbsp.

Cumin Seeds-1/2 Tsp

Ginger-Garlic Chili Paste- 1 Tsp

Boiled Onion Paste-1/2 Cup

Turmeric Powder-1/2 Tsp

Coriander Powder-1 Tsp

Garam Masala Powder-1/4 Tsp

Red Chili Powder-1/4 Tsp

Curd-1/2 Cup Mixed With 2 Tsp Cashew Paste

Coconut Milk-1/2 Cup

Fresh Cream-2-3 Tbsp.

Water-1/2 Cup

Paneer Cubes-1/2 Cup

Capsicum Cubes-1/2 Cup

Salt To Taste

Kasuri Methi-1 Tsp

Coriander Leaves-2 Tbsp.

Fried Cashews And Raisins-2 Tbsp. For Garnish

Method:

1. Prepare All The Ingredients For The Recipe As Per The List.

2. Heat Oil And Ghee And Add In The Cumin Seeds, Ginger Garlic And Chili Paste And Onion Paste, Cook For 2-3 Mins, Add Little Water As Needed.

3.Add In The Curd And Cashew Mixture All Spices, Methi, Salt To Taste And Bhunao Well For 1 Min, Add In Little Water For The Gravy, Simmer For 3-4 Mins.

4. Add In The Coconut Milk And Cream And Blend It All In Well, Simmer For 2 Mins Finally Add In The Paneer Cubes, Capsicum Cubes And Fried Makhana Into The Gravy And Bring To A Nice Boil, Check For Seasonings.

5. Serve Hot Garnished With Fried Onions/Nuts/Coriander Leaves/Cream Etc Along With Hot Phulkas, Rotis, Naans.

Recipe-2] Methi Saagwala Makhana

Ingredients:

Makhana- 2 Cups Fried/Roasted

Oil/Ghee-2 Tsp

Ginger-1 Tsp Chop

Garlic-1 Tsp Chop

Green Chili- 2-3 Chopped

Fresh Methi- 1 Cup 

Fresh Coriander Leaves- 2 Cups

Tomatoes- 2-3 Grated Or Fresh Puree

Salt To Taste

Hing- 1 Pinch

Turmeric Powder-1/2 Tsp

Red Chili Powder-1/2 Tsp

Coriander Powder- 1 Tsp

Cumin Powder-1/4 Tsp

Soya Chunks-1/2 Cup Soaked In Warm Water For 15 Mins.

Method:

1. Prepare All The Ingredients For The Recipe.

2. Heat Oil/Ghee And Add In The Hing, Ginger, Garlic, Chilies And Saute.

3. Add In The Tomatoes, Salt, Methi And Coriander And All Powdered Spices And Mix Well, Add A Little Water.

4. Now Add In The Drained Soya Chunks And Bhunao With The Masala For 1 Min, Cover And Simmer For 8-10 Mins.

5. Finally Add In The Makhanas And Mix Well, Simmer For 3-4 Mins And Serve Hot With Rotis, Phulkas And A Bowl Of Raita.

Recipe-3] Subz Makhana Korma

Ingredients:

Makhanas/Fox Nuts-1 Cup Fried

Assorted Veggies- Carrots/Beans/Cauliflower/ Peas/ Potatoes [ All Veggies To Be Pre-Cooked Or Boiled/Blanched]

Oil-2 Tsp

Ghee-2 Tsp

Shahi Jeera-1 Tsp

Bayleaf-2 No

Curd -1/4 Cup Mixed With 2 Tsp Fresh Cream.

Kasuri Methi-1 Tsp

Salt To Taste

Garam Masala Powder-1/4 Tsp

Water-1/4 Cup

Rose Water-1 Tsp.

Fried Nuts And Onions- For Garnish.

For The Masala Paste:

Boiled Onion Paste-1 Cup

Garlic-1 Tsp Chop

Ginger-1 Tsp Chop

Desiccated Coconut-2 Tbsp.

Cashews-8-10

Water-1/2 Cup

Green Cardamom-2-3 

Cinnamon-1-Inch Piece

Method:

1. Prepare All The Ingredients For The Recipe.

2. Heat Oil And Ghee In A Pan Add In The Shahi Jeera And Bayleaf, Add In The Prepared Masala Paste And Cook On A Medium Flame For 3-4 Mins.

3. Add In Little Water, Curd And Cream Mixture, Kasuri Methi, Salt To Taste And The Assorted Veggies Of Your Choice.

4. Simmer And Cook The Veggies In The Gravy Add In The Fried Makhanas, Garam Masala Powder And Simmer For 2 Mins, Check For Seasoning.

5. Serve Hot Garnished With Fried Nuts, Onions, A Little Rose Water And Saffron Etc.

Recipe- 4] Makhana Tava Pulao

Ingredients:

Makhanas-1 Cup Fried/Roasted

Cooked Basmati Rice- 1 Cup

Oil-1 Tsp

Butter-1 Tsp

Jeera-1/2 Tsp

Mustard Seeds-1/2 Tsp

Curry Leaves—4-5

Slit Green Chilies- 2 No

Ginger- Garlic Paste- 1 Tsp

Chopped Onions- 1 Small

Chopped Tomatoes-2 Small

Carrots/Beans/Peas/Cauliflower/Capsicums- As Desired To Be Cut Into Small Pieces, Boiled Or Blanched Except Capsicums.

Pao Bhaji Masala-2 Tsp

Red Chili Powder-1/2 Tsp

Water-1/4 Cup

Coriander Leaves- 2 Tbsp.

Mint Leaves- 2 Tsp.

Cheese-2 Tbsp.

Salt To Taste

Method:

1. Prepare All The Ingredients For The Tava Pulao Recipe.

2. Heat Oil And Butter In A Pan Add In The Ingredients For Tempering And Onions And Saute Until Light Brown, Add In Tomatoes And Salt And Powdered Spices Mix Well Add Little Water And Cook For 2-3 Mins.

3.Add In The Assorted Veggies Of Your Choice And Bhunao With The Masala And Cook For 3-4 Mins.

4. Now Add In The Cooked Rice And Mix Well Add Little Cheese And Coriander Leaves And Toss. Finally Add In The Makhanas And Mix Well Serve Hot With A Bowl Of Raita/Curd Along With Pickle And Papad.

Recipe-5] Makhane Ka Dilkhush Meetha

Ingredients:

Makhanas/Fox Nuts- 1 Cup Lightly Roasted

Milk-3 Cups

Green Cardamom- 2 No

Sugar- To Taste

Condensed Milk- 2-3 Tbsp.

Mava-2 Tbsp. Grated

Chopped Assorted Nuts- 2-3 Tbsp.

Dates-2-3 Chopped

Charoli-2 Tsp Lightly Toasted Or Fried

Method:

1. Prepare All The Ingredients For The Sweet Dish.

2. Using A Thick Bottomed Pan Boil The Milk Add Cardamom, Sugar, Condensed Milk And Mava And Stir Constantly And Reduce The Mixture For 30 Mins.

3. Add In Few Chopped Dates, Few Nuts And Charoli And Simmer For 4-5 Mins, Now Add In The Makhanas And Mix Well Cook Them In The Milk Mixture For 6-8 Mins And Serve Chilled Garnished With Nuts-Dates Etc.

4. As An Option Also Try Using Seasonal Fruits Like Cubes Of Mangoes Etc When We Serve The Sweet Chilled It Adds More Taste, Flavor And Nutritive Value As Well Into The Dessert.

Jacob’s Brew House Makes Its Debut in Jaipur, Bringing a New Wave of Coffee and Community Culture

National, March: Jaipur’s evolving hospitality landscape welcomes Jacob’s Brew House, a design-led, all-day café and specialty coffee destination that brings together craftsmanship, community, and contemporary café culture. The space introduces a vibrant social sanctuary that reflects Jaipur’s long-standing craftsmanship traditions while offering a modern, lifestyle-driven experience.

Inspired by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob’s architectural legacy, Jacob’s Brew House reinterprets design through a Rustic Garage aesthetic, blending historical elegance with industrial textures and contemporary detailing. The result is an immersive environment that balances Jaipur’s artistic spirit with a dynamic and high-energy café format.

At the heart of the experience is the specialty coffee program, led by UAE Barista Champion Sonam Dorje Sherpa. The program focuses on traceable sourcing, precise roasting profiles, and carefully calibrated brewing techniques, ensuring each cup reflects the origin of the bean. The menu complements the beverage program with globally inspired offerings, including Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and American-style smash burgers. While influenced by European and Mediterranean café traditions, the flavors are adapted to Jaipur’s palate, balancing international techniques with approachable, comfort-driven tastes.

Speaking about the concept, Sagar Nagpal, Founder at Jacob’s Brew House shares, “Jacob’s Brew House was born from a desire to create a space where craftsmanship and community coexist. With Jaipur’s growing appreciation for specialty coffee, we wanted to introduce a café that not only focuses on quality but also becomes a place where conversations, creativity, and culture naturally come together.”

Beyond dining, Jacob’s Brew House is envisioned as a community-focused cultural hub that will host curated tastings, workshops, and creative collaborations designed to encourage interaction and shared experiences. The garage-inspired interiors, paired with a Robata-style open fire kitchen, create a sensory environment where design, aroma, and flavour converge to deliver an engaging guest journey.

With a long-term vision to become a cultural landmark in Jaipur, Jacob’s Brew House aims to redefine café culture, setting new benchmarks in thematic dining, specialty coffee, and community-driven hospitality.
____

About Jacob’s Brew House
Jacob’s Brew House is a design-led, all-day café and specialty coffee destination in Jaipur. Inspired by Sir Samuel Swinton Jacob, the café blends heritage design with global culinary influences and precision coffee craftsmanship. Envisioned as a cultural hub, it celebrates craft, creativity, and modern lifestyle experiences.

City of Dreams Sri Lanka and Cinnamon Hotels initiate direct Ahmedabad-Colombo flights in partnership with FitsAir

Ahmedabad, March 2026: City of Dreams Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Walkers Tours, have partnered with FitsAir, on their direct scheduled passenger flights connecting Ahmedabad and Colombo, enhancing connectivity for Indian travellers to South Asia’s first fully integrated resort. FitsAir, Sri Lanka’s first private international airline, will operate the service, providing travellers with convenient connectivity and a comfortable travel experience between Ahmedabad and Colombo.

The new Ahmedabad Colombo service, operated by FitsAir will run three times a week, catering to travellers from Gujarat, one of Sri Lanka’s key and fast-growing source markets from India. With strong cultural ties and rising outbound travel from the region, Gujarat continues to show growing interest in Sri Lanka as a preferred leisure destination. The state’s well-established travel trade network and strong appetite for international leisure experiences make it an important market for tourism to Sri Lanka. The enhanced connectivity further strengthens travel between the two regions while positioning Colombo as an attractive luxury getaway for Indian travellers.

Located in the heart of Colombo, City of Dreams Sri Lanka is part of a broader vision to position the city as a vibrant hub for entertainment, leisure and lifestyle in the region encouraging travellers to experience Colombo as a destination. Guests can stay at Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams or explore other Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in Colombo, including Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside and Cinnamon Red, offering a range of luxury, upscale and contemporary stays while discovering the city.

The launch of the direct Ahmedabad–Colombo flights also introduces curated Cinnamon holiday packages designed specifically for Indian travellers, combining the City of Dreams Sri Lanka experience with multi-destination itineraries across the island, including cultural experiences in Kandy and beach stays at Cinnamon resorts. These offerings aim to deliver a seamless travel experience while showcasing Sri Lanka’s diverse leisure offerings.

Kamal Munasinghe, Senior Vice President, Colombo Hotels, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams, said, “India continues to be one of our most important markets, and Gujarat in particular has shown strong interest in Colombo as a leisure destination. These dedicated flights provide a seamless gateway for travellers to experience the vibrant energy, entertainment, and hospitality that define City of Dreams Sri Lanka, while exploring curated Cinnamon holiday experiences across the island.” 

“Ahmedabad is one of India’s most vibrant commercial centres, and a city we’ve long wanted to bring into our network. Our overnight departure from Colombo arrives early in the morning, giving travellers a full day ahead. It also opens up smooth onward connections through Colombo across our ever-growing international network” said Ammar Kassim, Director, FitsAir.

GRT Hotels & Resorts Secures Double Victory at PATWA International Travel Awards 2026 in ITB Berlin

Recognized as the ‘Best Hotels - South India’ CEO Vikram Cotah Honored for Excellence in Hospitality Innovation

Chennai, March 2026: GRT Hotels & Resorts has once again made its mark on the global stage, winning the prestigious “Best Hotels - South India” award at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2026, held during ITB Berlin. This significant accolade cements the brand’s position as the premier hospitality provider in the region, recognized for its seamless blend of tradition, luxury, and localized storytelling.

In a dual celebration of leadership and creativity, Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, was also bestowed with the individual honor of “Excellence in Hospitality Innovation - India.” This award recognizes his pioneering role in transforming the guest journey through narrative-driven campaigns, such as the GReaT Kathas, and his commitment to integrating modern technology with soulful hospitality.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. T. Nataraajan, Deputy Managing Director of GRT Hotels & Resorts, said, “Receiving global recognition at ITB Berlin for the second consecutive year is a moment of immense pride. Being named the ‘Best Hotels - South India’ validates our team’s tireless effort to uphold ‘The Promise of More.’ We remain dedicated to setting new benchmarks for the industry while staying true to our deep-rooted cultural heritage.”

Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, expressed his gratitude: “Innovation in hospitality is no longer just about amenities; it is about the stories we create for our guests. At ITB Berlin 2026, we represented the evolving face of Indian hospitality – one that is sustainable, inclusive, and deeply experiential. This award for innovation belongs to the entire GRT family, whose passion allows us to turn every stay into a ‘GReaT Katha.’ We are honored to be recognized by PATWA and the global travel community.”

With a robust portfolio of 22 properties across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana – including the recently launched Regency Palani – GRT Hotels & Resorts continues to lead the sector. From pet-friendly stays and smoke-free environments to high-standard wellness through Bodhi Spa, the group remains at the forefront of guest-centric hospitality.

About PATWA:

The Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) is a non-profit, non-governmental, professional international media organization founded in 1999. It supports the sustainable development and growth of various sectors worldwide, including destinations, travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation, transportation, online travel platforms, travel technology, and allied service providers. PATWA is an affiliate member of UN Tourism.

About GRT Hotels & Resorts:

Established in 1998 as an offshoot of GRT Jewellers, GRT Hotels & Resorts is a premier South Indian hospitality leader with 22 upscale properties across five states. Featuring sub-brands like Grand, Regency, Zibe, and GReaT Trails – alongside strategic Radisson partnerships – the group delivers its signature philosophy: "The Promise of More." As a pioneer in inclusive hospitality, GRT was one of the first chains in the region to embrace pet-friendly travel. Known for award-winning dining, the renowned Bodhi Prana spa, and a commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and smoke-free wellness, the chain continues to expand. From business hubs to luxury retreats, GRT focuses on creating bespoke, sustainable experiences that redefine hospitality for the modern traveler.

Women’s Bus Travel Surges 136% Since 2019, Outpacing Overall Passenger Growth: redBus Pink report

National, March, 2026: redBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform, released insights from its first-of-a-kind redBus Pink Report during International Women’s Week. Based on internal data between 2019 and 2025, the report highlights a steady rise in how women are reshaping India’s intercity mobility landscape. According to the study, women’s bus travel has surged by 136% since 2019, nearly double the pace of overall passenger growth at 72%. Women now make up one in three intercity bus travellers (33%), up from 23% in 2019, with much of the momentum driven by Gen Z travellers, rising solo journeys, and growing adoption across Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns. Together, these trends highlight a broader shift towards greater independence, participation, and mobility for women across India.

The redBus Pink Report is a data-driven analysis of women’s intercity and interstate bus travel across India, categorising states based on women’s travel patterns. Built using redBus’ internal data between 2019 and 2025 across both private and RTC (government) buses available on the redBus platform, the study tracks how women’s bus travel has evolved and highlights regions where adoption is accelerating. The study aims to highlight women’s travel trends across regions and contribute to broader mobility discussions.

Here is the link to the full report: 

Key highlights:

• Women Are Driving the Growth of Intercity Bus Travel

• 136% increase in women travelling in 2025, compared to 2019, outpacing overall passenger growth, which stands at 72% 

• Women’s share of bus travellers increased from 23% in 2019 to 33% in 2025

•  The Rise in Women Bus Travel Is a Pan-India Phenomenon

• South India continues to lead women’s bus travel participation, rising from 24% in 2019 to 34% in 2025, while other regions have also seen steady growth - West from 23% to 31%, East from 21% to 30%, and North from 20% to 28%.

• The report also includes an index which measures ease of travel for women in every state. This categorisation is created using a weighted index that considers women’s share of travellers nationally, the proportion of solo women travellers, and the number of women undertaking long-distance journeys above 500 km.

• The top 5 states are - 

• Assam

• Kerala

• Andhra Pradesh

• Punjab

• Telangana 

• Gen Z Women Are Driving the Shift — and Are Comfortable Travelling Solo 

• Younger women are increasingly embracing independent travel, with confidence and intent driving a sharp rise in solo journeys

• Gen Z women (14–29 years) make up 60% of all women passengers and account for 68% of solo women trips.

• Women’s Bus Travel Is Being Driven by Small-Town India

• 68% of women bus travellers originate from Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns 

• This shift may be linked to rising workforce participation among women in smaller towns, alongside increased digital adoption that is improving access to travel options.

• Women Travellers Plan Their Journeys Earlier

• Women travellers show stronger planning habits, with 62% booking their bus tickets one or more days before travel, compared to 48% of men who book one or more days earlier.

•  Trust and Safety Signals Strongly Influence Women’s Travel Choices 

• 47% of women prefer buses that are highly rated by other women passengers, underscoring the importance of peer trust in travel decisions

• 33% of women check how many other women have already booked seats on the bus

• During the journey, service quality and safety-linked features play a critical role, with staff behaviour (50%) emerging as the most important factor, followed by the ability to share live tracking with trusted contacts (48%)

Prakash Sangam, CEO, redBus, commented on the launch: “Women’s travel in India today reflects more than just rising journeys; it signals a growing sense of independence. More women across India are choosing to travel on their own terms, for work, education, opportunity or leisure. At redBus, we are continuously strengthening features that build trust, from better visibility of bus ratings by women, to enhanced safety information and dedicated support systems. Our goal is to continue to make intercity travel more reliable, more accessible and more empowering for every woman - whether she is travelling alone or leading a group. We believe mobility is freedom, and freedom should be seamless.”

Looking ahead, women’s participation in intercity bus travel is expected to continue rising as digital adoption deepens, connectivity improves, and access to online travel platforms expands across the country. Growing confidence in bus travel, particularly among travellers from smaller towns, is likely to further accelerate this shift towards more independent and purpose-driven journeys. At the same time, continued improvements in road infrastructure and travel comfort are expected to make bus travel more accessible to a wider range of women travellers, reinforcing its role as an important enabler of mobility and opportunity across India.

Assotech Realty Collaborates with Atmosphere Core to Develop Hospitality Project in Shirdi

New Delhi, March 2026: Assotech Realty, Delhi, has announced a strategic collaboration with Atmosphere Core, a rapidly expanding international hospitality company with nine private island resorts in the Maldives and a strong development pipeline across India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan, along with a heritage hotel set to open in Italy. Under the partnership, Atmosphere Core will operate and manage Assotech’s upcoming first-of-its-kind, all-suite property in Shirdi, Maharashtra.

Assotech Realty, promoted by Mr Neeraj Gulati, plans to invest approximately INR 200 crore in developing the project, which will feature 160 suites measuring 45 square metres each. Designed to offer a contemporary hospitality experience, the property will cater to pilgrims, leisure travellers, and destination tourists visiting Shirdi.

The signing of the agreement between Assotech and Atmosphere Core signals a growing trend where temple towns are gradually transitioning into structured tourism ecosystems supported by modern infrastructure, improved connectivity, and professionally managed hospitality offerings.

Shirdi, as a famous temple town, attracts approximately 25 million devotees annually. With improved road connectivity, airport access, and regional infrastructure investments, Shirdi is emerging as a more organised tourism destination where spiritual travel intersects with hospitality, wellness, and leisure.

The upcoming project aims to respond to this evolution by offering travellers an integrated stay experience that blends comfort with the cultural and spiritual ethos of the region. Several NRIs and HNIs would welcome this move to class to have an international-level hotel experience with large room sizes.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Neeraj Gulati, MD, Assotech Realty, stated, “Shirdi has always held immense spiritual significance. However, what we are witnessing today is the beginning of a broader urban evolution. Infrastructure development, improved connectivity and rising domestic tourism are collectively shaping the town into a well-rounded travel destination. Our collaboration with Atmosphere Core reflects our belief that spiritual destinations deserve thoughtfully designed hospitality experiences that respect their cultural essence while meeting modern traveller expectations. This project is not merely about adding rooms to the city’s inventory; it is about contributing to Shirdi’s next phase of growth as a holistic tourism hub that supports pilgrims, families and experiential travellers.”

Mr. Gulati further stated, “We are developing an all-suite property with comfortable accommodations to meet the demand of new-generation devotees. Particularly, millions of NRI and HNI, including devotees, prefer extended stays and properties with all-suite luxury accommodations. Through such projects, one of many that Assotech plans to develop throughout India across major pilgrimage destinations as well as business and leisure destinations.”

Mr. Salil Panigrahi, Co-founder and Managing Director, Atmosphere Core, stated, “India’s spiritual tourism sector is entering a new phase where destinations like Shirdi are witnessing more structured tourism demand alongside devotional travel. Travellers today expect comfort, curated experiences and globally benchmarked service even when visiting pilgrimage centres. Our collaboration with Assotech allows us to bring our hospitality expertise to a location that sees year-round demand and immense cultural significance. The project is envisioned as a welcoming retreat that blends warm hospitality with the serenity associated with Shirdi, while also contributing to the town’s growing reputation as a destination that offers both spiritual depth and contemporary travel experiences.”

With tourism in temple towns gaining renewed momentum across India, hospitality developments such as this are expected to play an important role in strengthening local economies, supporting employment generation and enhancing the visitor experience.

The project is also expected to contribute to the city’s broader urban ecosystem by creating a hospitality destination that complements Shirdi’s expanding infrastructure and luxury tourism footprint.

Member Month Returns: Celebrating Wyndham Rewards Members with Five Weeks of Incredible Deals

Week 1 launches with the chance to earn up to four free nights—plus a host of special offers exclusively for credit and debit cardholders, Insiders and members of Wyndham Rewards Business 

INDIA (March 2026) – Wednesdays just got a whole lot more rewarding. Wyndham Rewards® officially kicked off its sixth annual Member Month, the hotel rewards program’s biggest celebration of the year, marking five weeks of can’t-miss deals, bonus points, and special offers. With fresh deals dropping every Wednesday, members now have more reasons to book, earn and make the most out of every stay.

“Six years strong, Member Month is back — and it’s all about rewarding the members who make Wyndham Rewards extraordinary. Building on a year of meaningful program updates and even more ways for members to engage, this year’s celebration brings it all together with some of our best offers of the year — from dream getaways to unforgettable experiences. It’s our way of saying thank you to the members who make it all possible and proving once again why Wyndham Rewards is one of the most generous hotel rewards programs out there.”

– Michael Shiwdin, GVP of Guest Engagement, Loyalty & Partnerships, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Week 1 Highlights:
Week one arrives in a big way, with multiple ways for members to earn, redeem and maximize their rewards right out of the gate. Even better? Many of these offers can be stacked—meaning members can layer promotions to maximize their rewards.

• Earn Up to Four Free Nights – Now through June 30, 2026, Wyndham Rewards members can earn 7,500 bonus points after just two qualifying nights—and repeat the offer up to four times for a total of 30,000 points. That’s enough for up to four free nights at thousands of Hotels by Wyndham worldwide, making it an easy win for both quick getaways and longer stays.
  
  

• Extra Rewards for Insiders and Cardholders – Wyndham Rewards Insiders can earn an additional 7,500 bonus points after completing two or more qualifying nights by June 30, 2026 (no consecutive stay required). Wyndham Rewards credit or debit cardholders can do the same. Members who are both an Insider and a cardholder can stack the offers for up to 15,000 bonus points.
  
  

• A Big Bonus for Wyndham Rewards Business Members – Enroll your company in Wyndham Rewards® Business between March 4 and April 30 and complete a qualifying stay by June 30 to earn 15,000 bonus points. Plus, travelers earn 2X points on their personal accounts, offering double the value for business travel.
  
  

• Flash Sale: Wyndham Rewards Experiences Starting at 1,000 Points – For a limited time, score exclusive tickets and experiences to live concerts and events starting at just 1,000 Wyndham Rewards points – like Tortuga Music Festival available in Week 1. Additional experiences drop weekly, with some available at similar point values. Select auctions run for only 24 hours, while “Redeem Now” options are first-come, first-served.
  
  

• Earn Up to 75K Bonus Points – Apply for a new Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card and earn up to 75,000 bonus points: 45,000 points after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days, plus 30,000 points after spending $500 on eligible Wyndham purchases within 180 days ¹.  

The Rewards Keep Coming: New Deals Drop Every Wednesday
The celebration continues all month long, with new offers arriving every Wednesday at midnight EST. Each drop gives Wyndham Rewards members fresh opportunities to earn more points, unlock more value and make everyday travel even more rewarding. Most offers are available to members worldwide—including those who join during the promotion—making it easy to jump in and start earning.

Eight Continents Raises $7 Million in First Funding Round Led by Ionware Inc. to Accelerate Global Hospitality Expansion

The capital will support international acquisitions, enhance experiential offerings, and strengthen the brand’s global footprint

Gurugram, March 2026: Marking a significant step in the company’s global growth journey, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, a luxury hospitality and hotel management group redefining emotique hotels through distinctive design, cultural authenticity, and personalised experiences, has secured $7 million in its first funding round from Ionware Inc, a Singapore-based investment holding company focused on backing high-growth global ventures. The investment will be deployed to acquire and scale hospitality assets while strengthening the brand’s positioning as an experiential, destination-led hospitality platform.

The funding provides both the capital and strategic backing required to accelerate expansion into key international markets and build a globally recognised portfolio.  As an early demonstration of this momentum, Eight Continents has already started acquiring landmark hospitality assets, including La Barbarie in Guernsey Island, currently ranked the No.1 hotel on TripAdvisor, and The Vincent Hotel in Southport, with the handover process currently underway. These strategic acquisitions signal the company’s intent to channel funding into character-led properties in globally sought-after destinations.

Over the next 12–24 months, the newly raised capital will be directed towards enhancing guest experiences through more curated and experience-led offerings, and strengthening operational capabilities to support sustained global growth.

The partnership with Ionware Inc. further strengthens this trajectory and reflects a shared long-term vision to capitalise on the rising global demand for experience-led travel. The investment underscores strong investor confidence in Eight Continents’ differentiated approach of combining destination-led expansion with personalised service to build a globally relevant hospitality brand.

Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts said,

“This funding marks an important milestone for Eight Continents. It enables us to continue building a differentiated hospitality platform grounded in strong brand values and service excellence. Our approach has always orbited around a clear and consistent service promise, one that blends flexibility, authenticity, and thoughtfully curated experiences to reflect the evolving expectations of today’s travelers. We endeavour creating bespoke hotels that appeal across generations and travel motivations, while staying true to our belief that great hospitality is deeply personal and intuitive. This investment positions us to scale with intent as we deepen our operational capabilities and continue strengthening our portfolio.”

This funding round marks a pivotal inflection point for Eight Continents as it accelerates its transition from an emerging hospitality brand to a globally recognised experiential platform. By combining strategic acquisitions with a strong focus on service and storytelling, the company aims to redefine how modern travellers engage with destinations.”

Sayaji Hotels Strengthens National Presence with Strategic Property Sign-Ups in Q3

Mumbai, India, Q3 FY25 — Sayaji Hotels Ltd, one of India’s most trusted hospitality brands, announced the signing of five new properties during Q3, further reinforcing its expansion strategy across high-potential business, leisure, industrial and destination-led markets.

The newly signed properties are located in Nagpur, Chakan, Pune, Sasan Gir, Lonavala and Ranjangaon MIDC. These locations have been strategically selected for their strong economic fundamentals, tourism appeal and long-term hospitality demand.

Each destination aligns with Sayaji Hotels’ vision of building relevant, experience-driven properties across diverse travel segments:

• Nagpur – A fast-growing commercial and connectivity hub in Central India, catering to both business and leisure travellers.
  
  

• Chakan, Pune – One of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing industrial corridors, driving consistent demand from corporate and transit travellers.
  
  

• Sasan Gir – A high-potential leisure destination near a distinctive natural landscape, ideal for destination-led and experiential hospitality.
  
  

• Lonavala – A premier hill destination known for leisure stays, destination weddings, corporate retreats and sports-led experiences.
  
  

• Ranjangaon MIDC, Pune – A key industrial and manufacturing zone supporting steady business and long-stay travel demand.

The expansion is led by Pawandeep Singh Mago, Director – Business Development, who heads sign-ups and strategic collaborations for the brand. His focus remains on aligning with asset owners in markets that offer scalable growth, strong infrastructure and operational sustainability.

Sharing insights on the expansion, Sumera Dhanani, Corporate Head – Business Development, Sayaji Hotels Ltd, said:

“Our Q3 signings reflect a well-balanced mix of business, industrial, leisure and destination-led markets. Each location has been evaluated for its long-term relevance, connectivity and alignment with Sayaji’s hospitality philosophy. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on building meaningful partnerships and delivering consistent, guest-first experiences across every market we enter.”

All upcoming properties will be developed in line with Sayaji Hotels’ brand standards, offering thoughtfully designed spaces, contemporary amenities and the brand’s signature “Yours Truly” service experience. These signings further support Sayaji Hotels’ 2026 Brand Vision of expanding its footprint across strategic markets while strengthening its presence in high-demand destinations nationwide.

Encalm Hospitality picks Hotelogix to supercharge operations at its IGI Airport property in New Delhi

Delhi, 2026: Hotelogix, a globally leading cloud-based hospitality technology provider, said that Encalm Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, the exclusive operator of transit hotel at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs, has adopted its enterprise-grade Hotel Property Management System (Hotel PMS) to digitise its operations. This collaboration marks a significant step toward modernising airport hospitality infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and delivering seamless guest experiences.

As a growing name in India’s airport hotel segment, Encalm Hospitality operates premium lounges, transit hotels, meet and assist services, and concierge services at New Delhi’s IGI Airport. The brand has positioned itself as a key player in enhancing passenger experience across major Indian airports, including Delhi, Hyderabad, and Goa. The company also has significant expansion plans in India and abroad in the coming years.

Airport hotels like Transit by Encalm cater to business travellers, airline crews, and passengers during layovers or delays. In this context, selling rooms by the hour enables them to sell the same room multiple times within 24 hours, boosting both occupancy and revenue. "We chose Hotelogix because it understands the pulse of airport hospitality," said Vikas Sharma, Group Chief Executive Officer of Encalm Hospitality. “Hotelogix offers everything that we need to manage end-to-end operations at our properties, including hourly business. It enables us to centrally manage our growing properties at and near airports and gives us the agility and control we need to serve modern travellers more efficiently."

As more travellers in India and around the world seek affordable and flexible accommodations due to their unpredictable travel schedule, the hourly booking market is projected to grow from $16.67 billion in 2019 to $25.62 billion by 2027. In India, about 15% - 20% hotels, mainly near airports, railway stations, and corporate hubs, are now selling rooms by the hour, and the trend is expected to become mainstream very soon.

“Airport hotels like Encalm thrive on enhancing guest experiences by efficiently managing their hourly business," said Sivaprasad  Gangadharan, Chief Sales Officer of Hotelogix. "As their technology partners, we are committed to empowering them to transform the airport stay experience for millions of travellers, setting new standards in hospitality."

Marriott Bonvoy Launches “Where Gameday Checks In” Campaign During NCAA March Madness

Bethesda, Md., March, 2026 – Marriott Bonvoy has unveiled its latest sports and fan engagement initiative, Where Gameday Checks In, designed to celebrate the role of hotels in shaping memorable game day experiences. The campaign coincides with NCAA March Madness and introduces exclusive content, fan rewards, and immersive storytelling.

Campaign Highlights

• Where Gameday Checks In: A creative campaign showcasing how hotels become part of athletes’ and fans’ rituals, from pep talks in hallways to post-game celebrations.

• Live From the Bracket Podcast: A four-episode series hosted by WNBA star Sophie Cunningham and sports journalist West Wilson, offering behind-the-scenes insights into March Madness.

• NCAA Women’s Final Four 1-Point Drop: Marriott Bonvoy members can redeem stays at select hotels near the Women’s Final Four for just 1 point per night, making the event more accessible to fans.

Fan Engagement Opportunities

• VIP Experiences: Members can enter for a chance to win exclusive access to NCAA Men’s and Women’s Final Four events.

• Social Media Series: “Hotel Highlights” features athlete partners sharing their pregame routines at Marriott properties.

• Immersive Storytelling: Campaign ads highlight the emotional and cultural role hotels play in the journey of athletes, families, and fans.

Strategic Significance

Marriott Bonvoy’s initiative underscores its commitment to:

• Strengthening brand loyalty through unique redemption offers.

• Positioning hotels as integral to the sports and travel experience.

• Connecting with younger, sports-oriented travelers by aligning with one of the most-watched sporting events in the U.S.

In summary, Marriott Bonvoy’s “Where Gameday Checks In” campaign blends hospitality, sports culture, and fan engagement, reinforcing the brand’s role in creating unforgettable game day memories.

Alfavision Overseas India Ltd. Partners with Della Resorts to Develop ₹2,000 Crore Luxury Hospitality & Racecourse-Themed Township in Madhya Pradesh

Mumbai, March 2026: Alfavision Overseas India Ltd., a BSE-listed company, has partnered with renowned hospitality entrepreneur Jimmy Mistry, Chairman and Managing Director of Della Resorts, to co-develop a landmark 220-acre luxury hospitality and lifestyle township near Ratapani Wildlife Reserve and Kolar Dam, Bhopal. The project, with a revenue potential of approximately ₹2,000 crore, has been formally intimated to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The strategic collaboration between Alfavision Overseas India Ltd. and Della Resorts & Adventure Pvt. Ltd. will introduce a racecourse-themed luxury township, envisioned as a world-class destination combining hospitality, adventure, wellness, and premium living in the heart of Central India.

Spread across approximately 220 acres, the development will feature a carefully curated mix of luxury hospitality, lifestyle residences, and experiential leisure infrastructure designed to create a distinctive tourism and residential ecosystem.

The township will include:

• Five-star luxury resort with approximately 300 keys

• Exclusive wellness centre and spa facilities

• Racecourse-themed recreational infrastructure

• Premium private villa plots and resort residences

• Destination wedding venues and hospitality spaces

• Corporate and MICE facilities

• A large-scale adventure and extreme sports park

The project aims to unlock significant value from Alfavision’s existing land holdings while positioning Bhopal as an emerging destination for luxury tourism, experiential living, and high-end hospitality.

This ambitious development is designed to redefine the luxury hospitality and adventure landscape in Madhya Pradesh, combining nature-inspired design with world-class infrastructure and curated experiences. Located near the Ratapani Wildlife Reserve and Kolar Dam, the project will integrate natural surroundings with premium lifestyle amenities to create a unique destination for both residents and visitors.

Key pillars of the development include:

Luxury Hospitality
High-end resorts and wellness facilities designed to deliver immersive hospitality experiences rooted in nature and luxury.

Branded Living
Premium villas and branded residences offering exclusive living spaces within a resort-style ecosystem.

Adventure & Recreation
A state-of-the-art adventure park along with curated recreational amenities catering to experiential tourism.

Integrated Lifestyle Development
A thoughtfully designed mixed-use township featuring residential, hospitality, and lifestyle infrastructure.

The project is currently in advanced planning stages, with land acquisition completed and design finalisation underway.

About Alfavision Overseas (India) Limited

Alfavision Overseas (India) Limited is a BSE-listed company focused on high-value real estate development and strategic investments. The company aims to unlock long-term value through innovative partnerships and landmark projects across emerging growth markets in India.

About Della Resorts & Adventure Private Limited

Della Resorts & Adventure Private Limited is a leading developer and operator of luxury hospitality and adventure destinations in India. Founded by Jimmy Mistry, the company is known for creating high-intensity adventure experiences combined with premium hospitality, delivering world-class design, innovation, and operational excellence across large-scale experiential projects.

Air India Bolsters Winter Network with New Routes to Khajuraho and Jaisalmer

New Delhi, October 2026 – Air India has announced the expansion of its winter schedule, introducing new routes and enhancing frequencies to strengthen connectivity to India’s cultural and spiritual destinations.

New Routes Introduced

• Delhi – Khajuraho (Daily)

• Varanasi – Khajuraho (Daily)

• Mumbai – Jaisalmer (Daily, non-stop)

In addition, the airline has increased flight frequency between Delhi and Gaya, responding to growing demand for spiritual tourism.

Connecting Heritage and Spiritual Hubs

• Khajuraho: A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its temples and intricate carvings, now more accessible from Delhi and Varanasi.

• Jaisalmer: The “Golden City” of Rajasthan, famous for its fort and desert experiences, gains direct connectivity from Mumbai.

• Gaya: A major Buddhist pilgrimage center, benefitting from enhanced flight options.

Strategic Significance

This expansion underscores Air India’s commitment to:

• Promoting domestic tourism by linking heritage and spiritual destinations.

• Supporting regional development in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

• Strengthening its domestic network as part of the Tata Group’s broader transformation strategy.

Official Statement

Air India emphasized that these routes are designed to meet growing demand during the winter season, offering travelers greater convenience and accessibility to India’s cultural landmarks.

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Shortage of commercial LPG _ FHRAI & Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) - HRAWI

Mumbai, March, 2026:

“The shortage of commercial LPG has become extremely serious over the past week, with intermittent disruptions escalating into a near complete halt in supply in several regions since yesterday. Following the notification dated 05 March by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, there has been considerable confusion among suppliers and distributors, many of whom have stopped supplying commercial LPG cylinders to hotels, restaurants and food service establishments.

We are already receiving reports of severe shortages from cities including Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad and Nagpur, while similar disruptions are being reported in States such as Delhi, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. If the situation does not improve within the next two days, nearly 50 per cent of hotels and restaurants in Mumbai may be forced to temporarily shut operations depending on the stock of cylinders they currently have. This will especially affect international tourists both, who are already here and those who will be visiting the country. Also, smaller and medium-sized eateries will be the first to be impacted, as they typically operate with limited reserves.

The hospitality sector is an essential service that caters to millions of people every day including working professionals, students and travellers both, domestic and international and, supports a vast ecosystem of employment through cloud kitchens, industrial kitchens and catering establishments. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector was rightly recognised as essential, and its role in supporting urban food supply continues to remain critical.

While alternatives such as electric or induction-based cooking are gradually emerging, they are not yet viable for most commercial kitchens that rely on high-intensity, fast-paced cooking methods typical of Indian cuisine. Transitioning to such systems also involves significant cost and infrastructure changes. At present, the industry has no practical alternative and urgently requires restoration of uninterrupted commercial LPG supply to ensure that hotels, restaurants and food service establishments can continue operating without disruption.”

– Pradeep Shetty, VP,  FHRAI & Spokesperson, Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) - HRAWI

Best Regards,

Harshala Nayak - Shenoy

Spin Communiqué

Cell : + 91 - 9619700161

Malaysia Airlines Announces Limited-Time Economy Special Fares Campaign for Indian Travellers

Mumbai, March 2026 – Malaysia Airlines has announced its special fares from 10th to 23rd March for travelers in India, offering economy class return fares for exclusive all-in return fares starting from INR 20,5999. Bookings will be available till 23rd March 2026, with the offer valid for travel until 18th December 2026. As the Gateway to Asia and Beyond, passengers can enjoy seamless connections to destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Auckland, Sydney, and more. 

In addition to the special fares, the campaign will also draw attention to enhanced connectivity through new route offerings, including Firefly’s newly launched services to Cebu and Krabi. With more options for both leisure and short-haul getaways, the sale reinforces commitment to delivering greater choice, convenience, and competitive pricing for travellers during the booking period.

With the booking window available for a limited period, travellers are encouraged to plan ahead and secure their future travel plans early. Terms and conditions apply. 

Issued by Group Communications, Malaysia Aviation Group. 
For media enquiries, please send email to: media@malaysiaairlines.com

Inside Mumbai’s New Wave of Design-Forward Cocktail Bars

Mumbai’s cocktail culture is entering a new chapter. For years, the city’s nightlife leaned toward large venues, high-energy music, and drinks designed for speed rather than experience. Today, however, a new generation of bars is shifting the conversation toward atmosphere, architecture, and thoughtful design spaces where the setting shapes how the evening unfolds.

Across neighbourhoods like Bandra, bars are increasingly embracing a slower, more intentional approach to hospitality. Lighting, spatial flow, textures, and acoustics are becoming as important as the cocktails themselves. These design-forward spaces are smaller, more intimate, and crafted to encourage conversation and lingering, reflecting a global shift where cocktail bars feel closer to cultural living rooms than nightlife venues.

Tucked discreetly behind the white façade of Olive in Bandra, Call Me Sofia is one of the most compelling examples of this design-forward movement. Conceived by AD Singh and the Olive Group, the bar introduces a concept rarely explored in the city before the Italian aperitivo ritual, where the early evening becomes a moment to pause, gather, and ease gradually into the night.

Unlike traditional cocktail bars that centre themselves around a dominant bar counter or dramatic design statement, Sofia’s layout unfolds with deliberate softness. The semi-open structure allows the space to breathe, drawing in natural light and air from the courtyard while creating a fluid connection between indoors and outdoors. As daylight fades, the bar gradually transforms from a sunlit gathering space into a warm, golden refuge that feels perfectly suited to lingering conversations.

The design, led by Sabina Singh and the Olive Group’s in-house team, blends rustic Italian references with Bandra’s relaxed sensibility. Warm wood tones, textured surfaces, and softly lit alcoves create a space that feels quietly elegant rather than performative. At its centre stands a long-standing tree from the Olive courtyard, thoughtfully integrated into the bar’s layout as an organic focal point that anchors the room in both memory and place.

This thoughtful design philosophy reflects a broader shift in Mumbai’s hospitality landscape. Rather than overwhelming guests with spectacle, bars like Call Me Sofia are crafting environments where people instinctively slow down. The architecture invites conversation, the lighting softens the evening, and the space itself becomes part of the experience.

As Mumbai’s evolving drinkers grow increasingly curious about more mindful, design-forward cocktail bars, Sofia doesn’t attempt to dominate the room. Instead, it quietly shapes the evening around it, one where architecture, ambience, and aperitivo cocktails come together to create a space that feels as much about the moment as it does about the drink.

Sapaad Launches Ask Vantage-India’s First AI Interactive Tool for the F&B sector at AAHAR 2026

New Delhi, March 2026: Sapaad, a bootstrapped, Make-in-India Unified Commerce platform powering restaurant operations globally, today announced the launch of Ask Vantage, India’s first AI-powered conversational intelligence system at Aahar 2026 jointly organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, and the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) at Bharat Mandapam. 

The Ask Vantage AI platform is designed to fill one of the foodservice industry’s most expensive operational gaps as the industry is currently grappling with 3-4% of potential revenue loss annually due to preventable operational inefficiencies including food cost drift, inventory leakage, labour misallocation, and delayed corrective actions. In a market already worth INR 6,96,072 crore, this translates to INR 20,000–25,000 crore in annual margin leakage across the sector.

The company will showcase Ask Vantage live at AAHAR 2026, being held from 10–14 March 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Built directly into Sapaad’s Unified Commerce platform, Ask Vantage allows operators to ask natural-language questions and receive real-time operational insights along with recommended corrective actions. The system continuously analyses live signals across POS transactions, inventory movement, recipes, procurement, labour schedules and delivery channels, enabling managers to intervene during operations rather than after financial reports are generated.

Speaking on the launch, Vishnu Vardhan Madabhushi, Founder & CEO, Sapaad, said: “Ask Vantage is a first-of-its-kind innovation for the foodservice industry, and we are proud to launch it at AAHAR today. Restaurants now generate enormous volumes of operational data, yet decision-making often lags because teams still spend too much time interpreting reports instead of acting on insights. In a multi-outlet business, even a 1% drift in food cost or a 2% variance in labour can reduce monthly EBITDA by 2-4% if not corrected quickly. Ask Vantage changes this dynamic by transforming operational signals into real-time, actionable decisions. Within weeks of deployment, we are already witnessing a 1-3% improvement in food cost control and 2-5% optimisation in labour.”

Ask Vantage specifically targets margin leakage caused by delayed operational response rather than strategic failure. Even small efficiency improvements compound significantly. For instance, a 2% EBITDA improvement for a restaurant brand generating INR 100 crore in annual revenue can deliver approximately INR 2 crore in incremental profit, while also improving forecast accuracy, reducing variance risk and strengthening operational discipline across locations.

Sapaad’s unified platform addresses this challenge by bringing transactions, operations, payments and analytics into a single source of truth, enabling faster decisions and stronger operational control across outlets. Yet despite the sector’s scale and growth, operational decision-making across much of the industry remains slow and fragmented. 

Sapaad invites restaurant founders, finance leaders, consultants, hospitality professionals and operations heads to experience Ask Vantage live at AAHAR 2026 in Hall 14, First Floor, Booth 14F-12-D, where real operational scenarios-from billing to backend control and from data to decisions, will be demonstrated in real time. Demonstrations can also be scheduled at https://www.sapaad.com/schedule-a-demo/.

About Sapaad

Sapaad is a Unified Commerce platform built to power multi-channel restaurant operations across dine-in, takeaway, delivery and back-office workflows. By integrating POS, inventory, kitchen operations, delivery management and analytics into a single cloud-native system, Sapaad enables restaurant brands to operate with greater speed, control and profitability across multiple outlets and channels.

With over a decade of global deployments, the company is expanding in India to support the country’s rapidly growing organised foodservice sector including quick service chains, cafés, cloud kitchens and multi-outlet restaurant brands seeking scalable, enterprise-grade digital infrastructure.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel partner with Booking.com to offer corporate clients world-class accommodation solutions to enhance their business travel experience

Mumbai, March, 2026: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel management company and its group company SOTC Travel have announced a strategic partnership with Booking.com, one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms, to deliver comprehensive and enhanced accommodation solutions for Indian corporates. The focus is simple: consumer-level breadth with corporate-level controls, transparent pricing and India-specific servicing.

Booking.com’s accommodation content is live on Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s corporate booking tool, giving business clients immediate access to a vast network of over 31 million reported listings across 220+ countries and territories, including India. This collaboration offers an unparalleled selection ranging from world-class hotels and resorts to homes and apartments, all supported by seamless integration into enterprise travel approval systems, enterprise-specific rates, loyalty benefits, and easy, real-time, on-the-go access through digital applications.

The program addresses the top requests of India’s business travel and procurement heads: wider choice while staying within company travel policies, invoice integrity with GST compliance, safer stays for diverse traveller profiles, and service support that goes beyond standard online booking platforms. 

Key features of this tool include:

• Price transparency at scale: property-issued invoices that provide a clear audit trail for finance teams, eliminating hidden markups

• Segment-wise curation: tailored content sets for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises, tuned for Indian metros, fast-growing tier 2 and 3 cities, and international destinations

• Content depth and coverage: practical reach across 2,500+ Indian cities and towns, complemented by Booking.com’s global selection across 220+ countries and territories and a growing set of long-stay options curated for enterprise use

• Business-friendly stays: providing access to properties with verified traveller reviews and essential business amenities to enhance traveller productivity

• Enterprise support and escalation: a co-developed servicing model for booking changes, clarifications, and coordination offering a level of support beyond standard online travel agency processes

• Integrated policy control: policy budgets, approvals, credit-limit management, and real-time updates for a seamless desktop and mobile experience

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, said, “Business travel programs today are evolving toward greater choice, flexibility and transparency. Through our partnership with Booking.com we are redefining accommodation access — expanding global choice while enhancing the compliance and servicing framework that enterprises require. By combining Booking.com’s breadth of inventory with Thomas Cook and SOTC’s managed corporate booking environment, along with future integration into our TravelOne platform, we are delivering policy control, price transparency and the level of service support that businesses demand. Our roadmap for this collaboration includes rate activation, long-stay solutions and city-wise safety clusters ensuring that travellers, travel managers and finance teams alike see tangible value.”

Mark van der Linden, VP Partnerships, Booking.com, said, “As India’s business travel sector undergoes a significant digital transformation, corporate travellers are demanding the same diversity of choice and seamlessness they enjoy in their personal travels, but with the necessary guardrails of corporate compliance. This partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel is a strategic step in making Booking.com’s extensive global inventory truly ‘enterprise-ready’ for the Indian market. By integrating our vast selection of accommodations with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel’s robust online booking platforms, we are providing Indian businesses with a solution that prioritizes transparency, localised services and the flexibility today’s professionals require.”

This collaboration reflects a wider industry shift toward deeper alignment between global platforms and travel management companies, bringing consumer-grade choice into compliant, supportable corporate programs.

About Booking.com:

Part of Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG), Booking.com’s mission is to make it easier for everyone to experience the world. By investing in the technology that helps take the friction out of travel, Booking.com’s marketplace seamlessly connects millions of travellers with memorable experiences every day. For more information, follow @bookingcom on social media or visit globalnews.booking.com. 

Media Enquiries: 

Urvi Thakkar I + 91 9821140314 I urvi.thakkar@booking.com

Payal Yadava I +91 8826753950 | IN-booking@allisonworldwide.com 

About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: 

Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is the leading omnichannel travel company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, and Visa Services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa.

As one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region, The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.

TCIL has been felicitated with MICE Powerhouse at MaxiiiMICE Awards 2025, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year (2024) and MICE Travel Operator of the Year (2024 & 2023) at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards, MICE Travel Agency (Outbound) at the Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2024, 'Masters of Risk - Travel & Hospitality' at India Risk Management Awards 2024, MICE Tour Operator of the Year - Outbound at SATTE 2024, Best Tour Operator at India Travel Awards North 2023, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award (Travel Tourism & Hospitality) at the Corporate Citizen Conclave & Award 2023, The Outbound Tour Operator of the Year 2022 at the SATTE Awards, IAMAI India Digital Awards 2022, CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2022 & 2021, CIO100 Award for digital innovation 2022.

CRISIL has upgraded the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - ‘CRISIL AA/Stable’ on the long-term bank facilities of TCIL and ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating on the short-term bank facilities and short- term debt of the company. The highest rating for a travel & tourism company in India.

For more information, please visit www.thomascook.in  

Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 63.83% of its paid-up capital.

About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: 

Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. V. Prem Watsa, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.

About Subsidiaries of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL):

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is a leading leisure hospitality company with over 55 resorts, hotels and retreats across 48 locations in India covering hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, adventure, heritage, pilgrimage and drive-to locations. Sterling provides a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays.

SOTC Travel Limited

SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. 

Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of over 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.

Travel Corporation (India) Limited

Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) (operating brands Sita, TCI and Distant Frontiers), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is the leading Destination Management Company in India that offers tailor-made travel and related services to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

DEI Holdings Limited

Thomas Cook India Group holds 51% stake in DEI Holdings Limited (DEI), one of the world’s leading imaging solutions and services providers.

For more information, visit: 

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com  

SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in  

Media Enquiries: 

Suzanne Pereira | +91 9820297665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in 

Shourya Rawool | +91 9619745154 | shourya.rawool@thomascook.in  

Ancy Johnas | +91 7678042720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in