Air India inks agreement with SIA Engineering Company for collaboration on MRO

Air India, India’s leading global airline, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SIA Engineering Company Limited (SIAEC) to explore a collaboration in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) which will contribute to the development of India as a global aviation MRO hub.

The MoU was signed in Mumbai on 3 July 2026 by Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Campbell Wilson, and SIAEC Chief Executive Officer, Chin Yau Seng.

This follows Air India’s earlier collaborations with SIAEC to strengthen maintenance and component support for its growing fleet and network expansion:

• Signing of a 12-year Inventory Technical Management (ITM) agreement with SIAEC for extensive component support coverage for Air India’s current fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft on 21 February 2024;

• Appointment of SIAEC as Air India’s Base Maintenance strategic partner for the development of the airline’s Base Maintenance facilities located in Bangalore on 11 May 2024.

The latest MOU aims to deepen the partnership between both parties by tapping on SIAEC’s MRO and technical expertise to bolster Air India’s established airline operations network by jointly developing a world-class MRO ecosystem in India. This collaboration could include the potential formation of an MRO Joint Venture in India, serving the increasing needs of the Indian and regional aviation markets.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India’s rapid aviation growth is driving the need for a stronger, more self-reliant MRO ecosystem within the country. As fleet sizes expand and operations scale up, developing local maintenance capacity will be important to support efficiency, resilience and long-term growth. Partnerships such as this can play a constructive role in enabling that broader direction and developing India as a global aviation hub.”

Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer SIAEC, said: “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, and the continued development of its MRO capabilities will be an important step in strengthening its position within the global aerospace ecosystem. Through this MOU, we look forward to exploring how SIAEC’s technical expertise can support the progressive build-up of capabilities and capacity in India, alongside our ongoing partnership with Air India.”

The potential collaboration, which is legally non-binding, is likely to be progressively firmed up with material developments in future. 

OPO Hotels & Resorts Launches Premium Brand 'Rahitya', Debuts with First Property in Ayodhya

Marks OPO's strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh and strengthens its expansion into India's fast-growing spiritual tourism destinations.

New Delhi, July 2026: OPO Hotels & Resorts, one of India's rapidly expanding hospitality management companies, has announced the launch of Rahitya, its premium subsidiary brand created for the midscale and upper-midscale hospitality segment. Making its debut in the spiritual city of Ayodhya, the brand's first property—Rahitya Premier Anant, Ayodhya—marks a significant milestone in the company's national expansion strategy.

Developed under a Management Agreement signed on 24 June 2026, Rahitya Premier Anant represents OPO Hotels & Resorts' strategic entry into Uttar Pradesh, one of India's fastest-growing hospitality markets driven by religious tourism, infrastructure development, and rising leisure and business travel. Located at Anant Palace, Chandpur Harbans, Prayagraj Road, Ayodhya – 224133, Uttar Pradesh, the property has been thoughtfully designed to offer an elevated hospitality experience that blends contemporary comfort with the warmth and cultural essence of one of India's most revered destinations.

Strategically located just 1 km from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, Rahitya Premier Anant is among the city's most conveniently located premium hotels for arriving travellers, offering seamless accessibility for domestic and international visitors. The property's prime location enables guests to conveniently explore Ayodhya's key spiritual landmarks while enjoying excellent connectivity to the city's expanding transport infrastructure.

The hotel will commence operations in the second week of July 2026 and will feature 50 well-appointed guest rooms, with plans to expand the inventory to 150 rooms in the next phase. Guests will also have access to a 70-cover all-day dining restaurant, a 150-guest banquet hall, and a 300-guest landscaped lawn, while a gymnasium, spa, and kids' zone are scheduled to open shortly.

The launch of Rahitya comes at a time when Ayodhya is witnessing unprecedented growth as a global spiritual and tourism destination. Significant investments in infrastructure, enhanced air, rail, and road connectivity, and a steady rise in domestic and international pilgrim arrivals have transformed the city into one of India's most promising hospitality markets. This evolution has created strong demand for quality accommodation that combines modern amenities with authentic Indian hospitality.

Rahitya Premier Anant has been positioned to meet this growing demand by offering premium experiences tailored for pilgrims, leisure travellers, destination weddings, family vacations, corporate guests, and group travellers alike. The property reflects Rahitya's core philosophy of delivering refined hospitality, personalised service, and memorable guest experiences while remaining rooted in local culture.

Speaking on the launch, Sandeep Basu, Chief Executive Officer, OPO Hotels & Resorts, said, "The launch of Rahitya marks a defining milestone in OPO Hotels & Resorts' growth journey. As our premium hospitality brand, Rahitya has been created to address the evolving needs of today's discerning travellers who seek elevated experiences, thoughtful service, and exceptional value. We are delighted to introduce the brand with Rahitya Premier Anant in Ayodhya—a destination that beautifully represents India's rich spiritual and cultural heritage while emerging as one of the country's fastest-growing tourism markets."

He added, "Ayodhya's remarkable transformation presents a compelling opportunity for quality hospitality brands. Through Rahitya, we aim to create hotels that seamlessly combine contemporary comfort with authentic local experiences. This launch not only strengthens our presence in North India but also lays the foundation for expanding the Rahitya brand across key spiritual, leisure, and emerging business destinations nationwide."

The launch of Rahitya Premier Anant reinforces OPO Hotels & Resorts' long-term vision of building a diversified hospitality portfolio through its asset-light, owner-centric management model. By combining operational excellence, technology-driven solutions, revenue optimisation, and strong owner partnerships, the company continues to expand its footprint across high-potential destinations while delivering sustainable value for stakeholders.

More than the opening of a new hotel, Rahitya Premier Anant represents the beginning of a new chapter for OPO Hotels & Resorts as it introduces a premium hospitality brand designed to redefine guest experiences across India's rapidly evolving travel landscape.

OPO Hotels & Resorts is a rapidly growing hospitality management company focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences through operational excellence, technology-led solutions, and strategic partnerships. With a diversified portfolio of hospitality brands catering to multiple market segments, OPO continues to expand across India's key business, leisure, and spiritual destinations through an asset-light, owner-centric business model.

ITC Grand Central Mumbai Invites Guests to Embrace the Rains with Monsoon Tea Tales at Frederick's Lounge

Mumbai, July 2026: As the city welcomes the monsoon, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai introduces Monsoon Tea Tales, a limited-period monsoon special tea experience at the elegant Frederick's Lounge. Designed to celebrate the simple joys of the season, the offering brings together comforting flavours, warm hospitality, and a refined setting, making it the perfect destination for leisurely afternoons, casual meetings, and heartfelt conversations.

The specially curated experience showcases a selection of timeless teatime favourites, including fragrant Masala Chai, crispy Onion and Potato Fritters, flaky Khari Biscuits, Butter Toast, and the beloved Bun Maska. Thoughtfully crafted as a set menu for two, each item is freshly prepared and served in generous portions, creating a wholesome and satisfying monsoon indulgence.

Available throughout the month, Monsoon Tea Tales is served daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm and is priced at INR 1,250 plus taxes for two. Whether catching up with friends, taking a break from a busy workday, or simply enjoying the soothing rhythm of the rains, Frederick's Lounge offers the perfect backdrop for an elevated tea-time experience.

Interactive Dessert Concepts Taking Over Wedding Receptions

The days of limiting wedding desserts to traditional tiered cakes or buffet-style spreads are now behind us. According to Anjali Tolani, Vice President – Celebrations at Tamarind Global, weddings in 2026 will feature interactive dessert experiences where desserts become an extension of entertainment, storytelling, and unforgettable memories. Modern wedding celebrations will showcase unique dessert concepts, from global tasting journeys and artistic edible presentations to immersive dessert experiences that add sophistication and engagement to the festivities.

The Dessert Passport Experience is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting wedding trends for couples with a passion for travel, culture, and culinary exploration. As part of this experience, each guest receives a beautifully designed "passport" that takes them on a sweet journey through dessert stations inspired by different countries and regions around the world. One station may feature French macarons inspired by Paris, while others offer Japanese mochi, Italian tiramisu, Turkish baklava, Indian artisanal mithai, and many more delicacies. Each station is thoughtfully designed with distinctive décor, flavours, and presentations, allowing guests to discover new tastes while celebrating the couple's shared love for travel.

Inspired by wine pairings and fine dining, the Dessert Pairing Lounge is redefining indulgence at wedding receptions. Rather than serving desserts on their own, these experiences pair sweet creations with specialty coffee, artisanal teas, hot chocolate, sparkling beverages, or non-alcoholic botanical blends. Guests enjoy curated combinations crafted by pastry chefs, where desserts and beverages complement one another to create a multi-sensory experience. Elegant seating, live dessert plating, and expert recommendations transform the space into an intimate setting for conversation and indulgence, elevating the traditional dessert counter into a luxurious tasting experience.

Dessert Art Installations are also gaining popularity by seamlessly blending visual artistry with culinary creativity. These large-scale edible displays blur the boundaries between food and décor, serving as both striking centrepieces and interactive dessert experiences. Floral sculptures crafted from fruit and edible elements, dessert walls adorned with handcrafted baked goods, suspended macaron displays, and sculptural creations made from chocolate and candy allow guests to interact with the installation by selecting desserts directly from the display. Beyond their visual appeal, these installations reflect the couple's personality and wedding theme while becoming memorable conversation starters throughout the celebration.

As personalization continues to dominate wedding trends, Personalised Monogram Desserts are becoming increasingly popular. Couples are incorporating their identity into every aspect of the dessert experience, from chocolates embossed with their initials to custom cookies, mini cakes, and cake pops featuring personalised designs. Many are also adding meaningful elements such as family crests, wedding logos, and artistic motifs, bringing a sentimental and highly customised touch to their celebrations.

Another exciting trend emerging in 2026 is Dessert Roulette, where guests select from a collection of identical-looking desserts without knowing the flavour hidden inside. One dessert may reveal a rich Belgian chocolate centre, while another may surprise guests with exotic tropical fruits, rose pistachio cream, saffron mousse, or other unexpected flavour combinations. Some couples are taking the concept even further by including a special "prize dessert" featuring a surprise message or wedding-themed element for lucky guests to discover. The anticipation and excitement transform dessert from a simple course into an engaging experience that guests can enjoy together and remember long after the celebration.

Desserts are evolving into immersive experiences through global tasting journeys, artistic installations, curated pairings, personalised creations, and unexpected surprises. This shift reflects how today's couples want to entertain, engage, and create memorable moments for their guests. By 2026, the highlight of a wedding may no longer be the wedding cake itself, but the complete experience that surrounds dessert.

KLOOK India Launches New Summer Campaign Film Featuring Farah Khan and Dilip, Inspiring Travellers to Go Beyond the Obvious

~The film follows Farah Khan and Dilip through Singapore, revealing how even familiar destinations can surprise travellers who leave room for the unexpected~
~Backed by Klook’s Travel Pulse Study, the campaign highlights Indian travellers’ growing appetite for spontaneous plans, local culture, slower travel, and lesser-known experiences~

City, Date: Klook India has launched a brand-new campaign film for its summer travel campaign, featuring acclaimed filmmaker and personality Farah Khan alongside Dilip, her personal cook and trusted travel companion. Set in Singapore, the film brings alive a simple but powerful travel truth: a destination rarely runs out of things to offer, especially when travellers look beyond the obvious.

Joining Klook’s world of joy and discovery, Farah returns to Singapore, a destination she has visited before but, as the video playfully reveals, never quite like this. She is accompanied by Dilip, for whom the city is entirely new. It is a pairing that works precisely because of the contrast: Farah, the seasoned traveller who arrives with assumptions, and Dilip, who arrives with none.
What unfolds is warm, funny, and quietly revealing, with Dilip’s sense of wonder gradually disrupting Farah’s certainty. A city she thinks she knows turns out to have a treehouse-style resort she has never heard of, a tall-ship dinner cruise she has never considered, and neighbourhoods she has never once passed through.
Their dynamic captures something deeply true about travel. The best moments are not always the ones travellers plan for. They are often the ones that catch them off guard, shift their perspective, and become the stories they talk about long after they return home.
The campaign film features a series of experiences bookable on Klook, including a stay at Mandai Rainforest Resort, close animal and bird encounters at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a Royal Albatross tall-ship dinner cruise, a SkyOrb cable car ride, Madame Tussauds, Fireworks by the sea at Wings of Time, a local cooking class at Palate Sensations, and a Singapore Sidecars tour through the city’s heritage neighbourhoods like Katong and Joo Chiat.
At the heart of the campaign is an insight many Indian travellers recognise. Holidays are often planned carefully, but still end up following the same familiar routes, recommendations, and itineraries. With this campaign, Klook India encourages travellers to make room for experiences that are planned and spontaneous, iconic and local, expected and unexpected, all in one place. The film is part of Klook India’s digitalfirst campaign and is housed on the brand’s Instagram and YouTube channels.
“As Indian travellers become more confident, they are no longer looking at holidays as a list of places to tick off. They want experiences that feel personal, flexible, and worth remembering,” says Shivam Tyagi, Marketing Lead, Klook India & Middle East. “Farah and Dilip capture both sides of that journey beautifully. One brings familiarity, the other brings fresh wonder, and together they show that even a destination you think you know can still have so much more to offer.”
Klook Travel Pulse Study The campaign film underlines insights from Klook’s latest Travel Pulse Study, which reveals that Indian travellers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are rethinking what makes a holiday meaningful.
Klook’s latest Travel Pulse Study shows that Indian travellers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are rethinking what makes a holiday meaningful. The big shift: travellers want fewer rushed itineraries and more experiences that help them feel connected to the places they visit.
Key insights include:
● Local culture is driving deeper travel. A deeper feel for local culture and lifestyle is now a leading reason for Indian travellers to spend more time and money on holidays.
● Tours, activities, and classes are gaining priority. 37.5% of Gen Z travellers and 47.4% of Millennials want to make more time for these experiences while travelling.
● Travellers want to go beyond tourist routes. 30.7% of Gen Z travellers and 35.5% of Millennials say they want to explore neighbourhoods and areas tourists often miss.
● Flexibility matters more than fixed plans. Indian travellers are increasingly discovering activities while already at the destination, making spontaneous decisions on the go, and seeking local recommendations after they arrive.
● The obvious checklist is losing its hold. Nearly 2 in 5 Indian travellers now regularly seek out lesser-known alternatives in addition to popular tourist spots, with Gen Z leading the way.
● Millennials want to travel deeper, not faster. Nearly 1 in 2 Millennial Indian travellers say they would rather spend longer in fewer places to truly connect with local culture. ● Slow travel is having a moment. Across Gen Z and Millennials, roughly 2 in 5 travellers say they want to relax without feeling rushed, making unhurried travel more appealing than packed itineraries.
● Responsible travel is now a priority. More than half of Gen Z and Millennial Indian travellers say high animal welfare standards are essential when choosing wildlife experiences. Eco-tours and nature conservation experiences are also actively sought out. ● Repeat travel is changing too. More than half of Indian travellers like to mix it up, sometimes returning to cities they love and sometimes choosing somewhere new.

● For the 1 in 4 who revisit the same cities, the question is no longer “Have I been here before?” but “Am I getting more out of it this time?”
“These insights show that Indian travellers are asking a different question now,” adds Tyagi. “It is no longer just, ‘What should I see?’ It is, ‘What else can I experience here?’ That is exactly where Klook comes in, helping travellers discover more joy, more flexibility, and more meaningful moments wherever they go.”
With its wide range of bookable experiences, from iconic attractions and local tours to transport, experiential stays, nature-led activities, and last-minute discoveries, Klook enables travellers to get more out of every trip, whether they plan ahead or decide in the moment.
As the summer travel season gathers pace, Klook India’s campaign invites travellers to look again at the destinations they think they know and discover how much more a good holiday can hold.

Mela Mexicana Comes to SOCIAL: A Pan-India Celebration of Mexican Food, Drinks and Culture

A month-long Mexican cultural takeover across all SOCIAL outlets, bringing together tacos, tortas, tequila-led cocktails, sombreros, Lotería nights, telenovela drama, salsa, live Latin music and other engaging activities

New Delhi,  July 2026: This July, SOCIAL is bringing the colour, rhythm and delicious chaos of Mexico to every neighbourhood with Mela Mexicana, a month-long festival across all SOCIAL outlets in India from 1st July to 31st July 2026. Built in association with the Embassy of Mexico in India, Mela Mexicana is a full cultural takeover of SOCIAL. For one whole month, outlets across the country will come alive with Mexican-inspired food and drinks, bold décor, immersive visual storytelling with elements inspired by alebrijes, lucha libre, community-led formats, live performances, salsa evenings, and interactive game nights.

The festival brings together the warmth of a cantina, the drama of a telenovela, the colour of Mexican street culture and the familiar SOCIAL energy that guests know and love. Across outlets, Mela Mexicana will come alive through papel picado, bold Mexican-inspired visuals, staff in sombreros, and resident DJs in lucha libre masks, setting the mood for a month of colour, music and celebration.

Every night at 8:30 PM, all SOCIAL outlets will also host a short Mela Mexicana ritual. For 5 to 10 minutes, staff in sombreros will move through the outlet with maracas and pompoms, pouring complimentary celebratory shots for guests and bringing everyone together for a lively shared moment.

Why Mela Mexicana, Why Now

At SOCIAL, culture has always been served with food and drinks. From the way people gather, eat, celebrate, play, and discover new things together, SOCIAL has built its world around shared experiences. Mela Mexicana continues that thought by turning July into a reason to step out, try something new and be part of something larger than a meal.

Mexico and India share a natural cultural shorthand: colour, spice, street food, music, family-style eating, big emotions and bigger celebrations. Mela Mexicana taps into this shared energy and gives it a SOCIAL spin. It is rooted in Mexican inspiration, but designed for the way India eats, drinks and hangs out today.

Riyaaz Amlani, Founder & Managing Director, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., said, “SOCIAL has always believed that culture is not something you observe from a distance; it is something you step into, share, and make your own. With Mela Mexicana, we are bringing the spirit of Mexico into the heart of India’s neighbourhoods in a way only SOCIAL can: through food, drinks, music, performance, play and community. Mexico and India share a beautiful instinct for colour, spice, street food, celebration and togetherness. This festival is our way of turning that shared energy into a month-long experience that feels global in inspiration, local in spirit, and unmistakably SOCIAL.

Embassy of Mexico in India: “The Embassy of Mexico in India is delighted to collaborate with SOCIAL for Mela Mexicana, a month-long festival blending cultural heritage with economic enterprise. As one of Mexico's most dynamic soft-power exports, gastronomy opens vital new avenues for trade, brand awareness, and bilateral growth. Through a curated fusion of Mexican culinary flavors, traditional music, and contemporary art, this collaboration invites Indian audiences to experience the deep cultural parallels between our two nations. Mela Mexicana is more than an event; it is a cultural dialogue uniting our people through a shared love for community, art, and food.”

A Menu That Brings Mexico to SOCIAL’s Table

The food at Mela Mexicana takes familiar Mexican formats and reimagines them with SOCIAL’s playful, flavour-first lens. The menu moves from crunchy, snackable small plates to loaded tacos, cheesy quesadillas, empanadas, burritos, chimichangas, tortas and desserts.

Guests can begin with the classic Guac ’n’ Roll Chips, served in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, or try Nacho Average Love Triangle, a colourful trio of pink, green and black nachos with salsa. Corn Chivda Chaat brings together corn flakes, pico, salsa macha and Mexican nuts, while Gajar Tinga Tostada gives the idea of gajar ka halwa a savoury, Mexican-inspired twist. The Chicken Tikka Tinga Tostada brings together the comfort of tikka with the crunch of a tostada, while Chilli Chipotle Aloo and Chilli Chipotle Chicken add a smoky chipotle kick to familiar favourites

There is plenty of cheese, crunch and comfort through Queso Fundido, Mushroom Empanadas, Chicken Tinga Empanadas, Cheesy Mushroom Quesadilla and Cheesy Chicken Quesadilla. The taco line-up brings together Baja-O-Mushroom Taco, Al Pastor Chicken Taco, Taco ’Bout Fish and Mutton Seekh Taco, each built to be messy, punchy and full of character.

For heartier cravings, the menu features Dry Noods aka Fideos Secos, Burrito and a Bowl, Chipotle Mushroom Chimichanga, Barbacoa Chicken Chimichanga, Birria Sando and Chicken Barbacoa Torta. The desserts close the meal on a sweet note with Concha French Toast, made with traditional Mexican sweet bread, and The Impossible Cake, a rich chocolate cake layered with creamy flan.

Chef Shamsul Wahid, Group Executive Chef, Impresario Entertainment & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., and Chef Ashish Sharma Diaz Del Castillo said, “Mexican food and Indian food share a natural connection, both are generous, layered, spice-led and built around the joy of eating together,” said Chef Shamsul Wahid. “With Mela Mexicana, we wanted to honour that shared spirit through familiar Mexican formats, while giving the menu a SOCIAL twist with flavours like tikka, seekh, chivda, gajar and nihari, so every dish feels festive, rooted and full of character,” added Chef Ashish Sharma Diaz Del Castillo.

Drinks That Bring the Fiesta to the Bar

The bar programme has been created to match the energy of the food: bold, refreshing, spicy, tangy and built for a good time. The cocktail menu leans into tequila-led serves, fresh citrus, chilli, tamarind, pineapple, jalapeño, hibiscus, grapefruit and Mexican-inspired spice.

Guests can try the Borracho Michelada, a savoury, spicy beer cocktail with hot sauce, tajín and lime, or the Batanga, a simple, bright mix of tequila, cola, lime and salt. Hibshi Margarita brings a floral twist with hibiscus, litchi and kaffir lime, while El Tamarindo channels a desi-mexi flavour profile with smoked spicy tamarind, coriander and lime. Pineapple Jalapeño Picante brings together sweet pineapple, jalapeño, cilantro and brine, while Cantarito layers citrus and beer into a refreshing festival serve.

For cooler monsoon evenings, Mexican Spiced Hot Chocolate adds a warm, spiked, chilli-kissed finish to the drinks line-up. The festival also includes zero-proof serves such as Not a Paloma, with lime and grapefruit soda, and Tamarind Ginger Smash, a sweet, tangy imli drink with a sharp ginger kick. For guests looking to keep the table energy high, shot serves such as La Roja and Jose Hot bring sweet, spicy and citrus-led flavours into the mix.

The Festival Comes Alive Beyond the Menu

Mela Mexicana is also built around SOCIAL’s community ecosystem, with programming that turns outlets into spaces of play, performance and participation through the month.

One of the highlight formats is Telenovela Table Read, an interactive improv-led game night where guests become characters in an over-the-top soap opera universe inspired by Mexican telenovelas and iconic Indian television drama. Participants are given character roles, secret objectives, mandatory keywords and sudden plot twists, creating a night of dramatic reveals, chaotic performances and full commitment to the bit

Another key experience is Bingo Beats Club: Mela Mexicana Edition, inspired by Lotería, Mexico’s iconic illustrated picture-card game. SOCIAL’s version turns it into a music-led, high-energy game night with custom cards inspired by Mexican culture, Indian culture, internet behaviour, nightlife and everyday guest moments. Instead of numbers, guests mark illustrated symbols announced through clues, riddles and humour, with music breaks and participation moments woven through the evening.

The programming calendar will also feature salsa-led evenings, Mexican-inspired workshops, themed community events and live music. As part of the festival, SOCIAL will host Abakorao, a New Delhi-based Latin band led by Colombian musician Santiago Ramírez, bringing styles such as salsa, merengue, bachata, son, reggaetón and cumbia to the Mela Mexicana experience in select SOCIAL outlets.

A Month-Long Takeover Across India

From the food on the table and the drinks at the bar to the décor on the walls, the music in the room and the games guests play together, Mela Mexicana has been designed as a festival that lives across every SOCIAL touchpoint. It brings together culture, cuisine, performance, nightlife and community in a way that is immersive, visual and made for discovery.

Mela Mexicana will be live across all SOCIAL outlets in India from 1st July to 31st July 2026

Beyond Sweetness: Why Chocolate is a Multisensory Experience, According to a Pastry Chef Eureka Araujo

Mumbai, July 2026: Chocolate has always been synonymous with indulgence, but for today's discerning dessert lovers, its appeal extends far beyond sweetness. This Chocolate Day, luxury patisserie Sivako highlights how chocolate is experienced through all the senses, where texture, aroma, sound, temperature, and flavour come together to create memorable desserts.
At Sivako, chocolate isn’t just an ingredient, it's the canvas for creativity. Co-Founder and Head Pastry Chef Eureka Araujo believes chocolate is one of the few mediums that allows pastry chefs to craft layered sensory experiences. Its moody yet versatile nature gives rise to intricate garnishes, striking showpieces, and designs that embody the brand’s spirit of innovation. To ensure every creation reflects the highest standards, Sivako chooses Valrhona chocolate an investment in quality despite its expense because offering the very best is central to the brand’s philosophy.Unlike conventional approaches that rely on fondant, Sivako channels imagination entirely through chocolate, resulting in creations that are both artistic and indulgent. Every piece reflects the brand’s philosophy: pushing boundaries and telling stories through chocolate.

"Chocolate is one of the most fascinating and technical ingredients we work with in pastry. I've always believed that chocolate deserves to be understood, not just used. For me, mastering chocolate is about understanding how it behaves, respecting the precision it demands, and letting its flavour through to create desserts that people truly immerse themselves in the experience of every dessert. Chocolate is never just about taste. The first experience begins with its aroma, followed by the clean snap of a perfectly tempered shell, the smoothness of a ganache, the lightness of a mousse, or the crunch of a praline. These layers of texture are what transform a dessert from something delicious into something unforgettable. "
In modern pastry, texture has become just as important as flavour. A well-crafted chocolate dessert balances contrasting elements such as silky mousses, crisp feuillentine, airy sponge, glossy glazes, crunchy nuts, velvety crémeux, and delicate chocolate shards, ensuring every bite evolves as it is eaten.

This growing appreciation for texture reflects a larger shift in consumer preferences. Diners today seek immersive dessert experiences that engage multiple senses, where every layer is intentional and every component contributes to the final moment of indulgence.
At Sivako, this philosophy is reflected across its chocolate creations, where classical French pastry techniques meet contemporary craftsmanship. Every dessert is thoughtfully composed to create harmony between richness and lightness, softness and crunch, familiarity and surprise.
"The beauty of chocolate lies in its versatility. It can be delicate, intense, crisp, creamy, airy, or molten, often within the same dessert. As pastry chefs, our role is to orchestrate these textures so every spoonful tells a different story while remaining beautifully balanced," adds Chef Eureka.

This Chocolate Day, the celebration isn't just about satisfying a sweet craving—it's about appreciating chocolate as a multisensory craft, where every texture, sound, aroma, and flavour works together to create an experience worth savouring.

About Sivako
Founded in 2022, Sivako is a Mumbai-based luxury patisserie known for its refined European-inspired desserts, precision craftsmanship, and design-led approach to pastry. Built on the philosophy that true luxury lies in balance and detail, the brand creates desserts that celebrate technique, ingredient integrity, and multisensory indulgence, offering bespoke creations for gifting, celebrations, and elevated dessert experiences.

About Chef Eureka Aurjo
Chef Eureka Araujo is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Sivako, a luxury patisserie based in Mumbai, renowned for its modern French pastries, artisanal chocolates, viennoiserie, and bespoke dessert experiences.
Representing India on the global stage, she competed at the World Pastry Queen Championship in Italy in both 2018 and 2023. In 2023, she made history by winning the Bronze Medal, becoming the first Indian pastry chef to secure a podium finish at a high level prestigious international championship.

In 2022, she founded Sivako with a vision to elevate India's dessert landscape through world-class craftsmanship, premium ingredients, and innovative pastry techniques. Today, Sivako has become synonymous with refined desserts, luxury gifting, immersive dessert experiences, and collaborations with leading hospitality and lifestyle brands.

Today, Chef Eureka is regarded as one of India's leading pastry chefs, known for blending technical excellence with creativity and redefining luxury desserts through Sivako.
Chef Eureka continues to push the boundaries of pastry to create desserts that people don't just taste they immerse themselves in the experience.

Sweeney Introduces Sizzling Stone Bowls & Artisanal Teas for Mumbai's Monsoon Season

As the monsoon settles over Mumbai, Sweeney introduces a seasonal dining experience that brings together two of its most comforting offerings, the new Sizzling Stone Bowls and a curated selection of Artisanal Teas. Designed for rainy afternoons, leisurely catch-ups and cozy evenings under Sweeney's iconic mango tree, the menu celebrates warmth, comfort and bold Asian flavours.

Leading the seasonal offering are the Sizzling Stone Bowls, served in heated stone bowls that arrive at the table sizzling and steaming. Inspired by Asian hot stone dining traditions, the bowls are designed to retain heat throughout the meal, ensuring every bite stays warm while enhancing the textures, aromas, and flavours of each dish. The presentation creates an immersive sensory dining experience from the moment the dish reaches the table.

The menu features four varieties, each layered with fresh vegetables, signature sauces, and vibrant garnishes: Thai Vegetarian Udon Noodle, Miso Vegetable Sticky Rice, Thai Chicken Rice Noodle, and Prawn Bibimbap Rice

Complementing the stone bowls is Sweeney's selection of Artisanal Teas, offering guests a comforting pairing for the season. The collection includes Green Tea, Earl Grey, Chamomile, Peppermint, and Butterfly Blue Pea Tea, curated for moments of relaxation, slow mornings, and monsoon evenings.

Together, the Sizzling Stone Bowls and Artisanal Teas reflect Sweeney's focus on seasonal dining, combining comforting flavours with an interactive dining experience that celebrates the essence of Mumbai's rainy season.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Voted One of Vietnam’s Top City Hotels

Travel + Leisure honours iconic hotel in its prestigious Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026

HANOI, Vietnam (July , 2026) – Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has been voted one of Vietnam’s top two city hotels in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia-Pacific 2026.

The latest accolade adds to a remarkable run of honours. Condé Nast Traveler recently awarded the Metropole its “Triple Crown,” which the publication calls “the most definitive collection of the best hotels in the world,” while Travel + Leisure named it to its coveted global “500 Best Hotels” list for the sixth consecutive year. Le Spa du Metropole was also recently named Vietnam’s Best Hotel Spa at the Tatler Best of Vietnam 2026 awards.

“We are deeply honoured by this latest recognition from Travel + Leisure, one of the world’s most influential voices in luxury travel,” said George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi.

“This award is especially meaningful as we celebrate our 125th anniversary. For over a century, the Metropole has been far more than a hotel. It has been a witness to history and a symbol of timeless elegance in the heart of Hanoi. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering the warm, personalised service and incomparable luxury that our guests have cherished for 125 years,” Koumendakos added.

Since first opening its doors in 1901, the Metropole has stood as the Grande Dame of the Vietnamese capital. To mark this historic 125th anniversary milestone, the hotel is hosting a year-long series of exclusive events under the theme “125 Years of a Legend” celebrating its extraordinary heritage while embracing an exciting future as one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic luxury destinations.

BNDRA W Opens in Bandra West: An All-Day Dining Destination Built Around Great Food, Familiarity, and the Rhythm of the Neighbourhood

Sitting in the heart of Bandra, BNDRA W is an all-day destination, open from 9 AM to 1.30am. It isn't trying to be a restaurant or a café. It's both, and everything in between, from morning coffee and long lunches to afternoon meetings, sunset cocktails and dinners with friends.

A joint venture between Romeo, Francesca Smith and Suved Lohia Hospitality, BNDRA W draws inspiration from Bandra West itself: warm, familiar, energetic and effortlessly social. Bringing together the comfort of a neighbourhood café, the quality of a serious kitchen and the energy of a restaurant, it is designed to become part of the neighbourhood's everyday rhythm.

Mornings that move at your pace

Breakfast, served throughout the day, includes favourites such as Granola Bowl, Accai Bowl, Parsi Akuri, Smoked Turkey sandwiches , Truffle & Camembert baguettes , Atlantic Benedict served in a soft signature buttery croissant , Protein Power Bowls, New York Cheese Melt and indulgent breakfast plates inspired by café culture. Guests can also choose from in house freshly baked pastries, artisanal breads, pancakes, French toast, cinambon inspired cinnamon rolls and crafted for leisurely mornings and quick catch-ups alike.

The coffee programme is built to hold its own.

Afternoons that drift into evenings

For lunch and dinner, the menu shifts effortlessly between small plates, sharing dishes and substantial mains. Diners can begin with Crispy Enoki Mushrooms, Potato Mochi, Three Cheese Quesadilla, Mushroom Patte, Yellowfin Tuna Crispy Pizza, Truffle Buff Carpaccio, Lobster Roll or a selection of Sushi before moving on to signatures such as Anatolian Borek, Selection of Smash Burgers, Woodland Mushroom Risotto, Fresh Oysters, Roasted Bone Marrow and Thai red curry with Salmon. The menu also features handcrafted Sour Dough pizzas, Sushi, fresh salads, raw bar selections and Asian-inspired dishes designed for sharing.

Desserts continue the balance between comfort and indulgence, with offerings such as signature Seasonal Torrija, Chocolate Lava Cake, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Churros bringing a sweet finish to the experience.

The drinks, as they should be

The bar at BNDRA W is given the same thought as the food. The cocktail programme is built around drinks that feel right at any point in the day, a spritz at noon, something stirred and considered after dark. Alongside a well-chosen wine list and cold beer on tap, the cocktails and coffee are the kind you order again without overthinking it. Whether it's coconut matcha in the morning, a slow Negroni over a long lunch or a tequila that tips an evening into a night, the bar holds its own from the first hour to the last call.

The signature cocktail menu draws from the legends who drank like they lived from Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Vincent Van Gogh to name a few.

The space

Interiors by Francesca Smith in collaboration with Kasa Atelier take cues from a European conservatory reimagined for Bandra. The outer area plays with conservatory-style glazing, statement chandeliers, lush greenery and black-and-white checkered floors, elegant but approachable. Inside, an Art Deco sensibility takes over: colour, print, texture and warm woods that settle into something more intimate as evening sets in.

For Romeo, BNDRA W is a reflection of the neighbourhood he calls home, a place where conversations linger, familiar faces return and the spirit of community that has always defined Bandra finds a permanent address.

Whether it's breakfast after a workout, a work meeting over coffee, dinner with family or drinks that stretch late into the night, BNDRA W is built for every part of the day. Familiar, full of life and designed not for occasions, but for everyday rituals.

"Not a location. A state of mind." You feel it the moment you walk in. The space doesn't perform for you. It just makes room.

Housr Introduces Zero-Deposit Rentals for Residents Across India

Partners with CirclePe to introduce seamless app integration and pan-India rollout

Gurugram, July 2026: Housr, one of the largest premium co-living operators in the country, has gone live with a new zero-deposit renting product powered by CirclePe. This one-of-a-kind product enables residents to move in without paying a security deposit, eliminating one of the biggest upfront barriers to renting and making move-ins simpler, more convenient, and financially accessible.

The product addresses one of the biggest pain points in rental housing: the security deposit. Tenants typically lock up months of savings when they move in, creating a significant upfront financial burden. With CirclePe's financing layer embedded into Housr's resident management app platform, residents can now skip the large upfront security deposit and instead pay a small monthly amount, making the move-in process more flexible, seamless, and affordable.

Commenting on this innovative financing rollout, Deepak Anand, Co-founder and CEO, Housr, said, "Housr has always focused on making premium living more seamless for residents, and this partnership takes that experience a step further. By removing the deposit barrier and enabling seamless tech integration inside our app, we are making move-ins simpler for our customers."

India's co-living market is set to grow fivefold to ₹200 billion by 2030, according to a report by Colliers. Yet, it is built on a rental system where a Bengaluru tenant can lock up to ₹2 lakh in a security deposit before moving into a single flat, with a similar situation existing across other key metros that are home to India's largest working professional population. As the market continues to evolve, zero-deposit renting helps remove one of the biggest barriers to moving into a new home, creating a more seamless and financially accessible rental experience for residents.

With this rollout, Housr is helping bring zero-deposit renting into the mainstream of premium living, making the rental experience more accessible, convenient, and resident-friendly.

With Long-Stay Demand Rising, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Spotlights Business-Ready Rooms and Suites

With Long-Stay Demand Rising, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse Spotlights Business-Ready Rooms and Suites

Bengaluru, July 2026: As Bengaluru continues to remain one of India's key corporate travel hubs, demand is growing for centrally located hotels that support longer stays, hybrid work patterns, and bleisure-led itineraries. Responding to this shift, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is strengthening its proposition for business and long-stay travellers through its collection of 272 contemporary rooms and suites, including Premium Rooms with private balconies and spacious Suites designed for guests who need comfort, connectivity, and flexibility in the heart of the city.

"Business travel has become more fluid, with guests often combining meetings, remote work, and personal time within the same trip. Our rooms and suites are designed around this new pattern of travel, offering efficient workspaces, ergonomic rooms, city-centre connectivity, and the comfort guests need for both short visits and extended stays," said Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse.

Located opposite the Bengaluru Racecourse, the hotel offers easy access to major corporate districts, government offices, the railway station, and key city landmarks. This central positioning makes it a practical choice for corporate travellers, project teams, and guests extending work trips into leisure stays.

The guestrooms are designed to support today's contemporary business traveller, with ergonomic rooms, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, premium bedding, and contemporary interiors that allow guests to remain productive while unwinding with ease. Standard Rooms offer comfortable accommodation with views of the Bengaluru Racecourse, while Premium Rooms with private balconies add a sense of openness rarely associated with city-centre business hotels. For extended stays, the Suites provide separate living areas, dining facilities, and additional space suited to guests on longer assignments or blended work-leisure itineraries.

Beyond the guestrooms, the hotel's rooftop swimming pool overlooking the Racecourse, fully equipped fitness centre, and multiple dining venues give guests the flexibility to maintain their routine, host informal conversations, or recharge between business commitments.

With business travel becoming more flexible and stay patterns increasingly extending beyond the traditional overnight trip, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse is positioned to serve corporate travellers, long-stay guests, and bleisure visitors looking for a connected city-centre address. The hotel combines smart room design, modern amenities, and the trusted hospitality of the Holiday Inn brand to offer a stay experience built around efficiency, comfort, and convenience.

Maharashtra Government Fast-Tracks Munawale Aqua Tourism Project; Minister of Tourism, Mr Shambhuraj Desai, Directs Departments to Ensure Timely Completion

Mumbai, July 2026: The Honourable Minister of Tourism of Maharashtra, Shambhuraj Desai, has directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination to ensure the timely completion of the Munawale Aqua Tourism Project, describing it as one of the Maharashtra Government's flagship tourism initiatives and a key project being closely monitored by the Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde.

The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Shambhuraj Desai, chaired a detailed review meeting on the project at Vidhan Bhavan, with Honourable Minister of Public Works of Maharashtra Shivendrasinhraje Bhosale also present. The project is expected to give a real boost to tourism in the Satara district and generate significant employment for people in the area. More broadly, it's meant to strengthen Maharashtra's water tourism sector and help position Satara as one of the state's top aqua tourism destinations.

Much of the discussion centred on turning the Munawale (Shivsagar Reservoir) area into a world-class aqua tourism hub. Officials pointed out that the region's natural landscape and water resources give it strong potential for sustainable tourism.

The meeting went through the project's master plan, pending approvals, infrastructure needs and the roadmap ahead. The Honourable Minister of Tourism told departments to obtain all administrative approvals and statutory clearances within the set timeframe, and emphasised the need for careful planning and smooth coordination across departments at every stage.

The plan includes world-class aquatourism facilities around the Koyna reservoir, such as boating, water sports, tourist facilitation centres, and other visitor amenities. Under the revised administrative approval, the project's cost has now gone up to over ₹92 crore. Officials said approvals from the various departments involved are nearly finalised.

Tourism development at Pratapgad Fort also came up for review. The meeting gave in-principle approval for a grand memorial featuring a full-length statue of Veer Jivaji Mahale, the brave bodyguard of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Officials were told to identify suitable land and finalise the proposal on priority.

Those present at the meeting included Mr Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism), Government of Maharashtra, Mr Mangesh Joshi (IAS); Director, Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra; Mr Santosh Rokade, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra; Mr Vijay Powar, Deputy Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Maharashtra along with senior officials from the Forest Department, Water Resources Department and other concerned departments. Honourable Minister of Tourism reiterated that all departments must work closely together to expedite both the Munawale Aqua Tourism Project and the tourism initiatives at Pratapgad Fort.

Eight Continents Brings Hanric to Varkala, Deepening Its India Hospitality Footprint

New Delhi,July2026: Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, a UK-based luxury hospitality and hotel management group redefining emotique hotels through distinctive design, cultural authenticity, and personalised experiences, has announced the launch of Hanric, Varkala, marking a strategic expansion of the Hanric by Eight Continents brand along India's southern coastline. The opening further strengthens Eight Continents' presence in experiential hospitality across India and reflects the Group's continued focus on growing its portfolio across high-potential travel markets.

Located in the heart of Varkala, the newly developed property has been designed to offer travellers a contemporary stay experience inspired by the destination's distinctive coastal character. Renowned for its dramatic cliffside views, pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and growing wellness tourism appeal, Varkala has emerged as one of India's most sought-after coastal getaways, attracting visitors seeking a blend of relaxation, exploration, and authentic local experiences.

Hanric, Varkala features 32 well-appointed rooms, a restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities, creating a versatile hospitality offering for leisure travellers, intimate celebrations, and social gatherings. Combining modern comforts with warm hospitality, the hotel provides guests with an ideal base to experience the natural beauty and unique charm of Kerala's coastline.

At Hanric, Varkala, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts will leverage its expertise in curating memorable guest experiences, driving operational excellence, and building destination-led hospitality offerings, ensuring the property evolves into a preferred stay destination within the region.

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Richa Adhia, Managing Director, Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, said: "The launch of Hanric, Varkala marks an important milestone in the growth of the Hanric by Eight Continents brand. Varkala's growing popularity as a coastal getaway makes it a natural fit for our vision of creating distinctive hospitality experiences rooted in place and culture. Through this property, we aim to offer travellers an authentic connection to the destination while further strengthening our presence in India's growing experiential hospitality landscape."

This launch reflects Eight Continents' continued focus on expanding its presence in markets that offer strong tourism potential and growing demand for experience-led travel. With a diverse portfolio of brands including Treetop, Hanric, Stamps, Ocho Homes, and Signature Collection, Eight Continents Group currently operates across India, the United Kingdom, and East Africa. Its growing footprint spans Belfast, Guernsey, Zanzibar, Kasauli, Udaipur, Sariska, Jodhpur, Pushkar, and Varkala, reflecting a strong focus on building a design-led hospitality portfolio across emerging and established travel markets.

25 Years of Purpose, Passion and People: Vinayak Patnekar Celebrates a Remarkable Journey with Marriott International

Goa, India: Twenty-five years. Multiple cities. Several iconic Marriott brands. Countless guests, associates and success stories.

As Vinayak Patnekar, General Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim, marks the extraordinary milestone of completing 25 years with Marriott International, it is a celebration of a career built on unwavering passion, inspiring leadership and an enduring commitment to hospitality.

Beginning his journey with Marriott 25 years ago, Vinayak has grown alongside one of the world's leading hospitality companies, embracing every opportunity to learn, lead and create memorable guest experiences. Over the last two and a half decades, his career has taken him across diverse destinations in India, where he has successfully led teams, opened new chapters for hotels and nurtured a culture centred around people.

His professional journey spans Marriott's renowned brands, including JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels Resort & Spa, Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott, across cities including Mumbai, Goa, Bengaluru, Agra and Raipur, along with five years in the United Kingdom, with each assignment contributing to his rich experience and leadership philosophy.

Known for his people-first approach, operational excellence and innovative thinking, Vinayak has consistently transformed hotels into destinations known not only for exceptional guest satisfaction but also for engaged associates and high-performing teams. His leadership reflects Marriott's core values of putting people first, pursuing excellence, embracing change, acting with integrity and serving the world.

Throughout his career, Vinayak has been recognised with several prestigious industry and organisational honours. Most notably, he was named General Manager of the Year (2023) at the Global Marriott Select Brand Awards, Fairfield Diamond General Manager of the Year (2023) at the Global Marriott Select Brand Awards, and BW Hotelier National General Manager of the Year 2024, further reinforcing his standing as one of India's most respected hospitality leaders.

Reflecting on the milestone, Vinayak Patnekar said, "Twenty-five years with Marriott feels both humbling and deeply fulfilling. Marriott has been much more than a hotel; it has been a place of learning, growth, friendships and purpose. Every hotel, every city, every mentor and every associate has shaped who I am today. I am grateful for the opportunities, the challenges that made me stronger, and the incredible people who have walked this journey with me. As I look ahead, I remain as passionate about hospitality as I was on my very first day."

Today, as General Manager of Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim, Vinayak continues to champion thoughtful hospitality through innovative guest experiences and a culture that celebrates authenticity, warmth and meaningful connections. Under his leadership, the hotel has built a distinctive identity rooted in the spirit of South Goa, reflected in initiatives such as The Art of Slow, encouraging guests to experience hospitality with mindfulness and genuine care.

His 25-year journey is not merely a professional milestone; it is a testament to consistency, resilience, lifelong learning and the power of people-centric leadership. It stands as an inspiration for young hospitality professionals aspiring to build meaningful and impactful careers in the industry.

As Marriott International celebrates this remarkable achievement, Vinayak Patnekar's journey serves as a reminder that great hospitality is ultimately about people, purpose and creating lasting memories—one guest, one team and one experience at a time.

The Pandharpur Wari: An Unforgettable Pilgrimage of Faith and Devotion

Maharashtra is a sacred land, blessed by the presence of saints and an unbroken tradition of devotion. You feel this most acutely during the Ashadhi Wari, the annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur. Every year, during the months of Jyeshtha and Ashadha, the entire state of Maharashtra immerses itself in the devotional fervour of Lord Vitthal. The Wari offers a unique experience in which human emotion, discipline, devotion, and the captivating beauty of nature come together in perfect harmony.

People often call it the largest organised gathering of its kind in the country, and it's hard to argue otherwise. Every year, lakhs of warkaris cover hundreds of kilometres on foot, with Vitthal's name on their lips the whole way. Leaving the differences of age, caste, religion, or language at the door, everyone walking is headed toward the same destination, for the same reason. The warkari trudging toward Pandharpur isn't just making a pilgrimage in his own quiet way, he's carrying forward an old message about equality, service, and what it means to be human.

For someone visiting as an outsider, the Wari is something else entirely, it's more like closer to a celebration than a religious duty. Tourists and travellers land here from across India and overseas, and what greets them is Maharashtra at its most layered with culture and spirituality, side by side, inseparable. Walk through any part of the route, and the chant of "Dnyanoba-Tukaram" seems to follow you, until you're swept into it, whether you meant to be or not.

The real start of the Wari is the departure of two palkhi processions, Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj's from Alandi, and Sant Tukaram Maharaj's from Dehu. Thousands set off together with cymbals in hand, saffron flags over their shoulders, tulshi vrindavans balanced on their heads, the air thick with "Dnyanoba Mauli Tukaram." Stand anywhere near that crowd, and you can feel it, the shift in the atmosphere. The colour helps too: bright clothes, sandalwood marks on foreheads, and faces that look genuinely at peace, not performing it. Photographers and curious onlookers show up in droves, all trying to hold onto a moment that's gone the second it passes.

The Ringan held during the Wari is the biggest attraction. It's a circle the warkaris form on the move with cymbal players, flag-bearers, drummers, veena players, all standing shoulder to shoulder as the chanting starts up. Then, as the taal-mridung picks up pace, a horse from the procession breaks into a run, circling the palkhi as though paying its own respects. The drumming, the chanting, a horse at full gallop, and to witness this, people travel a long way just to stand and watch this for a few minutes. Once the horse has passed, devotees crowd in to touch, honour, and collect the sacred dust beneath its hooves and apply it on their foreheads. There's a standing ringan and a horizontal one too, where the warkaris play games, race each other, and put on bits of traditional folk performance, part ritual, part fair.

The Wari route runs along the old Mumbai-Pune highway and through Dive Ghat near Saswad. Watching lakhs of people move through that ghat, chanting as they go, doesn't feel entirely real. It seems more like something you'd imagine than something you'd actually see. There's a light drizzle most of the time, the hills are green on every side, small waterfalls run down between the rocks, and somewhere in the middle of all that, a river of people keeps moving. From a drone, apparently, it looks even stranger and more beautiful to witness nature and devotion occupying the same frame.

What's striking about the warkaris is how easily they set aside comfort for this. No one's forcing them to give up a soft bed for weeks of walking and chanting, they choose it. That's part of why scholars and travellers, from India and elsewhere, keep showing up to watch and sometimes join: there's something here about Indian spirituality and folk tradition that's hard to read about and easier to just witness. Nobody spells it out, but the Wari has a way of making its point anyway, that real contentment doesn't come from comfort, but from unity, service, and faith. What starts out as a walk toward Pandurang often becomes something more personal along the way, and for many people, that's where their interest in spirituality begins.

The Wari isn't only about the final destination, as the route itself runs through a string of places that matter. Dehu and Alandi, tied to Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj, respectively, give a sense of where the warkari tradition actually comes from. From there, the path continues to Morgaon, home to Mayureshwar and considered the principal seat among the Ashtavinayak temples. Jejuri comes next, where pilgrims bow to the chant of "Yelkot Yelkot Jai Malhar." Solapur district adds several more stops worth visiting: the Tuljabhavani temple in Tuljapur, the Swami Samarth shrine at Akkalkot, and the sacred ground of the Datta tradition at Ganagapur. And then, finally, Pandharpur itself, the Vitthal-Rukmini temple, the step associated with Sant Namdev, the Pundalik temple, the ghats along the Chandrabhaga, and Gopalpur. Call it a pilgrimage if you like, but it's just as much a window into Maharashtra's cultural and spiritual life, one that's worth seeing even if faith isn't really your reason for going.

As hospitality jobs evolve faster than ever ,Glion strengthens the bridge between academia and industry

India– July 2026 – Glion Institute of Higher Education welcomed the members of its Hospitality & Luxury Industry Council (HLIC), established in 2025, for their third official gathering, the second on its Montreux campus, bringing together senior leaders from some of the world's most influential hospitality, luxury and experience-driven brands.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of profound transformation across the global workforce. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2025, 22% of today's jobs are expected to be disrupted by 2030, while 39% of today's core skills will change and 59% of the global workforce will require reskilling or upskilling. For higher education institutions, anticipating these shifts has become a strategic imperative.

Created to strengthen the dialogue between academia and industry, the Council serves as a strategic platform for identifying the trends, leadership challenges and emerging skills that will shape the future of hospitality and luxury.

A strategic bridge between academia and industry

For Glion, the Hospitality & Luxury Industry Council reflects a clear ambition: ensuring that education remains closely connected to the realities, opportunities and transformations shaping the industry.

"The hospitality and luxury sectors are evolving at an unprecedented pace. New technologies, changing consumer expectations, sustainability imperatives and talent challenges are transforming the way organizations operate and compete. The Hospitality & Luxury Industry Council ensures that Glion remains deeply connected to these transformations and continues to prepare students for the realities of tomorrow's industry. By bringing together some of the most respected voices across hospitality and luxury, we are creating a platform for meaningful dialogue that will directly contribute to the relevance, quality and future evolution of our academic programs." - Philippe Vignon, Managing Director, Glion Institute of Higher Education

More than an advisory body, the Council is designed as a long-term observatory of industry evolution. The insights generated through its discussions directly contribute to the continuous development of Glion's academic portfolio and reinforce the institution's commitment to preparing future leaders for an increasingly complex, international and experience-driven world.

Bringing together leaders from across the luxury ecosystem

One of the Council's distinguishing features is the diversity of expertise represented around the table. Its members span luxury hospitality, travel, design, retail, guest experience, talent development and education, reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of the hospitality and luxury industries.

This cross-sector perspective mirrors the evolving careers of Glion graduates. Today, more than half pursue careers beyond traditional hotels and restaurants, moving into luxury retail, real estate, consulting, finance, events and other premium service industries. By bringing together leaders from these sectors, the Council helps ensure that Glion's programs remain aligned with the full breadth of opportunities offered by today's experience economy.

The Hospitality & Luxury Industry Council currently includes:

• Grisha Davidoff, Owner & CEO, Utopian Hotels (Lisbon)

• Gaëlle Devins, Chief Customer Officer & Member of the Executive Board, Breitling (Grenchen)

• Amanda Hyndman, Chief Operating Officer, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group (Hong Kong)

• Sybille de Margerie, President & CEO, Sybille de Margerie Interior Design (Paris)

• Nicholas Northam, former Executive Vice President International, Aimbridge Hospitality (London)

• Anthony Torkington, Managing Director, Relais & Châteaux (Paris)

• Jeffrey Wielgopolan, Service Director, Meadowood Estate Napa Valley (California)

Together, these leaders bring decades of international experience, providing Glion with direct access to the perspectives shaping the future of hospitality and luxury worldwide.

« One of the most significant changes we've witnessed over the past decade is the growing diversity of career opportunities available to our graduates. More than half of our graduates now build their careers beyond traditional hotels and restaurants, in sectors such as luxury retail, events, real estate, consulting or finance. Keeping a constant dialogue with industry leaders is therefore essential. It enables us to understand how roles are evolving, which skills employers are looking for, and how we can continuously adapt our programs so that our graduates remain relevant, not only for their first job, but throughout their careers. » - Jacquie Lutz, Head of Career and Alumni Services & Industry Relations, Glion Institute of Higher Education

Identifying the trends that will shape the next decade

Council members participated in a collaborative workshop structured around five strategic pillars: Financial & Asset Acumen, Technology & AI, The Human Aspect, Talent Management, and Sustainability & Responsible Business, the session encouraged experts to collectively examine the forces redefining the industry.

As AI is already transforming every layer of the hospitality and luxury value chain, from operational efficiency and data-driven decision-making to guest personalization and service innovation. Yet, while technology is reshaping business models, it also reinforces the value of distinctly human capabilities.

Across all five pillars, a clear consensus emerged: the future of luxury hospitality will depend on leaders who combine technological fluency with emotional intelligence, empathy, cultural awareness and exceptional interpersonal skills. These reflections reinforce Glion's conviction that preparing a future-ready workforce requires a seamless integration between academia and industry. Alongside AI, innovation and leadership, students develop their capabilities through real-world consulting projects and up to 18 months of professional experience across three internships during the Bachelor degree, ensuring they graduate with the adaptability, operational expertise and strategic mindset required to lead an industry evolving faster than ever.

IHM Ranchi Hosts ‘Coffee with GMs’ Under SMART Class Series; Hospitality Leaders Share Success Mantras with Students

As part of its SMART Class Series aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry, Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Ranchi, organized a unique and interactive session titled “Coffee with GMs” for third-year students on 30th June 2026. IHM Ranchi’s yearly series of SMART classes are designed to provide students with direct exposure to hospitality industry leaders and equip them with the skills, perspectives, and leadership qualities required to succeed in the dynamic world of hospitality.

Coffee with GMs is one of the initiatives of IHM Ranchi which serves as a valuable platform for interaction between students and some of the most accomplished professionals in the hotel industry.

This year the distinguished panel of General Managers included Mr. Rohit Tiwari, General Manager, Trident Bhubaneswar; Mr. Yogesh Kumar, General Manager, Ramada by Wyndham Ranchi; Mr. Prateek Mohan, General Manager, Grand Mirage, a Member of Radisson Individuals, Dhanbad; Mr. Vijay Kumar, General Manager, Vivanta; and Mr. Alok Bhardwaj, General Manager, Le Lac Sarovar Portico Ranchi. In his welcome address, Dr. Bhupesh Kumar emphasized that IHM Ranchi’s objective is not only to develop skilled hospitality professionals but also to nurture confident, responsible, and future-ready leaders capable of representing the Indian hospitality industry on a global platform. He highlighted that regular engagement with industry experts under the SMART Class Series enables students to gain valuable insights into real-world workplace challenges, industry expectations, and emerging trends.

Unlike a conventional lecture, “Coffee with GMs” was conceptualized as an informal and interactive discussion forum where students could engage directly with senior hospitality leaders. The General Managers shared their personal journeys, career experiences, challenges, and success stories, offering students practical insights into professional growth and leadership development. The experts stressed that success in the hospitality industry goes beyond technical expertise and requires strong communication skills, confidence, positive attitude, discipline, perseverance, and a continuous willingness to learn. Discussions also covered contemporary industry trends, effective management practices, leadership styles, conflict resolution, budgeting and financial management, team leadership, decision-making, hotel operations, and the challenges associated with launching and managing hospitality establishments.

The panelists emphasized that leadership ability, problem-solving skills, confidence, attitude, and interpersonal behavior are critical attributes for a successful hospitality professional. They highlighted that while technical competence is essential, effective communication and a positive approach to work are what truly distinguish between an ordinary and extra ordinary hospitality professionals.

Sharing their experiences, the General Managers encouraged students to view failures and challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Mr. Rohit Tiwari highlighted communication skills, general awareness, and attitude as the foundation of success. Mr. Yogesh Kumar emphasized patience, SMART work, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Mr. Prateek Mohan underscored the importance of emotional intelligence, punctuality, and accountability. Mr. Vijay Kumar stated that confidence is one of the most important qualities in the hospitality industry and reminded students that “the guest is equivalent to God.” Mr. Alok Bhardwaj highlighted confidence, presentation skills, alertness, positive thinking, and lifelong learning as essential ingredients for professional success.

 The session was jointly moderated by Mr. Aditya Bikram Bajaj, an alumnus of IHM Ranchi (Batch 2021–24), and Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who actively interacted with the industry leaders and sought guidance on various career-related aspects. The programme continued during the Lunch and informal interaction of 3rd year student with these industry stalwarts. Students described the session as highly inspiring, informative, and beneficial for their future careers.

“Coffee with GMs” once again demonstrated IHM Ranchi’s commitment to providing industry-oriented learning experiences and preparing students to become future leaders of the hospitality sector through meaningful engagement with accomplished professionals.

Hyatt, HSL Properties, and Desert Hospitality Management Announce Plans for Tucson's First Hyatt Regency Hotel

Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center Expected to Open in Late 2027 Following Multi-Million Dollar Transformation, Elevating Tucson's Convention and Group Business Landscape

CHICAGO (July , 2026) — Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H), in collaboration with HSL Properties and Desert Hospitality Management, today announced plans for the debut of Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center, expected to open in late 2027. The hotel will mark the first Hyatt Regency-branded property in Tucson and further strengthen Hyatt's brand presence in Southern Arizona.

Strategically located in the heart of downtown Tucson and steps from the Tucson Convention Center, Linda Ronstadt Music Hall, Leo Rich Theater and Tucson Arena, Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center is poised to become a premier destination for meetings, conventions, business travelers and leisure guests seeking an elevated hospitality experience in the city's vibrant urban core.

The hotel's extensive multi-million-dollar transformation will introduce 291 guestrooms and suites, a state-of-the-art fitness center, an elevated pool experience and approximately 22,000 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The property will feature a large ballroom and multiple breakout meeting spaces designed to accommodate everything from corporate conferences and association meetings to weddings and social events.

The addition of the Hyatt Regency brand represents a significant milestone for Tucson's hospitality industry and convention business, bringing one of the world's most recognized meeting-focused hotel brands to the downtown market. The hotel is expected to enhance Tucson's ability to attract larger group events, regional conferences and national conventions while supporting continued economic growth throughout the region.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Hyatt to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand to the heart of downtown Tucson," said Omar Mireles, President of HSL Properties. "This investment reflects our confidence in Tucson's continued growth and our commitment to enhancing the city's hospitality offerings. Hyatt Regency Tucson Convention Center will serve as a catalyst for convention business, tourism, and economic development while providing guests with an exceptional experience in one of Arizona's most dynamic destinations."

Additional details regarding the hotel's construction timeline, amenities, dining concepts, and opening celebrations will be announced as the project progresses.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, outlook, the number of properties we expect to open in the future, the expected timing and payment of dividends, the Company's 2026 outlook, including the Company's expected System-wide Hotels RevPAR Growth, Net Rooms Growth, Net Income, Gross Fees, Adjusted G&A Expenses, Adjusted EBITDA, Capital Expenditures, and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, expected capital returns to shareholders, financial performance, prospective or future events and involve known and unknown risks that are difficult to predict. As a result, the Company's actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company and the Company's management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: general economic uncertainty in key global markets and a worsening of global economic conditions or low levels of economic growth; the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; global supply chain constraints and interruptions, rising costs of construction-related labor and materials, and increases in costs due to inflation or other factors that may not be fully offset by increases in revenues in our business; risks affecting the luxury, resort, and all-inclusive lodging segments; levels of spending in business, leisure, and group segments, as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; limited visibility with respect to future bookings; loss of key personnel; domestic and international political and geopolitical conditions, including political or civil unrest or changes in trade policy; the impact of global tariff policies or regulations; economic sanctions or other government restrictions that may limit our ability to conduct business or receive payments; hostilities, or fear of hostilities, including the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and security-related disruptions in Mexico, as well as terrorist attacks or other acts of violence, that affect travel; travel-related accidents; natural or man-made disasters, weather and climate-related events, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, droughts, floods, wildfires, oil spills, nuclear incidents, and global outbreaks of pandemics or contagious diseases, or fear of such outbreaks; the impact of government-issued travel advisories, airspace closures, or flight suspensions on international arrivals and hotel bookings in affected regions; our ability to successfully achieve specified levels of operating profits at hotels that have performance tests or guarantees in favor of our third-party owners; the impact of hotel renovations and redevelopments; risks associated with our capital allocation plans, share repurchase program, and dividend payments, including a reduction in, or elimination or suspension of, repurchase activity or dividend payments; the seasonal and cyclical nature of the real estate and hospitality businesses; changes in distribution arrangements, such as through internet travel intermediaries; changes in the tastes and preferences of our customers; relationships with colleagues and labor unions and changes in labor laws; the financial condition of, and our relationships with, third-party owners, franchisees, and hospitality venture partners; the possible inability of third-party owners, franchisees, or development partners to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; risks associated with potential acquisitions and dispositions and our ability to successfully integrate completed acquisitions with existing operations or realize anticipated synergies; failure to successfully complete proposed transactions, including the failure to satisfy closing conditions or obtain required approvals; our ability to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures; declines in the value of our real estate assets; unforeseen terminations of our management and hotel services agreements or franchise agreements; changes in federal, state, local, or foreign tax law; increases in interest rates, wages, and other operating costs; foreign exchange rate fluctuations or currency restructurings; risks associated with the introduction of new brand concepts, including lack of acceptance of new brands or innovation; general volatility of the capital markets and our ability to access such markets; changes in the competitive environment in our industry, industry consolidation, and the markets where we operate; our ability to successfully grow the World of Hyatt loyalty program and manage the Unlimited Vacation Club paid membership program; cyber incidents and information technology failures; outcomes of legal or administrative proceedings; and violations of regulations or laws related to our franchising business and licensing businesses and our international operations; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the SEC, including our annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, which filings are available from the SEC. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth above. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date of this press release. We do not undertake or assume any obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

The Hari Hotels Introduce Family Experiences Inspired by Hong Kong and London

From Hong Kong trams to Paddington Bear, families discover Wan Chai and Belgravia

(July , 2026) – The Hari Hong Kong and The Hari London are encouraging families to experience their destinations through the eyes of younger travellers, with family offerings inspired by the neighbourhoods, stories and cultural icons that surround each hotel.

Although separated by more than 9000 kilometres, each hotel has developed family experiences that draw on a strong sense of place. In Hong Kong, children are introduced to some of the city's most recognisable symbols, and in London, storytelling becomes a gateway to the British capital.

The Hari Hong Kong’s ‘Better Together Family Package’ includes a Corner Room with a king bed connected to a Twin Room, daily breakfast for two adults and two children under the age of 12, and a selection of in-room activities created with younger guests in mind.

Among them is The Hari Puzzle Set, featuring illustrations of a Hong Kong tram, the Star Ferry and The Hari mascot. A DIY Confetti Madeleines Set, featuring freshly baked madeleines and colourful toppings, adds another hands-on activity for families spending time together in the room.

Located in Wan Chai, one of Hong Kong's oldest and most diverse districts, the hotel is within easy reach of Victoria Harbour, the city's historic tram network, traditional markets and heritage streetscapes that reveal a different side of Hong Kong beyond its skyline.

The Hari London's ‘Family First’ offering features educational Tonieboxes in selected suites, providing screen-free storytelling, music and educational content ranging from Paddington Bear adventures for youngsters to National Geographic explorations for older children.

In addition to drawing on stories and characters to offer children a different way to engage with the city, the Tonieboxes support a healthy bedtime routine during travel. Beyond the hotel, families find themselves moments from some of London's best-known attractions, museums, parks and royal landmarks.

Children receive welcome amenities tailored to their age and interests, with the hotel’s suites comfortably accommodating families by pairing living space with views of the capital’s iconic skyline. The hotel's Italian restaurant, il Pampero, caters to younger diners with familiar favourites including pizza margherita, penne al pomodoro and spaghetti alla bolognese.

Each experience flows from a belief that travel is most memorable when it fosters curiosity about a destination, according to Dr Aron Harilela, Chairman and CEO of Harilela Hotels Ltd.

“Hong Kong and London are very different cities, but both experiences were created around the same idea: giving families opportunities to spend quality time together while discovering the neighbourhoods around our hotels,” he said.

“We want the young and the young at heart to feel connected to the lively and charming neighbourhoods around them at each of our hotels. Whether that is through the stories children listen to in London or the icons they discover in Hong Kong, those local connections become part of the travel experience.”

The family focus also mirrors the origins of The Hari itself. Named after Dr Aron's late father Hari Harilela, the brand was founded on a strong family commitment to hospitality and welcoming guests.

“Some of our happiest memories are of time spent with family. Whether it’s sharing a meal, rummaging through a neighbourhood or simply being together away from the usual distractions of everyday life, quality moments stay with us. That thinking inspired the family experiences at each hotel and encapsulates the hospitality I grew up with,” he said.