Skyscanner Launches a Smarter Way to Find 2026’s Cheapest Destinations

NEW Cheapest Destination Planner tool helps travellers find the lowest priced destinations and best value day to fly each month of the year

New Delhi,2026: Indians are stepping into 2026 with their bags half-packed and wanderlust switched on, but planning the perfect trip is proving more challenging than ever. According to leading global travel app Skyscanner, 84% of Indian travellers are considering international trips this year, signalling a strong appetite to explore. However, with uncertainty over fares, timing, and an overwhelming array of choices, 81% admit that booking travel for 2026 feels daunting. Responding to these real planning pain points, Skyscanner revealed its Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, alongside the launch of a NEW Cheapest Destination Planner designed to simplify value-led travel decisions and make planning smarter.

Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, highlights how Indians are planning their travel ahead

At an event hosted in Delhi, Skyscanner shared these insights and explored how Indians are prioritising and planning their trips for the year ahead. Speaking at the event, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said: “January is a peak moment in the travel cycle. We’re already seeing searches in the first week of January 2026 up 25% compared to the same period in 2025[1] - highest volume recorded since 2024 - signalling that Indians are heading into the year with renewed intent for travel planning in January. Travellers are keen to explore in the year ahead – 89% say they’re open to alternative or lesser-known holiday destinations, while 77% plan to splurge on a luxury hotel stay on the final night of their holiday, yet they’re navigating post-year fatigue, rising cost perceptions and an overwhelming number of choices. The real opportunity, in January, is to replace that anxiety with clarity, which is why we’ve introduced our new Cheapest Destination Planner to help travellers instantly compare options by month, see the cheapest destinations to fly to, and plan with greater confidence and value.”

2026 Travel Planning Trends:

• Early Planning Momentum: January has become a clear planning inflection point for Indian travellers, with 73% mapping out trips at the start of the year. Driven by an emotional need to slow down, 67% plan holidays in January specifically to recharge and create breathing space after an intense year.

• Lifestyle Trade-Off & Compromises: 49% Indian travellers say they’ve made personal financial sacrifices, from skipping meals out to forgoing haircuts, to make their last holiday possible. When saving for trips, 46% are even willing to skip buying new clothes, while 32% are open to cutting back on socialising with friends.

• High Travel Intent, Higher Overwhelm: Many Indian travellers haven’t confirmed their 2026 trips yet simply because they’re overwhelmed: 46% are worried about costs, 45% are struggling with when to travel, and 40% are unsure where to go.

Skyscanner Launches NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

The research also found that 50% Indian travellers say they would be more likely to book their holidays in January if they simply had clarity on the cheapest destinations and the cheapest day to fly. To help travellers compare options effortlessly and book with confidence, Skyscanner has launched its NEW Cheapest Destination Planner, designed to cut through the stress of decision-making, allowing travellers to select their preferred month and instantly see the cheapest destinations to fly to, alongside average flight prices and the cheapest day to travel.

How does the Cheapest Destination Planner work?

1. Simply select the month you want to travel

2. The tool will reveal the top 10 cheapest destinations (on average) for that month- you’ll see the top reasons to visit and average price for a return flight alongside the cheapest days to travel

3. Made your choice?  You can click through to explore flights and/or hotel options for your chosen destination

Skyscanner’s Cheapest Destination Planner

Sharing his own travel habits, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, said: “With a packed schedule, finding time to plan travel isn’t always easy, and I know that’s true for a lot of Indians. That’s why smart solutions really matter. For me, it’s about travelling efficiently so you can enjoy the moments that help you truly switch off, making sure the trip actually feels worth it. Skyscanner’s new Cheapest Destination Planner makes those decisions simpler and quicker, so you spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the trip. It makes it much easier for people to discover great-value destinations!"

Busting Myths & Taking The Stress Out of Planning

• Skyscanner’s analysis also revealed that, on average, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly in 2026: a fact that is surprising to many, given that only around three in ten correctly identified midweek travel as the most cost-effective.

• While 67% anticipate flight costs exceeding INR 30,000 for their main 2026 holiday, Skyscanner has analysed millions of flight prices to identify the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, with average return fares starting from only under INR 10,000, proving that great trips don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. (Refer to appendix for the complete list).

More Smart Ways for Indians To Save On 2026 Travel

• Drops: In-app feature that checks flight prices and reveals anomaly price drops of at least 20% for real bargains! 

• ‘Everywhere’ search: The all-time favourite – find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world. 

• Price Alerts and Saved: Still in decision-making mode?  Save your routes and keep track of the flight fluctuations.

SAMHI Hotels Invests in RARE India, Partners with Marriott for Experiential Leisure Expansion

SAMHI Hotels Ltd. has approved the acquisition of a 70% stake in RARE India, a leading curated platform of heritage hotels and experiential stays. The deal, expected to close by May 2026, marks SAMHI’s entry into the asset-light experiential leisure segment.

Alongside, SAMHI and RARE signed an MoU with Marriott International, granting RARE exclusive rights to operate its portfolio under Marriott Bonvoy’s Outdoor Collection brand across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. This affiliation will leverage Marriott’s global distribution and loyalty ecosystem.

Founded in 2003 by Shobha Rudra, RARE India manages 67 boutique hotels with 990 rooms across India and neighboring countries, known for its focus on responsible tourism, heritage properties, and authentic experiences.

SAMHI’s investment of ~INR 470 million will strengthen RARE’s management, technology, and brand reach, while preserving its independent operations and community ethos. The partnership expands SAMHI’s portfolio to nearly 100 hotels through ownership and affiliation models.

Leadership Comments:

• Ashish Jakhanwala, SAMHI: “This is a strategic adjacency with asymmetrical return potential, consistent with our philosophy of discovering value.”

• Shobha Rudra, RARE: “We remain true to our philosophy of responsible tourism while scaling our impact.”

• Rajeev Menon, Marriott: “This collaboration unlocks demand for immersive travel experiences across the region.”

Air India expands Asia footprint with new routes to Vietnam and Japan

Air India today announced the launch of two new international routes as part of its continued expansion across Asia.Beginning 01 May 2026, Air India will operate non-stop flights between Delhi and Hanoi, thus making Hanoi the airline’s second gateway in Vietnam after Ho Chi Minh City.

Air India will also operate non-stop flights between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda) from 15 June 2026, in addition to its Delhi-Tokyo (Haneda) services.

Enabling flexible Open Jaw itineraries to and from Vietnam

The new services to Hanoi will operate five times a week, complementing daily flights to Ho Chi Minh City. This provides greater flexibility to travellers who intend to visit Vietnam with open jaw itineraries, i.e. entering from Hanoi and exiting Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa.

Air India will deploy its A320neo aircraft on the Delhi-Hanoi route, featuring world-class cabin interiors across Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. The opening of this new route adds 7,028 seats to and from Vietnam each month.

Air India flights to and from Vietnam enable convenient connections to several destinations across the airline’s domestic and international route networks, including the United Kingdom and rest of Europe.

Boosting connectivity to Japan

The new services between Mumbai and Tokyo (Haneda) will operate four times a week with Air India’s Boeing 787-8 aircraft.

Recently, Air India increased frequency between Delhi and Tokyo (Haneda), going from 4x weekly to 7x weekly. Effective 14 February 2026, the airline has also upgraded its product offering on the route with its B787-9 aircraft, featuring world-class cabin interiors and introducing Premium Economy on the route for the first time.

With this, Air India guests travelling to Japan now experience a transformed onboard flying experience with new cabin interiors, modern inflight entertainment systems, WiFi internet connectivity, and refreshed inflight meal menus and beverage collection.

Air India has an active codeshare partnership with fellow Star Alliance member airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), to provide its guests convenient onward connections from Tokyo Haneda to 6 other major cities in Japan, namely Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Nagoya, Okinawa, Osaka, and Sapporo. 

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India, said: “Since Air India’s privatisation, we have significantly grown our network across Southeast Asia and the Far East, having added several new routes, optimised flight schedules to enable convenient cross-continent connections, forged new partnerships with other carriers, and deploying upgraded cabin products progressively.”

He added: “Japan and Vietnam have both emerged as fast-growing destinations for Indian travellers, while India’s economic and commercial ties with both nations continue to deepen and present more opportunities for business and trade on both sides. The launch of these new routes supports this growth and strengthens our presence in the region.”

Japan has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing outbound destinations for Indian travellers. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, over 3,15,000 Indians visited Japan in 2025, representing a 35% increase over 2024 and nearly 80% growth compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Vietnam continues to gain popularity among leisure travellers and corporate groups alike for its soaring tourism and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) movements. The country now ranks as the third-most-visited country in Southeast Asia, having recorded over 20 million visitors in 2025. 

Women’s Day Celebration at Holiday Inn Agra MG Road

At Holiday Inn Agra MG Road, we proudly celebrated International Women’s Day by recognizing and appreciating the incredible women who contribute to our workplace every day. The occasion brought together our women team members for a meaningful celebration focused on appreciation, engagement, and team bonding.

The event featured a series of interactive games and activities that created a vibrant and positive atmosphere. Our talented colleagues also added energy to the celebration with lively dance performances, reflecting the enthusiasm and spirit of the team.

As a token of appreciation, thoughtful gifts were presented to the women team members in recognition of their dedication, professionalism, and the significant role they play in delivering exceptional hospitality. The celebration concluded with a special lunch where colleagues gathered to share the moment and strengthen the sense of camaraderie across departments.

The occasion served as a reminder of the valuable contribution, leadership, and passion that women bring to the hospitality industry. We remain committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates talent, empowers individuals, and supports growth.

Here’s to celebrating the inspiring women who continue to make our workplace stronger and help create memorable experiences for our guests every day.

Pink Adrak Secures Strategic Backing from String Ventures’ Shivam Mishra; Targets ₹55 Crore Revenue by 2028

March, 2026, INDIA : Pink Adrak, an emerging next‑generation Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) platform from India, has secured strategic backing from Shivam Mishra, Founder of String Ventures, following its appearance on Bharat ke Super Founders. The investment marks a key milestone in the company’s ambition to build a scalable, technology‑driven and capital‑efficient food platform designed for India’s evolving consumption habits.

The funding includes ₹12.25 crore attributed towards a combination of equity capital and revenue support, enabling the company to accelerate expansion across North India while strengthening its QSR platform and tech‑first operational stack.

Founded with the vision of building a platform-led food services company, Pink Adrak currently operates 12 outlets across Gurugram and Jaipur. The brand has served over 1.5 lakh customers and delivered more than 5 lakh orders, while maintaining a 4.6 average rating across food delivery platforms.

Pink Adrak’s model integrates six proprietary culinary formats within a single operational ecosystem, allowing the company to diversify menus, optimise kitchen infrastructure, and deliver stronger unit economics. The platform combines dine‑in, delivery, and subscription-led consumption through its proprietary app along with marketplace integrations across Zomato and Swiggy.

With fresh strategic backing, Pink Adrak plans to expand to 50 outlets while targeting ₹55 crore in revenue by 2028.

As part of its next growth phase, the company will launch a Fresh Meal Vending Cafe, a lightweight format designed for corporate campuses, educational institutions, and high-footfall transit locations. Pink Adrak is also scaling its subscription-led Pink Adrak Pass, aimed at building daily consumer engagement and predictable recurring demand.

Additionally, the brand plans to expand into desserts, beverages, and FMCG categories, creating multiple omnichannel consumption touchpoints across physical outlets, direct-to-consumer channels, and marketplace platforms.

Shivam Mishra, Founder, String Ventures, said "Pink Adrak represents a new generation of QSR brands emerging from India - capital-efficient, platform-driven, and built on strong unit economics. Its focus on building a tech-enabled food ecosystem makes it a compelling opportunity in India’s rapidly growing food services market."

Ankur Gakkhar, Founder & CEO, Pink Adrak, added "This investment reinforces our belief that India needs a scalable QSR platform built on strong fundamentals and operational discipline. Pink Adrak is not just expanding outlets - we are building an integrated food ecosystem combining kitchens, technology, subscriptions, and omnichannel distribution."

Pink Adrak has been incubated by Ripplewalk, a venture studio for food entrepreneurs that supports scalable food brands through platform infrastructure, demand generation, and capital access.

With a clear expansion roadmap and technology-led model, the company aims to build a category-defining QSR platform from India, combining innovative formats, capital-efficient expansion, and strong consumer demand.

Dine Under Eid ka Chaand at Chingari, Sheraton Grand Pune

Eid has always been about that one special gathering, when everyone dresses up, steps out, and sits down for a meal that feels like the celebration itself. This year, at Sheraton Grand Pune, Chingari invites guests to turn that familiar Eid feeling into an elevated rooftop experience with Daawat-E-Eid, curated by Chef Ghulam Qureshi.

The evening opens with the comforting richness of Gosht Haleem, simmered for hours to achieve its signature silkiness, alongside Kathal aur Kache Kele ka Haleem,  a hearty vegetarian take that carries the same depth of flavour.

As the meal unfolds, festive favourites like Gosht Shammi Kebabs and the deeply aromatic Gosht Qorma set the tone for what’s to come. At the heart of the daawat is the Raan Biryani, tender lamb paired with fragrant basmati rice, arriving as the centrepiece of the table. 

And like every good Eid meal remembered fondly, it ends with something sweet, Kulhad Phirni.

So this Eid, gather family and friends for a lavish feast that celebrates age-old recipes, festive spirit, and the joy of dining under Eid ka Chaand,  only at Chingari.

Dates : 1st to 21st March
Timings: 7pm to 11:30 pm
Pricing: INR 4000++ (for 2 people)

Atmosphere Core Wins Triple Honours at Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards 2025

Maldives, 2026 – Atmosphere Core capped off 2025 with a remarkable triple win at the Layalina Editor’s Choice Awards. The group’s resorts – RAAYA by Atmosphere, Atmosphere Kanifushi, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi – each earned recognition for delivering distinct yet consistently high-quality experiences.

• RAAYA by Atmosphere: Best New Luxury Resort of the Year – Maldives

• Atmosphere Kanifushi: Best All-Inclusive Luxury Resort – Maldives

• OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi: Most Stylish Resort – Maldives

The awards, based on Layalina’s independent editorial evaluation, highlight Atmosphere Core’s ability to cater to diverse traveller moods – from tranquil castaway escapes to generous all-inclusive stays and vibrant social atmospheres.

Commenting on the achievement, Ashwin Handa, COO of Atmosphere Core, said:
“These awards reflect our thoughtfully curated experiences, rooted in genuine care and a strong sense of product and space. They are a testament to the passion of our teams and the trust of our guests.”

At the heart of these wins is Atmosphere Core’s philosophy of the Joy of Giving, shaping hospitality through care, generosity, and attention to detail. With nine resorts in the Maldives and one heritage hotel in India, the brand continues to expand globally while staying true to its ethos of meaningful, distinctive hospitality.

Resumption of Flights to/from Jeddah and Madinah; Doha Services Suspended Until 13 March 2026

KLIA, 9 March 2026 - AMAL by Malaysia Airlines will resume normal operations to Jeddah (JED) and Madinah (MED) effective 8 March 2026, following a brief period of limited service due to regional airspace closures. Meanwhile, services to Doha (DOH) will remain suspended until 13 March 2026 as the airline continues to assess the security situation.

Passengers are advised to update their contact details via ‘My Booking’ for timely updates. Assistance is also available via Live Chat support available on the website or contact the Malaysi Airlines Global Contact Centre at 1 300 88 3000 (within Malaysia) or +603 7843 3000 (outside Malaysia).

Malaysia Airlines continues to closely monitor developments and will take all necessary measures to ensure safe and reliable operations.

The safety of passengers and crew remains our highest priority.

FOO Strengthens Mumbai Presence with the Launch of Its 9th Restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali

After a successful eight-year journey in Mumbai, FOO brings its signature Pan-Asian dining experience to the western suburbs at Borivali’s Sky City Mall, marking the brand’s 14th location across India.

• Spanning 4,400 sq. ft. in the heart of the mall, the restaurant offers over 100 varieties of Asian tapas, each thoughtfully curated by culinary expert Chef Eric Sifu, promising an elevated and immersive Pan-Asian dining experience.

Mumbai, March: FOO, the much-loved Pan-Asian Tapas restaurant by Pebble Street Hospitality, has expanded its Mumbai presence with the launch of its ninth restaurant at Sky City Mall, Borivali. The opening marks the brand’s 14th restaurant across India, bringing its signature high-energy, share-style dining experience to the city’s western suburbs.

Set in the heart of Sky City Mall, Borivali, the 4,400 sq. ft. restaurant accommodates 100 guests and enjoys prime visibility from surrounding corridors. The double-height outdoor dining area serves as a focal point, drawing visitors inward, while a sculptural sequence of repeating arches unifies indoor and outdoor zones and establishes the restaurant’s identity. The outdoor space is designed as a softened landscape with organic seating, minimal finishes, and curated greenery, balancing the mall’s angular geometry. The indoor area offers a refined, intimate setting with layered finishes, fixed seating along slanted walls, and flexible loose seating. The arches culminate in a bronze mirror, visually extending the space, while a perpendicular bar acts as a social and visual centre, maximising frontage, views, and service efficiency.

With over 100 varieties of Asian tapas, guests are invited on an extraordinary culinary journey from delicate sushi and handcrafted dim sum to Nikkei-inspired dishes, Peruvian ceviche, and an array of small and large plates. Each creation is thoughtfully curated and masterfully crafted by culinary expert Chef Eric Sifu, reflecting FOO’s contemporary approach to Pan-Asian dining. Guests can expect crowd favourites such as the FOO Blue Butter Japanese Fried Rice with FOO Yellow Curry, Nikkei Avocado Uramaki, Truffle Togarashi Black Rice Maki, Truffle Lobster Dumplings and Charcoal Har gow, gold dust, alongside standout creations like the Wasabi, Truffle & Edamame Dumpling and Crispy Spicy Thai Lotus Root that celebrate bold Asian flavours with a plant-forward twist.

Catering thoughtfully to diverse dietary preferences, FOO also offers a dedicated Jain menu, ensuring the same depth of flavour and creativity for their discerning Jain clientele. Highlights include the Udon Clear Soup, Nutty Sesame Salad, Foo Yam Bean Uramaki and Pan-Fried Noodles in Chilli Oil, allowing guests to indulge in a seamless Pan-Asian experience tailored to their needs.

The beverage programme remains equally central to the FOO experience, featuring signature cocktails like the Yuzu Negroni, FOO King, Florista, Miso Sour and Pickled Picante, alongside Boba tea selections and a curated sake menu. And no visit is complete without indulging in the iconic Mount Foo-Ji, a show-stopping, mountain-shaped dessert platter featuring five decadent peaks and a hidden sweet surprise waiting to erupt.

Speaking about the launch, Ryan Tham & Keenan Tham, Founders, Pebble Street Hospitality, said in a joint statement “Mumbai continues to be an incredibly important market for FOO, and Borivali represents how the city’s dining culture is expanding beyond traditional hotspots. With Sky City Mall, we wanted to create a space that feels energetic, social, and accessible while maintaining the design, food, and beverage standards that define the FOO experience. Our goal is to build neighbourhood destinations where guests can return frequently whether for celebrations, casual meals, or spontaneous social gatherings. We are excited to create memorable dining moments for the community.”

With this launch, FOO continues to strengthen its presence as one of India’s fastest-growing homegrown restaurant brands, bringing its bold flavours, immersive design, and premium dining closer to Mumbai’s western suburbs.

Address: Level 2, Oberoi Sky City Mall, off Western Express Highway, Devipada, Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400066
Timing: 12 pm-1 am
Contact Number: +91 91522 05730
Instagram - Foo India

About Foo
FOO is Mumbai’s much-loved Asian Tapas Pan-Asian restaurant, known for celebrating the flavours of the East through comforting yet contemporary interpretations. Rooted in the belief that great food should create memorable experiences, FOO offers an expansive menu of 100+ varieties of Asian Tapas from sushi and dim sum to bold small plates and big plates-crafted with the finest ingredients. With its vibrant, welcoming spaces and a ‘masstige’ philosophy that bridges accessibility and luxury, FOO continues to redefine Pan-Asian dining in India, making it flavour-forward, inclusive, and unforgettable.

Deep Grooves at The Hood ft. Hamza Rahimtula

Experience the Deep House & Fusion Nights at The Hood by Olive on March 13th, featuring Hamza Rahimtula. The evening kicks off with a warm-up set by DJ Kay, setting the tone with deep, melodic layers before Hamza takes the decks to transform the space into a sophisticated listening room. Known for his "organically-charged" textures, Hamza’s performance reimagines mystical folk melodies for a modern dancefloor.

Guests can expect an immersive night that balances the high energy of a "master selector" with the refined comfort of a world-class venue. Whether you're there for the genre-spanning "fusion dance grooves" supported by icons like Richie Hawtin, or simply to unwind in a high-end setting, it is the definitive intersection of global culture and sophisticated house music.

About The Hood:

The Hood is the latest venture from the Olive Group, the creative force behind iconic hospitality brands such as Olive Beach, SodaBottleOpenerWala, The Fatty Bao, and Monkey Bar. Designed as an all-day bar and dining space, The Hood is inspired by the vibrant spirit of the global neighbourhood, the kind of place where guests feel an instant sense of belonging from the moment they walk in.

At its core, The Hood is built for today’s culturally fluid and socially curious generation. It prioritizes community, connection, and "casual cool" over pretentious luxury, offering a welcoming environment where everyone feels at home.

Address: The Hood by Olive, Krishna Manaera, 14/1, Wood St, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025

Timings: 10pm onwards. 

Cost for Two: 2000/- + taxes

Instagram: @thehood_india

Media Contact: 

Ebony & Ivory PR

Usha Deo

usha@ebonyivorypr.com

Akshara Acharya

akshara@ebonyivorypr.com

Under the ‘Aai’ Policy, women tourists and entrepreneurs will receive special benefits

Mumbai, March: Tourism is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and to increase women’s participation in this field, the State Government and the Maharashtra Tourism Department have implemented several policies. One of their key initiatives is the ‘AAI’ Policy, launched to empower women across the state and boost tourism. Under this policy, women are offered multiple opportunities to develop business and leadership skills within the tourism sector.

The policy offers interest-free loans of up to ₹15 lakh and an interest-reimbursement facility for seven years to women entrepreneurs looking to start a tourism business. The response to the initiative has been good. As part of the initiative, 4,200 applications have been received, indicating high interest among women entrepreneurs. Out of these 4,200 applications, 3,292 Letters of Intent have been generated, which is a good achievement for any government initiative.

As part of the initiative, 900 loans have been sanctioned, amounting to ₹72.49 crore. In addition, ₹1.67 crore has been sanctioned for interest reimbursement, indicating that the government is financially supporting women entrepreneurs. The policy is receiving a larger-than-life response from the Konkan, Pune, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, and Nashik divisions.

The five pillars of the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy are promoting women's entrepreneurship, developing infrastructure for women, ensuring the safety of women tourists, providing customised services and concessions for women tourists, and promoting tourism in general. Tourism has the potential to be an important driver of the progress of women in the country. Keeping that in view, the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy has provided a number of incentives for the development of women entrepreneurship.

According to the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy, in every taluka of the state, up to ten tourism-related business enterprises owned and run by women, registered with the Directorate of Tourism, will be provided support for the interest on loans of up to ₹15 lakh taken from any bank. The interest amount will be directly transferred by the government to the Aadhaar-linked bank account of the women entrepreneurs, at a maximum rate of 12%. This support will be provided for a maximum of seven years, whichever is earlier: until the loan is fully paid or ₹4.5 lakh is reached. Certain conditions will be applicable in this regard.

To qualify for the loan, the tourism business must be registered with the Directorate of Tourism and owned and operated by a woman. In the case of women-owned tour and travel agencies, at least 50% of the employees must be women. The business must also have the required licenses and permits, and the loan instalments must be paid regularly.

As per the ‘Aai’ policy, female employees working in tourism businesses registered with the Directorate, such as female tour guides, female drivers, and female tour operators, will be registered under insurance schemes conducted by the central or state government. The government will pay the insurance premiums for the first five years.

A 20% discount on tourism circuits and packages arranged through tour operators of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation would be provided to women tourists. In addition, a 50% discount would be provided to all women tourists on online bookings for MTDC resorts and units on 23 specified dates throughout the year, including March 1 to 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, and on 22 other specified dates throughout the year.

Special tours for senior women citizens, women with disabilities, women-only one-day city tours, adventure tours, trekking tours, etc., would also be arranged. Facilities for women tourists: Stalls would be provided to women’s self-help groups to sell handicrafts, artworks, and food products at properties of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. Other facilities would include rooms near elevators for elderly or differently-abled women, special recreational facilities, childcare for women tourists with children up to five years of age, etc.

Under the women-centric and gender-inclusive ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy, women entrepreneurs can opt for a variety of tourism-related businesses, including agro-tourism ventures, eateries, restaurants, cafes, homestays, tourism villas, adventure tourism ventures, houseboats, and more. This way, the policy aims to boost the economic empowerment of women and the tourism sector as a whole.

Shri. Shambhuraj Desai, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra

The ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy is not only beneficial in providing financial incentives; it is also promoting women's leadership skills more broadly. Women in the tourism industry are coming forward not only to participate but also to act as entrepreneurs and to create new employment opportunities. Through the implementation of the ‘Aai’ Tourism Policy, the self-reliance of women in the state is getting a new direction in both rural and urban areas, and the state's tourism industry is also getting a boost through the expansion of the tourism sector, making it a prominent role player in the development of the state's tourism landscape in the near future.

Shri. Sanjay Khandare (IAS), Principal Secretary (Tourism), Government of Maharashtra

“The women-centric tourism policy, ‘AAI’, is proving beneficial towards encouraging women entrepreneurs and bringing financial empowerment to women in the tourism sector. This scheme has already helped many women, including women travellers, across the state. The policy aims to support women’s economic development and boost the state’s tourism industry.”

Dr. B. N. Patil (IAS), Director, Directorate of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra

“The Aai Tourism Policy has been implemented to encourage women's empowerment and women-centric tourism. This is gradually increasing women's involvement in the tourism industry. Women receive financial incentives under this scheme to establish tourism-related enterprises. Similarly, this policy has ensured the safety and convenience of women tourists. The tourism industry can be expected to develop rapidly with women entrepreneurs leading the charge.”

About Us 

The Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department of Maharashtra was established on 31st May 2006 to promote the state’s rich cultural heritage and strengthen its tourism sector. Recognizing that tourism and culture are closely linked—where historical monuments, folk arts, and local traditions serve as both cultural treasures and tourist attractions—the Government of Maharashtra created a dedicated ministerial-level department to ensure integrated decision-making on policy matters. 

The department works to preserve and showcase Maharashtra’s unique art forms, traditions, and historical landmarks, fostering cultural exchange and enhancing the state’s visibility as a tourism destination. By combining cultural preservation with tourism development, it contributes to socio-economic growth while creating enriching experiences for both residents and visitors. 

Official Resources:

Visit maharashtratourism.gov.in for detailed information.

Visit www.mtdc.co for bookings.

Plan your trip at mahabooking.com

Need help? Reach out via chatbot (+91 94038 78864) for quick assistance.

Contact Details:

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Kiran Jadhav 

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E: kiran@conceptpr.com

Priyanka Shinde

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Pranav Gaikwad 

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Five-Star Hotel Project in Silchar; Polo Hotels Group to Develop First Luxury Property in Barak Valley

Silchar, March, 2026: In a major boost to hospitality infrastructure in Southern Assam, the Assam Cabinet has approved the development of Silchar’s first five-star hotel, to be built by Polo Hotels Group with an investment of approximately ₹103 crore. The announcement marks a significant step towards strengthening the tourism, business, and events ecosystem of the Barak Valley.

Announcing the decision, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam said, “Today, our cabinet has given a go ahead to construct a Five Star hotel in Silchar, to Polo Hotels Group. The Polo Hotels Group will be spending around 103 crore rupees on this project. This is going to be the first five-star hotel in Silchar.”

The project will introduce international-standard luxury hospitality infrastructure to the Barak Valley for the first time, positioning Silchar, the commercial and administrative hub of Southern Assam, to host high-value travel, corporate engagements, and large-scale events.

International-Standard Hospitality Infrastructure

The proposed luxury hotel will feature 100 premium rooms and suites, designed to meet global hospitality benchmarks while reflecting the cultural character of the Barak Valley.

Key facilities will include multiple specialty restaurants and bars, a resort-style swimming pool, a full-service spa and wellness centre, a modern fitness facility, and state-of-the-art banquet and conference infrastructure capable of hosting corporate summits, exhibitions, weddings, and government events.

Industry analysts note that India’s hospitality sector has witnessed a strong rebound in recent years. According to tourism estimates, India recorded more than 2.3 billion domestic tourist visits in 2023, while demand for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) has expanded rapidly across emerging regional cities.

Expansion Strategy of Polo Hotels Group

The Silchar project forms part of an ambitious expansion plan by Polo Hotels Group, one of Northeast India’s most established hospitality brands.

Alongside the Silchar development, the Group is currently building 10 additional hotels across Meghalaya, Tripura, West Bengal, and Nagaland, significantly expanding its footprint across Eastern and Northeastern India. This pipeline of projects is expected to position the company among the largest hospitality operators headquartered in Northeast India, reinforcing its long-term commitment to developing world-class tourism and hospitality infrastructure across the region.

Mr. Deval Tibrewalla, Chief Executive Officer of Polo Hotels Group, said, “Silchar is one of the most important gateway cities in Northeast India, and requires hospitality infrastructure required to support its growing economic and institutional importance. This project is not just about building a hotel; it is about enabling the next phase of growth for the Barak Valley. As a company rooted in the Northeast, we see it as our responsibility to bring world-class experiences to emerging cities and unlock their full potential. The Silchar hotel, along with our expanding pipeline across the region, reflects our long-term commitment to building the largest and most trusted hospitality platform in Northeast India.”

Economic Impact and Employment

Hospitality infrastructure projects of this scale generate significant multiplier effects across local economies. Industry estimates suggest that each hotel room can generate around 2 direct jobs, along with additional employment across sectors such as food supply chains, transportation, event management, and local services.

The Silchar project is therefore expected to create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities, while supporting local businesses, producers, and service providers across the Barak Valley.

Strengthening Tourism and Business Travel

Once operational, the hotel is expected to establish a new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Southern Assam, enabling Silchar to host national-level conferences, policy meetings, corporate gatherings, and destination events that were previously constrained by the lack of premium accommodation facilities. 

The development also reflects a broader shift in India’s hospitality landscape, where emerging regional cities are increasingly becoming the next frontier for tourism and business travel infrastructure.

About Polo Hotels Group

Polo Hotels Group is Northeast India’s largest hotel company, operating a portfolio of upscale hotels and resorts across key destinations in the region. Known for pioneering developments in underserved markets, the Group combines contemporary design, service excellence, and deep regional expertise to create distinctive hospitality experiences.

A Table for Her: Foo Celebrates Women’s Day with Shared Plates and Bold Flavours

This Women’s Day, celebrations are moving beyond traditional dining and embracing something far more social; shared tables, vibrant conversations, and plates meant to be passed around. At Foo, the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage with its Asian tapas-style brunch, making it the perfect setting for friends, sisters, colleagues, and families to gather and honour the women in their lives. 

Known for its Asian tapas philosophy, Foo encourages diners to explore a variety of dishes across the table, turning the meal into a lively and interactive experience. Inspired by flavours spanning China, Japan, Thailand and Nikkei cuisine, the brunch menu brings together bold flavours and shareable plates that naturally lend themselves to group dining. 

Guests can begin their Women’s Day brunch with favourites like Wasabi, Truffle & Edamame Dumplings and the flavour-packed Daikon Peking Chilli Oil Dumplings. The sushi selection adds another layer to the table with dishes such as the Truffle Togarashi Black Rice Maki and the indulgent Nikkei Prawn Tempura Uramaki. 

Small plates like Fresh Cottage Cheese with Foo Chilli Oil and Daikon Radish Cake with Burnt Garlic and Bird’s Eye Chilli bring bold textures and flavours, while comforting mains such as Foo Yellow Curry with Chicken and the signature Foo Blue Butter Japanese Fried Rice round out the spread beautifully. 

Ending the brunch on a sweet note, desserts like the Blueberry Cream Cake and Foo Black Marble Sesame Cheesecake make for the perfect finale.

With its vibrant ambience and menu built around sharing, Foo captures the essence of modern Women’s Day gatherings; where the focus is on connection, laughter, and memorable meals enjoyed together around the table. 

Where: All Foo outlets across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, & Pune. Timings: Every Sunday, 12pm to 4pm 

Price: 1650 onwards

TIRUN Travel Marketing launches “Second Sail” – A women’s career comeback initiative

On Women’s Day, the luxury cruise pioneer introduces a flexible opportunity model to help women restart their professional journeys in the cruise tourism industry.

Mumbai, March 2026: On the occasion of Women’s Day, TIRUN Travel Marketing, India’s leading luxury cruise marketing company, has announced the launch of Second Sail, a career comeback initiative designed to empower women who are looking to re-enter the workforce after a break. The program aims to create flexible, supported opportunities for women to build meaningful careers within the fast-growing cruise tourism ecosystem.

Second Sail is designed for women who may have taken a professional pause due to life transitions such as marriage, motherhood, relocation, or caregiving, and are now looking to restart their careers while maintaining flexibility and independence. Through this initiative, TIRUN aims to help participants build sustainable professional pathways without compromising personal commitments.

The program will onboard selected participants as freelance cruise specialists, enabling them to work remotely through a flexible, commission-based model. Participants will receive structured training from TIRUN covering cruise fundamentals, the company’s portfolio, sales approaches, customer handling, booking processes, and servicing protocols. In addition to recorded training modules and learning resources, the program will also include live interactive sessions with the TIRUN team to help participants build confidence and sharpen their skills.

To ensure continued engagement and support, participants will also gain access to a dedicated community platform where they will receive regular product updates, sales insights, and business tips while engaging with peers and the TIRUN team. The company will further support participants by sharing qualified leads, providing access to its cruise portfolio, and offering a transparent commission structure that enables women to build scalable income streams at their own pace.

Speaking on the initiative, Varun Chadha, Chief Executive Officer, TIRUN Travel Marketing, said, “I’m genuinely excited about the launch of Second Sail. At TIRUN, creating equal opportunities isn’t just something we say, it’s part of how we’ve built our culture. The travel industry thrives on relationships, empathy, storytelling, and service — qualities that women bring in abundance. Through Second Sail, we want to create a meaningful pathway for talented women to re-enter the workforce with confidence and flexibility.. This initiative is not about charity; it is about structured inclusion and enabling economic participation. By empowering more women to become part of the cruise ecosystem, we are also strengthening the future of the industry.”

In its first year, TIRUN aims to onboard 100 women through the Second Sail initiative, building a network of freelance cruise specialists who can contribute to the growth of cruise tourism while achieving financial independence. Over time, top performers from the program will have the opportunity to transition into TIRUN’s Preferred Partner network and mentor future participants.

With India’s cruise market witnessing rapid growth, initiatives like Second Sail reflect TIRUN’s commitment to building a more inclusive and dynamic travel ecosystem, where women can rediscover their professional journeys and chart new horizons.

About TIRUN Travel Marketing:

TIRUN Travel Marketing is the pioneer of cruises in India and the exclusive representative of four iconic cruise brands - three from the Royal Caribbean Group (Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea). We drive sales and marketing through multiple distribution channels, from tour operators and travel agents to digital platforms, while also managing government relations and providing operational support for our brands.

Founded in 1991 as Discover the World Marketing, TIRUN initially offered a boutique portfolio of global travel products, including US Airways, Hyatt Hotels, Hertz, and Universal Studios. In 2001, switched gears to exclusively focus on cruises - doubling down on a category that was still nascent in India at the time. This defining move has shaped our journey ever since, and today, our goal is to make TIRUN the name that comes top-of-mind whenever India thinks of cruising and experiential travel.

Headquartered in New Delhi, with a pan-India presence, we are deeply passionate about travel.. As we fondly say at TIRUN, With most of the planet covered by water, if you haven’t cruised, you haven’t truly seen the world!

For media inquiries, please contact:
Radhika Jayakumar
+918450963381 | radhika@bloomingdalepr.com

Janvi Seth
+9188501880733 | janvi@bloomingdalepr.com

Pune’s Weekend Dining Scene Gets a Boost with July 7’s Bubbly Sunday Brunch

Sundays in Pune are about to become a lot more indulgent. July 7 invites guests to embrace the joy of slow weekends with its vibrant Bubbly Sunday Brunch, a lively afternoon where flavourful food, refreshing drinks, live music, and warm conversations come together to create the perfect weekend escape. 

Hosted every Sunday, the brunch features a generous spread of unlimited food and mocktails, offering guests a relaxed yet indulgent experience designed for long catch-ups, family gatherings, and memorable afternoons. 

The culinary journey begins with comforting Drumstick Soup, setting the tone for a flavour-packed meal. The vegetarian appetisers bring together bold textures and flavours with dishes like Fungi Arancini with Chilly Truffle Mayo and the fiery Bhut Jolokia Paneer Tikka, while the non-vegetarian appetisers add an exciting twist with favourites like Korean Popcorn Chilly and Fish Fingers served with Mustard Aioli. 

Moving into the mains, the brunch offers a delightful mix of global flavours and comforting classics. Guests can indulge in rich and aromatic dishes such as Thai Green Curry, the ever-loved Butter Chicken, and flavourful Yaki Noodles, creating a satisfying spread that caters to every palate.

Adding an interactive touch to the experience are the live food stations, where chefs prepare dishes fresh for guests. The Pasta Counter and Sushi Counter bring a dynamic element to the brunch, allowing diners to watch their dishes come together while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. 

No brunch is complete without a sweet finale, and July 7 delivers with indulgent desserts such as the Burnt Basque Cheesecake and the classic Tiramisu, offering the perfect end to a leisurely meal. 

Complementing the culinary spread are refreshing beverages, including unlimited mocktails like the tropical Virgin Piña Colada and the delightful Nutty Gamble, crafted to keep guests refreshed throughout the afternoon. 

For those looking to elevate the experience further, the brunch also features an extensive bar menu offering whisky, rum, vodka, gin, tequila, brandy, wine, and draught beer, alongside signature cocktails such as the elegant Lady of the Night (Gin) and the timeless Whiskey Sour. 

Adding to the lively Sunday atmosphere is live music, setting the mood for an afternoon that feels both relaxed and celebratory. The combination of great food, handcrafted drinks, and soulful music transforms the brunch into an experience rather than just a meal. 

At July 7, the Bubbly Sunday Brunch is designed to be more than a weekend outing, it’s a celebration of food, flavour, and togetherness. Whether it’s a gathering with friends, a family get-together, or simply an excuse to unwind, the brunch promises an afternoon worth savouring. 

Unlimited Food & Mocktails Starting From: ₹1299++ 

Time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM (Every Sunday) 

Featuring: Live Food Stations & Live Music 

About: 

July 7 is more than a restaurant; it’s a date, a feeling, a memory. Founded by Chef Krishna P. Khetle and Narendra Jichkar, it is nestled in Pune, blending refined comfort, creative cuisine, and a warm, vibrant ambience where every visit feels personal and memorable. With thoughtfully crafted food, mood-driven cocktails, and a space designed for connection, July 7 is truly a home away from home.

Nasi and Mee Launches the Simply Sedap menu across all Bangalore Outlets

Nasi and Mee presents Simply Sedap, an unapologetically indulgent limited-time menu that brings together the most crave-worthy flavours of Southeast Asian food with a richer, more decadent twist.

Sink into the luxurious bite of Truffle Xiao Long Bao, where delicate dumplings burst with aromatic broth and earthy truffle notes. The iconic Singapore Carrot Cake (Chai Tow Kway) arrives crisp, smoky, and deeply savoury, tossed in XO chilli for that irresistible umami kick. The comforting bowl of Wonton Mee layers springy noodles, juicy dumplings, and tender char siu chicken for a dish that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

For bold flavour lovers, the fiery Ayam Penyet delivers perfectly crisp smashed chicken, drenched in sambal and paired with fragrant jasmine rice. Slow-simmered and velvety, the Massaman Curry wraps coconut richness, peanuts, and warm spice into every spoonful. And to finish, the soft, cloud-like Kaya Bao offers a gentle sweetness with silky house-made kaya and a delicate coconut finish.

Designed for lingering bites and second helpings, Simply Sedap is a feast of comfort, boldness, and pure indulgence every dish inviting you to savour just one more bite.

Timings: 12 PM – 11 PM
Price: INR 375 onwards
Outlets: Across all outlets in Bangalore

Celebrate Self-Care This Women’s Day at Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa

This Women’s Day, take a well-deserved pause and celebrate the spirit of womanhood with moments of relaxation and indulgence. Whether it’s unwinding after a busy week or gifting a loved one a rejuvenating break, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa invites women to prioritise self-care with exclusive spa experiences designed to relax the body and refresh the mind.

Set amidst serene surroundings, the resort offers the perfect setting to step away from everyday routines and embrace a day dedicated to wellness, comfort, and rejuvenation. As part of the Women’s Day celebrations, guests can enjoy specially curated spa services at exclusive prices, making it the perfect excuse to treat yourself or the women who inspire you.

Women’s Day Special – 8th March 2026

• Foot Massage
Regular Price: INR 1700 + taxes for 30 minutes
Women’s Day Special: INR 600 (All Inclusive) for 15 minutes

• Massage Chair
Regular Price: INR 700 + taxes for 30 minutes
Women’s Day Special: INR 400 (All Inclusive) for 30 minutes

This Women’s Day, celebrate yourself with a moment of calm, comfort, and care. Whether it’s a quick rejuvenating break or a thoughtful gift for someone special, Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa offers the perfect way to unwind and make the day truly memorable.

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace Marks Women’s Day with Special Brunches at Prego and Seasonal Tastes

This Women’s Day, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace invites guests to celebrate the strength, ambition, and grace with two thoughtfully curated brunch experiences on Sunday, 8 March 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

At Prego at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, the Women’s Day brunch, themed “Her Power. Her Journey.”, is a celebration of ambition and achievement. Guests can enjoy a refined dining experience complemented by live culinary counters and thoughtful celebratory touches that honour the grace and strength of today’s women.

Meanwhile, Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace presents “Celebrate Her Spirit,” an inspiring brunch that brings together vibrant flavours and a festive ambience. The experience features an indulgent signature brunch spread along with a special Women’s Day dessert showcase, creating a warm and memorable setting to appreciate and celebrate women and their accomplishments.

With distinctive culinary experiences across both venues, the celebrations at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace promise an afternoon dedicated to recognising and honouring the women who inspire us every day.

Event Details

Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026

Time: 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Venues:

Prego at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

Seasonal Tastes at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

Reservations:

+91 81210 33764 | +91 8008302169 | +91 8008302201

Bold. Brilliant. Unapologetic. A Women’s Day Toast to Her

This Women’s Day, celebrate the women who break barriers, build legacies, and redefine what strength looks like every single day. Whether she is a leader, creator, entrepreneur, nurturer, or all of the above, she deserves a gift that reflects her individuality and spirit. 

Perfect for thoughtful gifting and celebratory toasts, Smoke Lab Vodka and Mohulo Gin are available in elegant miniature bottles across their flavour portfolio, making them ideal keepsakes for intimate gatherings, curated hampers, or a personal moment of indulgence. 

Smoke Lab Aniseed Vodka 

A playful tribute to India’s beloved saunf, this 5x-distilled vodka reimagines a nostalgic Indian flavour through a modern, sophisticated lens. Distinct yet smooth, it’s a celebration of tradition meeting innovation, much like the women redefining today’s world.

Price: Starting from Rs.1,600 – 3,200 (Normal Size) | Rs.130 - 300 (Miniature Size) Perfect for: Pairing with artisanal chocolates, saunf-infused desserts, or elevating a women’s night-in with inventive cocktails. 

Smoke Lab Saffron Vodka 

Infused with handpicked Kashmiri saffron and delicate Indian spices, this expression is indulgence bottled. Luxurious and aromatic, it’s a fitting tribute to women who embody warmth, resilience, and quiet power. Best enjoyed over ice or crafted into an elegant cocktail.

Price: Starting from Rs.2,000 – 3,600 (Normal Size) | Rs.160 - 320 (Miniature Size) Perfect for: A sophisticated Women’s Day soirée with rose-petal garnishes or saffron-inspired cocktails. 

Mohulo – India’s First Sipping Gin 

Inspired by tribal artistry and crafted with reverence for India’s indigenous Mahua flower, Mohulo stands apart as the country’s first true sipping gin. With its mellow floral palate and silky finish, it celebrates authenticity and craftsmanship, qualities that mirror the spirit of empowered women shaping culture and community. 

Price: Starting from Rs.3,000 – 4,000 (Normal Size Only) 

Perfect for: Thoughtful gifting, intimate gatherings, or a classic gin & tonic with a rose or hibiscus twist. 

This Women’s Day, move beyond predictable gestures. Celebrate her ambition, her grace, her resilience, and her fire. 

Because when she raises a glass, it isn’t just a toast; it’s a celebration of everything she is, and everything she continues to become.

SAMHI Announces Majority Investment in RARE India, its first asset light and experiential leisure investment

Gurugram, March 2026: SAMHI Hotels Limited a prominent branded hotel ownership and asset management platform in India, today announced that its board has approved the acquisition of majority stake of 70% in RARE India (“RARE”), one of India’s earliest and largest platform of heritage hotels, retreats and experiential stays. SAMHI expects to enter into definitive agreements by May 2026, marking SAMHI’s entry into the experiential leisure segment through an asset-light platform investment.

In parallel, SAMHI and RARE have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding for an affiliation with Marriott International to leverage Marriott’s global distribution strength and loyalty ecosystem. Under this affiliation, RARE would have exclusive rights to operate its portfolio of hotels under the Outdoor Collection brand by Marriott Bonvoy across India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka, with distribution across Marriott’s worldwide channels. SAMHI expects to enter into definitive agreements with Marriott after the acquisition is complete.

Together, this relationship positions RARE to evolve from a representation platform into a fully integrated B2C distribution and experiential brand platform. RARE will continue to be operated independently by its Founder and team, who remain committed to curate and nurture its distinctive community of heritage and experiential property owners. This partnership allows SAMHI to go beyond borders and expands its portfolio to ~100 hotels in a combination of assets under ownership and affiliation model.

A Legacy Platform with Differentiation and Scale

Founded in 2003 by Shobha Rudra, RARE India (https://www.rareindia.com/) is one of India’s earliest curated experiential hospitality platforms. RARE India has a portfolio of 67 hotels with 990 rooms with a presence across 15+ states in India and international presence in Nepal and Bhutan.

Over two decades, it has built a strong reputation for:

• Deep focus on responsible tourism, local employment and authentic experiences.

• A carefully selected portfolio of heritage palaces, wildlife lodges, retreats and boutique properties

• An enviable community of hospitality entrepreneurs and travellers, who appreciate authentic and responsible tourism.

In an increasingly crowded marketplace of homestays and villa aggregators, RARE stands apart through its legacy, curation discipline, and philosophy-driven growth model. The partnership will enable RARE to accelerate growth while preserving its selective standards and community ethos. There is a very large community of owners and travellers, who are willing to pay a premium to be away from the ordinary, they will continue to prefer to be RARE. This provides a tremendous opportunity for the community to keep growing.

 A Strategic, Asset-Light Adjacency for SAMHI

SAMHI’s commitment is expected to be ~INR470mn which includes primary infusion in RARE India and a small part towards part purchase of shares from existing holders. The primary capital contribution will be deployed towards creating value through strengthening management capabilities, technology and distribution upgrades, and expanding marketing and brand reach to support RARE’s next phase of growth.

Consistent with its time-tested strategy, SAMHI has identified value in an underappreciated operating platform with strong brand equity and growth potential. The investment represents a significant divergence from the valuation of asset-light platforms investments globally and in India. This marks SAMHI’s first asset-light platform investment in leisure hospitality enabling meaningful participation in a high-growth segment without altering its core balance sheet strategy of scaling its business hotel portfolio in India’s key office and gateway markets.

The structure ensures a small capital exposure with asymmetrical return potential as the strategy is asset light, and significant long-term upside driven by distribution expansion, technology integration and brand strengthening.

Management Commentary

Commenting on the development, Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman & Managing Director, SAMHI Hotels Ltd., said:

“This investment in RARE India is a strategic adjacency that strengthens our platform without distracting from our core focus on business and gateway markets. RARE represents a combination of legacy, credibility and scalable asset-light potential. With a strong proven founding team, an irreplaceable community of owners and the proposed affiliation with Marriott, we believe RARE can emerge as a leading B2C brand in experience-led tourism. Importantly, this is a small financial investment but with asymmetrical return potential – consistent with our philosophy of discovering value in underappreciated opportunities.”

 Ms. Shobha Rudra, Founder, RARE India, added:

“RARE India has always been built on relationships, trust and a shared commitment to responsible tourism. This partnership with SAMHI allows us to remain true to our philosophy and continue to preserve and build the RARE community of hotel owners and discerning travellers. Together, we aim to strengthen the foundation of the RARE community and scale our impact.”

 Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International added:

“India’s experiential and heritage-led hospitality segment represents a significant long-term opportunity. RARE has built a distinctive portfolio rooted in authenticity and responsible tourism. Through this collaboration, we look forward to extending our global distribution platform and Marriott Bonvoy ecosystem to a highly curated collection of unique stays. Together with SAMHI and RARE, we aim to unlock incremental demand and broaden access to immersive travel experiences across India and the region.”

 About SAMHI Hotels Ltd.

SAMHI is a prominent branded hotel ownership and asset management platform in India with an institutional ownership model, experienced leadership and professional management team. SAMHI has long-term management arrangements with three established and well recognized global hotel operators, namely, Marriott, IHG and Hyatt. SAMHI has a portfolio of 31 operating hotels comprising 4,904 rooms and has a diverse geographic presence in 13 cities across India, including National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Pune.

Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements

Statements in this document relating to future status, events, or circumstances, including but not limited to statements about plans and objectives, the progress and results of research and development, potential project characteristics, project potential and target dates for project related issues are forward-looking statements based on estimates and the anticipated effects of future events on current and developing circumstances. Such statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties and are not necessarily predictive of future results. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. The company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results changed assumptions or other factors.

For further information, please contact

 Company: 

SAMHI Hotels Limited
CIN: L55101DL2010PLC211816

 Mr. Gyana Das

Email: Compliance@samhi.co.in

www.samhi.co.in

Investor Relations Advisors:

Strategic Growth Advisors Pvt. Ltd.
CIN: U74140MH2010PTC204285

Mr. Rahul Agarwal/ Ms. Prachi Sharma

rahul.agarwal@sgapl.net / prachi.sharma@sgapl.net

+91 9821438864/ +918881786789

www.sgapl.net