Expressing delight at the new signing, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels, remarked, “We are keen to expand our presence at cherished cultural and spiritual epicenters across India. Puri, with its unique blend of spirituality and leisure, aligns perfectly with our vision to offer enriching experiences to our guests. 

“We believe this property will soon become a favourite amongst travellers, looking to experience the uniqueness and cultural diversity of the region replete through the rich cuisine and vibrant hospitality backed by our impeccable services,” he added.

Renowned as Jagannath Puri, the city is one of the four sacred dhams that are elemental to Hindu pilgrimage. Visitors are drawn to the iconic Jagannath temple and the golden sands of Puri Beach, making it an ideal destination for both spiritual and leisure experiences. 

Beyond its spiritual allure, Puri offers a captivating mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure, with a stunning coastline, vibrant markets, and diverse culinary traditions that immerse visitors in its unique charm. Together with the hotel’s convenient location, ideal services, and warm hospitality guests are sure to get more.

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The latest signing underscores IHG’s commitment to expand its footprint across key leisure destinations in India. Scheduled to open in Q3 2027, the new hotel will add 150 keys to IHG’s growing presence in the region.

Nestled in the picturesque Himalayan town of Dharamshala, located at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will be a preferred hotel for both domestic and international tourists. 

Known for its panoramic valley views, favorable climate, and spiritual significance as the home of the Dalai Lama, Dharamshala attracts both domestic and international tourists year-round. The town is also home to one of the world’s most iconic cricket stadiums and has been selected as one of India’s 100 Smart Cities, underscoring its potential for sustainable and citizen-friendly growth.

Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Aaraki Hotels & Resorts to bring the iconic Holiday Inn brand to Dharamshala, which perfectly aligns with our growth strategy in India’s high-demand leisure markets. As travel preferences shift toward unique and experiential getaways, destinations like Dharamshala are emerging as top choices for both domestic and international travelers, drawn by its spiritual depth, natural beauty, and year-round appeal. The signing of this hotel underscores our commitment to expanding IHG’s presence in key leisure destinations, offering travelers globally recognized brands and memorable experiences.” 

He further added, “We are certain that Holiday Inn Resort Dharamshala will set a new benchmark in the region, providing guests with a perfect blend of the brand’s timeless appeal and modern innovations tailored to today’s travelers. By introducing our Open Lobby concept, alongside thoughtfully designed accommodations and dining experiences, we aim to deliver an elevated stay that resonates with both domestic and international tourists.”

Manish Kakkar, Managing Partner, Aaraki Hotels & Resorts added: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts, a globally respected hospitality brand, to launch Holiday Inn Dharamshala. Given its strategic location and IHG’s esteemed reputation, we are confident that Holiday Inn Dharamshala will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. The hotel’s thoughtful design, exceptional amenities, and unparalleled service will elevate the travel experience in this scenic town.”

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With a strong background in hospitality and events, Naresh brings extensive experience and expertise that will enhance W Goa’s offerings and guest experiences.

Naresh joins W Goa with over eight years of industry experience, most recently serving as Assistant Events Manager at Le Meridien Amritsar, where he was an integral part of the pre-opening team. His career has spanned various roles across esteemed properties such as Lemon Tree Hotels, Courtyard by Marriott Pune, and Hyatt Regency Ludhiana. Known for his exceptional customer service, meticulous event planning, and operational management, Naresh is well-equipped to oversee event documentation, guest relations, and all logistical aspects of the events process at W Goa.

In addition to his experience, Naresh is proficient in a range of technical tools, including Opera PMS, Micros, Protel, and SFA WEB, making him well-suited to support seamless event coordination and execution at W Goa.

Naresh holds a B.Sc. in Hotel Management from the Hotel and Catering Management Institute (HCMI) Chandigarh. Fluent in English, Hindi, and basic French, Naresh’s communication skills and commitment to excellence will ensure that each guest’s experience at W Goa is nothing short of exceptional.

“I’m thrilled to join W Goa the most crazy and fantastic team,” said Naresh Kumar. “With a passion for creating unforgettable experiences, I’m here to bring fresh ideas and energy to our events, whether we’re hosting beachside gatherings or high-energy celebrations. My goal is to ensure every moment we create is truly special and memorable.”

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With an illustrious career spanning multiple leadership roles in the hospitality industry, Harkaran Singh brings a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to his new position.

Prior to joining The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Harkaran Singh served as the General Manager at Aurika, Mumbai Skycity, India’s Largest inventory hotel where his leadership played a pivotal role in launching the hotel in 2023, setting it up successfully for operations and strengthening the brand’s presence in the competitive market of Andheri (East) Mumbai.     

His journey in the hospitality industry includes extensive experience with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he successfully led hotels across multiple locations, including the Launch of Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa which is the largest hotel in Uttarakhand and positioning the property as a successful luxury MICE and leisure hotel in the country. As General Manager, his focus has been on fostering strong relationships through collaborations and the lens of CARE for all his guests, colleagues, stakeholders and driving committed revenues. His journey as a General Manager at Hyatt Raipur is another testimony to this where he repositioned the hotel as the most preferred hotel in the city creating unforgettable experiences for all – guests, colleagues and stake holders. 

Before his roles as General Manager, Harkaran was the Director of Rooms at Hyatt Regency Kolkata, where he strategically led operations across key departments, including Front Office, Housekeeping, Laundry, Business Centre, and Spa/Health Club. His leadership ensured streamlined operations, optimising revenues, operate with excellence and an elevated guest experience.

On his appointment, Harkaran Singh expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am deeply honored to join The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi—a property renowned for its exceptional hospitality, experiential events and offerings. The Leela’s core value of Atithi Devo Bhava (Guest is God) resonates deeply in everything we do, reflecting the essence of true Indian luxury. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team here, share my learnings and take learnings from them, to work with excellence.”

Harkaran’s expertise extends to revenue management, with a stint at IDeaS Revenue Solutions – A SaS Company, at the technology hub in Pune, where his analytical skills, financial acumen, and business insights contributed to optimising hotel performance and revenues for various hotel chains across the globe, in his portfolio.

Known for his impactful leadership style, Harkaran has excelled in areas such as capital projects, launching hotels, business planning, leadership, mentoring, positioning, marketing, and hotel asset management. 

Harkaran Singh is a passionate hotelier, who believes in delivering memorable experiences at every touchpoint, driven by service excellence, business acumen and the commitment to care for guests, colleagues and all stake holders. Apart from work Harkaran enjoys immersive local experiences, theatre, and golf. 

A quote he lives by – “Realize that everything connects to everything else.” —Leonardo da Vinci.

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With an impressive career spanning over eight years in the hospitality industry, Rajasekar brings a wealth of experience in delivering top-tier guest satisfaction and driving impactful beverage operations.

His career journey has been defined by his successful roles in premier hospitality establishments, most recently at Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, where he excelled as the Beverage Manager. His contributions included spearheading innovative beverage concepts and introducing cost-effective strategies that elevated the guest experience.

His background also includes significant tenures at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Radisson Blu Bengaluru, and Le Meridien Bengaluru, where his leadership, attention to detail, and ability to manage large teams have consistently delivered remarkable results, enhanced guest experiences, and increased revenue.

In his new role at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center, he will oversee beverage operations and is set to bring his signature blend of innovation, expertise, and leadership to further elevate the property’s food and beverage offerings. Guests can look forward to exciting, fresh additions to the drink menu as Rajasekar introduces unique flavours and contemporary concepts.

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This new hotel will reflect the brand’s signature lean luxe philosophy, providing a premium experience to guests.

Speaking on the occasion, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, Indian Hotels Company Limited, said, “This signing aligns with IHCL’s vision of being present in capital cities and key commercial centres in India. We are delighted to partner with Devendra Singh Sibbal and Kabir Sibbal for this project.”

The 120-key Ginger Raipur is part of a mixed-use development on the Mumbai-Kolkata National Highway (GE Road).

Devendra Singh Sibbal and Kabir Sibbal, Directors, Utsav Group, expressed, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL for this project. Through this partnership, we look forward to bringing Ginger’s lean luxe concept to Raipur.” 

Driven by its robust industrial sector, Raipur, the capital city of Chhattisgarh, has emerged as a major business hub in Central India. Raipur is home to several spiritual and historical sites, including the famous Mata Kaushalya Temple and the Swami Vivekanand Sarovar.

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Speaking on the occasion, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, commented, “Our Zinc Journey by The Fern accommodations are renowned for their sophisticated interiors and impeccable style, ideal for today’s traveller looking for serene, lively escapades.

“We are dedicated to fostering an experiential environment, enriched with a strong sense of belonging and a touch of local flair. With properties present in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Diu, and Rajasthan, each resort offers its own unique charm, providing guests with diverse yet equally unforgettable experiences.”

Villament Zinc Journey by The Fern, Karjat

Tucked away in the serene landscapes of Karjat, this picturesque pet-friendly property is ideal for families, couples, solo travellers, and guests looking for a quiet retreat with their furry friends.

Despite its secluded setting, the property is easily accessible, conveniently located only 11 km from Karjat Junction Railway Station, 55 km from Mumbai and 80 km from Pune, making it a good choice for a relaxing weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune.

Kamnath Zinc Journey by The Fern, Diu

Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Arabian Sea, this property by The Fern in Diu is a serene escape located on the tranquil Nagoa beach.

Conveniently located only 2.5 km from Diu Airport, this place is ideal for leisure travellers looking for a relaxed weekend getaway in one of India’s most enchanting coastal locales. 

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TT Bureau: How does Holiday Inn Express balance its services to effectively appeal to both B2B and B2C clientele?

Vaibhav Jain: As a brand’s commitment, it’s in our DNA to effectively standardise and balance the services to appeal to both B2B and B2C clientele.

For us, service means delivering great amenities to smart travellers. By consistently offering a comfortable and efficient experience for guests, Holiday Inn Express hotels make guests’ missions easy no matter where they are in the world.

For travellers on the go, Holiday Inn Express provides more where it matters most – a great night’s sleep with our Express Recharge program, focused service from genuine people, and the Express Start Breakfast included in the rate, all designed to help guests feel more than ready for their day.

TT Bureau: What key strategies do you follow to maintain this balance?

Vaibhav Jain: Our key strategies encompass a comprehensive approach aimed at delivering exceptional service, meeting the specific needs of our diverse clientele, and ensuring a strong value proposition.

These strategies are designed to maintain consistent quality across all locations, provide tailored amenities that cater to business and leisure travellers alike, and uphold a commitment to affordability without compromising comfort or reliability. By focusing on these pillars, we strive to create memorable and seamless experiences for all our guests while reinforcing our brand’s reputation in the competitive hospitality market.

Standardized Service Quality: Holiday Inn Express, throughout the region, maintains a consistent service standard across all its locations, ensuring a reliable and predictable experience for all travellers, more so for business and transient travellers. The consistency and no-surprise stays appeal to our B2B clients who value reliability for their employees, as well as to B2C clients who seek comfort and consistency during their stays.

Business-Friendly Amenities: Understanding the needs of business travellers, Holiday Inn Express offers amenities such as free high-speed internet, complimentary breakfast, comfortable workspaces, and meeting rooms. These amenities cater directly to the needs of B2B clients, facilitating business meetings and productivity.

Value for Money: Our brand positions itself as value-oriented, offering competitive pricing and additional perks like the aforementioned breakfast and internet. This value proposition is attractive to both B2B clients looking to manage travel costs and B2C clients seeking affordability without sacrificing comfort.

As the fastest-growing brand for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express aims to enable real, human connections for our guests by providing a simple, smart travel experience. By effectively balancing these strategies, Holiday Inn Express positions itself as a versatile brand capable of meeting diverse needs, thereby maximizing its appeal across various customer segments.

TT Bureau: What measures does Holiday Inn Express take to maintain value-for-money offerings while ensuring high-quality hospitality services?

Vaibhav Jain: Holiday Inn Express’s central and foremost deliverable as a hotel is to maintain value-for-money offerings in all of the assets in the country. Holiday Inn Express is committed to delivering more where it matters most through a consistent experience, thoughtful design, and value-rich essentials. We maintain it by offering high-quality hospitality services through a strategic approach focused on efficiency and consistency.

The heart and soul of the hotel, the Express Café & Bar, is an integrated lobby and food and beverage experience, providing café inspired meals “around the clock,” no matter the occasion. Whether it’s to eat, linger, work, or relax, there is always something for our guests.

Our guests experience a comfortable and peaceful ‘overnight recharge’ with every stay. Between the plush duvets, quality linens, a choice of firm or soft pillows, and blackout shades – our guests wake up ready to tackle the day.

We offer all the essentials that make our guests’ stay away from home a pleasure – including free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee facilities, and multiple charging points to keep them connected (if they want).

We stay ready for our guests by being attentive and observant – anticipating guest needs and taking action to ensure their needs are met. For instance, we provide a free hot, fresh breakfast with every stay, to Gear up our guests with the best, in the morning with hot and cold breakfast options.

Our team ensures to implementation of an efficient service model that prioritizes essentials like comfortable rooms, cleanliness, a great shower and sleep experience, avoiding unnecessary frills and elevating the experience of essentials during a stay. Standardised offerings across locations, such as complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, business centres, and fitness centres, ensure guests can rely on consistent quality of service.

Due to the merit of the scale of Holiday Inn Express in the country, operational efficiency is further achieved through optimized supply chain management and energy use, reducing costs without compromising quality. All our Holiday Inn Express assets are located near business districts, commercial buildings, shopping malls, highways, and airports, and thus it adds convenience for the guests. Regular staff training maintains high service standards, while actively seeking and integrating customer feedback allows for continuous improvement.

The IHG One Rewards loyalty program encourages repeat stays, offering value through points and perks. Targeted marketing attracts budget-conscious travellers, ensuring a steady stream of guests. Holiday Inn Express delivers a consistent, high-quality guest experience at competitive prices to its guests without compromising on the necessities.

TT Bureau: Given the smaller room size ideal for single occupancy, how does Holiday Inn Express cater to the needs of solo travellers and business professionals?

Vaibhav Jain: Holiday Inn Express is a preferred hotel for business travellers and solo travellers, and we offer a range of smart and efficient amenities and services tailored to their requirements. The efficient room design is not only compact & functional but also has not compromised on sleep by providing high-quality and comfortable bedding which is crucial for both, leisure and business travellers alike.

Complimentary breakfast is extended to all the guests checking in at Holiday Inn Express and an option of Grab & Go is also provided for those who have an early start with a packed schedule. Holiday Inn Express as a standard practice provides, High-speed internet access throughout the hotel, making it easy for guests to stay connected and work remotely, in-room work desks with good lighting and ergonomic chairs provide a comfortable workspace.

Apart from this, we also provide Gym access to all the in-house guests, and a self-service laundromat is also complimentary for all. Holiday Inn Express is also a preferred choice, because of the location and accessibility to the business districts, airports & major transportation hubs with on-site complimentary parking adds to the convenience of the business travellers.

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With a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades in the hospitality industry, Zoe Seow brings a wealth of expertise in sales, marketing, revenue optimization, and strategic growth to the W Kuala Lumpur team. 

She steps into the role, succeeding Lisa Low, who has recently been promoted to Hotel Manager. With this transition, she takes on the responsibility of filling some big shoes and upholding the high standards set by her predecessor. 

Zoe began her journey at Equatorial Regional Office as a Reservation Agent, where her dedication quickly propelled her forward. She advanced to the role of Account Manager at Renaissance Kuala Lumpur Hotel before joining The Westin Kuala Lumpur as Assistant Director of Business Development in 2009. Her outstanding leadership and drive were recognized, and in 2011 she was promoted to Assistant Director of Sales.

In 2012, Zoe joined the Starwood Malaysia National Sales Team as Assistant Director of Sales, playing an integral role within the pioneering group. Her significant contributions continued, and in 2014 she ascended to the role of Director of Sales, where she was instrumental in the successful pre-opening of Four Points by Sheraton Puchong.

Most recently, Zoe served as Director of Sales & Marketing at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur, where her strategic vision led to impressive growth and strong revenue outcomes across various business segments. Her leadership was further demonstrated through her work with the pre-opening task force for Sheraton Kuching and as part of the countdown team for Moxy Putrajaya in 2024.

Volker Burth, General Manager said in regards to the recent appointment, “W Kuala Lumpur is delighted to welcome Zoe as she embarks on this exciting new chapter at the leading luxury city escape in beautiful Kuala Lumpur. Her innovative approach and proven expertise in the industry make her an invaluable addition to our team. We look forward to her continued success as she leads the Sales & Marketing department with unparalleled energy and commitment.”

Aiming to deliver an unexpected and exceptional stay for all guests and connectors in town, Volker added that to work in hospitality is to turn strangers into friends and guests into family and hospitality is about making people feel seen and valued.

Beyond her professional achievements, Zoe is passionate about fitness, especially body combat, and loves experimenting with new baking recipes with her family.

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With nearly a decade of experience across several distinguished properties, Nikhil Pol brings a deep expertise in engineering and facility management that will be pivotal in driving operational excellence at Moxy Mumbai. 

Nikhil Pol began his career in hospitality engineering as a Graduate Engineering Trainee with Taj Hotels, where he quickly distinguished himself. His first role was at the renowned Taj Fort Aguada, Goa, where he handled guest room renovations and rose to the position of Engineer.

Nikhil then transitioned to the Ambassador – IHCL SeleQtions, New Delhi, where he served as Deputy Engineer for three years, honing his skills in maintenance and engineering coordination at a high-profile property.

Following his tenure in Delhi, Nikhil joined The Leela Goa as Deputy Chief Engineer and played an integral role in the seamless conversion of the property into The St. Regis Goa Resort. This accomplishment highlighted his commitment to quality and his capacity for overseeing complex transitions within high-demand hospitality environments.

As Chief Engineer at Moxy Mumbai, Nikhil will leverage his extensive technical knowledge and operational insights to ensure smooth coordination with the projects team, overseeing all technical aspects of the hotel’s operations. His role will be crucial in upholding Moxy’s standards for efficiency, innovation, and guest satisfaction through strategic engineering and maintenance practices.

His proven track record in engineering excellence and hands-on approach make him an ideal leader for Moxy Mumbai.

Read more: Appointments