Gaurav Pokhariyal and Parveen Chander Kumar will be taking over these leadership roles from industry and IHCL stalwarts, Dr. P V Murthy and Ms. Renu Basu, respectively, as they retire after a successful stint at the Company.

Speaking about these developments, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL stated, “We are delighted to welcome Gaurav and Parveen on board and believe that their expertise will help IHCL continue on its journey of excellence. These developments are in line with our commitment to recognize and cultivate talent from within the organization. We also thank Renu Basu and Dr. Murthy for their invaluable contributions, and are positive that we will continue to benefit from their knowledge, and experience in the future as well.”

In their new roles, Gaurav Pokhariyal and Parveen Chander Kumar will join the Executive Committee (ExCom) of IHCL.

Gaurav Pokhariyal brings with him three decades of rich experience in Operations and has held a number of critical roles, the most recent being heading operations for key markets in the Northern region. Gaurav is known for his decision making ability, commitment and passion towards his work.

With three decades of expertise in Operations, Parveen Chander Kumar has successfully led key positions across marquee IHCL hotels, including those in the Western region. A formidable executer, his customer-centric focus is one of his key strengths.

Both, Gaurav Pokhariyal and Parveen Chander Kumar are alumni of the Glion Institute of Higher Education, Switzerland, and IHM Pusa.

In their new roles, Gaurav Pokhariyal and Parveen Chander Kumar will be responsible for executing IHCL’s strategy for long term growth whilst further strengthening the Company’s market and brand leadership position.

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Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, along with Sonali Chauhan, General Manager, The Connaught, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions  unveiled the plaque of The Connaught, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions, the newest addition in the SeleQtions portfolio.

The event witnessed an engaging conversation with the global actor, author and motivational speaker, Anupam Kher, who launched his book ‘Your Best Day is Today’. He was in conversation with Ina Puri.

The Connaught, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions is a vibrant addition to the SeleQtions portfolio. The hotel presents a unique and striking design, combining the art deco charm of Connaught Place and contemporary luxe interiors. The elegant celebration was hosted at The Terrace and The Hub, the hotel’s eclectic bar, amidst a stunning ambience with hues of a perfect winter evening.

The event witnessed a specially curated themed décor, enthralling live music, a spectrum of vibrant lights on the Hotel façade and an immersive culinary experience. The culinary team at The Connaught, New Delhi – IHCL SeleQtions showcased an impressive repertoire of signature cocktails and an elaborate Asian fare.

A customized and colorful rickshaw was a highlight that enhanced the strong sense of place and was a perfect ode to the Delhi’s quintessential tuk-tuk experience!

The evening saw the presence of renowned guests and famous personalities from different walks of life. Shri. Arvind Singh, Secretary, Tourism, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Nishikant Dubey, Ina Puri, Suhel Seth, Anu Kant Dubey were present at the event. Honorable Ministers Smt. Smriti Irani, Union Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Science & Tech, Earth Sciences and Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister for Law and Justice, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology graced the occasion with their presence.

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These new hotels are in partnership with Ambuja Neotia Group, who have already partnered with IHCL for two other hotels in the East – Taj Chia Kutir, Darjeeling, West Bengal and Taj Guras Kutir in Gangtok, Sikkim. These five projects will culminate to a total of 500 rooms. 

Commenting on the signing, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “We are very committed to the Eastern part of India as we believe that it has tremendous potential. With the announcement today, we are further strengthening our footprint in the region and building on IHCL’s legacy in some of the most commercially and culturally important cities of the East. These signings also cement our relationship with the Ambuja Neotia Group.”     

The Taj hotel at Ambuja City Centre, Kolkata is strategically located in close proximity of the airport and the Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, one of the largest convention centres in South Asia. 

The hotel, with 147 keys, has been in operation for over 10 years and is slated to undergo extensive refurbishments before it re-opens as a Taj hotel in 2021. 

The Taj hotel at Eco Park, located in New Town, is a 57-room hotel overlooking Eco Park’s 112-acre water body. 

The resort hotel with state-of-the-art banqueting and convention facilities spread across 50,000 sq. ft. is slated to open in 2021. 

The Taj hotel at Ambuja City Centre, Patna is located on Budh Marg in Lodipur, at a short driving distance from the airport. 

This will be the first branded luxury hotel to enter the city. The hotel will have 126 rooms and will be the ideal choice for conventions and meetings. It will open in December 2022.     

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with three more hotels under the ‘Taj’ brand with IHCL. Taj is globally renowned, and we look forward to bringing their legendary hospitality to all our hotels. This partnership will give a strong impetus to the development of tourism in the Eastern region,” saidHarshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group. 

IHCL had signed two hotels with the Ambuja Neotia Group in 2016. The first of these –Taj Chia Kutir, a charming resort set amidst the famous Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling, will open on 14th December this year. 

The second hotel, Taj Guras Kutir, Gangtok, which aims to bring alive Sikkim’s local culture with a modern flair, is scheduled to open by the end of 2022. 

With the addition of these hotels, IHCL will have 23 hotels across brands in nine states in Eastern India.

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The Connaught presents a unique and striking design, combining the art deco charm of Connaught Place and contemporary luxe interiors.

Strategically situated in New Delhi’s prime area, Lutyens, The Connaught will be a part of the SeleQtions brand – a named collection of hotels and resorts.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “The Connaught is the newest jewel in the crown of the SeleQtions portfolio. With its thoughtfully designed interiors, It reflects the best of the cultural and social milieu of the city. With the launch of The Connaught, IHCL further strengthens its presence in India’s capital.”

Exuding character at every corner, the hotel features 104 spaciously designed rooms conceptualized by the globally renowned Swedish designer, Christian Lundwall, of LWA. 

Located in the heart of the city, The hotel is a perfect abode for business and leisure travellers.

It’s distinctive offerings include an all-day diner, The Hub, which takes guests on a gastronomical journey across global and local cuisines, whilst featuring some of Delhi’s legendary favourites.

The restaurant opens into an al-fresco dining venue, and also extends into a stylish cocktail bar that promises to be the city’s most sought after watering hole. 

The hotel has state-of-the-art spaces for business conferences or social gatherings, including a 2000 sq. ft. open air terrace.

Sonali Chauhan, General Manager, The Connaught, New Delhi, “The Connaught is a vibrant expression of New Delhi, which includes elements of fun and flamboyance.”

She continued, “This is perfectly complemented by our warm and attentive team, who will deliver personalized and immersive experiences. I am looking forward to welcoming guests to our one-of-a kind hotel.”

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 15 hotels in Delhi-NCR, including two under development.

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In line with the Government’s ‘Vocal for Local’ vision, Travel For India aims at driving awareness about the importance of domestic tourism and its impact on livelihoods. With a number of initiatives supporting indigenous tourism in the pipeline, #TravelForIndia was kick-started with a special video, celebrating the incredible diversity of India whilst spreading a message of optimism, hope and unity in solidarity of its vast ecosystem

Speaking about the initiative, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “One of the most critical sectors, the travel and hospitality industry, which accounts for over 8 per cent of India’s total employment with over 4 crore jobs, is one of the most affected by the pandemic. ‘Travel for India’ supports responsible travel by showcasing the millions of people dedicated to making tourism a unique experience. It reiterates IHCL’s commitment to support the revival efforts of the sector whilst conveying the far-reaching social impact each traveler’s journey can make.”

The campaign video, which went live on Sunday 27th, September, is the beginning of a concerted effort from IHCL to initiate a discourse around the role hospitality will play in the coming months in helping people rediscover all that India has to offer, while driving a sense of curiosity in exploring its many facets as well as making a difference to the community.

Let us come together and give the future of travel a new meaning. Rediscover India with Taj while putting a smile on the many faces you meet along your journey. Because when you travel, India moves.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of a luxury hotel in Shiroda, located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. The land has been leased from the Government of Maharashtra. 

Commenting on the signing, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “We thank the Government of Maharashtra for enabling and supporting us with this project. IHCL has pioneered many destinations and put locations like Rajasthan, Kerala, Goa, Coorg, and the Andamans on the global tourist map. With the help of the Ministry of Tourism and the Government of Maharashtra, we will be able to create a world class beach resort in the idyllic destination of Shiroda. This development will create and enhance employment opportunities whilst contributing to tourism revenues to the state of Maharashtra.”

The luxury resort spread over 138 acres will have 150 rooms including 46 villas. It will have multiple restaurants, a bar and conference facilities. A state-of-the-art wellness facility under IHCL’s brand of Jiva Spa will also be part of the project. The large open spaces will be transformed into beautifully landscaped gardens, outdoor entertainment and sports facilities.  

Guests are constantly seeking newer and unexplored destinations. Shiroda, with its beautiful and pristine beaches, is just the right location to create a new high-end tourist destination in Maharashtra. There are two new airports being developed – at Mopa in Goa and at Chipi in Maharashtra. These will make this destination even more accessible to tourists.

Shiroda is a small village in the Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra. It is a virgin, unpolluted piece of paradise with long stretches of golden beach in a picture postcard perfect setting of lush greenery and swaying coconut palms. It is also famous for its Vetoba Temple and the popular Malvani cuisine

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