Hospitality

Blog, Hospitality, Latest News

Luxury Coffee Brand Nespresso Debuts in Gurugram with Its First Store at Ambience Mall

Nespresso, the renowned premium coffee brand by Nestlé, has opened its first store in Gurugram at Ambience Mall, marking a strategic expansion of its presence in India’s premium retail segment. The store, spread across approximately 2000 sq ft, introduces the brand’s signature high-quality portioned coffee and barista-style machines to the city.   Known for delivering a luxury, café-like experience both at home and in-store, Nespresso has built its global identity around precision brewing, curated coffee blends, and a strong focus on sustainable sourcing practices. The Gurugram launch brings this integrated coffee experience to a market that is increasingly gravitating towards refined, experience-led consumption.   Arjun Gehlot, Director, Ambience Group, said, “The opening of Nespresso at Ambience Mall is indicative of how consumption patterns in urban India are steadily evolving towards more refined and experience-driven choices. Coffee today has become an expression of lifestyle and personal taste. Nespresso’s globally established format, combining high-quality coffee, advanced brewing systems, and a strong sustainability ethos, resonates well with this shift. At Ambience, our approach is to curate brands that bring depth and differentiation to the retail experience. This launch not only strengthens our premium portfolio but also enhances the overall consumer journey within the mall.”   The store is designed as an immersive retail format, enabling consumers to engage with Nespresso’s range of coffees and machines while discovering personalised coffee rituals. With this launch, Nespresso joins a growing cohort of established café and coffee-led brands such as Paul and Ladurée, further strengthening the mall’s premium F&B mix. The entry also reflects the growing traction of premium coffee culture in urban India, where consumers are seeking quality, convenience, and consistency in everyday indulgences.   With this addition, Ambience Mall continues to expand its portfolio of global brands, reinforcing its positioning as a destination for premium and experiential retail in Gurugram.

Hotels, Hospitality, Latest News, Resorts

Holiday Inn Express Announces the Appointment of New General Managers in Bengaluru and Greater Noida

New Delhi,31st March 2026: Holiday Inn Express, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, is pleased to announce the appointments of Chakradhar Chadaram as General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Yeshwanthpur and Sumit Sehgal as General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida. Chakradhar Chadaram brings over 17 years of extensive experience across leading international hospitality brands. Most recently serving as Director of Services at Radisson Blu Resort, Visakhapatnam, he also officiated as General Manager, demonstrating strong hands-on leadership across day-to-day operations, financial performance, and brand compliance. Throughout his career, Chakradhar has overseen comprehensive Rooms Division functions including Front Office, Housekeeping, Guest Services, Revenue Management, Engineering, and Spa & Recreation. Known for driving operational efficiency, maintaining high brand audit scores, and delivering consistent guest satisfaction, he has successfully balanced owner expectations with brand standards in competitive markets. His earlier tenure with brands such as The Leela, The Zuri, Crowne Plaza and InterContinental further strengthens his operational depth. Notably, this appointment also marks his return to the IHG family. Commenting on his appointment, Chakradhar Chadaram said, “I am honoured to rejoin IHG and take on the role of General Manager at Holiday Inn Express Yeshwanthpur. The brand’s focus on delivering smart, seamless stays for today’s travellers strongly resonates with my own operational philosophy. I look forward to working with the team to enhance service standards and drive sustained performance.” Sumit Sehgal joins Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida with over 17 years of diverse experience spanning hospitality operations, sales & marketing, and business leadership. Most recently serving as Business Head at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, he led overall operations, business development, and financial performance, successfully driving revenue growth and operational optimisation. Prior to this, Sumit held key leadership roles with prominent hospitality brands including Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida and Radisson Hotel Sector 29, Gurugram. With strong expertise in revenue management, strategic sales planning, budgeting, forecasting, and guest service excellence, he has consistently delivered strong market performance indicators, improved guest satisfaction scores, and strengthened corporate partnerships. His ability to combine commercial acumen with operational oversight positions him well to lead the Greater Noida property in a dynamic business environment. Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sumit Sehgal said, “I am delighted to join Holiday Inn Express Greater Noida at an exciting phase of growth. The brand’s commitment to efficiency, comfort, and reliability aligns perfectly with the needs of business and transit travellers in the region. I look forward to building high-performing teams and further strengthening the hotel’s market position.” With these appointments, Holiday Inn Express aims to further enhance guest experience, operational discipline, and commercial performance across both properties. Yeshwanthpur and Greater Noida continue to serve as important hubs within their respective markets, catering to business, industrial, and transit travellers.

Blog, Hospitality, Travel

Europe’s Iconic Experiences, Thoughtfully Curated: SOTC Travel on Experiential European Holidays

Inputs attributed to SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel Europe’s allure continues to grow among Indian travellers — but the way people explore it has shifted. Gone are the days of ticking off just landmarks. Today’s travellers want stories and moments: sunrise over glacial fjords, wine sipped with sunset views, historic quarters explored at twilight, and experiences that stay with you long after the trip ends. According to recent releases and package highlights from SOTC Travel, their European journeys are shaped around immersive experiences, curated comfort, and a rich blend of culture, nature and local living. Norway, Finland & Iceland – Midnight Sun & Arctic Landscapes The Arctic summer phenomenon of the Midnight Sun is inspiring aspirational travel to Lapland across Norway and Finland, along with Iceland’s dramatic terrain. Extended daylight hours allow travellers to experience fjords, glaciers and geothermal landscapes in a truly immersive way. From scenic coastal drives to fjord cruises and nature-led explorations, the region offers a striking blend of raw beauty and curated comfort, making it a standout summer highlight.   Greece – Ancient Wonders & Santorini Sunsets Greece continues to attract strong demand for its combination of classical heritage and island elegance. Visits to the Acropolis of Athens, Delphi and Olympia anchor cultural itineraries, while the iconic sunset views in Oia, Santorini provide one of Europe’s most romantic and photographed experiences. The seamless pairing of history and Mediterranean leisure resonates deeply with Indian travellers seeking both exploration and relaxation. Switzerland – Swiss Alps & Scenic Rail Journeys Switzerland remains a cornerstone of European travel, driven by the majestic Swiss Alps and its world-renowned panoramic train journeys. Scenic rail routes wind through alpine passes, pristine lakes and charming mountain towns, offering uninterrupted views alongside comfort and efficiency. These journeys transform travel time into an experience in itself, reinforcing Switzerland’s timeless appeal.   Scotland – Highlands & Loch Ness Nature-driven itineraries in Scotland showcase the rugged beauty of the Highlands alongside serene experiences such as a cruise on Loch Ness. Dramatic terrain, historic castles and rich folklore create a compelling narrative for travellers looking to add depth and storytelling to multi-country European journeys.   France – Paris by Night & Culinary Indulgence France captivates with its blend of culture, cuisine and romance. Evening experiences such as “Paris by Night,” featuring the illuminated Eiffel Tower and Seine river cruises, offer travellers a refined perspective of the capital. Complemented by curated culinary moments and vineyard explorations, France delivers an elegant balance of heritage and lifestyle. Italy – Amalfi Coast & Cultural Icons Italy’s enduring charm lies in its seamless fusion of art, history and coastal splendour. The Amalfi Coast remains a major draw, with scenic drives, pastel cliffside villages and azure waters creating an idyllic Mediterranean setting. Italian itineraries often balance iconic cities like Rome and Florence with leisurely coastal experiences, offering both cultural richness and relaxation. Portugal – Porto & Algarve Portugal is emerging as a favourite among discerning travellers. Porto’s famed port wine tastings provide a distinctive cultural touchpoint, while the Algarve’s dramatic coastline and golden beaches offer leisurely coastal stays. Together with Lisbon’s historic quarters and vibrant food scene, Portugal blends heritage with laid-back charm. Spain – From Gothic Spires to Flamenco Nights Spain’s architectural marvels — from Barcelona’s Sagrada Família to Granada’s Alhambra — continue to draw culturally inclined travellers. Evenings enriched with flamenco performances in Seville add authenticity and emotional depth, creating journeys that go beyond sightseeing into meaningful cultural immersion. Croatia – Medieval Marvels & Turquoise Waters Croatia’s natural beauty and historic cities offer a striking contrast. The cascading waters of Plitvice Lakes National Park provide serene, nature-led exploration, while walks along Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls reveal sweeping Adriatic views. The destination appeals to travellers seeking both tranquillity and history. Czech Republic – Bohemian Charm & Gothic Grandeur The Czech Republic balances storybook charm with vibrant city life. Český Krumlov enchants with its castle skyline and cobblestone streets, while Prague’s architectural landscape and cultural energy offer a dynamic urban counterpoint. Together, they create a well-rounded and visually captivating experience. With travellers increasingly prioritizing curated experiences, scenic routes and seamless multi-country itineraries, European holidays are evolving into thoughtfully crafted journeys. From Arctic daylight to Mediterranean coastlines and heritage-rich capitals, SOTC Travel continues to design experiences that blend iconic highlights with immersive moments — delivering comfort, cultural depth and lasting memories for today’s discerning traveller.

Hospitality

GLOBAL LIFESTYLE COMPANY KERTEN HOSPITALITY BETS ON INDIA FOR NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH

With a strong international portfolio across the Middle East, Africa and Europe, Kerten Hospitality now plans to bring its lifestyle brands to India The group targets 1,000 keys in phase 1 of India launch with three brands; The House Hotel, a bespoke luxury offering rooted in local culture; Cloud7 Hotels, a design-led lifestyle hotel concept, and HOSME, where affordability meets social hospitality India represents a landmark moment in the group’s global expansion journey giving asset owners a suite of proven, scalable concepts to choose from Kerten Hospitality, the Ireland-headquartered global lifestyle hospitality group, today announced its entry into India — one of the world’s fastest-growing travel and hospitality markets. A cornerstone of the group’s next phase of global expansion, targeting 1,000 keys in the first phase of its India launch, this move introduces Kerten Hospitality’s distinctive blend of bespoke lifestyle and community-focused hospitality to Indian shores for the first time. India represents a strategic growth market for the group aligned with its long-term expansion plan of entering high-growth destinations at a time when lifestyle-led demand starts to pick-up speed. The announcement comes on the back of one of the most successful years in Kerten Hospitality’s journey. The group closed 2025 with a 55% increase in operating revenues, 69% growth in GOP, and a 44% rise in management fees year-on-year, a performance driven by geographic diversification, disciplined expansion, and sustained demand from owners and investors for its differentiated lifestyle hospitality platform. Building on this momentum, the group entered 2026 with the signing of 1,000 new keys in January alone across the Middle East, Africa, and other high-growth markets. With 60 projects now in the pipeline across three continents and 12 proprietary lifestyle brands, the India entry represents the group’s most significant new market move to date. With the Indian hospitality market projected to reach USD 55.67 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 14.76%, the country offers a compelling platform for a brand built on experience-led, locally rooted hospitality. Kerten Hospitality’s community-first philosophy aligns naturally with India’s evolving traveller, one who is young, digitally savvy, and increasingly drawn to immersive, culturally authentic experiences over conventional hotel stays. At the heart of Kerten Hospitality’s offering is a simple but powerful conviction: today’s travellers, whether on business or leisure, seek genuine experiences, not interchangeable hotel rooms that could exist in any city in the world. Its “bespoke-at-scale” model has already delivered strong results across the Middle East, Europe and Africa. In each market, Kerten has demonstrated that local identity and institutional-grade management are not competing priorities but complementary ones. Kerten Hospitality’s owner-first philosophy sets it apart in a crowded market. Rather than imposing rigid brand manuals, the group works with flexible brand guidelines, empowering asset owners to bring their vision to life while benefiting from the group’s global operational expertise, recruitment infrastructure and marketing platform. Indian asset owners can choose from Kerten Hospitality’s suite of proven, scalable concepts of three proprietary brands: The House Hotel, a bespoke luxury offering rooted in local culture; Cloud7 Hotels, a design-led lifestyle hotel concept, and HOSME, where affordability meets social hospitality. To lead this expansion, Kerten Hospitality has established a dedicated India office and is actively working with asset owners across key destinations to bring its portfolio of hotel brands to the country. Commenting on the Group’s focus on the India market, Marloes Knippenberg, CEO, Kerten Hospitality, said, “It’s well known that India is one of the most dynamic travel markets in the world, with robust tourism fundamentals and an increasing appetite for lifestyle-driven hospitality experiences. As travellers increasingly seek destinations that combine culture, design and community, we see significant potential for innovative hospitality concepts that reflect the spirit and diversity of the country. At Kerten Hospitality, our business model is based on developing destinations that go beyond the realm of traditional hospitality, bringing together culture, creativity and meaningful guest experiences. We are already seeing a strong demand from developers and owners and will soon be able to cater to the vast diaspora of Indian consumers with Kerten-managed properties across the country.” Kerten Hospitality has a footprint of sixty lodging projects across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. After establishing a strong presence in the Middle East, Kerten has recently signed hotels across markets including Italy, France, Turkey and Morocco. The group’s portfolio spans hotels, serviced residences and mixed-use lifestyle destinations designed to combine hospitality, culture, wellness, dining and social experiences in ways that reflect the character of each location.

Vibrant Colours is an Indian registered publication catering to the travel, tourism, embassy and hospitality sector. The magazine is published under the global publication group  Prime Communication from New Delhi, India. Launched in 2019, the magazine was conceived with a vision to serve and celebrate the ever-growing travel trade and tourism industry across India and beyond.

Copyright © 2019-2026 Vibrant Colours. All rights reserved.

Scroll to Top