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Food, Latest News

Third Wave Coffee forays into East India, opens three new cafes in Kolkata

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Aims to add 5–6 more cafes in the city in FY 26-27, and enter new markets in the eastern region Kolkata’s newest adda has arrived. Third Wave Coffee, India’s beloved coffee-first QSR brand, has forayed into East India with the launch of three new cafés in Kolkata—two in Ballygunge and one in Salt Lake. Launching three cafés simultaneously marks one of the brand’s largest city-entry milestones and signals its long-term commitment to the Kolkata market. The company aims to add another 5-6 cafés in Kolkata within the current financial year, further strengthening its presence and accessibility across the city. With 220+ cafés across the country, Third Wave Coffee’s entry into Kolkata is a reflection of the growing demand for specialty coffee and premium café experiences across East India. As one of the region’s largest metropolitan centres and a city known for its rich heritage and vibrant café culture, Kolkata serves as a strategic gateway for the brand’s broader expansion plans in the region. The three cafés are designed as community-led spaces that integrate great coffee and meaningful conversations, while celebrating Kolkata’s cherished culture of adda. Patrons can enjoy signature brews, specialty single-origin coffees, artisanal bakes, quick bites, and curated food offerings. The Kolkata cafés will also feature exclusive menu additions, including breakfast favourites such as Turkish Eggs, Shakshuka, sourdough-based bites, and hearty lasagnas, complemented by a seamless, tech-enabled experience through the Third Wave Coffee app. Recognising Kolkata’s enduring love for desserts and sweet indulgences, Third Wave Coffee is also bringing the recently launched ‘Third Rush’, a dessert-forward concept crafted for late-evening indulgent cravings. Featuring the nostalgia-inducing Jim Jam Tres Leches along with layered cakes, stacks, tarts, pies, mousses, and cheesecakes, Third Rush brings a contemporary dessert experience to the city, complementing the brand’s specialty coffee offerings. Speaking on the launch, Rajat Luthra, CEO, Third Wave Coffee, said, “Kolkata is one of the most important markets in East India and we are excited to begin our journey in the region with a city that has such a strong affinity for culture, community, and café experiences. Our East India expansion is pivotal to  building our national footprint, and we see Kolkata evolving into one of our key markets over the coming years. We are committed to investing in the region and alongside deepening our presence in Kolkata, we are also evaluating opportunities in other cities such as Guwahati, Ranchi, Patna, and Bhubaneswar as we deepen our market presence in the region.” In FY26, Third Wave Coffee expanded into Ahmedabad, Agra, and strategic transit hubs such as the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, while also deepening its presence across Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Mysuru. Building on this momentum, the brand plans to open 100 additional cafés by FY27, taking its national store count to 320. Backed by its Food Innovation Lab and state-of-the-art roastery, Third Wave Coffee remains focused on product innovation, operational excellence, and creating community-led café experiences that continue to shape India’s evolving specialty coffee culture.

Hotels, Latest News

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs Holiday Inn Mandi, strengthening presence in Himachal Pradesh

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The 100-key hotel will cater to growing business, leisure and transit demand along the Chandigarh–Manali corridor IHG®️ Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a management agreement with Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited for the development of Holiday Inn Mandi. The 100-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s presence in the state and support its continued expansion across high-potential commercial and transit destinations in North India. As one of IHG’s most recognised brands globally, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts®️ is built around delivering warm, welcoming stays that help guests make the most of their journey. The brand continues to resonate strongly with both travellers and owners, supported by its trusted service proposition and global scale. In India, Holiday Inn is seeing strong momentum, with 17 open hotels and 34 in the pipeline, reflecting its relevance across business, leisure and emerging destination markets. Strategically located in Mandi on the Chandigarh–Manali corridor, Holiday Inn Mandi benefits from strong connectivity between the National Capital Region and key leisure destinations in Himachal Pradesh. The hotel is well positioned to serve a mix of business, leisure and transit travellers, supported by the city’s role as an administrative and commercial hub and improving regional connectivity. The hotel will feature 100 well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by three F&B options, and versatile event spaces including a ballroom. Commenting on the signing, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We continue to see strong opportunities to expand our presence across emerging destinations in India, supported by improving infrastructure and growing travel demand. The signing of Holiday Inn Mandi marks an important step in strengthening our footprint in Himachal Pradesh, as we bring globally recognised brands to high-potential commercial and transit markets.” Mr. Amit Bajaj, Director, Mac View Infrabiz Private Limited added: “We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to introduce the globally recognised Holiday Inn brand to Mandi. The city’s growing importance as a commercial, administrative, and transit hub presents a strong opportunity for quality branded hospitality. With IHG’s global expertise and trusted brands, we are confident that Holiday Inn Mandi will deliver consistent, high-quality experiences and emerge as a preferred choice for travellers visiting the region.” IHG®️ currently has 52 hotels operating across seven brands in India, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®️, Vignette Collection, Crowne Plaza®️, voco™️ Hotels, Holiday Inn Resort®️ and Holiday Inn Express®️, and a strong pipeline of 98 hotels due to open in the next 3–5 years.

Travel, Latest News

Baden-Württemberg Launches Dedicated Tourism Initiatives in India, Inviting Travellers to Discover the Diversity of Southwest Germany

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Partners with AVIAREPS India to drive trade and PR activities across the market  Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s dynamic state in the southwest, has launched dedicated tourism initiatives in India as part of its efforts to engage one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Through a series of targeted trade and public relations activities in partnership with AVIAREPS India, the destination aims to build awareness among Indian travellers and the travel trade, while showcasing its rich diversity of experiences spanning culture, nature, wellness, gastronomy, shopping, innovation and luxury. Positioning itself as a premium destination for culturally curious and high-net-worth travellers, Baden-Württemberg offers a unique blend of world-renowned attractions, picturesque landscapes and authentic experiences. From fairytale castles and historic cities to automotive excellence, Michelin-starred dining and wellness escapes, the destination invites Indian travellers to discover a more vibrant side of Germany. India has been identified as a strategic growth market for Baden-Württemberg. In 2025, the destination welcomed 42,615 Indian visitors, generating 163,900 overnight stays. With over 5.47 million international guest arrivals recorded last year, Baden-Württemberg continues to strengthen its position as one of Germany’s leading tourism destinations, while India emerges as a market with significant long-term potential. Commenting on Baden-Württemberg’s growing focus on India, Christine Schönhuber, Managing Director, Tourism Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg, said: “With its growing middle class and strong desire to travel, India is a market with enormous potential for Baden-Württemberg, and one in which we will be stepping up our efforts in the future. I’ve already had the opportunity this year to learn firsthand about the interests of Indian travelers and was impressed by their enthusiasm for our destinations and offerings. Baden-Württemberg stands out for vacation travel with its world-famous natural landscapes and cultural heritage, but it is also a major MICE destination.” Adding to this,  Ellona Pereira, General Manager, AVIAREPS India, said: “Indian travellers today are looking beyond traditional European itineraries and are increasingly seeking destinations that offer authenticity, immersive experiences and a strong sense of place. Baden-Württemberg answers this demand through its unique blend of offerings. From iconic attractions and scenic landscapes to world-class shopping and enriching local experiences, the destination offers something for every kind of traveller. This partnership with Baden-Württemberg marks an exciting new chapter for AVIAREPS as we work to place this diverse and experience-rich region of Germany firmly on the Indian traveller’s map.” As part of its India outreach, Baden-Württemberg will spotlight the extraordinary variety of experiences that define the destination. In 2026, Baden-Württemberg invites travellers to discover the state through its annual theme, “Desirable Destinations – Where Baden-Württemberg Captures the Heart.” Celebrating places that inspire connection, emotion and unforgettable memories, the campaign highlights the many landscapes, cities and experiences that allow every traveller to discover their own special place within Baden-Württemberg. Reflecting this theme, Baden-Württemberg offers an extraordinary diversity of experiences for every traveller. From the historic cities of Heidelberg, Freiburg, Stuttgart, Karlsruhe and Tübingen, and iconic landmarks such as Heidelberg Castle, Hohenzollern Castle and Ludwigsburg Residential Palace, to the automotive heritage of the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum, the destination seamlessly blends culture, innovation and history. Nature and wellness seekers can explore the legendary Black Forest, Germany’s highest waterfalls in Triberg, the spa town of Baden-Baden, the lakes of Titisee and Schluchsee, and the scenic beauty of Lake Constance, home to the famous flower island of Mainau and UNESCO-recognised heritage attractions. Visitors can also discover the region’s rich traditions through authentic Black Forest cuckoo clocks, a celebrated symbol of local craftsmanship. The destination is equally renowned for its culinary excellence, boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Germany, with 73 Michelin stars, alongside celebrated wine regions and authentic regional specialities. Families and leisure travellers can further enjoy Europa-Park, Germany’s largest theme park, adding another dimension to Baden-Württemberg’s diverse visitor offering. As part of its India market initiatives, Baden-Württemberg will also spotlight key tourism partners that contribute to the destination’s diverse visitor offering. Baden-Baden – Europe’s Capital of the Art of Living Baden-Baden unites everything that makes life truly good: 2,000 years of spa tradition, world-class culture and events, the beauty of the Black Forest, gastronomy at its finest, and elegant grand hotels. Here, the good-good life is not just promised. It is lived.

Resorts, Latest News

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa Appoints Amarkrishna. S as Food & Beverage Manager

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JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa is pleased to announce the appointment of Amarkrishna. S as its new Food & Beverage Manager. Bringing over seven years of experience across luxury hospitality brands, Amarkrishna joins the resort with a strong track record in restaurant operations, guest experience, beverage programs, and revenue optimization. In his new role, Amarkrishna will oversee the resort’s diverse food and beverage operations, driving service excellence, innovative dining experiences, and strategic growth initiatives across the property’s restaurants, bars, and banquet offerings. His expertise in luxury dining, team development, and beverage curation is expected to further elevate the resort’s culinary positioning and guest satisfaction. Prior to joining JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, Amarkrishna served as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager at The Leela Palace Bengaluru. He has also held leadership positions with renowned hospitality brands including ITC Maurya, where he served as Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and Brand Service Custodian for Avartana, one of Asia’s most celebrated fine-dining concepts, as well as ITC Ratnadipa and ITC Grand Chola. During his tenure with ITC Hotels, he played a pivotal role in restaurant pre-openings, operational excellence initiatives, and revenue generation strategies. He is also a passionate beverage professional; he is a CMS Introductory Level Certified Sommelier and a Certified Whisky Ambassador. He has also participated in the prestigious Euro Wine Tour in France, further strengthening his expertise in wines and global beverage culture. Commenting on the appointment, Ronan Fearon, General Manager, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa, said, “We are delighted to welcome Amarkrishna to the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa family. His extensive experience across leading luxury hospitality brands, coupled with his passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences and developing high-performing teams, makes him a valuable addition to our leadership team. We are confident that his expertise will further strengthen our food and beverage offerings and contribute significantly to enhancing the overall guest experience at the resort.” With his passion for hospitality, extensive operational expertise, and strong leadership capabilities, Amarkrishna is poised to contribute significantly to the continued success of JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa.

Events, Latest News

Smart Summer Escapes: Agoda Reveals the Most Affordable Summer Flight Routes for Indian Travelers

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As the summer holiday season approaches, digital travel platform Agoda has identified the most affordable flight routes for Indian travelers across Asia. For travelers making their vacation plans, Agoda’s latest data offers insights into the routes and destinations that offer the best value to maximize budgets without compromising experience. Based on one-way bookings made between March to May for departures between June to August 2026, Bangalore–Goa (booked at 2100 INR) has emerged as the cheapest domestic route and New Delhi–Dhaka (booked at 5000 INR) has ranked as the most affordable international route for Indian travelers based on average flight fares. Summer presents an ideal opportunity for travel, with school breaks and warm weather encouraging families and adventurers to unwind, reconnect with loved ones, or seek out fresh experiences. Whether exploring exciting new destinations or revisiting a familiar holiday spot, finding the best deals remains crucial to maximizing the holiday experience. Agoda’s findings offer travelers the opportunity to discover the best budget-friendly summer getaways for both domestic and international travel, ensuring memorable experiences without straining the budget. For those seeking a cost-conscious summer vacation close to home, South Korea’s Busan-Jeju route emerged as the most affordable, booked at 765 INR. Jeju Island, known for its stunning natural landscapes and unique cultural experiences, remains a popular choice for travelers. Other economical summer domestic flight routes include Kuala Lumpur-Penang (957 INR), Phuket-Hat Yai (957 INR), Bangalore-Goa (2105 INR), Ho Chi Minh City-Tuy Hòa (Phú Yên) (2296 INR), Fukuoka-Tokyo (2392 INR), Jakarta-Bandar Lampung (2966 INR), and Taichung-Penghu (4019 INR). For international travel, short-haul flights are the go-to choice for travelers looking to stretch their wallets this summer. The Tokyo-Taipei route, booked at 574 INR, offers an enticing gateway to Taipei’s vibrant city life and culinary delights. Other cost-effective international routes include Pekanbaru-Kuala Lumpur (1531 INR), Kuala Lumpur-Singapore (1627 INR), Phuket-Singapore (2201 INR), Taipei-Osaka (3157 INR), Busan-Fukuoka (3253 INR), Ho Chi Minh City-Kuala Lumpur (3253 INR), and New Delhi-Dhaka (5071 INR). Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said: “Indian travelers have always been value-conscious, balancing their desire to explore with a keen eye on value. Agoda’s data shows that there are still plenty of attractive airfare options available across both domestic and international routes this summer. To maximize savings, travelers can take advantage of Agoda’s promotional offers, stack eligible coupons, and explore bundled flight-and-hotel bookings for additional value. With the right planning and the right deals, Indian travelers can enjoy memorable vacations without stretching their budgets.” With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda ensures travelers can seamlessly combine their bookings in one convenient platform for a memorable summer holiday. Running from 5 to 21 June, travelers to India can enjoy up to 60% off on accommodation bookings with Agoda’s What a Sale offer. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect summer getaway.

Food, Latest News

Conscious Indulgence: Fairmont Jaipur Introduces Green Kitchen

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Fairmont Jaipur marked the introduction of  Green Kitchen, its dedicated pure-vegetarian culinary initiative, with an exclusive seated dinner at the hotel’s signature rooftop venue. The intimate evening brought together tastemakers, industry leaders and distinguished guests all under one roof. The guests were presented with a refined approach to vegetarian dining rooted in authenticity, cultural sensitivity and culinary excellence. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli hills, the gathering offered guests an opportunity to experience hotel’s evolving culinary philosophy through a refined and immersive dining journey. A thoughtfully curated menu brought the philosophy of Green Kitchen to life, celebrating authenticity, balance and refined vegetarian cuisine through every course. Green Kitchen- conceptualised with deep cultural sensitivity and culinary precision reflects Fairmont Jaipur’s commitment to serving discerning vegetarian guests with the highest standards of care and respect. The initiative features a completely exclusive kitchen environment dedicated solely to vegetarian cuisine, ensuring there is no cross-utilisation of ingredients, utensils or cooking spaces. The approach has been designed to honour the dietary preferences and cultural considerations that are significant during celebratory occasions, including weddings and family gatherings. Chef Anal Uniyal, Director of Culinary, Fairmont Jaipur, added: “Green Kitchen has been designed to celebrate vegetarian cuisine with authenticity, creativity and care. Every dish on the menu reflects our focus on purity, flavour and exceptional culinary craftsmanship.” The evening also highlighted an important evolution in culinary practices. As part of its continued focus on mindful hospitality, the hotel has eliminated refined oils across its kitchens. Following a comprehensive review of cooking methods and menu offerings, clarified butter (desi ghee) and mustard oil are now used for Indian cuisine, while olive oil and cold-pressed canola oil are used for Western and global preparations. This transition reflects a conscious move towards more wholesome and nutrient-rich cooking practices. Rajat Sethi, Cluster General Manager, Fairmont and Raffles Jaipur, said:  “The introduction of Green Kitchen reflects our commitment to thoughtful hospitality and evolving guest preferences. Together with our refined oil-free culinary philosophy, it represents a meaningful step towards conscious luxury dining.” Guests enjoyed an elegant, slow dining experience with meaningful conversations, culinary exploration and a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind Green Kitchen and Refined Oil free approach. Fairmont Jaipur continues to strengthen its position as a destination for elevated culinary experiences. The initiative brings tradition, wellness and luxury together to create memorable guest experiences.

Aviation, Latest News

AIR NEW ZEALAND AND SINGAPORE AIRLINES EXPAND JOINT NETWORK WITH INCREASED CAPACITY AND CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND SINGAPORE

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Air New Zealand (NZ) and Singapore Airlines (SIA) will significantly expand their joint network between New Zealand and Singapore for the Northern Winter 2026 season (25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027), increasing overall capacity into Auckland and introducing new non-stop flights into Christchurch on Air New Zealand to complement SIA’s existing services. The expanded services reflect the airlines’ firm commitment to meet the growing demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets across Asia and Europe. Customers will benefit from more seamless connectivity, greater flexibility, and premium travel options across the joint network. Air New Zealand will launch three weekly services between Singapore and Christchurch during the 2026 Northern Winter season, with its Boeing 787 aircraft. Combined with SIA’s existing Christchurch operations of up to 12 weekly services, the two airlines will operate 15 weekly services during the peak months from November 2026 to February 2027. Air New Zealand will also add four weekly Auckland services utilising both its Boeing 777 and 787 aircraft. SIA will adjust its schedule from three daily flights to two, and will deploy the Airbus A380 on daily services SQ285 and SQ286 during the 2026 Northern Winter season, instead of the Boeing 777-300ER. SIA’s A380, which has 471 seats in four cabin classes – six in Suites, 78 in Business Class, 44 in Premium Economy Class, and 343 in Economy Class – will provide customers with enhanced travel comfort. It will also support the demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as key markets beyond Singapore in the SIA network. Customers will continue to benefit from the increased overall seat capacity and a broad range of travel options across the joint Air New Zealand-SIA network. With these adjustments, the Air New Zealand-SIA alliance will increase overall seat capacity between Singapore and New Zealand by 17% from late October 2026, adding 72,000 seats and bringing the total seat count to more than 490,000 seats during the 2026 Northern Winter season. Air New Zealand Chief Operations and Alliances Officer Mr Michael Williams says that the expansion reflects the strength of its partnership with Singapore Airlines. “Our partnership with Singapore Airlines plays a critical role in connecting the world to New Zealand and vice versa. This Northern Winter expansion gives our customers even more travel options, whether they are visiting New Zealand for business, leisure, or to reconnect with friends and family. “Through Singapore’s position as a leading global hub, between the two airlines, travellers can access New Zealand from across South East Asia, India, the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond. The introduction of Air New Zealand’s Christchurch services is especially exciting because it creates more options for visitors to access some of New Zealand’s most popular destinations in the South Island, while remaining fully connected into Singapore Airlines’ extensive global network,” says Mr Williams. Mr Dai Haoyu, Senior Vice President Marketing Planning, Singapore Airlines, said “Our long-standing partnership with Air New Zealand serves the strong demand for travel between New Zealand and Singapore, as well as onward to key destinations across our global network. The deployment of the Airbus A380, with its greater seat capacity and enhanced travel experience, to Auckland, reflects our commitment to this important market. This complements the additional capacity that Air New Zealand is adding to bolster our joint network.” Flights are available for booking now, with the expanded Air New Zealand-SIA Northern Winter schedule operating from the end of October 2026, subject to regulatory approval. Further details can be found in Annexe A.

Food, Latest News

Experience the Regal Flavours of Awadh at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

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Step into a world of royal indulgence at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, as we present the Lucknow Food Festival from 5th June to 14th June, a specially curated celebration of the rich and refined culinary legacy of Awadhi cuisine. Crafted to bring the authentic essence of Lucknow to the table, this exclusive dinner festival showcases the elegance of royal hospitality, timeless recipes, and traditional cooking techniques that define the cuisine of Awadh. Set against a themed ambiance with live music, the experience promises an unforgettable journey through one of India’s most cherished gastronomic traditions. Indulge in a specially curated spread of signature delicacies featuring Gosht Galouti Kebab, Murgh Gilafi Seekh,Lucknowi Machli Ka Salan, and Nimona, thoughtfully prepared to reflect the depth, richness, and aromatic sophistication of Lucknowi cuisine. This special festival will be led by Samad Khan, Tandoor Specialist, whose professional experience includes roles across reputed hospitality brands such as Radisson Prayagraj, Four Points by Sheraton Kochi, Golden Orchid, and other tandoor-focused kitchens, bringing with him strong expertise in traditional preparation and regional flavours. From heritage food lovers to guests seeking an elevated regional dining experience, the Lucknow Food Festival offers a memorable celebration of flavour, culture, and craftsmanship in a refined setting. Event Details: Venue: Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre Date: 5th June – 14th June Dinner Buffet: Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Price: Rs. 2799++

Latest News, Tourism

Home Ground: How Meghalaya Is Turning Local Families into the Future of Tourism

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When travellers visit a new place, they don’t always look for scenic spots. They look for genuine human connections. For years, Meghalaya has offered that warmth, rooted in its rich culture and deep hospitality. Today, that warmth is driving economic growth. The numbers tell this story clearly. Shillong recently topped Skyscanner’s 2025 Report as the most-searched travel destination in India. It is drawing more visitors than ever under its new tourism identity, Symphony in the Mist. Tourist arrivals have surged from roughly 12 lakhs in 2018 to over 16 lakhs today, and the State has set an ambitious target of 21 lakhs by 2028. In April 2026, NITI Aayog’s Divya Bharat: A Window to the Soul of India report added further weight to this momentum. It identified Meghalaya as one of India’s few year-round travel destinations with no clear off-season. It highlighted the State’s living root bridges, extensive cave systems, and indigenous cultural traditions. The message was clear: Meghalaya is no longer a seasonal stop. It is a destination for all seasons. But recognition alone does not fill a room. As visitor numbers climbed, a serious challenge emerged. Demand was outpacing supply. Many high-potential destinations lacked adequate lodging, and tourist spending went unrealised. The government saw that building massive hotels was not the only answer. Instead, it chose to empower the families who call these hills home. This thinking made the homestay model the cornerstone of Meghalaya’s tourism strategy. The government took the first step in September 2023 by launching the Meghalaya Tourism Homestay Scheme in convergence with the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP). The scheme gives financial assistance of up to 70% for projects costing up to ₹10 lakhs. This includes a 35% subsidy under PMEGP and an equal 35% from the State’s Tourism Department, making it accessible to first-time entrepreneurs and rural households. The response was swift. The scheme sanctioned 900 applications. On the ground, more than 490 homestays became operational, creating 1,000 rooms and around 1,500 livelihood opportunities. With this proof of success, the government moved to scale. It launched the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Homestay Mission in September 2025, building on the earlier scheme with greater ambition. The Mission targets 3,000 new homestays and 15,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2028. The support structure improved as well. New homestays can receive a subsidy of up to 70%, capped at ₹7 lakhs. Existing homestays can claim an upgradation incentive of up to ₹2 lakhs to improve quality and visitor experience. Early momentum has been strong, with 80 applications already approved across 10 districts, showing participation from every part of the State. These are not just statistics. For people like Daminot Kharshandi from Ri Bhoi district, a first-generation entrepreneur and scheme beneficiary, this support changed everything. “The Homestay Scheme gave me the financial confidence to launch my business, which I have successfully expanded,” he added. “The State’s Meghalaya Tourism branding policy has also brought more footfalls and revenue.” His story is becoming a familiar one across the region. It shows that the right support, reaching the right people, multiplies. One such story belongs to Donny Esmond Rapsang. His Friendship Homestay at Umden Umsaitprah, Umroi is a story of resilience and community empowerment. Rapsang once moved between multiple small jobs and businesses to support his family. The Government of Meghalaya’s Homestay Scheme opened a new door. With financial assistance of over ₹9 lakh, he began construction in 2023, completed the homestay in 2024, and opened it to the public in 2025. Today, the homestay supports his household and has created opportunities for local youth involved in its construction and operations. His journey, like Daminot’s, shows how tourism-based initiatives can strengthen livelihoods, promote self-employment, and empower rural communities. This wide participation reflects what Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Conrad K. Sangma has consistently emphasised. These initiatives are not isolated interventions. They build an ecosystem where homestay owners, local transport providers, food vendors, and tourist guides all grow together. The State treats smaller homestays as just as vital as large infrastructure, spreading the economic benefits of tourism to the grassroots rather than concentrating them at the top. Nowhere is this philosophy more visible than in the State’s plans for the upcoming 39th National Games, 2027. Meghalaya intends to house visitors in homestays rather than traditional Games Villages, placing local families at the centre of a national stage. As that moment approaches, the homestay revolution tells a bigger story about how Meghalaya is choosing to grow. By giving ordinary people, the tools to succeed, the Government of Meghalaya is doing more than expanding accommodation. It is building something more enduring, a tourism economy where benefits flow directly to the families who have always been its greatest hosts.

Latest News

Adani Airports and Bastian Hospitality Launch Maison Twenty-Seven at Ahmedabad Airport

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Adani Airports Holdings Limited (AAHL) has launched Maison Twenty-Seven, adjoining the arrivals area of Terminal 2 (T2) at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) in Ahmedabad, in partnership with Bastian Hospitality. Spread across 52,000 square feet, the integrated destination brings together luxury dining, wellness, fitness, recovery, entertainment and curated lifestyle experiences under one roof. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has launched Maison Twenty-Seven in partnership with Bastian Hospitality, adjoining the arrivals area of Terminal 2 (T2) at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA). The launch marks another strategic step in AAHL’s vision of transforming airports into integrated lifestyle, hospitality and urban ecosystems that extend beyond conventional transit infrastructure. The launch also follows AAHL’s recent partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts to develop and operate five airport-linked hotels across key Indian cities, further strengthening its vision of building integrated airport ecosystems. For Bastian Hospitality, it marks the group’s boldest expansion yet as it completes a decade of shaping some of India’s most celebrated dining and lifestyle experiences.  Located adjoining Terminal 2 of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and within proximity to GIFT City, Maison Twenty-Seven is envisioned as a first-of-its-kind integrated hospitality, wellness and entertainment destination designed for the future of modern Indian living and travel.  Strategically located within one of India’s fastest-growing aviation and business corridors, Maison Twenty-Seven aligns with the broader transformation of Ahmedabad into a major transit, commerce and lifestyle destination. The project also complements AAHL’s rapidly expanding airport ecosystem and the emergence of GIFT City in adjoining Gandhinagar as a global financial and business hub. The destination also aims to integrate Gujarat’s rich craft and cultural traditions into its larger experience philosophy by creating opportunities for regional artists and artisans to showcase their work within the property. AAHL’s Pranaam service will allow passengers to enjoy the Maison Twenty-Seven without anxiety about boarding the flight. Pranaam service is a guest services platform of AAHL — India’s largest private airport operator — focused on enhancing premium travel, lounge and passenger experiences across its airport network. Spread across 52,000 square feet, Maison Twenty-Seven has been conceptualised as India’s first airport-integrated hospitality and wellness destination, combining dining, wellness, recovery, entertainment and community-led experiences within a single ecosystem. Located directly adjacent to the T2 arrivals area, the destination has been designed for travellers, business professionals, families and residents of Ahmedabad, reflecting the growing shift towards experience-led travel and urban lifestyles. At a time when Gujarat is rapidly emerging as one of India’s most important economic and infrastructure growth corridors, Maison Twenty-Seven has been envisioned to complement the larger growth story surrounding Ahmedabad, GIFT City and the evolving airport ecosystem. More than a venue, the destination has been designed as a landmark hospitality ecosystem – a space that signals the future of experiential travel and lifestyle infrastructure in India.  Housed within a reimagined architectural structure, the destination unfolds through layered experiential environments defined by soaring volumes, sculptural lighting, abundant natural light and lush greenery. Guests enter through intimate low-height spaces that gradually reveal expansive open environments anchored by a striking central tree installation, immersive dining pockets and thoughtfully designed social zones that encourage both pause and interaction.  The culinary philosophy at Maison Twenty-Seven remains deeply rooted in the iconic Bastian DNA while evolving to reflect the needs of a modern transit and wellness-led audience. The destination’s food and beverage program has been designed to seamlessly move across transit meals, business meetings, family dining, late-night indulgence, wellness-focused nutrition and casual coffee moments.  Wellness sits at the heart of the Maison Twenty-Seven experience. The property houses a dedicated wellness center featuring cryotherapy, hot and cold plunge pools, steam and sauna rooms, dry flotation therapies, yoga and sound healing studios, salon experiences and indoor and outdoor fitness spaces positioning the destination as a modern urban retreat focused on restoration, recovery and mindful living.  Maison Twenty-Seven will operate through a reservations and access-led model alongside curated day-pass experiences, enabling guests to engage with its hospitality, wellness and lifestyle offerings in flexible formats. Designed to encourage repeat engagement and community-driven usage, the model reflects a growing consumer shift toward flexible, experience-first living and social ecosystems Further elevating its family-forward philosophy are immersive lifestyle zones including a games arcade, co-working lounge, curated entertainment experiences, expansive indoor-outdoor dining spaces and dedicated areas designed for children and families creating a destination that caters to multiple generations and occasions through the day. The brand aims to keep the vibrant and expansive craft culture of Gujarat integral to its philosophy, by giving regional artists and crafts folk the opportunity to showcase at Maison Twenty-Seven. Special focus has also been placed on Bastian Bakery and the Temptation Room envisioned as everyday celebration-led formats for the city, designed to become synonymous with local occasions, gifting and indulgent experiences.  Speaking on the launch, Mr Ranjit Bindra, Founder, Bastian Hospitality, said: “Maison Twenty-Seven represents an important evolution for Bastian Hospitality as we complete ten years of creating experiential dining and lifestyle destinations in India. We wanted to build a space that responds to how modern consumers increasingly travel, work, recover and connect. Ahmedabad, with the rapid growth around SVPIA and GIFT City, offered the perfect environment for a concept that brings together hospitality, wellness and community in a globally relevant format.” Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL, said: “At Adani airports, we are reimagining airports as dynamic lifestyle and social ecosystems that extend far beyond travel. Maison Twenty-Seven reflects our commitment to creating experiences that are immersive, future-ready and rooted in evolving consumer aspirations. From hospitality and wellness to dining and community spaces, every aspect of the destination has been shaped through a deeply hands-on approach to how modern travellers and urban consumers want to engage, pause and connect. As Ahmedabad and GIFT City continue to emerge as globally significant growth hubs, we believe destinations like Maison Twenty-Seven will redefine the role airports play in shaping urban experiences.” Actor, entrepreneur, wellness advocate and co-founder of Bastian Hospitality Shilpa Shetty said: “Wellness today is no longer limited to fitness. It shapes how people travel, recharge, spend time with family and build meaningful everyday experiences. What makes Maison Twenty-Seven special is the way it brings together recovery, hospitality,

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.

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