This will be the first Courtyard by Marriott in Andhra Pradesh. Home to the sacred Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, the city welcomes millions of visitors annually. Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, easily accessible via road, a 15-minute drive from the railway station and a 20-minute drive from the Tirupathi Airport, is thoughtfully designed for discerning pilgrims and modern travellers alike, blending timeless styles with contemporary comfort, creating an atmosphere that is both peaceful and inviting.  

“This opening represents an important milestone in our growth strategy in India, as we continue to expand our footprint in high-demand destinations and enter newer markets with strong travel potential”. Kiran Andicot, Senior Vice President – South Asia, Marriott International, commented, “Tirupati is one of the country’s most prominent spiritual destinations, drawing significant year-round footfall, and establishing a presence here is a meaningful achievement for us.

It reflects our ambition to serve a broader spectrum of guests and to bring trusted, high-quality hospitality to destinations where travel demand is both substantial and evolving. Courtyard by Marriott is well positioned to serve a destination like Tirupati, where travelers are looking for comfort, connectivity, and a stay experience that is both seamless and relevant.”

The 130-room hotel features accommodation tailored for every guest.

Speaking on the opening, Samata Danday Chand, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, shared, “We are delighted to introduce Courtyard by Marriott to Tirupati, a city that holds immense cultural and spiritual significance. The hotel is aimed at creating an environment where great things can happen, enabling our guests to focus on their journeys or simply relax. Connecting travellers through comfortable and innovative spaces, intuitive service, and a commitment to personal fulfilment is at the foundation of what we offer at Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati, while also creating a vibrant destination for memorable gatherings.”

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Bhuvnesh Kumar, IAS (UP:95), has been appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. He succeeds Srivatsa Krishna, IAS (KN:94), who has been appointed Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Prior to this role, Kumar served as Chief Executive Officer of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

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This year’s edition features an all-female lineup of Michelin-starred and award-winning chefs from across the globe, reflecting the company’s continued focus on delivering differentiated, experience-led offerings while championing greater diversity in global cuisine and gastronomy.

The Michelin Star Guest Chef Series is a proprietary platform developed by Ventive to drive premium guest engagement, strengthen brand equity, and enhance culinary capabilities across its hospitality portfolio. Through this initiative, the company integrates global culinary expertise into its operations while creating high-value, experience-driven propositions for its guests.

At Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, the series is being delivered through curated formats including exclusive tasting menus, collaborative dining experiences, and interactive engagements. These are designed to deepen guest interaction, increase on-property spend, and reinforce the positioning of Ventive’s assets as destinations for experiential luxury.

The participating chefs represent a cross-section of leading culinary markets across Europe and Asia, bringing diverse perspectives shaped by innovation, technique, and cultural storytelling. The all-female lineup further underscores a progressive shift within the global culinary landscape and aligns with Ventive’s commitment to enabling broader representation within the industry.

Residencies Already Completed:

Chef Caterina Ceraudo kicked off the series in January, bringing her Calabrian-rooted cuisine that reflects the landscapes and traditions of Southern Italy through a contemporary lens. Known for her thoughtful approach to ingredients and refined techniques, her dishes honoured the connection between land, heritage, and modern Italian creativity.

Chef Gabriela Chamorro brought the vibrant spirit of Dubai’s cosmopolitan dining scene to the island last February. Her residency showcased bold flavours and contemporary flair, with standout dishes such as a Buñuelo with tuna tartare, guava jam, and black garlic aioli, balancing sweetness, richness, and bright coastal notes in a single elegant creation.

Upcoming Residencies:

Chef Kelly Rangama, a Michelin-starred chef and winner of Top Chef France, is known for weaving her Creole heritage into refined French cuisine. Her signature Rougail Saucisse elevates the beloved Réunion Island classic of smoky sausage, tomato, and aromatic spices with contemporary finesse.

Chef Emily Roux, of the legendary Roux family, brings elegant and inventive French-inspired cuisine to the series. Having earned her Michelin star through her restaurant Caractère in London, Chef Emily holds a proud place within one of Britain’s most iconic culinary dynasties. Her seared John Dory with beurre blanc and seasonal vegetables showcases her refined technique and mastery of balanced, expressive flavours.

Chef Nao Motohashi of Restaurant JULIA brings the precision and quiet elegance of Japanese cuisine to the series. Known for her refined approach to seasonal ingredients and meticulous technique, Chef Nao creates dishes that balance purity, harmony, and visual artistry. Her cooking reflects the philosophy of Japanese gastronomy, where flavour, texture, and presentation come together in thoughtful simplicity —offering guests a dining experience that is both delicate and deeply expressive.

Rising Chefs:

Expanding the chef list beyond its usual Michelin-starred lineup, visiting chefs for the rest of the year include Chef Iris Jordan Martin of Restaurant Ansils in Aragón, Spain, winner of the 2025 Michelin Guide Young Chef Award; Chef Ash Valenzuela-Heeger of Riverine Rabbit in Birmingham, UK; and Chef Niyati Rao of Ekaa in Bombay, India.

Ranjit Batra, Chief Executive Officer, Ventive Hospitality, said, “As a hospitality platform, our focus is on building assets that stand out through differentiated experiences. Culinary plays a central role in that strategy. The Guest Chef Series enables us to bring together global talent, local context, and immersive formats to create experiences that go beyond traditional dining. The all-female lineup this year is both timely and important, reflecting the changing dynamics of the global culinary industry while reinforcing our commitment to inclusive growth.”

Chef Francis Purification, Culinary Director, Anantara Veli Maldives Resort, added, “We’re excited to have an all-female lineup this year. The culinary scene is a male-dominated industry, but there are many female chefs out there whom we believe deserve the same recognition, and our team of chefs would benefit tremendously from this experience.”

“Each residency features collaborative dinners with our chefs, cooking classes and a long table dinner, hosted by a member of our family, allowing guests to engage not only with delicious food but with the stories and inspirations behind it.”

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The new funding brings total capital raised by the group to €50 million and will support the continued expansion of Eterniti’s portfolio, destinations and guest experience worldwide. The investment comes at a time of rapidly growing global demand for high-end private accommodation paired with professional hospitality services.

It currently manages more than 800 luxury villas and chalets, the majority under exclusive agreements, across 25 sought-after destinations in Europe, the United States and the Caribbean.

Unlike traditional villa rental agencies that operate primarily as intermediaries between owners and guests, Eterniti has built a fully integrated hospitality and property management model. In every destination where the group operates, Eterniti maintains a local operational presence with trained hospitality professionals responsible for both guest service and property management.

This approach allows the company to guarantee consistent quality standards across its portfolio. Properties are professionally maintained year-round, and any operational issues during a stay can be addressed immediately by dedicated on-the-ground teams.

“In luxury hospitality, service excellence alone is not enough if the underlying product is not perfectly maintained,” said Maxime Friess, Co-founder & CEO of Eterniti. “If something needs fixing during a guest’s stay, our teams can intervene efficiently. This operational infrastructure is what truly differentiates us from traditional rental agencies.”

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In this role, Rohan will drive the strategic direction and operations of the group’s restaurant business, which includes internationally acclaimed brands such as PizzaExpress, Chili’s, P.F. Chang’s, and Olive Garden, among others. He will focus on strengthening brand presence, accelerating expansion, enhancing guest experience, and building the teams needed to support the business’s next phase of growth in India.

Rohan brings nearly two decades of leadership experience across strategy, finance, and operations across consumer-facing businesses. Most recently, he served as Managing Director, Pizza Hut – Indian Subcontinent at Yum! Brands, where he led the brand’s operations and expansion across the region. During his tenure, he also held the role of Chief Strategy and Finance Officer for Pizza Hut India, playing a pivotal role in shaping its growth strategy, strengthening business performance, and expanding new channels. Earlier in his career, Rohan worked with Samsung Electronics and Accenture, wherein he gained extensive experience in strategy, transformation, and operational leadership.

Rohan brings a strong academic foundation, having completed his management education from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, complementing his extensive leadership experience in the hospitality industry.

Commenting on the appointment, Ramit Bharti Mittal, Lead promoter of the hospitality and dining vertical at the Bharti family office, said, “The dining and restaurant segment is evolving rapidly, with consumers increasingly seeking differentiated and premium experiences, creating significant opportunities for growth. Rohan brings a strong blend of strategic insight into consumer businesses and deep operational experience. We believe he is well placed to lead our next phase of growth as we expand our portfolio of global restaurant brands and continue building a high-quality dining platform in India.”

Speaking on his appointment, Rohan Pewekar said, “The group has built a strong portfolio of globally recognized brands, and I look forward to partnering closely with the teams to further strengthen those,  deliver exceptional guest experiences, and continue building a world-class restaurant business across the country.” 

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This premium address is located close to Chandigarh International Airport and alongside CP67 Mall. The hotel is operated under a management contract.

Welcomhotel Mohali brings together contemporary design, intuitive service, and destination-inspired experiences. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, signature dining destinations offering a blend of global and regional flavours, expansive banqueting and meeting spaces, and thoughtfully curated wellness facilities—making it an ideal choice for corporate engagements, weddings, and social events. Strategically located in Mohali, the hotel is well positioned to cater to the region’s rising demand for premium hospitality across business and leisure markets.

Speaking at the occasion, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “The launch of Welcomhotel Mohali reflects our commitment to strengthening our presence in high-growth urban markets while delivering enriching experiences rooted in our renowned service excellence. Mohali’s location and its rapid evolution as a commercial, IT, and lifestyle hub makes it a strategic addition to brand Welcomhotel.”

Expressing joy at the hotel opening, Bhupinder Gujral, Managing Director, Gujrals Restaurants and Hotels Limited, stated, “We are proud to associate with ITC Hotels in bringing the Welcomhotel brand to Mohali. This project has been envisioned as a contemporary hospitality destination that complements the city’s dynamic growth while offering guests refined comfort and warm service. We believe Welcomhotel Mohali will emerge as a preferred address for both travellers and the local community.”

The hotel’s culinary offerings include the all-day dining restaurant- WelcomCafé, Swizzle, the in-house concept bar and soon to open Kebabs and Kurries.  WelcomSthalika offers guests a mosaic of regional flavours on a plate.

With its prime location, elegant spaces, and signature hospitality, Welcomhotel Mohali is poised to set new benchmarks for upscale hospitality in the Tricity region.

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Aijaz brings over 15 years of deep-domain expertise to Z Hotels. His illustrious career includes significant leadership roles at some of India’s most recognised hospitality brands, SUBA & Choice Group of Hotels. He served as Associate Vice President of Sales (India), where he was instrumental in driving national sales growth and corporate acquisitions. Royal Orchid & RE: GEN: TA Hotels, Led sales efforts in the Western region, consistently delivering double-digit growth in corporate business.

In his new capacity, Aijaz will spearhead the sales and marketing strategies for the West and North regions, playing a pivotal role in establishing Z Hotels as a preferred choice for corporate travellers. His appointment comes at a time when Z Hotels is rapidly expanding its footprint, following successful recent acquisitions in Mumbai, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Nashik, Chennai, and Pune.

We are thrilled to welcome Aijaz to the Z Hotels leadership team, Avnish Kumar, AVP- Business Head Z Hotels, “His proven track record in driving corporate sales and his deep understanding of the diverse Indian market are exactly what we need as we scale our presence across the nation. Aijaz’s expertise will be central to our mission of redefining the business hotel experience.”

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A seasoned professional, Chef Pramod brings over 15 years of experience across leading international hospitality brands. Known for his strong operational leadership, culinary innovation, and people-first approach, Chef Pramod steps into the role with a deep understanding of large-scale, multi-outlet kitchen operations.

A dynamic and results-driven culinary professional, Chef Pramod Chougale has most recently served as Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott, Tiruchirappalli, where he led all culinary and food & beverage operations, spearheaded menu innovation, seasonal promotions, and large-scale events, while ensuring consistency, cost control, and adherence to Marriott International standards.  His earlier key roles include leadership positions at Four Points by Sheraton, Ahmedabad; The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace; Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa; Kochi Marriott Hotel; Courtyard by Marriott, Hinjewadi; and JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, where he built a strong foundation in multi-outlet kitchen management, modern culinary techniques, sustainability initiatives, and high-volume hospitality operations.

Commenting on his appointment, Chef Pramod Chougale said, “Taking on the role of Executive Chef at Sheraton Grand Pune is a meaningful milestone in my journey. My focus is on creating memorable dining experiences that balance creativity with operational excellence, while reflecting the vibrant culinary culture of the city and upholding the highest standards our guests expect.”

Supreet Roy, General Manager, Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel, added, “Chef Pramod’s deep experience within the Marriott ecosystem, strong leadership capabilities, and passion for culinary innovation make him ideally suited to lead our kitchens. We are confident that under his direction, the hotel will continue to elevate its dining offerings and strengthen its position as one of Pune’s leading culinary destinations.”

As Executive Chef, Chef Pramod Chougale will oversee all culinary and food & beverage operations, with a focus on menu innovation, talent development, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences.

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In this key leadership role, Sharad will oversee the sales portfolio for the company’s prestigious brands, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts.

Sharad brings with him over 24 years of extensive experience in the hospitality industry, with a strong track record across luxury, upscale, heritage, and convention hotel segments. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership positions with renowned hotel brands including Noormahal Hotels Group, Radisson Hotels Group, Ajit Group of Hotels, Ramada Plaza (Wyndham), Sarovar Hotels (Louvre Hotels Group), Le Meridien, and Grand Hyatt.

Known for his strategic sales leadership and strong revenue-driven approach, Sharad has demonstrated expertise in sales leadership, revenue generation, corporate sales, MICE, weddings, marketing strategy, and brand positioning. He has successfully led high-performing teams and driven performance growth across medium to large-inventory properties, including convention-led and luxury heritage destinations.

In his new role at Espire Hospitality Limited, Sharad will be responsible for strengthening the commercial framework for ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts, driving top-line performance, and aligning sales strategies with the company’s broader organisational goals.

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This brand-new retreat invites guests to experience a new way to holiday where one can slow down and immerse themselves in an incredible setting along the tranquil banks of Goa’s Mandovi River. Every journey here unfolds at an unhurried pace – merging understated luxury and intuitive service with moments of meaningful discovery. While, panoramic views of the river and thoughtful design offer a deeper connection to nature for a quiet escape in the heart of North Goa.

Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel, said, “We invite guests to rediscover the destination like never before at The Postcard on the Mandovi River. Set in an iconic location in the heart of North Goa, the hotel encourages a genuine connection to nature while remaining immersed in the region’s history, culture, and unmistakable Goan energy.

From uninterrupted views of the majestic Mandovi River and the hotel’s understated design, to the freshest local flavours and thoughtfully curated experiences by our team, every detail is rooted in place. Enhancing the sense of exclusivity, a private jetty offers all guests seamless access to the river. At this brand-new retreat, every element reflects The Postcard Hotel’s exacting standards, offering space to disconnect and settle into a stay defined by privacy, calm, and unhurried time.”

Perched along the serene banks of the Mandovi River, and framed by nature and open skies – the hotel offers an unparalleled slow holiday experience with the timeless beauty of its surroundings. With just 18 thoughtfully designed rooms featuring expansive windows and open private balconies, guests are treated to uninterrupted views of the river.

From the soft glow of sunrise to the golden hues of dusk, the Mandovi’s soothing presence lets guests pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the gentle rhythm of riverside living. The understated elegance in design, intuitive service, and a deep connection to the place come together – to showcase The Postcard Hotel’s signature approach to experiential luxury at the hotel.  

Adding another dimension to the stay is the wellness experience that begins with the tranquil riverside location that offers a sense of peace. Further, the hotel’s discreet spa has a range of rejuvenating treatments like indulgent facials and scrubs, for a therapeutic escape within the hotel’s peaceful surroundings.

At The Postcard on the Mandovi River, dining is a celebration of the region’s freshest flavours and local ingredients. Here, thoughtfully prepared dishes highlight the richness of Goan cuisine and more, and can be enjoyed with garden views from the restaurant. The stunning rooftop bar elevates the experience a level further. It is an ideal setting for guests to unwind with handcrafted cocktails with breathtaking views of the Mandovi and the soft breeze that drifts from the river.

Journeys at the hotel are further enriched by leisurely riverside walks to immersive guided excursions in Old Goa, where historic churches, local markets, and everyday sights offer an authentic sense of place. One can choose to explore the charming Divar Island or Panjim through a curated art saunter, head to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or walk through the region’s UNESCO-listed monuments, and beyond.

With each new opening as iconic as the existing properties, The Postcard Hotel forges ahead to firmly anchor its position as the leader in experiential luxury hospitality. Set along the tranquil banks of Mandovi River, this newest retreat is a testament to the brand’s philosophy and its team’s unwavering spirit – that encourage travellers to experience a brand-new way to holiday in Goa.

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