With close to three decades of experience in hospitality, Deepak Bothra brings deep expertise across hotel operations, pre-opening projects, quality control, and revenue management. Over the years, he has worked with leading international and regional brands, holding senior leadership roles and contributing to the successful launch and turnaround of multiple properties.

In his new role, Deepak Bothra will oversee operational strategy, service standards, and performance optimisation across Summit’s growing portfolio. His focus will be on strengthening quality benchmarks, streamlining systems, and ensuring consistency across properties as the brand continues to scale its presence in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and the wider Northeast.

Commenting on the appointment, Sumit Mitruka, CEO, Summit Hotels & Resorts, said, “Deepak brings a rare combination of operational depth and quality-driven thinking. As we continue to expand our network across the Northeast, strengthening internal systems and service standards becomes critical. His experience in building and refining hotel operations will play a key role in driving consistency and long-term performance across our portfolio.”

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This acquisition reinforces CHL’s strategy of disciplined expansion in high-growth leisure markets, with a focus on asset enhancement, premium positioning, and long-term value creation. The property, spread across ~8.2 Acres, features 144 rooms, expansive lawns, and banqueting facilities, making it well-suited for weddings, MICE, and leisure travel. The property will be upgraded to an upper upscale/premium lifestyle destination and remain non-operative during this period. CHL will evaluate the possibility of expanding the property and adding additional rooms.

Speaking on the acquisition, Shwetank Singh, Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, said, “We are delighted to announce our entry into Rajasthan with the acquisition of this resort in Udaipur, a market we have been keen to enter. This investment reflects our continued focus on expanding in high-growth leisure destinations with strong long-term potential. The property is well-located and offers significant headroom for value creation through refurbishment, repositioning, and expansion. As we enhance and reposition the resort, our focus will be on creating a high-quality, experience-led destination that delivers both strong guest appeal and long-term value.”

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The 99-key upscale hotel greets guests with thoughtfully designed guestrooms, comfortable social spaces and efficient service for a seamless experience in a casual atmosphere. 

Located near Bhopal’s business and retail hub, Hyatt Place Bhopal offers unparalleled connectivity to key business and tourist locations. The property is approximately 30 minutes from the Bhopal airport and within walking distance of Rani Kamalapati Railway Station, Bansal One (commercial complex) and Bansal Plaza, the city’s newest shopping mall, making it a convenient choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Hyatt Place Bhopal will offer approximately 15,000 square feet of versatile event space, including a 5,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom and a 3,500-square-foot Ballroom. The property also features two smaller event spaces of about 2,000 square feet and 1,000 square feet each, suited for meetings, smaller conferences, and intimate gatherings. These spaces are well-supported by essential back-of-house infrastructure for seamless operation.

For recreation, Hyatt Place Bhopal will feature an outdoor pool and a fully equipped fitness center, offering panoramic views and wellness experiences. 

“We are delighted to bring the Hyatt Place brand to Bhopal, offering our guests a unique blend of comfort, convenience, and connectivity. With its prime location and extensive event spaces, Hyatt Place Bhopal is set to become a preferred choice for travellers and event planners alike,” said Jyoti Mishra, General Manager, Hyatt Place Bhopal.

Collaboration Highlights Hyatt’s Growing Footprint in India

The launch of Hyatt Place Bhopal signifies a strategic milestone in Hyatt’s continued brand expansion across India. The project underscores the brand’s commitment to delivering high-quality, globally trusted hospitality experiences in emerging urban centers.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Hyatt for the Hyatt Place Bhopal project, leveraging their global brand expertise and reputation for excellence,” said Sunil Bansal, Director, Bansal Group “This collaboration reflects our shared vision of raising the bar for hospitality in Bhopal.”

As Bhopal experiences increased demand from sectors including power, textiles, government, pharmaceuticals, and automobiles, the hotel is well-positioned to meet the needs of the city’s evolving traveller base.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

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The soon to open destinations for Welcomhotel brand include Gangtok in Sikkim and Bhopal & Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

ITCHL recently entered into definitive agreements with M/s. Sandy Resort Private Limited to operate their upcoming 73-room hotel in Shirdi, Maharashtra. The new alliance between the two companies also extends to a second 84-room hotel in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, under the Welcomhotel brand 

With these two new signings the Welcomhotel brand portfolio consists of 51 hotels with over 5500 keys (30 operating hotels and 21 in pipeline). 

In the last 12-months, new hotel signings for Welcomhotel brand include properties across sixteen locations: Ayodhya, Sarnath & Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh, Bhubaneshwar in Odisha, Bodh Gaya in Bihar, Jaipur & Salasar in Rajasthan, Karai & Rajkot in Gujarat, Mysuru in Karnataka, Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, Panjagutta and Shankarpally in Telangana, Selaqui in Dehradun, Uttarakhand; Shirdi in Maharashtra and Mohali in Punjab.

Speaking on the 50^th hotel milestone for Welcomhotel brand, Anil Chadha – Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “This is indeed a special moment for us. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels has seen an impressive growth trajectory, expanding steadily in both business and leisure markets at different locations across hills, plains and the sea. We endeavour to continue this journey at Shirdi & Bhubaneshwar, delivering on the brand’s promise of offering immersive and enriching guest experiences.” 

Speaking on the occasion of the two new agreement signings, Sanjeev Kumar Patra, Managing Director, Sandy Resorts Private Limited said “We are delighted to enter into the management agreements for our two hotels with ITC Hotels Limited. As a second-generation hotelier, both the Shirdi and Bhubaneshwar hotels are very special to our family and it will be our privilege to soon open the Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels in Shirdi. I thank the ITC Hotels team for their shared vision, and we remain equally committed to reposition and open our Bhubaneshwar property.”

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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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