Today’s Traveller Awards: A Night of Reflection, Resilience, and Renewal — Celebrating 28 Years of Leadership in India’s Travel, Aviation and Hospitality Story
Today’s Traveller marked a distinguished milestone with the successful conclusion of its 28th Anniversary Summit & Awards 2025 at the Taj Palace, New Delhi. The landmark event brought together the finest minds in travel, tourism, and hospitality — including hotel owners, operators, destination marketers, aviation leaders, investors, and policymakers — for an iconic Summit, Awards, and Celebration dedicated to leadership, innovation, and shaping the future of the industry through dialogue and discovery.
The programme reflected Today’s Traveller’s enduring commitment to highlighting excellence and driving meaningful conversations across India’s evolving travel and hospitality ecosystem. Engaging sessions explored how innovation, investment, and collaboration are shaping the next phase of growth.
The evening highlight was the grand launch of the special Collector’s Edition, Success Playbook, a publication celebrating winning strategies and leadership stories that have influenced India’s hospitality and tourism landscape.
The Collector’s Edition will present a thoughtfully curated selection of case studies and leadership insights that moved the market, examining growth strategy, brand loyalty, technology integration, organisational culture, and stakeholder value. Designed as a reference for business and hospitality leaders, it offered an authentic perspective on how success is built, sustained, and redefined in a dynamic industry.
The event culminated in the much-awaited 2025 edition of the Today’s Traveller Awards, which honoured outstanding performances across India and beyond, recognising strategic clarity, innovation, guest experience, workplace culture, and sustainable outcomes.
Among the key highlights of the Summit were powerful discussions that defined the tone of progress. In the panel titled Power of Partnership, leaders examined how collaboration and shared ecosystems are reshaping the future of tourism and hospitality. The session on Transformation: Economy Building Growth That Lasts offered a thought-provoking look at how hospitality, real estate, and destination development together drive long-term economic resilience.
A high-level dialogue between ….. titled Will Tourism Be the Engine of India’s Growth Story in the Coming Decade explored how policy reforms, infrastructure development, and entrepreneurship could make tourism a central pillar of India’s economic expansion. The session Hospitality Investment Horizons: India’s Growth Corridors, led by ……. analysed the rise of resort-led models, asset-light strategies, and emerging Tier II and Tier III markets as new investment frontiers.
Finally, Hospitality Leadership: Decoding Change, Driving the Future brought together top hotel CEOs to discuss how innovation, culture, and future-ready talent are transforming the landscape of hospitality leadership.
The 28th Today’s Traveller Summit & Awards 2025 once again reinforced its legacy as one of India’s most influential platforms for celebrating excellence and shaping the industry’s narrative. It stood as a testament to the vision, resilience, and collective spirit of the leaders who continue to drive India’s travel and hospitality story forward.
Red Carpet Welcome and High Tea: Setting the Stage for an Iconic Celebration
The Red Carpet experience perfectly captured the spirit of the occasion, featuring media interactions and photo sessions that celebrated the presence of India’s foremost industry icons. The atmosphere brimmed with excitement and anticipation as distinguished guests shared reflections on the evolving landscape of Indian hospitality. The occasion set the tone for an afternoon that combined thought leadership with camaraderie, uniting the industry’s finest under one roof.
Following the Red Carpet, guests enjoyed an exquisite High Tea that blended elegance with opportunity. The gathering served as a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration before the formal sessions commenced. It was a seamless reflection of Today’s Traveller’s hallmark style — where business meets leisure and celebration meets substance.
The formal proceedings began with a Welcome Address, setting the stage for a series of engaging discussions and visionary exchanges that defined the rest of the day. The atmosphere transitioned effortlessly from festive to focused as the industry looked ahead to new milestones and future possibilities.
Opening of the Event with a Welcome Address
Kamal Gill, Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller and Managing Director, Gill India Group, delivered an inspiring Welcome Address that set the tone for the day’s deliberations and celebrations.
“Hello everyone! Wow, twenty-eight years! Where have they gone?” she began, striking an instant chord with the audience. “It truly warms my heart to see so many familiar faces here tonight — friends, colleagues, and partners who have walked this long and remarkable journey with us. Every time we gather, it feels less like an event and more like a reunion — a celebration of friendship, purpose, and progress that has defined Today’s Traveller for nearly three decades.”
Reflecting on the publication’s legacy, she said, “Twenty-eight years of Today’s Traveller means twenty-eight years of stories, passion, and perseverance. Every edition and every milestone has carried one deep belief — that India’s travel and hospitality story deserves to be told, celebrated, and shared with the world.”
Kamal Gill spoke of an industry that has evolved, innovated, and inspired. “We have seen leaders dream big and deliver bigger. And yet, tonight feels special — because this evening marks a new beginning, filled with possibility and promise.”
She then introduced the distinguished dignitaries who graced the occasion: Chief Guest: Shri Rajendra Menon, Chairperson of the Armed Forces Tribunal and Former Chief Justice of Delhi and Patna High Court and Special Guest: Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Special Projects (SPEED), Investment and Industry (I&I) Cell, and Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Youth Advancement and Sports Department, Government of Telangana
Touching on this year’s theme, “Decoding Change: Driving the Future,” she shared that “Change is not something we fear; it is something we embrace. It begins in thought, extends through action, and comes alive in impact. True transformation celebrates people before process, purpose before profit, and collaboration before competition.”
She reflected on how travel and hospitality go beyond business metrics to shape human connections. She observed, “Travel unites cultures. It breaks barriers, builds understanding, and inspires respect for our shared humanity. Hospitality creates belonging — that simple yet powerful sense of being welcomed, valued, and remembered. And investment, when guided by vision and conscience, becomes a tool to strengthen communities and build better futures.”
Her message underlined that transformation is not a destination but “an ongoing story, written with courage, compassion, and the wisdom we gather from each other along the way.”
With the room filled with India’s leading hospitality figures, Gill acknowledged the icons shaping the sector’s future:
- Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group;
- K.B. Kachru, Chairman and Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and President, Hotel Association of India (HAI);
- Rajiv Kaul, Hospitality Veteran and Strategic Advisor;
- Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG);
- Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation;
- Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts;
- Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton;
- Nathan Andrews, Strategic Advisor, DS Group;
- Gaurav Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Chalet Hotels Limited;
- Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, BWH Hotels;
- Samir MC, Chief Executive Officer, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt. Ltd.;
- Vineet Mishra, Vice President, Operations, India and South Asia, Accor;
- Prabhat Verma, Executive Vice President, Operations, South India, International and Expressions, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL); and
- Vikram Lalwani, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited.
- Jaideep Dang, Head of Development, South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts
Each, she said, represents “the soul of this industry, its ambition, its resilience, and its capacity to turn experiences into memories that last a lifetime.”
She also acknowledged the forthcoming presentation by Shri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, on Telangana’s outstanding work in tourism, investment, and inclusive growth, as well as the special segment by Radisson Hotel Group, titled “Clicks to Check-Ins: Building Hospitality Brands Through Social Narratives.”
Marking a defining moment for the Summit, Kamal Gill announced, “For the first time, we have brought together an exceptional community of investment leaders, hotel owners, and development heads — the people who translate vision into reality, together under one roof. Investors bring perspective, vision, and momentum. They turn blueprints into skylines. They create growth stories that touch communities, generate employment, and transform landscapes.”
Among these investment trailblazers were Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group; Vikram Sukhani, Chairman and Managing Director, Sukhani Ventures; and Amit Saraf, President, Juniper Hotels, Arjun Sharma, Chairman, Select Group; Jimmy Mistry, Founder and CMD, Della Group; Suraj Morajkar, Chairman and Managing Director, Sun Estate Developers; and Debasree Roy Sarkar, Managing Director, Peerless Hotels Limited.— leaders she described as “those who lead India’s hospitality renaissance with passion and precision.”
She also recognised distinguished owners and investors including Ms Krithika Subrahmanian, Amit Razdan, Ranjai Singh Sodhi, Vinod Chhangani, Vivek Dhingra, and Amit Katyal, praising their creativity and commitment to progress through partnership.
Looking across a packed room, Kamal Gill said, “Looking around this room, I see more than 400 guests. But beyond the numbers, I see a family — a family bound by shared aspirations, mutual respect, and the desire to make India a global leader in tourism and hospitality. Tonight is not only a celebration. It is a reminder that when we come together, we build something far greater than ourselves.”
She concluded with heartfelt pride, saying, “Later this evening, we unveil the Today’s Traveller Collector’s Issue, followed by the Today’s Traveller Awards 2025, celebrating those who redefine excellence and carry India’s hospitality story forward on the world stage. On behalf of the entire Today’s Traveller family, thank you for your trust, your friendship, and your continued belief in this shared journey. Welcome to a night of insight, inspiration, and heartfelt celebration with Today’s Traveller.
Power of Partnership
The first panel discussion of the Today’s Traveller Summit & Awards 2025, titled “Power of Partnership,” set a dynamic and collaborative tone for the afternoon. Moderated by Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, the session featured an outstanding panel comprising Gaurav Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Chalet Hotels Limited; Atul Jain, Chief Operating Officer, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, BWH Hotels; Samir MC, Chief Executive Officer, Tamara Leisure Experiences Pvt. Ltd.; Vineet Mishra, Vice President, Operations, India and South Asia, Accor; and Prabhat Verma, Executive Vice President, Operations, South India, International and Expressions, IHCL.
Over forty insightful minutes, the panellists explored how collaboration is reshaping the hospitality landscape — moving beyond competition towards a shared model of growth and co-creation. The conversation delved into how strategic alliances, brand partnerships, and integrated ecosystems are unlocking innovation, operational efficiency, and long-term value.
Opening the session, Vikram Lalvani remarked that the strongest brands are those that embrace collective strength and shared purpose. He steered the dialogue towards the transformative impact of joint ventures, marketing collaborations, and distribution partnerships that are redefining the hospitality business model.
Gaurav Singh emphasised the significance of building partnerships grounded in shared values and transparency. He explained that genuine alliances succeed when both sides commit to trust and mutual progress, adding that Chalet Hotels’ collaborations are designed to enhance operational excellence while ensuring an elevated guest experience at every touchpoint.
Atul Jain discussed the pivotal role of technology in modern partnerships, particularly through data integration and artificial intelligence. He observed that digital-led collaborations empower brands to make smarter decisions and improve performance across portfolios. “In an increasingly interconnected marketplace, partnerships that leverage data and digital transformation are setting the new benchmark for success,” he stated.
Samir MC spoke about the emotional and ethical dimensions of collaboration, observing that partnerships must go beyond contracts to reflect a shared sense of purpose. He noted that at Tamara Leisure Experiences, partnerships are envisioned as relationships that nurture communities and create meaningful impact. “True alliances are not transactional,” he said. “They are built on respect, purpose, and the desire to uplift everyone involved.”
Vineet Mishra highlighted the importance of cross-brand collaboration in expanding markets. He noted that when global best practices blend with local insights, they create powerful frameworks for sustainable growth. He pointed out that partnerships between brands, suppliers, and tourism boards enable greater innovation and resilience across the industry.
Prabhat Verma reflected on the deep influence of value-based collaborations, describing how IHCL’s alliances with like-minded partners have advanced excellence in luxury, sustainability, and responsible tourism. He observed that when shared ethics and purpose guide partnerships, their impact endures far beyond financial outcomes.
The session concluded on a powerful note: the future of hospitality will be built on collaboration, not competition. By pooling expertise, sharing resources, and nurturing trust, the industry is evolving into a vibrant ecosystem powered by collective vision and shared progress.
Special Presentation by Telangana Tourism
At the Today’s Traveller Awards 2025, Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), Special Projects (SPEED), Investment and Industry (I&I) Cell, and Special Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture, Heritage, Youth Advancement and Sports Department, Government of Telangana, highlighted Telangana’s remarkable progress in tourism, investment, and inclusive growth.
In his address, Jayesh Ranjan spoke about how Telangana has built a strong foundation where innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity converge. He emphasised the government’s commitment to developing tourism models that balance economic growth with cultural preservation, empowering local communities while showcasing the state’s rich heritage and modern infrastructure.
Jayesh Ranjan outlined Telangana’s strategic approach to attracting domestic and global investments through transparent policies, world-class connectivity, and strong institutional support. He noted that the state’s focus on sustainable tourism and youth development has positioned it as a dynamic growth corridor for hospitality and allied industries. Concluding his remarks, he invited delegates to engage directly with the Telangana Tourism and Investment team, sharing that their dedicated desk was set up just outside the hall for personalised discussions. He added that the government has a comprehensive three-year roadmap already laid out to guide investors and stakeholders in shaping the next phase of Telangana’s tourism and hospitality expansion.
Special Presentation by Radisson Hotel Group
Topic: Clicks to Check-Ins: Building Hospitality Brands Through Social Narratives
The Radisson Hotel Group captivated the audience with a special presentation titled “Clicks to Check-Ins: Building Hospitality Brands Through Social Narratives,” delivered by Vikram Berry, Area Director, Marketing & Communications, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group. Positioned between the leadership panels, the ten-minute presentation explored how digital storytelling and authentic engagement are redefining the way hospitality brands connect with their audiences.
Mr Berry highlighted the powerful intersection of digital presence and brand loyalty, illustrating how travellers today begin their journey long before check-in — through stories, visuals, and shared experiences online. He showcased how Radisson’s innovative campaigns and social media narratives are turning digital discovery into lasting guest relationships, blending creativity with measurable business impact.
The presentation underscored the role of data-driven storytelling, demonstrating how insights from online interactions help tailor content, personalise communication, and build emotional resonance with audiences. By turning engagement into genuine connection, Radisson continues to transform followers into advocates and clicks into loyal guests.
Through this insightful session, Radisson Hotel Group reaffirmed its leadership as a forward-thinking global hospitality brand that seamlessly combines creativity, community, and technology — bridging the gap between digital storytelling and real-world guest experiences.
Transformation Economy: Building Growth That Lasts
The panel discussion titled “Transformation Economy: Building Growth That Lasts” delved into how India’s hospitality and real estate sectors are converging to create resilient and future-ready growth models. Moderated by Jaideep Dang, Head of Development, South West Asia, IHG Hotels and Resorts, the session featured an illustrious panel of industry visionaries — Arjun Sharma, Chairman, Select Group; Jimmy Mistry, Founder and CMD, Della Group; Suraj Morajkar, Chairman and Managing Director, Sun Estate Developers; and Debasree Roy Sarkar, Managing Director, Peerless Hotels Limited.
Setting the tone, Jaideep Dang emphasised that transformation in today’s economy extends beyond individual achievements to the creation of scalable, integrated ecosystems. He highlighted the importance of adaptive leadership, sustainable design, and strategic investment frameworks that can withstand changing market dynamics and deliver long-term value.
Arjun Sharma shared his perspective on the evolving synergy between tourism, retail, and hospitality, underscoring how experience-led destinations are fast becoming economic engines that enhance community engagement. “Transformation is not only about infrastructure,” he remarked, “but about curating spaces that inspire people to stay, spend, and return.” His insights reflected how the modern consumer seeks a holistic blend of leisure, shopping, and hospitality, redefining how destination development fuels regional economies.
Offering an entrepreneurial outlook, Jimmy Mistry discussed how innovation and design thinking have become catalysts for differentiation in hospitality and lifestyle spaces. Drawing from Della Group’s multi-faceted ventures, he explained how integrated models combining adventure, wellness, and recreation can create self-sustaining micro-economies. “True transformation happens when every guest experience contributes back to the ecosystem,” he said, framing transformation as both a design philosophy and a business imperative.
Adding a developer’s perspective, Suraj Morajkar highlighted the growing synergy between real estate and hospitality in shaping India’s evolving growth narrative. He noted that modern development now extends beyond the physical to the experiential — creating living environments that blend architectural beauty, sustainability, and cultural character. “Luxury is evolving to mean responsibility and relevance,” he observed, stressing that future developments must embody both aspiration and accountability.
Bringing a regional lens to the conversation, Debasree Roy Sarkar reflected on Peerless Hotels’ enduring legacy and adaptive growth. She discussed how the brand’s continued success lies in balancing heritage with innovation, noting, “Building growth that lasts means respecting the past while reinventing for the future.” Her perspective highlighted the value of adaptability in sustaining success across diverse markets and changing consumer expectations.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that India’s transformation story is being shaped not only by scale but by sustainability, inclusivity, and emotional connection. The panellists agreed that the next decade of growth will depend on a collective commitment to innovation, integrity, and long-term value creation — the true hallmarks of a transformation economy.
Will Tourism Be the Engine of India’s Growth Story in the Coming Decade
The session titled “Will Tourism Be the Engine of India’s Growth Story in the Coming Decade” featured an illuminating conversation between two stalwarts of the Indian hospitality and tourism industry — Dr Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson and Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and KB Kachru, Chairman and Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and President, Hotel Association of India (HAI) .
The tête-à-tête was moderated by Kamal Gill, Executive Editor of Today’s Traveller magazine and Managing Director of Gill India Group. A celebrated voice in India’s tourism and hospitality media for over two decades, Kamal Gill has been instrumental in shaping industry conversations on leadership, transformation, and sustainable growth. Known for her insightful perspective and engaging style, she skilfully guided the dialogue between industry stalwarts K.B. Kachru and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, drawing out reflections on India’s hospitality evolution and the collaborative spirit driving its future.
In a deeply engaging tête-à-tête, the two leaders examined the pivotal role tourism can play in shaping India’s economic trajectory. The dialogue explored how the sector’s multiplier effect on GDP, employment generation, and infrastructure development positions it as one of the most powerful levers of inclusive national growth.
Dr Jyotsna Suri spoke passionately about tourism as a conduit for cultural exchange and a medium to showcase India’s diversity and soft power. She called for a unified national strategy that harmonises policy reform, private sector investment, and international marketing. “Tourism is not only an economic driver but a storyteller of our identity,” she said, urging collective action to strengthen India’s visibility and competitiveness on the global stage.
KB Kachru reflected on the unprecedented opportunities emerging across India’s tourism and hospitality landscape, stressing that long-term success lies in collaboration between government, private enterprise, and local communities. He highlighted the need to strengthen the ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurship, fosters innovation, and ensures sustainability across the value chain.
The dialogue concluded on an optimistic note, with both leaders agreeing that tourism — backed by progressive policy, infrastructure enhancement, and strategic investment — holds the potential to become one of the most dynamic engines of India’s economic growth in the decade ahead.
Hospitality Investment Horizons: India’s Growth Corridors
The panel discussion titled “Hospitality Investment Horizons: India’s Growth Corridors” gathered an eminent group of business leaders who shared insights on India’s rapidly evolving investment landscape. Moderated by Rajiv Kaul, Founder of Kaul Advisory, the session benefited from his extensive experience and strategic perspective on investment trends and operational excellence across global hospitality portfolios. The distinguished panellists included Atul Dangayach, Managing Director, Dangayach Group; Vikram Sukhani, Chairman and Managing Director, Sukhani Ventures; and Amit Saraf, President, Juniper Hotels Ltd.
Opening the discussion, Rajiv Kaul framed the conversation around India’s emerging hospitality investment corridors, examining how developers and investors are balancing growth with sustainability and identifying new high-potential markets beyond the metro cities. He noted that with the luxury segment diversifying into branded residences, wellness retreats, and lifestyle-led boutique properties, India’s hospitality identity is entering a transformative phase. The discussion also explored how strategic partnerships are driving scalability and creating new opportunities for investors and operators alike.
Atul Dangayach spoke on the rising importance of resort-based and mixed-use developments, which are unlocking new potential in leisure-driven destinations. He emphasised that thoughtful design, community integration, and sustainable practices are fundamental to creating hospitality assets that stand the test of time and deliver consistent value to both investors and guests.
Vikram Sukhani reflected on the shifting investment mindset within the sector, observing that flexible and experience-led models are increasingly replacing traditional ownership structures. He underlined that the next decade of hospitality growth will be shaped by capital-efficient, asset-light models and authentic guest experiences that prioritise connection over convention.
Bringing a brand-led perspective, Amit Saraf highlighted how global operators are deepening their presence in India through equity partnerships and selective investments. He noted that lifestyle-focused hotels, boutique resorts, and wellness-driven concepts are capturing investor interest and traveller attention alike, creating a new blueprint for differentiated growth.
The conversation expanded to include the rise of alternative asset classes — from branded residences and wellness resorts to integrated mixed-use developments that seamlessly blend business and leisure. The panellists collectively agreed that the future of hospitality investment in India will hinge on agility, collaboration, and sustainable value creation, marking a new era of responsible and strategic expansion.
Hospitality Leadership: Decoding Change, Driving the Future
The concluding leadership panel, “Hospitality Leadership: Decoding Change, Driving the Future,” convened some of the most influential voices in global hospitality to discuss the evolving nature of leadership in a transforming industry. Moderated by Nathan Andrews, Strategic Advisor, DS Group, the session featured an esteemed panel comprising Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, India and Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation; Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; and Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice President and Regional Head, South Asia, Hilton.
Opening the session, Nathan Andrews observed that the post-pandemic decade has redefined leadership in hospitality, where innovation, agility, and empathy now determine long-term success. He emphasised that human-centred leadership and adaptive strategies are essential to navigating shifting consumer expectations, workforce evolution, and operational complexities in a fast-changing environment.
Sudeep Jain highlighted that the future of hospitality will be driven by digital transformation and strong brand differentiation. He outlined IHG’s focus on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency, personalisation, and sustainability, noting that “leaders must balance innovation with authenticity to stay relevant in an experience-driven marketplace.”
Sunjae Sharma offered an inspiring view on leadership through transformation, stating that “resilience and purpose have become the defining traits of modern leadership.” He shared how Hyatt continues to empower teams through decentralised decision-making, wellbeing initiatives, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, emphasising that an authentic workplace culture remains the most powerful differentiator in uncertain times.
Rahool Macarius discussed Wyndham’s strategic approach of empowering local markets while maintaining global coherence. He underlined the importance of flexible operations, adaptive franchise models, and responsive customer engagement. “Our goal is to make global systems work at a local pace,” he said, reinforcing that trust and accountability across networks are vital to enduring growth.
Zubin Saxena concluded by focusing on the leadership attributes that define success in today’s world — clarity, connection, and continuous learning. Speaking about Hilton’s expansion in South Asia, he stressed the value of building a culture grounded in collaboration and ownership. “As leaders, we must anticipate trends and empower teams to act with both speed and integrity,” he remarked.
The discussion closed on a unifying note: leadership in hospitality is no longer defined by titles or hierarchy but by empathy, adaptability, and the courage to transform. The panellists agreed that the next era of hospitality growth will belong to those who can decode change, embrace innovation, and lead with purpose and conviction.
A Night of Legacy and Leadership
The evening segment of the Today’s Traveller Summit & Awards 2025 began on a note of pride and reflection. Kamal Gill reflected, “Standing here tonight, marking twenty-eight years of Today’s Traveller, feels like opening a living chronicle — one that holds within its pages not only milestones and memories, but also the dreams, hopes, and voices of countless people who have helped shape India’s travel and hospitality story.”
She spoke of Today’s Traveller as a collective journey built on passion, perseverance, and purpose, reaffirming that India’s story of travel and hospitality deserves to be celebrated and shared across the world.
“Over these years, we have grown together as an industry. We have seen challenges transform into opportunities, and ideas turn into movements that changed the way people travel, connect, and experience India. Yet even after twenty-eight years, the horizon keeps expanding, inviting us to explore new frontiers and new dreams.”
She commended Hon’ble Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for his unwavering commitment to promoting India’s cultural and tourism heritage, saying his vision “inspires a generation of dreamers to build a sustainable and globally admired tourism framework.”
She described Chief Guest: Shri Rajendra Menon, Chairperson of the Armed Forces Tribunal and Former Chief Justice of Delhi and Patna High Court as a leader whose integrity and balance “reflect the values that define strong institutions.”
Paying tribute to Shri Jayesh Ranjan, she remarked that his work “brings together vision, innovation, and inclusivity to redefine what it means to build not just an economy, but a cultural identity rooted in pride and progress.”
Continuing her address, Kamal Gill spoke of travel and hospitality as industries built on empathy, connection, and shared purpose: “Travel unites. It builds understanding, nurtures respect, and opens hearts to difference. Hospitality gives those connections a home. And investment, when guided by conscience and vision, transforms lives, creates opportunity, and builds stronger communities.”
As the evening celebrated the 28-year milestone of Today’s Traveller, Kamal Gill reminded the audience that it was equally a celebration of people — the dreamers, thinkers, and leaders who continue to shape the industry.
She emphasised, “Tonight, let us celebrate not only twenty-eight years of Today’s Traveller, but twenty-eight years of shared dreams, collective resilience, and unwavering faith in the power of this industry. Let us celebrate the partnerships that have shaped us, the friendships that have sustained us, and the spirit of collaboration that continues to light our way forward. And above all, let us celebrate you — the incredible community that has stood beside us through every challenge and triumph, that has believed in this vision, and that continues to build India’s tourism story with passion and pride.”
“The Today’s Traveller Awards are not merely a symbol of recognition but a celebration of resilience, imagination, and belief — belief that India’s story is one of brilliance, creativity, and unstoppable potential. Each winner we honour tonight represents a story worth telling — a story of courage, of vision, and of excellence that transcends numbers and profits.”
Her address concluded with an uplifting note: “Here’s to many more years of partnership, purpose, and progress. Here’s to Today’s Traveller — and to all of you who make this journey truly extraordinary.”
Today’s Traveller Awards 2025 – List of Winners
Taj Hotels – Best Luxury Hotel Chain
Radisson Hotel Group – Best Business Hotel Chain
Wyndham Hotels and Resorts – Best Loyalty Program
IHCL – Team Commercial – Best Hotel Global Sales & Marketing Organisation
Tourism Department, Government of Telangana – Best State for Promotion of Festivals and Fairs
Best Western Hotels & Resorts – Most Promising Hotel Brand
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited – Fastest Growing Hotel Chain
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai – Best Luxury Heritage Hotel in Mumbai
ITC Kohenur, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad – Best Luxury Environmentally Responsible Hotel in Hyderabad
Fairmont Palace Udaipur – Best Luxury Resort in Udaipur
Conrad Bengaluru – Best Convention Facility Hotel in Bengaluru
Andaz Delhi, by Hyatt – Best Luxury Business Hotel in Delhi-NCR
Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur Hotel – Best New Luxury Hotel in Jaipur
Taj Lalit Bagh, Udaipur – Best New Luxury Hotel in Udaipur
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace – Best Business Hotel in Hyderabad
Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & HICC – Best 5-Star Convention Centre – Hotel Integrated MICE Complex in Hyderabad
Singapore Tourism Board – Best Eco-Friendly International Destination
Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati – Best 5-Star MICE Hotel in Guwahati
Fortune Hotels – Best Upscale Hotel Chain
BLS International – Excellence in Visa Outsourcing & Allied Services
Heritage Transport Museum – Preservation of India’s Transport Heritage
Della Resorts – Best Experiential Hospitality Resort Near Mumbai
Wow Crest Indore – IHCL SeleQtions – Best Business Hotel in Indore
Kaldan Samudhra Palace – Best Wedding Hotel in Mahabalipuram
NBA House Campaign by Visit California and Brand USA – Best Integrated Campaign
Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa Udaipur – Best Wedding Hotel in Udaipur
Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board – Best Destination Offering Luxury
Gateway Diu – Best Upcoming Leisure Hotel in Diu
Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach – Best Business Hotel in Visakhapatnam
Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi Saket – Trendiest Business Hotel in Delhi-NCR
Radisson Resort Khopoli – Best New 5-Star Hotel Near Mumbai
Fort House, Diu – IHCL SeleQtions – Best Upcoming Boutique Hotel in Diu
JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru – Best Business Hotel in Bengaluru
Radisson Resort Hatgad Saputara – Best Premium Resort Unlocking a New Destination
Accord Metropolitan Chennai – Best Business Hotel in Chennai
Treehouse Hotels & Resorts – Fastest Growing Mid-Market Hotel Brand
Treat Hotels & Resorts – Most Hospitable Hotel Chain
Oakwood Residence Kapil Hyderabad – Best Premium Residences in Hyderabad
Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau – Best International MICE Destination
Hyatt Regency Dehradun Resort and Spa – Best Family-Friendly Hotel in Dehradun
The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi – Best Fine Dining Options Hotel in Delhi-NCR
Atithya by Encalm: Meet & Assist Services – Excellence in Personalised Airport Services
Hotel Sahara Star – Best 5-Star Business Hotel in Mumbai
About Today’s Traveller
Launched in 1997, Today’s Traveller is India’s leading magazine dedicated to the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. For 28 years, it has served as a trusted platform for thought leadership, innovation, and inspiration — connecting industry professionals, policymakers, and travellers through insightful coverage and compelling storytelling.
A four-time PATA Gold Award winner for excellence in travel journalism, Today’s Traveller continues to celebrate the people, places, and ideas that shape India’s travel landscape. With a legacy built on credibility, creativity, and collaboration, the magazine remains a cornerstone of India’s travel and hospitality narrative — a publication where the industry’s past, present, and future come together in one compelling voice.
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