Global investment firm Blackstone has made a major foray into eastern India's retail sector by acquiring South City Mall in Kolkata for INR 3,250 crore. The one million sq ft mall, known for its high footfall and annual turnover exceeding INR 1,800 crore, has been described as an iconic destination for shopping and leisure. Real estate consultancy Anarock served as the exclusive transaction advisor in the deal. Blackstone plans to leverage its retail expertise to enhance the mall's long-term performance.Read more

The International Hospitality Investment Forum (IHIF) Asia, hosted by Questex, is set for its second edition this September at Regent Hong Kong. Centred on the theme "Beyond Borders: Markets, Capital, Growth" the event will spotlight cross-border investments and capital trends in Asia-Pacific's hospitality sector. Delegates can expect a unique mix of strategic sessions and cultural experiences, including Tai Chi classes, a Harbour Cruise, and horse racing at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, IHIF Asia will attract HNWIs, hotel brands, developers, and global investors-positioning Hong Kong as a key hub for global hospitality exchange.Read more

Thomas Cook (India) has extended its presence in Punjab by launching its first franchise outlet in Mohali, tapping into the city's growing reputation as a high-potential travel market. Known for its rapidly developing residential and commercial sectors, Mohali forms a key part of the Tricity region. The newly opened Gold Circle Partner outlet is expected to offer enhanced access and convenience to local customers. According to Thomas Cook's India Holiday Report 2025, a significant number of consumers are planning to travel more frequently and increase their travel budgets, underlining the market's expanding appetite for holidays.Read more

IHG Hotels & Resorts has formalised a strategic partnership with Atithi Gokul Hotel Inns to develop a 150-room Holiday Inn in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2028, this new property will cater to the rising influx of business and leisure travellers in the city. The collaboration is expected to strengthen IHG's midscale presence in western India and aligns with its broader growth strategy in emerging urban markets. The company expressed confidence in its global reach and trusted brand to deliver solid returns for stakeholders.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), the hospitality arm of the Tata Group, has entered into an agreement to launch a 115-key greenfield hotel in Mysuru, Karnataka, under its Vivanta brand. The announcement aligns with the company's broader strategy of tapping into rapidly developing cultural and economic centres. The project, in partnership with the Farah Group, will leverage the benefits of enhanced connectivity in the region, notably due to the Bengaluru-Mysuru Expressway. With this addition, IHCL's footprint in Karnataka now stands at 26 hotels, of which 12 are currently under various stages of development.Read more

A consortium led by Schloss Bangalore (The Leela) has secured an 80-year lease for a prime commercial plot in Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) from the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA). The consortium, which includes Arliga Ecospace Business Park Pvt Ltd and Schloss Chanakya Pvt Ltd, plans to develop a mixed-use project, featuring a 250-key luxury hotel. The plot, spanning 8,411.88 sq m with a permissible built-up area of 33,647.52 sq m, comes with a total lease premium of INR 1,302.15 crore. The highest bid was submitted earlier this year following MMRDA's evaluation process.Read more

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Kevit Retreats for the development of a 150-key Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. Announced earlier this week, the property is expected to open in the first quarter of 2028. This move reflects IHG's ongoing strategy to penetrate emerging industrial locations with globally recognised hospitality offerings. Positioned as a rising industrial centre, Pithampur is especially known for its automotive and pharmaceutical sectors, making it a strategic location for hospitality expansion. IHG currently operates 50 hotels in India and is planning to add 63 more in the next three to five years.Read more

The Himachal Pradesh government has rolled out an ambitious eco-tourism initiative under its newly framed Eco Tourism Policy 2024, aiming to develop 77 eco-tourism sites across multiple forest circles within the next five years. The policy seeks to strike a balance between nature preservation and tourism, while boosting local employment and sustainable economic growth. Initial developments are already underway at selected sites in Shimla and Kullu, with activities like trekking, forest camping, and bird watching being promoted. Local youth are also being trained as guides and workers, and digital tools such as a trekking management system and an upcoming mobile app are being introduced to assist travellers.Read more

IHG Hotels & Resorts marked a key milestone earlier this week with the opening of its 50th operational hotel in India Crowne Plaza Lucknow, comprising 110 keys. The hospitality giant reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian market by announcing a robust pipeline of nearly 70 hotels slated for launch over the next two to three years. Meanwhile, Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) entered into an agreement for a 101-key Gateway-branded hotel in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The move supports IHCL's strategy to strengthen its presence in religious and cultural destinations across India.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has made a significant stride into luxury wildlife hospitality by signing agreements for three upscale lodges in South Africa's Balule Game Reserve, part of the renowned Kruger National Park. The properties include the 30-key Taj Lion Kings Hilltop Tented Camp and two intimate six-key lodges: Taj Lion Kings Bush Lodge and Taj Lion Kings River Lodge. This expansion under the iconic Taj brand underscores IHCL's commitment to responsible tourism, aiming to provide guests with an immersive, authentic nature experience. Partnering with OM USA LLC further supports IHCL's vision of combining luxury with ecological sensitivity in a globally acclaimed wildlife destination.Read more