MakeMyTrip, a NASDAQ-listed travel technology platform, has introduced an AI-driven semantic search feature to make hotel and homestay discovery easier for travellers. The feature allows users to describe their accommodation needs in natural language, removing the need to navigate multiple filters. Queries such as "pet-friendly hotels in Manali with a swimming pool" or "heritage stays near Jaipur forts with parking" are understood by the AI, which presents relevant options with property visuals, curated user-generated content, and personalized rankings. The platform aims to enhance convenience and improve the overall stay-booking experience.Read more

Chalet Hotels Limited has launched its new upper-upscale brand, ATHIVA Hotels & Resorts, beginning with six properties across India. The project involves an investment of about INR 1,500 crore, mostly funded through internal accruals. The first property, The Dukes Retreat in Khandala, will open this week, marking ATHIVA's debut. The upcoming hotels include a renovated business property in Navi Mumbai, The Resort at Aksa Beach, and three greenfield projects in Goa and Thiruvananthapuram. The company expects all six properties to become operational by 2029 and aims to double ATHIVA's portfolio to 1,800 rooms within three years.Read more

OVS, Italy's renowned fashion brand, has launched its first flagship store in India at Pacific Mall, Tagore Garden, New Delhi. Spanning 9,000 sq. ft., the store showcases a wide array of collections, from everyday essentials to premium lines, reflecting Italian design, quality fabrics, and contemporary style. Before the opening, a pop-up installation offered shoppers an immersive preview of OVS' aesthetic and collections. The launch highlights the brand's international growth strategy and its focus on delivering accessible, stylish, and sustainable fashion to Indian consumers, catering to the increasing demand for global fashion experiences in the country.Read more

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE) has partnered with Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI) to provide comprehensive healthcare services to residents of its Gurugram projects, Joyville Gurugram and The Dualis. SPRE will supply infrastructure while FMRI will handle medical centres, staffing, and equipment. Residents will receive a range of complimentary services including vitals monitoring, first aid, injections, dressings, and fortnightly internal medicine consultations, along with discounts on diagnostics, health check-ups, and IPD services at Fortis Gurugram. Emergency ambulance support is also included, reflecting SPRE's commitment to integrating healthcare into community living.Read more

AI Fleet Services IFSC Ltd (AIFS), the leasing arm of Air India, secured a USD 215 million loan from Standard Chartered and Bank of India to finance six Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The seven-year term loan, routed through GIFT City, marks the first commercial aircraft financing via India's international financial hub. The financing supports Air India's Vihaan.AI transformation programme, which includes fleet renewal, mergers with regional carriers, and network expansion. Earlier payments via AIFS show growing domestic financing capability. GIFT City is emerging as a hub for aircraft financing, reducing dependence on offshore lessors.Read more

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), part of the Tata Group, has crossed the milestone of 250 operational hotels in India, offering a total of 25,500 rooms. In the first half of the current fiscal year, the company signed 46 properties and opened 26 hotels, including locations like Darjeeling, ECR Chennai, Pondicherry, Mohali, and Kruger National Park in South Africa. Executives highlighted that these additions reflect consistent progress under the company's "Accelerate 2030" plan. IHCL is on track to expand its portfolio to 700 hotels by 2030, strengthening its presence across domestic and international markets.Read more

ITC Hotels has partnered with DSR Hospitality Services to open two new managed hotels under its Welcomhotel brand in Hyderabad and Nellore. The Hyderabad Panjagutta property will have 117 rooms, while the Nellore hotel will feature 127 rooms. This expansion strengthens ITC Hotels' presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, supporting the company's strategic growth into new cities. Leadership stated that the partnership reflects the group's commitment to increasing its footprint across India while maintaining high standards of service and hospitality for both business and leisure travelers.Read more

OYO Assets, also known as Sunday PropTech and backed by PRISM, has announced plans to acquire 12 hotels during the second half of the current financial year as part of its effort to grow its premium and mid-premium hospitality portfolio. The company mentioned that seven of these properties are already in advanced stages of acquisition. The funding for these acquisitions will come through a combination of debt and equity, supported by PRISM Life, SoftBank, and a consortium led by InCred and Analah. The move aligns with OYO's strategy to strengthen its presence in key hotel segments.Read more

DLF has addressed reports suggesting water supply issues at its Vasant Kunj malls, DLF Promenade and DLF Emporio. The company confirmed both malls have sufficient water supply and have implemented robust contingency measures. Teams are coordinating with authorities to ensure uninterrupted operations, particularly during the ongoing festive season. Delhi Jal Board officials have confirmed that any earlier supply disruptions, linked to water tanker delivery, have now been resolved, highlighting effective collaboration between the malls and local authorities.Read more

ANIIDCO has received strong interest from hospitality developers and investors for 5-star eco-tourism resorts under a PPP model in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Projects include Megapode Resort redevelopment and first-time tourism on uninhabited Aves Island, featuring 50 luxury rooms and adventure activities. Additional plans cover 14 more islands, including Long Island, Smith Island, and Shaheed Dweep, with substantial investments. Aligned with the Holistic Development of Islands framework, these projects follow global sustainability standards, aim to attract high-end tourists, create local employment, and position the islands as a global destination for eco-friendly tourism.Read more