Follow Taj Hotels (Indian Hotels Company, NSE: INDHOTEL) in one feed. This hub gathers the latest news, earnings and openings across the Taj, Vivanta and SeleQtions brands, curated from trusted sources. Stay on top of India’s iconic luxury hotel group.
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IHCL Targets 32,000 New Keys by 2027 Amid Asset-Light Expansion and 20% Growth in Management Fees
22 June 2026📋 IHCL CEO Puneet Chhatwal expects a year-long recovery for Taj Dubai hotels post-Iran-US conflict. Middle East expansion may exceed the planned five-year timeframe for 20 hotels. Despite this, IHCL’s India operations thrive with 12-14% growth and a two-thirds RevPAR increase. The asset-light strategy boosts management fees by 20%, targeting €90 million. The Accelerate 2030 plan aims for 700 hotels and 32,000 keys in four years, with 30 openings in 2024 and 50 in 2026.
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DirectBooker Announces Supply Agreements with Best Western and Radisson, Boosting AI Connector Role in Hospitality
1 June 2026💻 Hospitality Net’s World Panel explores AI connectors, which are “digital bridges” linking AI platforms (like ChatGPT or Claude) to external apps, enabling access to hotel ARI data (Availability, Rates, Inventory). DirectBooker, founded by former Tripadvisor and Google Travel execs, announced deals with Best Western and Radisson. Google partners with OTAs and hotel chains. Independent hotels can use B2B AI connectors for AI integration. AI platforms seek monetization through partnerships, leveraging brand loyalty.
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Airbnb Expands Platform: Adds Rental Cars, Airport Transfers, and Expands Boutique Hotels in 20 Global Cities
22 May 2026🗺 May 22, 2026, Airbnb expanded its platform by launching rental cars, airport transfers, grocery delivery, luggage storage, and more travel experiences. This move challenges OTAs like Booking and Expedia, with features including AI-driven discovery and loyalty credits. Airbnb’s boutique hotel offerings are growing in 20 cities, including New York and Paris. The AI integration offers multilingual support and review summarization, while voice-enabled AI suggests future booking innovations. Independent hotels face increased competition as Airbnb expands.
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Iran Conflict Costs Indian Hotels Company Up to INR 1 Billion in Lost Revenue Due to Cancellations
11 May 2026💸 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) reported a loss up to INR 1 billion ($10.5 million) due to the Iran war, primarily from last-minute cancellations and event rescheduling. CFO Ankur Dalwani detailed losses of INR 400-500 million ($4.2-$5.25 million) at the consolidated level. The losses severely impacted the fourth quarter and early April. Despite this, CEO Puneet Chhatwal noted a return to strong growth by mid-April. Dubai emerged as a key transit hub affected by these developments.
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The Leela to Expand Luxury Hotel Portfolio with 10 New Projects, Including First International Venture in Dubai
23 April 2026🏨 In 2025, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts is a finalist in the Hospitality Awards, marking its place in India’s growing luxury market. Founded in 1986, it operates 13 five-star properties across 11 cities, with over 3,500 rooms. Plans include 10 new projects, increasing their inventory to over 5,000 rooms, with three openings set for 2026 in Coorg, Jaisalmer, and Mumbai, plus an international debut in Dubai. The brand emphasizes “True Indian Luxury” to compete with giants like Indian…
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Marriott Partners with Google AI, Hilton and IHG Implement Tech Solutions to Enhance Booking and Guest Retention
13 April 2026📈 Marriott International partnered with Google AI to bypass OTAs, Hilton deployed messaging in 7,000+ properties, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses Salesforce Einstein for auto-recovery of abandoned bookings. Minor Hotels unified guest data across 640 properties. These initiatives focus on capturing existing demand by improving response, follow-up, and retention stages. A pilot program offers full system setup for hotels earning $20k+/month, covering guest data capture, automated follow-ups, and upsell triggers.
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My Place Hotels of America Opens Second Arkansas Location with 63-Key Property in Jonesboro
7 April 2026🏨 My Place Hotels of America opened a new property, My Place Hotel—Jonesboro, AR, marking its second Arkansas location. The 4-story hotel features 63 rooms and provides amenities like in-room kitchens, a 24/7 market, and EV charging stations. Located near significant employers such as Arkansas State University, it caters to high-demand markets with strong activity in healthcare, education, and industry. The hotel is developed by Mataji LLC, designed by Richardson Design Partnership, LLC.
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Hospitality Industry Sees Changing Booking Patterns; Demand Shifts from GCC to Europe with Leisure Leading Recovery
3 April 2026🗺️ Paris and the Middle East are experiencing shifts in travel behavior, not a decline. Shorter booking windows, more price comparisons, and demand redistribution are evident. Middle Eastern brands anticipate a rebound by May and normalization by Q4. Leisure travel recovers first, followed by MICE. European destinations, like Spain during Easter, see increased demand, while geopolitical concerns redirect travel to safer choices. The key is agility and close customer and partner engagement, with volatility as the new normal.
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Indian Hotels Company Limited Signs Agreement for New 220-Key Taj Hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka
26 March 2026🏨 March 26, 2026, in Mumbai, IHCL announced a new Taj hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka. This greenfield project includes 220 keys, with 80 luxury apartments. The beachfront resort offers a variety of dining options, a wellness center, and extensive event spaces over 9,000 sq. ft. Weligama, known for its surf-friendly waters, is emerging as a top destination. IHCL partners with Beryll Group to enhance luxury hospitality in the region.
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Ammisha Bhardwaj Appointed as Director of Revenue and Distribution for Watergate Bay Hotel and Sister Brands
24 March 2026📈 Ammisha Bhardwaj, with over 25 years of experience in the boutique hotel industry, has been appointed as the director of revenue and distribution for Watergate Bay Hotel, Another Place, and SeaSpace. She takes over from Judi Blakeburn, who transitioned to an advisory role. Bhardwaj will focus on revenue strategy and maintaining a “people-first” culture. Ben Harper, the group CEO, highlighted her sharp commercial instinct and human approach to leadership.
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Musaafer Opens Second Location in Tribeca, Bringing Indian Fine Dining and Stunning Design to New York City
9 March 2026🍴 Musaafer New York, launched in Tribeca as a second location of the Michelin-starred Houston concept, is designed by Chromed Design Studio from New Delhi. Chef Mayank Istwal drew inspiration from his 100-day journey across India’s 29 states. The restaurant features intricate interiors, highlighted by the Sheesh Mahal room, adorned with hand-cut mirrors. The setting includes elements inspired by Jaipur’s Hawa Mahal and traditional Indian motifs, emphasizing a connection to Indian heritage.
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Luxury Hotels Report- Central Asia
5 March 2026The region shows strong luxury hotel potential with Almaty leading at 69.5% occupancy and ADR reaching USD 180-400, while emerging markets like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan lack international luxury brands.
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Majestic Hotels in Dubai Faces 70% Booking Cancellations Due to Middle East Conflict
4 March 2026📅 Majestic Hotels in Dubai reported 70-75% cancellations over the next two to three weeks due to the emerging war in the Middle East. The company manages 450 keys across three properties. Eid al-Fitr, expected to boost travel around March 19-20, faces disruptions. Major hotel brands like Hyatt and Accor haven’t commented, but smaller operators highlight the sharp slowdown in forward bookings, impacting the travel and hospitality sector.
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Eight heavenly home interiors that embody monastic minimalism
1 March 2026🏠 Casolare Scarani in Puglia, Italy, was transformed by Studio Andrew Trotter from a 19th-century school into a serene home, retaining its original vaulted ceilings. Mourning Dovecote in Sonoma, USA, was designed by Neal Schwartz with a chapel-like extension featuring a skylight. Vaulting Loft in London, UK, by Mata Architects, boasts cathedral-like wooden ceilings. In Hong Kong, NC Design & Architecture transformed a six-storey residence with arches and marble. A2 Architects designed Gate Lodge in Navan, Ireland, with a cruciform…
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India’s hotel boom gathers momentum
16 February 2026🛁 Feb 16, 2026, India: The hospitality sector is booming due to AI events, trade, weddings, and spiritual tourism. Hotel demand surpasses supply, boosting room rates and expansion plans. Indian Hotels, Taj brand owner, anticipates this trend for 3-5 years, rapidly increasing capacity. Challenges include talent shortage and expansion in tier-two and tier-three cities. Growth focuses on mid-market and boutique segments to broaden market coverage. Demand drivers extend beyond business travel.
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IHCL Expands Presence in Sri Lanka, Signs a Taj Hotel in Weligama
10 February 2026🏨 Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced on [current date] the signing of a new Taj hotel in Weligama, Sri Lanka, featuring 220 keys, including 80 luxury apartments. Located in the Southern Province, this beachfront resort offers extensive amenities, including a 9,000 sq. ft. banquet hall and Taj’s iconic J Wellness Circle. Established in 2004, the Beryll Group owns the project. Weligama is famous for its crescent-shaped bay and surf-friendly waters.
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Citi Group Papua New Guinea Enhances Operations with IDS Next
10 February 2026💻 Citi Group in Papua New Guinea partners with IDS Next for operational technology across four properties, including Citi Boutique Hotel and Citi Serviced Apartments, located on Lahara Avenue, Korobosea, Lagatoi Place, and Gaba Place. IDS Next, a leading ERP provider, enhances operations through its cloud-native platform, boosting guest engagement and service standards. With a presence in 50+ countries, IDS Next supports 300,000+ rooms and collaborates with brands like Wyndham and Taj Hotels. Saif Jugari and Jacob K.I commend the…
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IHCL Signs Framework Agreement for 7 New Ginger Hotels, Adding 1,000 Keys
4 February 2026🏨 Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) signs an agreement for 7 new Ginger hotels, expanding in north India. The project includes over 1,000 keys and covers cities like Jaipur, Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Hisar, and Karnal. The partnership begins with the 59-key Ginger Gurugram in Haryana. The Rajdarbar Group aims at tier-2 cities, leveraging India’s economic growth. IHCL, with a global portfolio of 360 hotels, is India’s largest hospitality company.
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IHCL & CG Hospitality Global Strengthens Presence in Bhutan, Unveils Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa
29 January 2026🏨 Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has opened the Taj Gangtey Resort & Spa in Phobjikha, Bhutan. The 35-key resort features amenities like a J Wellness Circle Spa, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and yoga instructors. Guests can enjoy the Chang Lounge & Bar and Vista restaurant. Located in Bhutan’s scenic Phobjikha valley, known for its natural beauty, this resort expands IHCL’s footprint in the region, which includes properties in Maldives, Sri Lanka, Dubai, and Nepal.
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Hotel Equities Adds 13 Hotels to Its Portfolio
15 January 2026🏨 Hotel Equities has been chosen to manage 13 hotels in Lubbock, Texas, owned by TAJ Hospitality, increasing HE’s Texas portfolio to 29 hotels. Notable properties include Aloft Lubbock and Fairfield Inn Lubbock Downtown, set to open in February 2026. TAJ Hospitality, a family-run organization with over 40 years of experience, is led by Aviraj Patel. This partnership aims to enhance performance and guest experience, with a focus on local-first and tailored solutions.
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Kensington Hideaway appoints new GM ahead of January reopening
5 January 2026📍 Kensington Hideaway, previously Seraphine Kensington, reopens at the end of January after a multi-million-pound refurbishment. Rohit Bisht, formerly of The Dixon, joins as general manager, overseeing the 59-room hotel’s operations. Part of the JMK Group, the redesigned hotel features a literary theme. Bisht focuses on creating guest experiences and team support. Kenny Russell from JMK Group welcomes him onboard. The soft launch marks the hotel’s new chapter.
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Millennium and Taj launch global loyalty partnership
26 December 2025🏨 Millennium Hotels & Resorts and Indian Hotels Company announced a partnership linking MyMillennium and Taj InnerCircle of NeuPass loyalty programs. Members benefit from reciprocal 10% discounts on hotel stays. The announcement marks Millennium’s 30th anniversary, with the company headquartered in Singapore. The collaboration spans over 145 hotels globally, enhancing the guest experience without operational integration. Properties like The Biltmore Los Angeles and M Social Hotel Phuket are included in the partnership.
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Top 10 Travel Posts of 2025
24 December 2025🏋️♂️ Award-winning Lake Flato and Bunkhouse Hotels unveil Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston. Marc & Rose’s Casa Loma Beach Hotel redesign in Laguna Beach, inspired by a life well-lived, was executed by Electric Bowery. Morris Adjmi Architects and Method Co. debut The Nickel Hotel in Charleston. Philippe Starck’s Maison Heler towers over Metz, France. Paradero Hotel, designed by Ruben Valdez and Yashar Yektajo, offers an eco-retreat in Todos Santos, Baja Mexico. Populus Seattle, by Urban Villages, features biophilic design.
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Here we are: Best Talent Management Initiative
24 October 2025🏨 Appart’City launched “Unleashing the New Hospitality” in 2024, centering employees in redefining values. Beachcomber Hotels’ “Feel the Happiness You Give” involves 1,000 employees, focusing on trust and well-being. IHCL integrates talent management with its Tajness philosophy, fostering leadership and inclusion. ITC Hotels’ NAPS Programme trained 4,000 apprentices, 78% employed. Kempinski’s Flourish Program, started in 2023, spans 15 countries, training future leaders. Radisson’s Career Month involves 75,000 members globally, enhancing career development through interactive experiences.
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Indian Hotels Company’s “Accelerate 2030” plan gathers pace
18 October 2025This article was written by HospitalityOn. Click here to read the original article India’s leading hotel group, led by Puneet Chhatwal, has launched an ambitious roadmap to reach 700 operating
