IHG has signed a management agreement with So Hotels to develop InterContinental Kasauli, set to open in 1Q2029. The resort will cater to leisure guests and provide a venue for weddings and MICE business.
Located in the Shivalik hills, InterContinental Kasauli will offer views of the Himalayas and easy access from Chandigarh and Shimla, making it a suitable destination for both leisure travellers and corporate events.
InterContinental Kasauli will open in 1Q2029
The resort will feature around 130 guestrooms and a range of amenities, including Concierge Galleries that provide local cultural insights, and event venues. With Holiday Inn Resort Kasauli also in development, both resorts aim to enhance leisure travel in Northern India.
“We are confident that InterContinental Kasauli will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region,” said Ojas Garg, managing partner, So Hotels.
Sudeep Jain, managing director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, added: “With its strategic location, picturesque views, and world-class amenities, the hotel will offer an exceptional experience for travellers seeking relaxation, exclusive getaways, or even business engagements. As Kasauli continues to attract discerning travellers, InterContinental Kasauli will elevate the hospitality landscape in the region.”
Kalkudah Beach House, Sri Lanka
Kalkudah Beach House is a beachfront retreat on Sri Lanka’s East Coast, featuring restored Dutch-style arches that open into spacious living areas, blending seamlessly with lush gardens and the Indian Ocean.
The five-bedroom property is nestled within a secluded coconut grove and offers two villas – the Main House and Palm Villa – surrounding a tropical pool, with direct access to a stretch of coastline.
Guests can enjoy various experiences, including diving and snorkelling at vibrant coral reefs, whale and dolphin watching from May to August, and cultural exploration just an hour away from the Cultural Triangle, including sites like Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Polonnaruwa. Local excursions such as visiting the Dutch Fort in Batticaloa or taking sunset cruises in Kalkudah Bay offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Kalkudah Beach House combines sustainability with elegance, incorporating eco-friendly features like solar power and rainwater harvesting. The menu highlights East Coast flavours, including Batticaloa-style crab curry and Jaffna seafood stew.
Zana By The Ganges, Rishikesh
Zana By The Ganges, Rishikesh, India
Zana By The Ganges is just a short walk from Lakshman Jhula, featuring views of the Ganges and surrounding hills.
The Celebrity Suites provide a 180-degree view of the Ganges, a private Jacuzzi, and spacious interiors.
The rooftop restaurant, Marshmallow, serves regional and international dishes in small plates, with views of the hills and river. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool, take part in yoga sessions, attend evening aartis (religious ritual), or engage in activities such as river rafting, trekking, and birdwatching. The Veda Ballroom, with a space of 325m², can accommodate up to 180 guests and boasts views of the Ganges.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka
Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Japan
Waldorf Astoria Osaka has opened with 252 rooms, offering panoramic skyline views. Situated in the Umekita District, it is close to Shinsaibashi’s boutiques, Dotonbori’s culinary scene, and Osaka Castle, with easy access to JR Osaka Station and connections to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.
The hotel occupies the top floors of the South Park Tower at Grand Green Osaka. Rooms, including two penthouse suites and a Presidential Suite, offer 360-degree views from the 31st to 38th floors.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers personal concierge services, family programmes, 24-hour in-room dining, and event venues. It also offers wellness services such as tailored treatments, an indoor pool, and thermal experiences.
Novotel New Delhi City Centre
Novotel New Delhi City Centre, India
Strategically located near key business hubs, shopping destinations and cultural landmarks, the 124-key Novotel New Delhi City Centre offers guests connectivity and convenience.
The hotel offers over 929m² of flexible event space, including a large Ballroom. It also features an all-day dining restaurant, Gourmet Bar, rooftop bar, infinity pool, and wellness facilities.
Hyatt Hotels Corporation is building on its 2024 deal momentum with an expansion plan that includes seven new hotels set to open in 2025. This follows the signing of agreements for 21 new properties across India and South-west Asia in 2024, strengthening Hyatt’s position in the region.
Looking ahead, Hyatt’s growth in 2025 will include new properties in Ghaziabad, Kasauli, Kochi, Bhopal, Vithalapur, Jaipur, and Butwal (Nepal). These locations represent a mix of business, religious, and leisure travel, catering to both domestic and international travellers.
Hyatt is expanding in India and Nepal, with a target of 100 hotels in India by 2029; Hyatt Centric Hebbal Bengaluru, pictured
Hyatt aims to have 100 hotels in India within the next five years, contributing to the country’s expanding hospitality sector.
Hyatt’s 2024 growth included key signings across various segments. The company plans hotels in business hubs like Gift City, Greater Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. It is also expanding into leisure and cultural destinations such as Vrindavan, Kumbhalgarh, Katra, Kandaghat, Jim Corbett National Park, and Pushkar, as well as popular getaway spots like Goa and Jaipur.
Hyatt is also growing its Lifestyle Portfolio in India with new Andaz and JdV by Hyatt properties, and expanded in Nepal with two new signings with plans to introduce its 10th brand in India, Destination by Hyatt.
Hyatt currently operates 52 hotels across South-west Asia, with 50 in India and two in Nepal, covering nine distinct brands. The company recently reached the milestone of 10,000 keys in the region.
“2024 marked a watershed year for Hyatt in India and South-west Asia, with unprecedented growth and the successful signing of 21 new properties across diverse markets,” said Sunjae Sharma, managing director, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt.
“As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to build on this momentum with even more aggressive expansion plans, and a goal of 100 hotels in India within the next five years reflecting our confidence in the region’s potential and our commitment to being a leader in the hospitality industry in India.”
Cordelia Cruises, India’s premier cruise line, and Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) have officially signed an agreement for the transfer of Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun to Cordelia’s growing fleet.
These additions mark a significant milestone in Cordelia’s journey to make cruise holidays more accessible, aspirational, and world-class for Indian travellers.
Cordelia Cruises adds Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun to its fleet
Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, both part of NCL’s Sun-class series, bring with them a legacy of world-class cruising, thoughtful design, and guest comfort. Each ship is capable of accommodating around 2,000 guests and 900 crew members. Together, they will more than double Cordelia’s current capacity and enable the brand to explore new regions and offer broader, more immersive cruise experiences.
One of the most significant upgrades with this expansion is the improved mix of stateroom categories. Both ships feature over 1,000 cabins each, including a selection of accommodation from solo staterooms to balconies and suites. Guests can look forward to an elevated onboard experience with multiple speciality dining venues, theatre and entertainment venues, casinos, wellness centre, shops, arcade, pools, sun decks, fitness zone, and dedicated children’s and family entertainment areas. These sister ships are known for their spacious layouts, warm ambience, and versatility –catering seamlessly to both short getaways and longer destination-focused itineraries.
Since her launch in 2021, Cordelia Empress has welcomed over 600,000 guests across 450+ sailings, offering a uniquely Indian cruising experience.
Cordelia Cruises will soon announce deployment timelines and destinations for the two new ships, with plans to serve a mix of domestic and international routes. The addition of these ships will enable the cruise line to reach more ports across India, South-east Asia, and the Middle East, opening doors to longer itineraries, increased frequency, and a more diverse and enriched guest experience.
Jurgen Bailom, president and CEO of Cordelia Cruises, said: “With the addition of NorwegianSky and NorwegianSun, we are entering a new era of cruise holidays for Indian guests – one that is bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever before.”
Oceania Cruises has launched its 2026-2027 Tropics and Exotics Collection, featuring over 120 itineraries. The sailings will be available for booking from April 10.
The 2026-2027 Tropics and Exotics Collection offers a range of voyages, from one-week getaways to expansive 244-day expeditions, including Oceania Vista’s Around the World journey. The itineraries take travellers to a diverse array of destinations, from lesser-known ports in Africa and India to the Arabian Peninsula and South Pacific islands.
Oceania Vista in port of Roseau, Dominica; photo by Oceania Cruises
Designed for those looking for more than just a trip, these sailings provide the chance to explore some of the world’s most captivating regions. The collection also includes nearly 30 Grand Voyages, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the cultures and landscapes of Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and Oceania.
The 2026-2027 Tropics and Exotics Collection features a range of global voyages. In the Caribbean, Panama Canal, and Mexico, sailings aboard Oceania Marina, Oceania Vista, and Oceania Allura visit destinations like St Kitts, Bonaire, and Guadeloupe.
Oceania Insignia will explore South America, including Rio de Janeiro, Montevideo, and Patagonia, with a journey along the Amazon River. Nearly 30 sailings to Asia and Africa aboard Oceania Riviera, Oceania Nautica, Oceania Sirena, and Oceania Vista visit cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore.
South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand itineraries offer trips to islands and the Great Barrier Reef. The collection also includes Grand Voyages ranging from 17 to 68 days, with Oceania Vista hosting a 180-day Around the World cruise in 2027. Shorter regional segments are also available.
Sunway Hospitality Group has appointed Alex Castaldi as CEO to lead its expansion.
In his new role, Castaldi will focus on expanding Sunway’s global presence and integrating hospitality with other Sunway Group sectors. He also oversees Sunway Travel and is committed to talent development, serving as an adjunct professor of practice at Sunway University’s School of Hospitality & Service Management.
With extensive experience in luxury resorts across Asia and the Middle East, he previously served as senior general manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels, where he oversaw the transformation of Sunway Resort Hotel.
Prior to joining Sunway in 2017, Alex held senior roles at luxury resorts in Bali, Thailand, the Philippines, Seychelles, and Dubai, working with renowned brands such as Shangri-La, Banyan Tree, Anantara, and the Jumeirah Group.
The Maldives is tapping into the massive fan bases of two popular sporting giants in a new effort to spur more tourist interest in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
Last month, the Maldives Marketing and PR Corporation (MMPRC) signed sponsorship agreements with the UK’s Liverpool Football Club (LFC) and India’s Mumbai Indians cricket team to promote the country’s tourist attractions and increase footfall from the UK, India, and around the world.
The Maldives partners with Liverpool FC and Mumbai Indians to attract millions of global sports fans and boost tourism
“This is not sports tourism; we are not attracting teams to play in the Maldives. What we hope to achieve is attracting thousands of fans of these two clubs to visit the Maldives,” said MMPRC chairman Abdulla Ghiyas. The two sports clubs represent millions of fans across the world, he added.
Ghiyas told TTG Asia that the LFC deal is a 3.5-year partnership starting in August, coinciding with the next British football season. He explained that Liverpool positions itself as a premium brand, making this a collaboration between two premium brands – the Maldives and Liverpool.
With the partnership, the Maldives aims to increase its awareness and visibility through the club’s growing social media platforms, which have more than 200 million global followers. Last season alone, Liverpool registered nearly 12 billion views and 1.5 billion fan engagements, the highest of any English league club. Liverpool is also the most-watched team globally in the league, with a cumulative audience of 471 million last season, a trend that has continued into the current season.
While the Mumbai Indians deal targets just the Indian Premier League, the Liverpool deal is different.
“Every (Liverpool) home-and-away match, we would have access to the LEDs (giant billboards) plus all their material, their website, social outlets,” Ghiyas explained, noting that this is the first time in over 50 years of tourism that they have undertaken such an initiative, similar to their previous campaigns with the BBC and CNN.
MMPRC will also promote the two deals with Liverpool FC and Mumbai Indians at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, from April 28 to May 1, as well as at other international trade shows this year. Outdoor advertising for the LFC deal will soon roll out in the UK, with billboards in key locations such as the London Underground and airports.
The Maldives expects to attract a few hundred thousand tourists this year through the LFC engagement, generating over US$200 million in revenue. “We are not merely chasing arrival targets; we want to keep yields high, and Liverpool’s premium clientele can help us achieve this,” stated Ghiyas.
The announcement of the LFC-MMPRC deal reached 80 million people, and to celebrate the launch of the partnership, fans will have the chance to win a five-night trip to the Maldives, including flights and accommodation, through a MyLFC competition.
With a record two million tourist arrivals last year and the World Travel Awards (WTA) World’s Leading Destination title for the fifth consecutive year in 2024, the Maldives is targeting 2.2 million arrivals this year, along with a goal of US$5 billion in tourism receipts.
Cricket, the second most-watched sport in the world, has an audience with high disposable income, making the partnership with the Mumbai Indians a strategic move to elevate the Maldives’ brand among Indian and international travellers. The Maldives aims to attract 200,000 Indian tourists this year by boosting brand awareness and generating excitement across various Indian cities.
Private sector involvement is also key. For example, Heritance Aarah Maldives led the way in sports tourism by sponsoring Bologna FC in the UEFA Champions League last October, combining luxury travel with global sports before anyone else in the Maldives, according to Suresh Dissanayake, assistant vice president of sales and marketing at Adaaran Group, which owns Heritance Aarah.
“LFC and Mumbai Indians partnerships enhance brand visibility of the destination, attract passionate sports travellers, and position the Maldives beyond just a honeymoon destination. By associating with elite sports teams, we tap into loyal fan bases, drive high-value tourism, and create year-round demand,” said Dissanayake, adding that the group would support any initiative by Maldives tourism aimed at boosting arrivals to the country.
Thailand-based hospitality company Dusit International has ramped up its expansion efforts in India following the opening of its first property in the country, dusitD2 Fagu, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) in December 2024. The hotel chain has signed agreements for nearly 800 keys across various locations reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market.
Addressing a press conference in New Delhi on April 3, Deepika Arora, head – India, Dusit International announced that the company has secured deals for wellness-focused Devarana Sakleshpur and a Dusit Princess property in Coorg, Karnataka.
From left: Dusit International’s Deepika Arora and Siradej Donavanik
The Dusit Princess brand is also making its way to Hyderabad (Telangana), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Bhiwadi (Rajasthan), Lonavala (Maharashtra) and Kolkata (West Bengal), signalling a strategic push into both metro and non-metro markets.
“We are also entering some very scenic boutique destinations in the country including Kasol and Manali (both in Himachal Pradesh) under our Dusit Collection brand. All these properties are expected to be operational in the next two to three years,” said Arora, adding that Dusit International has plans to sign 3,000 keys in India over the next three years.
Highlighting the company’s approach to expansion, Siradej Donavanik, vice president – development (global), Dusit International, shared: “Apart from metro cities, we are focusing on tier-II and tier-III markets in India. Our conscious decision is to pick strategic locations that are underserved with quality products and to seek the right local partners.
“Our strategy for the Indian market is currently asset-light, but in the future, we will be open to investment as well. As a company, we own about 30 per cent of our portfolio, which is a significant chunk compared to our peers.”
In addition to its expansion plans, Dusit International is set to enhance hospitality education and local talent development in India through Dusit Hospitality Education.
AirRetailer Travel Technology has launched AirBooking.com, an AI-powered corporate travel and expense management platform designed to transform the business travel industry.
Integrated with the IATA Financial Gateway (IFG), AirBooking.com offers an advanced solution for travel management companies (TMCs), corporate clients, and airlines. The platform combines AI with travel content and automated expense management, enabling businesses to automate and optimise their travel and expense processes for cost savings, policy compliance, and improved traveller experiences.
The new AI-powered platform streamlines corporate travel management, offering dynamic pricing, policy enforcement, and seamless financial transactions for businesses and travellers
AirBooking.com provides dynamic pricing, real-time travel policy enforcement, and automated travel expense reconciliation, ensuring a seamless experience for both businesses and travellers. Its AI features personalise travel bookings by suggesting options based on company policy and traveller preferences, while a dynamic pricing engine ensures businesses get the best value for their travel spend. The platform also includes a 24/7 AI concierge for round-the-clock assistance and automated expense management to reduce manual work and improve accuracy.
AirBooking.com’s integration with the IFG enhances the platform by enabling streamlined payment solutions and seamless financial transactions. This partnership ensures multi-currency support, dynamic foreign exchange capabilities, and a wide range of payment options, including industry settlement solutions. It also optimises payment costs and automates payment reconciliation, creating a frictionless payment process for businesses and offering a customised payment experience based on the merchant’s needs.
AirBooking.com is designed to support TMCs, corporates, and airlines by offering a unified solution that integrates content from multiple sources. It connects to airlines through New Distribution Capability for real-time availability and personalised offers, alongside traditional GDS for global inventory access. This gives businesses access to travel content from full-service carriers, low-cost carriers, and aggregators in one place.
The platform also uses AI to predict future fares and ensure bookings align with corporate policies, helping businesses manage travel spending in real time.
In addition, AirBooking.com automates expense management, with features like intelligent receipt processing, real-time spend tracking, and automated expense reconciliation. It integrates corporate card data to simplify reconciliation and speed up reporting. Its integration with the IFG supports various payment methods, including cards, digital wallets, and mobile payments, with top-level security and compliance.
Tailored solutions are available to suit different business needs, such as direct booking for in-house travel management, TMC multi-client management, direct corporate access for greater control, and white-label options for brands to personalise the platform under their own label.
Aligned with the Modern Airline Retailing vision, AirBooking.com allows businesses to embrace the future of travel by offering dynamic and personalised bundles. The platform supports the full transition to Offers and Orders, enabling airlines, TMCs, and corporates to collaborate seamlessly with a unified view of the traveller’s journey.
“This integration enhances payment orchestration across the travel ecosystem. By combining IFG’s robust global payment infrastructure with AirBooking.com’s AI-powered travel platform, we enable a seamless payment experience that accelerates the industry’s transition to modern airline retailing,” stated Frederic Leger, senior vice president of commercial products and services, IATA.
Kavitha Jagannathan, chief product officer at AirRetailer, shared: “Our platform is built from the ground up with modern retailing principles, seamlessly blending artificial intelligence, dynamic pricing, and real-time policy enforcement. By automating everything from booking to expense reconciliation, we empower companies to reduce travel spend by up to 15 per cent, streamline operational workflows, and ensure 100 per cent compliance with corporate travel policies.
“It’s not just about savings – it’s about giving travel managers and employees a smarter, faster, and more personalised experience.”
A new audio tour has been launched to bring the storied heritage of Dempsey Hill to life. This enclave, just a five-minute drive from Singapore’s main thoroughfare, Orchard Road, was once the site of British military barracks dating back to the 1860s. Today, it is home to restaurants, grocers, art galleries, and lifestyle shops.
“The idea for this immersive audio tour came from our experience with conducting heritage tours here that are usually guided,” shared Kee Luah, marketing consultant for Dempsey Hill, Ginger Consultancy.
The self-guided audio tour allows visitors to explore Dempsey Hill’s colonial history and present, providing a journey through its historic landmarks and attractions
“These tours have always been incredibly popular, often selling out within just two hours of launch. We wanted to offer something more flexible, so we created a self-guided tour that allows visitors to explore at their own pace and on their own schedule. The app lets visitors pause at various destinations to enjoy a break, such as a brunch, before continuing on to the remaining historical spots,” she added.
The audio tour, available on the Cinewav app and Klook platform, guides visitors through various points of interest around Dempsey Hill, including the barracks built during Singapore’s colonial era. Visitors will learn about the transformation of these former army barracks into the vibrant lifestyle destination the area has become.
“By offering a self-guided option, we aim to appeal to those looking for a more independent and flexible way to explore heritage sites. This flexibility makes the experience more personalised and convenient for our visitors,” said Luah.
Beyond the tour, she shared how the area continues to market its offerings to attract both local and international tourists. These efforts include collaborations with local artists and musicians to host pop-up events, the incorporation of art installations, and regular partnerships with tenants to provide a wide variety of dining experiences, as well as collaborations with bank partners for promotions.
There are also regular events that draw visitors, such as the annual Motoring Heritage Day, which features vintage cars, and the Latadina Festival, Singapore’s largest Latin American food and music festival.
“This combination makes Dempsey Hill an attractive place not only for locals and expatriates but also for tourists looking for a unique experience in Singapore. Its mix of heritage and modernity significantly contributes to the country’s tourism appeal, offering visitors an authentic and tranquil escape right in the heart of the city,” concluded Luah.
With extensive experience in luxury resorts across Asia and the Middle East, he previously served as senior general manager of Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotels, where he oversaw the transformation of Sunway Resort Hotel.
