17 Jan 2026

Mattel has launched its first Autistic Barbie doll in India, expanding the Barbie Fashionistas range with a focus on inclusion and representation. Developed over 18 months with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, the doll features thoughtful design elements such as articulated arms, averted eye gaze, sensory-friendly clothing, noise-cancelling headphones, a fidget spinner, and an AAC communication tablet. The launch is supported by Indian autism advocates and creators to promote awareness and lived experiences. Priced at INR 799, the doll will be available from January 2026 across retail and e-commerce platforms. A portion of sales will support the India Autism Centre, reinforcing Mattel's commitment to inclusive play.Read more

16 Jan 2026

Oriental Hotels Ltd reported a 15 per cent rise in revenue to INR 140.56 crore for the October-December quarter, supported by strong demand in Chennai and Cochin. EBITDA increased to INR 43.35 crore, while Profit After Tax grew 45 per cent to INR 20.23 crore compared with the previous year. CEO Pramod Ranjan indicated that the strong demand trend is expected to continue, ensuring double-digit revenue growth. With seven hotels across metro and leisure destinations, the company benefits from strategic locations and a diversified hospitality portfolio.Read more

16 Jan 2026

IHCL has acquired a 51 per cent stake in Brij Hospitality for INR 193 crore, taking ownership of the boutique leisure brand Brij. The acquisition adds 11 operational hotels and 11 in development, totaling around 295-300 keys. Brij Hotels operates 22 properties and is known for personalized, culturally immersive experiences in offbeat locations such as Jaipur, Varanasi, Ranthambore, the northeast, and Goa. IHCL’s portfolio now stands at 610 hotels with 253 in the pipeline. Brij’s co-founders also plan international expansion, with properties in Nepal and potential opportunities in Sri Lanka.Read more

16 Jan 2026

ITC Hotels has expanded its hospitality footprint in Uttarakhand with the opening of Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Madhuban Dehradun. The newly launched property has 73 rooms and is operated under a management contract, in line with the company's asset-right growth strategy. The development reinforces ITC Hotels focus on growth through managed assets rather than owned properties. Dehradun's position as a gateway to Uttarakhand, along with its growing appeal among business and leisure travellers, has been cited as a key factor behind the expansion. The opening adds to ITC Hotels portfolio in the state and reflects its ongoing strategy of strengthening presence in strategically important locations.Read more

16 Jan 2026

ITC Hotels Ltd has been allotted land on a long-term lease at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka, to develop a premium five-star hotel focused on business travellers, conventions and global events. The 3,648 sq metre plot has been leased for 91 years at a premium of INR 326.50 crore by India International Convention and Exhibition Centre Ltd. The hotel will feature luxury accommodation, modern banqueting spaces and signature dining options, supporting Yashobhoomi's growing role as a major MICE destination in Delhi-NCR. With strong demand from trade shows and conferences, the project will strengthen ITC Hotels existing footprint in the region and enhance hospitality infrastructure around the convention hub.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Akasa Air has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) after completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit, a key global benchmark for airline operations and safety. The move places Akasa Air among more than 360 airlines worldwide that are part of the association. With this, the carrier becomes the fifth Indian airline to join IATA, alongside Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo and SpiceJet. The membership reflects Akasa Air's operational maturity since starting services in 2022 and aligns it with international aviation standards.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) has announced its entry into Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, with the signing of a 100-key greenfield Ginger hotel, strengthening its footprint in the state's growing hospitality market. The move reflects rising long-stay demand driven by industrial and infrastructure-led growth in the region. Separately, Sampark Foundation has unveiled plans to invest INR 25 crore to improve learning outcomes in government schools across eight Indian states. The initiative will include the rollout of an AI-based, real-time classroom monitoring and governance platform across nearly 80,000 schools. Together, the two developments highlight parallel investments in India's urban infrastructure and social development landscape.Read more

15 Jan 2026

Indian Hotels Company Ltd has secured trademark registration for the iconic Taj sonic sound, making it the first hospitality brand in India to receive protection for a sound mark. The registration gives legal recognition to the Taj brand's distinctive audio identity and safeguards it from unauthorised use. IHCL said the move reflects the growing importance of experience-led branding, where sound plays a key role alongside visual elements. Used across guest touchpoints and digital platforms, the sonic identity helps build familiarity and emotional connection with guests. The milestone highlights IHCL's focus on protecting brand equity in a market where hospitality, real estate and mixed-use developments increasingly rely on consistent, multi-sensory brand experiences.Read more

14 Jan 2026

Air India is introducing a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on its long haul international services from February 2026. This is the first Dreamliner to join the mainline fleet after Tata Group's takeover in 2022, following title transfer in the US and arrival in Delhi. The aircraft seats 296 passengers in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. The induction is part of a wider fleet modernisation plan, including five more wide body aircraft and retrofitting existing jets. The move strengthens Air India's global expansion and enhances passenger experience on international routes.Read more

14 Jan 2026

LondonMetric Property PLC has acquired a portfolio of Premier Inn hotels for GBP 89 million, adding to its growing hospitality real estate exposure. The hotels will continue to operate under the Premier Inn brand, owned by Whitbread PLC, which has a strong presence across the UK budget hotel market. The deal reflects LondonMetric's ongoing diversification strategy, as the company expands beyond logistics and retail assets into income-generating hospitality properties. The transaction supports its focus on stable, long-term returns backed by established operators.Read more