New Delhi, February 2026: Air India has unveiled its stunning new Maharaja Lounge at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, marking a milestone in the airline’s transformation since Tata Group took over in 2022.
Spanning 16,000 square feet, the lounge seamlessly blends traditional Indian heritage motifs with modern luxury. Guests can enjoy facilities such as the Aviator’s Bar, Crystal Bar, dedicated sleep suites, live cooking stations, and plush seating areas across separate Business and First Class sections. The lounge accommodates up to 300 guests and offers a serene environment for relaxation, work, and leisure before flights.
CEO Campbell Wilson described the Maharaja Lounge as “a key step in our journey to redefine Air India’s passenger experience,” adding that more premium lounges are planned, including one at San Francisco International Airport. Eligible Business and First Class passengers, along with Star Alliance members, will gain access starting February 16.
Aviation enthusiasts and travelers have already shared glowing reviews of the lounge, praising its gold-accented interiors, spacious seating, and thoughtful blend of Indian artistry with modern comforts. Some have noted ongoing refinements to service, especially for elite passengers, as the team continues to perfect the guest experience.
With this launch, Air India strengthens its positioning as a world-class airline offering premium services that honor Indian heritage while catering to global travelers.
In a milestone collaboration for India’s hospitality and design landscape, Ginger, the lean luxe brand by The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), has partnered with Asian Paints, the nation’s leader in décor and design innovation, to unveil a one-of-a-kind design transformation at Ginger Goa, Candolim.
Together, the brands have reimagined an entire floor of the hotel, featuring eight uniquely designed rooms under the theme A Royale Touch. Each space is a visual and tactile experience brought to life with Asian Paints Royale Play textures from the Italian collection, renowned for their artistry and craftsmanship.
From calming dune formations in the Canvas Dune and Corolla Curve suites to the refined finish of Marmorino Multitone along the corridors, every surface has been curated to evoke emotion and enhance the guest journey. Finishes like Calcecruda Mirror Stucco Paladeo Tile and Royale Glitz Reserve luxury emulsion add depth, sheen, and resilience — making each room both functional and visually stunning.
The collaboration reflects Ginger’s evolving design philosophy, which harmonizes comfort and creativity. By blending Asian Paints’ expertise in colour and texture with Ginger’s approach to lean luxury, the project introduces a new era of experiential hospitality that appeals to modern travellers seeking design with meaning.
Each of the eight rooms tells its own design story, inspired by natural elements and artisanal techniques. Walls become canvases, textures evoke emotion, and every detail invites guests to slow down and experience art in its most intimate form.
Guests can now book these specially designed rooms directly through the Ginger website.
Uttar Pradesh is set to open its first-ever glass skywalk bridge at the scenic Tulsi Waterfall in Chitrakoot, a Rs 3.70-crore marvel that fuses modern engineering with timeless spirituality. Shaped like Lord Ram’s bow and arrow, the structure symbolizes strength, precision, and divinity while offering visitors a thrilling and immersive experience above one of Bundelkhand’s most serene landscapes.
The skywalk, made from a fusion of glass and steel, stands as both a tribute to the region’s mythological legacy and a bold step in eco-tourism development. Officials from the Chitrakoot district administration have confirmed that the bridge was inspired by Bihar’s Rajgir Glass Bridge but features a unique design tailored to the cultural ethos of Chitrakoot — the land where Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are believed to have spent years during their exile.
“This bridge is a blend of spirituality and modern architecture,” said a senior official from the Forest and Tourism Department. “Our goal is to develop Chitrakoot as a model for faith-based eco-tourism, allowing visitors to experience both natural beauty and cultural heritage.”
The transparent glass panels of the bridge offer a 360-degree view of the three-tiered Tulsi Waterfall — once known as Shabari Waterfall — which was renamed to honour Goswami Tulsidas, the saint-poet who composed the Ramcharitmanas and was born nearby in Rajapur. The area surrounding the waterfall has been transformed into Kodand Van, an eco-park named after Lord Ram’s bow, featuring walking trails, viewing decks, and meditation zones.
Chitrakoot Divisional Forest Officer S.K. Chaudhary described the experience as both thrilling and tranquil. “Standing on the glass deck, visitors will feel as if they are floating above the waterfall. It’s an unmatched experience of peace and exhilaration,” he said.
Constructed by Ghazipur-based Pawan Sut Construction Company, the bridge extends 25 metres into the gorge and spans 35 metres between its two pillars. It has been engineered to withstand a load of up to 500 kg per square metre, ensuring maximum safety even during peak tourist hours. Reinforced steel frames and multi-layered laminated glass panels have been used to ensure durability against environmental and temperature challenges.
“Safety has been our top priority,” said project engineer Pramod Mishra. “Each component has been tested to international standards. The structure is designed to be both aesthetically striking and sustainable in an eco-sensitive area.”
The glass bridge is part of a wider effort by the Uttar Pradesh government to promote sustainable tourism in Bundelkhand. Additional amenities, including a herbal garden, open-air park, and food court, are being developed near the waterfall to enhance the visitor experience while maintaining ecological balance. The project also integrates local communities by generating employment opportunities for guides, artisans, and small business owners.
Authorities are implementing eco-friendly measures such as solar-powered lighting, controlled vehicle access, and comprehensive waste management to ensure the site remains environmentally responsible. “Our approach is to balance development with conservation,” DFO Chaudhary emphasized.
The bridge is expected to be inaugurated soon after the Lok Sabha elections and is already being hailed as a future landmark for Uttar Pradesh. Once open, it is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists, boosting faith-based and adventure tourism in the region.
Tourism officials are planning a series of cultural festivals, eco-camps, and local food fairs to establish Chitrakoot as a year-round destination. “This project will put Chitrakoot firmly on the national tourism map,” said an official from the tourism department.
For centuries, Chitrakoot has been celebrated as the confluence of devotion and nature — a sacred land immortalized in scriptures and songs. With the unveiling of the glass skywalk, the district now embraces a new identity: a place where heritage meets innovation. The shimmering bridge above the Tulsi Waterfall stands as a symbol of Uttar Pradesh’s evolving vision — a state that honours its sacred past while stepping confidently into the future.
NEW DELHI, August 12, 2025 — The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company and part of the Tata Group, has entered into a strategic partnership to acquire controlling stakes in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd, and signed a distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality Pvt Ltd.
This move marks a significant milestone for IHCL, increasing its portfolio to 550+ hotels with over 55,000 rooms. It also doubles its midscale presence to 240+ hotels, while adding 19 boutique leisure hotels under Brij Hospitality to its diverse brandscape.
A Multi-Pronged Growth Strategy Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, described the partnerships as a response to India’s robust hospitality demand and aligned with the company’s Accelerate 2030 vision to unlock India’s tourism potential. ANK Hotels and Pride Hospitality, operated under The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, will be integrated into IHCL’s portfolio predominantly under the Ginger brand. Brij Hotels, known for immersive experiences in cultural and heritage-rich locations, will expand IHCL’s presence in the experiential luxury segment.
Financials & Operations IHCL will fund the investment through internal accruals, reflecting its strong cash flows. The acquired hotels are largely under capital-light models like management contracts and select operating leases. Key leadership from ANK, Pride, and Brij will continue to oversee operations, ensuring business continuity.
Legacy & Future Vision The partnership unites over 200 years of collective hospitality legacy between IHCL and the Clarks Hotels family. Together, they aim to strengthen India’s position on the global tourism map, blending IHCL’s century-old heritage with Brij’s deeply local, experiential approach.
With this deal, IHCL is not only scaling up but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainable, community-driven, and culturally rooted hospitality.
Porvorim, 7th August 2025: In a landmark move, Goa Tourism has launched the Homestay and Bed & Breakfast Scheme, aimed at empowering women, revitalising rural tourism, and promoting community-led travel experiences. This new scheme was unveiled by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, alongside Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte and other key dignitaries at the PAC Hall, Secretariat.
Homestay operators in seven key talukas are eligible: Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Bicholim, Canacona, Ponda, and Quepem
🧑🎓 Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities
Tourism Minister Rohan A. Khaunte highlighted that many homestays are women-led, and this scheme is designed to boost women entrepreneurship, aligning with the broader “Goa Beyond Beaches” campaign.
“This is a strong vote of confidence in community-based tourism and the women behind it,” said Khaunte.
🌏 A Vision for ‘Goa Beyond Beaches’
By promoting Goa’s interior villages, culture, and natural heritage, the scheme supports the state’s goal to diversify its tourism economy and relieve pressure on the coastal belt. Director of Tourism Kedar Naik emphasized that the scheme reflects a shift toward inclusive and regenerative tourism.
📝 How to Apply
Applicants can register online or offline, with provisions for inspections, reclassification, and compliance monitoring. The scheme is valid for five years, with potential extensions by the Department.
🚀 The Impact
The Homestay & BnB Scheme isn’t just about accommodations—it’s about:
Shaping a decentralized tourism model
Building economic independence for women
Creating authentic travel experiences
Preserving Goa’s cultural and natural heritage
🔗 Final Word
This initiative reaffirms Goa’s position as a leader in sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready tourism.
