Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Raj is head of hospitality, LuLu Group India

He was general manager at LuLu-owned Hyatt Regency Trivandrum

Rahul Raj appointed as head of LuLu Group India's hospitality division

Rahul Raj is the new head of LuLu Group India’s hospitality vertical, overseeing operations, brand development and guest experience across its ventures nationwide.

Photo credit: DMC Finder

Rahul Raj to Head LuLu Group India’s Hospitality Operations

Rahul Raj is the new head of LuLu Group India’s hospitality vertical. In this role, he will oversee the group’s hospitality ventures across India, guiding operational strategy, brand development and guest experience initiatives.

Prior to this, he was general manager at Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, a LuLu-owned property, since its opening, the company said in a statement.


“I’m deeply honoured to take on this expanded role with LuLu Group India,” Raj said. “Having been part of the group through Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, I’ve witnessed firsthand its commitment to excellence and innovation. I look forward to shaping a hospitality vision that is as people-focused as it is performance-driven.”

Raj has more than 20 years of experience with hospitality companies including Hyatt Hotels Corp., Marriott International, Taj Hotels, and Oberoi Hotels. His work has focused on quality, profitability, and team development, with roles in Indian markets such as Goa, Pune, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Thiruvananthapuram, the statement said.

A recent Rubix Data Sciences report projects steady growth for the Indian hospitality industry despite regional and geopolitical challenges, with revenue expected to exceed $12.8 billion by 2027.

More for you

Pahalgam new hotel project

IHCL, Cemtac plan hotel in Pahalgam, India

Summary:

  • IHCL and Cemtac are developing a 64-key Gateway hotel in Pahalgam.
  • An April terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people, mostly tourists.
  • This will be IHCL’s seventh hotel in the state, including the one under development.

TATA’S INDIAN HOTELS Co. Ltd. and Cemtac Cements are developing a 64-key Gateway hotel in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. This is IHCL’s seventh hotel in statement, including the one under development.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trump Puts 50% Tariff on India; Modi Shows Swadeshi Mantra

Trump’s tariff shock, Modi’s swadeshi call

Summary:

  • Trump’s 50 percent tariff on Indian goods took effect on Aug. 27.
  • Hospitality businesses in both countries could be hit.
  • U.S. treasury secretary calls the India-U.S. relationship “very complicated” but expects resolution.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 50 percent tariff on Indian goods took effect Wednesday, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to follow the “Vocal for Local” policy and Swadeshi mantra in his Aug. 15 Independence Day address. Beyond exports such as textiles, the U.S. measure is likely to affect travel, tourism and hospitality in both countries.

Goods imports from India were $87.3 billion in 2024, up 4.5 percent, or $3.8 billion, from 2023, according to the U.S. Trade Representative.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ranju Alex appointed CEO of Accor South Asia to lead major hotel expansion with InterGlobe JV

Alex is Accor’s South Asia CEO

Summary:

  • Accor Ltd. named Ranju Alex CEO for South Asia.
  • The former Marriott executive received the Bharat Gaurav award.
  • The appointment follows the Accor-InterGlobe joint venture formed earlier this year.

Ranju Alex is Accor Ltd.’s new CEO for South Asia, which includes India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. She will lead the company’s business and growth strategy in the subcontinent.

Keep ReadingShow less
OYO Eyes $7-8B IPO Filing in November 2025
Photo credit: Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images

Report: OYO eyes $7-8B IPO filing in November

Summary:

  • OYO reportedly plans to file its DRHP in November for a $7-8 billion IPO.
  • The company recently delayed its third IPO attempt due to market volatility.
  • It added more than 150 hotels to its U.S. portfolio in the first half of 2025.

OYO IS REPORTEDLY planning to file its Draft Red Herring Prospectus in November for an IPO targeting a $7 to 8 billion valuation. The company will present the proposal to its board next week.

Discussions with banking partners have increased in recent weeks, with valuation guidance at $7 to 8 billion (about ₹70 per share), or 25 to 30 times EBITDA, Press Trust of India reported citing sources.

Keep ReadingShow less
IHCL expands portfolio past 550 hotels with ANK, Pride, Brij partnerships
Photo credit: IHCL

IHCL grows portfolio past 550 hotels

Summary:

  • IHCL expands portfolio past 550 hotels by through acquisitions and partnerships.
  • Promoters of ANK, Pride and Brij come from the Clarks Hotels family.
  • ANK and Pride operates midscale hotels, Brij focuses on the boutique and experiential segment.

THE INDIAN HOTELS Co. Ltd acquired a controlling stake in ANK Hotels Pvt. Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt. Ltd and signed a distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. The deals expand IHCL’s portfolio to more than 550 hotels, increase its midscale presence to over 240 properties and add the Brij brand.

Keep ReadingShow less