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Mumbai is set to experience a "Sky Full of Stars" moment as Coldplay fans from around the world prepare to descend upon the city for the band’s highly anticipated January 2025 concert. The return of the British pop-rock sensation, which hasn’t performed in India since 2016, already sent a wave of excitement among fans — most of whom paid a hefty price for the highly sought after tickets. And now, it’s time for the hoteliers in the city to mint money. The return of Coldplay seems to have triggered a surge in hotel bookings and accommodation searches. A September <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/coldplay-india-mumbai-hotel-rates-soar-to-1-lakh-a-night-dy-patil-stadium-coldplay-tickets-11727087010459.html">report</a> said that five-star hotels within a 20 kilometre-radius of the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where the British band is set to perform, are charging almost ₹1 lakh per night during the concert dates. Data from the digital travel platform <keyword id="20081252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="agoda" source="keywords">Agoda</keyword> reflects the same enthusiasm among fans. According to the platform, hotel searches in Mumbai soared by an incredible 33 times immediately after the concert was announced. Further, domestic searches for accommodations jumped 45 times on the day of the announcement. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="114422542" title="Coldplay concert chaos aftermath: PIL filed in Bombay HC to demand stricter controls over online ticket sales" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director for the India Subcontinent and MEA at Agoda, emphasised the appeal of this event: "Earlier this year, we saw Indians flock to Thailand to watch Coldplay perform live in Bangkok. The band’s popularity among Indians suggests that Mumbai is about to be the stage for something really memorable, and we are thrilled to help travellers find the perfect stay for the event.” Evidently, it isn’t just Indian fans driving this trend. This demand also extends to international fans, with top searches coming from France, the UAE, the UK, Spain, and Australia. Coldplay’s global fan base reflects a broader trend in the music and tourism sectors, where major concerts often transform host cities into tourist hotspots. In 2022, a similar surge was seen in Seoul when BTS held their live concerts, drawing fans from over 100 countries and pushing local accommodations to their limits. As anticipation for the Coldplay concert builds, Agoda is advising fans to secure accommodations early to take advantage of the competitive rates and options. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113665893" title="It is cheaper to watch Coldplay perform in Abu Dhabi than to pay scalpers for Mumbai tickets" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

Coldplay concert 2025 signals massive travel boom; triggers 33x increase in Mumbai hotel searches: Agoda

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Luxury travel concierge Sienna Charles' clients have an average net worth starting at $100 million.</li><li>Its founder said Instagram catalyzed most of its <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ulyssia-residential-cruise-superyacht-around-the-world-2024-9">ultrawealthy travelers</a> to request celebrity-like treatment.</li></ul>Millionaires, they're just like us.When they see Instagram posts of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé surrounded by devoted followers, paparazzi, and motorcades, they also feel envious. The only difference is that when they travel, they can pay to replicate the feeling of fame and prestige.Jaclyn Sienna India, founder and CEO of ultra-luxury travel concierge service <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-billionaire-travelers-do-las-vegas-hotels-restaurants-shows-2024-10">Sienna Charles</a>, told Business Insider that most of her clients now request security and private hotel check-ins, even if they aren't recognizable individuals.She calls this phenomenon the "celebritization" of travel.Ironically, some of her customers, like singer Mariah Carey and former president George W. Bush's family, have obtained A-lister status. However, most of its 100 or so clients are finance executives with an average starting net worth of $100 million — enough to pay the company's annual $75,000 to $150,000 membership fees.A few prefer to stay under the radar. But over the last few years — especially with the proliferation of Instagram — most have started wanting to "feel special, feel like a celebrity, and for people to know how much they're worth," India said.For Sienna Charles' clients, this means requesting security, hotel check-ins from the privacy of their car instead of at the front desk, and a motorcade of four to eight vehicles. They're not for an entourage — just to "arrive in style, emulating the glitz and glam they've seen in movies," a spokesperson said. In other words, "they want to be acknowledged from the first moment," India said, noting that achieving stardom, as Jeff Bezos has done, is their "last frontier."<div type="image" title="Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez on vanity fair red carpet" height="2400" width="3200" msid="113949338" hostid="261" sizebytes="374182"></div>"They're the billionaire next door, and nobody knows who they are," Sienna Charles' CEO said. "Nobody will go above and beyond for them the same way they would for a celebrity. But the one thing that separates them is what they don't have. Recognition."They could strategically buy fame by hiring a publicist and social media team. Or, they could turn to Sienna Charles to provide celebrity-like services, such as a table at an otherwise impossible-to-book restaurant.On the surface, the "celebritization" trend is about recognition and ego.It's a yearning to replicate the celebrity lifestyle, as shown in A-listers' Instagram posts. A desire to experience what it's like to be Rihanna, surrounded by cameras as she walks down the streets of New York City."The amount of wealth these people have amassed is absolutely incredible and only happens to less than 1% of people," India said. "So they should feel special, and I think they want to be recognized."But dig a bit deeper, and it'll also reveal gripes about the hospitality industry.Good luck booking the best hotels and restaurants if you're ultrawealthy but not famous."Nobody's getting recognized unless you are a celebrity," India said. "You could be a billionaire in New York and not even be able to get into the top restaurants."People have to go this length to be treated this special," she added.

Fancy hotels and dinners aren't enough for wealthy travelers anymore — now some want to feel like celebrities with security and motorcades          

<ul><li>Several sports have been axed from the lineup for the <keyword id="23639445" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Commonwealth-Games-2026" source="keywords">Commonwealth Games 2026</keyword>.</li><li>The axed sports include hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket and shooting.</li><li><keyword id="20499720" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Glasgow" source="keywords">Glasgow</keyword> has revealed a reduced roster of only ten disciplines to maintain the event's financial viability.</li></ul>In a significant setback to India's medal aspirations at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, crucial sports like hockey, badminton, wrestling, cricket, and shooting have been excluded from the 2026 edition by the host city, Glasgow. The host city has revealed a reduced roster of only ten disciplines to maintain the event's financial viability. Table tennis, squash and triathlon have also been axed in a bid to limit the cost and streamline logistics given that only four venues will host the entire showpiece. The total number of events at the Games will be nine fewer compared to the 2022 Birmingham edition. The 23rd edition of the mega-event is scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2, marking Glasgow's return as host after 12 years, following the 2014 edition. "The sports programme will include Athletics and Para Athletics (Track &amp; Field), Swimming and Para Swimming, Artistic Gymnastics, Track Cycling and Para Track Cycling, Netball, Weightlifting and Para Powerlifting, Boxing, Judo, Bowls and Para Bowls, and 3x3 Basketball and 3x3 Wheelchair Basketball," the Commonwealth Games Federation said in a statement. "The Games will take place across four venues – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena – including the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, and the Scottish Event Campus (SEC). Athletes and support staff will be housed in hotel accommodation," it added. The roster is a massive setback to India's medal prospects given that bulk of the country's medals came from the removed disciplines in the past editions. Shooting was never expected to return after being dropped from the Birmingham programme four years ago, owing to logistics. While announcing the Glasgow schedule, the CGF said "Glasgow 2026 will feature a 10-sport programme concentrated across four venues within an eight-mile corridor". This ruled shooting out of the roster as the Barry Buddon centre in Dundee – the venue during the 2014 CWG – is more than 100km away from Glasgow. Glasgow Green and the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, which hosted hockey and wrestling in 2014, have been dropped from the list of venues, while Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, where badminton was held that year, will be used only for cycling this time. Aside from the cost, hockey's exclusion could also be down to the fact that the Games are being organised close to the World Cup that is scheduled two weeks later from August 15 to 30 in Wavre, Belgium and Amstelveen, Netherlands The Australian state of Victoria was the original host of the 2026 edition but pulled out last year due to rising costs. Scotland then stepped in to save the Games. Hockey's omission from the Games would be a significant blow for India. The men's team has won three silver and two bronze medals, while the women have also shone, clinching three medals, including a historic gold in the 2002 Games. In badminton, India has racked up an impressive 31 medals – 10 gold, eight silver, and 13 bronze. Notably, the nation was to enter the 2026 edition as defending champions in men's and women's singles, as well as men's doubles. Shooting was a stronghold for India, with a staggering 135 medals to its name. The count included 63 gold, 44 silver, and 28 bronze. The wrestling competition has yielded 114 medals for the nation, including 49 gold, 39 silver, and 26 bronzes. After the cricket's reintroduction in 2022, the Indian women's team claimed a silver. With inputs from PTI. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/upi-refund-scam-to-digital-arrest-scam-here-are-most-common-online-scams-in-india/articleshow/114428011.cms">UPI refund to digital arrest scam, here are some online scams you need to be aware of</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/waaree-energies-to-afcons-infrastructure-ipos-to-look-out-for-this-week/articleshow/114421377.cms">Waaree Energies to Afcons Infrastructure, IPOs to look out for this week</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/personal-finance/news/best-credit-cards-for-online-shopping-in-india/articleshow/114354358.cms">Best credit cards for online shopping this festive season</a>

India's CWG medal hopes dented: Cricket, shooting, wrestling axed

<keyword id="20017832" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Skyscanner" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Skyscanner" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Skyscanner">Skyscanner</keyword> has recently launched its annual "<keyword id="23717519" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Travel-Trends-2025" source="keywords">Travel Trends 2025</keyword> Report" and it shows that <keyword id="20183888" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-travellers" source="keywords">Indian travellers</keyword> are eager to explore destinations other than Europe. The report also shows a change in travel preferences, shedding light on the fact that many Indian travellers want shared experiences. It also reveals that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in 2025, looking for adventures that help build community connections. For the unversed, Skyscanner is a travel search engine that helps you find and compare prices for flights, hotels and car rentals, making it easier to plan and save money on your trips. <h2>Spending for experiences</h2>No matter the economic situation, Indian travellers are eager to invest in experiences. Recent data shows a significant increase in spending, with 58% planning to spend more on flights, 45% on accommodation and 34% on car rentals. While people are willing to spend, budget still plays a crucial role in choosing a holiday destination. The top considerations are: 65% look at hotel costs, 62% prioritise flight expenses and 54% consider food and drink prices. This focus on budget has led to lower airfares for destinations like Kazakhstan, Indonesia and Singapore, making travel more affordable. <h2>The rise of <keyword id="23717520" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lesser-known-destinations" source="keywords">lesser-known destinations</keyword></h2>The report also says that travellers are exploring options beyond the usual European destinations. Shillong, India, is currently the most searched destination, with an impressive 828% increase in searches over the past year. Baku, Azerbaijan, follows closely with a 744% rise, and Langkawi, Malaysia, has seen a 433% increase. <h2>Embracing nature and tangible experiences</h2>There’s also a noticeable shift towards experiences that connect travellers with nature and offer a break from our tech-heavy lives. The report mentions that 90% of travellers enjoy visiting gardens and activities like dining around a campfire, sleeping under the stars and horse trekking are becoming more popular. <h2>Rise of <keyword id="19984369" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sports-tourism" source="keywords">sports tourism</keyword> and other adventures</h2>The data also reveals a strong preference for shared experiences and immersive adventures. Trends include a growing interest in live sports events, immersive art experiences, stargazing and holistic wellness. Sports tourism is also on the rise, with 63% of respondents travelling for entertainment, 59% motivated by excitement and 50% hoping to catch a glimpse of their favourite sports stars. Astro-adventure tourism is also gaining traction, with 56% of travellers interested in night sky photography, 53% wanting to sleep under the stars and 44% hoping to see the <keyword id="20079917" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="northern-lights" source="keywords">Northern Lights</keyword>. This shift shows that many are looking for meaningful experiences. Another interesting trend is game-themed travel, with 88% of travellers inspired to visit locations from their favourite video games. Leisure travel and art-focused trips are also becoming popular. Apart from this, health and wellness tourism is also growing, especially among older generations. The data shows that 71% of those aged 45-54 prioritise health-conscious choices while travelling, compared to 54% of younger travellers (18-24 years old). Overall, 70% of Indian travellers report being more mindful about their health and well-being than ever before. This report thus highlights an exciting year ahead for Indian travellers, marked by a strong focus on shared experiences, immersive adventures, and wellness. As travel preferences evolve, destinations offering unique cultural experiences and good value are likely to attract more interest. Plus, the use of AI tools in travel planning is making it easier for travellers to fulfil their dreams of exploration and connection.

Europe is no longer India's favourite, we are up for experiences now, says Skyscanner report

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala has achieved a milestone by securing the distinction of having the highest number of five-star hotels in the country. This was revealed in the latest data available in the National Database for Accommodation units. Kerala has surpassed states like Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Goa which are popular amongst the tourists and corporates as convenient locations. According to the rankings, Maharashtra has taken the second position with a total of 35 five-star hotels, Goa ranks third with 32 five star properties followed by the national capital Delhi with 27 five-star hotels. P.B Nooh, director, Kerala tourism stated while the government plays a major role in developing infrastructure and amenities, private players develop amenities provided to them, helping increase the influx of national and international tourists to Kerala. Rahul Raj, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Trivandrum, a recent but notable addition to the state's five star property portfolio said not only does this put us on a pedestal projecting Kerala as a most sought-after destination for leisure and MICE but also plays a major role in creating more opportunities for career development in the hospitality sector. Shruti Shibulal, CEO and Director, Tamara Leisure, said this accomplishment serves as a strong catalyst, motivating us to actively promote and enhance the hospitality and tourism industry in Kerala.

This state has beaten Goa and Maharashtra with the highest number of five-star hotels in India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Husband and wife cofounders Yusuf and Sumaiya Omar have lived nomadically since 2017. </li><li>They stay in hotels or other temporary accommodations on the international speaker circuit. </li></ul>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Yusuf and Sumaiya Omar, co-founders of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.seen.tv/">Seen TV</a>. They have no fixed address and travel constantly with their son, Noah. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.Yusuf: My wife Sumaiya and I were childhood sweethearts who married young.I was born in London and Sumaiya in Durban, South Africa. Our lives have been nomadic since our engagement 11 years ago. When my wife got pregnant with our 14-month-old Noah, we continued traveling throughout the pregnancy and Noah's infancy.Parents often adapt their lives to their children, but we've adapted Noah to our lives. Noah was born in 2022 in the Gold Coast, Australia, where we stayed for his first few months and then continued traveling. At 14 months, Noah's visited over 10 countries.<div type="image" title="A baby on a luggage trolley in an airport" height="1013" width="860" msid="111989104" hostid="261" sizebytes="52256"></div><h2 id="c05adc27-bc61-4fa4-b75d-91067864bd6b">Digital nomads from day one</h2>Yusuf: Early in my career, I worked as a journalist and traveled to many difficult places, covering war and conflict.Then, in 2015, my wife and I moved to India after I got a job at the Hindustan Times. We moved to London in 2016 when I got a job at CNN International. At CNN, we noticed the critical lack of diversity in the media.Sumaiya: In 2017, we started a project training communities to tell their stories on mobile devices, which became our media business, <a target="_blank" href="http://Seen.tv">Seen TV</a>. Between 2017 and 2020, we delivered training to people in over 100 countries.It demanded a seriously nomadic life with no apartment, car, or postal address. We only slowed down in 2020 due to COVID.Yusuf: Building <a target="_blank" href="http://Seen.tv">Seen TV</a>, we fought to be the opening speaker or keynote at <a target="_blank" href="https://events.unglobalcompact.org/leaderssummit23/Speakers">conferences and events</a>.After landing the first few, we used video footage to send to other <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C197Hd0pMlL/?igsh=MW1odmhhbnU1czBsZw%3D%3D">speaker events</a>, which had a snowball effect. In addition to being paid to speak, flights, food, and accommodation were covered.As young people on an international speaker circuit, it was an amazing way to see the world at no cost.From 2017 onwards, we didn't pay rent and had no direct debits, gym membership, or phone contracts. We were in a different place every few days.Sumaiya and I would often be double booked, <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://isoj.org/speakers-2023/yusuf-omar/">speaking in different locations.</a>We could feel like two ships passing in the night. Our marriage involved meeting in airport lounges, and it was hellishly tiring.Sumaiya: COVID forced us to spend longer periods in a few locations and build our media company. Although terrible, the pandemic slowed our schedules, and we could develop our business.<div type="image" title="A young family outside the Sydney Opera house." height="4032" width="3024" msid="111989112" hostid="261" sizebytes="364978"></div><h2 id="f26597c7-f6f3-40a6-aa66-cf530748f905">Adapting Noah to nomad life</h2>Sumaiya: Now, we're building our company and raising Noah, our 14-month-old, as best we can.Yusuf: Settling down has never been on the cards. Time differences and travel have been the only constants in our marriage. Everyone said we'd settle down with a baby. Our question was: why?Sumayia: Being pregnant while traveling was difficult, especially in busy airports.Once, while traveling alone in Sydney airport, I was collecting my bags when a woman rushed past and knocked a trolley into my stomach. I started crying, and the woman shouted at me and rushed off. Fortunately, both Noah and I were fine, but with a visible bump, I was extra careful on the move.Yusuf: I was in a different country, about to give a speech when it happened. I felt helpless.<div type="image" title="A family on a plane with a baby" height="1026" width="1100" msid="111989107" hostid="261" sizebytes="61308"></div><h2 id="c7b303a3-42da-4bb5-abb4-00df5da07b38">Living in hotels with a baby</h2>Yusuf: Since Noah, we're still nomadic but stay at each destination for longer, between a week and a month. Our team is dispersed across South Africa, the UK, the US, and India. We continue to travel to speak at conferences, run events, and attend business meetings. We've no fixed address and mostly stay in hotels.Living in hotels with Noah is chaos. We're out as much as possible, and I do 80% of my work walking with him in my backpack. We get a better rate when booking one for 21 days or longer.<div type="image" title="A man without a shirt on in a hotel bed with a baby" height="3024" width="4032" msid="111989109" hostid="261" sizebytes="434708"></div>Sumaiya: We travel with hand luggage and prefer it. I hate having half the hotel room taken up by stuff.Catching buses and trains with big bags is anxiety-inducing. Fitting everything in hand luggage is more difficult with Noah, but we manage.Yusuf: Our three major expenses are transport, hotels, and food.When we're on business trips, hotels are a business expense, which is the majority of why we travel.In addition to hotels, we've also spent short stints at our parents' homes and lived in a rented van.Fortunately, speaking engagements often cover our travel costs, but flexibility is crucial.The biggest change since Noah was born is that we use fewer Ubers and more car rentals because Ubers often don't have baby seats.Noah's under two years old, so we don't pay much for his flights. But once he turns two, he'll need plane tickets, making our lifestyle more expensive.<div type="image" title="A baby in a carrier sleeping in the airport." height="1528" width="1144" msid="111989103" hostid="261" sizebytes="88638"></div><h2 id="05dfa300-50b4-42b1-bc0a-70db8d6d649f">We have a different kind of village</h2>Sumaiya: It takes a village to raise a kid, but neither Noah nor we have a traditional village.Sometimes, I worry that I'm doing him a disservice by not having that stability. But, his experiences are positive in a different way.Yusuf: His life is ridiculously privileged. He travels the world, hangs out on beaches, and meets people constantly. He's even come onstage at the UN in New York to deliver a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CyInnQ6t8jP/?igsh=ZWtjdjU4MmxkeXV0">keynote talk with me</a>.<div type="image" title="A man onstage presenting a speech holding a young child" height="4000" width="6012" msid="111989114" hostid="261" sizebytes="570614"></div>We can show up for family by attending events like Eid, Christmas, birthdays, weddings, or funerals at the drop of a hat. We can visit our family more often because we're always on the move.Sumaiya: People have obligations that keep them in one place, and we're fortunate not to have those.<h2 id="465302d3-d6c3-43a1-8434-da5358eaec1b">Long-term plans and a globetrotting nanny</h2><div type="image" title="A man with a toddler on his shoulders in Covent Garden" height="4208" width="3156" msid="111989110" hostid="261" sizebytes="562122"></div>Yusuf: We respect the people who have a permanent home and understand why they do, but settling down in the suburbs terrifies us. Provided we stay healthy, we'll continue to live like this.Right now, the pace is insane, but we want to keep taking advantage of the opportunities for us and <a target="_blank" href="http://Seen.TV">Seen TV</a> before Noah turns two.The next priority is finding a full-time nanny to travel with us. We rarely have people we can leave Noah with, so there are no date nights or downtime. In the last month, we've hired nannies in some cities, which was game-changing.<div type="image" title="Baby crawling in the sand with his mother" height="1516" width="1270" msid="111989101" hostid="261" sizebytes="55716"></div>Yusuf: We plan to keep traveling extensively before Noah starts schooling but stay longer in each place, perhaps for a month or even a year. Options like unschooling, homeschooling, or remote learning appeal to us rather than conventional schooling.Sumaiya: You can build a routine without a fixed location. For example, Noah can have story time in bed anywhere. We like to swim with him daily, which is usually possible wherever we go.Yusuf: The key is finding the right partner. Opting for a nomadic life is complicated. You need flexibility, spontaneity, and minimal materialism in a partner.

We live in hotels full-time with our 14-month-old baby. We won't be settling in the suburbs.

India's diversified entity <keyword id="19896958" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ITC" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ITC" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="ITC">ITC</keyword> plans to open more hotels overseas with neighbouring countries and the Middle East as primary target markets after opening of its first international property here, company Chairman and Managing Director <keyword id="20049280" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sanjiv-Puri" source="keywords">Sanjiv Puri</keyword> said on Thursday. The company's arm <keyword id="20032522" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="ITC-Hotels" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="ITC Hotels" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="ITC Hotels">ITC Hotels</keyword>, which had opened 22 new properties in the last 24 months, plans to add another 70 hotels in the next five years in India as part of expansion plans in the <keyword id="20402233" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="hospitality-sector" source="keywords">hospitality sector</keyword>. Besides the hotels business, the company will look for opportunities to expand the presence of <keyword id="19931572" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="FMCG" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="FMCG" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="FMCG">FMCG</keyword> and other verticals in new overseas markets as well. "We are open to exploring opportunities that come about. I think we have strong credentials in hospitality which we can take outside India now. Very clearly at the moment the focus is on proximal markets, be it for hospitality, be it for FMCG...," Puri said here at a press conference after the opening of the 352-room luxury property, <keyword id="20911944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="itc-ratnadipa" source="keywords">ITC Ratnadipa</keyword> here. He said as the company explores and understands a place for a particular business, it may look at it as a market for other verticals as well. Citing the example of Nepal, Puri said,"We started with other businesses and are now looking at hospitality (there). Here (in Sri Lanka) we have started with hospitality...as we explore and understand the place, we will look at possibilities in some of our other sectors as well." On overseas expansion of the hospitality business, while the company's focus is more on 'proximal markets', he said,"We are open to it if there are some interesting opportunities beyond it. We will certainly be interested in pursuing that." When asked if ITC is looking at the Middle East as a market for the hospitality business, he said it is a vibrant economy right now with terrific growth plans and "if opportunity comes our way then we will certainly explore that". Puri also said the company will look to expand in more destinations in Sri Lanka going forward. "This (opening of ITC Ratnadipa) is the starting point and yes, we want to expand and grow the economy and contribute to the development of tourism in Sri Lanka," he said. When asked about ITC's overall expansion plans in the hospitality sector, he said,"We have a very healthy pipeline of 70 hotels in five years." All these 70 hotels are for the Indian domestic market and most of them will be the upscale segments. He, however, said "(For) overseas we're just starting our journey. So we have not yet got to the stage to start putting a number right here." On investments planned for the overall expansion, he did not share a specific number but said "between renovation and new properties will spend somewhere between Rs 700 crore to Rs 1,000 crore a year". When asked about the progress of the demerger of ITC Hotels and its planned public listing, Puri said it is happening in line with the indicated timelines and is expected "before the second half of this year or the end of this year". At its new property here, the company had invested about USD 500 million. It was inaugurated on Thursday by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The ITC Ratnadipa or 'Island of Gems' has 352 guest rooms, suites and service apartments, each with private balconies with waterfront views. Earlier in the day, speaking at the opening of the new hotel, Puri said,"It is very natural for us to specifically focus on markets in proximal areas, encouraged also by our Prime Minister's (Narendra Modi) vision of neighbourhood first where Sri Lanka has a very special position. ITC is deeply committed to growing our presence and contributing to hospitality in the region." SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-introduces-new-ad-free-premium-plans-starting-at-29/articleshow/109581033.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/jiocinema-introduces-new-ad-free-premium-plans-starting-at-29/articleshow/109581033.cms" target="_blank">An Ambani disruption in OTT: At just ₹1 per day, you can now enjoy ad-free content on JioCinema</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/realme-narzo-70-narzo-70x-5g-smartphones-launched-in-india-starting-at-11999/articleshow/109557895.cms" target="_blank">Realme Narzo 70, Narzo 70X 5G smartphones launched in India starting at ₹11,999</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/apple-let-loose-event-scheduled-for-may-7-ipads-expected-to-be-launched/articleshow/109553148.cms" target="_blank">Apple Let Loose event scheduled for May 7 – New iPad models expected to be launched</a>

ITC plans to open more hotels overseas: CMD Sanjiv Puri

If you step out into <keyword id="19895037" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="bengaluru" source="keywords">Bengaluru</keyword> traffic these days, there’s a good chance you’ll discover a bulky water tanker spearheading the all-too-familiar clog in traffic. Amidst the ongoing <keyword id="6355836" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="water-crisis" source="Orion">water crisis</keyword>, India’s Silicon City has mobilised thousands of tankers that zip, almost heroically, across the city, rescuing parched residences from the metro’s urban planning crisis. Bidding to reduce their reliance on the exorb<keyword id="6354185" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="it" source="Orion">it</keyword>ant tankers — a necessary step after the exhaustion of half the city’s groundwater-fed borewells — many residential societies have begun innovating water-saving techniques, with varying degrees of success. However, for the several businesses and industries littering the metropolitan town, it seems like dark days are looming. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="IT in turmoil" comment="subhead" text="IT in turmoil">IT in turmoil</cmsannotation> Hosting over 1,400 tech companies that employ tens of lakhs of employees, Bengaluru has certainly earned its title as India’s ‘Silicon Valley’. Not only has this driven a rapid boom in economic, infrastructural and industrial development, the city has acted as a magnet for people looking for attractive employment opportunities. Unfortunately, this success has also resulted in <a href="https://bpac.in/bangalore-population-growth-consequences-and-possible-solutions/" data-type="tilCustomLink">population levels haphazardly spiking</a> from 2,900 people per square kilometre in 2001 to 4,300 within a single decade. Estimates suggest that this figure may have breached 8,000 by now! In addition to deterring water-cooler conversations, the lack of water in their workplaces have led to several companies already urging employees to work from home. Echoing a growing sentiment among the city’s techies, <a href="https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/it-companies-in-bengaluru-urged-to-give-15-lakh-employees-wfh-option-as-city-grapples-with-water-crisis/articleshow/108761390.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">ex-Chief Justice K Sreedhar Rao also pleaded</a> for temporary remote arrangements for migrant IT workers to depopulate Bengaluru till the water crisis is dealt with. However, many such multinational employees have already begun to preemptively take matters into their own hands by temporarily or permanently moving to other cities, such as the nearby Mysuru. Needless to say, this has disrupted operations for many companies, including some of the top IT firms in Bengaluru. In a surprising turn of tragic events, senior personnel at <keyword id="19969515" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="dell" source="keywords">Dell</keyword> have begun skipping meetings to prioritise their procurement of water, reported the Deccan Herald. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Real estate rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt" comment="subhead" text="Real estate rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt"><keyword id="6354553" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="real-estate" source="Orion">Real estate</keyword> rates to fall; restaurants forced to adapt</cmsannotation> With pleasant weather the year round, Bengaluru has proven itself time and again as an excellent place to settle down and relax. The city’s diverse population is a testament to its uncanny ability to draw people from all over India, even before the city’s notable IT boom. Real estate has now hit an all-time high, with high demand and attractive financial options helping the sector grow exponentially in the past few decades, reportedly recording a staggering nine-year-high 54,000 housing units sold in 2023. However, the city’s recent water woes have left potential property investors second-guessing. According to a recent Deccan Herald poll, around 60% of the respondents noted that they have postponed their move to Bengaluru due to the ongoing shortage, while a similar number of people have also begun evaluating investment options in other cities. Homebuyers have also begun to diligently inquire into <keyword id="55273" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="groundwater" source="Orion">groundwater</keyword> borewell depths and water-saving technologies when consulting developers. While <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/business/bengaluru-water-crisis-alarms-property-investors-dh-poll-2930539" data-type="tilCustomLink">many contractors remain firm</a> that these reactions are not representative of a long-term trend, some experts have predicted that a fall in property prices may become inevitable. A <a href="https://www.republicworld.com/business/real-estate/bengaluru-water-crisis-property-prices-in-peenya-hsr-layout-marathahalli-to-fall-15-say-experts/" data-type="tilCustomLink">Republic report</a> explains that house rates could fall up to 10-15% in the most water-stressed regions of East and Central Bengaluru, including HSR Layout, Marathahalli, Rajaji Nagar and Peenya. Needless to say, the crisis has also taken a toll on Bengaluru’s various hotels and eateries, many of which are severely dependent on tanker water for cooking, cleaning and drinking purposes. Krishna Raj, owner of the popular <keyword id="21126683" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="nisarg-grand-hotel" source="keywords">Nisarg Grand Hotel</keyword>, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/india/bengaluru-water-crisis-news-hotels-disposable-utensils-shortage-lok-sabha-polls-karnataka-dk-shivakumar-congress-bjp-11710055127680.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">explained</a> that they might have to begin serving food in disposable utensils if the trend continues into the summer months. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Industrial district parched" comment="subhead" text="Industrial district parched">Industrial district parched</cmsannotation> Located in Northwest Bengaluru, Peenya is home to thousands of industries of varying sizes, producing a host of electronics, textiles, packaging, machines and other consumer items. However, being one of the largest industrial areas in Asia hasn’t protected its businesses from the ongoing crisis. In an <a href="https://www.business-standard.com/industry/news/bengaluru-water-crisis-to-impact-local-industries-in-coming-weeks-experts-124030601026_1.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">interview with Business Standard</a>, <keyword id="21126682" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="peenya-industries-association" source="keywords">Peenya Industries Association</keyword> President H. M. Arif explained that the area’s micro-industries are strained to the point that many could be forced to close soon if the water crisis continues unmitigated. Many such sectors have also become hopelessly reliant on tanker water, and the associated rising costs have begun to bottleneck the manufacturing process. Prices of several commercial products could go up soon if this trend continues. “Many from the hosiery or garment sector need water for processing,” Arif explains. “You need water for workers as well as other needs. The government is saying it will source recycled water for the industry. But for that, there is a tendering process and at this rate, we will not get water this season.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Solutions and cautious optimism" comment="subhead" text="Solutions and cautious optimism">Solutions and cautious optimism</cmsannotation> This is not to say that the government isn’t taking measures to tackle the crisis. After ordaining centralised control over water tankers and actively regulating prices to ensure the city’s water isn’t hoarded solely by the rich, officials also placed bans on recreational water use. In addition, initiatives are underway to “inject” 1,300 million litres of purified water into the city’s drying lakes per day, which the officials allege will help restore local groundwater levels. <keyword id="19927086" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="bwssb" source="keywords">BWSSB</keyword> has also announced plans to build an array of next-gen water treatment plants near restored lake beds to purify and deliver water wherever required. Addressing the harsh summers ahead, Karnataka government officials have expressed optimism that the completion of the Cauvery Five — a massive array of treatment plants that will treat sewage to produce 100 million litres of water a day — will help make up for any deficits by July. Meanwhile, many large corporations, including Microsoft, have begun utilising water-saving tap aerators to control water flow in the Bagmane Business Park offices. The city’s water board, the BWSSB, has also launched four mobile apps to help tackle the city’s water crisis. Attempting to bridge a gap between the water department and the citizens it serves, these apps will help residents book water online, apply for borewell permissions, report water misuse and more. At 24% of its total capacity, reservoirs across Karnataka are also drying up. Despite growing shortages, the state government has assured that the Cauvery River reservoir that supplies water to Bengaluru holds sufficient water levels to last at least until June. After that, the pre-monsoon and monsoon rains are expected to replenish the water resources. However, the supply remains much lower compared to the demand, and the only way to survive this summer could be to adopt drastic water-saving measures and a few good spells of pre-monsoon showers.

Water crisis affects businesses across Bengaluru; Is there room for cautious optimism?

Prime Minister <keyword id="19895781" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="narendra-modi" source="keywords">Narendra Modi</keyword> urged CEOs of US majors to take advantage of India's growth story as the country is making all efforts to become the third largest economy of the world in his third term. India is currently the fifth largest economy of the world after the US, China, Germany and Japan with a GDP of around USD 3.9 trillion. India has been the fastest growing large economies of the world with GDP growth rate of over 7 per cent for the last three consecutive years. Addressing CEOs of the large US tech firms on Sunday, Modi said India will make every effort to become the third largest economy in the world in his third term (2024-29). Companies should take advantage of India's growth story for collaboration and innovation by co-developing, co-designing, and co-producing in India for the world, harnessing the opportunities from the country's economic and technological growth, he said. Assuring the business leaders of India's deep commitment to the protection of intellectual property and to fostering tech innovation, Modi highlighted the economic transformation happening in the country, particularly in electronics and information technology manufacturing and semiconductors. Modi asserted that his government was committed to making India a "global hub of <keyword id="20073013" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="semiconductor-manufacturing" source="keywords">semiconductor manufacturing</keyword>". The meeting took place at the Lotte <keyword id="19904497" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="New-York" source="keywords">New York</keyword> Palace Hotel on Sunday during the second leg of Modi's three-day US visit. It saw the participation of CEOs of 15 major US-based firms working on cutting-edge technologies such as AI, quantum computing and semiconductors. "Had a fruitful roundtable with tech CEOs in New York, discussing aspects relating to technology, innovation and more. Also highlighted the strides made by India in this field. I am glad to see immense optimism towards India," Modi said in a post on X. During the conference, Modi said technology collaboration and efforts such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET) lie at the core of the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership, according to a Ministry of External Affairs press release. Organised by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) School of Engineering, the CEOs of top US tech firms, including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayena, Accenture CEO Julie Sweet and NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang attended the meeting. Others who participated in the roundtable included AMD CEO Lisa Su, HP Inc. CEO Enrique Lores, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna, Dr Noubar Afeyan, Chairman of Moderna, and Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg. Modi also talked about India's BIO E3 (biotechnology for environment, economy and employment) policy to develop the country into a biotech powerhouse and on the topic of AI, noted that India's policy is to promote AI for all, underpinned by its ethical and responsible use. The CEOs appreciated India's growing prominence as a global technology hub, driven by its innovation-friendly policies and flourishing market opportunities. They also expressed strong interest in investing and collaborating with India, agreeing that investing in startups would be a synergistic opportunity to innovate and develop newer technologies in the country. Others who attended the conference included Biogen Inc CEO Chris Viehbacher, CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, Chris Boerner, Eli Lilly and Company CEO David A. Ricks, LAM Research CEO Tim Archer, GlobalFoundries CEO Thomas Caulfield, and the CEO of Kyndryl, Martin Schroeter. "Further cementing technology and business connect. PM @narendramodi interacted with the top tech leaders and CEOs of USA, in a Roundtable hosted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Engineering, in New York today. PM emphasised India's growth prospects and discussed initiatives to foster collaborations and innovation across diverse sectors," the official account of the MEA said in a post on X. The prime minister had a separate meeting with Krishna P Singh, CEO of Holtec International, which is into nuclear and solar power generation. They discussed Holtec's plan for expanding manufacturing in India and advancing energy cooperation, PMO India said in a post on X. Earlier on Sunday, Modi addressed the <keyword id="20115166" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-diaspora" source="keywords">Indian diaspora</keyword> at the packed Nassau Veterans Coliseum on Long Island in New York. He also held bilateral meetings with world leaders at the sidelines of the UN General Assembly session here. Modi reached New York on Saturday after attending the Quad Leaders' Summit hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="113516805" title="Why is Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting the US this weekend?" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

PM Modi invites US CEOs to take a 'byte' out of India's growing technology sector

New Delhi: After a wave of initial public offerings (IPOs) in recent weeks, the primary market will experience a brief slowdown, with only two new public issues scheduled for the next week, aiming to raise Rs 365 crore. There were 12 IPOs in the mainboard segment and 40 in the SME (small and medium enterprise) segment in September. IPOs scheduled for next week, beginning October 7, are <keyword id="22922418" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Garuda-Construction" source="keywords">Garuda Construction</keyword> and Engineering on the main board and <keyword id="23436926" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiv-Texchem" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Shiv Texchem" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Shiv Texchem">Shiv Texchem</keyword> on the SME segment. Garuda Construction is seeking to raise Rs 264 crore, and Shiv Texchem is aiming for over Rs 101 crore through their respective IPOs available for public subscription during October 8-10. The stock market has seen a significant correction in the <keyword id="19911354" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="equity-market" source="keywords">equity market</keyword> since the start of October amid intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran. Despite the temporary slowdown, overall, the outlook for the <keyword id="19926041" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="IPO-market" source="keywords">IPO market</keyword> is promising, with 26 firms proposing to raise Rs 72,000 crore presently holding Sebi's approval while another 55 companies looking to garner about Rs 89,000 crore are awaiting the regulator's clearance, according to the Primedatabase. This month will see <keyword id="19908548" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hyundai-Motor-India" source="keywords">Hyundai Motor India</keyword> Ltd, the Indian arm of South Korean automaker Hyundai, hitting the primary market to raise around Rs 25,000 crore. The company's IPO is likely to be launched on October 14, according to sources. If the offering proceeds as planned, it will surpass Life Insurance Corporation's (LIC) public offering of Rs 21,000 crore, becoming the largest IPO in India's history. Moreover, 63 companies have already mobilised around Rs 64,000 crore via mainboard, marking a 29 per cent increase from Rs 49,436 crore collected by 57 firms through the route in 2023. The strong momentum in IPO markets is being driven by several key macroeconomic, sector-specific factors and the willingness of funds to look at new ideas. In particular, strong inflows into domestic mutual funds and robust capital formation across corporate India are playing key roles, experts said. Garuda Construction and Engineering's IPO is a mix of fresh issue of 1.83 crore equity shares and an offer of sale (OFS) of 95 lakh equity shares by promoter PKH Ventures. The price band has been fixed at Rs 92 to Rs 95 per share. About Rs 100 crore from its fresh issuance proceeds will be utilised for working capital requirements and the balance towards general corporate purposes, including unidentified inorganic acquisitions. Shiv Texchem's IPO is a completely new offering of over 61 lakh shares and is a book-built issue of Rs 101.35 crore. It has set a price band of Rs 158 to Rs 166 per equity share for the IPO. Further, the SME IPO of Khyati Global Ventures, which opened for public subscription on October 4, will close on October 8. Additionally, six companies from the SME segment are set to list in the coming week. HVAX Technologies and Saj Hotels will debut on October 7, followed by Subam Papers and Paramount Dye Tec on October 8. NeoPolitan Pizza and Foods will begin trading on October 9, with Khyati Global Ventures to follow on October 11.

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