TAAI’s 69th Convention opens in Kolkata, celebrating 75 years
The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) is hosting its 69th Convention & Exhibition at ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata, from October 25–27, celebrating 75 years of industry leadership. Themed ‘Empowering Evolution’, the convention brings together travel trade stakeholders for knowledge sessions, B2B meetings and networking. TAAI President Sunil Kumar emphasised adapting to changing customer expectations, emerging technologies and evolving business models while showcasing West Bengal’s tourism potential.
Black Rock Hotels plans 900-room expansion across North India
Black Rock Hotels & Resorts has announced an expansion pipeline of approximately 900 rooms, targeting six new hotel openings by 2027. Currently operating seven hotels with 950 rooms, the group is entering hotel ownership with Kingsbury, a 241-key property in Udaipur, scheduled for March 2027. The company has also signed two hotels in Jim Corbett, comprising 115 and 135 rooms, and a project in Vrindavan.
IHG signs 156-key Holiday Inn in Naya Raipur
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Entry Point Hotels & Resorts to develop Holiday Inn Raipur in Chhattisgarh, scheduled to open in Q1 2031. Located in Sector 24, Naya Raipur, the 156-key hotel will feature 16 suites, three dining venues, approximately 942 sqm of meeting and event space, a swimming pool and fitness centre, catering to corporate, government, MICE and leisure travellers.
Summit Hotels to open 17-Villa luxury retreat in Sikkim
Summit Hotels & Resorts will expand its Signature Collection with a 17-villa retreat in Lachung, North Sikkim, scheduled to open in December 2026. Situated at approximately 8,600 feet, the property will showcase traditional Sikkimese architecture and offer destination-focused experiences, including village walks, local cuisine, monastery visits and alpine excursions. The retreat will strengthen Summit’s premium hospitality portfolio across the Eastern Himalayas, complementing its existing Signature Collection properties.
#First Opinion
“At Asego, we focus on becoming a dedicated travel protection and global assistance partner for the B2B travel ecosystem. That means building our capabilities around the needs of travel trade partners rather than treating them simply as another distribution channel. For us, a travel advisor is a partner whose business growth matters. That distinction influences everything we do – from product development and servicing to the technology we invest in. Our objective is to give partners the confidence to recommend protection because it has meaningful expertise and capability behind it.”
Dev Karvat,
Founder & CEO, Asego
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