India to host prestigious IAPCO General Assembly 2027
India will be hosting the prestigious General Assembly of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) in March 2027, following a successful bid by IA-Meetings and Alpcord Network against Australia. The event is expected to bring together around 160 of the world’s leading Professional Congress Organisers, offering a valuable opportunity to showcase India’s convention infrastructure.
Nature Trails expands to Hampi with sixth Resort launch
Thomas Cook India’s Nature Trails has expanded its portfolio to six resorts with the launch of Nature Trails Ashoka Resort in Hampi, Karnataka. Nestled amid Hampi’s iconic boulder-strewn hills, the resort offers immersive, slow-travel experiences near UNESCO heritage sites. The property features diverse accommodation options, hillside pool, open-air dining and curated cultural explorations.
EkoStay expands portfolio with new Villa launches
EkoStay has accelerated its national expansion by adding eight new villas across Panchgani, Igatpuri, Dahanu and Alibaug, strengthening its Maharashtra presence. The brand will launch five more villas in Palghar, Kodaikanal and Goa, alongside three Luxe category properties in Ooty. Founded in 2018, EkoStay now operates over 150 villas across 12 cities, reinforcing its position in India’s fast-growing alternative accommodation segment.
Zostel enters Varanasi, expands spiritual circuit presence
Zostel has launched Zostel Varanasi, marking its entry into India’s spiritual capital and strengthening its presence across heritage destinations. Located near Dashashwamedh Ghat, the hostel offers dorms, private rooms and rooftop social spaces inspired by Banaras’ earthy tones. With over 95% of bookings from Gen Z and millennials, the property focuses on immersive experiences including ghat walks, Ganga aarti participation and more.
#First Opinion
“Let me set the context right for Sterling — we survived, revived and are now thriving, underscoring the brand’s resilience through industry disruptions and its evolution into a sharper, more purpose-driven hospitality company. Scale without relevance is noise! Our growth is anchored in structural shifts in Indian travel behaviour — and in building formats that translate those shifts into durable demand and repeat intent. The blueprint of our expansions in the next 2-3 years is about connecting India through circuits and scaling with operational discipline.”
Vikram Lalvani,
Managing Director & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts
Follow BOTT on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Subscribe BOTT Channels on WhatsApp & Telegram to receive real time updates
