Latest news with #CGHospitality
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Wellness travel and eco-consciousness are likely to dominate the hospitality industry this year
Wellness travel and eco-consciousness are likely to dominate the hospitality industry this year. At the same time, the rise of mid-market hospitality will reshape the next decade of hospitality, an industry veteran said. 'Today, guests seek authentic, transformative experiences and do not hesitate to travel to remote, offbeat locations to unwind. As pioneers, we intend to tap into these trends to deliver value to our expanding customer base. With around 25 to 30 hotels opening annually and a target of 650–700 hotels by 2030, including replicating the wellness-led model of The Farm in India, we are well-positioned to shape the trajectory of global hospitality,' Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director of CG Corp Global, Nepal's first and only billion-dollar multinational conglomerate, said. As CEO of CG Hospitality Global, Chaudhary oversees a luxury hospitality portfolio of over 193 hotels and resorts across 12 countries and 127 destinations, expected to expand to 200 hotels by 2025. Excerpts from an interview: What are the core values or philosophies driving CG Corp Global's international growth, and how do you ensure the company's legacy is preserved through this evolution? Our growth is anchored in our legacy, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit. The journey from 5 hotels to 195 hotels across 12 nations in 25 years may seem easy, but it was a great learning experience that taught us the true value of blending global standards with local authenticity. To honour CG Corp's 149-year-old legacy and heritage, we consciously focus on creating a meaningful impact. Behind every key business decision, we focus on empowering local communities and championing the cause of sustainability. This approach helps us give back to the communities that have supported our journey. From a business perspective, staying agile and nurturing new ideas, while upholding family values, has helped us preserve our legacy and excel in every market we enter. How does the Dubai Islands development align with CG Hospitality's broader ambitions in the region? Dubai Islands is a milestone that perfectly fits our vision for the Middle East. While our roots are in South Asia, we have built nearly 200 hotels across Asia and the Middle East. Around three-quarters of the world's population is here, making it a key market for us. Moreover, Dubai's global connectivity and dynamic tourism market make it ideal for strengthening our brand-agnostic approach. When selecting new markets for CG Hospitality's expansion, what key factors or indicators guide your decision-making process? Since the moment I got involved in the family business, I have been seeking markets where we can make a difference. Most of the time, I base my judgment on a market's growth potential, cultural richness, and unique experiences. Our first instinct is to look at how we can tap into these factors to offer a premium experience to our guests. While our brand-agnostic approach has kept us flexible in each role we assume, whether as owner, operator, or partner, we invest where our model can thrive and deliver long-term value. What defines a successful hospitality brand partnership in your eyes, and what do you seek when entering such collaborations? In my experience, successful partnerships are built on two pillars, shared values and complementary strengths. Our partnerships with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott International, IHCL, and Accor are perfect examples of how the right alliance can be mutually beneficial and fulfilling. Such exemplary partnerships have helped us scale from 5 hotels to a robust portfolio of 195 hotels. Successful partnerships go beyond the basic give-and-take model. That's why we focus on growing together, blending our partners' reach with our regional expertise to build something meaningful and lasting. How is CG Hospitality integrating sustainability and wellness into its properties and guest experiences? Post-pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in people's attitudes towards experiential travel. More consumers are now seeking new experiences that satisfy their need to reconnect with nature. This thirst for experience-driven travel and well-being is driving an industry-wide trend that will take center stage in the next couple of years. Luckily, sustainability and wellness have always been at the heart of our philosophy, and our eco-conscious Fern hotels, along with The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines, exemplify this commitment. Our goal is to blend ancient healing traditions with modern innovations. That's why we design properties with environmental responsibility and curate holistic experiences that nurture mind, body, and spirit. What are your strategic priorities for the remainder of this year and your long-term vision for the next five years? Our immediate goal is to accelerate expansion in the East and the Middle East, as these regions are important for our growth. At the same time, through our strategic partnerships like Series by Marriott and Autograph Collection, we aim to focus on mid-market growth and wellness tourism. During this growth phase, we will prioritize investing in talent, technology, and markets that can help us evolve from an operator and investor to a global brand creator. What does the recent signing with Marriott International (MI) represent for CG Hospitality, and what made this partnership significant? Our new partnership with Marriott International is a game-changer for the mid-to-upscale eco-conscious segment in India. As part of the agreement, Marriott will make a strategic equity investment in Concept Hospitality, while Concept's Fern-branded hotels will affiliate with Series by Marriott across India. It will enable us to access Marriott's 237 million Bonvoy members and global distribution channels, positioning The Fern as India's first eco-forward hospitality brand. Moreover, this partnership will double Marriott's footprint in India and make luxury more accessible. Our long-term goal is to expand Fern and Series by Marriott throughout Asia, the Middle East, and eventually into Europe and the US. Additionally, our recent collaboration with Marriott to bring The Farm at San Benito into the Autograph Collection positions us at the forefront of wellness tourism in Asia and beyond.
Mid East Info
26-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Dubai-Headquartered CG Hospitality Partners with Marriott for Global Brand Launch - Middle East Business News and Information
CG Hospitality and Marriott International Launch Series by Marriott™ with The Fern Brand Portfolio in India Dubai-headquartered CG Hospitality strengthens presence in India, with plans for the Middle East growth CG Hospitality Global, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global and majority stakeholder in Concept Hospitality Private Limited (CHPL), proudly announced a landmark collaboration with Marriott International for the Global Launch of Series by Marriott™— A new midscale and upscale collection brand. This historic move is anchored by the affiliation of The Fern portfolio, one of India's most respected eco-sensitive hotel chains. Founded in 1996 by Param Kannampilly, CHPL has grown into one of India's most respected hotel management companies. This partnership marks a major milestone for India's hospitality sector. The Fern, The Fern Residency, and The Fern Habitat will be integrated into Marriott's global ecosystem. With over 120 operating hotels under various brands, in 90 cities and 40 additional properties in the pipeline at CHPLA, the deal is expected to add up to 84 Fern branded hotels and approximately 6,000 rooms to Marriott's India portfolio—making it one of the most significant multi-unit transactions in the country's hospitality landscape. The agreement includes a strategic equity investment by Marriott in CHPL and an exclusive long-term co-branding relationship for The Fern brands in India. Fern hotels will now benefit from Marriott's global distribution platforms, digital systems, and the Marriott Bonvoy™ loyalty program with 237 Million members, while retaining their independent spirit and regional identity. This collaboration reflects CG Hospitality's long-standing belief in the strength of regionally rooted brands with global potential. CG Hospitality, headquartered in Dubai, has nurtured Fern into a leading name in eco-sensitive, high-quality hospitality. Having already established a strong footprint in the UAE with landmark properties such as Taj Jumeirah Lake Towers, the partnership now takes that vision global, amplifying the reach and capabilities of The Fern across the Middle East and beyond. Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings, said: 'This strategic collaboration represents more than just a portfolio expansion—it's the alignment of two shared visions to redefine the mid-market hospitality landscape. At CG Hospitality, we've long championed sustainable, responsible, and accessible hospitality, particularly through Fern's pioneering presence across India's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. With this partnership, we're now setting our sights on taking The Fern to 500 hotels by 2030, and arguably making The Fern brands, the biggest in this segment, in India, while expanding CG Hospitality's footprint to 650 hotels globally. Marriott's global scale, trust, and loyalty ecosystem will be a powerful catalyst in achieving this ambitious vision. Together, we're not only strengthening India's hospitality infrastructure but enabling a regional eco-sensitive brand to thrive on the global stage. This is a defining moment for The Fern and a bold new chapter for Indian hospitality.' This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to scaling responsibly and serving consciously, particularly across emerging and culturally rich destinations in India. 'Series by Marriott furthers Marriott's commitment to delivering lodging offerings in the right place at the right price with basics done well,' said Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International. 'Creating a new, regional collection brand will further Marriott's reach among value-conscious travelers, provide additional choice for our existing Marriott Bonvoy members and guests, and offer more affiliation opportunities for local owners. We are thrilled to launch Series by Marriott through our founding deal with CHPL. This deal will help meaningfully expand Marriott's leading position in India, a key market for the company. We see this multi-unit conversion deal as a strong foundation as we look to accelerate growth of the Series by Marriott collection in additional markets around the world. The Fern portfolio throughout India is highly regarded and CHPL's commitment to operational excellence and meeting the needs of regional travelers embodies the spirit of the Series by Marriott brand.' CG Hospitality currently operates a diverse portfolio of 195 Hotels, Resorts, and Wellness destinations across 12 countries and 127 destinations. This partnership underscores CG Hospitality's role as a global enabler for Indian hospitality brands and its continued investment in the future of India's travel and tourism industry and in high-growth regions such as the Middle East. CG Hospitality and Marriott International recently also signed an agreement to convert The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines into an Autograph Collection resort, marking the brand's debut in the country and a significant step in expanding the wellness-focused property to international markets. ABOUT CG CORP GLOBAL CG Corp Global, the Global face of Nepal's first and only Multi-Billion-Dollar Conglomerate with an exceptional legacy of 140 years across 4 generations. CG Corp Global has 261+ brands, 202+ companies, over 20,000 employees, and is spread across 32 countries with an industry-leading foray into Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), Banking, Power, Hospitality, Real Estate, Telecom, Cement, and education amongst others. CG Hospitality Global, a hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, has a diversified portfolio of more than 195 Hotels & Resorts across 12 countries and 127 destinations with over 12,000 keys. CG Hospitality's successful joint ventures include partnerships with globally renowned hospitality brands such as IHCL (A Tata Enterprise) through its Taj, Taj Safari, and Vivanta brands, Jetwing, Radisson, Hilton, and Fairmont brands. By 2027, this portfolio is expected to grow to over 650 hotels and 30,000 keys. CG Hospitality's diverse portfolio features some of the most iconic properties and destinations across the globe. This includes Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Maldives), Jetwing Vil Uyana & Taj Samudra (Sri Lanka), The Farm at San Benito (Philippines), Meghauli Serai – A Taj Safaris Lodge (Nepal), Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers (Dubai, UAE) and Fairmont The Norfolk & Fairmont Mara Safari Club (Kenya), Double Tree by Hilton JFK Airport in New York amongst others. CG Hospitality also owns one of the largest management companies in India through Concept Hospitality (CHPL)/Fern Hotels, which manages over 120 mid-market to luxury hotels through its own brands under Fern, Zinc, and Beacon. This portfolio is set to grow to 500 hotels by 2027.
Forbes
23-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Nepalese Billionaire Binod Chaudhary Deepens Marriott Partnership With Indian Hotels Venture
CG Hospitality—controlled by Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary—is collaborating with Marriott International to expand its presence across India as it seeks to tap into the tourism boom across the country. Under the deal announced late Thursday, Marriott and CG Hospitality's Concept Hospitality, the hotel management company behind The Fern chain of hotels, have agreed to develop 380 new hotels and resorts across India over the next five years. The Fern currently operates over 120 properties in the country. 'With this partnership, we're aiming to grow The Fern to 500 hotels by 2030, potentially making it the largest brand in its segment in India, while expanding CG Hospitality's global footprint to 650 hotels,' said Rahul Chaudhary, managing director & CEO of CG Corp Global and CG Hospitality. The deal, which includes a reported $15 million investment by Marriott into Concept Hospitality, also marks the global debut of Marriott's new midscale and upscale lodging brand, Series by Marriott. The Fern's portfolio will also complement Marriott's existing 158 properties that it manages in India under various brands. 'This deal will significantly strengthen Marriott's leadership in India, a key growth market,' said Anthony Capuano, president and CEO of Marriott International. Marriott expects India to become its third-largest market after the U.S. and China within the next few years, up from fifth place currently. Chaudhary's CG Hospitality currently manages 195 hotels, resorts, and wellness destinations across 12 countries through brands such as Taj, Taj Safari, and Vivanta. The company also recently agreed to include The Farm at San Benito in Batangas, south of Manila, as part of Marriott's Autograph Collection. The 70-hectare rebranded luxury wellness resort aims to open in the third quarter of this year. Chaudhary also wants to replicate the wellness resort concept in India. Besides his interest in hotels, Chaudhary also holds stakes in Nepal-based privately owned Nabil Bank and CG Foods, maker of Wai Wai instant noodles. With a net worth of $2 billion, Chaudhary is Nepal's sole billionaire.
Skift
07-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Marriott to Manage First Autograph Collection Property in the Philippines
Macau welcomed 850,035 visitor arrivals during the five-day Labour Day holiday, an average of just over 170,000 visitors daily. Friday was the big day with 221,968 visitors entering Macau, a new single-day record since the pandemic and the highest since February 2019. The year-over-year increase was around 33%. The Macao Government Tourism Office had projected 700,000 total visitors, with 140,000 per day. CG Hospitality, controlled by Nepalese billionaire Binod Chaudhary, signed an agreement with Marriott International to convert its Philippine wellness center, The Farm at San Benito, into an Autograph Collection resort. The property is in Batangas province, south of Manila, and will be the first Autograph Collection resort managed by Marriott in the Philippines. It will open at the end of the third quarter and comes nine months after Chaudhary signed an agreement with Andrew Tan's Megaworld Corp to jointly build a $208 million township beside the existing wellness resort. Megaworld and CG Hospitality will build a low-density wellness community with residential condos, hotels, shops, and sports and leisure amenities across 25 hectares of greenery in Lipa City, 85 kilometers south of Manila. San Benito Private Estate will have access to The Farm at San Benito. Once converted to an Autograph Collection resort, The Farm at San Benito, which spans 52 hectares, will have 70 keys and feature one-bedroom villas and exclusive two and four-bedroom private pool villas. The rebranded resort will feature five restaurants, a swimming pool with a bar, a fitness center, a spa, and a medical wellness center. There will be 321 square meters of flexible meeting and event space. The Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta will form part of a large-scale mixed-use development on Church Street. It is the fifth Marriott Hotels & Resorts property in Australia and the second in Sydney. Marriott signed an agreement with property developer JQZ, which has commenced construction of the high-rise building that will also feature residential apartments and retail and commercial spaces. Sydney Marriott Hotel Parramatta marks Marriott Hotels' debut in Parramatta and will feature functions and meeting facilities, an M Club Lounge, restaurant, café, lobby lounge, rooftop swimming pool with pool bar, and a fitness center. The hotel is expected to open in mid-2027. Accor said it will strengthen its footprint in Australia and New Zealand by signing a significant portfolio of hotels with Bayview International Hotels & Resorts. The partnership will see Accor take over the management of three properties from this month – The 277-room Sydney Boulevard Hotel in East Sydney, 137-room Bayview Geographe Resort in Busselton, Western Australia, and 187-room Wairakei Resort Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand. The three properties will undergo extensive refurbishments before being relaunched under Accor brands, but until then, they will continue operating under their current names. Accor's Ennismore hotel group said they are doubling down on Australia this year, unveiling four flagship openings – 25Hours Olympia in Sydney; Mondrian Gold Coast; Hyde Perth; and Hyde Melbourne Place, which is a rebrand of Melbourne Place, which opened under this new name last week. Australia's first Mondrian hotel will open in June, steps from Burleigh Beach, with 208 rooms including 132 studios, 76 suites, private beach houses, and a penthouse. The hotel's Sky House sits on the 24th floor of the hotel with three bedrooms. There will also be a bio-wellness spa called Ciel, a 25-meter resort pool, and accompanying magnesium plunge pools. BGO Strategic Capital Partners and Hotel Capital Partners have purchased the Sydney Potts Point Central Apartment Hotel for $31.5 million. The deal, brokered by CBRE Hotels and comprising 73 individual lots, is the largest strata amalgamation deal in Australia since the pandemic. The hotel consists of 70 serviced apartments, a ground floor food and beverage outlet, rooftop public amenities with expansive views of Sydney's CBD, and was finalized this week. The new owners will transform the hotel, with plans to convert the building into co-living accommodation, managed by UKO, Australia's largest co-living operator. TUI-BLUE-Sihanoukville Hotel held its grand opening on May 5th. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Sihanoukville in Cambodia and offers 200 five-star appointed rooms. The hotel is owned by Prince Real Estate Group, which appointed TUI Hotels & Resorts as manager. TUI said TUI Cruises, TUI Airlines, and TUI Travel will become a new bridge connecting Sihanoukville with world tourism development and better position it as a tourist destination. IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a management agreement with KS Propmart Private Limited, part of Devyansh Group, to bring a Crowne Plaza hotel to Gurugram Sector 85. The hotel is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2029. The Crowne Plaza Gurugram Sector 85 will offer 210 rooms, four diverse dining options including a specialty restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby lounge, and a pool ba,r as well as seven versatile meetings and event spaces, including a ballroom. Amenities such as a Club Lounge, pool, fitness center, and spa will be offered, as well as 150 parking spaces and a dedicated retail section. OYO announced its foray into the food and beverage segment. They plan to roll out in-house kitchens and quick service restaurant carts at 1,500 of its company-serviced properties by fiscal 2026. The hotel company will first bring these services to the Townhouse by OYO brand. They piloted this at the beginning of the year across 100 hotels in several cities in India, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurugram. OYO said the feedback was positive. Guests will be able to order food through the OYO app and other booking platforms by selecting a 'Kitchen Services' option.
Tourism Breaking News
05-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
The Farm at San Benito Philippines joins Marriott's Autograph Collection, eyes expansion into UAE's wellness tourism market
Post Views: 127 CG Hospitality Global announces its expansion with Marriott International through the conversion of The Farm at San Benito in the Philippines to The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection, set to open in Q3 2025. This marks the first Autograph Collection property in the Philippines, reinforcing CG Hospitality's dedication to elevating luxury and wellness-driven hospitality across key global markets, from the UAE to Southeast Asia. 'Our UAE operations have been the cornerstone of CG Developers' strategic growth. From our pioneering projects in Dubai including the luxury Taj hotel at Jumeirah Lakes Towers, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and excellence. As we prepare to unveil our world-class development on Dubai Islands, we are once again reinforcing our deep commitment to shaping the future of this dynamic market,' said Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director & CEO, CG Corp Global & CG Hospitality Holdings. Aligned with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's vision for a flourishing wellness economy, CG Hospitality takes the first step in making transformative wellness destinations accessible to the multicultural Middle East audience. Additionally, with over one million Filipinos residing in the UAE, the nation is already well acquainted with the warmth, hospitality and service-driven nature of the Filipino community. The Farm at San Benito builds on this legacy, offering a world-class wellness destination that seamlessly blends cultural heritage with holistic healing and global accessibility. Nestled in Lipa City, Batangas, just 90 minutes from Metro Manila, The Farm at San Benito, Autograph Collection will span 52 hectares and is expected to feature 70 villas — including one-bedroom sanctuaries and exclusive two- and four-bedroom pool villas. The resort will house five distinct dining destinations, a wellness-focused medical centre, a spa, and a fully equipped fitness complex. With 321 sqm of meeting and event space, it is also designed to cater to the growing demand for wellness-led business and leisure travel. Guests will enjoy access to nearby heritage sites such as Casa de Segunda and the 'Little Rome of the Philippines.'
