Located in the scenic Dirang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, overlooking the Kameng River, the boutique mountain retreat has been designed to combine local Arunachali character with contemporary hospitality experiences. Surrounded by layered valleys, mist-covered hills, and natural landscapes, the property is positioned to cater to travellers seeking slower, immersive, and experience-driven stays.

The resort features a range of rooms and suites, including Premium View Rooms and Junior Suites, each equipped with private balconies offering views of the surrounding river and valley landscape. According to the company, the interiors incorporate warm tones, soft textures, and modern amenities aimed at delivering a comfortable yet locally rooted hospitality experience.

Dining at the property centres around an all-day restaurant serving a combination of multi-cuisine offerings and regional Northeast specialities, complemented by panoramic valley-facing views. The retreat also includes landscaped gardens, outdoor bonfire setups, and dedicated relaxation spaces designed to encourage guests to engage more closely with the surrounding natural environment.

Guests will also have access to curated local experiences and nature-focused activities, reinforcing the region’s positioning as a growing alternative to conventional hill station tourism. The resort’s low-density layout and emphasis on privacy are intended to create a more peaceful and immersive mountain stay experience.

Commenting on the addition, Sumit Mitruka said, “Dirang is an emerging destination with immense natural appeal, and we see growing interest from travellers looking for less crowded, experience-driven locations. Our approach has been to create a property that stays true to the destination while offering the comfort and consistency that guests expect from the Summit brand.”

The expansion reflects a broader shift within India’s tourism and hospitality industry, where travel brands are increasingly investing in unexplored and low-density destinations driven by the rise of experiential tourism, wellness travel, and nature-led hospitality. As infrastructure and connectivity improve across Northeast India, emerging destinations such as Dirang are gaining visibility among travellers seeking authentic and slower travel experiences.

The Bengaluru-based real estate company is expanding its hospitality footprint in cities including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, and Darjeeling, reflecting growing confidence in the long-term outlook for India’s tourism, business travel, and premium accommodation markets.

Sattva Group has already established a presence in the hospitality sector through developments such as JW Marriott Hotel Kolkata and Novotel Kolkata Hotel and Residences. These projects highlight the company’s strategic focus on upscale and premium hospitality infrastructure within high-growth urban and destination markets.

The expansion comes during a period of sustained growth for India’s hotel industry, which continues to benefit from strong post-pandemic travel recovery. Domestic tourism, corporate mobility, weddings, MICE demand, and experiential leisure travel are contributing to rising occupancy levels and stronger average daily room rates across major cities and tourism-driven destinations.

Hospitality is increasingly emerging as a key strategic vertical for Indian real estate developers, particularly as integrated townships, mixed-use developments, and urban infrastructure projects create new opportunities for branded hotels, serviced residences, and lifestyle-oriented hospitality assets.

Industry observers believe demand for premium hospitality infrastructure is expected to remain resilient in the coming years, supported by improving air connectivity, rising disposable incomes, growing domestic tourism activity, and changing consumer preferences centred around experience-driven travel.

With its expanding hospitality pipeline, Sattva Group joins a broader wave of Indian developers increasing investments in hotels and travel infrastructure as hospitality assets become more closely linked to urban development, destination growth, and long-term real estate strategy.

The collaboration aims to enhance customer access to a unified platform that includes airline bookings, hotel reservations, railway ticketing, and end-to-end hospitality and travel services. Through the partnership, the companies will also gain access to a network of more than 20,000 travel agents, significantly strengthening their distribution reach and service capabilities within the travel ecosystem.

The partnership was formalised following discussions between Vinod Kumar Tripathi and the leadership team of My Travel Bazaar, including Bhavesh Oza. Both organisations stated that the alliance is built around a shared focus on service quality, customer-centric solutions, and sustainable business growth.

The collaboration combines Eco Hotels’ emphasis on eco-conscious hospitality with My Travel Bazaar’s capabilities in travel technology and distribution. The partnership is expected to support more streamlined travel planning, curated accommodation experiences, and improved operational efficiency for customers and travel partners, particularly in the B2B market.

Commenting on the partnership, Vinod Kumar Tripathi said: “This partnership with My Travel Bazaar marks an important milestone in our growth journey. By combining our strengths in hospitality with their expertise in travel services and distribution, we aim to create a more integrated and seamless experience for our customers. We believe this collaboration will not only enhance value but also set new benchmarks in service excellence and sustainable growth.”

The announcement reflects a broader trend across the hospitality and travel sectors, where companies are increasingly leveraging digital transformation, integrated booking ecosystems, and strategic collaborations to improve customer experience and operational scalability. As travel demand continues to rise, partnerships that combine hospitality, technology, and distribution networks are expected to play a growing role in shaping the future of the travel industry.

Under the partnership, Safestay’s 24 hostels will be listed on Zostel.com, while 82 Zostel properties across India, Nepal, and Thailand will be featured on safestay.com. Together, the combined network will cover more than 8,000 beds across Europe, the UK, India, Nepal, and Thailand. Both companies will continue operating independently while leveraging cross-listing capabilities to strengthen international travel access and booking convenience.

The collaboration comes at a time when India-to-Europe travel has grown by 17% year-on-year in 2025, driven by increasing demand from Indian travellers combining European and Asian destinations within a single itinerary. The partnership is aimed at simplifying multi-stop travel planning and direct bookings without relying heavily on third-party travel aggregators.

According to the companies, nearly 20 properties are expected to go live during the first phase within the coming week, while the complete rollout is targeted for completion by June 2026. The partnership is also supported by a common framework of minimum service standards focused on guest safety, security, fire safety, in-room quality, safeguarding policies, equality measures, and data protection protocols.

Aviral Gupta added: “We believe the best way to travel anywhere is to have a local friend. With Safestay, that’s what our community of nearly 3 million travellers now has across 22 European cities. Zostel unlocks 100+ destinations across India, Nepal and Thailand. We see strong alignment between the two brands on quality, safety and guest experience, and are excited to build on this together. One global community, not just one global brand.”

Larry Lipman commented: “This partnership with Zostel represents an exciting strategic development in extending Safestay’s international reach through a scalable, capital-light model. By aligning with a leading hostel operator in India with aligned values, we will access new customer segments and strengthen our position in key long-haul travel markets. We believe it is a strong commercial fit between two complementary hostel networks with a shared focus on quality, value, safety and guest experience.”

With access to Safestay’s European network, the collaboration is expected to significantly strengthen Zostel’s international business. The company projects 40–50% growth in international bookings over the next 12 months. The cross-listing model is also expected to generate an additional ₹8–10 crore in revenue by 2027 while reducing dependence on online travel agency commissions through stronger direct booking volumes.

The partnership reflects a broader trend within the travel industry where hospitality brands are increasingly leveraging digital transformation, direct-to-consumer strategies, and global collaborations to expand customer reach and improve booking efficiency. As international travel rebounds and travellers prioritise experience-driven journeys, partnerships that combine regional strength with global accessibility are expected to play a larger role in shaping the future of travel and hostel ecosystems.

The upcoming property will feature 120 rooms and suites designed to cater to the evolving preferences of domestic travellers seeking comfort-driven hospitality experiences in key pilgrimage and tourism hubs. The hotel will also include banquet facilities and a swimming pool, positioning it to serve both leisure guests and event-based travel demand.

Located in Somnath, one of India’s most significant spiritual destinations, the hotel is expected to benefit from the increasing flow of domestic tourism and pilgrimage travel. With spiritual tourism continuing to gain momentum in India, hospitality brands are increasingly focusing on destinations that combine cultural significance with long-term tourism potential.

Speaking on the signing, Vikram Singh Chauhan, Founder & CEO, NILE Hospitality, said: “We are delighted that this signing solidifies our reputation for bringing world class hotels to sectors markets where destination-lead hospitality is much anticipated. At NILE, we are guided by a clear principle : to grow with purpose, to create enduring value, and to bring and deliver transformative properties and experiences that resonate with our guests. As we bring our hotels to the country’s most extraordinary destinations, our commitment remains focused on attention, quality and the sustainable success of our hotels. I am excited to bring the brand Courtyard By Marriott to Somnath and the opportunity to gently redefine hospitality standards in this route.”

Hitesh Mohandas Ramchandani, Partner, Somnath Synergy Resorts LLP, added: “Somnath’s prominence as a year-round pilgrimage hub presents a compelling opportunity for quality hospitality development. Recognising the growing demand for internationally benchmarked accommodation and event infrastructure, we envisioned a project that elevates the city’s hospitality offering. Aligning with the global standards of Marriott International, along with our partnership with NILE Hospitality positions us strongly to deliver a differentiated, high-value asset for this market.”

The signing further strengthens NILE Hospitality’s footprint in Gujarat, where the company already operates across destinations such as Gir and Dwarka. The company’s broader strategy remains centred on expanding its presence in high-growth leisure and spiritual tourism markets through partnerships with globally recognised hospitality brands.

As India’s tourism and hospitality industry evolves, destinations driven by religious, cultural, and experiential travel are emerging as key growth engines for hotel operators. The expansion of internationally branded properties into these markets reflects growing confidence in the long-term demand for premium accommodation and organised hospitality infrastructure across regional travel destinations.

The initiative is designed to tackle the growing talent gap in the Indian hotel industry while fostering sustainable sector growth. Its core focus areas include leadership development, career advancement, organizational culture enhancement, and strategies to attract, retain, and engage skilled employees. The program’s operational framework was crafted by a panel of domain experts from HAI member hotels.

Calling the program a transformative move for Indian tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, The Hon’ble Minister of Tourism, said during the launch: “The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater. This program will develop professionals prepared to lead the future of tourism and hospitality, setting a high standard that inspires excellence beyond our borders.”

HAI President and Radisson Hotel Group Chairman – South Asia, KB Kachru, highlighted its uniqueness: “This is a one of its kind initiative by industry experts – rooted in the guru-shishya parampara, to provide expert mentorship, and inspire a lasting commitment to the future of hospitality leadership in India. The government and industry have set a target of creating around million branded hotel rooms to achieve the India Tourism vision 2047. This will require an addition of around 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the existing pool.”

HAI plans to collaborate with its member hotels to integrate this program into their brand culture, aiming to empower future leaders and solidify India’s standing as a premier global hospitality destination.

In this exclusive Business Review Live interview, we dive into how Kamat Hotels is navigating the future of Indian hospitality—building strong teams, embracing eco-conscious practices, and crafting memorable stays that honor the soul of every destination. Discover the insights from the leadership driving this iconic brand forward in an increasingly competitive market.

1. Kamat Hotels has a rich legacy rooted in Indian hospitality. How did the vision of the company evolve from its inception to the brand it is today?

Kamat Hotels’ journey in Indian hospitality spans over eight decades, marked by steady growth and pioneering achievements. It all started with my grandfather, the Late Shri Venkatesh Kamat, who opened a chain of pure vegetarian South Indian restaurants — laying the foundation for a brand built on quality and service.

Over time, our offerings expanded to include both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dining. A major turning point came in the 1980s, when my father, Dr. Vithal Kamat, launched Santoor, our first non-vegetarian restaurant. This move broadened our culinary reach and customer base.

We soon ventured into family-friendly resorts across key regions including, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. These properties emphasized approachable hospitality rooted in local culture and comfort.

Another defining milestone arrived in the 1990s with the launch of The Orchid — Asia’s first five-star Ecotel hotel. This innovative concept, championed by my father, brought sustainable practices to the forefront of luxury hospitality. Today, The Orchid is a leading eco-conscious hotel brand, recognized across India for blending environmental responsibility with world-class service.

2. How do you maintain the brand’s heritage while staying relevant in a rapidly evolving hospitality market?

We adapt our offerings to suit each location, but the essence of the Kamat brand—our deep-rooted culture, warmth, and genuine hospitality—remains unchanged. This consistent service philosophy forms the backbone of our guest experience across all properties.

Each hotel or resort reflects the unique character and cultural identity of its region. For instance, our properties in Odisha highlight Odia heritage through design and décor, yet continue to deliver the hallmark Namaskar Hospitality Culture that defines every Kamat experience.

Similarly, Fort JadhavGADH in Pune immerses guests in the grandeur of Maratha history through curated cultural experiences, while maintaining the signature hospitality standards that connect all Kamat properties. By blending local authenticity with consistent service excellence, we ensure our legacy remains strong and relevant in today’s dynamic hospitality landscape.

3. Kamat Hotels is often associated with sustainable and culturally rooted hospitality. What do you believe sets your brand apart in a crowded market?

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Kamat Hotels—not as a trend, but as a way of life. While eco-friendly practices are now more common, we take pride in having pioneered many of them at The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, well before they became industry standards.

What makes us stand out is the seamless blend of environmental responsibility with heartfelt service. From our signature warm hospitality to the authentic culinary experiences we offer, every detail reflects our commitment to both people and the planet.

Our initiatives go beyond hotel walls. Whether it’s The Orchid Hotel Shimla creating a 250-foot wall from waste bottle caps or street and beach clean-up drives in Manali, Jamnagar, Nashik and Sambhajinagar, we lead with purpose and community involvement. This approach reinforces our belief that true luxury lies in experiences that are both memorable and meaningful.

4. What makes the Kamat Hotels guest experience uniquely Indian yet globally competitive?

At Kamat Hotels, we take a location-first approach—designing each property to reflect the cultural identity and needs of its surroundings. Instead of a standardized model, we offer thoughtfully priced and strategically positioned experiences that resonate with local flavor while maintaining high service standards.

What further elevates our offering is the smart integration of technology. Behind the scenes, we use tech to streamline operations, boost efficiency, and enhance the guest journey—often so seamlessly that guests simply enjoy a smoother, more personalized stay without noticing the systems at work. This balance of cultural authenticity and operational innovation is what keeps us globally competitive while staying proudly Indian.

5. How do you ensure consistency of service and quality across diverse locations, while also offering localized experiences?

Maintaining consistency while celebrating local uniqueness is a continuous effort. We invest heavily in training, development, and culture-building — an area my father and I are personally involved in. This strong cultural foundation ensures that every team member understands and upholds the Kamat brand ethos.

Operationally, we rely on a skilled and committed team. Standardized recipes, structured training programs, and hands-on mentorship help maintain uniform quality across properties. Regular audits and support systems ensure our service excellence remains intact, even as each hotel delivers a distinct, locally inspired experience.

6. What have been the most challenging phases in scaling Kamat Hotels, especially across diverse regions and customer profiles?

One of the most persistent challenges in scaling has been human resource management — a common hurdle across the hospitality industry. At Kamat Hotels, we believe in nurturing potential over formal qualifications. Many of our team members come from humble backgrounds, and through focused training and mentorship, we empower them to grow into capable leaders.

We’re also proud to be an inclusive workplace. Our team includes individuals with special disabilities who contribute meaningfully to daily operations and enrich our culture. This people-first approach not only strengthens our workforce but also reinforces our core values as we expand across varied markets and guest segments.

7. What key trends are currently shaping the Indian hospitality and tourism sector, and how is Kamat Hotels positioned to capitalize on them?

Experiential travel is one of the most influential trends redefining Indian hospitality today. At Kamat Hotels, we’ve embraced this shift by curating stays that go beyond comfort to deliver authentic, memory-driven experiences.

Properties like Fort JadhavGADH, The Orchid Rishikesh, and Orchid Passaros in Goa offer immersive moments rooted in local culture and history. At Lotus Murud, guests are treated to more than just a beachfront view and fresh seafood — they enjoy traditional experiences like Ukdi che Modak made by village women and baked goods from wood-fired stoves. These sensory-rich, locally inspired elements create meaningful guest connections, helping us stand out in a market increasingly driven by authenticity and experience.

8. With changing traveler expectations, especially among millennials and Gen Z, how are you adapting your offerings to meet these evolving demands?

We’ve prioritized technology investments to meet the digital-first expectations of millennials and Gen Z travelers. Today’s guests seek convenience, autonomy, and seamless online experiences, from intuitive booking platforms with rich visuals to instant access to information.

Our tech integration extends beyond booking — we’ve enhanced multiple guest touchpoints to deliver smooth, personalized stays. A 24/7 central reservations system supports bookings across all Kamat Hotels, ensuring round-the-clock accessibility and assistance. These innovations are vital to staying competitive and connected with today’s fast-evolving traveler.

9. How do emerging technologies like AI, automation, or smart hospitality tools influence your business model and guest experience?

While AI and automation mainly enhance sales, distribution, and back-end processes, the heart of hospitality at Kamat Hotels remains deeply human. Personal interaction continues to define the guest experience.

Technological advances have improved payment speed and security, and strengthened our loyalty programs. For example, our Orchid Rewards Program boasts over 800,000 members, with repeat guests accounting for 32% of our business—highlighting the strong relationships we’ve cultivated through trusted service and thoughtful engagement.

10. Are there any upcoming tech initiatives—smart hospitality, AI-driven insights, or IoT adoption—that you’re excited about?

Staying forward-looking is essential in hospitality technology. While futuristic ideas like robot chefs remain distant due to cost and reliability, practical AI applications such as dishwashing robots are gaining traction. We expect many hotels to adopt these efficient solutions soon, enhancing operations without compromising service quality.

11. How do you envision Kamat Hotels contributing to the ‘Make in India’ or tourism-driven economic development narratives?

Kamat Hotels plays an active role in promoting India’s economic growth beyond hospitality. As former Chairman of CII Maharashtra, I engaged with a broad spectrum of industries—from major corporations to micro-entrepreneurs—supporting platforms that drive initiatives like Make in India and Grow in India.

We emphasize local sourcing across our operations, prioritizing products from nearby districts, Maharashtra, and throughout India. This commitment helps strengthen domestic businesses and fuels regional economic development through tourism and hospitality.

12. How do you see your role in shaping India’s tourism and hospitality narrative on a global scale?

Our priority is fostering robust growth within India rather than pursuing global expansion. We strongly believe in the “India story” and recognize immense opportunities right here at home.

With effective leadership at both central and state levels, businesses and citizens alike can benefit significantly. Our role is to collaborate and contribute toward strengthening the nation, its cities, and communities—building a resilient hospitality sector that showcases India’s potential to the world.

Led by Dr. Suborno Bose, the visionary Founder of IIHM and CEO of IHC UK, the declaration sets a foundation for global collaboration among 50 hospitality colleges. It establishes a platform for exchanging AI-driven insights, best practices, and innovations within the industry.

Announced during the closing ceremony of the 11th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad 2025—the world’s largest culinary competition for young chefs—this initiative underscores the pressing need to adopt AI, which Dr. Bose calls “Advanced Intelligence.”

He stated at the event, “The Global Knowledge Sharing Declaration is a comprehensive framework to integrate AI into hospitality education worldwide. It prioritizes inclusivity, human-centric values, and sustainability, ensuring that Technology enhances rather than replaces the essence of hospitality. AI is not artificial—it is ‘Advanced Intelligence’.”

This initiative encourages hospitality colleges across 50 participating countries to adopt and enhance AI-driven teaching methods and campus operations. IIHM will offer strategic leadership to facilitate effective implementation.

IIHM’s Knowledge Sharing Declaration is a key step in future-proofing the hospitality industry by integrating AI to enhance efficiency and guest experiences. The initiative promotes curriculum integration, partnerships with governments and NGOs to bridge the digital divide, and AI-driven solutions for sustainable tourism.

At the 11th IIHM International Young Chef Olympiad 2025 opening in Goa, Dr. SubornoBose launched Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality, a groundbreaking book exploring AI’s role in hospitality. It highlights real-world applications, from predictive maintenance to sentiment analysis and zero-waste initiatives, showcasing AI’s impact on guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

“This book serves as a vital resource for students, educators, and industry professionals, demonstrating how AI can complement, rather than replace, the human essence of hospitality,” said Dr. Bose.

On February 2, 2025, IIHM hosted a groundbreaking AI Global Roundtable, bringing together top hospitality experts and young chefs from 50 countries. Chaired by Dr. SubornoBose, the panel featured:

• Professor David Foskett (OBE) – Chairman, International Hospitality Council

• Chef Neil Rippington – Global Director, IIHM & Culinary Psychology Instructor, Harvard University

• Chef Sarah Hartnett – UK-based Pastry Chef & Chocolate Consultant

• Neville Noronha – OSD to Goa’s Minister for IT & Tourism

During the discussion, Chef Rippington noted, “I wish the 50-plus generation were born 30 years earlier because today’s young professionals are already AI ambassadors.”

The AI Global Roundtable and the launch of Harmonizing Human Touch and AI in Tourism & Hospitality underscores AI’s growing role in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Institutions worldwide will be encouraged to integrate the book into their curriculum, fostering global knowledge-sharing.

This initiative calls on industry leaders, academic institutions, and governments to champion AI-driven innovation while preserving hospitality’s core values of empathy and inclusivity.

Leading hospitality figures have praised IIHM’s AI-driven approach:

• Chef Ranveer Brar (Celebrity Chef & MasterChef India Judge): “AI at IIHM addresses a much larger workforce challenge. The industry once feared AI would replace jobs, but we now understand that if used wisely, it enhances skills and transforms professions.”

• Padmashri Chef Sanjeev Kapoor: “Technology is a tool—it doesn’t have a soul. Hospitality professionals must bring the soul while using Technology as a support system.”

• Professor David Foskett: “AI doesn’t eliminate jobs; it enables professionals to deliver better, more personalized guest experiences. IIHM is setting an example by balancing Technology and the human touch.”

Through initiatives like the Young Chef Olympiad and the AI-driven declaration, Dr. Bose’s leadership reaffirms his commitment to innovation and excellence in hospitality education. His visionary leadership and inspiring contributions continue to influence the evolution of the global hospitality industry.

As part of this announcement, TravelPerk has also acquired Swiss startup Yokoy to integrate native expense management into its platform.

With the travel and tourism sector returning to near pre-pandemic levels, startups offering innovative travel solutions—such as trip-planning tools, vacation rental platforms, and corporate travel management—are experiencing significant growth. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) projects that business travel will reach a record $1.5 trillion in 2024, a 6.2% increase compared to the 2019 pre-pandemic peak. This surge in demand has also spurred investor interest in corporate travel startups, as seen in September when Denver-based Engine raised $140 million at a $2.1 billion valuation to focus on hotel bookings, flights, car rentals, and meeting spaces.

TravelPerk offers businesses an all-in-one solution for booking, managing, and reporting domestic and international travel. Integrations support HR and expense management functions. 

Corporate travel remains essential for attending conferences and securing new business opportunities despite shifts toward remote and hybrid work. TravelPerk’s president and COO, Jean-Christophe Taunay-Bucalo, highlighted their recent Value of Business Travel report, which confirms that companies are continuing to prioritize travel to drive sales and foster growth.

“Hybrid and remote working models have had a minimal impact on demand for business travel — those travelling for work will continue to do so because it’s part of their job,” Taunay-Bucalo said. “Whether it’s for a sales meeting or to install a wind turbine, there are many situations where workers need to be on the ground and in person.”

A more distributed workforce has led companies to invest more in offsite events, driving an increased need for travel. TravelPerk views this decentralization as an ideal opportunity to expand the reach of its technology to a broader audience.

“Decentralized travel systems empower employees to manage their bookings, and while in the past that meant a lack of control over expenses and compliance, tools built into our platform give control and visibility back to the business by providing oversight without burdening travel managers with logistical complexities,” Taunay-Bucalo said.

Founded in 2015, TravelPerk has secured approximately $660 million in equity and debt financing. With an additional $200 million now raised, the company is intensifying its global expansion efforts, particularly in the U.S. market. Last year, it acquired Chicago-based competitor Amtrav, supported by $135 million in debt financing.

TravelPerk is also venturing into adjacent verticals as part of its growth strategy. Among its existing integrations is Yokoy, an AI-powered spend management platform backed by Sequoia Capital. As part of its Series E funding announcement on Monday, TravelPerkrevealed it is acquiring Yokoy outright in a “nine-figure” deal. Although the exact amount remains undisclosed, this aligns with Yokoy’s fundraising history of around $107 million since its launch in 2019.

This acquisition will enable TravelPerk to deliver a “deeper and more unified travel and expense offering,”. By incorporating expense management directly into its platform, TravelPerk aims to reduce reliance on third-party integrations and provide users with a seamless experience.

“Our focus has never been stronger as we expand across core markets, accelerate growth in the U.S., and now work to become the number one travel and expense management platform,” TravelPerk co-founder and CEO Avi Meir said in a statement.

This trend echoes across the tech space. For instance, TripActions added expense management in 2020 during the pandemic, while Ramp introduced travel management to its expense platform in 2022.

Expanding into expense management is a strategic move for TravelPerk, as it provides resilience against challenges in the travel sector. Unlike corporate travel, expense management is a universal need for businesses.

Following the acquisition, Yokoy’s CEO Philippe Sahli and CTO Devis Lussi will join TravelPerk to integrate their platforms.

“Our partnership with Yokoy has already been a great success, and we are excited to take it to the next level by welcoming Phil, Devis, and the rest of the team to TravelPerk,” Meir said. “We share a common vision for the role of AI reshaping the future of travel and expense management, and the innovation coming out of Yokoy’s AI labs in Zurich is seriously impressive.”

TravelPerk’s Series E round was led by European venture capital firm Atomico. EQT Growth, Noteus Partners, Kinnevik, and General Catalyst, among other existing investors, participated.

#BusinessTravel #StartupFunding #TravelTech #CorporateTravel #TravelPerkExpansion

According to a press release from the company, each of the eight private pool villas has a personal butler and a host of high-end facilities, making them a haven for anyone looking for a classy getaway. 

Convenience and tranquility are combined at Seré Resort. Six large three-bedroom villas and two four-bedroom villas are available for guests; each has a large sitting area, a private pool, and contemporary amenities. The intimate surroundings offer a genuinely customized experience designed to enhance every moment of the visit, whether for families, couples, or small groups. 

Seré, the only resort with private pool villas in Vagator, redefines luxury living. A lavish floating breakfast, round-the-clock in-villa dining, and late-night F&B services are all available to guests. According to the announcement, the resort’s hallmark restaurant, Elements, offers world-class food for those seeking to indulge in it, and the poolside bar, Elixir, gives the ideal atmosphere for relaxing with well-mixed drinks. Using eco-friendly products like glass bottles and bamboo toothbrushes, Seré Resort emphasizes sustainability without sacrificing luxury, guaranteeing a luxurious and responsible vacation. 

With 52 guest rooms across an acre of exquisitely landscaped grounds, the resort is perfect for small weddings, private parties, and business gatherings. 

Every party hosted at Seré is sure to become a treasured memory thanks to its customizable packages and charming poolside location, it added.