Travel & Hospitality News: January 2025

Business Operations

IHCL Reports 29% Surge in Q3 Net Profit

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) reported a 29% increase in net profit for the December quarter, reaching ?582.32 crore. This growth is attributed to the consolidation of its air and institutional catering business. The company also reported a 29% surge in total income. https://money.rediff.com/news/market/ihcl-reports-29-surge-in-q3-net-profit-rs-582-cr/21011020250117

IHCL Expands Qmin into QSR Space, Targets ?200 Crore Revenue

IHCL has outlined plans to expand its culinary brand, Qmin, into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) space, aiming to achieve ?200 crore in revenue by FY26. Initially launched as an app-based delivery service during the COVID-19 pandemic, Qmin has evolved into an all-day diner concept across all Ginger properties, with over 60 outlets as of the latest quarter. https://www.business-standard.com/companies/news/ihcl-takes-qmin-to-qsr-space-aims-to-make-it-a-rs-200-crore-brand-125011701369_1.html

Tom Kitchin Shuts Edinburgh Restaurant as Economic Climate Bites

Renowned chef Tom Kitchin has announced the closure of his Edinburgh restaurant, Kora by Tom Kitchin, due to challenging economic conditions. Opened in 2022, Kora had received positive reviews, including recognition from the Michelin Guide. Kitchin expressed gratitude to patrons and hinted at a potential reopening in the future. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/tom-kitchin-edinburgh-restaurant-kora-close-qpvhkl0t5

Popular Eastern Suburbs Restaurant Closes Amid Hospitality Sector Woes

BaliThai, an Asian cuisine restaurant located on Glynburn Rd in Firle, has closed its doors after a challenging year for South Australia's hospitality sector. The restaurant announced its closure on social media, with December 29 being its last day of operation. This closure is part of a larger trend of hospitality venues shutting down in the region. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/firle-restaurant-balithai-on-glynburn-rd-closes-doors-amid-sa-hospitality-sector-woes/news-story/ad70ac94a5c88db7dc446303ac421943

35 of the Best Spa Hotels in Europe for 2025

Europe's top spa hotels for 2025 offer unique wellness experiences, including yoga at a Cistercian abbey, forest walks with a moose whisperer, and Arctic River plunges. Notable mentions include Christian Louboutin's hotel in Portugal and La Fantaisie in Paris, known for bespoke therapies and serene settings. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-spa-breaks-europe-8806tn7rb

21 of the Best Affordable Holiday Destinations for 2025

A curated list highlights budget-friendly destinations for 2025, such as Laos and Vietnam in Southeast Asia, Vilnius in Lithuania, and Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. These locations offer rich cultural experiences without straining travelers' budgets. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-value-destinations-037vdllw3

50 Holidays to Take in 2025

The Financial Times presents a diverse list of holiday destinations for 2025, categorized by month. Highlights include new train routes like the Venice sleeper train, cultural events such as Jane Austen's 250th anniversary, and nature adventures in the Galápagos Islands and Namibia. https://www.ft.com/content/d13bbab2-4896-4631-8f82-2c552bf59f92

Travel Trends 2025: Insights from Leading Hospitality Leaders

As 2025 approaches, Indian travelers are curating their plans guided by emerging trends reshaping the hospitality landscape. Key trends include a growing emphasis on green tourism, immersive experiences, and multi-generational travel, indicating a shift towards more sustainable and meaningful travel practices. https://hospitalitynews.in/featured/travel-trends-2025-insights-from-leading-hospitality-leaders

Opportunities and Trends in the Hospitality Industry for 2025

The hospitality industry is set to embrace various opportunities in 2025, influenced by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviors. Trends include the blending of luxury with authentic experiences, the rise of hybrid meetings, and the increasing popularity of bleisure travel, where business and leisure merge seamlessly. https://www.traveltrendstoday.in/opportunities-and-trends-in-the-hospitality-industry-for-2025/

Priceline's Travel Trends for 2025

Priceline's 2025 Trend Report highlights influential trends shaping the travel industry, including a shift from revenge travel to intentional travel, where consumers seek meaningful personal connections and experiences aligning with their passions. https://www.hospitality.today/article/pricelines-travel-trends-for-2025

?Technology

Envisioning 2025 in Travel and Hospitality

The hospitality sector is gearing up for a tech-based transformation in 2025. Embracing technological advancements is essential for staying competitive and meeting the evolving needs of travelers, indicating a significant shift towards digital integration in hospitality services. https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4125315.html

New Trends in Travel and Tourism for 2025

As 2025 approaches, the travel and tourism industry is set to redefine itself with trends like the 'Joy of Missing Out' (JOMO), where travelers prefer fewer activities for a more relaxed experience, and the integration of technology to enhance personalized services. https://idsnext.com/hospitality-trends/new-trends-in-travel-and-tourism-for-2025/

Security and Safety

House of Commons Bar Closed After Spiking Claim

The Strangers' Bar in the UK House of Commons has been temporarily closed following an alleged drink-spiking incident involving a parliamentary researcher on January 7. Security measures are under review to ensure the safety of all individuals on the premises. https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/strangers-bar-closed-parliament-drink-spiking-5pr2cv8hq

Swanston Street Business Employs Private Security to Protect Staff

Koko Black, a business on Swanston Street in Melbourne, has hired private security due to rising petty theft and anti-social behavior. Retail workers in the area report daily troubling incidents, often involving drug-affected individuals or gangs using distraction tactics to steal. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/koko-black-on-swanston-st-business-turns-to-private-security-to-protect-staff/news-story/1a4a347a6e5ac6ade1142a6ab153ff44

Evolving Security Challenges in Hospitality: Preparing for 2025 and Beyond

The hospitality industry faces an evolving landscape of security threats, including both physical and digital challenges. Hotels and event spaces are adopting integrated security measures to protect guests, staff, and assets, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to safety. https://www.rsusecurity.com/blog/evolving-security-challenges-in-hospitality