IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Girija Land Ventures to develop Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett. Scheduled to open in Q1 2027, the signing marks the debut of the Crowne Plaza brand in Jim Corbett.

 

As one of world’s largest premium hotel brands with locations in city, airport, resort and suburban destinations, Crowne Plaza is perfectly placed to meet the needs of today’s guest, whether they are travelling for business, leisure, or a blend of both. There are currently eight operating Crowne Plaza hotels in India with the portfolio set to double soon with eight more in the pipeline.

 

Located in Ramnagar, the gateway to the renowned Jim Corbett National Park, the hotel will offer 181 well-appointed rooms designed to cater to both leisure and business travellers. With over 300,000 visitors annually, Jim Corbett National Park is one of India’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries and is fast emerging as a prime destination for MICE events and weddings. Adding to its appeal, the hotel is conveniently located near key attractions such as Garjiya Devi Temple and Corbett Falls, making it an ideal choice for travellers seeking both nature and culture.

 

Once operational, Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett will offer four dining options, including an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a specialty restaurant, and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature banquet halls and versatile meeting venues, making it an ideal destination for social gatherings, and corporate events. Guests will have access to a club lounge, spa, swimming pool, and fitness centre, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay. Additionally, the hotel will house dedicated retail spaces for an enhanced guest experience.

 

Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Girija Land Ventures to launch Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett, strengthening IHG’s commitment to bring quality branded accommodation to key destinations. As one of India’s most sought-after wildlife getaways and a rapidly emerging venue MICE opportunities, Jim Corbett is a natural fit for Crowne Plaza’s premium offerings. With improved connectivity and rising tourism demand, we are confident that Crowne Plaza Resort Jim Corbett will be a great fit for the destination and will set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region, catering to guests seeking both business and leisure experiences.”

 

Avinash Jha, Director, Girija Land Ventures, added “We are pleased to collaborate with IHG Hotels & Resorts to bring the Crowne Plaza brand to Jim Corbett. With IHG’s global expertise and our deep local insights, we are confident that this premium hotel will elevate the hospitality experience in the region. Its prime location, coupled with IHG’s renowned service standards, will make it a sought-after destination for both leisure and business travellers seeking a seamless blend of comfort and nature. -TradeArabia News Service

Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, celebrated the inaugural flight of its new direct route from Bahrain International Airport to London Gatwick Airport with special events held at both airports. 

 

This milestone marks a significant step in Gulf Air’s network expansion strategy, reinforcing its commitment to offering passengers enhanced connectivity and greater travel options, said the national carrier in a statement.

 

This launch adds London Gatwick as Gulf Air’s second destination in London, complementing its longstanding operations to London Heathrow Airport, which have been serving passengers for over 55 years since 1970. 

 

The addition of Gatwick strengthens Gulf Air’s presence in the United Kingdom, providing travelers with access to two major international gateways in London, said the statement.

 

The departure event at Bahrain International Airport included a welcome reception for passengers and guests, celebrating the airline’s ongoing efforts to connect Bahrain to key global destinations. 

 

Upon arrival at London Gatwick Airport, the inaugural flight was marked by a ceremonial reception attended by Gulf Air and London Gatwick Airport representatives, including Hanadi AlAali, Gulf Air Chief Customer Experience Officer, and Jonathan Pollard, London Gatwick Airport Chief Commercial Officer, it stated.

 

As part of Gulf Air’s broader network restructuring and expansion strategy, the introduction of this route aligns with the airline’s vision to enhance customer experience by offering seamless connections and more choices for travellers, it added.-TradeArabia News Service

Dubai International (DXB) is bracing for a holiday surge unlike any other, with more than 3.6 million guests in total expected to pass through its terminals during the Eid travel peak from 26 March to 7 April.

 

The busiest day of the period is forecast for Saturday, 5 April, when 309,000 guests are expected. 

 

Daily total traffic is set to average 276,000 guests, with the sharpest rise projected in the first week of April. Departures during the Eid week are anticipated to surge by 19% compared to average weekly volumes over the past month, reflecting a significant seasonal uplift.

 

With schools breaking for spring, demand remains strong for key VFR (visiting friends and relatives) markets such as India, Pakistan, and the United Kingdom, alongside a notable rise in leisure travel, including an increase in traffic to Sri Lanka, Türkiye and Italy.

 

To support smooth journeys during this peak period, Dubai Airports is urging guests to use the recently introduced DXB Express Maps, a smart wayfinding tool that provides real-time navigation across all terminals. By scanning a QR code displayed on any flight information screen, guests can locate their gate, browse the full array of dining and retail options, or find nearby facilities with ease.

 

Dubai Airports is also ready with enhanced services for People of Determination (PoD) through clearly marked accessibility routes, discreet support for guests wearing Sunflower Lanyard from trained staff wearing Sunflower pins, and a dedicated Assisted Travel Lounge in Terminal 2.

 

In collaboration with airline, service and commercial partners, and government authorities, Dubai Airports is working to ensure seamless guest flows across all touchpoints throughout the holiday period. -TradeArabia News Service