Brands
Agra up 2,000%, Jaisalmer 1,400%: Valentine’s weekend hotel bookings jump 175 per cent
NATIONAL: Valentine’s Day 2026 has triggered a sharp surge in India’s hospitality market, with hotel bookings jumping by as much as 175 per cent in some segments as couples opt for longer, costlier and experience-driven getaways.
Hotel bookings for the Valentine’s weekend, spanning 13 to 16 February, are up 58 per cent year-on-year, according to data from travel data exchange platform Adara, a RateGain company. The spike reflects a decisive shift in how couples are marking the occasion: fewer dinner reservations, more packed suitcases.
Spending is rising alongside demand. Standard hotel rooms are averaging between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 per night, while luxury suites are priced above Rs 30,000, signalling a move away from budget stays. Many couples are stretching trips to three or four nights, turning the long weekend into short holidays or “staycations”.
The demand has been uneven but spectacular in parts. Agra tops the chart with a 2,000 per cent jump in interest and bookings, buoyed by the enduring allure of the Taj Mahal. Jaisalmer follows with a 1,400 per cent surge as travellers chase desert sunsets and heritage haveli experiences. Madikeri in Coorg recorded an 1,100 per cent rise, Puducherry 1,000 per cent and Goa 800 per cent.
Other destinations also saw sharp increases, including Udaipur at 550 per cent, Bengaluru at 269 per cent, Ooty at 200 per cent, Kevadia at 300 per cent and New Tehri at 100 per cent.
Industry executives say the growth is being driven by experience-led travel rather than traditional celebrations. Hotels report strong demand for curated offerings such as private dining, spa retreats, villa stays and bespoke romantic itineraries, with couples seeking exclusivity over scale.
February’s packed wedding calendar has added another layer to the boom. Valentine’s Day falls in the middle of peak wedding season, drawing not only couples but also wedding guests and pre-wedding travellers folding celebrations into existing plans.
A newer trend is also emerging alongside romance. “Galentine’s Day” travel (women-led group bookings) for luxury villas and boutique properties, is gaining traction, widening the demand base beyond couples.
The impact on the sector has been immediate. Popular leisure destinations are reporting occupancies close to 100 per cent, making Valentine’s weekend one of the strongest trading periods of the year. International travel interest is also rising, with overseas holiday searches up 31 per cent and premium romantic trips costing between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 3 lakh per couple.
Brands
Devyani International names Sandeep Anand, Robinder Singh in key roles
Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee businesses see leadership refresh from April
MUMBAI: Devyani International has strengthened its senior leadership bench with a fresh set of appointments across its key brands, Pizza Hut and Costa Coffee, signalling a sharper focus on growth and brand momentum.
The company has appointed Sandeep Anand as chief marketing officer and business head for Pizza Hut. His appointment, approved by the board via a circular resolution on April 3, follows a recommendation by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, as reported by CNBC-TV18. Anand will officially step into the role on April 6, 2026.
He takes over from Vijay Gogate, who currently serves as chief executive officer for Pizza Hut within the company’s operations. The move marks a strategic transition as the brand looks to sharpen its marketing and business playbook in a competitive quick service restaurant market.
Anand brings over two decades of experience across the food and FMCG sectors, with a strong track record in brand building and innovation. His career spans roles at major consumer-facing companies including Domino’s, Zydus Wellness, Zomato, GSK Consumer Healthcare, Reckitt and Ranbaxy, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both scale and agility.
Alongside this, Robinder Singh has been appointed business head for Costa Coffee and the company’s airport operations. He too will assume his new role on April 6, bringing more than 18 years of experience in operations, business expansion and customer experience transformation.
The twin appointments come at a time when Devyani International is doubling down on leadership depth to steer its portfolio through evolving consumer preferences and heightened competition. With fresh faces at the helm of two key verticals, the company appears set to brew up its next phase of growth with renewed energy.
