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India Witnesses Explosive Eco-Tourism Boom as The Fern Hotels & Resorts Rapidly Expands Its Green Luxury Footprint in Jaipur’s Thriving Urban Core

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Thursday, July 17, 2025

India is currently witnessing a dynamic shift towards eco-tourism to cater to the increasing demands of the experience-driven, sustainably inclined traveller – a movement perfectly exemplified by The Fern Hotels & Resorts’ remarkable growth in Jaipur! Now, with the launch of its fifth hotel in the city, The Fern Habitat, the brand is suitably marrying green luxury with city convenience in one of the pulsating addresses of city, Jagatpura. This growth strengthens the brand’s pledge to sustainable hospitality development, and helps meet the increasing demand for flexible, long-stay accommodations in one of North India’s booming tourist and business destinations.

India’s premier environmentally conscious hotel group, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, has taken a strategic leap in its North Indian expansion with the signing of The Fern Habitat in Jaipur. This announcement underscores the brand’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in Rajasthan, a state known for its rich cultural heritage, booming tourism, and fast-developing urban centers. With this new signing, the group’s portfolio in the state grows to 17 properties—both operational and upcoming—making it a dominant eco-hospitality brand in the region.

This new addition marks the fifth property by the brand in the Pink City and is poised to serve as a cornerstone for modern, sustainable hospitality in Jaipur’s Central Spine, Jagatpura. A dynamic and rapidly expanding urban hub, Jagatpura is increasingly becoming a focal point for real estate, business, and lifestyle development, making it an ideal location for a hotel concept that blends comfort with environmental responsibility.

Sharing his thoughts on the expansion, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, remarked, “The signing of The Fern Habitat, Jaipur is in line with our vision of delivering thoughtfully designed experiences in key destinations across India. Jaipur, with its historical charm and expanding economic activity, is a strategic destination in our portfolio. This property reaffirms our commitment to offering sustainable and high-quality hospitality across the country.”

A New Vision for Urban Hospitality: Introducing The Fern Habitat, Jaipur

Breaking away from traditional hotel formats, The Fern Habitat, Jaipur introduces the innovative concept of an “Apart’otel”—a fusion of apartment-style living with premium hotel amenities. This hybrid model caters to the evolving needs of modern travellers, especially those seeking extended stays with the added convenience and luxury of hotel services.

The property will house a total of 175 keys, thoughtfully laid out to accommodate a wide range of guest profiles. The inventory will include a mix of contemporary studio suites, as well as spacious 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK units, along with standard guest rooms. This diverse configuration offers something for everyone—business professionals requiring short-term stays, families on vacation, as well as corporate guests and expatriates seeking long-term residences.

Whether for a few days or a few weeks, the apart’otel model empowers guests to live, work, and relax with greater flexibility, privacy, and space. This remarkable versatility positions The Fern Habitat, Jaipur as a pioneering force in redefining modern hospitality standards throughout Rajasthan’s evolving travel landscape.

Strategic Location: A Gateway to Jaipur’s Modern Landscape

Strategically located at Central Spine in Jagatpura, The Fern Habitat enjoys seamless access to Jaipur International Airport, major business zones, IT parks, and several of the city’s prime tourist attractions. Its location ensures that guests, whether visiting for business or leisure, will be ideally positioned to explore both the city’s modern facilities and its historic charm.

This locale also benefits from rapid urbanization and infrastructural improvements, making it one of Jaipur’s most promising zones for residential, commercial, and hospitality investments. The Fern Habitat, Jaipur redefines hospitality as more than just a place to stay—it stands as a modern lifestyle hub nestled within one of Jaipur’s fastest-evolving and forward-thinking districts.

Elevated Amenities for the Contemporary Guest

The Fern Habitat, Jaipur will deliver a full suite of upscale amenities designed to enhance comfort, productivity, and leisure. These include:

  • Multi-cuisine F&B Outlets: On-site dining venues offering both international and regional cuisine to suit varied palates.
  • Banquet and Meeting Spaces: Flexible event spaces equipped with modern facilities to host corporate meetings, social gatherings, and celebrations.
  • Fitness & Wellness Zones: Facilities focused on health and well-being, including a modern gym and wellness options.
  • Concierge Services: Personalized services tailored to cater to every guest’s needs, from travel assistance to customized experiences.
  • Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: The hotel will follow The Fern’s signature eco-standards with features such as energy-efficient systems, water conservation practices, and green certification benchmarks.

Sustainability at the Core

The Fern brand is renowned for its unwavering focus on eco-friendly hospitality, and The Fern Habitat, Jaipur will uphold this legacy by integrating environmentally conscious features into both its design and day-to-day operations. From energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures to recycling systems and green building materials, the property aims to reduce its carbon footprint without compromising on luxury or comfort.

This balance of ecology and elegance positions The Fern Habitat as a preferred choice for conscious travellers and organizations that prioritize sustainability in their travel and accommodation choices.

Catering to Diverse Guest Profiles

Modern hospitality demands tailored experiences, as generic, one-size-fits-all models can no longer meet the diverse expectations of today’s travelers. Recognizing this, The Fern Habitat, Jaipur is engineered to cater to a broad demographic:

  • Corporate Travellers: Professionals visiting Jaipur for short or extended business trips will find the apart’otel’s offerings both practical and luxurious.
  • Families: Spacious accommodations allow families to stay together comfortably, with access to kitchenettes and recreational amenities.
  • Tourists and Leisure Seekers: Guests exploring Jaipur’s rich cultural landmarks will enjoy a tranquil retreat in a central location.
  • Medical Tourists: With several hospitals nearby, the property serves as a convenient option for patients and families needing extended stays.
  • Expatriates and Long-Stay Guests: The apartment-style layout with hotel conveniences offers the perfect solution for long-term visitors.

Reinforcing The Fern’s Commitment to Rajasthan

The Fern Hotels & Resorts has progressively strengthened its footprint across Rajasthan, tapping into the state’s vast opportunities as a rising hub for both domestic travellers and international tourism growth. From heritage cities like Udaipur and Jodhpur to emerging urban centers like Kota and Ajmer, the brand has successfully established itself as a frontrunner in sustainable, modern hospitality.

The introduction of The Fern Habitat, Jaipur reinforces the group’s strategic vision of creating a strong, region-specific portfolio that aligns with contemporary travel trends. Rajasthan, with its blend of tradition and transformation, provides the perfect backdrop for this new-age apart’otel.

Jaipur’s Growing Hospitality Landscape

Jaipur’s tourism and business sectors are witnessing a robust uptick, driven by infrastructural development, rising MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, and increasing inflow of domestic and foreign travellers. The city’s appeal lies not only in its UNESCO-listed heritage but also in its modern amenities, smart city developments, and robust connectivity.

As Jaipur evolves into a smart urban metropolis, hospitality needs are becoming more diverse and sophisticated. The Fern Habitat is well-positioned to meet these needs through its innovative apart’otel model that bridges the gap between luxury hotels and residential stays.

Projected Impact on Local Economy and Hospitality Ecosystem

Beyond enhancing guest experiences, the launch of The Fern Habitat, Jaipur is poised to make a significant contribution to the local economy. The property will generate employment opportunities across a range of sectors—hospitality, F&B, housekeeping, logistics, and more. It also strengthens the supply chain for local businesses and craftsmen by sourcing local materials and services wherever possible.

By championing eco-hospitality and community engagement, The Fern Habitat will serve as a model for future hotel developments not just in Rajasthan but across India.

A New Era of Hospitality in Jaipur

The signing of The Fern Habitat, Jaipur marks more than just another milestone in the brand’s expansion—it signals a transformative shift in how hospitality can be delivered with sustainability, flexibility, and guest-centricity at its core. Centrally positioned in one of Jaipur’s fastest-growing urban districts and thoughtfully crafted for today’s modern traveller, the property sets a new benchmark for elevated stays in the heart of the Pink City.

GREEN LUXURY IN JAIPUR BY THE FERN HOTELS & RESORTS India’s eco-tourism is growing leaps and bounds, and The Fern Hotels & Resorts has contributed to these demands by adding their fifth property in Jaipur. This is a sign of demand increasing for an eco-friendly hotel experience, where modern hospitality services combine with environmentally friendly design for today’s eco-conscience travelers.

Poised to open its doors soon, The Fern Habitat emerges as a symbol of contemporary green hospitality in North India, crafted for today’s discerning travellers who seek immersive, sustainable experiences far beyond conventional accommodations. It is comfort with conscience, flexibility with finesse, and hospitality with a heart.



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Taliban minister planned India visit; Pak-led UN panel rejects travel ban waiver

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NEW DELHI: Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called off a planned visit to India this month after failing to secure a waiver to a travel ban imposed under UN Security Council sanctions, people familiar with the matter said.

Afghanistan’s foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan on July 23, 2025.) (AP FILE)

If the visit had gone ahead, Muttaqi would have been the first minister from the Taliban setup in Kabul to travel to India since the group seized power in Afghanistan after the collapse of the Ashraf Ghani government in August 2021. All Taliban leaders sanctioned by the UN Security Council have to secure a waiver for foreign travel.

Pakistan currently heads the 1988 sanctions committee of the UN Security Council that oversees the implementation of the travel ban, an assets freeze, and an arms embargo related to sanctioned Taliban leaders, and the people cited above said on condition of anonymity that Islamabad is believed to have been behind the move to deny Muttaqi a waiver.

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The 1988 sanctions committee includes all 15 members of the Security Council, and a waiver can be blocked if even one member objects to it. Muttaqi’s planned visit to Pakistan last month was called off after the US reportedly objected to a waiver.

When external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal was asked at a weekly media briefing about reports of Muttaqi’s planned visit to India, he replied: “As you are aware, we have longstanding ties with the people of Afghanistan. India continues to support the aspirations and developmental needs of the Afghan people.

“We continue to have engagements with Afghan authorities. If there is an update on this account, we will share it with you.”

The people said a waiver for Muttaqi was sought from the 1988 sanctions committee but it wasn’t granted. The planned visit to India was being seen as a follow-up to a phone call between Muttaqi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar in May – the first such interaction between the two sides.

Also Read: India will ‘undoubtedly’ keep buying Russian oil, says Nirmala Sitharaman

The phone conversation also built on a meeting between Muttaqi and foreign secretary Vikram Misri in Dubai in January and came against the backdrop of tensions between India and Pakistan. The Taliban had also condemned the Pahalgam terror attack in April.

India has quietly built up its contacts with the Taliban leadership in recent years, mainly to protect regional interests at a time when China has sought to expand its footprint in Afghanistan, and Muttaqi and Jaishankar had spoken on the phone again on September 1 after New Delhi dispatched relief materials to help the victims of a devastating earthquake that struck the Afghan province of Kunar.

The people said that Muttaqi’s visit had only been called off, and it is expected to go ahead in the coming months once the issue of the waiver on the travel ban is addressed.



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Opportunities and Challenges for Travel Agents in India Post-GST Reforms, ETHospitalityWorld

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The recent GST reforms announced at the 56th GST Council meeting are set to reshape the travel and tourism industry in India, with travel agents standing at the center of both opportunities and challenges.

For hotel accommodation priced up to Rs 7,500 per day, the GST rate has been reduced from 12 percent with input tax credit (ITC) to 5 percent without ITC. While this move makes travel more affordable for consumers, it poses challenges for travel agents who lose ITC benefits, potentially compressing margins.

Non-economy class air travel has seen its GST rate increased from 12 percent with ITC to 18 percent with ITC. This change will result in higher fares for business travelers, yet travel agencies serving corporate clients can still claim full ITC, ensuring better cash flow management.

One of the most significant developments is the amendment of Section 13(8)(b) of the IGST Act, which now allows services provided by travel agents and tour operators to foreign clients to qualify as exports. This recognition not only enables agencies to avail zero-rated benefits under GST, including refunds of input tax credit, but also strengthens their ability to compete globally.

The motor vehicle transport sector has also undergone changes. The GST rate remains at 5% without ITC, but for those opting for full ITC, the rate has risen from 12 to 18 percent. This provides flexibility but also calls for agencies to carefully evaluate their business models.

Commenting on the reforms, Jyoti Mayal, chairperson of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, said: “The latest GST reforms bring both relief and responsibility for travel agents. On one hand, reduced hotel tariffs will stimulate demand in the domestic tourism segment. On the other, the removal of ITC in this category will require agents to realign their pricing strategies. Most importantly, the recognition of intermediary services as exports is a game-changer, unlocking opportunities for Indian travel businesses to expand their global footprint while enjoying the benefits of zero-rated taxation. luxury travel is as important and needs to be promoted more as the returns are higher spends are higher it is exclusive travel and india needs to focus in the same for inbound and be more competitive than the neighbouring countries”As the sector adapts to these changes, the emphasis will be on balancing consumer affordability with sustainable business models, ensuring that Indian travel agents remain competitive both domestically and internationally.

  • Published On Sep 5, 2025 at 08:00 PM IST

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US Tourist Visa Rejection Of Indian Family Goes Viral; User Wrote, “No Questions Were Asked About Our Jobs”

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While applying for an international visa, certain factors such as fluency in English are often believed to play an important role. Recently, a Reddit post about a US tourist visa rejection went viral, sparking a debate online. The discussion mainly revolved around whether English fluency and having relatives in America actually influence visa approvals. Scroll down to know more. 

US Tourist Visa Rejection 

B2 Visa Delhi: Rejected, 214b
byu/Fun-Mind8782 inusvisascheduling

A Reddit user (@Fun-Mind8782) took this account to highlight an important matter. He shared that the US Consulate in New Delhi had denied his and his family’s B2 visa applications. The 36-year-old man, who works as the operations head of an IT company, said he applied for a US tourist visa together with his parents, who are both 70 years old.

The family was planning to travel to the US and had prepared for it beforehand. They had planned a two-week vacation around Christmas,  with stops in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. To avoid last-minute problems, they had already booked hotels and created an itinerary.

Talking about their US visa rejection the the user also mentioned his savings, that is ₹20 lakh in bank deposits and stocks. His parents also had savings of over ₹30 lakh. The post also mentioned that the family had previously travelled to many international locations like the UK, France, Switzerland, Dubai, and Singapore. According to the Redittor, he had all the necessary documents required for the visa approval. 

Also Read: New Indo-German Pact Eases Student Travel With Gratis Visas; All You Need To Know

Why Was The Visa Rejected?

During the visa process, the officer asked the applicant about the places they were planning to visit, to which the Reddit user gave a fluent answer. Next, the officer asked the applicant’s mother through a translator where they wanted to go in the US. She repeated the names of the cities as well. When asked if they had any relatives in the US, she mentioned a grand-niece but clarified that they would not visit her. 

The officer pointed out that the Redditor had said that his parents didn’t speak English, yet the mother spoke reasonably well. The applicant explained she was not fluent but could manage a few words. Lastly, the translator asked about trip sponsorship, and the applicant said they would fund the trip themselves, citing stable jobs, savings, and income from stocks. The user mentioned that the officer didn’t ask any questions related to jobs or previous travel and rejected their visa application. 

The visa rejection has stirred a debate online, with many users trying to understand the grounds for the rejection. What is your thoughts on this? Tell us in the comment section!

Also Read: Giorgio Armani Passes Away At 91: Did You Know He Was Awarded The UAE Golden Visa?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/maybefals (Representative Image)

First Published: September 05, 2025 7:30 PM



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