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UTTAR PRADESH RECEIVED hospitality investment proposals worth approximately $12.2 billion, or Rs 1 trillion, in the last two years after introducing its 2022 tourism policy. The Indian state, which hosted the Global Investors Summit in February 2023, sees tourism as key to reaching its $1 trillion economy goal by 2029. The state aims to expand tourism infrastructure and hospitality properties through private sector partnerships, Business Standard reported, citing government officials. "The proposed investments include hotels, resorts, guesthouses, wellness centers, and homestays across all 75 districts," said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, principal secretary of tourism and culture in UP, according to the report.

BRITISH INDIAN HOTELIER Joginder Sanger, 82, passed away in London on Friday night after being hospitalized following a stroke, Eastern Eye newsweekly reported. Jalandhar-born Sanger started in the UK with a travel agency and an exclusive Air India contract before establishing London hotels, including the Washington Mayfair, Courthouse Hotels in Soho and Shoreditch, as well as the Bentley in Kensington. His hotels have hosted Indian celebrities, politicians, former prime ministers and Bollywood stars, Eastern Eye reported. "He was a dear friend of mine since the 1950s; I will miss him terribly," NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, 94, was quoted as saying in the report. "Like me, Joginder was also born in Jalandhar, and we shared so many experiences together. He will be missed by the Indian community in Britain, to which he made immense contributions."

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL recently launched its 2025 global marketing campaign, "Check Into More," focused on maximizing stays by enhancing guest experiences and brand loyalty across its 22 brands. The campaign features actor and writer Keegan-Michael Key for the second consecutive year as the "Vacation Maximization-er," guiding travelers to make the most of their stays with Choice Hotels. The campaign, based on research showing 95 percent of U.S. travelers seek unique experiences, features six 30- or 15-second ad spots airing on TV and digital channels through 2025, Choice said in a statement. "Over the last few years, we've seen a significant cultural shift in people booking travel based on what they want to experience, not just where they want to go," said Noha Abdalla, Choice Hotels' chief marketing officer. "With over 7,500 properties at different price points ranging from full-service upscale hotels with on-site restaurants and bars, to ubiquitous select-service hotels, all connected through a benefit-rich rewards program, we're empowering our guests to unlock more opportunities for connection and exploration."

U.S. HOTEL CONSTRUCTION reached record levels in the fourth quarter of 2024, with 6,378 projects and 746,986 rooms in the pipeline, according to Lodging Econometrics' latest Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend report. This reflects 7 percent year-over-year growth in projects and an 8 percent increase in rooms. The U.S. hotel pipeline showed strong activity across all stages, LE said. Projects under construction totaled 1,149, with 142,238 rooms, a significant year-over-year increase, the report said. Furthermore, 2,259 projects with 259,108 rooms are scheduled to break ground in the next 12 months. Early planning reached a record high with 2,970 projects and 345,640 rooms, marking 15 percent growth in projects and a 19 percent rise in rooms compared to the previous year.

CHOICE HOTELS INTERNATIONAL is working with Westgate Resorts to make 21 properties bookable on choicehotels.com, with reservations available using Choice Privileges points. The hotels will join Choice's upscale portfolio, including Radisson, Cambria and Ascend Hotel Collection. Westgate amenities include Treasure Cove Water Park at Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa in Orlando, horseback rides at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in River Ranch, Florida, and ski-in, ski-out access at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa in Park City, Utah, the companies said in a joint statement. "We're excited to collaborate with Westgate Resorts, offering travelers and more than 68 million Choice Privileges members a broad range of hotel options," said Noha Abdalla, Choice's chief marketing officer. "The addition of these properties strengthens our commitment to diverse travel experiences, while providing members more ways to use their points and maximize rewards."