From Smartphones To Beauty: How Gen Z’s Inner Circle Is Shaping Different Diwali Shopping Journeys

* New Snapchat and GWI research reveals that there is no one Gen Z Diwali shopper, with planning, sharing, advice-seeking, and spontaneity varying significantly by category.

A smartphone, a beauty product, a festive outfit, and last-minute Diwali essentials may all be part of the same festive shopping basket, but Gen Z isn't buying them in the same way.

New research from Snapchat and GWI reveals that there is no single Gen Z Diwali purchase journey. Consumer technology emerges as a highly planned and advice-led category, beauty is shaped by research and social sharing, fashion combines advance planning with spontaneity, while quick commerce is closely tied to immediate household and festive needs.

One behaviour, however, appears across these different journeys: shopping is rarely happening in isolation. Gen Z is researching, sharing and seeking opinions as they navigate purchases, and the role of trusted friends and family isn't confined to categories traditionally considered social, such as fashion and beauty.

This is particularly evident in consumer technology. Despite being one of the most considered categories studied, 55% of Gen Z plan most of their consumer technology purchases in advance, while 52% seek advice from friends or family before buying.

For marketers, the findings point to a more nuanced Diwali shopper: different categories require different ways of showing up across the purchase journey, rather than one festive playbook applied to every consumer and category.

Technology: The considered, advice-led purchase

Consumer technology stands out as one of the most planned categories studied, with 55% of Gen Z saying they plan most of their purchases in advance.

But considered doesn't mean solitary. 52% seek advice from friends or family before purchasing consumer technology, demonstrating that trusted opinions matter even in a category typically associated with specifications, research, and comparison.

The journey also begins before Diwali. 50% research products, 46% ask others for opinions or advice, and 45% compare products or brands. During Diwali, behaviour shifts closer to transaction, with 47% making purchases and 44% looking for discounts, while 36% share products with others.

Smartphones are a major part of the technology shopping basket, with 71% of Gen Z buying or expecting to buy one for Diwali.

Beauty: The social, shareable purchase

Beauty and personal care follows a different path. While 53% of Gen Z plan most of their beauty purchases in advance, the journey continues through inspiration, research, conversations, and sharing.

Nearly half (49%) research ideas or inspiration before Diwali, while 45% seek opinions or advice.

Sharing is particularly prominent: 3 in 10 Gen Z consumers share beauty and personal care products with others before buying, while nearly 3 in 10 (29%) have sent photos or videos from a store to others.

Here, shopping becomes more collaborative, with other people becoming part of evaluating and validating what to buy.

Quick commerce: The need-state purchase

Quick commerce reveals another distinct Diwali shopping behaviour, driven more heavily by immediate festive and household needs.

61% of Gen Z primarily purchase festive essentials through quick commerce for their family or household.

Snacks and sweets lead the category at 74%, followed by puja essentials (65%), flowers and decorations (64%), diyas and candles (61%), and household essentials (59%).

Unlike the longer consideration journey associated with technology or the sharing-led behaviour seen in beauty, quick commerce is closely connected to what is needed for the home, and the people Gen Z is celebrating with.

Fashion: Planned, but open to spontaneity

Fashion and apparel remain the largest festive shopping category studied, with 68% of Gen Z buying or expecting to buy in the category.

But the journey sits somewhere between intention and impulse. While 46% plan most of their fashion purchases in advance, 49% say they combine planning with spontaneous purchases.

And planning begins early: 43% start planning their fashion purchases at least a month before Diwali, giving brands an opportunity to influence consideration well before the festival itself.

One Diwali, different journeys

Taken together, the findings show why there is no single Gen Z festive shopper and no single path to purchase.

Yagnesh Ravi, Ad Solutions Lead India, Snapchat, said, “The festive shopping funnel has changed. Discovery is still important, but for Gen Z, the journey increasingly continues through conversations with their Inner Circle, the friends and family they trust to share opinions, validate choices, and build confidence before they buy. Snapchat has always been built around real relationships, the friends and family people talk to every day, share moments with, and turn to for opinions. That is what makes the Inner Circle such a natural behaviour on Snapchat. During Diwali, for brands, the opportunity is not simply to appear alongside content, but to become part of the moments where people are discovering, discussing, and deciding what matters to them.”

Jason Mander, Chief Insight Officer, GWI, adds, “What this Diwali research shows is that there isn’t one way through that funnel. A smartphone, a beauty product, an outfit, and a last-minute festive essential are all approached differently. For brands, the opportunity is to understand the behaviours shaping their specific category and show up across the moments that matter, from discovery and research to conversations and decision-making. Understanding what Gen Z buys is only part of the picture, how they arrive at that decision matters just as much.”

The research was conducted by GWI in partnership with Snapchat, examining Gen Z festive shopping behaviours across fashion and apparel, beauty and personal care, quick commerce and festive essentials, and consumer technology and smartphones.

Alternicq Partners With UK-Based Pulpex To Bring Advanced Pulp-Based Bottle Technology To India

Photo Caption: Pulpex Factory at Westway, Glasgow, Scotland.

* Exclusive partnership with UK-based Pulpex will bring its innovative pulp fibre bottle technology to India, with plans to evaluate opportunities across India, the GCC and potentially Australia

* New capability expands Alternicqs one-stop packaging solutions platform across formats and materials; with applications across FMCG segments

Alternicq Limited, Indias largest rigid plastic packaging manufacturer is redefining its capability from design to delivery, expanding its packaging solutions portfolio with the addition of advanced pulp fibre bottle technology. Through an exclusive partnership with UK-based Pulpex, Alternicq will bring Pulpexs path-breaking pulp fibre bottle technology to India, adding a new sustainable material capability to its existing rigid-plastic packaging platform.

The development is part of Alternicqs ongoing transformation from a scale-led packaging supplier to a global one-stop solutions partner, providing solutions from design to delivery, across formats, materials and geographies. The addition of pulp fibre bottle technology is another step in this journey and will enable the company to expand its product portfolio into sustainable solutions, offering its customers a wider range of formats and materials while continuing to focus on innovation, design-to-delivery and deeper customer engagement.

Alternicqs transformation rests on two pillars: First, the company is investing in a go-to-market capability built to serve customers more deeply — across categories, channels and markets — offering one-stop integrated solutions rather than individual products. Second, it is actively pursuing technology partnerships worldwide to ensure that its customers in India and beyond have access to the best available technology, whether in materials, formats, recycling or supply chain.

Pulp Fibre bottles are food grade and extend Alternicqs capability platform into a renewable format. Pulpex bottles are made from sustainably sourced wood pulp and are designed to be recycled through normal household paper and card streams. Its bottles use a sprayed-on inner barrier coating and does not need to be separated from the bottle for recycling. The platform is engineered for compatibility with existing filling infrastructure and offers direct-to-shape decoration for applications across FMCG categories.

Speaking on the development, Thimmaiah NP, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Alternicq said, We are building a one-stop packaging solutions business of global scale, investing in how we go to market, strengthening our capabilities from design to delivery, and partnering with the worlds leading technology innovators to bring the best solutions to our customers. Our ambition is simple: to provide every format, every material and every solution a customer needs, under one roof. By integrating innovative, sustainable materials and advanced packaging technologies into our rigid plastic packaging portfolio, we are expanding our capabilities to meet evolving customer needs across FMCG segments. Our partnership with Pulpex marks a significant step in this journey, bringing sustainable pulp fibre bottle technology to India and expanding the possibilities of what packaging can be.

Alternicq has signed an exclusive agreement with Pulpex to bring its path-breaking pulp fibre bottle technology to India. Under the agreement, both parties will jointly assess the market opportunity for Pulpex fibre bottles across the territory, evaluating customer demand, priority categories, product and regulatory requirements, and defining the site and equipment requirements for local manufacturing. The partnership combines Pulpexs innovative fibre bottle technology with Alternicqs manufacturing footprint, customer relationships and capabilities to develop sustainable packaging solutions for the Indian market.

Sandy Westwater, Chief Executive Officer, Pulpex said, Alternicq is exactly the manufacturing partner this technology needs. The significance of this announcement goes well beyond market entry. It brings together a UK technology platform that has moved from innovation to industrial reality and Indias leading packaging manufacturer, with the capability, the customers and the ambition to deliver renewable packaging at scale — making a material impact on our environment by reducing CO emissions and, critically, removing plastic waste on land and in our oceans.

Granting exclusivity for India, the GCC and the potential to expand the agreement to Australia, reflects our confidence in Alternicqs capability and in the opportunity these markets represent. Together we are laying the foundation for fibre bottle production at scale in some of the most attractive packaging markets in the world.

Scott Winston, Managing Director & Chief Science and Sustainability Officer, Pulpex said, India is one of the most important consumer markets in the world and a natural destination for the next phase of Pulpexs growth. This partnership demonstrates the strength of our model. We have developed and industrialised a breakthrough packaging technology in the United Kingdom and are now deploying that capability through Indias leading packaging manufacturer, with exclusive rights across India, the GCC and potentially the Australian market as well.

Alternicq Limited

Alternicq Limited (formerly known as Manjushree Technopack) is Indias largest rigid plastic packaging company by installed capacity. Founded in 1983, the Company today operates 29 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities pan-India, employing over 2400 people, with a production capacity of 2,75,000+ MTPA of preforms, containers, closures, pumps & dispensers, and 2,000+ million units of cartons, labels and leaflets. Alternicq serves over 1,000 customers, including many of the worlds largest consumer goods, regulated pharmaceutical and beverage companies. Backed by PAG, one of Asia-Pacifics leading private equity firms, Alternicq brings the industrial scale, capital strength and customer access required to industrialise new packaging formats at speed.

Alternicq is a recognised market leader in ESG within the global packaging industry. The companys environmental commitments include Net Carbon and Net Water neutrality, extensive renewable energy usage, rainwater harvesting, complete effluent waste treatment, and a net-zero carbon footprint by 2050 through its SBTi commitment, underpinned by deep recycling expertise and world standards in corporate governance.

For more information, visit: https://www.alternicq.com/

LinkedIn

Pulpex Limited

Pulpex Ltd is an award-winning sustainable packaging company with proven, patent-protected fibre bottle technology delivering a scaled, sustainable alternative to existing materials, helping reduce CO2 emissions and, critically, plastic waste on land and in our oceans. Backed by investors including the UKs National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank, Pulpexs unique technology offers PET-free packaging solutions that enable brands to transform and scale renewable, low-carbon packaging within existing manufacturing and circularity systems to deliver meaningful environmental impact.

The Canary: From Habitat To Husbandry - Understanding Behaviour, Care & Welfare

By Fréya Cooper, Bangalore

Introduction

The Canaries ( Serinus canaria) originally from the Canary Islands ,Azores and Madeira. The adult size- 4/8 inches and they weigh less than 1 ounce. They can live up to 5 to 15 years. These small birds became popular cage birds as they say in the Spanish Monopoly the Spanish sailors brought the wild green and yellow Atlantic finch from the Canary Island to Europe in the 15 century. The first human-finch relationship appears to have begun in the 1360s, when Java Sparrows( Padda Oryzivora) were known to be kept as pets during China’s First Ming Dynasty .

The wild Canaries have grey-brown striped plumage or feathering on their back, neck , and surfaces of their wings and tail. Their breasts are dull yellowish- green. Domestic canaries have 3 main breeds – song canaries, colour-bred and type canaries. Different mutations/ Colours like red, yellow, and pink. Understanding their natural behavior is essential for providing proper captivity care and ensuring their physical and psychological well- being .

Natural Habitat & Behavior

Habitat & Diet- Wild

Now lets see where and how the canaries live in the wild and how they adapt with their environmental conditions and experience. As we know they are from Canary Island, Azores and Madeira. Their natural environment consists of Open Woodlands to shrublands, grasslands, forest edges and agricultural areas. Canaries live in areas with dense vegetation like grass, shrubs, trees and seed- producing plants provide both food and shelter. The warm – mild environment with seasonal variation in rainfall is a favorable natural climate . The wild canaries spend much of their time moving between feeding , drinking, resting and nesting sites . They live on trees and shrubs that provide them with protection and hiding space from predators like the falcons and arboreal snakes. Canaries feed primarily on seeds and insects. Sorghum and green millet seeds are husked and eaten readily, often taken from cultivated fields. To reach seeds still attached to tip of plants, birds may land mid-stalk, pin the plant to the ground. They also eat fruits and berries when they are available .

Habitat & Diet- Captivity

Canaries are delicate and sensitive finches that require careful care in captivity. They should be kept in a quiet environment because loud sounds and sudden movements can cause stress. Unnecessary handling should be avoided, as they are fragile and may panic easily. Male canaries are territorial and usually prefer to stay alone. The cage should be spacious enough for flying and movement, with suitable perches of different sizes and textures. Natural branches are preferred. Good ventilation is also important. A humidity level of around 35–45% is comfortable, and extreme heat or cold should be avoided. Canaries should be provided with a balanced diet. Seeds can be available regularly, along with soft food made from soaked moong, Niger seeds and oats mixed with boiled egg, turmeric and rusk. Small mealworms can be provided as live feed. Fruits and vegetables such as apple, cucumber and broccoli can be given as enrichment. Crushed cuttlefish bone provides calcium.

Hygiene is essential to prevent illness. Food and water bowls should be cleaned daily, while cages should be cleaned every two weeks and perches whenever they become dirty. Bathing water with bathing salt can be provided on alternate days, depending on the weather. Regular observation, proper nutrition, cleanliness and a calm environment are essential for keeping canaries healthy and comfortable in captivity.

Behavior

Canaries are Diurnal birds that means they are mainly active during the day hours. Throughout the day they engage in feeding , preening their feathers ,bathing these activities are important for maintaining their physical and mental conditions and normal behavior. The song canary, particularly the male, is popular for its singing. Female canaries primarily chirp, while males develop elaborate songs. During the molting period, canaries typically do not sing. They are very active birds .

How do you know if they are unwell?

Well canaries health problems often start right from their cages to their diet . Sick birds can lose weight and look very dull not move around or not active as they are .The most common thing to observe is if they are sitting in a corner. They are sensitive to air quality. They also develop an infection called bumble foot that cause swelling and lesions and because of this pain it cause cause them their death. Canaries are prone to infections caused by certain viruses, fungi, and bacteria. They can develop treatable bacterial infections such as avian gastric yeast infection and chlamydia.

Nest box Requirements

Next- box / Nest cup Requirements

Canaries make their own nests out of nesting materials provided .Hemispherical (cup-shaped) or half-open design. Enclosed boxes will be ignored. Soft, natural, and readily accepted. However, ensure they are tightly woven so the birds toes do not get caught, and avoid stiff bamboo types which can cause injuries. An ideal nest basket should be 4 to 5 inches in diameter (10 to 12 cm).It should be 2-3 inches deep so the female bird can be comfortable and sit on her eggs . Install the nest cup in a high or top position within the cage. Canaries naturally prefer to nest high up where they feel most secure from potential disturbance and stress. Safe nesting materials can be coconut husk/ coir and short jute threads . All nesting material should be clean and left near the cage bars as they make their own nest to their comfort .

Conclusion

Canaries may be small birds, but they have specific physical, behavioral, nutritional and environmental needs that are important for their welfare. Understanding how they live in the wild helps us provide better care for them in captivity. Their natural behaviors, such as flying, feeding, singing, preening, bathing, exploring, and nest building, should be encouraged as much as possible through an appropriate enclosure and enrichment. Providing a spacious cage, balanced diet, clean water, proper hygiene, suitable temperature and humidity including enrichment and safety nesting materials are essential for their health. Regular observation is also important to identify signs of stress or illness early . with proper care, Canaries can remain healthy, active and able to express their natural behaviors.

Connecting Real People On Facebook

Takeaways

Facebook Marketplace is turning 10, and we’re building a new app, Seller, to provide new tools for the people that sell the most on Marketplace.

One out of three young adults on Facebook in the US uses Facebook Marketplace daily.

We’re also rolling out Facebook Verified, a free badge that shows there’s a real person behind the profile.

Ten years ago, Facebook Marketplace was created because people were already using Facebook Groups to connect with others by buying and selling stuff. At the time, there was some industry skepticism about whether a marketplace made sense on our platform. But the reason Marketplace works is the same reason any product works on Facebook: Facebook allows real people to see each other, connect, and exchange — whether that’s sharing a funny video or buying the perfect vintage piece from someone in your community.

Now, Marketplace is a go-to destination for buying and selling vehicles, home decor, fashion, electronics, and so much more — from local finds to items shipped right to your door. One in three young adults on Facebook in the US uses Facebook Marketplace daily. Every month, there are 430 million items and 44 million vehicles listed on Facebook Marketplace globally. And we’re exploring the ability for small businesses to list on Marketplace.

Seller, A New App From Facebook

As we celebrate Facebook Marketplace’s 10th anniversary, we’re exploring a new way to make the experience of selling better, especially for people who sell on Marketplace the most.

Seller is a Facebook app that puts everything a seller needs in one place: AI-powered listing creation, a unified inbox, inventory management, and performance insights. It’s connected to the same Facebook network — your buyers and community are still right where they are. What changes is your workflow. If you’re listing thirty items a week, it gets a lot simpler.

Purpose-Built Apps

We recently started to explore other purpose-built apps for the people who specifically do one thing the most on Facebook. In May we started testing Forum, a new app for Facebook Groups. Fully synced with your groups, it introduces features like Group Ask for tapping into firsthand experience and Admin AI to help admins manage and grow their communities. In June, we announced that Facebook Creator Studio is coming back reimagined as an app that shows creators exactly what to do next to succeed on Facebook.

Underlying our new apps is a belief that we can leverage AI to remove friction and empower the people who are making things happen on Facebook. If you’re listing on Marketplace, AI will help you write the description, suggest a price, and tag it in about 30 seconds. If you’re using Groups to crowdsource info, AI will help you find all the relevant past posts. AI can help you find the right person on Facebook Dating without having to swipe once. Creators on Facebook can leverage Creator Assistant, an AI tool to help brainstorm content ideas, understand your performance in plain language, and get personalized guidance based on your audience. And everyone on Facebook is getting better and more relevant recommendations across Feed, Video, Search, and more.

Facebook Verified

As AI makes it easier to create, find and do more on Facebook, one thing stays irreplaceable: real connections between real people. So it’s more important than ever to provide a way of knowing the person on the other side is real.

Starting Monday, we’re launching Facebook Verified, a free badge that shows there’s a real person behind the profile who has completed a selfie verification and whose account meets our trust and safety standards. If you’re buying from someone on Marketplace or considering meeting someone from Facebook Dating or from a local Group, Facebook Verification provides credibility and peace of mind that the person is real before you engage.

Immersive Video

Beyond evolving the tools for people who do things on Facebook, we’re also thinking about the experience for people who come to be entertained and connect with authentic creators. People are showing us they want more immersive, visual, video-forward experiences, and video is where conversations are happening, communities are forming, and even commerce is starting to take place.

So later this year, we’ll begin testing a reimagined experience that puts a subset of people who we think want more video on Facebook into full-screen video the moment they open the app. People will have the option to opt out and go back to a Feed-first experience if they choose, and Classic Feed will always be available as the second tab in the app, just one click away. We’ll start this test internationally in video-heavy countries and explore bringing it to the US next year.

Twenty years in, we’re always improving what Facebook looks and feels like — as people’s needs evolve, Facebook does too. The pattern that informs our products is always the same: people show us what they want through how they use the app. We listen, we learn, we experiment, and we evolve.

Put simply, the best things about Facebook come from real people. Our job is to keep making it easier for people to do what they want on Facebook — sell, create, watch, organize, connect, fall in love, find a couch. If you spend time on Facebook, that time should make your life off Facebook better. If we’re not making it easier to connect with one another, we’re not doing our job.

From Talent To National Rank- Allen TALLENTEX Registration Ends October 11

* National ranking, cash prizes of ₹2.50 crore and scholarships up to 90% of Allen fees

Allen Career Institute Pvt. Ltd. is organizing the Tallentex-2027 exam in October to promote the country's talent in the field of education. A large number of students are applying for the exam. The last date for registration is October 11th. The offline exam for Tallentex-2027, which will be held in both offline and online modes, will be held on October 25th, while the online exam will be held on October 25th, 28th, and 31st.

Allen Vice President Pankaj Agarwal stated that since its inception, over 2.1 million students have participated in Allen Tallentex. Students from grades 5th to 10th are eligible to participate. After the exam, national and state ranks will be awarded, along with a cash prize of ₹2.50 crore and a 90% scholarship for admission to Allen courses.

In addition to the exam results, each participant will also be awarded a Competitive Success Index. This is a unique performance indicator that helps students assess their competitive ability. Through this index, students can determine their national ranking if they had appeared for JEE, NEET, and other competitive exams. Students already enrolled in Allen's classroom courses will also be eligible to participate. Students can register by visiting https://allen.in/tallentex. After registration, they will also have access to practice test papers available on the portal. The exam syllabus will be based on NCERT, while the exam pattern and detailed syllabus information are available on the website. For more information and terms and conditions, visit the website.

The exam will be two hours long and will consist of multiple-choice and integer-type questions covering physics, chemistry, math, biology, and logical mental ability. The paper will be based on the NCERT syllabus. 

Gracenote Redefines CTV Advertising With Content-First, Privacy-Safe Targeting

* Its content-based metadata bridges media buyers, ad-tech platforms and publishers, offering a transparent alternative to identity-based tracking

Gracenote, Nielsen's content intelligence business, is reshaping the connected TV (CTV) advertising landscape by using content-based metadata to close long-standing gaps between media buyers, ad-tech platforms and publishers. The approach addresses two persistent industry challenges: the erosion of privacy-safe tracking methods and the lack of program-level visibility in programmatic CTV buying, offering a transparent, scalable alternative to traditional identity-based targeting.

Fragmentation across streaming services and platforms can make it difficult for advertisers to access consistent program-level information through the CTV advertising supply chain. Gracenote addresses this through its foundational Gracenote IDs and standardized content metadata, giving buyers and sellers a common framework for identifying and transacting against video content.

As the CTV ecosystem evolves, content can also provide an important signal for advertising. Rather than relying solely on information about the individual viewer, Gracenote enables advertisers to use content attributes to inform targeting decisions. Its source-validated metadata helps advertisers identify programming based on characteristics such as genre, mood, ratings and other contextual signals, supporting a more content-led approach to CTV advertising.

Historically operating behind the scenes to power TV guides and streaming engines, Gracenote is now stepping forward as a direct platform partner for media planners through Gracenote Content Connect. The platform lets agencies and brands build custom contextual segments and activate them directly within buying platforms, a strategic evolution most recently reflected in the company's first DSP integration with The Trade Desk, announced in August 2026.

To address advertiser hesitation around programmatic CTV including fears of ads running against unsuitable content or blind inventory buys Gracenote provides show-level delivery logs, giving brands confidence that campaigns are airing in verified, brand-safe environments.

Value Proposition

Brands & Agencies: Shift linear budgets to CTV with confidence, backed by verified, brand-safe delivery.

Ad-Tech Partners (DSPs & SSPs): Plug into a standardized content graph to enrich bidstreams, improve inventory value, and power programmatic deals.

Publishers & Streamers: Unlock higher CPMs by converting unstructured video feeds into enriched, high-demand ad slots.

About Gracenote

Gracenote is the content intelligence business unit of Nielsen. We standardize the way the global media and entertainment ecosystem indexes content and associated metadata, allowing it to flow between creators, distributors, platforms and advertisers. By providing unmatched depth across 55M+ titles and 80K+ channels and catalogs, we power the modern search, discovery and navigation experiences that connect people to the TV, movies, music and sports they love — in 70+ languages across 80+ countries. For more information, visit gracenote.com or follow us on LinkedIn. 

ITC Hotels Signs Storii Sanjay Dubri, Unlocking A New Wildlife Destination In Central India

ITC Hotels Limited has announced the signing of a management contract for Storii by ITC Hotels, Sanjay Dubri. The 30-key boutique retreat in Madhya Pradesh is set amidst the wilderness of Sanjay Dubri National Park in Sidhi district, with this stay Storii by ITC Hotels’ further expands its presence across emerging leisure destinations.

Designed to integrate seamlessly with its natural setting, Storii by ITC Hotels, Sanjay Dubri will comprise expansive villas and suites, complemented by thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect the character of the destination. The retreat will feature curated dining experiences, recreational and intimate event spaces. The guest experience will be centred around wildlife exploration, nature immersion, wellness and locally inspired activities, offering opportunities to discover the destination at a considered pace.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Limited, said, “India’s diverse landscapes continue to open up new possibilities for experiential travel, with wildlife destinations emerging as sought-after retreats for discerning travellers. Sanjay Dubri, with its rich ecological heritage and relatively unexplored wilderness, presents an exciting opportunity to create a hospitality experience that is deeply connected to its natural surroundings. Through Storii by ITC Hotels, we look forward to bringing alive the character of this destination through thoughtful hospitality, while contributing to the evolution of its tourism potential.”

The signing is in line with ITC Hotels’ strategy of expanding its presence across emerging leisure corridors and curating distinctive hospitality experiences that are rooted in the character of their destinations. Through Storii by ITC Hotels, the company continues to bring to life boutique retreats that celebrate local narratives, cultural authenticity and the sense of place, creating journeys that are as distinctive as the destinations themselves.

Sharing his thoughts, Pankaj Phulwani, Director, M/s Sal Tree Resorts Private Limited, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with ITC Hotels to bring Storii by ITC Hotels to Sanjay Dubri. Our vision is to create a distinctive wildlife retreat that allows guests to experience the region’s natural beauty in an intimate manner. With this expertise in creating differentiated hospitality experiences, ITC Hotels is an ideal partner to bring this vision to life.”

The property will benefit from its proximity to established wildlife destinations including Bandhavgarh and Kanha, while improving road connectivity from key source markets such as Prayagraj, Jabalpur, Rewa and Varanasi is expected to further enhance accessibility to the destination. With its distinctive wilderness setting, Sanjay Dubri is poised to attract wildlife enthusiasts, experiential travellers, families and social gatherings.

Sanjay Dubri National Park has in recent years emerged as a promising wildlife destination in Central India, known for its dense sal forests, thriving tiger population and pristine natural surroundings. The destination offers an immersive setting for travellers seeking meaningful encounters with nature, while its proximity to established wildlife circuits further enhances its appeal.

‘Our Legacy Inspires our Future -50 Glorious Years of ITC Hotels Limited’ www.itchotels.com

155+ Hotels

14,200+ Keys

95+ Destinations

 

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience and a distinguished legacy spanning over five decades, the business of ITC Hotels has been a pioneering force in shaping India’s luxury and responsible hospitality landscape. Since its inception in 1975, the chain has consistently set new benchmarks in service excellence, culinary innovation, sustainable practices and the celebration of Indian culture. What began as a single hotel has grown into one of India’s largest and most respected hospitality chains, with a presence that now extends across India, Sri Lanka and Nepal through a portfolio of 155+ properties and over 14,200 keys. The Company has seamlessly blended world-class hospitality with environmental stewardship, showcasing India’s heritage while embracing the future through innovation, inclusivity and purpose-led growth. This enduring commitment has positioned the Company not only as a trusted name in India but also as a global exemplar of homegrown excellence. ITC Hotels became the largest chain in the world to have 25 LEED Platinum certified hotels. To date, ITC Hotels Limited leads in LEED Zero Water & LEED Zero Carbon certified hotels globally. ITC Hotels Limited operates under seven distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ & ‘Mementos’ in the Luxury segment, ‘Epiq Collection’ in the premium ‘Welcomhotel’ in the upper upscale space, brand ‘Storii’ in the premium boutique segment, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale space and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment. ITC Hotels Limited is recognised as the World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation, World’s Leading Sustainable Employer and World’s Leading Sustainable Food & Nutrition Initiative at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA) 2025, besides being ranked among India’s Best Companies to Work For 2025 by Great Place To Work® India. It is listed on the BSE and NSE.