Badly hit by coronavirus-induced lockdown, Telangana restaurant owners seek KT Rama Rao's help

Key Take Away

Olive Bistro’s Shaaz Mehmood, Shankar Krishnamurthy of Fusion 9, and Amar Ohri of Ohri’s group met Telangana minister KT Rama Rao (KTR) and discussed the situation of the industry facing during coronavirus pandemic.

KTR advised the representatives to set internal guidelines in adherence to the government guidelines following global protocols. These relate to sanitation, hygiene, and social distancing.

For More Information

www.indiatoday.in/india/story/badly-hit-by-coronavirus-induced-lockdown-telangana-restaurant-owners-seek-kt-rama-rao-s-help-1680654-2020-05-22

Sarovar Hotels appoints Sanjay Rai as Sr. VP Sales & Marketing

Key Take Away

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts announced the appointment of Sanjay Rai as Sr. Vice President- Sales & Marketing.

He will be responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of sales, marketing, and product development programs for each brand targeted towards existing and new markets. A seasoned professional with an experience of close to four decades

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/sarovar-hotels-appoints-sanjay-rai-as-sr-vp-sales-marketing/75890039

Lockdown: 40% restaurants in UP likely to close by year end

Key Take Away

The restaurant business in Uttar Pradesh incurred a loss of Rs 100 crore on a daily basis during the first three phases of nationwide lockdown - between March 25 and May 17.Even as the government has now allowed the restaurants to deliver food online.

By the current trend, 40 per cent of the restaurants are likely to wind up operations by year-end.

For More Information

www.indiatoday.in/business/story/lockdown-40-restaurants-in-up-likely-to-close-by-year-end-1680905-2020-05-22?utm_source=Mailer&utm_medium=ET_batch&utm_campaign=ethospitality_news_2020-05-23&dt=2020-05-23

From lift room to swimming pool, hotels suffer damage in Kolkata

Key Take Away

Some of the leading star hotels in the city have suffered major damage on Wednesday night following cyclone Amphan. Park Hotel, along with JW Marriott, were among the properties that suffered damages.

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/from-lift-room-to-swimming-pool-hotels-suffer-damage-in-kolkata/75882185

Govt withdraws order against docs’ stay in hotels

Key Take Away

In a big relief to many doctors and paramedical staff posted in Covid-19 ward at Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi government withdrew its recent order canceling quarantine facilities for them in hotels.

LNJP issued the vacate order on May 20 in the wake of the direction issued by the Delhi government on May 18. The government’s order stated that “regular quarantine of healthcare workers after performing duty in Covid-19 areas is not warranted.”

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/hotels/govt-withdraws-order-against-docs-stay-in-hotels/75883188

MHRIL moves ahead with expansion plan amid Covid-19

Key Take Away

Mahindra Holidays Resorts India Ltd is moving ahead with its planned capacity expansion even after the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the hospitality industry. In contrast, MHRIL will start work on two new resorts in addition to an ongoing project in Goa.

Club Mahindra is working with various experts in healthcare, facility management, and technology to implement enhanced safety procedures and contactless services

For More Information

hospitality-economictimes-indiatimes-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/amp/news/hotels/mhril-moves-ahead-with-expansion-plan-amid-covid-19/75845291

Absolute Hotel Services introduces Hotel Bond; assures 50% bonus on the purchase

Key Take Away

Absolute Hotel Services has introduced a new initiative “Hotel Bond ”, a product offering assured extra bonus of 50% more value of the bond face value.

It is available in India region for all the brands of AHS including U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences, and Eastin Easy.

The offer is valid up to March 2021 and stays dates can be decided any time later and not at the time of buying

For More Information

www.hotelierindia.com/business/10968-absolute-hotel-services-introduces-hotel-bond-assures-50-bonus-on-the-purchase

Restaurants rebel against delivery apps as cities crack down on fees

Key Take Away

When Pitas and Sticks, a Greek restaurant in Brooklyn, New York, get an order from Grubhub, owner John Stamos gives each bag a personal touch, printing out a small note with a simple message: Grubhub orders are killing his business

Restaurant owners are trying to figure out ways to stay in business during the coronavirus pandemic, which has hampered their industry. Many restaurants have had to close their doors to customers, while others have turned to food delivery apps such as Uber Eats and Grubhub to fill the void.

Outside a Bareburger restaurant in Brooklyn, a new sign appeals to passersby: "Support your local restaurants & order directly with them.

For More Information:

www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/restaurants-rebel-against-delivery-apps-cities-crack-down-fees-n1211456

Ian Schrager's The Times Square Edition hotel to close permanently

key Take Away

Ian Schrager's decadent hotel in New York's Times Square is closing just over one year after it opened due to financial issues caused by the pandemic

The news comes as the drops in business during the pandemic resulted in a cash shortfall that put the hotel's developer Maefield Development in default of its contract with Marriott International

The Times Square Edition had been temporarily closed since late March when New York governor Andrew Cuomo placed the entire state on "pause" and ordered all non-essential businesses to shut

For more information

www.dezeen.com/2020/05/21/ian-schrager-the-times-square-edition-hotel-close-permanently/?

Have an amazing Food, Food Tech Idea? Pitch it to investors!

Swiggy starts home delivery of alcohol

Key Take Away

Food delivery platform Swiggy started doorstep delivery of alcohol in Jharkhand through the ‘Wine Shops’ category on its app.

To ensure the safe delivery of alcohol and in compliance with applicable laws, Swiggy has introduced measures such as mandatory age verification and user authentication to fulfill orders. All orders will carry an OTP which needs to be provided by the customer at the time of delivery. This is being done to put a cap on the quantity which is being ordered

For More Information:

economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/swiggy-starts-home-delivery-of-alcohol/articleshow/75863663.cms

Mom’s kitchen to launch digital tiffin business platform

Key Take Away

Mom’s Kitchen, a b2b food delivery business is about to launch its digital tiffin business platform and order booking app, ZOIFFIN.

The tech innovation platform has been built along with the company’s venture builder partner Favcy.

The cloud-kitchen based b2b platform is currently located in two states, Andhra Pradesh (Anantapur Distt) and Haryana (Gurgaon), serving corporate meals to clients such as KIML and Accenture.

For More Information

hospitality.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/restaurants/moms-kitchen-to-launch-digital-tiffin-business-platform/75824023

German cafe tells customers to wear pool noodles to enforce social distancing

Key Take Away

A cafe in Germany has celebrated its grand reopening to customers after lockdown. Rather than using floor markings and perspex screens to keep people apart, the owners of the cafe distributed straw hats with two colorful swimming noodles attached to the top.

The motto at the cafe was: “Keep the social distancing.”

For More Information

edition.cnn.com/2020/05/15/europe/german-cafe-noodle-distancing-scli-intl-grm/index.html

On June 1, Remington will have all its hotels open & welcoming back guests

On June 1, Remington will have all its hotels open & welcoming back guests.

- Sloan Dean Chief Executive Officer & President at Remington Hotels

https://www.remingtonhotels.com/

Qatar Airways cabin crew to wear hazmat suits

Key Take Away

Qatar Airways is one of several airlines to introduce Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) suits for its cabin crew in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

 Passengers will be required to wear face coverings or masks on all its flights from May 25. The airline will be equipped with large bottles of hand sanitizers, which can be used by both cabin crew and passengers.

The move comes weeks after Philippines Airlines and AirAsia reportedly launched new uniforms that incorporate PPE.

For More Information

edition.cnn.com/travel/article/qatar-airways-full-body-cover-protection/index.html

Centara Hotels & Resorts makes food donation to the Thai Government’s Public Relations Department

Key Take Away

Thailand's leading hotel operator recently donated 1,500 food boxes to the Thai Government's Public Relations Department

When a consumer buys a Centara cash voucher for a future escape, Centara will add a further 50% value to the purchase.

For more information:

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4098708.html

The smart distance awareness device

Smart Distance Awareness Device

The Aura Aware is a smart distance awareness device that helps employees and customers remain a safe and healthy distance in public spaces. 

Our patented technology scans the room to detect if anyone is within the 6 feet distance. A red alert warns employees and customers when they have gotten too close.

learn more

The Boutique Hotel Crisis Guide to Travel

Key Take Away

BLLA held a digital forum recently on the subject of The Boutique Hotel's Crisis Guide to Travel. Leaders in the Travel Industry discussed the current crisis of COVID-19 and how travel restrictions are currently affecting the industry as well as what the future might look like

As recovery begins, it's clear that the boutique industry and travel are inextricably intertwined.BLLA encourages you to reach out with continued questions and concerns - together, we can #SaveBoutiqueHotels and continue the #BoutiqueStrong initiative.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098772.html

The 4 Powerful Resources of Hoteliers that’ll help You Overcome the Aftermath of Corona

Key Take Away

Hotel industry and tourism are among the sectors most affected by the Corona crisis .To reduce the risk of infection, the hotel product became practically unsellable from one day to the next.

Hoteliers are masters in problem-solving and incredibly creative with solutions. They always keep a cool head and are not easily upset. There are no problems - only challenges to be overcome.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098744.html

The Corona virus may not be the biggest threat to the hospitality industry

Key Take Away

The travel industry has come to a halt with the COVID-19 virus causing a third of the world's population to stay home and forcing the majority of the world to practice social distancing. 

With the travel industry at a stand-still, hoteliers are taking the opportunity to revisit their technology partnerships to be in a strong competitive position when the market rebounds and travelers take to the skies, roads, and hotel beds. The last thing the industry and hoteliers need right now is the loss of trust when travelers return.

For More Info

www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4098756.html