Google Maps helps healthcare workers find hotels

Key Take Away

As part of its broader COVID-19 response, Google has given healthcare providers the option to add virtual care offerings to their search and Maps profiles and made government coronavirus-related announcements more prominent in search. Google is adding a new Maps feature to help those individuals find special accommodations when they're done their daily shifts. This feature will help those workers who want to keep their families safe.

The new feature is only available in the US and UK, but Google plans to roll it out to other countries in the future

For More Information

www.engadget.com/google-maps-search-frontline-healthcare-worker-hotel-finder-144000833.html?utm_campaign=fullarticle&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=inshorts

Six Senses Con Dao Appoints New General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing

Key Take Away

Eric Hallin appointed as a New General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing brings more than 40 years of international hospitality experience. With her goal-oriented and strategic mindset, and a great deal of passion for high-end travel, he makes a perfect fit for Six Senses Con Dao

He brings a fresh breeze to the resort and its hosts, sharing his working philosophy that a general manager is only as good as his ability to inspire, motivate, and empower his team.

For More Information

www.sixsenses.com/en/corporate/media-center/press-releases/2020/six-senses-con-dao-appoints-new-general-manager-and-director-of-sales-and-marketing

532 flights operated on Day 1, over 39,000 people travelled: Puri

Key Take Away

The airlines resumed operations after a two-month nationwide lockdown was imposed to contain the spread of the virus. The airlines, which were allowed to operate one-third of their pre-lockdown domestic services

Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri tweeted that 532 domestic flights operated on Monday and 39,231 passengers traveled 

States like Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Tamil Nadu, which are home to some of the busiest airports in the country, were reluctant to allow domestic flight services from their airports, citing swelling Covid-19 cases there

For More Information:

https://www.livemint.com/

Noma, one of the world's best restaurants, to return as a wine bar

Key Take Away

One of the best restaurants in the world, Noma in Copenhagen, Denmark, announced that it would be reopening next week with a new concept: We need to heal. So let’s have a glass and burger, you’re all invited. An outdoor wine bar with two burgers -- one meat, one vegetarian -- on the menu.

 Come as you are, there are no reservations, we are open for everyone

For More Information

www-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cnn.com/travel/amp/noma-reopening-copenhagen-coronavirus/index.html

Vakkaru Maldives Appoints Iain McCormack As General Manager

Key Take Away

Vakkaru Maldives has announced the appointment of Iain McCormack as its new General Manager. A hotel management graduate of Southampton College, Iain started his career path working at many renowned hotels with over 36 years in the hospitality business and a career

With Iain’s rich multi-faceted experience in resorts worldwide and his passion for top-notch guest services, he will be a key player in enriching the stellar reputation of the Vakkaru brand.

For More Information

www.traveltrademaldives.com/vakkaru-maldives-appoints-iain-mccormack-as-general-manager/

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