IDeaS and SIHOT Expand Partnership to Provide Seamless Two-Way Data Integration for Hoteliers

Key Take Away

IDeaS, the leader in revenue management solutions, announced a new technology integration with SIHOT.

The two-way data integration between IDeaS' revenue management solutions and SIHOT's leading property management software, SIHOT.PMS, will help the global hotel industry accurately forecast business demand, maximize occupancy and ADR, and increase overall operational effectiveness through automated pricing decisions.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4099020.html

Maldives brings forward reopening date to July

Key Take Away

"We are planning to reopen our borders for visitors in July 2020," read an official statement issued by the Ministry of Tourism on May 30.

To ensure safety, the government says it is issuing a "Safe Tourism License" to accredit tourist facilities that abide by government legislation and specific safety requirements like having a certified medic on call and holding an "adequate stock" of personal protection equipment.

Travelers will also need to take steps. They'll be required to present a medical certificate confirming proof of a negative Covid-19 test taken at least 14 days before they arrive.

For More Information

www-cnn-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.cnn.com/travel/amp/maldives-reopening-july/index.html

Hotel stocks surge as govt allows resumption of hospitality services from June 8

Key Take Away

Hotel stocks are rallying after the Home Ministry's announced the re-opening of economic and other activities in the country except for containment zones, which will continue to remain in lockdown till June 30.

The government has allowed hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality services to resume operations from June 8 onwards.

Hotel Association of India Vice President K.B. Kachru said, "The pandemic and consequent lockdowns have had a disastrous impact on the hotel sector."

For More Information

www.cnbctv18.com/market/stocks/hotel-stocks-surge-nearly-18-as-govt-allows-resumption-of-hospitality-services-from-june-8-6042661.htm

Region overview: Europe to welcome 300,000 new hotel rooms

Key Take Away

With hotels finally reopening after the COVID-19 crisis and demand picking up again around the world, confidence is rising that the hotel industry could soon return to its pre-crisis growth trajectory.

As of late May, 1,675 hotels are in the pipeline, adding another 292,924 rooms to Europe’s hotel offering.

Hilton is expanding aggressively in Europe, and consequently, four of its brands are represented in the list of Europe’s top 10 fastest growing hotel brands.

Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, which has 20 hotels in its pipeline, followed by Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts and Scandic hotels with 18 upcoming openings each.

For more information

tophotel.news/region-overview-europe-to-welcome-300000-new-hotel-rooms-construction-report/

Coronavirus claims 215,734 hotel-supported jobs in New York

Key Take Away

Coronavirus-related losses of jobs supported by the hotel industry in New York numbered 215,734 out of a total of 528,618 hotel-supported jobs, according to a hotel industry estimate.

Californi, Florida, Nevada, and Texas are expected to be the states hardest hit by losses of jobs 

Nationwide, 44 percent of hotel workers were projected to lose their jobs in the coming weeks due to the pandemic, which has led to a dramatic drop in hotel occupancy. 

For More Information

www.thecentersquare.com/new_york/coronavirus-claims-215-734-hotel-supported-jobs-in-new-york/article_a172c162-9ab4-11ea-847f-cbcacc9ffe39.html

Lockdown 5.0: Chennai restaurants battle manpower crunch after migrant workers return home

key Take Away

With most migrant workers have left for their home states, many restaurants in the city are struggling to reopen for business even as the lockdown restrictions are being relaxed

Many restaurants which were owned by people from neighboring states like Kerala and Andhra Pradesh also remain closed as employees rushed back to their hometowns just before the lockdown

Local workers demand Rs 700 to Rs 1000 per day and with the outlook for business remaining uncertain, it was a risk.

But some other restaurants in the city managed to keep their workers here by taking care of their needs during the lockdown.

For More Information

www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/jun/01/lockdown-50-chennai-restaurants-battle-manpower-crunch-after-migrant-workers-return-home-2150830.html

Zleep Hotels Opens New Hotel In Copenhagen

Key Take Away

Due to the corona epidemic's impact on the country's tourism, the opening date has previously been postponed. Zleep Hotels now opened the doors to yet another of its popular select-service hotels. The hotel is located in Ørestad 

Zleep Hotel Copenhagen Arena is the largest Zleep hotel to date with no less than 211 beautiful and stylish rooms.

For More Information

www.zleep.com/en/hotel/copenhagen-arena/

www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41004730.html

Hilton College Initiates First-ever Hospitality Hackathon (HC3), Sponsored by HFTP; Challenges Students From Hospitality Programs Across the Globe

Key Take Away

The University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, in partnership with Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP®), are addressing the immediate need for creative and thoughtful solutions that will assist hospitality companies to put their businesses back on track

The idea for the HC3 was first proposed by Arlene D. Ramirez, CHAE, CHIA, CAHTA, CHE, Hilton College instructional assistant professor, and HFTP Global past president.

The main objective of HC3 is to produce initiatives that can be easily implemented within an operation, and are not necessarily tech-centric. She floated the idea to hold a virtual student competition during the College's spring faculty meeting.

Registration for HC3 is FREE and is now open.

For More Details

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4098978.html

https://youtu.be/Y8fJC5-z1fo

Airlines cancel flights in the wake of Cyclone Nisarga

Key Take Away

There have been warnings of the Cyclone making its landfall on the Maharashtra coast. Airlines canceled most flights to and from Mumbai in the wake of Cyclone Nisarga.

IndiGo canceled 17 flights and operated just three to Chandigarh, Ranchi, and Patna. Vistara also canceled flights to Delhi and Kolkata
The operators of the Mumbai airport held a meeting with its stakeholders to devise preventive measures to tackle potential adversities accompanied by the cyclone.

For More Information

economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/airlines-cancel-flights-in-the-wake-of-cyclone-nisarga/articleshow/76161140.cms

Maharashtra, Sikkim prohibit hotels from resuming operations

Key Take Away

Maharashtra and Sikkim prohibited hotels and restaurants from resuming operations, while Gujarat and Karnataka permitted hotels and restaurants to open as per the new standard operating procedures (SOPs) in a phased manner from June 8.
The Maharashtra government's order comes into effect from June 1 and shall remain effective till June 30. The Sikkim government has prohibited hotels and restaurants from reopening from June 1 until further notice.
The industry lobby group, which represents over 500,000 restaurants, cafes, bars, and pubs in the country, has asked for restaurants to be allowed to stay open beyond 9 pm and for reopening of public transport fully to aid staff movement.

For More Information

economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/maharashtra-sikkim-prohibit-hotels-from-resuming-operations/articleshow/76127152.cms

Occupancy fall among steepest for Indian hotels

Key Take Away

As per hospitality consultancy HVS Anarock’s Hotels & Hospitality Overview, occupancies in India declined 81% in April from a year earlier. HVS is estimating a similar decline for May as well.

In the US, occupancies during April shrank almost 64% while for the UK, the decline was 71.3% as per HVS and STR data. For China and Singapore, occupancies during the same period declined by 48.7% and 29.2% respectively.
In a note on May 27, investment information and credit rating agency ICRA said demand had declined to the lowest levels the industry had ever witnessed in India during the extended lockdown, and that it was clear that it was the biggest crisis faced by the sector.

For More Information

economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/occupancy-fall-among-steepest-for-india-hotels/articleshow/76143482.cms

Cyprus offers to cover cost of holidays affected by Coronavirus

Key Take Away

The battle to lure tourists to the Mediterranean is hotting up with Cyprus declaring it will go one step further than its competitors, footing the bill for anyone whose holiday is ultimately ruined by a coronavirus.

The only bills the Greek Cypriot government will not cover are those for repatriation flights and taxis to airports.

Cypriot authorities are demanding that, initially, visitors carry health certificates proving they have tested negative for Covid-19 at least three days before departure

For More Information

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/29/cyprus-cover-cost-holidays-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19

Senior Management of Sayaji Hotels announces to forgo their salary for an indefinite period

Key Take Away

In the wake of the Covid-19 crisis, Suchitra Dhanani, founding director of Sayaji Hotels has announced to forego 100 percent of her salary for an indefinite period.

In similar lines, Saba Dhanani, Director of Operations, Sayaji Group, Sumera Dhanani, Business Analyst Manager and Jameel Sayed, Director of Operations would also forgo their salary for an indefinite period.

Hopefully this would help some of our staff who had been the pillar of our success story. This is the least we could do during the lockdown

For More Information

www.hotelierindia.com/business/10975-senior-management-of-sayaji-hotels-announces-to-forgo-their-salary-for-an-indefinite-period

France to reopen restaurants, bars and beaches from June 2

Key Take Away

France will allow restaurants, bars, and beaches to reopen from June 2, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe stated. But limitation will be that there depending upon zone (i.e green, orange).

For More Information

www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-restaurants/france-to-reopen-restaurants-bars-and-beaches-from-june-2-pm-idUSKBN2342TL

National Restaurant Association of India seeks rental waiver of malls

Key Take Away

The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) has expressed two concerns to mall owners — waiver of charges of rentals and a revised revenue-sharing model, and sought  their urgent intervention to help the beleaguered sector which is staring at closure due to the COVID-19  pandemic

Considering that the proportion of fixed operating expenses in our business is very high, this may lead to
massive operating losses 

For More Information

www.newindianexpress.com/business/2020/may/28/nrai-seeks-rental-waiver-of-malls-2149020.html

30,000 weddings cancelled in Gujarat amid COVID-19 pandemic

Key Take Away

March and April are considered the peak season when the maximum number of weddings take place in the state but due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown has severely hit the wedding industry

At least 30,000 weddings planned across the state have been called off or postponed in the last two months People have been canceling their bookings and are waiting for the next auspicious season in December and January.

Some couples even opted for court marriages and planned to organize a proper wedding ceremony afterward

For More Information

www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/may/27/30000-weddings-cancelled-in-gujarat-amid-covid-19-pandemic-2148686.html

Restaurants listed on Swiggy? Now you can get credit to buy raw materials with this new service

Key Take Away

Swiggy is looking to provide credit to restaurants, which are facing challenges in procuring raw materials, as part of a service that is currently in the pilot stage, a source aware of the development told Financial Express Online.

The new B2B service called Swiggy StaplesPlus will supply more than 250 raw materials, packaging material, fruits and vegetables, poultry and grocery, and dairy essentials apart from credit facility to restaurants, another source said.

For More Information

www.financialexpress.com/industry/sme/swiggy-to-launch-new-service-staples-plus-to-offer-credit-to-restaurants/1972562/

Home Chef Serves Up Data Breach for 8 Million Records

Key Take Away

The hacking group ShinyHunters has hit a popular mail-order meal kit company, Home Chef. Home Chef’s customer records were leaked as a result of the breach, according to a notice posted on the company’s website stating that customer information was exposed.

 In all, 8 million records were put up for sale from Home Chef starting two weeks ago, according to the outlet.

People who reuse the same passwords are at a higher risk, and security researchers have advised that Home Chef customers should change all reused passwords immediately.

For More Information

www.oodaloop.com/briefs/2020/05/26/home-chef-serves-up-data-breach-for-8-million-records/

threatpost.com/home-chef-data-breach-8-million-records/156031/

International quarantine rules ‘another blow’ to tourism and hospitality industry

Key Take Away

From June 8, anybody arriving in the UK from an international country via plane, train or ferry, will be required to isolate for two weeks, with fines of up to £1,000 given out to those breaking the rules announced by the Home Secretary  Priti Patel.

The idea of ‘air bridges’ is also being championed, which would see agreements made with countries with low R numbers to let passengers travel between them without going into quarantine.

For More Information

www.boutiquehotelier.com/international-quarantine-rules-another-blow-to-tourism-and-hospitality-industry/

IHM Ranchi successfully organizes Jharkhand Cookery League season-2

Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition,(IHM) Ranchi is an autonomous Institute under the Department of Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Jharkhand which organized an online cookery contest “Jharkhand Cookery League Season-2” for Hotel Management students and Non-Hotel Management students contest started from 6/05/2020 ends on 20/05/2020.

The total number of 70 recipe videos and including 47 entries from 15 Hotel Management Institutes and 23 entries from Non-Hotel Management categories marked their presence from pan India in this contest.

Various categories of participation included “Traditional Jharkhand Cuisine, Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian dishes (participant’s choice), Baked food (sweet or salty), Sweets (Indian or Continental)”.

The competition was partnered by pioneers viz. Jharkhand Tourism, Sunday Cook Show as the “Broadcast partner”, Hospemag.Me as the “Media Partner” whereas Radisson Blu Ranchi & Chanakya BNR are the “Industry partner” and Creative Bit being the “Technology Partner”.

The result of “Jharkhand Cookery League-2” was announced on 27th May 2020. Dr. Bhupesh Kumar, Principal, IHM Ranchi appreciated and congratulated the winners and all the participants. He said that this league has taught the participants that one must explore his/her creative skills and constantly aspire to improve it.

Winners under the Hotel Management category are:

Ms. Simran Suruti, a student of IHM Ranchi, was declared the winner for her recipe “Gud Peetha” an authentic dish of Jharkhand

Ms. Dolly Sekhari, from The Lalit Hospitality school, was 1st runner-up for her recipe “Rose Rabri”

Mr. Nishant Singh from IIMT University Meerut stood 2nd runner-up for his recipe “Bihari chicken”.

Winners under the Non -Hotel Management category are:

Ms. Amrita Kumari won the contest for her recipe “Patal Ki Mitahi”

Ms. Nihu Aggarwal was declared 1st runner-up for her recipe “Kadhai Baby Corn”

Ms. Afshan Afroz stood 2nd runner-up for her recipe “Chicken Yakhni Pulao”.