Gordon Ramsay wants to open a restaurant in India, and location might be Kerala

Before Covid-19 brought the world to a standstill, Michelin-star chef Gordon Ramsay was in Coorg, shooting for the second season of National Geographic’s “Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted". He cooked famous pandi curry for local women in Coorg. He also shot portions of the show in Kerala, which spurred him further to think about opening a restaurant in "God's Own Country".

In an interview with IANS, Ramsay said: “There are very few countries in the world that have such unique diverse flavors from north to south and then east to west. Every state, every region in India has its own specialty in food. I have been coming to India for so many years, and every time I explore something new. It’s the love of local people that compels me to visit the country again and again. I really want to open my restaurant for the Indian people in India."

Speaking about South Indian cuisine, he said, “The south is all about spices and it felt amazing to smell the fragrances of those masalas. It was an incredible experience visiting India this time. I shot with local female cooks. Trust me, they are far, far better than me. In fact, I was surprised to see how they were not sweating while cooking in such hot climate."

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Emirates offers summer packages in Seychelles

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan a quick escape this summer to Seychelles and unwind at some of the world's most pristine, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. The airline was the first international airline to return to the island country, coinciding with its re-opening to tourists on August 1.

Covid-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents, and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from.

Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED3,705 ($1,008), Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED10,915, and First Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED22,045. The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 7 September 2020, for travel until 31 May 2021.

Visitors to Seychelles will be captivated by its stunning white-sand beaches and lush, tropical forests. Go on an adventurous hike, relax in five-star hotel resorts, or enjoy exploring the island's diverse marine life. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travelers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. For more information on travel entry requirements to Seychelles

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Google introduces search feature showing hotels currently open

Google has added new content to its travel search results feature, taking into consideration the vast number of hotel closures across the globe.

In the UAE alone, as of June 2020, 16 percent of the country’s hotels tracked by Cavendish Maxwell had either closed or operated at minimum capacity. On a room basis, 27 percent had closed in Dubai vs eight percent in Abu Dhabi.

In the coming days, Google will show the percentage of open hotels, as well as availability and percentage of flights operating at a city or country.

Data will come from Google Flights and Hotels data from the previous week.

Links to additional resources such as travel advisories and the number of COVID-19 cases in that destination are also provided.

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Langham Hospitality Group names new COO

The managing director at The Langham London has been ushered into the newly-created role of chief operating officer at Langham Hospitality Group.

In his new role, Bob van den Oord reports directly to CEO Stefan Leser and work out of the company’s corporate office in Hong Kong.

As COO, van den Oord will oversee the group’s cohort of regional vice presidents, hotel managing directors and general managers across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He will be expected to steer the group’s F&B, spa, rooms and quality divisions.

A veteran of the industry, van den Oord brings more than 20 years of experience to the table, first working with Langham in 1999 at The Langham Boston. He has been managing director at the flagship London hotel since 2015, during which time revenues shot up and F&B concepts were introduced.

“I am honored to lead as COO for Langham Hospitality Group as it has been an important part of my life for more than 20 years,” said van den Oord. “As we look toward long-term recovery, future growth and opportunity for our group and industry during these challenging times, I feel incredibly fortunate to work with outstanding colleagues who are dedicated and passionate in their service delivery and care for our guests and each other.”

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Johnson appointed president of Borgata Hotel Casino

Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa has announced the appointment of Melonie Johnson to the roles of president and chief operating officer.

Having entered into the role during Atlantic City’s Covid-19-mandated shutdown, Johnson worked closely with local officials to safely reopen the property in July.

She will continue to oversee daily operations and strategic direction at the property in her new role, and is the first black female to be named president of an Atlantic City casino.

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Zleep Hotel Glostrup Announced for Denmark

Deutsche Hospitality announced the addition of another hotel of its Zleep Hotels brand in Denmarkwith a scheduled opening for fall 2021. The Zleep Hotel Glostrup will be a new building west of Copenhagen. The developer of the project is the Oskar Group. In addition to 133 rooms, the hotel will include a spacious lounge and breakfast area, a bar and ample parking for cars and bicycles. It also offers free WiFi, sustainable breakfast, and excellent transport connections.

The Zleep Hotel Glostrup is the fourth house of the brand in the western part of the Danish capital next to the Zleep Hotel Ballerup, the Zleep Hotel Prindsen Roskilde and the Zleep Hotel Ishøj. Robert Boller, Managing Director of Zleep Hotel GmbH and also responsible for the growth of the MAXX by Steigenberger brand, explains: "The location in Glostrup fits perfectly into our growth strategy. With its convenient location, the hotel offers travellers an ideal location. We look forward to opening the Zleep Hotel Glostrup in autumn 2021".

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Occupancy across Egypt crashes to 10 percent in Q2 2020: Colliers

The impact of COVID-19 on Egypt’s hospitality market has been revealed for this year’s second quarter. Data from Colliers International shows how the popular holiday spot for Brits and the Middle East has struggled massively with the virus

Elsewhere in Egypt, Cario and Alexandria have seen occupancy drop by 54 percent and 49 percent respectively.

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Report finds 80 percent of hotel guests would rather check in remotely

New research has found only eight percent of guests would feel comfortable checking in and checking out via a reception desk, as consumer habits favour a more digital guest journey during a hotel stay.

Research conducted by UK-based Criton highlighted that 80 percent of guests would download an app that would enable them to check in and check out

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Jonathan Bowen Appointed General Manager At Ibis Bridgwater, United Kingdom

Cycas's first UK partnership with Accor, in May Jonathan Bowen, became General Manager of the Ibis Bridgwater (opening January 2021). Jonathan's combination of 15 years' hospitality experience across the South West of England, as well as a strong relationship with Accor, ensures he is well placed to successfully open Cycas's first property in the region early next year.

Philip Steiner Appointed General Manager At Moxy and Residence Inn by Marriott double-decker hotel in Slough, United Kingdom

From September Philip Steiner will take up the General Manager position for Cycas's upcoming Moxy and Residence Inn by Marriott double-decker hotel in Slough(Opening April 2021)

In recognition of his hotel operations expertise, in February 2020 he became the first-ever winner of HSMAI Europe's Young Talent of the Year Award.

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Deutsche Hospitality opens second InterCity Hotel in Oman

Germany hotelier firm Deutsche Hospitality has opened its second IntercityHotel-brand property in Oman, part of the group’s plans to expand across the Middle East.

The hotel features 120 keys, as well as a restaurant, a café, and a pool bar. Despite the ongoing challenges presented by the coronavirus, the group has managed to continue this mission with the recent Omani opening.

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Chicago's Old Cook County Hospital Transformed Into Dual Branded Hyatt Hotel

Historic rehabilitation of the 104-year-old Cook County Hospital building, converting the building into a dual-branded Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotel, accompanied by the new Dr. Murphy's Food Hall. The transformative project is the first phase and anchor for Harrison Square, a new micro-neighborhood that will add residential, office, retail and hotel space in the area immediately surrounding the former hospital within the Illinois Medical District. The project was directed by the Civic Health Development Group, a joint venture led by Chicago-based Murphy Development Group along with MB Real Estate, Walsh Investors and The Granite Cos. Inc.

The 345,000-square-foot old Cook County Hospital was decommissioned in 2002 and remained vacant for more than 15 years, disquieting preservationists, historians, and other concerned citizens that the magnificent Beaux-Arts building was at risk of demolition. Those fears were relieved when it was officially announced in 2018 that the prominent medical institution would be given life once more.

The development converted the former hospital and medical college into a 210-room dual-branded Hyatt House and Hyatt Place hotel. The project also delivers medical office and retail spaces and the 10,000-square-foot Dr. Murphy's Food Hall, named in honor of the renowned surgeon, Dr. John Benjamin Murphy, who studied, practiced, and taught within Cook County Hospital and the Illinois Medical District.

Architect Skidmore, Owings & Merrill designed the project to incorporate features highlighting the building's long history as one of the world's top teaching hospitals and significant place in the history of Chicago as its first public hospital. The building also includes a museum that chronicles the hospital's noteworthy contributions to the region and to the medical field.

"The old Cook County Hospital is rich in history, having served our community and nation for over a century, while at the same time being a fountain of medical research, innovation, and advancements," said Dan Walsh, co-chairman of Walsh Construction. "The Walsh Group is proud to have played a leading role in saving and transforming this unique historic structure, and delivering a reborn building that welcomes visitors and economic revival to the Near West Side of Chicago for another 100 years."

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Hotels, weekly markets to open in Delhi

Hotels have been allowed to re-open in Delhi, while weekly markets will be allowed to open on a trial basis in the nation’s capital. The decision was taken in a meeting of Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) on Wednesday. Gymnasiums though will continue to remain closed.

Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi govt had on 6 August sent a proposal to Lieutenant governor Anil Baijal for the reopening of hotels and re-opening of weekly markets on a trial basis in Delhi.

That was a week after the LG rejected the government’s proposal to allow the opening of hotels, gyms, and weekly markets under unlock-3.

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7,400 new hotel rooms open in Dubai despite ongoing pandemic, reveals Colliers

A total of 8,100 hospitality keys entered the UAE market between Q2 2019 and Q2 2020 despite the freezing effect COVID-19 has had on the industry.

Performance during Q4, the peak hospitality season in the UAE, will be the best indicator of the recovery of international tourist demand in 2020, said Colliers.

For More Details Click Below:

www.hoteliermiddleeast.com/news/118991-7400-new-hotel-rooms-open-in-dubai-despite-ongoing-pandemic-reveals-colliers

IHG remains optimistic despite $524m drop in revenue

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has posted its financial results up to June 30, 2020, giving an insight into how COVID-19 has hit business.

IHG recorded a severe revenue crash in the first half of the year, falling by 52 percent, the group brought in just US$488 million in the first six months of the year. 

Operating Profit for the same period last year was $410 million, equating to an 82 percent drop.

For More Information Please Click Below:

hoteliermiddleeast.com/business/119001-ihg-remains-optimistic-despite-524m-drop-in-revenue

Food data Intelligence Software NutriCal launches in the UAE

NutriCal, a Food Data Intelligence Software, has launched in the region with the aim to equip businesses with the information they can use to attract and retain customers.

NutriCal can be integrated by restaurants, cloud kitchens, food delivery companies, aggregators, food manufacturers, and brands. 

The system has data and intelligence of over 25,000 ingredients from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other international databases

For More Information Click Below :

www.hotelnewsme.com/news/food-data-intelligence-software-nutrical-launches-in-the-uae/

The Emirates Culinary Guild announces third Virtual Cooking Competition

The Emirates Culinary Guild and USA Poultry and Egg Export Council are launching a Virtual Cooking Competition for GCC Nationals. The competition has launched and registration will be open until September 2, midnight. 

In the competition, there will be four different categories where US Chicken and Turkey will be used. Competitors will create either a video or their favorite recipe and photo of the dish using the ingredients and are encouraged to produce their country’s traditional eats.

For More Information Click Below :

www.hotelnewsme.com/news/the-emirates-culinary-guild-announces-third-virtual-cooking-competition/

Emirates Palace restaurants Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi and Mawal reopen

Offering flavors of the Indian subcontinent, Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi has reopened with a contemporary fusion of classic dishes.

Mawal, a Lebanese Restaurant, has also reopened and is back to filling tables and plates with mezze and mixed grills in an ambiance complemented by Arabian-style hospitality.

Le Vendôme, located in Emirates Palace, has reopened earlier this year. In compliance with COVID-19 safety precautions, service will be à la carte rather than a buffet.

The restaurant serves à la carte delicacies for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, mixing traditional continental recipes with Middle Eastern dishes.

Cambria Opens Waterfront Hotel in Ocean City, Maryland, and Wine Country Retreat in Sonoma, California

Since January, Cambria Hotels has opened six new hotels in major markets across the country, including Bloomington, Minnesota; Greenville, South Carolina; Madeira Beach, Florida; Summerville, South Carolina; and now in Ocean City, Maryland, and Rohnert Park, California. The Cambria Hotel Ocean City - Bayfront and Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, both short drives from major metropolitan areas, offer ideal escapes for travelers ready to explore again and further exemplify the brand's growth. Both hotels feature upscale amenities and approachable indulgences that appeal to modern travelers.

"With leisure travel returning faster than business travel right now, we're thrilled to offer these getaways so guests can have the chance to relax, rejuvenate and disconnect," said Janis Cannon, senior vice president, upscale brands, Choice Hotels. "Ocean City is a vibrant seaside town and one of the most popular beach destinations on the east coast, while the Cambria Hotel Sonoma Wine Country connects guests to some of Northern California's most well-known and picturesque vineyards. Both hotels, which represent the brand's substantial growth across the country, are in easily accessible drive-to locations as today's travelers pursue road trips more often than air travel."

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Puverel to lead Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island has announced the appointment of Carla Puverel to the role of general manager. She will take up leadership of the twin-island resort, featuring 151 luxury beach and over-water villas, immediately.

The property is part of Conrad Hotels & Resorts, a luxury brand from Hilton. Puverel most recently served as general manager of the Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort in Sri Lanka.

Puverel said: “I am very pleased to be joining the Hilton family to lead the charge at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island.

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