NEWS | Restaurants are opting for sustainable food packaging post pandemic

More than just eco-friendly products, brands and consumers are now preferring home compostable products that don’t require an industrial machine to decompose.

For Yash Pakka, a homegrown compostable packaging brand, the key focus is on delivery solutions and bag products for this year. The company is also in the process of establishing the largest factory in the country for food wrapping products (butter paper which is grease resistant).

The brand has a 40-year-old legacy and over the years, the company has diversified into three categories: Paper, Moulded Products, and Compostable Value Added Products like egg trays. Pioneers in the sustainable and compostable packaging industry, the company also recovers 95 percent of cooking chemicals used to manufacture the pulp, thereby making it even more environment-friendly.

The company has tied up with a number of brands including Haldiram’s, Lite Bite Foods, Google, HMS Host, Inox, PVR, Amazon, Chai Point, Starbucks, and Fab Café. Over the years, the company has witnessed a gradual shift away from single-use plastic. However, this has been accelerated over the past few years. Today, there is a fast-rising concern for environmental sustainability and awareness among consumers. More than ever, consumers are becoming conscious of what they are purchasing, consuming, and finally receiving.

“Especially during the pandemic, we have seen a significant shift wherein people are saying ‘no’ to using plastics owing to health concerns. As a result, there has been an increased focus on choosing sustainable and eco-friendly products. Seeing this shift, several QSR and restaurants have already switched to eco-friendly packaging and tableware,” Amit Sharma, CEO, Compostables Business, Yash Pakka Ltd said.

Sharma further informed that another shift in preferences is being witnessed in the industry. More than just eco-friendly products, brands and consumers prefer home compostable products that don’t require an industrial machine to decompose. “This is where our products made from agro-residue i.e sugarcane bagasse with no harmful chemicals come into the picture,” he added.

Appointment | JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Kunal Chauhan, General Manager

Kunal Chauhan

A renowned name in the hospitality industry, Mr. Kunal Chauhan has been appointed as the General Manager at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, the city’s most favored luxury business hotel since its launch in 2015. With industry exposure across leading hotel chains in India, Mr. Chauhan was previously the General Manager at The Leela Palace, Bengaluru. Being armed with a diploma from the Oberoi Centre for Learning and Development makes him well equipped to thrive in his chosen field. Furthermore, the stalwart is a passionate individual with strong business acumen, innate ability to elevate brand standards, create bespoke guest experiences, and craft an environment with the finest employee work culture. With 19 years of diverse experience under his belt, Kunal’s key strengths lie in (but are not limited to) hotel operations, marketing, food & beverage, team management, and financial management. He is also committed to stellar financial performance, market share growth, improving service standards as well as maintaining excellent relationships with stakeholders. 

In his new role as General Manager of the JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Kunal Chauhan envisions a stellar roadmap for the hotel’s leading position within the hospitality landscape. With his robust experience across several disciplines, Mr Chauhan will steer the property to provide experiences that are synonymous with the JW Marriott brand.

Apart from being extremely business focussed, Kunal is also passionate about travel and spending time in the outdoors. His competitive spirit draws him to sports and he can often be found playing Badminton and Squash. Chauhan’s go-getter attitude allowed him to complete the Himalayan 10 day base camp trek in the peak winter season, prior to the pandemic. He is also hopeful of completing the top 5 marathons and top 5 trekking routes across the globe. 

With his extensive knowledge and experience of luxury brands, Kunal is a great asset to  JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. The hotel continues to provide guests with memorable experiences and uphold the traditions while striving to further enhance service quality and brand value into the future.

New Launch | The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes its first video game in India – ITALY. Land of Wonders



A new video game with an aim to promote Italy Tourism and bring Italian art, music and culture to the  world 

Mumbai, 22nd July, 2021: The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Italian MFA) announces the launch of ITALY.  Land of Wonders, a video game that is aimed at bringing the cultural heritage and wonders of Italy to a  worldwide audience in general, and to young people. Graphically appealing and targeted at both children and adults, ITALY. Land of Wonders portrays the beauty and tradition of this country through an interactive and fun experience. Available for free in English, it will be released in India on 22nd July for iOS and Android,  smartphone and tablet, via italiana.esteri.it, Italian MFA’s new portal dedicated to Italian culture in the world. 

The interactive game has several interesting characters, who will help users explore magical Italy. Elio is the old lighthouse keeper who, every morning, with the help of the 20 sparks he retrieved the night before from the 20 regions of Italy, lights up the sun that will shine bright over the country. The game starts at  sunset, Elio – a reference to Helios, the sun god of ancient Greek mythology – is looking for an assistant who  can help him complete his arduous task. He has summoned a mysterious character outside the lighthouse:  the player, who is drawn into a night adventure around Italy to retrieve 20 sparks, light up the lighthouse and ensure the sun shines again. 

During their journey, the players will meet 5 Guardians, who will guide them to discover Nature, Cuisine, Art,  Performance, and Design, the 5 main sectors of the Italian cultural heritage. At the end of the journey, a huge surprise awaits the players: they will take Elio’s place, symbolically becoming the new Lighthouse Keeper,  with a mission to protect the country’s treasures. First, however, they will need to pass no less than 100  puzzle game levels, each one featuring a 3D reconstruction of an iconic Italian landmark, in a truly engaging journey to discover, step by step, the coast and mountains, cities and castles, traditions and myths of the country.  

From opera to baroque to famous movie soundtracks, the original scores in the video game are inspired by the great Italian classics. The music helps set the mood to a game that is also an engaging and informative learning tool for schools that teach Italian as a foreign language. 

Created for those already acquainted with Italy, as well as those who are not and want to learn more – while improving their grasp of the language –, ITALY. Land of Wonders can also serve as a travel guide, thanks to a  collection of 600 articles filled with stories, news and fun facts. 

As with all the cultural initiatives by italiana.esteri.it, ITALY. Land of Wonders is part of Italian MFA’s general post-Covid programming strategy aimed at supporting Italian cultural and creative sectors. 

Sharing excitement, Ambassador Lorenzo Angeloni, Director General for Cultural and Economic  Promotion and Innovation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said - "Today,  the mobile gaming market is one of the main channels for the diffusion of every type of content, including cultural and informative topics. It’s our job to leverage any opportunity we see to promote our country  and its culture to the world. This is why we have embraced the mobile platform and are communicating in a way that is innovative not only for our Ministry but also for Italy’s public administration in general.  We are engaging with a younger audience with “Italy. Land of wonders” and it is our objective to engage  people from all over the world and to get them interested in our country and its beauties, creating a 

sense of familiarity that can guide them, one day, to the actual discovery of our territories and our  products.” 

Adding to the above he said, “Italy. Land of wonders” isn’t just an enjoyable mobile game – it’s a real  Made in Italy product, skilfully mixing culture and technology. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of our country: it’s an adventure accessible to everyone to help discover the beauty, the creativity, and the taste

of Italy ". 

User can download the app on App Store and on Google Play. 

Appointment | JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu Appoints Industry Veteran Preetaya Guha As Executive Housekeeper

PREETAYA GUHA

JW MARRIOTT MUMBAI JUHU APPOINTS INDUSTRY VETERAN  PREETAYA GUHA AS EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER  

The flagship property of JW Marriott Hotels in India welcomes the new Executive Housekeeper who  possesses over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry.  

Mumbai, 22nd July, 2021 – JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is pleased to announce the appointment of  Preetaya Guha as the new Executive Housekeeper, effective as of July 2021. Preetaya will play a  pivotal role in leading the housekeeping operations at the iconic flagship hotel.  

Preetaya comes with an experience of 15 years in the hospitality industry, having previously  worked with prestigious brands such as The Oberoi and Trident Hotels. She is known to possess  excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills with proven abilities in team  management and guest relationship management. She is well-versed with modern housekeeping  techniques, optimum resource utilization strategies and the implementation of the highest safety  and hygiene standards within hotel operations. 

At the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, she will be instrumental in further enhancing the procedures of  Marriott International’s ‘Commitment to Clean’ program which ensures utmost safety and hygiene  for guests and associates across all functions. Preetaya and her team will drive their efforts towards  the overall maintenance of the hotel to enable smooth operations and ensure an elevated experience  for guests. 

About JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts  

JW Marriott is part of Marriott International’s luxury portfolio and consists of beautiful properties in gateway cities and distinctive resort locations around the world. These elegant hotels cater to  today’s sophisticated, self- assured travelers, offering them the quiet luxury they seek in a warmly  authentic, relaxed atmosphere lacking in pretense. JW Marriott properties artfully provide highly  crafted, anticipatory experiences that are reflective of their locale so that their guests have the time  to focus on what is most important to them. Currently, there are 70 JW Marriott hotels in 26  countries; by 2019 the portfolio is expected to encompass more than 100 properties in over 30  countries. Visit us online, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  

About Marriott International, Inc  

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and  encompasses a portfolio of more than 7,500 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 132  countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership  resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy™, its highly-awarded travel  program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest  company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and  @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

NEWS | Khyathi wins Social Media and PR mandate for The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa

Khyathi wins Social Media and PR mandate for The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa

Jaipur, July, 2021: The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, the luxury destination resort has handed over its social media and Public Relations mandate to Khyathi. As part of the mandate, the recently established sales and marketing agency will be creatively strategizing on social media management and media communications to promote its unique offerings and top-notch services. 

The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, surrounded by the picturesque Aravalis, is a part of the Marriott International chain, known for its wellness initiatives and rejuvenating ambience. The luxury destination resort featuring a host of five-star villas with plush furnishings and plunge pool is known for assimilating the culture and heritage of the Holy City of Pushkar with the modern ethos of the Westin brand.

“We are excited to be associated with The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, one of the best destination resorts in the country that has been recognized as a haven of wellness. We aim to strengthen and drive the brand’s visibility and positioning to create a strong consumer base for them offline and online. With the help of our comprehensive strategy in terms of social media content and PR” - quoted Varun Mehrotra, Co-Founder and CEO of Khyathi.

Khyathi assists their patrons to amplify their incremental revenues, gain a loyal customer base and market their name to become a known brand and expand their accounts. As a brand, they work to provide a variety of solutions for sales and marketing including digital and social media marketing, campaign strategizing, visual content creation, revenue maximization, content marketing and strategy and brand management amongst the others. 

Khyathi strives to bring well-deserved fame to the name. One can reach the company for a business association through https://khyathi.co/ or call on 8003995275/ 9828996887. 

About  Khyathi

Khyathi is an innovative agency that provides sales and marketing solutions to its clients as per their demands. We empower our clients to understand and promote their vision of growth and success. Our invaluable expertise works round the clock with the best business solutions to promote your organization in the competitive market.

The first of its kind in the world of outsource sales and marketing agencies in the country that caters especially to the hotels, Khyathi serves the brand, irrespective of the location.

NEWS | Carnival Corporation to Operate up to 75% of Fleet Capacity by End of 2021

World's largest cruise company continues building momentum for restarting cruise vacations with announced sailings to date on 54 ships through the end of 2021 across eight of its world-leading cruise line brands - Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard and P&O Cruises (UK)

MIAMI, July , 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world's largest cruise company, today announced that it expects to resume guest cruise operations with 65% of its total fleet capacity by the end of 2021 across eight of its world-leading cruise line brands. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line has announced plans that envision the brand's entire fleet returning to service by the end of 2021, which would further increase Carnival Corporation's total operating capacity to nearly 75% by the end of the year.

Eight of the company's nine brands – AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK), and Seabourn – have announced plans to resume guest operations on 54 ships to date through the end of 2021, with nearly half of the capacity represented by ships homeported in the U.S. In addition to those ships previously announced by the company's brands, Carnival Cruise Line's intent to return to full fleet service in 2021 would add another nine vessels, totaling 63 ships to date that is expected to resume guest operations this year. Further brand restart announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including resumption plans for more ships and itineraries for 2021.

Collectively, the brands are continuing to resume operations from ports around the world using a gradual, phased-in approach, including sailings in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, and Mediterranean, along with itineraries planned in Central America and to Antarctica, among others. The cruises include enhanced health protocols developed in conjunction with government and health authorities, and informed by guidance from the company's public health, epidemiological and policy experts.

The following summarizes Carnival Corporation's brand restart announcements to date through the end of 2021.

North America Brands:

• Carnival Cruise Line resumed guest cruise operations with three ships to date sailing out of two U.S. ports, Galveston and Miami, and has announced its intent to have 15 ships in operation by the end of October and to have its entire fleet sailing by the end of the year.

• Princess Cruises will resume guest cruise operations this weekend with its first ship sailing from Seattle to Alaska and will expand with a series of cruises around UK coastal waters in late July, as well as cruises out of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and California coast in the fall, with eight total ships expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

• Holland America Line will resume guest cruise operations this weekend with its first ship sailing from Seattle to Alaska, followed by sailings from Greece in August, and from Italy and Spain in September, as well as sailings to Mexico, Hawaii, the California coast and the Caribbean this fall for a total of six ships expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

• Seabourn resumed guest cruise operations with two ships to date sailing from Greece and Barbados, and plans to begin the Antarctica season in November with a third ship.

Europe & Asia Brands:

• Costa Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in May with sailings in Italy and Greece, and the line is now offering sailings to France and Spain, to be followed by sailings to Portugal and Turkey in September for a total of seven ships expected to be sailing in the Mediterranean by the end of the year.

• AIDA Cruises resumed guest cruise operations in March sailing in the Canary Islands and in May with sailings in Greece and Germany. The line is now offering additional sailings out of Germany as well as upcoming sailings in Spain, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands and the Persian Gulf from late July to December for a total of nine ships expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

• P&O Cruises (UK) resumed guest cruise operations with a series of summer sailings around UK coastal waters that started in June, and plans to expand to the Mediterranean, the Atlantic coast and the Caribbean starting in September for a total of four ships expected to be in operation by the end of the year.

• Cunard will resume guest cruise operations in August with one ship sailing UK coastal cruises, followed by sailings to the Iberian coast and Canary Islands, and plans to expand with a second ship returning to service in November with a combination of transatlantic crossings and Caribbean cruises.

The additional voyages build on recent restarts from five of the company's brands, including AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises, which have been sailing in Europe since March and May, respectively, as well as its P&O Cruises brand in the UK. Most recently, the company's Carnival Cruise Line brand resumed in early July from the U.S. along with its Seabourn brand, which restarted earlier this month in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

"With strong ongoing demand for cruising, we look forward to serving our guests with additional ships announced across eight of our brands and nearly three-quarters of our fleet capacity returning by the end of this year, marking an important milestone for our company and all those who rely on the strong economic impacts generated by the global cruise industry," said Roger Frizzell, chief communications officer for Carnival Corporation.

Frizzell added: "For our entire company, our highest responsibility and top priority is always compliance, environmental protection, and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, our shipboard and shoreside employees, and the communities we visit. Our ongoing restart effort closely reflects those priorities, as we continue to work together across the industry and with partners around the world to resume cruising in the best interest of public health."

In working with global and national health authorities and medical experts, as well as authorities in destination countries, the company's brands have developed a comprehensive set of health and safety protocols for protection and mitigation across the entire cruise experience for its initial cruises. This includes cross-industry learnings and best practices based on the proven health and safety record of industrywide sailings, and input from top science and health experts and health authorities.

Cautionary Note Concerning Factors That May Affect Future Results
Some of the statements, estimates or projections contained in this document are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions with respect to us, including some statements concerning our resuming of cruise operations in the US, Caribbean and Europe. These statements are intended to qualify for the safe harbors from liability provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts are statements that could be deemed forward-looking. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about our business and the industry in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. We have tried, whenever possible, to identify these statements by using words like "will," "may," "could," "should," "would," "believe," "depends," "expect," "goal," "anticipate," "forecast," "project," "future," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "target," "indicate," "outlook," and similar expressions of future intent or the negative of such terms.

Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, there are many factors that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements. This note contains important cautionary statements of the known factors that we consider could materially affect the accuracy of our forward-looking statements and adversely affect our resuming of risk operations.  Such risks, uncertainties and factors include the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

Forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange rules, we expressly disclaim any obligation to disseminate, after the date of this document, any updates or revisions to any such forward-looking statements to reflect any change in expectations or events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statements are based.

About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is one of the world's largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of nine of the world's leading cruise lines sailing to all seven continents. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia, its portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK), and Cunard.

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Appointment | JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Aparna Passi as Director of Human Resources

In her new role, Passi will be responsible for aligning HR policies and programs to drive optimal employee performance and to accomplish corporate goals and objectives.

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has announced the appointment of Aparna Passi as the new ‘Director of Human Resources. In her new role, Passi will be responsible for aligning HR policies and programs to drive optimal employee performance and to accomplish corporate goals and objectives.

Passi joins JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar with a rich and diverse experience of over a decade in this industry. A holder of a B.SC. a degree she went on to work in various properties of The Oberoi Group of hotels, JW Marriott in Mumbai as well as real estate giant Kalpataru Limited.

Apart from being a certified hospitality educator and senior human resource professional, Passi is a passionate public speaker and a dynamic human resource professional with extensive experience in recruitment, retention, compensation, training and customer service.

She is also known for her excellent communication skills, proficiency in planning, budgeting and forecasting, Aparna has demonstrated the ability to collaborate with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives.

With over a decade of experience in this industry, she built her repertoire of expertise in Kolkata, Mumbai, Dubai and Ajman. It is her belief that each pupil must traverse their own journey and through practice all can achieve professionalism.

Commenting on her appointment, Passi says, “I am ecstatic about re-joining Marriott International and for my new role as Director of Human Resources at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. I believe that through passion and dedication one can overcome any hurdle and that every expert was once a beginner. I look forward to contributing to the success of the hotel and being part of a dynamic leadership team of professionals at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar.”

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NEWS | Signature campaign begins against JDA move to raze Laxmi Vilas Hotel

The members put forward the demand in front of the state government to roll back its decision and do not construct any museum inside Central Park.

The Central Park Bachao Sangharsh Samiti on Tuesday started a two-day signature campaign to protest against the Jaipur Development Authority’s (JDA) move to demolish the historic Laxmi Vilas Hotel and construct a new building in its place for the proposed Gandhi museum.

The samiti claimed, on the first day more than 800 people participated in the campaign and expressed that JDA should not utilize taxpayers’ money to construct Rs 100-cr museum after razing the existing building. Rather, it should be utilised for public.

The banner of the samiti read ‘Mai Central Park, Mujhe Central Park he rahene do’. People from all walks of life including regular morning walkers, environmentalists, and residents who are not favoring the government’s move have signed during the campaign.

The members put forward the demand in-front of the state government to roll back its decision and do not construct any museum inside the Central Park.

Samiti presiden, Yogesh Yadav said, “The successive government are providing benefit to influential after acquiring land in the name of public utility. At present, nearly 256 bigha of public land has been utilised by the club authority. The entire government land is 322 bigha, out of which Central Park has been developed on 66 bighas. Most land is under the club’s possession with no government control. More establishments such as museums will tamper the sanity of the city’s biggest park.”

As thousands of morning walkers and joggers come to Central Park daily and the number is increasing steadily, the protester’s claims, that land should be reserved for expansion or existing building should be dedicated to public.

Marudhar Singh, opposing the move said, “Museum in the park makes no sense. If the government want to benefit the public, it should develop the existing building into a fitness centre. Taxpayers’ money should be utilised thinking twice, and not wasted. Moreover, Central Park length or breadth should be increased as the number of walkers have increased with times.”

The JDA, however, has cleared it stand that the building will not be demolished without inviting objection and suggestion.

A senior official of the JDA said, “Not an inch park land is used for construction. The land use of the hotel land is commercial/recreational and move will save the land forever.”

New Opening | Jumboking now at T2 departures, Mumbai

The outlet is located outside Terminal departure and is accessible to everyone.

Jumbo king, a homegrown chain of Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) in Western India, announced the opening of its outlet at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The outlet is located outside Terminal departure and is accessible to everyone. It will be open to service 24 hours every day. This will be the second outlet at T2, the first one was opened at arrivals, three years earlier on 19th June 2018.

Dheeraj Gupta Founder of Jumboking said, "Airports are the hub of an on-the-go life. Jumbo king caters primarily to people going places, literally and figuratively."

The outlet serves the widest range of delicious vegetarian burgers. It also serves thick shakes, fries, wraps, and softy. The outlets cater to an on-the-go audience comprising young working professionals, students, and anyone conscious of hygienic snacking.

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NEWS | Food and beverage coastal workers left high & dry

With the food and beverage sector in Mumbai hard-hit by the second wave, families in coastal Karnataka are feeling the heat.

With the food and beverage sector in Mumbai hard-hit by the second wave, families in coastal Karnataka are feeling the heat. About 65 percent of hotels, restaurants, and catering services are either owned or run by entrepreneurs from Karnataka.

During the second wave, many hoteliers committed suicide because they were unable to meet financial obligations. The most recent was Karunakaran B Puthran, 48, who ran a hotel in Virar in Palghar district. He was from Karkala, Udupi district.

“Close to 35 percent of restaurants are on the verge of closure,” said Chandrahas K Shetty, former president, Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), Mumbai, and president, Bunts Sangha Mumbai.

“There is no support from the state government on waiver of license fees, electricity, bank loans, or taxes,” said Chandrahas. “The second lockdown was a big blow. Currently, the sector can operate till 4 pm, which does not serve the purpose. If there is a third lockdown, it will be the final nail in the coffin.”

Most hotels are taken on rent or lease. Yermal Harish Shetty, owner, Hotel Link View, Borivali West, said, “During the first wave, some owners gave some relaxations. When restrictions were lifted, they began demanding pending rent. It’s difficult to shake off this financial crisis unless the government steps in,” said Yermal, who employs close to 400 people in various hotels.

The lack of a floating population is another issue. Shanker B Shetty, the owner of Hotel Shreya Palace in Virar West, said: “There is a rumor of another lockdown in August. If there is one, we do not know what our situation will be.”

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Hyatt News | Hyatt Announces the Opening of Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay

Hyatt Announces the Opening of Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay

Overlooking the scenic Tokyo Bay and close to central Tokyo, the 350-room Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay offers guests an urban retreat to relax and recharge

CHICAGO (July , 2021) - Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay. The newly renovated 350-room urban resort is located in Urayasu city in the Chiba Prefecture and offers panoramic views of Tokyo Bay. It is close to premier attractions such as Tokyo Disney Resort®, the entertainment and shopping district of Odaiba, and Makuhari Messe, one of Japan’s largest convention centers. The property is just 30 minutes by train or car from central Tokyo.  

Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay is the eighth Hyatt Regency branded hotel in Japan. Hyatt is strategically growing its presence across the country from major cities to resort destinations, including in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Kyoto, Hakone, and Okinawa.

“We are proud to introduce the Hyatt Regency brand in Urayasu city and to welcome guests to this urban oasis which, with its picturesque views of Tokyo Bay, offers guests and their families a premium experience,” said Haruhiko Fujino, general manager, Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay. “The hotel is ideal for guests looking for a comfortable and relaxing getaway close to Tokyo and is a convenient base for visiting attractions in the area. Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay has been thoughtfully designed to provide seamless productivity and peace of mind, allowing our guests to make special memories with their loved ones.”  

Guestrooms

Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay features 350 guestrooms, including 10 spacious suites starting at 581 square feet (54 square meters to 1,733 square feet (161 square meters) and 40 club rooms on the ninth floor and above. The Regency Club lounge, located on the ground floor, has a garden view and offers exclusive experiences for guests staying in a suite or club rooms. Many guestrooms have ocean views with some offering a spacious terrace. There are also guestrooms with three beds for more space and kid-friendly rooms with fun amenities including a tented bed to keep children entertained. The contemporary interiors are rendered in natural woods with highlights of blue and teal, inspired by the refreshing views of Tokyo Bay.

Dining

With four restaurants and bars, the hotel features a range of culinary experiences to tempt the taste buds of every guest.  Exciting international cuisine with a European flair can be enjoyed at The Garden Brasserie & Bar, an all-day dining restaurant based on the concept of an European brasserie surrounded by lush greenery with seats facing a park. Sushi Ema is a traditional Edomae sushi restaurant where guests can enjoy carefully selected seasonal ingredients while seated at a counter crafted from a single hinoki cypress plank in a tasteful Japanese setting. At Teppanyaki Fukitei, chefs prepare creative and dynamic meals with premium Matsusaka beef, seafood and seasonal vegetables that are prepared to highlight their unique flavors. The Rooftop Bar offers a resort-like atmosphere with a panoramic view of Tokyo Bay and is an ideal spot to enjoy a cocktail.

Meetings and Events

Along with the Garden Terrace suited for outdoor gatherings, Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay offers two function rooms, each spanning 1,055 square feet (98 square meters) totaling 2,110 square feet (196 square meters) of event space.

Equipped with projectors, audio equipment and soundproofing, the meeting spaces can be used for hosting virtual meetings and presentations, a formal dinner, or after-wedding party – all supported by Hyatt’s catering expertise and exceptional service. 

Fitness

Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay offers a 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment and a stretching area for yoga and weight training. Guests can also enjoy a refreshing run on the jogging paths along the seafront.

For more information about Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay, please visit here.

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: global-care-and-cleanliness-commitment.

World of Hyatt Gives Members 500 Reasons to Stay Somewhere New

To provide World of Hyatt members even more ways to be rewarded, World of Hyatt is offering members the opportunity to earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay till October 31, 2021, as part of World of Hyatt’s new hotel member offer. Additional participating hotels and their offer stay periods can be found at worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus. No registration is required, and members can earn on top of other offers.

Terms & Conditions

Offer valid for 500 Bonus Points for each qualifying night stayed by World of Hyatt members in good standing during a hotel’s offer period at participating hotels and resorts. Offer valid at participating hotels and resorts for stays with a checkout date during each hotel’s offer period.  For each hotel’s offer period, visit worldofhyatt.com/newhotelbonus. To be eligible for this offer you must be a World of Hyatt member in good standing at time of reservation and stay, stay at a participating hotel with a checkout date during that hotel’s offer period, provide your World of Hyatt membership number at time of check-in, and either pay an Eligible Rate or redeem a free night award. An “Eligible Rate” and “Ineligible Rate” are defined in the World of Hyatt Terms and Conditions (located at worldofhyatt.com/terms). Only one point bonus may be earned per member, per stay, regardless of the number of rooms booked.  Only the room occupied by the member will count toward this offer.  Two or more consecutive nights at the same hotel will be deemed one stay. All points awarded under this offer are Bonus Points. This offer is subject to the complete terms and conditions of the World of Hyatt program. Please allow 3-4 weeks after travel is completed for World of Hyatt Bonus Points to be credited to your Account.  To join World of Hyatt, visit worldofhyatt.com. Qualifying nights will automatically be tracked when you provide your World of Hyatt membership number at check-in. A limited number of rooms are allocated to this offer, reservations subject to availability. Offer not valid with groups, conventions, other promotional offers, tour packages or special rate programs. Promotional blackout periods may apply due to seasonal periods or special events, and normal arrival/departure restrictions apply. Hyatt reserves the right to alter or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. The trademarks Hyatt®, World of Hyatt® and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation or its affiliates. © 2021 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

About Hyatt Regency

The Hyatt Regency brand prides itself on making travel free from stress and filled with success. More than 200 conveniently located Hyatt Regency urban and resort locations in more than 30 countries around the world serve as the go-to gathering space for every occasion – from efficient personalized, high-touch business meetings to energizing family vacations. The brand offers stress-free environments for seamless gatherings and empathetic service that anticipates guests’ needs. Designed for productivity and peace of mind, Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts offer a full range of services and amenities, including the space to work, engage or relax; notable culinary experiences; technology-enabled ways to collaborate; and expert meeting and event planners who can take care of every detail. For more information, please visit hyattregency.com. Follow @HyattRegency on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with #HyattRegency.

NEWS| Cunard returns to international waters this winter with over 40 new voyages

New “Grand Escape Voyages” to the Caribbean, Western Europe, the Baltics, the Iberian Coast, Atlantic Islands and Asia on sale July 21, 2021

Valencia, CA - July , 2021 -  
Cunard has announced over 40 new voyages across its fleet in 2021 and 2022.

The “Grand Escape Voyages” will range from two to 40 night sailings, visiting more than 49 destinations on board flagship Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth.

Queen Mary 2 will resume her iconic transatlantic crossings in November, 2021 before sailing new short breaks in Western Europe followed by three winter sailings to the Caribbean.  Guests can enjoy the flexibility of embarking the Caribbean voyages from Southampton, New York, Fort Lauderdale or Hamburg with overnight calls in Bridgetown and Barbados as well as visiting St. Maarten and Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Kitts.

Queen Victoria will mark her return to sailing in April, 2022 with three new roundtrip itineraries from Southampton, visiting 11 countries, treating guests to time ashore in destinations such as Copenhagen, Helsinki, Tallinn and Gdynia, together with overnight calls in Amsterdam, Lisbon and St Petersburg.

Following her summer exploring Britain’s coastline, Queen Elizabeth will depart on a series of new sailings from Southampton to Western Europe followed by the Iberian Coast and the Atlantic Islands. Overnight port stays include Lisbon and Funchal as well as late departures from Malaga, offering time to experience these destinations after dark.

In late February, Queen Elizabeth will depart for Asia, sailing through the Suez Canal to Dubai, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, where she will resume her scheduled programme in April.

Cunard President Simon Palethorpe said, “We are delighted to announce these new voyages which will mark the full fleet’s return to sailing. Our guests have patiently waited to sail on their favourite Cunard Queen and our 2021 and 2022 itineraries offer a variety of exciting holidays to suit all combined with the impeccable White Star Service on board that makes a Cunard voyage so memorable.”

Guests who book a “Grand Escape Voyage” by September 30, 2021 on voyages six to 52 nights will receive the Cunard Double Upgrade from Inside to Balcony, Free Onboard Credit up to $600 per stateroom, Hotel and Dining Service Charge included, Reduced Deposit, and Grill Suite guests will also enjoy Free Drinks and Free Internet.

The “Grand Escape Voyages” new itineraries go on sale July 21, 2021 at 9am EST / 2pm GMT.

Example fares

M206H Queen Mary 2 Westbound transatlantic crossing, departs Feb 15, 2022
Savour the unrivalled romance of sailing Transatlantic from Southampton to New York on this 7 night Queen Mary 2 crossing, with the freedom to indulge in the things you love each day you’re on board. Balcony fares start from $1,399 pp based on double occupancy.

M206I Queen Mary 2 Eastern Caribbean, departs Feb 22, 2022
Escape the New York winter for Caribbean sun on this 14 night voyage, which marries time ashore in Saint Maarten and Dominica with the tropical delights of Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Barbados. Balcony fares start from $2,599 pp based on double occupancy.

Q133Q Queen Elizabeth Atlantic Islands, departs November 15, 2021
The sun havens of Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are among the islands you’ll visit on this 14 night roundtrip sailing from Southampton which also offers an overnight call in Madeira. Balcony fares start from $1,999 pp based on double occupancy.

Q209N Queen Elizabeth Southampton to Dubai, departs February 20, 2022
This 20 night Southampton to Dubai crossing gives you time ashore in Spain, Greece, Jordan and Oman, with the chance to visit the UNESCO-listed ‘Lost City’ of Petra; one of many highlights to savour. Balcony fares start from $3,599 pp based on double occupancy.

V210N Queen Victoria St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer, departs April 27, 2022
The UNESCO old town of Tallinn, endearingly hip Copenhagen and the pretty Lithuanian town of Klaipeda, with its 18th century houses, are among the highlights of this 16 night Baltics voyage. Balcony fares start from $4,499 pp based on double occupancy.

V211N Queen Victoria Western Europe departs May 15, 2022
An overnight call offers the chance to enjoy dinner or a drink in Lisbon by night, while Vigo’s old quarter reveals many ancient treasures to admire, including the neoclassical Church of Santa Maria. Balcony fares start from $1,599 pp based on double occupancy.

About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 181 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world-class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable.

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NEWS | Anantara Welcomes Back International Guests to Thailand's Famous Islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

Anantara Welcomes Back International Guests to
Thailand's Famous Islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan

After 18 months of borders closed to international travellers, Thailand’s stunning islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are reopening today!! Vaccinated travellers can enjoy an idyllic holiday at Anantara in Bophut and Lawana on Koh Samui and Rasananda on Koh Phangan with minimal travel restrictions.

Guests can once again enjoy the Gulf of Thailand’s pristine national parks, untouched beaches, and unforgettable cultural sites. Muay Thai classes, Spice Spoons cooking classes and unique Dining by Designs along with pampering experiences at Anantara Spa, such as yoga, meditation and exercise classes will enhance guest stays at each resort.

Anantara’s three resorts are SHA+ approved in accordance with local government and World Health Organisation guidelines. Additional measures include all team members being fully vaccinated plus the implementation of Anantara’s “Stay with Peace of Mind” programme - a rigorous set of sanitation procedures and social distancing measures to ensure guest safety

New Opening | IHC's American Diner gets a new name

While the menu and décor of the restaurant will remain the same, the name of the restaurant has been changed as the Old World Hospitality’s (which handled all restaurants at IHC) contract to run the hospitality and cultural facilities at IHC is over.

or nearly decades, The All American Diner remained a favorite hangout spot for visitors of all age groups. Long lunches under the winter sun in its outdoor seating area or discussions over many cups of coffee became a tradition with many who frequented the spot. Given its popularity, the news that The All American Diner will no longer exist at India Habitat Centre (IHC) was disappointing to many. But to their relief, the popular restaurant has just changed its name to Habitat Hub, which is now open at IHC.

While the menu and décor of the restaurant will remain the same, the name of the restaurant has been changed as the Old World Hospitality’s (which handled all restaurants at IHC) contract to run the hospitality and cultural facilities at IHC is over. As per reports, IHC now will directly manage Habitat Hub (The All American Diner).

“While we created several restaurant brands at IHC, The All American Diner truly occupies a special place for all of Delhi and also in our hearts. We carry wonderfully warm memories of our tenure at IHC. A whole generation of kids grew up on the Diner and what is unique is that its clientele straddles every generation. A chef from a Diner in California was brought in and the bestselling menu has lasted two decades - with minor tweaks. This was the first American Diner to open in India over two decades ago. We have been inundated with offers from restaurateurs wishing to convert their restaurants into The All American Diner both in Delhi and Gurgaon and are evaluating options. As soon as we get the right location, we shall reopen our doors,” reads a statement from the Old World Hospitality.

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Marriott International and PCMA announce collaboration to provide PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification course

Event and meeting professionals will have the opportunity to be certified upon booking at participating Marriott Bonvoy Events across Asia Pacific.

Marriott International and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) announced a collaboration to provide the Asia Pacific region’s business events community access to PCMA’s Digital Event Strategist (DES) certification course. Event and meeting professionals will have the opportunity to be certified upon booking at participating Marriott Bonvoy Events across Asia Pacific.

Digital and hybrid event education has proven to be critical as economies begin to reopen and where reskilling is paramount to future-proof events. The DES course is a self-paced, 6-course module supported by APAC Regional Experts that provide local expertise and hybrid event insights and commences with a final exam.

Today, relationships and business models are ever-changing,” said Karen Bolinger, Managing Director APAC at PCMA. “Working with Marriott is a testament to PCMA’s commitment to its partners and industry as we continue to develop and deliver the necessary support and education both our members and clients need and want. In fact, PCMA’s most recent APAC survey indicated that over 70% of meeting planners are looking for venues with broadcast facilities and in-house expertise, and 80% of respondents said they will give their in-person and virtual event attendees an opportunity to interact. This means new skills are required to deliver on these business objectives.”

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NEWS | Drunken Monkey eyes New Delhi and Mumbai for expansion in 2021-22

The brand plans to open 50 stores in the two mega cities.

Drunken Monkey eyes New Delhi and Mumbai for expansion in 2021-22. The brand cumulatively plans to open 50 stores in Delhi and Mumbai by the end of 2021-22. Founded by Samrat Reddy, it runs on a franchisee model of operation throughout the country and has clocked a turnover of INR 60 crores in 2020-2021.

During the beginning of the financial year, Drunken Monkey had decided to expand to the length and breadth of the country with a major focus in North India and the metros. Having spread their mantra of staying Naturally High across the country, Drunken Monkey is now concentrating on expanding not only in India but also overseas.

According to Samrat Reddy, Founder and Managing Director at Drunken Monkey, "Drunken Monkey as a brand had started the dialogue on health and wellness way before the pandemic. We knew that the paramount aspect of human life is our health, and that should be nurtured with utmost care. As the saying goes 'what we consume is what we are' - natural healthy food is the only way to go.”

Reddy further mentioned, “We are now on a mission to spread our wings to multiple areas so that fresh fruit smoothies are easily accessible to everyone and that too at an affordable price. We want to make smoothie bars a trend in India so that the youth can see it as a place of leisure accompanied with healthy food."

During the pandemic, Drunken Monkey has also launched Flying Monkey Foundation. It is a foundation that inspires people to embrace life by feeling beautiful, young, and full of energy. Samrat Reddy who is a fitness and sports enthusiast believes indulging in SPORTS is a simple, and fundamental way of reconnecting with the authentic inner self by naturally engaging the body and mind in unison.

Drunken Monkey smoothies are presently available across 50 plus cities pan India including key cities like Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata.

NEWS | Tourist nos in Nainital, Mussoorie down by 50% after mandatory hotel bookings, strict Covid report checks

Hoteliers said that often tourists arrive without prior bookings but now they were being turned away. A hotelier in Mussoorie said that on Friday and Saturday, a number of tourists were turned away by police for not carrying hotel booking slips

Tourist footfalls declined by as much as half in Mussoorie and Nainital this weekend as strict Covid-related checks kicked in. While hotel bookings were made mandatory last week to enter both hill stations, police teams also started thorough inspection of Covid- negative test reports.

Compared with the past few weekends when hotels in Mussoorie had recorded 100 percent occupancy, bookings nosedived to 40 percent to 50 percent this weekend. In Nainital, many top hotels had barely 20 percent occupancy on Sunday. Sandeep Sahni, president of Uttarakhand Hotels' Association, said that tourist footfall had declined drastically by half in hill stations.

“A number of factors have contributed to the decline in tourist rush. The administration has become very strict and there has also been some negative publicity after a video of a large number of tourists taking a dip at Kempty Falls went viral. Heavy rainfall over the past week has also caused people to change travel plans,” Sahni said.

Those associated with the tourism industry said that with the arrival of the monsoon, chances of tourism picking up in the next few weeks were slim.

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New Opening | IHCL announces the opening of IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Haridwar

With a rich ancestry that traces back to over a century, Pilibhit House is an aristocratic mansion set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, at the foothills of the Shivalik mountains.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the opening of Pilibhit House, an IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. With a rich ancestry that traces back to over a century, Pilibhit House is an aristocratic mansion set on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, at the foothills of the Shivalik mountains.

Taljinder Singh, Senior Vice President - South Mumbai and SeleQtions, IHCL, said, “With its spellbinding landscapes ringed by the lofty Himalayas, Uttarakhand is not only a nature lover’s delight but also known for its many pilgrimage sites. With Pilibhit House, IHCL steps into the holy city of Haridwar located on the banks of the river Ganga. The addition of this destination in IHCL’s portfolio will help create new circuits in the state with Rishikesh, Corbett, and Haridwar, for both domestic and international travellers.”

The 35 artfully restored rooms and graceful suites are wrapped around a serene courtyard, with balconies offering panoramic views of the Ganges and the Shivalik mountains. The restaurant, Dining Room, offers delicious vegetarian food with a range of international cuisines and local delicacies, including some recipes from the home kitchen of the ancestral family. The open-air Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to unwind with finger foods.

Guests can enjoy a Ganga Aarti at its own private bathing ghat at Pilibhit House or Yoga at the Ganges Deck. Jiva Spa, with its age old Indian healing techniques and finest natural ingredients, offers wellness and meditation with expert instructors. Guests can trace decades of their ancestry with a private session of genealogy. The other curated experiences that evoke the four spiritual stages of life include an offbeat holy tour, trip to ashrams, a forest riverbed picnic and a wetland tour of the Chiriyapur Forest Range.

“Pilibhit House, located close to the famous Har Ki Pauri, offers an authentic flavour of the legendary city of Haridwar. We look forward to welcoming guests as they explore Haridwar’s rich history, which goes back thousands of years, through the lens of the curated and immersive experiences that we have to offer,” said Amit Kumar, General Manager, Pilibhit House – IHCL SeleQtions hotel.

New Opening | Avartana reopens at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai

Senior Executive Chef Ajit Bangera on what’s new at the dinner-only restaurant and plans for the future starting with an exciting new menu to be introduced soon.

Avartana, (pronounced avartann) the modern Indian restaurant at the ITC Grand Chola A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai is about to reopen its doors on Friday night, July 15. The restaurant, which has been pushing the boundaries of Indian food and made it to the top 100 list of Asia’s best restaurants, is led by Senior Executive Chef ITC Grand Chola, Ajit Bangera.

Mr. Bangera is about shutting down and reopening this icon to modern Indian cuisine. “We as well as a lot of our customers were very disappointed when we had to shut down. You can’t imagine the number of calls we are getting to ask when we will reopen,” Bangera said—that wait is finally over tonight.

While they would open with their old menu, guests would not need to wait for too long before Bangera and his team plan to launch a new set of offerings for diners.

As for what the new menu will contain? “The surprise element is what is important, the wow factor is what is important. We want to go a level higher. We've got some new elements coming out there. I don't want to disclose them right now. But some new ideas, new thoughts, new ways of expressing ourselves. The idea for Avartana is that we feel we need to keep getting better—in progressing. You can't be sitting where you are, especially in our food business,” Bangera said when asked.

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EVENT | Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre celebrates Bonalu with a special brunch

To cherish our rich culture and celebrate the traditional festival of Bonalu, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre is bringing you some delightful and authentic Telangana meal options, specially curated by our chefs.

This Bonalu, dive into a plethora of sumptuous food items in a mix featuring delicious local themed cuisines only at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre. This authentic experience will be available only on July 25th, starting at noon. 

Brunch Details  

Brunch date: July 25th 

Brunch time: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM 

Price – Buffet Brunch 2099+ Taxes 

For Reservations & More Details Please call –9642326162