Marriott Bonvoy and American Express Enhance Small Business Card with Refreshed Travel, Business and Global Dining Rewards

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card now offers small business Card Members new benefits like a 7% room rate discount on eligible bookings at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, with no increase to the Card’s annual fee.

Today, Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program, and American Express® (NYSE: AXP) unveiled changes to the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, designed to help small business owners turn their business expenses into meaningful travel rewards. Effective today, the Card now provides new and existing Card Members with a 7% Room Rate Discount on eligible bookings at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, 4X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants, now worldwide, and complimentary Gold Elite status, in addition to all the Card’s existing benefits.

“The rich, new benefits will help Card Members owning and working for small businesses stretch their travel dollars much further and reward them for being a part of the engine that drives the U.S. economy,” said David Flueck, Senior Vice President, Global Loyalty, Marriott International. “Hard working Small Business Card Members who spend many nights traveling for business can now earn points toward vacations and getaways with family and friends even faster when staying at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels and using their Card for everyday expenses.”

“Small business owners have weathered many challenges over the past few years, pivoted their strategies, and are now looking to get back on track with how they run their business,” said Courtney Kelso, Executive Vice President & General Manager of Global Commercial Card, American Express. “This includes hitting the road again for client meetings, networking, new business pitches and more. Now, these Card Members can make the most of their business and leisure travel with our enhanced Marriott Bonvoy® Business Card and the ability to earn even more valuable points and rewards.”

According to new data from an American Express survey1, 82% of small business leaders surveyed say that discounted room rates are an important decision factor when booking travel, while 78% say they would extend their trip if they had a discount on rooms.

The survey also found that nearly three-fourths (73%) of respondents agree that having status with a hospitality brand impacts where they book overnight accommodations when traveling for business. In addition, a majority (67%) of small business leaders have plans to travel for work in the next one to three months, and 77% agree that they are mixing work and pleasure, wanting to extend their next business trip to also get in some personal vacation time.

New and Enhanced Benefits for Small Business Owners
The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express® Card will maintain the same $125 annual fee2, while providing Card Members with even more value with new and enhanced benefits including:

• 7% Marriott Bonvoy® Room Rate Discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy3 when booked directly. Terms apply.

• 4X Marriott Bonvoy® points at restaurants worldwide

• Complimentary Gold Elite status

Continue to Enjoy Existing Card Benefits
In addition to the new benefits, Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express Card Members can also continue to enjoy these existing benefits:

• Annual Free Night Award - Receive one Free Night Award every year after Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award spending $60,000 in purchases on the Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.

• 15 Elite Night Credits - Each calendar year Card Members can receive 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status - Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy® member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express®. Terms apply.

• No foreign transaction fees2.

• Opportunity to earn:
  
  

  • 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®.

  • 4X Marriott Bonvoy® points on U.S. gas station purchases, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. shipping purchases

  • 2X Marriott Bonvoy® points on all other eligible purchases

The enhanced Card benefits described above will also be enjoyed by cardmembers who have the Marriott Bonvoy® Premier Plus Business Credit Card from Chase, which is no longer available to new applicants.

New, Valuable Welcome Offer
To celebrate the refreshed Card benefits, eligible new Card Members who apply and are approved for the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express® Card can earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points after they spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on the Card in the first three months. The offer is available through August 31, 2022. Terms and conditions apply. To learn more about the new benefits and welcome offer for new Card Members, please visit the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express® Cards .

1 Methodology: This Morning Consult poll was conducted between June 17-June 19, 2022, among a national sample of 500 small business owners and financial decision makers who plan to travel for business in the near future. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus four percentage points.

2 For more information on rates and fees, visit the American Express® Business Cards website.

3 Exclusions include: Design HotelsTM, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Marriott Grand Residence Club®, Vistana Signature NetworkTM, Vistana Residence Network, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club®, All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy®, and Homes & Villas by Marriott International®.

About Marriott International
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 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 www.marriott.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy®, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. Marriott Bonvoy’s® portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, as well as through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences, including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy® Moments, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy® Boutiques. With the Marriott Bonvoy® app, members enjoy a level of personalization and contactless experience that allows them to travel with peace of mind. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy®, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, visit www.mobile-app.marriott.com. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy® on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About American Express
American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at www.americanexpress.com and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

One Rep Global appointed India Representative for Dwarika’s Group of Hotels & Resorts, Nepal

One Rep Global appointed India Representative for Dwarika’s Group of Hotels & Resorts, Nepal

Gurgaon - India, July 2022: One Rep Global has been appointed India representative for Nepal’s premier hospitality brand, Dwarika’s Group of Hotels & Resorts, which operates Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu and Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel. Host to international celebrities, royalty and official dignitaries, both properties are epitome of luxury complemented with authentic Nepali hospitality, finesse and grace.

Established in 1972, the Dwarika’s Hotel, Kathmandu has become synonymous to a ‘living museum’ as it continues to preserve, restore and revive Nepal’s historic, cultural and architectural heritage. Started as the founder, Mr. Dwarika Das Shrestha’s quest to rescue intricately carved wooden masterpieces that were being used as firewood, the hotel has evolved to become one of the biggest sanctuaries for original carved woodworks. With an in-house heritage and training workshop, Dwarika’s continues to rescue and restore original wooden artefacts to this day as its impressive collection displays original wooden masterpieces dating as far back as the 13th century. Located 10 minutes from Tribhuwan International Airport and within a stone’s throw from Pashupatinath Temple, the hotel offers a unique sense of tranquil and private space immersed in historic architectural style, reminiscence of Malla era grandeur of the Kathmandu valley.

Likewise, tucked away amid 25 acres of preserved jungle on the beautiful hills of Dhulikhel, the all-suite Dwarika’s Resort offers pure escapism with a touch of spiritual charm. The 40-suite luxury resort represents unpretentious luxury, exuding the ambiance of an opulent residential compound. The resort draws its inspiration from the Himalayan holistic lifestyle which beliefs in the need to maintain harmony between the body, mind, spirit, and Earth for a peaceful life. And its design respects and accentuates the pristine qualities of its picturesque natural setting. Intimate and serene features blend seamlessly into the dense mountainous foliage, living spaces are available both indoors and outdoors along with dining, yoga classes, and spa treatments overlooking the Himalayan splendor.

René Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, Executive Director, Dwarika‘s Group said, “The Dwarika‘s Group of Hotels and Resorts is extremely excited to start our journey with One Rep Global tapping into the Indian luxury tourism market. We believe to have found the perfect partner that understands & shares our values and that will allow us to maximize our sales potential in the Indian market. Due to Nepal’s deep cultural connection with India, the beauty of the Himalayas, the close proximity and Nepal’s pleasant climate, we are certain that the Indian market offers huge scope. We are eager to explore this scope with One Rep Global.”

Hemant Mediratta, Founder - One Rep Global commented, “I instantly fell in love when I first visited Dwarika's Kathmandu about 20 years ago. Charmed by its grandeur, beauty and heritage, it reflects escapism, spirituality and harmony in a picturesque natural setting. It's our privilege to represent such a magnificent hotel deep-rooted in Nepalese culture. The evolved Indian luxury traveller would truly appreciate the value that Dwarika’s offers. The Dwarika's Kathmandu and Dhulikhel are the perfect combination for an experiential 5-night Nepal itinerary, ideal for HNI FITs, family travel, small corporate groups and high-end incentives."

The evolved Indian luxury traveller would truly appreciate the value that Dwarika offers. Dwarika's Kathmandu and Dhulikhel are the perfect combination for an experiential 5-night Nepal itinerary, ideal for HNI FITs, family travel, small corporate groups and high-end incentives.'

One Rep Global will exclusively represent Dwarika’s Hotel Kathmandu and Dwarika’s Resort Dhulikhel in India for sales and marketing outreach.

goibibo consolidates its position as the second largest OTA brand with 65% jump in transacting users since January 2022

go ibibo consolidates its position as the second largest OTA brand with 65% jump in transacting users since January 2022

New Delhi, July 2022: Goibibo, India’s leading online travel brand, has been successful in consolidating its position as the second largest OTA brand in the country with a sustained focus on offering valued-based, tech-enabled products innovations attuned to the needs of the conscious traveller. The consolidation is further validated by a 65% increase in transacting users since January 2022.

Alongside, goibibo has been seeing positive momentum coming in from tier II, III and beyond markets. Currently, nearly 48% of new users and app downloads are from smaller towns across the country. Complementing this growth, the brand has also been seeing an uptick in users who opt for segment-specific features including Price Lock for flights and goConfirmed ticket for trains segment, and innovative price offerings such as Daily Steal Deals that promise more value and added benefits when booking travel. 

Sharing his thoughts on continuing to add more value-based products for the benefit of travellers, Vipul Prakash, Chief Operating Officer at Goibibo shared “We are delighted with the traction that our recent value driven innovations have delivered. Our strong push on innovations in order to ensure that goibibo is positioned as the first port of call for the conscious traveller will continue as we attempt to further consolidate our position as India’s second largest OTA brand.”

Amongst a slew of industry-first value-based features, goibibo recently added ammo to its unique ‘Daily Steal Deals’ which offers bargains to customers every day. With more than 2000 steal worthy deals that are refreshed every day, travellers can avail benefits of up to 50% on hotels and flights. Ever since its launch earlier this year, this offering has attracted more than 700,000 users –making the brand a congregation point for value seeking travellers.

Similarly, another youth-focused proposition from Goibibo’s wide gamut of offerings namely, Youth Program, has attracted more 230,000 youth as members - as they hunt for especially curated travel benefits and co-branded offers. In the coming months, as travel accelerates further, the brand is aiming to double down on its efforts to conceptualize and introduce new and innovative youth-based offerings.

Goibibo has also been focusing on introducing products that promise ease in booking and secures customers against any last-minute travel disruptions. For instance, goConfirmed ticket that helps train passengers with 3X refund for an unconfirmed ticket before chart preparation has been seeing a month-on-month increase in volume. Records indicate that one in every four passengers with an unconfirmed ticket opted for this feature. Moreover, nearly 30% passengers who are offered a 3X refund for an unconfirmed train ticket opt for a flight or cab against their booking, 45% opt for an upgrade in the train class and 25%-30% opt for an AC bus. Through goConfirmed ticket and other convenience-based offerings, goibibo continues to deliver on its promise of making travel hassle-free for its users.

About Goibibo

goibibo, is India’s second largest OTA brand, that provides range of options for flight ticketing, hotel bookings, train ticketing, bus ticketing, inter-city cabs and ancillary travel offerings. Through its mobile app and website, travellers can search, plan and book a wide range of travel services. The brand’s core differentiator is in the value-based and traveller-first offerings that promises an elevated user experience and superior value for all travellers.  

GOURMET CHEESE MAKER “CREMEITALIA” RAISES CAPITAL WORTH USD 600,000 FROM Mr. B L TAPARIA FAMILY OFFICE

GOURMET CHEESE MAKER “CREMEITALIA” RAISES CAPITAL WORTH USD 600,000 FROM Mr. B L TAPARIA FAMILY OFFICE

Mumbai based MD Food Product Limited (Cremeitalia) has raised an amount of USD 600,000 funding from Mumbai based Mr. B L Taparia Family Office (Venkatesh Investment & Trading Private Limited). This marks the first round of external investors for MD Food Product Private Limited while having received initial funding from family and friends in the last 3 years.

In 2016, the two founders, Mr. Prateek Anil Mittal and Mr. Rajas Kishore Dhote, came together to follow their common passion – create a gourmet cheese company and brand to serve consumers with fresh and naturally made cheese and not a processed product which includes a bunch of ‘enhancers’ and ‘preservatives’. The founders started research on their venture in the last quarter of 2016, and launched the “Cremeitalia” brand of cheese products and started with 4 products in December 2018. Cremeitalia was conceptualized with an armory of techniques from the best in this field – the Europeans. Armed with their know-how, recipes and technology, Cremeitalia aims to ensure that our country receives the standard of fresh cheese it deserves.

From a product segment perspective, Cremeitalia focuses on natural, fresh and non-processed cheese

in the market with important characteristics such as natural & high-quality ingredients, competitive pricing, gluten-free and easy usage. The current product portfolio includes the following products Bocconcini, Burrata, Cream Cheese, Cheddar, Cherry Mozzarella, Buffalo Mozzarella, Fiordilatte Pizza, Stracciatella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Sour cream, Scamorza and Flavour Provola

Cremeitalia has been successfully serving the HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants and Catering) clients and have been preferred suppliers to some of the premium pizza chains, luxury hotels, stand-alone restaurants, shipping lines and flight kitchens, amongst others. Cremeitalia has catered to more than 150 clients so far.

On the retail side, the Cremeitalia’s products are available in 18 cities across more than 200 stores. The high-quality products of Cremeitalia have earned them premium shelf space with food-retailers such Godrej Nature’s Basket, Foodhall, apart from premium local retail outlets in major cities of the country. Cremeitalia products are also available on online platforms such as Big-Basket, Swiggy-Instamart, Meatigo and the Nature Store. The company is aggressively tying up with more e-tailers to make their products easily accessible and available pan-India.

With this fund raise, the company plans to deploy this capital towards new product launches, entering new markets (Tier 2 and 3 cities), retail expansion from the current 242 stores to 500+, expansion of current manufacturing capacities by 4-5x, marketing and branding initiatives across multiple online stores and also performance marketing in order to grow the online presence. Cremeitalia has ambitious plans of launching new products which the founders believe will disrupt the retail consumers. With this funding, Cremeitalia will be in the position to on-board new HORECA as well as Retail clients and cater to their recurring demand of large quantities of gourmet cheese products.

Venktesh Investment & Trading Private Limited is the family office of Mr. Bajrang Lal Taparia, one of the promoters of the listed plastics packaging major The Supreme Industries Limited. The investment firm is actively looking at investment opportunities with a niche in select focus segments and businesses with ability to scale with pace.

One of the founders, Mr. Prateek Anil Mittal expressed, “We started off small, took small steps, did the right things at the right time, navigated the challenging pandemic times and survived, and built a fundamentally strong business so far. Since our inception, we were blessed to have support from our family and friends who believed in our vision by investing in us in our early days. The investment from Venktesh Investment & Trading Private Limited only affirms our belief and vision to make gourmet and fresh cheese products a daily consumption item, but also provides us the required boost in reaching our goal faster and more efficiently. We look forward to making Cremeitalia a household name when it comes to the gourmet and fresh cheese category.”

The other founder, Mr. Rajas Dhote adds, “The confidence bestowed upon us by our incoming investors only adds fuel to our passion to go big and go wide. This investment will help us strengthen our manufacturing processes and standards to a different level which will help us go closer to our dream of being a significant national player in the segment. With our investors’ support and value-add, we are looking forward to build Cremeitalia as the most preferred brand in the gourmet and fresh cheese segment.”

Senior investment banker and corporate finance professional, Mr. Harshal Kamdar advised MD Food Product Private Limited on this fund raise.

 
About Cremeitalia
The brand started with a simple and very personal love for Italian food. Having lived in London for quite some time, the founders' love for food was further nurtured due to the vast variety of options available over there. Upon moving back to India, he identified the gap in the market for artisanal cheeses and wanted to create a brand which offers food made with good ingredients ,and hence Cremeitalia was born. Italian Cheese – 2 words that instantly make your palette tingle because every bite is filled with creamy goodness and a burst of flavor. Using generation-old techniques, Cremeitalia products are synonymous with those of traditional Italian farms. Fusing these methods with the highest standards of local production and technology, they are focused on producing artisanal and authentic cheese.The product range comprises of Fiordilate Pizza Cheese, Fiordilate Boconchinni/Cherry Mozzarella, Burata, Stracciatella, Buffalo Mozzarella, Ricotta, Mascarpone, Sour cream, cream cheese and Scarmoza Cheese.

Naunihal Singh joins as Revenue Manager at Grand Mercure Bengaluru Gopalan Mall

He brings in over 9 years of experience in pricing and inventory, market analysis and revenue strategy in the hospitality industry

Naunihal Singh joins Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall as the Revenue Manager of the hotel. Naunihal brings in over 09 years of experience in pricing and inventory, market analysis and revenue strategy in the hospitality industry.

“Having begun his journey as a front office assistant, Naunihal has shown great dedication to his duties, which has helped him advance quickly and take up further responsibilities. It is a pleasure to have him on the team” says Sachin Maheshwary, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bengaluru at Gopalan Mall.

Naunihal began his career with The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla, later being part of the Guest Service Management program by OCLD. He joined Accor as The Assistant Revenue Manager for the Bangalore Cluster in 2019, and has upskilled himself with many certifications and training in the area of Revenue Management and Pricing Program and is a gold medallist in the BSc. (Hospitality and Hotel Administration) course from Punjab University.

In his free time Naunihal is an avid reader and enjoys autobiographies and crime fiction. He also takes out time to catch up with his friends for a round of tennis.

Debut edition of Global Destinations Expo & Conference – Weddings & Films inaugurated in New Delhi

Debut edition of Global Destinations Expo & Conference – Weddings & Films inaugurated in New Delhi 

14 – 16 July 2022 

✓ An exclusive B2B event for Tourism Boards, Hotels & Resorts, Individual Properties,  and film productions 

✓ A 3-day premier engagement platform for regional as well as international experts and  participants to discuss the emerging trends in managing destinations globally 

✓ Industry experts to hold strategic panel discussions on key issues, industry trends and opportunities on each day of the exhibition 

New Delhi, 14 July 2022: The first edition of Global Destinations Expo & Conference (GDEC) – Weddings & Films was inaugurated today at JW Marriott, Aerocity in New Delhi. The 3-day B2B event,  scheduled from 14-16 July 2022, is organized by India Advantage Foundation and managed by iCONEX  Exhibitions. Event inauguration was done in the presence of Amaresh Tiwari, Chairman, India  Advantage Foundation (IAF) & Global Destination Expo & Conference (GDEC) and important  dignitaries including Maharaj Kumar Sahib Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur & Executive  Director - HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur; Mohamad Gulamali Morani, Managing Director, Cineyug  Group of Companies; S. Viswanathan, IAS, Managing Director - Madhya Pradesh State Tourism  Development Corporation; Dr. Bharat Pathak - Vice Chairman MGNCRE Hyderabad MHRD, Govt . Of  India; and Dr. Nandita Pathak - Founder Director JP Foundation, Udyamita Vidyapeeth. 

A premier B2B event, Global Destinations Expo & Conference focusses on weddings and film  production segment and aims to support the Destination marketing and management industry along  with the people who make it work i.e. the Global Destination Organizations, Event Planners and  Tourism Boards. GDEC is being organized at an opportune time as the industry begins to recover from  the unprecedented impact of the pandemic on the Travel and Hospitality sector. 

Amaresh Tiwari, Chairman, India Advantage Foundation (IAF) & Global Destination Expo &  Conference (GDEC) at the inauguration said, ‘Our vision with GDEC is to bring under one platform the  wedding and film production stakeholders with service providers from travel and hospitality sector to  explore business opportunities. We believe these niche tourism segments also need to be brought  under the gamut of MICE in order to enjoy benefits of the industry status.’ 

He further added, ‘Our vision is to also position India as an attractive destination for weddings. With  over 32mn NRIs residing across the world, we have a large opportunity to explore in this segment.’ 

Maharaj Kumar Sahib Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur & Executive Director - HRH Group of  Hotels, Udaipur commented, ‘The world is becoming smaller yet people are growing distant. While  achieving all kinds of professional growth, the pride that one feels to see your country’s name attached 

to yours is a feeling that cannot be described. I feel people need to work more closely together to  ensure India’s image grows globally.’ 

Mohamad Gulamali Morani, Managing Director, Cineyug Group of Companies said, ‘While the world  is beautiful, there are no dearth of breathtaking locations in our very own country. For weddings or  for films, India is brimming with scenic destinations and we must work domestically, join hands with  hotels in India, destinations, to promote our country. The Government too needs to ease the permits  needed for shooting, which many states have done already.” 

S. Viswanathan, IAS, Managing Director - Madhya Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation said, ‘Madhya Pradesh offers many scenic locations for destination weddings and film shoots. We are  aggressively promoting the state as a tourist destination with a special focus on customized  experiences for senior citizens and children.’ 

Dr. Nandita Pathak - Founder Director JP Foundation, Udyamita Vidyapeeth shared, ‘The  government has not just cleared the coastline along River Ganges but is also developing the coastline  alongside the Namami Gange in collaboration with ITDC. ITDC is working towards building properties  that will enable people to host weddings or events alongside the Ganges shore.’ 

A one of its kind industry event, GDEC will offer a much-needed platform for tourism boards and  hospitality brands to connect with key wedding planners and film production houses to explore  business opportunities. A series of panel discussions and informative workshops with industry experts  are also lined up over the three days of the event to discuss changing trends affecting wedding  business and film shoots along with strategies for organizations and destinations to tap the potential  of these segments. 

The GDEC will feature panel discussions, addresses and knowledge sharing sessions on various  subjects by renowned names in the industry. To name a few: Maharaj Kumar Sahib Lakshyaraj Singh  Ji Mewar of Udaipur & Executive Director, HRH Group of Hotels (Udaipur); Rituraj Khanna, Director – Q Events, Brian Worley, Creative Director & Owner - B. Worley Productions; Angela Proffitt, CEO GSD  creative, USA; Monica Balli, Founder Lime SRL, Italy; Martin Emmanuel - Managing Director,  Razzmatazz Ventures; Neha Mehrotra - Founder and Director at Foreign Wedding Planners; Devika  Sakhuja -Devika Sakhuja Designs; Rajiv Kapoor – General Manager - Fairmont Jaipur; and Mohamad  Gulamali Morani - Managing Director, Cineyug Group of Companies amongst others 

Day 1 of the event will see a lineup of expert panel discussions on subjects ranging from Indian &  International wedding industry collaboration; Technology Integration in Wedding Industry; Upcoming  trends in Décor & Wedding planning and the Changing Trends of Indian Wedding.  

Day 2 & 3 will comprise one-on-one hosted buyer meetings alongside a number of engaging  workshops and trainings led by seasoned professionals from the domestic as well as global wedding  industry. Panel discussions will cover important subjects ranging from the Power of business  networking, to Challenges and New Opportunities in the Wedding business post pandemic, and the  changing game of Indian gourmet business. 

The inaugural event will see participation from over 50+ exhibitors and 200+ hosted buyers from India  and overseas.

About India Advantage Foundation 

The India Advantage Foundation is a not – for - profit organization dedicated to supporting the work  to empower organisations globally through innovation and resource incubation. The foundation seeks  to provide its members with innovative thought leadership, tools and solutions, as well as incubate  future products and programs that will advance and support the work of the associations and the  industry. 

Our current areas of focus include Industry Advocacy & Research, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Talent  & Workforce Development, and Global Outreach Investment in different organizations.

THE EXTRAORDINARY SALE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY WHISKY Ardbeg enthusiast buys one-of-a-kind 1975 Islay single malt for £16million

THE EXTRAORDINARY SALE OF AN EXTRAORDINARY WHISKY

Ardbeg enthusiast buys one-of-a-kind 1975 Islay single malt for £16million

National, July 2022: A one-of-a-kind 1975 cask of Ardbeg Islay single malt Scotch whisky, which survived the Distillery’s two brushes with closure, has been sold to a private collector in Asia for £16million. The oldest ever released by Ardbeg, “Cask No. 3” is incomparably precious, since little single malt was created at the Distillery in the 1970s and it was closed through much of the 80s and 90s.  Described as a “remarkable piece of liquid history” by world-renowned whisky expert Charles MacLean, Cask No. 3 will be bottled over the course of five years for its owner, giving her an unparalleled vertical collection of aged Ardbegs, which cannot be replicated for at least a decade. To celebrate the half-century of patience and generations of Distillery workers behind this “vanishingly rare” whisky, Ardbeg will donate £1million to causes on Islay.  

Far surpassing any previous auction records for a cask of single malt, Cask No. 3’s private sale is an extraordinary milestone in Ardbeg’s 200-year history. While the Distillery is famed for creating the world’s smokiest drams – and is among the most highly awarded of the smoky malts – its journey has often been turbulent. In the 1970s, the majority of its whisky was sold for blending. And since just a few casks each year were set aside for single malt bottling, stock from that decade has always been exceptionally hard to come by. Then through most of the 1980s, the Distillery was closed as its future hung in the balance. While Ardbeg re-opened for a time, it shut again in 1996 – some thought forever. Saved from extinction the following year, the Distillery has since gone from strength to strength. Today it has a near-cult global following, has won countless awards, and is enjoyed in the world’s most prestigious bars. But Ardbeg’s darkest days remain fresh in the memories of its fans even now.

Commenting on the sale, Thomas Moradpour, CEO, of The Glenmorangie Company said, “This sale is a source of pride for everyone in the Ardbeg community who has made our journey possible. Just 25 years ago, Ardbeg was on the brink of extinction, but today it is one of the most sought-after whiskies in the world. That is a reflection of generations of hard work: from those in the stillhouse who craft our smoky spirit to the warehouse staff who care for our casks over decades, to teams around the world who build the reputation of our whiskies with fans, bartenders and collectors”.

“While such a rare whisky is out of reach for all but one of our fans, we put the same passion and care into every bottle of Ardbeg as went into this exclusive single malt in 1975 – from flagship Ardbeg Ten Years Old, to limited-edition releases. Today, our new stillhouse is working at full capacity to make more Ardbeg available than ever, and whisky creator Dr Bill Lumsden is busy imagining many more surprising smoky releases for Ardbeg fans. Because when a business like Ardbeg gets rewarded for 50 years of patience, it gives us the confidence to keep investing in the future of our distillery, and in our island community. The journey continues!”

Created in a bygone era when the Distillery still malted its barley onsite, the smoky, balanced spirit of cask No. 3 was distilled on Tuesday, 25th November 1975, and laid down to age in two separate casks – a bourbon and an Oloroso sherry. Those casks were patiently matured by generations of Ardbeg’s skilled warehouse workers over 38 years. Then Ardbeg’s acclaimed Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden, decided to marry the two casks, creating an even more extraordinary single malt. On 31st March 2014, he transferred their whisky into a single refill Oloroso butt, selected to give only the subtlest of wood influence. There it has remained ever since. Today, more than 46 years after its story began, this single malt is a smorgasbord of sherried, smoky aromas and rich, elegant tastes.

Over the next five years, Ardbeg will continue to mature Cask No. 3 in a secure location on Islay for its owner. Every year, she will receive 88 bottles from the cask. By 2026, this Ardbeg enthusiast will possess a unique vertical series of rare Ardbegs from 1975, aged 46, 47, 48, 49, and 50 years old.

Director of Whisky Creation, Dr. Bill Lumsden, who will oversee the cask’s ongoing maturation, said: “Cask No. 3 is an extraordinary taste of Ardbeg’s past. Its aromas are nutty, herbal, and smoky, while its tastes of tar, espresso coffee, and spearmint have an astonishing finesse for a whisky of such age. So little stock survives from this era, that this cask really is one of a kind. And its complex flavors are a testament to the extraordinary skill of the Ardbeg team who have cared for it over the decades. I look forward to exploring how it continues to evolve over the next five years.”

Experts have hailed the sale of Cask No. 3 as an illustration of Ardbeg’s unique appeal, and the investment value of single malt Scotch. Praising its exceptional quality, author and world-renowned whisky expert Charles MacLean said: “This truly unique whisky is a remarkable piece of liquid history – an evocative taste of what Ardbeg was like when it malted its own barley. Many old whiskies can go flat with age. But Cask No. 3 is a really lovely whisky, hugely complex, still having vitality after nearly half a century.”

On Ardbeg’s appeal to collectors, he added: “The factors which make a particular whisky investable are threefold: rarity, flavor, and variety. And collectors do love Scotch, because of the provenance and history. Furthermore, there is a keen interest in smoky Islay whiskies. And Ardbeg is particularly rare – there just aren’t many bottlings of this age out there.”

Becky Paskin, whisky expert and founder of OurWhisky, explained that the strength of Ardbeg’s following and the continuing maturation of Cask No. 3, further increased its desirability. She said: “Cask No. 3 is undoubtedly alluring, and not just because of its own rarity. It hails from a Distillery that has a reputation for creating beautiful liquid, commands a cult status worldwide, and has a firm place in whisky enthusiasts’ hearts. Of the many distilleries in Scotland which have a legacy, a history and a charm about them, Ardbeg is certainly one of those which could command such a high price for a vanishingly rare cask like this. What’s most fascinating is that the owner hasn’t simply purchased an Ardbeg cask, she has invested in a vertical series of bottlings from one single cask, which will develop and mature over the next five years. This is a rare opportunity to witness a cask’s development over time.”

Rare whisky has become increasingly sought-after by investors in recent years. Andrew Shirley, editor of the renowned Knight Frank Wealth Report, said: “Over the last 10 years rare whisky has been the top-performing asset class in our Luxury Investment Index. Our index, which tracks a basket of rare bottles sold at auction, has increased in value by 428% over the last decade, and 9% in the past year. This record cask sale has set a very interesting new benchmark. Although the equivalent price for a bottle – £36,000 – is comparable to some of the rare bottles sold at auction.”

The Grand Buffet is back with makeover at Sayaji Raipur

BRACE YOURSELF WITH THE FINEST OF CUISINES

Raipur, July'2022: Rooted and in service for about 3 decades, we now have 3 hotel brands, and properties across India in all the major cities offering exemplary service and great hospitality. With the foundation built on trust, ever-smiling staff and creating guest experiences with everything we can offer. Known for its bespoke experiences and signature hospitality Hotel Sayaji Raipur, Indulge in the inviting ambiance of your favorite restaurant.

Pamper your taste buds @CravingsSayajiRaipur and cherish yourself with appetizing, aromatic, exquisite spreads!! A wide spread of buffets from a spread of Salads to the main course from Indian to Italian, Tandoori. A buffet with a variety of savories and desserts for sweet lovers, so there's something for everyone. Explore the lavishness and experience the luscious cuisines. Your tummy will be satiated in no time.  The beautiful ambiance makes for an unforgettable experience. You will be thankful for the rapid service and the range of delicacies. 

Call: 9109160064, 9109160029

Timing: Buffet Breakfast:  7AM- 10:30AM, Lunch: 12PM -3 PM, Dinner: 7:30 PM – 11 PM,

Address: Cravings, Sayaji Raipur.

T’S POURING GREAT OFFERS AT THE PRIDE HOTELS

T’S POURING GREAT OFFERS AT THE PRIDE HOTELS

Monsoon is a season that requires no introduction. Be it the nostalgia you get into hearing your favorite songs or the special “Adrak wali chai” or the ever delicious “Pakora” which are relished in these days.

Pride Group Of Hotels takes you on a fun spin with each of these experiences and more at their choicest destinations in Pan India. It’s indeed pouring offers at the Pride Hotels. Enjoy 25% off* on your stays with special offers on food, soft beverages, and laundry. *T&C

The offer is valid for bookings until 31st July 2022 while the room stays are valid until 30th September 2022

Announcing the development, Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, Pride Group of Hotels said, “The season has its own charm. While one can get over-stressed work-wise but surely enjoy the mist and cool nostalgia that the Monsoon brings alongside. We’ve introduced this package to ensure all in the family enjoy the rains to the maximum”.

Pride Hotels has a presence in around 44 great locations with 4,400 rooms, 89 restaurants, 116 banquets, and conference halls. Currently, Pride Hotels Ltd operates and manages a chain of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, “Pride Hotel” which are conveniently centrally located business hotels, and “Pride Resorts” at mesmerizing destinations, Mid-Market segment hotels for every business “Pride Biznotels” and a fresh concept of Premium luxury serviced apartment stays “Pride Suites”. Locations are prominently in New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Rajkot, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, and Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir and Somnath. Upcoming locations are Nainital, Jim Corbett, Jabalpur, Daman, Rishikesh, Aatapi, Surendranagar, Dwaraka, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Agra, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Neemrana, Rajkot, Bhopal, Haldwani, Gurugram and Aurangabad.

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach successfully launches the Calm - Salon and Spa, a thoughtfully crafted holistic hub

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach successfully launches the Calm - Salon and Spa,  a thoughtfully crafted holistic hub

Visakhapatnam,July 2022: Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach successfully launched its new, Calm - Salon and Spa, a thoughtfully crafted, holistic hub of wellness treatments and salon experiences, on the  4th  of July 2022. With a glorious view of the Bay of Bengal perfectly perched to calm your senses, the spa is designed for exquisite rejuvenation and self-care.

Overlooking the surrounding scenic avenues, Calm - Salon and Spa offers signature body treatments such as Vinotherapy, Aromatherapy, Balinese, Thai massage, and more for a tranquil state of your mind, body and soul. The spa packages also offer a combination of massages, traditional body scrubs and facials with enriching products to soothe and refresh. Calm - Salon and Spa have a dedicated reception and retail area along with 5 treatment rooms consisting of 4 single rooms and a dedicated room for couples with a delightful view of the Bay of Bengal.

On the occasion of its announcement, Ravi Rai, Cluster General Manager Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach said, “We are delighted to open our doors for the Calm- Salon and Spa at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, designed to offer an exclusive and invigorating experience. We look forward to welcoming our guests to unwind with its refreshing spa and wellness treatments.”

In addition to effective treatments with select ingredients, the spa also offers premium skincare solutions, and other services including bridal makeup, hair stylist services, nail care and other beauty facilities. Compose your mind and soothe your soul with the wellness regime in a sophisticated and elegant space. The Calm - Salon and Spa offer expert care while nourishing serene mindfulness and calmness for all your senses. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji elevates Amar Albuquerque to Director of Operations

Amar Albuquerque

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji elevates Amar Albuquerque to Director of Operations

July 2022: DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji, Goa’s most preferred family-friendly destination is pleased to announce the appointment of Amar Albuquerque as Director of Operations. With an industry experience of over 12 years, he brings on board an in-depth understanding of rooms division.

Amar has vast experience in leading teams with hands-on exposure and has been successful in building strong operational functions. Amar will manage a wide portfolio of verticals related to food and beverage, safety and security, and culinary operations along with front office and guest relations. His primary role will be to develop and execute a strategic plan to ensure that the operations of the hotels are as per the brand standards and guests’ expectations.

Commenting on Amar’s appointment, Shiv Bose, General Manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji expresses, “We are delighted to have Amar Albuquerque as part of our core leadership team.  With his extensive experience and invaluable insights in the hospitality industry, he has been a promising asset to our hotel. His association with our hotel began in 2019 as Director of Rooms and we are confident he will continue to contribute to the growth of the hotel with his innate skills”.

Amar graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition, Goa with a B.Sc. degree in Hospitality & Hotel Administration. In his career, he has been associated with some of the biggest names in the hospitality industry, including Taj Hotels and the Accor group of hotels. In his leisure time, Amar likes to travel to quaint locations along with his family.

Drunken Monkey set to launch operations in the United States

Drunken Monkey set to launch operations in the United States

July 2022: Drunken Monkey – India’s premier and largest smoothie chain brand has announced its expansion into the overseas market. In the coming months, White Monkey F&B LLP (the holding company behind DM) will launch its first-ever international outlets in the United States, which is considered one of the biggest markets for smoothies in the world. In fact, it singly-handily accounts for over 35% of the global smoothie market share.

Founded in 2016 by Samrat Reddy, Drunken Monkey is the only Indian smoothie brand with a pan-country presence. Headquartered in Hyderabad, the brand has grown exponentially since its launch and the consistent success and growth of the brand can be gauged from its growth from four smoothie bars in Hyderabad in the first year, to over 130 outlets in 45+ Indian cities by 2022. The brand has grown from strength to strength and has successfully brought about a ‘smoothie revolution’ in India.

Taking this vision and its blends of immensely popular smoothies and smoothie bowls further into newer territories, Drunken Monkey plans to start with two retail outlets in Western America before expanding into other parts of the country. The initial set of smoothie bars will be launched in the states of Georgia and Texas, which have shown tremendous growth in the fresh beverage category over the past few years.

Post expansion into the United States, Drunken Monkey will be further sailing to other parts of the world. By the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year, the brand will open multiple stores in the Middle East and Southeast Asian countries in addition to the United States.

“India has a lot to offer to the world in every way imaginable. And its high time we showcase our home-grown brands to the rest of the world. This is in fact Drunken Monkey's first baby step, in the exciting journey of having our footsteps across the globe.”  Said, Samrat Reddy, Founder Drunken Monkey.

About Drunken Monkey:

Drunken Monkey is one of India’s fastest-growing smoothie chains founded by Samrat Reddy. The brand believes that nature has a lot to offer to us and strives in creating unique and delicious smoothie blends that are both functional and fun-ranging from detox, meal replacements, hydration, and protein smoothies, to healthy veggie smoothies and hangover warriors. Drunken Monkey has one of the most versatile menus on the planet and offers over 200 types of Smoothies and Smoothie Bowls made from specially blended combinations of fruits, healthy veggies, dry fruits, and healthy seasonings like sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, chia and basil seeds. All the blends are completely natural and are made fresh with zero addition of any artificial flavors, sugars, preservatives or any kind of concentrates.

TTF Hyderabad is staging a grand revival of travel and tourism, in the post-pandemic phase

TTF Hyderabad is staging a grand revival of travel & tourism, in the post-pandemic phase

The first major show in Southern India in the very important post-pandemic phase of FY 2022-23 - TTF Hyderabad kicks off at the world-class venue of Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC).

Hyderabad: July 2022: Travel and tourism from India is bouncing back in full vigour after two years of pandemic-related disruptions. TTF Hyderabad, the best networking platform for Central & Southern India, is staging a grand post-pandemic rebound of domestic and international travel, with over 150 participants from 4 countries and over 19 Indian states and UTs.

Domestic leisure travel is the driving force behind the road to recovery coupled with an increase in business travel as well, after an extremely tough pandemic phase in the last two years. Domestic travel is expected to reach record-breaking numbers, with 68% of Indians expected to travel domestically in 2022 only, with the Central and Southern India markets playing a major role. As per reports, Kerala alone has attracted 3.8 million domestic tourists in Q-1 2022, registering 72.48% growth.

Domestic air passenger traffic is nearing pre-pandemic levels with various airlines having ferried 1.14 crore air travellers in May 2022 compared with 1.22 crore in May 2019 - roughly a five-fold increase in volume growth from last year. International passenger traffic has also seen tremendous growth since flights were resumed fully in the month of March 2022, after two years of restrictions, and reached 72% of the pre-Covid level in May 2022.

Hotel occupancy had fallen below 50% in January 2022 owing to the Omicron impact; however, it hit 65% occupancy level, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and average daily rate (ADR) for three consecutive days during the second week of April.

TTF is India’s largest travel trade show network, organised in 9 Indian cities annually, branded as TTF, OTM and BLTM. This edition of TTF Hyderabad staging the grand revival of travel is especially important, being the catalyst for the huge rebound of domestic and international travel markets.

Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh are joining as Partner States with big pavilions. Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Meghalaya and Puducherry are Feature States and will be showcasing their best in the TTF. Host states Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are offering their full support. Private sector participants from all over India are also joining us at the show.

The show has participation from leading outbound exhibitors like Jazeera Airways and leading hospitality chains.

TTF Hyderabad has also a large participation from abroad including from Nepal, Thailand, Turkey and UAE, with a large delegation of tour operators and hoteliers holding testimony to the unabated spirit of Indian travellers that kept thronging these destinations throughout the pandemic, as they remained open with necessary precautions in place. It also signifies that short-haul destinations are becoming accessible faster to the Indian travellers, post the pandemic.

TTF Hyderabad was inaugurated in the august presence of Shri V. Srinivas Goud, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Excise & Prohibition, Sports and Youth Services, Archaeology, Government of Telangana, Shri Sandeep Kumar Sultania, IAS Secretary Tourism, Government of Telangana, Shri B. Manohar, Managing Director, Telangana State Tourism Dev. Corpn. and other dignitaries from India and abroad.

India Tourism too has a key presence at the show, showcasing all their campaigns and programmes such as ‘Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, ‘Dekho Apna Desh’, ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’.

The show is reserved for travel trade visitors today, i.e. 5th July, from 11 am to 6 pm, and is open for the whole day tomorrow, i.e. 6th July.

The travel trade is expected to revive and restart in large numbers, with new as well as existing partners. Eager travellers have planned to visit the show to get the best deals and travel offers from all over India.

TTF is the oldest and biggest network of travel trade shows in the country, covering 9 cities annually. In addition to Hyderabad, it is organised in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Surat and Pune.

“We are extremely happy to be hosting TTF Hyderabad in the vibrant market of South India after a two-year hiatus. The number of exhibitors on the show floor and of hosted buyers as well as of visitors is a testimony of the grand rebound of travel and tourism in the post-pandemic phase”, said Sanjiv Agarwal, Chairman & CEO, Fairfest Media Ltd., the organisers of TTF - the oldest and largest travel tradeshow network in India. “TTF Hyderabad has received great support from the Host States, the travel industry at large and our association partners who are together gearing up for the revival of travel and tourism.”, he added.

TTF has the active support of travel associations like IATO, ETAA, TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI, NIMA, SKAL INTERNATIONAL HYDERABAD, IATTE, TOA, TTAA, TOAT, TTAT, UFTC, KTS, TAAC, TTTHA, TAAK, TNTF, ABTO, FOTO, STATT and MTA.

Travel Trade submits its Frustration to the GST increase: TAAI

Be it the travel trade or many other allied and associated industries like hospitality were expecting a decline or perhaps a better GST taxation system in place, as an outcome of the 47th GST Council meeting held in Chandigarh on 29th June 2022. However, recommendations made to the Government by GoM on rate rationalization came as a surprise to the various industries, including travel trade and tourism. Post going through the worst crises ever in human history, now when the industry is reviving, a sudden increase in tax slabs is the biggest deterrent to growth, eventually leading to discouraging the tourism fraternity.

In a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Minister of Finance, Government of India; Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI submitted the frustration and conveyed that we were looking at the government to do away with taxes and extend support to our industry which is yet to revive from the long crises. However, with the increase, travel trade and hospitality will have to face the brunt majorly. Imposing 12% GST on hotels priced below INR 1000 is the biggest jolt to both the travel and hospitality industry. Hospitality offered below INR 1000 drives the system and an increase at that level will take employment and business opportunities from many, Mayal added.

Jay Bhatia, Vice President specifically pointed out the increase in cheque payments from Nil to 18%. He said that we the people in the travel industry work at the grass-root level. And, till today, in tier II and III cities the preferred mode of payment by a financial instrument like a cheque. An increase in taxation of making and receiving payments will add a burden on both the agent and traveler, which may perhaps push travelers to move away from registered and legitimate agents to illegal business operators which is a matter to worry about, supplemented Bhatia.

Referring to the increase from 12% to 18% on items such as Printing, Spoons, Forks, Machines for cleaning eggs, fruits and other products. Bettaiah Lokesh, Hon. Secretary-General said that the hike in taxation on such items would certainly lead to an increase in serving and servicing the end product. We do agree that there are a few points which are appreciable like Exemption on the transport of passengers by air to and from NE states, renting of truck/ goods carriage, etc. However, overall recommendations made give the impression of increasing taxation burden on the businesses exorbitantly, shared Lokesh. Further to TAAI’s long-pending request to permit Input Tax Credits for Tour Operators booking hotels in other states to vide, IGST, still remains unresolved at the Government level at the GST Council. To our understanding, GST was introduced to have uniform taxation and easy filing, and in addition, to have a better understanding for both service provider and receiver regarding the taxation’s slabs.

However, the increase and introduction of a tax on items directly related to travel trade and tourism, we see it as a negative sentiment spreading in the businesses, highlighted Shreeram Patel, Hon. Treasurer. TAAI has submitted, along with the frustration representation, a copy of previous submissions made to Finance Ministry on the said subject to the Hon’ble Minister.

IHG signs a new Holiday Inn Express hotel in Gujarat

IHG signs a new Holiday Inn Express hotel in Gujarat

 The company is strategically expanding the presence of its leading mainstream brand by tapping into new markets within India

July 2022, New Delhi: IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies has signed a management agreement with Dahej Hotels & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd a subsidiary of Karmvir Group, for a new hotel – Holiday Inn Express Dahej Bharuch Road in Gujarat. The new-built hotel featuring 120 keys is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2025. The hotel will not only solidify IHG’s presence in the state of Gujarat but also strengthen the company’s growth in secondary markets, in line with the growing demand for quality branded accommodation in the country.    

Strategically located on Dahej Bharuch main road, the hotel will have easy access to all the major companies in Dahej Port city. Dahej is an all-weather direct berthing port with multi-cargo capacity situated on international maritime routes. This makes it the preferred port for the cargo hubs functioning in the northern, western states, and union territories of India. With the excellent accessibility, facilities and hospitality that the brand is known for, the hotel will provide a convenient stay experience for business travelers and port crew.

In addition to featuring modern and fully equipped guest rooms, Holiday Inn Express Dahej Bharuch Road will offer an array of facilities including a ‘Great Room’, a lounge, a gymnasium for guests to relax and unwind. The hotel will also feature an equipped business centre, meeting rooms along with signature amenities reflecting the brand’s promise of providing a comfortable and efficient stay for business guests.

Commenting on the announcement, Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG said, “We are delighted to partner with an experienced developers like Dahej Hotels & Hospitality Pvt. Ltd to expand our presence in the state of Gujarat. In line with increasing demand, we recognize the growing potential of secondary markets in India and are strategically introducing our brands to fill the need gap of quality branded accommodation. With signing of Holiday Inn Express Dahej Bharuch Road, we have the first movers’ advantage in the area to become a preferred international hospitality brand for corporate guests visiting the town.”

Parin Nadola, Director, Dahej Hotels & Hospitality Pvt Ltd, added, “We are thrilled to partner with an internationally and locally trusted hospitality brand like IHG to venture into our first hotel project. Holiday Inn Express is a well-established brand in India and is a great fit to cater to demands of guest visiting Dahej and Bharuch. We look forward to a strong partnership with IHG and are confident that the hotel will be a great success when it opens its door to guests.”

IHG® currently has 44 hotels operating across five brands in SWA, including Six Senses, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts®, Crowne Plaza®, Holiday Inn® , Holiday Inn Resort® and Holiday Inn Express®, and has a strong pipeline of 37 hotels due to open in the next 2-3 years.

Numbers as of March 31, 2022

One Rep Global appointed an India representative for Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

One Rep Global appointed an India representative for Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Gurgaon (India), July 2022: Adding to its growing portfolio of luxury international hotels, One Rep Global is now appointed an Indian representative for the newly launched Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa. Led by seasoned hotelier Hemant Mediratta, One Rep Global will lead the sales & marketing representation in India for this experiential resort that marks the debut of Hilton's flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, in the Maldives.

Located on a lush tropical island in the North Malé Atoll, the all-pool villa resort highlights a mindful approach to gastronomy, holistic wellness, and exclusive amenities for travellers of all ages. Conveniently accessible via a 20-minute premium speedboat transfer from Velana International Airport, the stunning island property showcases 109 beach and overwater villas – each featuring its own private pool, six exceptional restaurants and bars, holistic spa and wellness facilities and best-in-class amenities for families, including one of the largest kids’ clubs in Maldives and a rooftop lounge exclusive to teenage guests.

Gaurav Thakur, General Manager, Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa said, ‘We look forward to welcoming guests with exceptional Hilton hospitality and a diverse collection of experiences, from multi-generational adventures to special retreats for two. India continues to be one of the top source markets for our destination, and we are confident that Indian travellers will find much to delight them as they create new holiday memories with us.’ 

‘Maldives is amongst the top outbound destinations for luxury travellers from India. The market holds a huge potential for Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa, a stunning all-villa property with a range of experiences to please all travellers across age groups. At One Rep Global, we are excited to be exclusively representing the property in India.’, said Hemant Mediratta, Founder – One Rep Global.

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa opened doors on 1 July 2022 and is now accepting reservations. Room rates start at USD 835 ++ per night.

RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST FORAY INTO FOOD & BEVERAGE RETAIL WITH POPULAR GLOBAL FOOD CHAIN PRET A MANGER

RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST FORAY INTO FOOD & BEVERAGE RETAIL WITH POPULAR GLOBAL FOOD CHAIN PRET A MANGER

Mumbai, July 2022: RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED (RBL) has announced a strategic partnership with global fresh food & organic coffee chain, Pret A Manger, to launch and build the brand in India. With this long-term master franchise partnership, RBL will open the food chain across the country starting with major cities and travel hubs.

Pret A Manger, French for ‘ready to eat, first opened in London in 1986. It was a shop with a mission to create handmade food, freshly prepared each day. Over 35 years later, the brand currently has 550 shops globally across 9 markets including the UK, US, Europe, and Asia, offering organic coffee, sandwiches, salads and wraps freshly made each day.

“Our partnership with Pret is rooted in the strong growth potential of both Pret as a brand as also of the food & beverage industry in India. RBL closely follows the pulse of Indian consumers and there is an increased consciousness of what we eat – rapidly making Food the new Fashion. Indians, like their global counterparts, are seeking Fresh and Organic ingredient-led dining experiences which have been synonymous with Pret’s core offering. Couple that with the high recall the brand enjoys in the country, it’s undoubtedly a recipe for success.” said Darshan Mehta, MD, Reliance Brands Limited.

As India’s largest luxury to premium retailer, RBL has over 14 years nurtured and grown global brands in the country. With its rich cache of insights on customers’ evolving spending habits and an ambitious expansion plan, RBL’s first foray into the food industry will bring the much-loved Pret dining experience, to one of the biggest retail markets.

Pano Christou, CEO, Pret A Manger said: “Two decades ago, we opened Pret’s first shop in Asia and it’s been an inspiration for all of us to bring our freshly made food and 100% organic coffee to new cities across the continent. RBL is a great partner to help us do just that, bringing their years of expertise in the market to help our brand succeed in India. We’re looking forward to working with them on what is our most ambitious global franchise partnership to date.”

ABOUT RELIANCE BRANDS LIMITED

RBL is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd and began operations in 2007 with a mandate to launch and build global brands in luxury to premium segments across fashion and lifestyle. In the past five years, RBL has also invested in building and operating homegrown Indian designer brands. Its current portfolio of brand partnerships comprises Armani Exchange, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Emporio Armani, Ermenegildo Zegna, G-Star Raw, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade New York, Manish Malhotra, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Raghavendra Rathore, Replay, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Paul, Steve Madden, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany & Co., Tory Burch, Tumi, Versace, Villeroy & Boch and West Elm. RBL today operates 1,937 doors split into 732 stores and 1,205 shop-in-shops in India

INVESTING IN TOMORROW: CELEBRATING THE FOUR SEASONS RESORTS MALDIVES HOSPITALITY APPRENTICES GRADUATING IN 2022 AND WELCOMING THE CLASS OF 2023

A country’s youth are its future and this year, the Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Hospitality Apprenticeship program saw 40 young Maldivians graduate towards brighter horizons.  The Apprenticeship has been the longest-running and most successful of its kind in the Indian Ocean since its inception in 2001, and has celebrated its latest graduates – and inaugurated its new learners – at a special ceremony on May 28, 2022, at Maldives National University Auditorium, Malé.

Now in its twenty-first year, the program has supported a total of 697 youngsters to date, setting them up for an exciting hospitality career not only in the Maldives, but potentially world-wide. The Class of 2022 graduate in disciplines including: Food & Beverage Service; Food & Beverage Preparation; Housekeeping & Guest Services; Retail; Front Office & Recreation; PADI Dive Master; Safe Maritime Transport (SMT); Engineering and Watersports Attendant.

“Investing in people is the cornerstone of great hospitality,” comments Four Seasons Resorts Maldives Regional Vice President Armando Kraenzlin. “And helping local youth achieve their potential and create empowered futures is very much a part of that. Their enthusiasm, talent, energy, and focus amaze us year on year, but the resilience shown by our current graduates, in the face of such unprecedented challenges, is particularly commendable.”

Celebrating their achievements at the graduation ceremony was Chief Guest of Honour and First Lady of the Maldives, Madam Fazna Ahmed. Inspiring young minds to dream big, she addresed both the incoming and outgoing students, as well as presented certificates to them. In her address to the new apprentices, Her Excellency Fazna Ahmed inspired the young audience to become enthusiastic lifelong learners. She encouraged them to make this apprenticeship program a stepping stone where they begin the process of gaining knowledge and learning new skills throughout their lives.

Despite uncertain times for the hospitality industry, the 2022 program managed to take in 40 apprentices, with the Safe Maritime Transport module upgraded with Niyami 1 Certification and Marine Mechanic Level 3 Certifications.

The future looks bright too, with the 2023 intake welcoming 65 hopeful students from across 30 islands, and the introduction of a new third year module, Advanced Engineering.

The Four Seasons Hospitality Apprenticeship – accredited by the Government of Maldives since 2010 – is open to all young Maldivians, aged 17-20, who meet a number of entry criteria including O-Level certifications and fluency in both written and spoken English.  No previous work experience is required and apprentices are fully supported to both live and work at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, training in Resort operations five days a week, with theory classes one day a week.  Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals.

At its heart, the apprenticeship program is about learning on the job, with classes conducted by professionals with many years of international experience in the luxury hotel, dive and marine industries. Recognising the need for encouragement and guidance along the way, each apprentice is assigned a buddy and mentor. Learning to work hard within an ambitious team builds stamina and character, and strengthens the apprentice’s sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

is required and apprentices are fully supported to both live and work at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives, training in Resort operations five days a week, with theory classes one day a week.  Performance appraisals and tests are taken at regular intervals.

At its heart, the apprenticeship program is about learning on the job, with classes conducted by professionals with many years of international experience in the luxury hotel, dive and marine industries. Recognising the need for encouragement and guidance along the way, each apprentice is assigned a buddy and mentor. Learning to work hard within an ambitious team builds stamina and character, and strengthens the apprentice’s sense of professionalism, discipline, teamwork and perseverance.

Marriott International Signs Landmark Agreement With Vinpearl to Add Eight Hotels in Vietnam

Agreement is set to further strengthen Marriott International’s presence in Vietnam with the expected addition of more than 2,000 rooms to its existing portfolio

Marriott International, Inc. today announced a strategic agreement with Vinpearl, Vietnam’s largest hospitality and leisure chain, to convert and develop 2,200 rooms across eight hotels in Vietnam - significantly expanding its portfolio of world-class hotels and resorts in the country. This collaboration expects to see the debut of the Autograph Collection Hotels brand in the country, while other planned openings span the following brands: Marriott Hotels, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, and Four Points by Sheraton.

“We are thrilled to be working with Vinpearl to accelerate our growth in Vietnam,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International. “With the country’s solid foundation for a resilient economy, and continuous growth of its infrastructure especially in the tourism sector, we are confident this collaboration will enable us to better cater to our guests’ needs.”

Of the eight hotels, six are conversions that are expected to be part of Marriott’s system later this year.

Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection is expected to serve as Vietnam’s first Autograph Collection hotel. The lifestyle hotel will join a diverse and dynamic collection of over 260 independent hotels around the globe hand-selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspective on design and hospitality. Currently known as Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81, the hotel is set high up in a gleaming 461-meter tower on the banks of the Saigon River and is anticipated to feature 223 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, 12 function spaces, a business center, spa, outdoor pool, and fitness center.

Mumbai's popular French all-day space, Cafe Noir launches “Special Mama Mia Pasta menu paired with French Wines- June 2022”

Mumbai's popular French all-day space,  Cafe Noir launches “Special Mama Mia Pasta menu paired with French Wines- June 2022”

Mumbai, June 2022: Mumbai’s favourite French café & all-day space, Café Noir situated at the iconic Lodha World One towers in Lower Parel and is all set to launch the menu called Mama Mia Patsa paired with french wines, packed with flavours and unique sauces and range of wines. The menu will be exclusively available from 17th June to 30th June 2022.

Speaking of Pasta it is made from grain, one of the basic food groups in a healthy diet that also can include vegetables, fruits, fish, and poultry. Café Noir has curated a special Mama Mia Pasta menu paired with french Wines with vegetarian and non-vegetarian selects, each one goes huge on flavour and incorporates various sauces paired with wines for a lip-smacking experience. The menu comprises vegetarian Pasta like the Garganelli, Porcini Mushroom Ragu pasta paired with Cadet D’oc, Chardonnay wine, Arrabiata Penne, Burrata, Smoked cheese fondue paired with Trapiche Vineyards, Pinot Grigio wine and Spaghetti, Confetti Tomato, Pesto sauce, Brie Melt paired with La Vieille Ferme Rose wine. 

The Non-vegetarian Pasta and wine pairings are the Lamb Ragu with Orrechette and Broccoli paired with Le Grand Noir Cabernet Sauvignon wine, Smoked Chicken Ravioli, Herb Butter Emulsion Cherry Tomato Tartare paired with Trapiche Vineyards, Malbec and Seafood Linguini with Vodka Sauce paired with Fratelli Jnoon Chardonnay wine. 

This June at Café Noir, rush for an experience with exotic wines paired with flavorful pasta and sauce elements that appeal to the exclusive Mama Maia Pasta menu.

Other Information: 

Menu: Mama Mia Pasta

Date: 17th June to 30th June 2022

Address: World Crest, Unit no.1A & 1B, Lodha, Upper Worli, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013 Time: 10 am to 11 pm (Monday to Friday) 8 am to 11 pm (Saturday and Sunday) 

Contact for reservations: 9730427206