Regal Residence at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’
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In 2023, nothing will be off-limits and everything is on the menu as everyone seeks to find the right balance in a world of contradictions
Key Highlights:
Preppers in Paradise: 64% of Indian travellers are looking for ‘off grid’ style vacations to escape from reality and user travel as an opportunity to learn survival skills or even prepare for an apocalypse.
Virtual Voyagers: 70% of Indian travellers are keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience as virtual vacations enter the Metaverse.
Delight in the discomfort zone: 71% of Indian travellers are looking forward to experiencing ‘out of comfort zone’ travel that pushes them to the limits.
Glamorising the Good ol’ Days: Nostalgic getaways that provide the thrill of reliving the glory days and harken back to simpler times are top of the travel wishlist for almost 95% Indian travellers.
Peace and Pleasure Pilgrimages: 63% of Indian travellers will be taking a less conventional approach to wellness by seeking serenity at a silent retreat
From Daily Grind to Great Company Escape: 68% of the Indian workforce is looking forward to their employer planning a ‘real life’ work trip to bring people together and build team camaraderie away from the office.
Saving to Splurge: While investing in a vacation remains a top priority for Indians, being budget conscious is key, with 75% of Indian travellers seeking more bang for their buck.
Mumbai, November 23, 2022 – People around the world are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling in 2023 compared to 2022 and, despite some current instability felt globally, nearly 72% report that travelling will always be worth it. The mood is shifting from one of hopeful uncertainty to bold adaptability. If 2022 was about the triumphant return of travel, 2023 will be about creatively reimagining it amidst the chaos. Nothing will be off limits and everything is on the menu as everyone seeks to find the right balance in a world of contradictions.
To understand how travel will be reimagined in 2023, Booking.com commissioned extensive research with more than 24,000 travellers across 32 countries and territories including India, combining it with its insights as a leading digital travel platform to reveal seven emerging travel predictions.
At a time of general upheaval, where war, increased societal polarisation, rising inflation and urgent concerns about climate change are all continuing to radically change the world, people are finding themselves in a multi-directional tug-of-war, working to reconcile what is important to them with the demands of everyday life. The 2023 travel predictions reflect this sentiment, revealing that the needs of travellers are moving in a lot of different directions to adapt to changing times.
Preppers in Paradise: Camouflaged cabins, campfire cuisine and compasses; going off-grid will never be more sought after than in 2023. 64% of Indian travellers want their travelling experiences to have a more back-to-basics feel and are constantly looking for ‘off-grid’ style vacations to escape from reality, and switch off and experience life with only the bare necessities. 73% Indian travellers are also keen to use travel in 2023 as an opportunity to learn survival skills. Expect to see more eco-friendly, earthly stays springing up to accommodate burnt-out city dwellers searching for simplicity, as well as accommodations offering guidance for Indian travellers on how to be more self-sufficient. ‘Off-grid’ in 2023 won’t necessarily mean roughing it though. There is a common perception that this means giving up luxuries (67% of Indian travellers believe that), however there is a strong desire to combine the two with 65% only considering travelling ‘off-grid’ if it can be at a more indulgent stay.
Virtual Voyagers: With 70% of Indian travellers reporting that they will be turning to virtual reality next year to inspire their vacation choices, travel will enter the ever-evolving 3D virtual space of the Metaverse in 2023. With 61% of Indians keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience, the Metaverse will be more than ‘try before you buy’; it will educate people, opening the door for infinite adventure. Travelers will become bolder in their real-life trip choices, after being able to visit them in the Metaverse first via their online avatar. While the Metaverse will offer a new way to experience travel in the year ahead, it still won’t stop people from booking a ticket to their next destination.
Delight in the Discomfort Zone: Whether it’s bottled-up energy, a new lease on life, the world is ready to dive into other cultures and new experiences head first. 71% Indian travellers want to experience complete culture shock in 2023 – be it travelling somewhere with completely different cultural experiences and languages 63% or exploring lesser-known cities with hidden gems that aren’t already on the radar 27%. Forget the usual favourites, in 2023 Indian travellers will be seeking unique vacations that shock, surprise and delight. 96% of Indian travellers are looking forward to experiencing ‘out of comfort zone’ travel that pushes them to the limits, there will be an influx of niche experiences encouraging people to push their travel escapades to the extreme. Unsurprisingly, this ‘culture shook’ Indian traveller is also partial to throwing caution to the wind, with 46% wanting to buy a one way ticket in 2023 and follow their instinct wherever it takes them.
Glamorising the Good ol’ Days: Amid the desire for escapism, people intend to carve out travel experiences that harken back to simpler times, with nostalgic getaways 95% that provide the thrill of reliving the glory days top of the wishlist in 2023. There’s a desire – even for millennials and Gen-Zs who never lived it – to disappear into the romanticism of a pre-digital era, with 28% of Indian travellers chasing experiences that evoke (faux) emotive memories of days gone past, such as visiting landmarks or attractions featured in iconic retro films or opting for a bus as a primary mode of transport to live the group spirit of school trips.
Travellers are no longer forfeiting play in favour of rest and relaxation, with 76% Indians increasingly seeking the adrenaline rush of theme parks , and drawing on the imagination with activities such as escape rooms, scavenger hunts and building fortresses with giant building blocks. Millennial travellers will be first to book emerging era-themed accommodation that transport them back to a time they hold close to their hearts, and will likely be doing so with family by their side 54% with ‘family reunion’ multi-generational trips top of the travel agenda in 2023.
Peace and Pleasure Pilgrimages: Travel is set to take ‘mind, body and soul’ wellness to the next level in 2023 – a fully immersive, no-holds-barred approach to attaining peace and pleasure including less conventional ways to feel bliss. Seeking to recenter the mind, meditation and mindfulness getaways are ever popular with 70% Indian travelers while 63% aim to find peace at a silent retreat and 59% are keen to go on a health hiatus that focuses on mental health, transformative health or that helps with life milestones such as menopause or pregnancy.
For those seeking enhanced spiritual experiences to stir the soul, alternative substances such as cannabis or plant-based psychedelics like ayahuasca or mushrooms will become a more mainstream offering, with 64% keen to try this kind of experimental wellness experience as part of their 2023 travels.
From Daily Grind to Great Company Escape: A step change from the ‘work from anywhere’ policy that are now almost as commonplace as annual leave, employees are increasingly keen to preserve vacation time for complete escapism. 75% Indians want their trips to be strictly work free in 2023, and while 64% are not interested in working while away, they would consider clocking in for a company retreat or trip. As such, travelling for business will be back in 2023.
2023 will see a rise in destination business retreats where the focus will be on strengthening relationships and corporate recreation rather than work. In fact, 68% of the Indian workforce is looking forward to their employer planning a ‘real life’ work trip to bring people together and 69% would like to see their employer use the money saved from the shift to remote/hybrid working models spent on corporate travel or retreats. In response, Businesses stand to see benefits, too – 76% of Indians believe exploring new places will inspire them to be more productive at work.
Saving to Splurge: Indian travellers in 2023 will continue to prioritise travel but will be more mindful over how to make the most of their travel budget and what takes precedence. 69% of Indian travellers will invest in a vacation as it remains a top priority for them, but being budget conscious is key, with nearly 75% Indians continuing to spotlight travel while seeking more bang for their buck.
2023 will see financially-savvy itinerary curation at its finest, with people planning travel budgets more tightly by taking advantage of deals, hacks and smartly-timed travel and prioritising value for money with discounts and loyalty programs. 69% Indians will look to save money by considering off-season destinations or longer routes on the journey, while 72% will be planning travel more in advance in the hope to secure a better deal. 71% believe the best use of their budget is to opt for one or two longer vacations instead of several short breaks.
Within this context, Indian travellers are also surprisingly prepared to dial up their spend – and even splurge – on the components of their trip that mean the most to them. 70% admit that they plan to be more indulgent in their spending habits while on vacation to make up for the lack of travel during the last couple of years, while 67% plan to spend lavishly to ensure they maximise their trip and every experience is worth it.’
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com comments, “The years of pandemic gave us a chance to reminisce and acknowledge that travel should not be taken for granted. Our Travel predictions 2023 research demonstrates a desire for travel to be a way to seek unapologetic moments of happiness and escapism to counteract the heavy realities of our news feeds. At Booking.com our aim will continue to be to make it easier for everyone to seek their unique travel bliss in a more personalised and connected way in the year ahead and beyond.”
In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.
Goa, Nov 2022: Christmas season is a time to spread joy and cheer. The St. Regis Goa Resort chose to do it differently. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened The St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. Children across age groups spent a wonderful evening along with guests and employees of the resort.
The event was held as part of Global Customer Appreciation Week, a Marriott International initiative. The St Regis Goa Resort will share 100% proceeds from the revenue made through the sale of Christmas cakes with the orphanage.
“Guided by the Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we commit to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever we do business. We believe in making the communities in which we operate better places to live, work and visit. Spreading the joy of Christmas with the children of the orphanage is our way of bringing the community together during the festive season,” explained Satish Kumar, GM, The St Regis Goa Resort.
Children played games, and spent an evening where joy and laughter rang through the evening. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.
The cake mixing ceremony is part of an age-old Christmas tradition which is enjoyed with friends, family and relatives, the world over.
New Delhi, November 2022: Located in the pristine forest on the periphery of the Satpura National Park, the conservation and wildlife-focused Reni Pani Jungle Lodge has recently introduced horseback safaris that will be operational between the months of October and June. These riding safaris on the royal family's thoroughbreds and Marwari horses are the first of their kind in Madhya Pradesh. Guided by experts, they offer guests a choice of two identified, distinct trails.
Widely popular and respected within the wildlife circuit, Reni Pani is quite a pioneer in the responsible wildlife tourism landscape in the region. The lodge was the first in Satpura to successfully introduce non-motorized safaris on land and water. Besides being eco-friendly, these activities allow a more immersive experience of the forest and all its elements. A unit of Jehan Numa Wilderness and the Jehan Group of Hotels, the property is run by the descendants of the royal family of Bhopal and is a translation of the family's deep connection with nature and the Satpura forests.
“The first trail runs through the forest around Reni Pani where you can immerse in Satpura’s flourishing flora as well as sightings of birds and some herbivores like nilgai, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian Gazelle, and if lucky the sloth bear too. The other trail passes along the local villages in the area - a really fabulous way to catch the rural sights up close. These rides will allow our guests to cover and explore more of the landscape in an excitingly new format. Both our trails end with a lovely picnic in the forest or a sundowner for that special, personalized touch – an essential requisite for all Jehan Numa experiences”, said Aly Rashid, Director & CEO of Jehan Numa Wilderness.
Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, a 3.5-hour drive from Bhopal, comprises earthy cottages and luxury tents in the midst of spectacular nature. Many birds have made the lodge their home - Grey Hornbills, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Black Shouldered Kites, Tree Pies, Shikra, and many others can be spotted around the lodge itself. Besides safaris and nature excursions into the buffer zones and Park, the lodge's expert naturalists are happy to guide and regale guests with spotting the wilderness within the premise at any time.
ABOUT RENI PANI JUNGLE LODGE
The conservation and wildlife-focused Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is located close to the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Spread across 30 acres of striking forest cover, the lodge is exquisitely designed and features impeccable cottages and luxury tents that seamlessly blend into the magnificent wilderness around. In addition to all modern comforts, the lodge offers carefully curated activities, excursions, and safaris with in-house naturalists and experts for immersive experiences of the surrounding nature and wildlife. The lodge also focuses on non-motorized eco-alternatives to explore the landscape through walks, canoeing, cycling, and camping safaris. A unit of Jehan Numa Wilderness, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is deeply committed to conserving India’s wildlife heritage and providing local communities with alternate livelihoods that preserves the natural environment.
ABOUT JEHAN NUMA HOTELS
Owned and managed by the founding family of Bhopal, the Jehan Numa Group of Hotels consists of four distinctive boutique luxury hotels: the Jehan Numa Palace and Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal, the critically acclaimed Reni Pani Jungle Lodge in Satpura and the recently launched Bori Safari Lodge set next to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. Known for their subtle sophistication and conscious hospitality, the hotels offer guests unique experiences and tastes of this region, that draws the attention of history, culture and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The group also provides wildlife expeditions in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Singalila National Park under its Jehan Numa Expeditions division. Carrying forward a legacy to work towards community welfare and caring for the environment, the Rashid family is dedicated to Conservation and Sustainability.
Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya has announced a new general manager. Hiring from within, former hotel manager Martin Kipping steps into the GM role.
Three levels are being introduced to the Travel Sustainable program for accommodations, in addition to special badging to highlight properties with third-party certifications
400,000+ accommodations globally are now being recognized for their efforts to operate more sustainably
India is among the top 10 countries with the highest numbers of accommodations receiving a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com
Search filter for fully electric and hybrid rental cars is now live across the Booking.com app and website, with hybrid options and electric vehicles available in 60 countries
NOVEMBER, 2022 – Leading digital travel platform Booking.com today announced an array of new product features in celebration of the one-year anniversary of its Travel Sustainable program, introduced in 2021 to provide travelers with transparent and credible information to make more mindful choices for their trips. With the ongoing aim to recognize the efforts of a wide range of property types to operate more sustainably and to provide travelers with consistent and easy-to-understand information, the company is introducing three distinct badge levels to the Travel Sustainable program.
Aligned to the principle that reputable, third-party certification remains the gold standard in the industry, the new levels to the Travel Sustainable program provide even better visibility and recognition for currently uncertified properties that are taking steps to operate more responsibly with regards to their impact on the environment and their local community. The levels help illustrate a clearer pathway for accommodations to work towards eventual certification, especially for those that might be at an earlier stage in their sustainability journey. The aim is to also help encourage and incentivize more accommodations to continue making progress towards that goal.
For travellers, the new badge levels being introduced to Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable program have been designed to more clearly demonstrate a broader spectrum of where different accommodations are at on their individual sustainability journeys, as well as the specific measures they are implementing. The aim of the enhanced structure is to also more clearly highlight those accommodations that have made outstanding commitments and investments on this front to achieve one of more than 40 recognized ecolabels and certifications.
The new badge levels for Travel Sustainable are as follows:
Level 1: This new entry-level designation for the Travel Sustainable badge indicates that a property has implemented some impactful sustainability practices. This Level 1 badge will soon show up with one leaf and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.
Level 2: Accommodations receiving the Level 2 version of the Travel Sustainable badge have made considerable investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices. The Level 2 badge will soon show up with two leaves and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.
Level 3: The Level 3 Travel Sustainable badge is reserved for those accommodations that have made large investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices but have not yet achieved an official third-party certification yet. The Level 3 badge will soon show up with three leaves and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.
Certified properties: Accommodations that have made huge commitments towards sustainability, including the additional effort and investment to achieve one of 40+ credible third-party certifications, receive the highest level of recognition as part of the Travel Sustainable program. These accommodations are recognized with a certified badge, including the name of their certification.
With the introduction of these new levels, 400,000+ accommodations on Booking.com are now being recognized for their efforts to operate more sustainably. India is among the top 10 countries with the highest number of accommodations receiving a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com. The countries leading the way are Italy (46,365) followed by France (27,677), Germany (24,038), Spain (23,650), United States (19,396), Brazil (19,160), India (15,743), United Kingdom (15,366), Greece (12,442) and Poland (10,745).
New filters for hybrid and fully electric rental cars
A new search filter for fully electric and hybrid rental cars is now live across the Booking.com app and website, making it easier for travelers to find more sustainable ground transport options for their next road trip, with hybrid vehicles and fully electric options available in 60 countries.
Carbon emissions information for accommodations and flights
As part of Booking.com’s new partnership with climate tech company CHOOOSE, carbon emissions data for accommodation bookings in Europe will be displayed for the first time on the platform in an effort to both understand where and how to present this information so it is useful for customers in their decision-making process. The new features will first go live for accommodation options in Europe, with the intent to expand globally. Similarly, together with CHOOSE and in line with the aviation framework developed together with the Travalyst Coalition, Booking.com will also start providing information about the carbon emissions associated with flight options on the platform. The option to sort flight searches based on this carbon emissions data will be introduced in 2023.
“As we optimize and develop our Travel Sustainable program further, our ambition is to continue making it easier for everyone to make more sustainable choices for their next trip,” said Danielle D’Silva, Head of Sustainability at Booking.com. “We’re examining every part of the trip on our platform and actively looking for ways to provide more information to travelers in a credible and trusted way. Whether it’s an apartment for a weekend getaway, an electric car for their upcoming road trip or carbon emissions data about a flight, our aim is to nudge our customers and partners towards these more responsible options and do our part to ensure a healthier future for our planet and industry.”
-India sees a 30% jump in demand for wedding services
-Tier-I cities witness a 22% rise in demand and Tier-II by 48%
-Wedding jewellers, banquet halls, decorators, photographers, & caterers top-5 most searched wedding services
Mumbai, Nov 15: After two years of low-key celebrations due to COVID restrictions, this year’s wedding season sees a rise in demand (YOY) for a wide range of wedding services with searches for banquet halls being up by 83%, caterers by 57%, and wedding jewellers by 44%, reports the latest Justdial Consumer Insights report.
Overall demand on Justdial for wedding services, comprising of banquet halls, caterers, decorators, DJs, event organisers, wedding jewellers, tailors, Mehendi artists, pandits, photographers, matrimonial bureaus, and wedding bands, saw a 30% jump across India’s 1000 towns and cities. This demand was primarily accentuated by Tier-II cities that saw a 48% rise in demand, and in Tier-I cities, it was 22%.
Commenting on the consumer trends during this wedding season, Mr. Prasun Kumar, CMO, Justdial said: “We are witnessing a surge in demand during this wedding season as India reportedly will see 32 lakh weddings in a period of next 30 days. The last two years have been difficult for wedding services due to restrictions on marriages due to COVID. Weddings have been a big driver for India’s gig economy, and it is encouraging to witness that demand is rising fast in Tier-II cities. Demand for wedding services in Tier-II cities is now 2X vis-à-vis Tier-I and it augurs well for the economy at large. It also reflects the fact that businesses of all hues even in Tier-II towns and cities are now getting online to maximise their reach and enhance their business.”
Amongst wedding services, jewellers, banquet halls, decorators, photographers, and caterers, were the top-5 services that saw maximum demand and contributed to almost 60% of the searches related to wedding services on the platform.
For wedding jewellers, Mumbai topped the demand across the country followed by Delhi and Hyderabad. Searches in Tier-I cities rose by 29%, while Tier-II cities witnessed a jump of 44%. Among Tier-II cities, Jaipur led the demand race followed by Surat, Rajkot, Chandigarh, and Coimbatore.
Demand (YOY) rise for banquet halls was the highest across all wedding services as it saw a 68% rise in searches in India. Among Tier-II cities this demand rose by 83%, and in Tier-I cities by 46%. Mumbai topped the searches for banquet halls and contributed to almost 27% of the demand in Tier-I cities followed by Delhi and Chennai in the second and third place respectively. Coimbatore, Surat, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Patna were the top-5 Tier-II cities that saw maximum demand for banquet halls.
Searches for decorators jumped by 31% with Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru driving maximum demand among Tier-I cities. The demand in Tier-II cities was up by 43% with cities like Chandigarh, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Surat driving maximum traction.
Demand for wedding photographers rose by 23% in the country with searches in Tier-II cities being 2.3X of that in Tier-I cities. Mumbai and Delhi contributed to almost 50% of the demand generated by Tier-I cities. Chandigarh, Lucknow, Patna, Rajkot, and Coimbatore were the top-5 Tier-II cities with maximum demand for wedding photographers.
Searches for caterers went up by 31% with Tier-II cities outstripping Tier-I cities in terms of demand. Tier-II cities saw the demand going up by 31% and Tier-I cities by 57%. Bengaluru, topping the list, had the highest demand for caterers followed by Mumbai and Delhi among Tier-I cities. Among Tier-II cities Jaipur, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Ernakulam were the top-5 with maximum demand for caterers.
About Just Dial Limited
Just Dial Limited provides local search related services to users in India through multiple platforms such as Desktop/PC website (https://www.justdial.com), mobile site (https://t.justdial.com), mobile apps (Android & iOS), over the telephone (Voice, pan India number 88888-88888) and text (SMS). Justdial’s latest version of JD App, is an All-in-One App, replete with features like Map-aided Search, Live TV, Videos, Stock quotes, etc. to make the life of the consumer infinitely smoother & more engaging.
The Company has recently launched its B2B marketplace platform, JD Mart. JD Mart platform, available at https://www.jdmart.com and via apps on Play Store and App Store, is aimed at enabling millions of India’s manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers to become internet-ready in post-COVID era, get new customers and sell their products online. The platform offers digital product catalogues to businesses and aims at digitalising India’s businesses, especially MSMEs, across categories. Buyers can discover quality vendors offering a wide selection of products to choose from, spread across millions of categories to suit all B2B needs.
Justdial has also initiated transaction-oriented services for its users. These services aim at making several day-to-day tasks conveniently actionable and accessible to users from one App. With this step, Justdial is transitioning from being purely a provider of local search and related information to being a direct/ indirect enabler of such transactions. Justdial has also recently launched an end-to-end business management solution for SMEs, through which it intends to transition thousands of SMEs to efficiently run business online and have their adequate online presence via their own website, mobile site. Apart from this, Justdial has also launched JD Pay, a unique solution for quick digital payments for its users and vendors.
The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, has opened its newest luxury resort, Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa in Jambughoda in Gujarat. This is the company’s 23rd operational hotel in the State.
Speaking of the launch, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, CEO, of Concept Hospitality-The Fern Hotels & Resorts said, “The Fern Hotels & Resorts are the biggest hospitality players in Gujarat, with hotels in all the major cities and in resort destinations covering beaches, temple towns, historical monuments, jungle safaris, forest resorts and wildlife sanctuaries in the State. Our hotels are well known for their environmentally sensitive and eco-friendly facilities, services, and operations.”
Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa, Jambughoda is an upscale resort near the Jambughoda Forest in Gujarat, surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, lakes, and captivating views of lush greenery. The resort offers 108 luxurious well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from 344 sq ft to over 800 sq ft. Foresta is an all-day restaurant with alfresco and indoor dining options. The resort also has two banquet halls accommodating 300 persons, 12,000 sq ft lawns, and a swimming pool. The Health Club and Spa will be operational shortly.
In addition to the local attractions, Pavagadh Hills and the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are in close proximity to the resort. The Statue of Unity is also within driving distance from the resort.
Location: The resort is 70 km from Vadodara Airport and 6 km from Bodeli Bus Stand. Pavagadh and Champaner are only 30 km from the resort. The Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) is 69 km away, a 90-minute drive.
Address: Plot No 164, Khakharia, Jambughoda 389 390, Dist. Panchmahal, Gujarat
~ Certified by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and organized in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) ~
National, November 2022: Moustache Escapes, leading experiential travel company, is all geared up for its ‘Forsyth Trail Run 2.0’ to be held from 21st to 22nd January 2023. A perfect opportunity for athletes as well as fitness fanatics to explore the incredible landscapes of Madhya Pradesh by enrolling themselves for this experience. The event is classified into three stretches, including a 9kms Road Run, 24kms Forest trail and 6kms Uphill Forest trail.
While the ITRA has certified this event, they are also offering a minimum of 2 points and maximum of 3 points to be added to participants’ profile post completing the 42kms run. This trail run shall begin with a 10kms road run from Matkuli village to archaeological site Satdhara, moving into a 24kms forest trail to Kanjighat and preceded by an uphill ghat pathway for 6kms until Pachmarhi Naka, which will finally culminate into a 3kms road run from the Naka to the finish line at Bison Lodge. The maximum elevation gain for this thrilling run is approximately 850ft.
Commenting on the second edition of the run, Deepak Agarwal, Director at Moustache Escapes, “Following the success of the first marathon held earlier this year, we have curated its second edition for all adventure enthusiasts and with the uplifting of most covid protocols, we look forward to receiving maximum participants for the upcoming run.”
Sharing his views, Mr. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director (Adventure, Film, Events & Marketing Tourism) , Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, “We are glad to collaborate with Moustache Escapes, that is bringing out the beauty of our state through the organization of such trail runs. We wish to highlight the untapped magnificence present in different corners of Madhya Pradesh and anticipate the success of this marathon. At Moustache Escapes, we aim at curating innovative experiences for our patrons, and we will continue to do that.”
Registrations for the Forsyth Trail Run 2.0 are now open to all those thrill seekers that are keen on reconnecting with the wonders of nature while traversing through jungles, streams, tribal villages, and other confluences of rivers in the wilderness.
The entry fee for the trail runs (without stay) are as follows: Rs. 1499/- for 10kms, Rs. 1999/- for 21kms, and Rs. 2999/- for the 42kms run.
Additional charges for triple sharing stay are applicable: Tent stay @1200/per person/N + 12% GST and Cottage stay @4000/per person/N + 12% GST. These rates are inclusive of breakfast and dinner.
Link for participation-
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfypFTKkNbJjdFnKqoVIu1XQBpgw-YCh9lFICGguva8kO7oTA/viewform
New Delhi, November 2022: Lemon Tree Hotels announced its latest signing–Lemon Tree Hotel, Tezpur, Assam. The property is expected to be operational by March 2025 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited.
Lying on the northern banks of Brahmaputra, Tezpur is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Assam’ and is the oldest city in the most populated North-Eastern state. With picturesque landscapes, snow-clad Himalayan ranges all around and beautiful green tea gardens on hill slopes, Tezpur is a favoured destination for travellers. The city is famous for tourist attractions including places of historical and religious significance besides the ones which are naturally beautiful like Nameri National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Bamuni hills, Agnigarh and more.
This property will feature 42 well-appointed rooms, complemented by a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, a meeting room, a fitness center and banquets along with other public areas.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Aiyer, CEO – Carnation Hotels Private Limited – commented, “We are delighted to expand our portfolio to Tezpur, the land of blue hills and red rivers, in Assam. Lemon Tree Hotels has always been passionate about identifying the hidden gems of India. The quaint city of Tezpur is developing fast while offering a rich cultural heritage, bountiful nature and wildlife. With this addition, we will have 7 hotels in the enchanting North-Eastern region including 3 which are coming up.”
ABOUT LEMON TREE HOTELS LIMITED
Lemon Tree Hotels Limited is India’s largest hotel chain in the mid-priced sector, and the third largest overall, on the basis of controlling interest in owned and leased rooms, as of June 30, 2017, according to the Horwath Report. We operate in the upscale segment and in the mid-market sector, consisting of the upper-midscale, midscale and economy segments. We deliver differentiated yet superior service offerings, with a value-for-money proposition.
LTHL opened its first hotel with 49 rooms in May 2004 and currently operates ~8,400 rooms in 87 hotels across 52 destinations, in India and abroad, under its various brands viz. Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select and Keys Lite. As the current pipeline becomes operational, ~11100 rooms in 119 hotels across 74 destinations, in India and abroad shall be operated under the LTHL brands.
Aligned with the Indian aviation ministry’s aim to decarbonize the aviation segment by 2030, Celebi India has taken another major step by introducing the first ever 100% Electric Air-Conditioned Tarmac Coaches for Passenger Transportation in India at the Delhi International Airport.
ECO-LIFE, a Made in India Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), is an aesthetically designed tarmac coach for air passengers. Powered by fast plug-in charging lithium-ion batteries, these buses run on highly efficient PSPM electric motors offering a silent and seamless ride for the passengers. Built with high-strength monocoque structures, the buses have long durability and best-in-class comfort.
Speaking on occasion, Mr. Murali Ramachandran, CEO, Celebi India, said, “We are a responsible organisation with a strong focus to build sustainability as the main pillar of our operation. We welcome the government’s decision of reducing carbon emission in the aviation sector. Under this vision of sustainable aviation, we have already implemented solutions like Taxi bots and Bridge-mounted equipment in the past. Now with the addition of 12 Made in India 100% Electric Air-Conditioned Tarmac Coaches, we are committing our support through accelerated efficiency measures, energy transition, and innovation across the aviation sector and in sync with the government across the country.”
Mr. Ramachandran added, “These newly inducted low entry ECOLIFE buses facilitate ease of boarding and de-boarding and are equipped with a wheel-chair ramp for the specially-abled, old & people who are unwell with a designated space for docking the wheelchair. The buses are equipped with all modern features like Intelligent Transportation System, CCTV cameras, mobile charging USB sockets, Emergency safe stop buttons, etc., keeping safety as an important prime factor.”
New offering expected to spur development opportunities globally
India – (November 2022) – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options.
Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the U.S. and Canada.
“Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends, while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.”
Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, and retail. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is anticipated to offer developers flexibility to build new properties or convert existing properties, with a design approach similar to the company’s successful Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio lodging brands, which offer consumers independent, uniquely distinguished hotel experiences. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will be backed by Marriott’s powerful reservations engine and Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s award-winning travel program with 173 million members.
Among travel consumers and Marriott Bonvoy members, there is a growing desire for premium accommodations that provide home-like amenities as travelers combine work and leisure trips to reconnect with family and friends. According to Phocuswright research, three of the top five reasons for selecting an apartment-style rental are more room or space, access to a full kitchen and laundry, and home-like feel.1
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