IHG Hotels & Resorts to debut Crowne Plaza property in Labuan Bajo

Landmark partnership with MMS Land brings world-renowned brand to island paradise and gateway to Komodo National Park UNESCO Heritage Site.

 IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, today announced a landmark partnership with MMS Land – the property and hospitality arm of MMS Group Indonesia.

The new-build Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo will be the IHG’s premium brand third property in Indonesia, and mark IHG’s entry into an exciting new destination as it continues its strategic growth in the country.

Located next to Komodo International Airport and just 15 minutes from the waterfront on the most western tip of Flores Island, the hotel will provide the ideal base for guests to explore the area’s many world-class wonders. These include the spectacular Komodo National Park – anointed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 – comprising volcanic islands that are home to more than 5,000 rare, giant ‘Komodo Dragons’ lizards.

On top of attracting leisure travellers, Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo is also being developed as a leading MICE destination, with its facilities – including more than approximately 600 square metres of meeting space – set to cater for the needs of domestic and international business guests.

Chris Anklin, Senior Director, Development, South East Asia and Korea, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “It’s truly exciting to introduce a fantastic Crowne Plaza hotel at Labuan Bajo in partnership with MMS Land. Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts is one of the world’s largest premium hotel brands and ideally-suited for guests who visit this island paradise for leisure, business or blended travel.

“We know there is a big hunger for experiential travel now, and we’re working closely with our owners to develop forward-looking hotel experiences that bring our destinations to life and support their overall development. Labuan Bajo is an enchanting harbour town that has been earmarked as one of Indonesia’s five super-priority destinations. The signing today underscores IHG’s commitment to further expand its footprint in Indonesia and grow our portfolio in strategic destinations across the country.”

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics of West Manggarai Regency, the number of hotels in Labuan Bajo increased by 50% between 2016-2018, rising from 64 hotels with 1,030 rooms to 98 hotels with 1,462 rooms, making it one of Indonesia’s highest-growth territories in terms of hotel development.

More recently, the Central Bureau of Statistics of East Nusa Tenggara, the province where Labuan Bajo is located, reported that star hotels in the region have shown a strong growth in demand, with a 36% increase in first quarter of 2023 as compared to 2022.

Mr. Andre Chandra Biantoro, CEO, MMS Land said: “We are excited to be working with IHG – a truly internationally-renowned operator – on this landmark project. We have seen IHG have great success with the world’s best airport hotel, Crowne Plaza Changi Airport in Singapore, and are confident that together we’ll emulate that outstanding level of achievement with Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo.

“The Crowne Plaza brand appeals to modern business travellers for many reasons, including how it offers thoughtful, multi-functional zones and spaces for guests to switch between work and leisure. It’s also the market leader when it comes to hosting meetings, and a globally trusted choice for businesses everywhere.

“Labuan Bajo is an up-and-coming MICE destination and recently hosted the ASEAN Summit in May 2023. With its strategic location, Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo will quickly become the hotel of choice for visitors to this idyllic town, boosting visits to Labuan Bajo to at least the pre-pandemic level of 250,000 tourists per year, while greatly strengthening its tourist eco-system, promoting economic growth and supporting local communities.”

Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo will offer guests a choice of 199 WorkLife rooms and suites across seven stories. In addition to its expansive meeting space, facilities will include the Plaza Workspace, three restaurants & bars, a fitness centre, spa and swimming pool.

Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo will contribute to the development of the national tourism sector in West Manggarai Regency and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province. As a gateway to the area’s scenic islands, the hotel will appeal to adventure travellers, with water activities, including snorkeling and diving, island hopping and cave exploration nearby.

As the world’s fourth largest market by population – and biggest in South East Asia – Indonesia is a key market for IHG. It’s home to one of its largest portfolios in the region with 24 hotels across six brands – Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Express – and 15 hotels in a pipeline that includes the upcoming brand debuts of Regent Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection and voco hotels. 

Crowne Plaza Labuan Bajo will be the third Crowne Plaza hotel to open in Indonesia, following Crowne Plaza Bandung and Crowne Plaza Jakarta Residences – a testament to its unfaltering potential as an attractive business and travel destination.

The Crowne Plaza brand continues to expand rapidly across Asia Pacific where it has quickly become the ideal accommodation choice through a purposeful design that offers flexible spaces to work, meet and relax, while satisfying and inspiring the needs of its guests both personally and professionally. Its Plaza Workspace, a new take on the traditional hotel lobby, offers agile work and relaxation areas that promote connections and encourage informal gatherings, while the brand’s patented WorkLife Room offers guests a combination of comfort, connectivity and flexibility with distinct zones for work, relaxation and sleep.

Asia Pacific is the future home of more than 90 Crowne Plaza hotels including Thailand’s Crowne Plaza Bangkok Grand Sukhumvit, Malaysia’s Crowne Plaza Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Crowne Plaza Penang Straits City and Crowne Plaza Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and across Australasia, Crowne Plaza Melbourne Carlton, Crowne Plaza Shell Cove Marina and Crowne Plaza Fiji Nadi Bay Resort & Spa.

These outstanding properties will follow recently-opened Crowne Plaza Vinh Yen City Centre and Crowne Plaza Phu Quoc Starbay in Vietnam, and four Crowne Plaza openings in Australia, comprising two in Sydney in Darling Harbour and Burwood, and others in Adelaide and Tasmania. IHG’s renowned portfolio already includes Crowne Plaza Changi Airport – a eight-consecutive year winner of the Skytrax World’s Best Airport Hotel award – the elegant Crowne Plaza Paris – Republique, and Crowne Plaza Hamburg.

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts Unveils a Distinctive Global Brand Evolution

InterContinental demonstrates its pioneering spirit while paying homage to its rich heritage, paving the way for the luxury traveler of tomorrow.

October, New Delhi: – InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, the world's first and largest international luxury hotel brand, is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of an extensive global brand evolution announced today.|

As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts' luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental is set to yet again reimagine the luxury travel experience, striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity. This transformative journey is driven by the brand’s long held belief that travel can expand minds and connect cultures, enhanced by cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and the exceptional talents of InterContinental’s diverse team members.  

A FOCUS ON MODERN LUXURY TRAVELLERS AND DIVERSITY

InterContinental aims to captivate the imaginations of modern luxury travellers by satisfying their desire for knowledge and culturally rich experiences. This holistic evolution includes new offerings and experiences, a fresh brand culture, unique brand differentiators, and a game-changing food and beverage and hotel design strategy tailored to the traveller of tomorrow. With InterContinental hotels in the world’s finest cities from Rome to Shanghai, and 93 new hotels and resorts in the pipeline, these concepts will shape the future of InterContinental.

Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “This isn't a rebrand or repositioning; rather, it's a comprehensive transformation from start to finish of InterContinental, ensuring we stay at the forefront of crafting a luxury experience for the modern luxury traveler. Collaborating with our 215 hotels worldwide, we are committed to delivering precisely what todays and tomorrows guests, owners and colleagues require.

"At its core, this brand evolution revolves around our exceptional team members globally. Alongside a new brand service platform, we're introducing a fresh brand culture and a range of programmes aimed at attracting and retaining the finest talent in the industry. Our colleague brand culture is grounded in InterContinental's core belief that travel expands the mind. We unite in diversity and wherever you are in the world, you belong at InterContinental.”

INTENTIONAL FLEXIBILITY FOR MODERN LIFESTYLES

Modern travellers lead diverse lives, and InterContinental acknowledges the need for seamless transitions throughout their day. To address this, the brand is committed to helping guests "shape shift" through their day.

New initiatives include scientifically backed food and beverage programmes aimed at helping guests reduce travel fatigue while ensuring dining options reflect differing guest needs throughout the day. All guests will also receive access to the Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables travelers to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones.  InterContinental is collaborating with neuroscience-based designer Isabelle Sjövall to revolutionize guestroom spaces to enhance the restorative process needed for travel fatigue and reimagine other versatile physical spaces so they can seamlessly adapt to evolving needs at different times of the day.   

INSIDER EXPERTISE; UNRIVALLED KNOWLEDGE OF CULTURE

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, with properties in 60 countries, leverages its rich history as a pioneer in hospitality. The brand's colleagues serve as cultural connectors, helping guests embrace and explore cities and local neighborhoods. The concierge, at the heart of cultural exploration, will play an even more significant role. InterContinental will develop innovative Concierge Galleries in hotel lobbies, transforming them into epicenters of unrivaled local, cultural knowledge. Going far beyond the standard concierge desk, these new outposts will more closely resemble a luxury boutique, bringing together interactive displays, library spaces and informative features, in some cases even art installations or designer pop-ups. From a design perspective, these social spaces will eschew the traditional desk in favor of a more interactive worktable allowing for more natural and engaging interactions between the guest and concierge 

INCREDIBLE OCCASIONS; THE VERY BEST MOMENTS IN LIFE

Modern luxury travellers place great value on special moments and celebrations but finding time to plan for them can be challenging as life gets busier. Long considered the setting of countless celebrations and special moments, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will further elevate micro-occasions for guests who wish to enjoy any number of life’s milestones, from birthdays to baby showers, through its brand-new Incredible Occasions programme. 

The Incredible Occasions programme will help signpost bookable spaces around the hotel, where groups of guests can enjoy privacy while celebrating memorable moments. Unlike grand settings or spacious ballrooms, each intimate space will include programming and packages, consisting of amenities and experiences, such as beautiful tablescapes, thoughtful gestures or private masterclasses which can be offered.

Bringing together expertise, infrastructure and imagination, InterContinental will also unveil Celebration Suites across its global portfolio. These are reimagined spaces designed specifically to help guests elevate life’s most special moments, from lavish dinner parties to landmark birthdays.

CULTIVATED ELEGANCE; A PORTFOLIO OF FASCINATION

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts boasts a diverse portfolio of remarkable properties catering to various travel needs and purposes. The brand evolution focuses on further elevating quality design and timeless style under the umbrella of "Cultivated Elegance." 

Melissa Messmer, Global Head of Design for Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “Each InterContinental hotel or resort is an experience-driven bespoke concept, tied together by our new Design Pillars that form the strength of our brand design style, Cultivated Elegance.”

InterContinental's diverse style domains cater to different traveller preferences, from idyllic escapes such as InterContinental Maldives to romantic getaways at InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace to unique stays at properties such as Bill Bensley-designed InterContinental Khao Yai. 

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts' global brand evolution embraces modernity, diversity and the desire for meaningful experiences, ensuring that guests can continue to explore the world while feeling right at home.

Hilton Debuts in Yala with Opening of Hilton Yala Resort

Leading global hospitality company Hilton today announced the opening of Hilton Yala Resort, marking Hilton’s third flagship-branded property in Sri Lanka. Just outside Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park and surrounded by lush greenery, the resort provides an elevated escape for guests seeking adventure and relaxation, with a vast view that overlooks the Indian Ocean.

“We are delighted to welcome Hilton Yala Resort to our expanding portfolio across Sri Lanka and South East Asia,” said Alexandra Murray, area vice president and head of South East Asia, Hilton. "Through the resort’s immersive and rewarding experiences, which beautifully showcases Yala’s natural wonders, we are confident it will be a haven for guests looking to fully connect with nature, enabling them to embark on a journey of self-discovery like no other.”

Designed to immerse guests in the wonders of nature, the resort boasts striking architecture that draws from Yala’s natural beauty. The 42 stylish rooms, suites, and villas feature contemporary interiors that are decorated in neutral tones with safari chic accents and local artworks, which add subtle hints of the locale. Vast windows draw the eye to the resort’s natural surroundings which is home to an abundance of flora and fauna. Ground floor rooms feature private pools, which span from eight to 16 square meters, while those on the level above offer private hot tubs, providing a serene space for guests to unwind.

“Set in the best destinations around the world, each Hilton Hotels & Resorts property places guests at the centre of it all,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “With its prime location at the edge of the country’s most popular national park, Hilton Yala Resort serves as a beacon for the brand in the region, extending more rewarding and enriching travel experiences to the world. We look forward to empowering guests to make the most of their getaway with renewing experiences that inspire and excite, all complemented by Hilton’s signature hospitality.”  

Hilton Yala Resort’s guest experiences extend far beyond its perimeters. The resort offers an elevated and environmentally responsible safari experience - with locally trained rangers. This team of wildlife experts is dedicated to helping guests experience the best of Yala National Park through customizable, twice daily game drives. Each safari tour is dedicated to delivering enlightening and impactful educational sessions to bring about a stronger sense of awareness and appreciation of the wildlife and ecosystem.

The protection of Yala’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability is at the centre of Hilton Yala Resort’s ethos, with the resort designed to ensure the utmost care for the surrounding environment, ecosystem and local communities. Hilton is working with many local partners to advance efforts to preserve and protect local habitats and biodiversity as part of their destination stewardship efforts. An onsite animal research program has also been initiated under the support of microgrant funding provided by the Hilton Global Foundation, equipping rangers with the latest wildlife information, technology and necessary tools, such as solar-powered weather sensors, and night vision binoculars to monitor wildlife in and near the resort, helping them further understand and protect indigenous species. This research will be in collaboration with the Wildlife and Nature Protection Society (WNPS) Small Cat Advisory, Leopard Diary and the Wilderness and Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) to better inform local conservation efforts.

“We are delighted that Hilton Yala Resort is dedicated to contributing to both conservation and economic opportunities for the communities in the vicinity. This is the first international hotel resort chain in the Yala locality and it will give a huge boost to responsible tourism. It is heartening to know the steps that Hilton Yala Resort has taken to conserve the biodiversity around the property. Being responsible in how the property is managed is very important. Sri Lanka needs responsible and sustainable tourism and we believe that a leading hotel chain such as Hilton will lead the charge in the Yala National Park to conserve the region ethically. We are especially glad to be partnering on wildlife research with the resort's ranger team and to be working on a longer-term project to collaborate with the farming community to protect wildlife across the Yala zone and expand the purchase of locally grown produce for the hotel. In addition, we are excited to be exploring the development of community education programs with the resort," said Jehan CanagaRetna, President of WNPS.

As part of Hilton’s efforts to advance its destination stewardship objectives and career advancement goals, the global hospitality company has also established a ranger academy program to increase the talent pool of qualified rangers in Sri Lanka and to provide meaningful employment and conservation opportunities for members of the local community. The program will be conducted by a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa-certified trainer. Upon completion of the program, successful graduates may be offered employment with Hilton Yala Resort.

Three exceptional restaurants stand unrivalled, spotlighting head chef Jerome Tissera’s repertoire of contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine, which feature predominantly locally sourced ingredients. Guests can explore the flavors of contemporary Asia at Dhira, the all-day dining establishment; Sandali, a premier dining destination known for its Western cuisine or indulge with cocktails at night at Vanya, while enjoying scenic views. For a truly memorable meal, guests can venture into the wild to experience Lanthaaruma, the resort's bespoke dining experience set between the lush jungle and the lapping waves of the Indian Ocean, where a fully customized menu of the freshest and highest quality ingredients is accompanied by sommelier-selected wines.

At the heart of the resort is the outdoor pool, which blends seamlessly with its breathtaking surroundings. The resort also features a fully equipped gym, and a state-of-the-art spa that sits beside the main building, providing relaxing treatments in a beautifully designed space.      Hilton Yala Resort is part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest loyalty program for Hilton’s 22 distinct hotel brands. To celebrate the resort’s opening, Hilton Honors members will receive 10,000 bonus points with a minimum stay of three nights booked from now till December 1, 2023, when booking directly with Hilton.

Suba Group of Hotels Launches Third Hotel in Madhya Pradesh, Click Hotel in Pithampur

Suba Group of Hotels, has achieved another milestone with the launch of third hotel i.e., Click Hotel on October 9, 2023 in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh. Pithampur is recognized as one of India’s major industrial hubs, a SEZ and is a part of Indore metropolitan region and conveniently accessible by Road, Rail, and Air with Devi Ahilya Bai International Airport, Indore situated less than 1 hour away from the city.

 Announcing the opening, Mansur Mehta, Managing Director, Suba Group of Hotels, said, “We are delighted to launch Click Hotel in Pithampur. With the launch of Click Hotel, we look forward to serve guests for official as well as social gatherings and stays, Click Hotel, Pithampur perfectly epitomizes the brand’s core values - offering high quality bed - breakfast & broadband (WIFI) coupled with immaculate service and unparalleled hospitality of international standards. This ensures maximum comfort for long stay guests, both locals and expats. As an organization which is deeply rooted in India, we are also committed towards sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We shall be using a sustainable approach by replacing plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles and encouraging guests to reuse linen and towels. These initiatives to promote green tourism here in Pithampur will also be implemented across all our other properties.”

Click Hotel, Pithampur is a smart, modern, and elegant boutique luxury hotel. It is an affordable, budget friendly yet full-service business hotel designed to cater to the new age business travelers.

The hotel features 63 premium contemporary rooms & suites and an inhouse multi-cuisine restaurant - CINNAMON. The hotel also offers in-room dining along with efficient service and a comprehensive range of guest facilities to ensure a pleasant stay for the guests. Other facilities such as gym & conference rooms will also be launched shortly.

Mubeen Mehta, CEO, Suba Group of Hotels said, “We are pleased to expand our footprints in Madhya Pradesh with the launch of Click Hotel in Pithampur & this is our third brand presence in the Indore Pithampur metropolitan region. This full-service hotel with all contemporary elements is ideal for business & leisure guests along with flexible independent travelers (FIT), and group travelers. It is our endeavor to continue to penetrate our reach across popular destinations across the country & offering standard stay & culinary facilities. Like the other Click Hotels in India, Pithampur will also enjoy the best of services, as our empathetic approach helps win over our guests.”

With a prime location and close proximity of all major Industries, IIM – Indore, and 45 minutes away from Indore City, Click Hotel - Pithampur is a perfect choice for those who look for great comfort, value, standard services with a touch of luxury, and want to escape the hustle and bustle of the corporate/industries.

Abinash Ashok, VP - Suba Group of Hotels added “With the Launch of Click Hotel, Pithampur - we wish to extend the Click Hotel’s stay experience to all our regular Suba patrons and specially the new age travelers who look forward to enjoy the quality stay along with hi speed WiFi at prominent locations at dynamic stay charges. With the launch of this hotel - we also emphasis on reducing our carbon footprint and bring down our plastic usage to zero in the near future.”

Each of the Group’s properties boasts luxurious rooms with a host of banqueting and F&B facilities. Suba Hotels serves modern travelers by providing a distinctive stay experience, outstanding quality services, and exceptional facilities at competitive pricing. The company has footprints in all major metros, including tier 1 and tier 2 cities. All of their facilities provide elegant and large rooms, exciting locations for holding weddings, events, and exhibitions, and a fantastic dining experience at iconic restaurants.

About Suba Group of Hotels:

Suba Group of Hotels is one of the leading hotel chains in India with the quickest rate of expansion. Providing guests with a variety of lodging options, from affordable to upscale. Suba Group of Hotels presently operate under the label of 9 brands (only 7 names mentioned) across India. The brand names are Suba hotels (upscale), Click Hotels (Midscale), Clarion (Upscale), Quality (Upper- midscale) and Comfort (midscale). In the mid segment, they have GenX and RNB.

Samosa Singh expands QSR business in Thane, Mumbai

Mumbai 2023: Samosa Singh, a renowned name in the Indian Snacking Industry is happy to announce the opening of its first QSR in Mumbai. This milestone marks the company's ongoing expansion, further strengthening Samosa Singh’s position as a leading player in the industry. 

The brand new QSR is located in Naupada, Thane (West), which is sure to provide a mouthwatering experience to the customers with its wide variety of samosa, kachori & delicious desserts. The QSR outlet has a quirky ambiance with elegant & unconventional decor, hence making it the perfect place to grab your favorite Indian snacks & desserts. In the last 3 months, the brand has launched approximately 6 physical outlets and expanded its presence with over 50+ outlets across South and West India.

Shikhar Veer Singh, Founder, of Samosa Singh says, “Mumbai has always been a special market for Samosa Singh and we got a lot of love from this beautiful city so, opening our flagship store @Thane is special! This is an exciting new phase in making Samosa Singh a leader in fresh Indian snacking with our mouthwatering samosas, kachoris, and desserts.” 

“Nothing beats the satisfying crunch, warmth, and flavour of India's favourite snack–Samosas, and with our expansion in Mumbai–we are further strengthening the bond our country shares with food. Savour Samosa Singh’s delicious fresh samosas and snacks and experience the joys of Indian street foods,” says Nidhi Singh, Co-Founder Samosa Singh

Samosa Singh was founded by scientists couple who gave it all to build a dream of taking the humble samosas worldwide. The brand is aiming to be one of the new-age start-ups to enter the food export domain around Indian traditional snacking. 

About Samosa Singh:-

Samosa Singh was born from a simple realization – in India, leisure time and snack foods are both inextricably linked to the country’s cultural fabric. And what food better exemplifies our country than the versatile samosa. 

Samosa Singh strives to make nostalgic household Indian delicacies available across online and offline channels by combining consumer data, technology, and a high bar on quality. The intuitive combination of classic recipes with current textures and flavors is what sets Samosa Singh apart.

The brand is constantly perfecting the technique of creating delectable samosas that are both better tasting and healthier than their competitors. What sets them apart is their special triangular samosa, which stays light and crispy thanks to its unique interlocking structure. Samosa Singh is the first Indian snacking company with a scientific core team and over 100,000 hours of research behind it. The brand aims to take the most loved snack of the country across and is aiming to cater to Pan India within the next 20 months. 

Pullman Singapore Hill Street Opens!

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a premium brand part of global hospitality player Accor, is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Pullman Singapore Hill Street will start welcoming guests from 1 October 2023.

Developed and owned by EL Development Pte Ltd, a leading Singapore-based real estate and investment company, the new 5-star hotel will make its mark as the company’s first foray into hotels with the most story-led property yet under the Pullman brand. Centrally located, Pullman Singapore Hill Street is poised to become the newest gathering point for modern nomads, who can call its 350 rooms their base, complemented by three sharp culinary concepts to explore, and a dynamic network of partnerships as a platform for some of Singapore’s cult favorite brands.

“With a prime position at the intersection of culture, entertainment, and business, we are honored to be the first Pullman in the world that pays homage to the brand’s roots in luxury train travel—from the keen design details that represent a modern take on the bygone era, to the spirit of high touch hospitality, and exciting journeys through thoughtfully curated spaces—the true meaning of innovative hospitality today is captured in a singular property, perfect for adventurous travelers,” says Mazen Abilmona, General Manager of Pullman Singapore Hill Street.

Designed by Singapore’s DP Architects, Pullman Singapore Hill Street is envisioned to be the first property that translates the George Pullman sleeping car past to a modern context—whether it’s from afar or the moment guests step into the lobby, up to the tiniest details. Built from the ground-up with cues from its surroundings, the property stands out as a visionary future of the locale with its contrast of terracotta-colored tiles, pockets of lush greenery and an extensive glass façade that allows clear views from every room.

Vistara Adopts Sita's Ewas And Sita Opticlimb® Solutions To Optimize Flight Paths And Reduce Fuel Consumption

SITA eWAS will help Vistara flights avoid weather disruptions, while SITA OptiClimb will reduce carbon emissions by 15,000 tons yearly

GURUGRAM | October 2023 – Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, has become the first Indian airline to deploy both SITA eWAS and SITA OptiClimb® solutions. With this, Vistara aims to significantly improve efficiency in flight planning and operations, reducing fuel burn and thereby reducing carbon emissions by 15,000 tons yearly.

Using SITA eWAS, Vistara will be able to enhance overall flight safety and efficiency by providing pilots with better weather awareness data. It serves as a highly effective mechanism for delivering OptiClimb data.

SITA OptiClimb® leverages historical flight data to predict fuel burn during the climb out and is the industry's only machine-learning solution providing customized climb profile optimization for every flight. This will enable Vistara to save 80 tons of fuel per year per aircraft on average and reduce carbon emissions by roughly 250 tons yearly. For Vistara’s entire fleet, yearly fuel savings are estimated to be more than 5,000 tons, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions of more than 15,000 tons.

Sumesh Patel, President, Asia Pacific, SITA, said: "India's aviation industry is accelerating at lightning speed, and we're excited to help leading airlines like Vistara with solutions that supercharge their efficiency, significantly reduce fuel consumption, and support efforts towards more sustainable air travel. We're now seeing an increasing number of Indian airlines looking for smart solutions to optimize operations and enhance the passenger experience."

Captain Hamish Maxwell, Senior Vice President – Flight Operations, Vistara, said: "Continuous improvements in operational efficiency and safety remain key focus areas for us.  Advanced technology solutions, such as SITA OptiClimb and SITA eWAS, enable clear enhancements in these areas, which ultimately help us to reduce our carbon footprint. We are committed to continuing on this path and will keep evolving as a future-ready, world-class airline.”

Çelebi India welcomes US-Bangla Airlines passengers in Chennai

Chennai, October 2023: Çelebi India extended a warm welcome to the US-Bangla Airlines passengers on October 1, 2023, at Chennai airport. US-Bangla Airlines awarded the contract to Çelebi for its ground handling operations at Chennai Airport, cementing a partnership initiated in August 2023.

Çelebi secured the contract to provide ground handling services in Chennai in December of last year. Çelebi has established a world-class state-of-the-art infrastructure at Chennai airport to provide high-quality ground services to passengers and airlines. Çelebi is actively expanding its workforce and plans to employ over 750 dedicated professionals to guarantee seamless and punctual service to both airlines and passengers. Both scheduled and non-scheduled airlines at domestic and international terminals can avail themselves of Çelebi’s comprehensive ground handling services. Airlines have started awarding ground handling service contracts to Çelebi. Recently, YTO Cargo has also selected Çelebi for their Chennai ground handling.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tauseef Khan, CEO, Çelebi Ground Handling - India, said, “We are thrilled to offer our ground handling expertise in Chennai. It was our immense pleasure to welcome the US-Bangla Airlines flight on Sunday, October 1, 2023. The much-awaited quality and punctual ground handling services are now available for passengers and airlines at Chennai Airport. We are committed to continuing to provide seamless services at Chennai airport." 

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Jitendra Pandey, Head – Commercial & Contracts, US-Bangla Airlines Ltd said, “US-Bangla Airlines is the largest full service private airline of Bangladesh and we are currently expanding and strengthening our operations across important markets like India, Middle East and Europe. Recently, we have partnered with Çelebi India for the ground handling services for our daily passenger flights from Dhaka to Chennai. We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Çelebi India for their commitment to providing world-class services and state-of-the-art infrastructure at Chennai Airport. This collaboration marks the beginning of a promising journey and we look forward to a successful partnership across our existing network and upcoming stations in India like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai etc.”

Chennai International Airport is the ninth airport in India for Çelebi after successful operations at major airports like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Cochin, Ahmedabad, Goa (Manohar International Airport, Mopa), and Kannur.

Çelebi India has been at the forefront of sustainability practices in the Indian ground handling industry. They are dedicated to helping the Indian aviation sector achieve its carbon neutrality goals. As part of sustainability initiatives, they have introduced eco-friendly services such as 100% electric, air-conditioned tarmac coaches, electric baggage and cargo towing tugs, taxi-bots, and bridge-mounted equipment services.

Çelebi India confidently expands into Chennai, showcasing an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional services and promoting a greener and more efficient future for aviation in India.

Flipkart's Annual Flagship Event, ‘The Big Billion Days’ will also be on Cleartrip

Never-seen-before offers will change the way India thinks about travel this festive season

Bengaluru, October 2023:  With the festive season around the corner, Cleartrip, a Flipkart company, is gearing up for one of the biggest travel extravaganza of the year by bringing Flipkart’s flagship event, ‘The Big Billion Days’ (TBBD) on its platform from 8 to 15 October 2023 (Sale starts early on Cleartrip on 7 October 2023).  Curated to create value and affordability for customers, this year’s TBBD will bring to customers, never-seen-before offers across its lines of businesses on Cleartrip.

This year’s edition of Flipkart’s TBBD will see the addition of exciting features across its categories. Cleartrip has recently undergone a significant overhaul of its user experience across its platform. This transformation was driven by a commitment to an exceptional customer experience, especially during high-demand festive periods when time is of the essence. This revamp places a strong emphasis on enhancing price options and display of features, empowering users to make informed decisions throughout the booking process.

To further bolster the experience that customers have while transacting with us, a range of system enhancement measures have been rolled out to promote self-service. In case a customer does not find a resolution online, he/she can request a callback. Processes have been re-engineered to make support available 24/7, on call, and on social media (mention Twitter/Facebook) for instant resolution. In addition, our promise to our customers has been to attend all calls within 30 seconds, in an event where calls have to wait beyond 30 seconds, live Chat is enabled as an option for the customer. 

Speaking on the occasion, Ayyappan R., CEO, of Cleartrip, stated, “At Cleartrip, value, affordability, and transparency are tenets of an elevated customer experience. The festive season is the most important period for our entire travel ecosystem. With our unbeatable deals during TBBD, we plan to change the way India thinks about travel. We continue to address key customer pain points with unique propositions - Cancel For No Reason, CT FlexMax, No-Cost EMI, Medi-Cancel, and Buy Now Pay Later. Every product is aimed to offer users the best fares across flights, hotels, and buses, even amid the usual festive surge in prices.”

He added, “We are thrilled to continue Flipkart’s legacy of delivering value and innovation with The Big Billion Days 2023. We also look forward to advancing our aspiration of democratising travel with industry-first offerings and a personalised user experience.” 

Some key offers include:

Tatkaal: Daily limited period offer at 12 noon (subject to availability)

1. Airfares: Domestic fares from INR 999 and international fares INR 5999

2. Hotels: Flat 50% off on domestic hotels

Child Flies Free: For every 2 adult tickets booked, 1 child ticket is free (less than 12) only during a limited period offered daily at 7 pm

CT FlexMax: Cancel or Modify your flights at just INR 449

Hotel fares: 5-star hotels (domestic & international) starting from Rs.2499

Cancel for No Reason: Cancel hotel bookings up until check-in at no additional cost and avail a full refund of up to Rs.25000

Axis Bank Credit Card Benefits: Under this partnership, Axis Bank Credit Card customers enjoy exclusive benefits including free seats, meals, exemption of convenience fees and flight modification and cancellation for a mere Re. 1 under CT FlexMax

Please read all the terms and conditions carefully before availing the above offers and booking on our platform.

As we step into TBBD 2023, it marks the dawn of an exhilarating era of travel, marked by increased accessibility, flexibility, and excitement.

About Cleartrip

Launched in July 2006, Cleartrip Pvt Ltd., a Flipkart company, has emerged as India’s fastest-growing online travel technology company. In April 2021, Flipkart acquired 100% of Cleartrip’s shareholding. Cleartrip recently emerged as the no. 2 OTA player as per a recent study by VIDEC. With an aggressive plan to emerge as a leading innovator in the industry, Cleartrip is on its way to building a differentiated value proposition for its customers looking for end-to-end travel solutions. With industry-first offerings such as ‘CT Flexmax, CT Flex, and CT Upgrade’, Cleartrip has a clear vision to provide innovative solutions in the OTA segment. Combining intuitive products with a customer-centric approach and a wide selection of flights and hotels, Cleartrip brings a unique selling point to the market, offering its customers convenience, choice, competitive prices, and premium content.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Nashik Launches An Exclusive Wedding Studio.

October, Nashik: Nestled in the heart of Nashik, where timeless charm seamlessly merges with modern luxury, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa has redefined wedding planning through the introduction of its all-new Wedding Studio. This sophisticated and ground-breaking concept invites couples to immerse themselves in a world of elegance, creativity, and personalized service, transforming the journey from initial plans to execution into a seamless and unforgettable experience.

The Radisson Blu Wedding Studio stands as a dedicated space meticulously designed to cater to every facet of your special day. From the initial discussions and virtual property tours to exploring various concepts for each ritual, indulging in menu tastings, selecting uniforms for the staff, and choosing the perfect crockery and glassware to match your theme, this exclusive studio serves as the ultimate one-stop destination for all your wedding requirements.

One of the standout features of the Wedding Studio is the personalized consultation it offers. Here, couples can sit down with the hotel’s seasoned wedding planners to delve into their vision, preferences, and unique ideas. Whether you envision a classic, rustic, or contemporary wedding, the team of experts at the property is wholeheartedly committed to transforming your dreams into reality.

Inaugurating the brand-new Wedding Studio, Jatish Ghai, the Hotel's General Manager, enthusiastically expresses, "Weddings represent the pinnacle of life's most beautiful moments, and our commitment is to provide our esteemed guests with an unparalleled experience as they embark on their journey with us to realize their dream event. Our dedicated Wedding Studio serves as the epicenter for all planning and discussions. Here, families can partake in virtual property tours, savor menu tastings, and meticulously select themes, among other offerings. Our aim is to provide all wedding-related requirements under one roof and there's no better way to achieve this than through our exclusive Wedding Studio."

“Weddings are not just an event to us; it's a cherished memory waiting to be created”, he adds.”

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Wins Prestigious Recognition from Condé Nast Traveler

Historic hotel ranked No. 2 in Southeast Asia in magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards

The iconic Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia by readers of the industry-leading, U.S.-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

The historic luxury hotel, situated on the doorstep of world-renowned ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, earned the recognition in the publication’s closely followed annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which were announced on Oct. 3.

“The readers of Condé Nast Traveler are among the savviest on the planet. For them to name Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the top hotels in Southeast Asia—a region full of remarkable hotels—is the ultimate validation,” General Manager Joseph Colina said. “We constantly strive to provide an unparalleled guest experience in a place of true splendor, and this recognition highlights that we are doing just that.”

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 and is considered a national treasure. It was originally built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel recently launched exclusive new multi-course tasting menus at its celebrated Khmer fine-dining restaurant 1932, offering diners a tantalizing introduction to the distinctive flavors of authentic Royal Khmer and modern Khmer gastronomy. The tasting menus are categorized by different historical eras and presented with optional wine pairings.

The hotel also introduced a new Champagne brunch served the first Sunday of each month.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor emerged last year from an extensive renovation and pandemic-related closure. Nearly all of the hotel’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished, many with all-new Italian tiling and fixtures in the bathrooms. One of the hotel’s most distinctive attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

The hotel’s sister property in Cambodia, the landmark Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, opened in 1929 and is a grand statement of Khmer, Art Deco and French Colonial styles. Raffles Hotel Le Royal recently introduced a new Gueridon Brunch served every Sunday, along with a Parisian brunch at Le Phnom 1929 available the first Sunday of each month.

Condé Nast Traveler is one of the two most important and distinguished monthly travel magazines in the North American media market, alongside Travel + Leisure. In April, T+L named Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 36th year, are the longest-running and among the most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Regency Holidays Excels at Uniglobe Travel's Expo ‘SuperHeroCon 2023’ in Udaipur; Strengthens Qatar's Appeal in Indian Tourism

Udaipur, 2023: Regency Holidays, Qatar's leading Destination Management Company (DMC), emerged as a standout participant at the prestigious Uniglobe Travel Expo held in Udaipur, India, from September 15 to 17, 2023. This two-day event brought together travel industry professionals from around the world and served as a platform for Regency Holidays to explore new partnerships and promote Qatar as a unique destination in the Indian travel market.

The Uniglobe Travel Expo, known as the "SuperHeroCon 2023," was a grand gathering that featured approximately 30 supplier tables and was attended by over 200 participants throughout the event. These participants, representing the travel industry from 60 countries, showcased their brands to an engaging audience across 40+ locations in India and beyond. Regency Holidays, as a valued participant, connected with industry movers and shakers, fostering potential collaborations to boost Qatar's appeal among Indian travellers.

Regency Holidays stands at the forefront of Qatar's travel and tourism industry, offering an array of tailor-made experiences that highlight the country's rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty. At the Uniglobe Travel Expo, the company's representatives engaged in private meetings with travel industry owners and professionals, making lasting impressions through impactful brand videos displayed on large screens.

Speaking about Regency Holidays participation in SuperHeroCon 2023, Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays, said, "We were thrilled to participate in the Uniglobe Travel Expo in Udaipur. This event provided us with a remarkable opportunity to showcase Qatar's unique offerings to a highly influential audience. We are excited about the potential partnerships that may arise from this event and look forward to further strengthening Qatar's position as a premier travel destination for Indian tourists."

Key highlights of the event included a Partner & Sponsor Expo, motivating talks by inspirational speakers, networking sessions, and evening celebrations. Regency Holidays made a strong and mindful display throughout the event, thus maximizing their branding efforts.

Uniglobe Travel, known for its global reach spanning 60 countries, $5 billion+ in gross sales, and a significant presence in India with 50+ locations and INR 2000+ crore India-wide gross sales, provided an ideal backdrop for Regency Holidays to establish vital connections within the travel industry.

As the world's largest single-brand travel franchise, Uniglobe Travel has created a global network of over 700 locations in 32 countries, offering endless possibilities for travel ventures. This event allowed Regency Holidays to further empower its brand and witness over 2000 corporate travel buyers in the SMB segment.

Embracing Hospitality with Heart: Holiday Inn Agra's Charitable Initiatives

At Holiday Inn Agra, our commitment to excellence extends beyond providing exceptional accommodations and world-class service. We believe in giving back to the communities that surround us, embodying the spirit of hospitality with heart. Through a range of charitable activities, we have taken meaningful steps towards making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Join us in exploring our charitable initiatives and the difference we are making in the world.

Fire Safety Awareness:

Conducting fire evacuation safety drills for school children is not just important; it is a critical component of school safety. It helps prepare students, staff, and the school community for emergencies, reduces risks, and ultimately saves lives. Therefore, schools should prioritize regular and thorough fire evacuation drills as part of their safety protocols. Familiarity with evacuation procedures and the knowledge that the school takes safety seriously can reduce anxiety and stress levels for both students and staff. This can lead to a calmer and more effective response during a real emergency.

Bringing Smiles and Warmth: Our Visit to the Old Age Home:

Hotel's Visit to the Old Age Home During Giving for Good Month" was a beautiful reminder of the positive impact that businesses can have on their communities when they extend a hand of kindness. Our visit was not just about donating material goods; it was about giving our time, attention, and care to those who needed it the most. As we left the old age home that day, we carried with us a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to continue making a difference in the lives of those around us. We hope our initiative inspires others in the hospitality industry to embrace the spirit of giving and create meaningful connections with their communities.

Saving Lives One Drop at a Time:

In the spirit of giving back to our community and making a meaningful difference, Holiday Inn Agra was proud to host a Blood Donation Camp during Giving for Good Month. What made this event even more special was the enthusiastic participation of OUR VALUED GUESTS, coming together with our dedicated team members to save lives.

As a token of our heartfelt appreciation, each donor received a certificate of recognition from Amrit Charitable Blood Centre. However, the true reward lies in knowing that their selfless act will make a lasting impact on the lives they have touched.

An Enriching Experience: Exploring the Gaushala:

Our hotel embarked on a heartwarming journey to a Gaushala (cow shelter), demonstrating our commitment to the welfare of animals. This visit was not only an opportunity to give back but also a chance to educate ourselves about the importance of compassion towards all living beings. A team of hotel staff members and Leaders shared our commitment to animal welfare, gathered at a local Gaushala. This visit was a reminder that our responsibility extends beyond human interactions to include our fellow creatures who often go unnoticed but deserve our care and attention. Our visit involved more than just spending time with the cows; it was also about actively contributing to their well-being. We organized a charity drive within the hotel to collect funds and essential supplies for the Gaushala.

Uplifting Cows During Giving for Good Month" was a testament to our commitment to creating a better world not only for humans but also for the animals that share our planet. Our visit reflected the hotel's values and our dedication to giving back to the community, including those without voices.

Embracing Diversity: A Day of Inspiration with Differently Abled Kids

In the spirit of "Giving for Good" Month, Holiday Inn Agra embarked on a heartfelt journey to make a difference in the lives of the differently-abled students at Asha School. Our commitment to giving back to the community extended to a heartwarming initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of these extraordinary children. 

As part of our commitment to the holistic development of these remarkable children, we donated educational materials and non-perishable food items. Our team actively engaged with the students and teachers, fostering a sense of community and support.  

Our charitable initiatives at Asha School during "Giving for Good" Month were a testament to our commitment to creating a more inclusive and compassionate world. Witnessing the smiles, enthusiasm, and progress of these remarkable children served as a reminder of the power of giving and the profound impact it has on the lives of those in need.

A Journey of Resilience and Culinary Inspiration:

In the spirit of "Giving for Good" Month, Holiday Inn Agra embarked on a remarkable journey of compassion, and empowerment by extending an invitation to an acid survivor to join our kitchen team and get trained with the masters in our 1-month Bakery workshop. We believe that everyone deserves a chance to pursue their passions.

We welcomed two girls into our kitchen with open arms for one month, offering them a unique opportunity for culinary training. This initiative was tailored to their specific needs, ensuring a nurturing and inclusive learning environment.

The inclusion of these two survivors in our kitchen has been a source of inspiration for all of us at Holiday Inn Agra. Their story serves as a powerful reminder that strength can overcome even the most daunting challenges. This initiative exemplifies our dedication to creating a more compassionate and inclusive society.

At Holiday Inn Agra, we believe that our success as a hospitality business goes hand in hand with our responsibility to give back to society. Our charitable initiatives are a testament to our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need and creating a better future for our community and the world. Together, we can make a difference, one act of kindness at a time.

Hops Haus Taproom with Maverick & Farmer Coffee Brew Up a Celebration for International Coffee Day

September 2023, Bangalore: Get ready for a week of coffee-infused delights as Hops Haus and Maverick & Farmer Coffee join hands to celebrate International Coffee Day from October 1st to October 7th, 2023 at Hops Haus Brewery, Whitefield and Hops Haus Taproom at Embassy One. This exciting collaboration brings together the expertise of Ashish D’abreo, Q Grader, Coffee Roaster and Co-founder of Maverick & Farmer Coffee, a custodian of artisanal coffee craftsmanship, and the creative mixology of Harry Simon Peter, Beverage Manager of Embassy Leisure at Hops Haus. 

Staying true to its name, Maverick & Farmer, the brand’s approach to coffee is all about pushing boundaries. From nurturing coffee plants on their farms to processing methods, meticulous roasting, and finally, brewing, their hands-on approach ensures that each cup is a testament to the art of coffee, making them the perfect partner for Hops Haus in celebrating International Coffee Day. 

Hops Haus, celebrated for its distinctive and welcoming ambiance, has curated an exclusive menu of coffee-infused cocktails in honor of this special occasion. This unique selection has been crafted using a variety of coffee beans sourced from Maverick & Farmer. Among these beans, you'll find Ol’ Smoky, known for its sweet smokiness and pineapple notes, the Cold Brew Blend infused with chocolate and stone fruit, the bold and roasty caramel tones of Parama Dark, and the citrusy, light cherry wine notes found in "Orange You Curious.” 

The cocktail offerings are diverse, catering to a wide array of preferences. From the opulent "Coffee Cartel," featuring Vodka, Parama Dark, Simple Syrup, and Parmesan, which presents rich and aromatic nuances, to the invigorating "Coffee Spritzer" made with Gin, Cold Brew, and Tonic, promising a harmonious blend of effervescence and coffee. The "Orange You Curious" cocktail, a fusion of Rum, Orange, Coffee Cordial, and Soda provides a zesty twist, while the timeless "Ol’ Fashioned" strikes the perfect balance with Whisky, Coffee Cordial, and Coffee Foam.

The highlight of this celebration is the Master Class, "Something Brewing Something Stirring," with Harry Simon Peter taking place on October 7th at Hops Haus Embassy One from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Participants will embark on a hands-on journey to explore the art of crafting exquisite coffee-based cocktails. This personalized class promises surprises to take home and a deeper understanding of the world of coffee and mixology. The cost for this exclusive experience is Rs 2000 per head

Join Hops Haus in celebrating the art of coffee and cocktails at Hops Haus and indulge in these exclusive coffee-infused creations by immersing yourself in the rich flavors and craftsmanship behind every cup. Whether you're a coffee aficionado or a cocktail enthusiast, this week-long celebration promises an extraordinary blend of flavors and experiences.:

Orchid Hotel Mumbai and IRA by Orchid Hotels Mumbai Eco-freindly Visarjan and Beach Clean Up Drive

In an amazing display of their dedication to environmental responsibility, Orchid Hotel Mumbai and IRA by Orchid Hotels Mumbai recently carried out two significant initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting the environment. These activities underline the organizations' unwavering commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

Beach Cleanup Drive by Orchid Green Team:

Every year, Orchid Hotel Mumbai's Green Team, led by Neerija Joshi, Training Manager, orchestrates a remarkable Beach Cleanup Drive at Juhu Beach, Mumbai, right after the Ganpati Visarjan festivities. This year was no exception, as a team of 35 Orchid employees, along with IRA Mumbai, joined forces to make a positive impact on their local environment.

Speaking about the initiative, Neerija Joshi shared, "It's our moral responsibility to save the Marine life and our planet earth too. Hence the green team from Orchidians take up this beach cleaning drive every year, the very next day of Ganpati Visarjan. It's our ultimate brand ethos to give it back to nature in a fruitful way. I believe that everyone should follow this ethos that we Orchidians preach and believe in. This activity was done by Orchid Mumbai and IRA Mumbai together."

This collaborative effort by Orchid Mumbai and IRA Mumbai not only highlights their dedication to environmental conservation but also sets an inspiring example for others to follow.

Eco-Friendly Visarjan of Ganesha at Orchid Hotel Mumbai:

In addition to the beach cleanup, Orchid Hotel Mumbai also conducted an Eco-Friendly Visarjan of Ganesha. This thoughtful initiative aimed to celebrate the traditional festival in an eco-conscious manner, ensuring that the immersion of Ganesha idols did not harm the environment.

By using eco-friendly materials and adhering to sustainable practices, Orchid Hotel Mumbai demonstrated their commitment to preserving cultural traditions while minimizing their ecological footprint.

These actions reflect Orchid Hotel Mumbai and IRA by Orchid Hotels Mumbai's dedication to environmental sustainability, community engagement, and a brighter, greener future for all.

Platform 65 Extends a Helping Hand: Restaurant Chain Launches Food Distribution Campaign in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, September 2023: Platform 65, the popular toy-train-themed restaurant chain in India, has taken a significant step towards making a positive impact by organizing a food distribution drive in Jubilee Hills. The initiative involved providing 500 food packets to less fortunate individuals prepared by Chef VH Suresh. 

On September 25th, as part of their CSR activity, a team of ten enthusiastic volunteers from Platform 65, including the employees and members of the community, gathered in Jubilee Hills to distribute freshly prepared meals to the less fortunate individuals of the community. These meals were thoughtfully chosen to offer both comfort and nutrition.  

Srikanth Bandaru, the Corporate General Manager, expressed, "At Platform 65, we believe in the power of community and the importance of supporting one another. Our food distribution initiative is our way of giving back and ensuring that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. We are committed to providing nourishment, hope, and a helping hand to those in need." 

Adding to this sentiment, Mr. Sadgun Patha, Managing Director and Founder of Platform 65, stated, " Food has the incredible ability to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. We are extremely happy and fortunate to have initiated this CSR activity as an extension of our dedication to our community. Our aim is to share the blessings we have received by providing wholesome meals to those who may be facing tough times. Together, we can make a difference." 

This remarkable food distribution drive is just one of many community-focused initiatives undertaken by Platform 65. The restaurant remains committed to its mission of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves, both within its dining rooms and beyond. 

Thomas Cook India launches Forex services via WhatsApp

First Company in India to offer end-to-end Foreign Exchange Services using the popular platform to offer customers a seamless user interface

Mumbai, September 21, 2023: Aimed at on-the-go, anywhere-anytime solutions for its rapidly evolving new-age customers, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading foreign exchange service provider, has launched end-to-end forex transactions using WhatsApp. This industry-first initiative is very simple to use - customers simply need to add Thomas Cook Forex as a Whatsapp contact by adding +918879142236 as they would any other contact. Once this is done, the customer will be connected directly to an AI-enabled chatbot for prompt, 24x7 access from anywhere.

Forex via Whatsapp will enable customers to view live rates, buy and sell forex, send money abroad to their family or for overseas education fee remittances and manage their transactions - both from the comfort of their home, and while travelling overseas. Together with Thomas Cook’s Ghar pe Forex commitment of doorstep delivery in 2 hours anywhere in the country, Forex via Whatsapp ensures a simple, swift and seamless customer experience – reinforcing the brand’s India Ka Forex Specialist position.

Forex via WhatsApp also offers Thomas Cook Prepaid Card customers a familiar, quick and efficient solution to manage their FX card: from reloads, checking balances, downloading statements, setting/resetting of pin, enable/disabling channel, block/unblock card, etc.

Advantages of Thomas Cook’s Forex via WhatsApp:

·        Easy Booking of forex services; option to select online/retail channel (nearest Thomas Cook outlet)

·        Convenience of WhatsApp to buy/sell Forex (Cash/Forex Card), reload forex card, send money abroad, student fee remittance and managing pre-paid forex cards

·        Management of pre-paid forex cards on-the-go with simple steps for pin reset, checking balance and statement

·        Secure payment options - embedded within WhatsApp

· User-friendly and interactive user interface (UI)

·        Track live forex rates through WhatsApp

Thomas Cook’s strategic omnichannel model ensures customers both choice and convenience with access to India’s largest Forex network of over 4000 touchpoints: An extensive retail footprint of owned/partner outlets and airport counters; its Online Forex Store, Virtual Forex Branch, Contact Centre, m-app FX Now and FX Mate an innovative B2B partner platform. The Company’s game-changer Ghar pe Forex commitment offers doorstep delivery with 2 Hours.

Thomas Cook is the largest non-bank foreign exchange services provider and prepaid card issuer in India. The Company’s cashless portfolio features its multicurrency Borderless prepaid card and its innovative Study Buddy Card focused on the overseas education segment.

Mr. Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice-President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said “Our Forex Team at Thomas Cook India has consistently demonstrated innovation, agility and digital astuteness towards elevating our customer experience. Our latest launch of “Forex via WhatsApp” is yet another first mover that ensures speed, simplicity and seamless transactions on-the-go; thereby reiterating our position as #IndiaKaForexSpecialist!

This industry-first initiative will enable our customers access end-to-end forex services anytime and anywhere: view live rates, buy and sell forex, manage their prepaid forex cards on-tour, send money abroad to their family, and more, via WhatsApp.

Forex is a key business line for the Company and our accelerated digital first strategy aims at empowering our customers across not just India’s metros/ mini metros, but equally, Regional Bharat’s Tier 2-4 source markets.” 

For more information, visit:

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com

SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in

Housekeeping Week-Holiday Inn Agra

In the bustling world of hospitality, where every guest's experience hinges on the seamless blend of comfort and luxury, there exists a dedicated group of individuals who often work behind the scenes, ensuring our guests' stays are nothing short of exceptional. These unsung heroes are our housekeeping staff, and this Housekeeping Week, we take a moment to celebrate their tireless dedication, unwavering commitment, and the pivotal role they play in making our hotel a home away from home.

At Holiday Inn Agra, the Leadership Team kicked off Housekeeping Week with an appreciation luncheon, where they all gathered to serve a delicious meal and camaraderie. It's a moment to reflect on our collective achievements and thank the housekeeping team for their hard work and dedication.

We also organized fun team-building activities throughout the week to foster unity, cooperation, and team spirit among our housekeeping staff. These activities not only strengthen bonds but also create lasting memories. Each member of our housekeeping team received a personalized thank-you gift, showcasing our gratitude for their dedication. It's a small token of our appreciation for their immense efforts.

Our housekeeping staff is the backbone of our hotel. They transform rooms into havens of comfort, and their attention to detail ensures that our guests' needs are not just met but exceeded. From the pristine cleanliness to the thoughtful touches, it's the housekeeping team that makes our hotel truly exceptional.

Al Habtoor City Hotels in Dubai Collaborates with Dubai Tourism for a Familiarization Trip in Partnership with Leading Wedding Publication

Dubai, September 2023: Dubai Tourism and Al Habtoor City Hotels Dubai (Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, V Hotel Dubai, Habtoor Palace Dubai), two of UAE’s biggest hospitality players, recently teamed up to provide a memorable and out-of-the-world experience for members of Wedding Publications as part of Dubai's efforts to pitch Dubai as one of the most happening spots for destination weddings. Red Dot Representation was instrumental in organizing the FAM Trip. 

During a four-days stay in the last week of August 2023, members from Marwar Magazine, Wed Me Good, Weddings Vow, and Wedding Affairs were not only introduced to all the luxurious amenities that the hotels had to offer to make any function extra special, but they were also taken around the city for an immersive sightseeing experience. 

One of the places that the group was taken to was Aya’s colourful world. It is often regarded as one of Dubai's most photogenic locations. The 40,000 square feet of eye-popping exhibits kept the visitors entertained from the moment they stepped inside. The group discovered Hatta’s rich history when they travelled back decades back to an era of citadels, forts and towers in Dubai’s mountain town. Among the many other attractions that they explored was at Al Seef where they got to experience the local artistry, intricate craftsmanship and traditional handiwork alongside modern fashion labels that Al Seef has to offer. It was indeed a haven of luxury, style and comfort. The excitement of wonderful experiences in Dubai was amplified by trips on a luxury cruise and the culinary feasts at the luxurious restaurants of the three hotels.

Dubai welcomed 4.67 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2023, with Indians at the top of the list. 

Mahindra Holidays to invest Rs 1000 crores in Uttarakhand.

~Signs Strategic MOU with Government of Uttarakhand to build 4 -5 resorts over the next few years ~

New Delhi, Sep 2023: Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (MHRIL) India’s leading vacation ownership and leisure hospitality company under the flagship brand Club Mahindra has signed an MOU today with the Government of Uttarakhand (UK) to invest Rs 1000 crores and build 4-5 large marquee resorts over the next few years in Uttarakhand. Mahindra Holidays aims to become a strategic partner of the state and will support the Government of UK in all its tourism endeavors through the development of these resorts to play their part in growing the prosperity of the state including providing direct employment opportunities.

This would be the biggest investment by MHRIL in any state in the country and part of its robust plans of expansion from 5000 to 10,000 keys by 2030 and is a testament to Devbhoomi-Uttarakhand and its variety of tourism destinations and experiences – whether it be religious tourism at Haridwar and Char Dhams, Wildlife at Rajaji & Corbett National Parks, Ski tourism at Auli, Adventure tourism at Rishikesh to name a few. Uttarakhand is blessed with amazing destinations attracting people of different age groups from across the country and MHRIL aims to tap into this wanderlust. Importantly, this investment will more than double its footprint in Uttarakhand, with Club Mahindra already operating resorts in Jim Corbett, Mussoorie, Kanatal and Binsar.

MHRIL with 143 resorts across the globe, of which eighty-two are in India, has over 2,86,000 plus member families and has in the past created holiday destinations such as Munnar in Kerala, Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, Binsar in Uttarakhand to name a few.

As part of MHRIL’s commitment to sustainability and aim to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040, all the new resorts developed In Uttarakhand will target to be champions of Net Zero Energy, Water and waste and in the process become role models for sustainable tourism in the state.

Mahindra Holidays is the only hospitality organization in the country that established experiential family holidays and has inspired many in the industry to follow their lead. Club Mahindra is known for creating an atmosphere for inter-generational holidays with three–four generations rekindling their bonds by engaging in activities to create memorable moments for a lifetime.