Deutsche Hospitality opens second InterCity Hotel in Oman

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

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

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Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats to Open Q1 2023 in India

Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats to Open Q1 2023 in India

InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Riteway and Medha Projects to bring a Holiday Inn Resort to the state of Karnataka. Offering 126 rooms, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats is expected to open its doors to guests in Q1 2023.

Underscoring industry confidence despite challenging times, this is the second signing announced by IHG in India in last three months.

Located on the Western Ghats mountain range, in the state of Karnataka, Sakleshpur is in close proximity to Bengaluru and is a great destination for leisure travellers looking to spend quality time amidst nature or explore various historic monuments and sites the city has to offer.

Located 6 kilometres from the main Bengaluru and Mangalore highway, on opening, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will offer varied dining options to guests with four F&B outlets, including an All-Day Dining, a bar, a speciality restaurant and a lobby lounge. The hotel will also feature 518 sqm of meetings space across three venues, including a 359 sqm ballroom well suited for various MICE events. The resort will feature a pool, a fitness centre and a spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate. For travellers driving down from the nearby cities, Holiday Inn Resort Sakleshpur Western Ghats will feature ample parking space. Additionally, positioned as a complete destination on its own, the resort will house a retail outlet, an indoor recreation centre and an outdoor recreation facility making it a perfect destination for vacationers or guests on corporate retreats.

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🎉 The Éclat Mega Job Fair is Back!

Join us on 10 July 2025 at D.Y. Patil School of Hospitality & Tourism Studies, Navi Mumbai for one of India's biggest hospitality recruitment events. Connect with top employers, explore exciting career opportunities, and interview on the spot.

🚀 Register Now

Want to recruit? Email us or WhatsApp us.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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UGC cautions against distance, online education in 12 domains, PhD courses

UGC cautions against distance, online education in 12 domains, PhD courses

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has cautioned against admission to a dozen higher educational courses, including engineering, hotel management, and architecture, as they cannot be availed fully online, or open and distance learning (ODL) modes.

Along with the 12 streams, MPhil or Ph.D. degrees also cannot be offered through online and open and distance learning (ODL) modes. This is primarily because such courses need a sizeable amount of practice beyond classroom teaching which is not always possible via ODL or online.

The notification comes as online education gains traction, with most campuses, shut given the coronavirus pandemic. The UGC's caution is against admission to courses like "engineering, medicine, law, dental, pharmacy, nursing, architecture, physiotherapy, agriculture, hotel management, culinary studies, valuation of real estate, any other program not permitted …by any statutory council or regulatory bodies." "Apart from the above, MPhil and Ph.D. programs in all disciplines through ODL, and online mode, are also prohibited," the regulator said.

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🎉 The Éclat Mega Job Fair is Back!

Join us on 10 July 2025 at D.Y. Patil School of Hospitality & Tourism Studies, Navi Mumbai for one of India's biggest hospitality recruitment events. Connect with top employers, explore exciting career opportunities, and interview on the spot.

🚀 Register Now

Want to recruit? Email us or WhatsApp us.

Hotels, weekly markets to open in Delhi

Hotels, weekly markets to open in Delhi

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

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

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

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THE SMILE CONTINUES; Touch-less and distancing adhered. by Salla Vijay Kumar

THE SMILE CONTINUES

Touchless and distancing adhered

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Into hospitality and one thing that never changes is the warmth of the smile. During the initial days of our education into the ocean of hospitality we were taught to always wear a plastic smile24 x 7 and the word ‘always’ at personal best, itself sounded a little artificial. We even didn’t know something like this is natural and acceptable. One couldn’t assess the plight of the hospitality professional personal inhibitions who was wearing that tailored genuine smile. It is synonymous to the armed personnel who lead a all time dedicated, community and selfless regime. Our smile here and their dedication there, builds the solidarity

Talk about being a customer to any hospitality service and we will experience the smile which is the soul of Indian Hospitality nerves. Through a genuine smile from the heart, we express the acceptance of welcoming and accommodating someone mostly unknown. We express a feeling of ‘may I assist you’. We express the confidence that you are here and everything is going to be just fine. Sit back and be a party to us. We socialize and support one another adapting and adjusting to the change in the current nuclear, joint and bonding of family set up, but the oneness is here to survive.Our acceptance of one’s positive and negative attributes, builds the Vasudeva kutumbam

The first positive operational obstacle is the omni presence that is said to spread smile even by not being there. We have volume of studies and literature on communication and barriers to communication. One among it is the telephone etiquettes. This is the most casual, running and swift part of any conversation. Don’t have to be there, to be there. You are at your casual best to converse. Did we know the on-listener can actually feel the smile in our first acknowledgement, like the first impression? The Digital smile. One should assess the willingness to listen, help or share communication. You don’t have to record your own conversations but confess that when you spoke to someone and he or she was sounding busy, rude or not hospitable, it spoiled your mood though for a short while. Vice versa is also true. Formally stated, Newton's third law is: For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is important to respect the person's position, time, necessity and the one thing everyone can do is to keep a smile in your talk because more than the words, the tone and poise of our talk, builds the dialogue.

In the face of the lockdown, we have come across the next situational hurdle in advent of the unprecedented lockdown and to counter the spread of the virus, when the world is shying off from human communication; it is advised to wear face masks whenever engaged in social front. Though a sustainable and health conscious intervention, we need a curtain raiser to showcase our smile across the face mask to our athithi. Now this is interpreting professionalism at its core and unanimously declares we are the best at spreading smiles. The Perceived adept Smile. So the hospitality smile across the pardah is a challenge accepted through to maintain the social physical distancing and still show the world “The Smile Continues”. 


Salla Vijay Kumar

About The Author

Salla Vijay Kumar, a National Awardee is Sr.Lecturer with IHM Ahmedabad (An autonomous institute under Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India)

You can access all articles by the author at

www.hospemag.me/distinguished-contributors/salla-vijay-kumar

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

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

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

For More Details Click Below:

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

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IHG remains optimistic despite $524m drop in revenue

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

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

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

For More Information Please Click Below:

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

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Food data Intelligence Software NutriCal launches in the UAE

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

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

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

For More Information Click Below :

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

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The Emirates Culinary Guild announces third Virtual Cooking Competition

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

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

For More Information Click Below :

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

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Emirates Palace restaurants Martabaan by Hemant Oberoi and Mawal reopen

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

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

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

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

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In Defence of the Burger; Eating beef to save the planet. The MOD Report by Eugene Conradie

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In Defence of the Burger

Eating beef to save the planet

The MOD Report by Eugene Conradie

The meat industry will be obsolete in 15 years. This was the headline of a recently published CNBC interview with Impossible Foods CEO, Patrick Brown. The addition of a short quote - “That’s our mission” - hinted at the hyperbole of the headline, cleverly designed to grab attention.

In 2009, Mr. Brown left a distinguished academic career to pursue a solution to what he considers the world’s largest environmental problem: using animals to produce food. Following 7 years of research and development, Impossible Foods launched the Impossible Burger in 2016 to wide acclaim. 

The burger is the company’s first step toward its stated mission “to restore biodiversity and reduce the impact of climate change” with plant-based food. The premise being that animal agriculture is bad for the planet and plant agriculture is good. 

Killing the planet, one burp at a time

Estimates typically range from 10% to 18% of total greenhouse gases are released by animal agriculture. Beef production, in particular, is often cited as one of the major causes of climate change. Cattle produce methane as a by-product of digestion and, quite literally, are killing the planet, one burp at a time. 

Methane may be the posterchild for detractors of the beef industry, but it’s only one part of a trifecta of major issues. Water consumption and land degradation are the other two evils of this highly inefficient protein source. Beef production in developing countries is especially inefficient, producing as much as one ton of carbon per kilogram of beef. That’s ten times the average for the USA and Europe, where intensive farming practices reduce inefficiency. 

There’s no denying this presents a major challenge within the larger problem of climate change. The answer seems obvious: eat less meat. Indeed, meat consumption has decreased significantly in some countries thanks to increased awareness through films like Cowspiracy and Al Gore’s much publicized switch to veganism.  

All this begs the question, how much better is a plant-based diet for the planet?

The path lined with good intentions

The journal Science, in 2018, published a study of greenhouse gas emissions. It estimated food production leads to 26% of total emissions. 

Breaking this down further, animal agriculture and its associated land use accounted for approximately 47% of these emissions. Supply chains directly linked to food production is responsible for 18% of the emissions. It would surprise many that crop production, along with its associated land use, is responsible for as much as 35% of total food production greenhouse gas emissions.

The real jolt of reality, however, is the 47% figure attributed to animal agriculture includes fisheries. It turns out there’s hardly any difference in emissions between land-based plant and animal agriculture. 

Soy and rice, mainstays of the plant-based diet movement, happen to be two of the most environmentally unfriendly crops. High water consumption, increased land erosion and methane levels comparable to some forms of livestock farming are hallmarks of both rice and soy production. Nitrous oxide, one of the most potent greenhouse gases, from rice farming is as damaging as coal production by some estimates. 

Apart from environmental impact, soy production in South America is associated with widespread violence and the displacement of millions of people. The solution, it appears, is not quite as simple as eating less meat.

An old solution to a new problem

In his 2013 TED talk, Allan Savory describes culling 40,000 elephants as “the saddest and greatest blunder of his life”. Backed up by scientific research and good intentions, the cull was supposed to halt desertification in the African wildlife park he managed in the 1950s. Results ran contrary to scientific predictions and set Mr. Savory on a path of reconsidering established beliefs on land management.

His bold new direction would eventually lead to what he called “holistic management”. A new paradigm for effective land management, influenced by the writings of André Voisin and his own vast experience in the wilds of Africa. His brilliant insight was the role of roaming herbivores in effectively regenerating soil. Eventually, he would come to describe cattle as “the number one tool that can save mankind”.

Mr. Savory understood the importance of treating farmland as holistic ecologies, not simply as a means for production. The practical results of what is now commonly known as “regenerative farming” are astounding. Once barren stretches of rocky ground turn into lush, biodiverse fields of green in a matter of years. In locations around the world, from Zimbabwe to Mexico and even Saudi Arabia, holistic management has proven successful in regenerating lifeless stretches of land.

Perhaps the most surprising result is the ability of regenerative farms to sequester carbon. Studies have shown carbon neutral, even carbon negative, cattle farms are a reality when the land is holistically managed. 

In defence of the burger 

There’s no questioning the positive motives behind Impossible Foods and its competitors. Climate change is a real problem that demands real action, but good intentions don’t necessarily lead to correct solutions. 

The impact of intensive grain-fed beef production rightly hit the spotlight in the early 2000s as consumers became more environmentally responsible. Climate activists were quick to advocate plant-based diets as a socially and environmentally responsible alternative. Celebrities and politicians jumped on the bandwagon and soon major food chains, like Starbucks and McDonalds, took note. It appears the court of popular opinion has ruled against the cow.

Of course, the food and beverage industry has an important role to play. Sustainability is at the heart of the industry’s longevity, not to mention the ethical responsibility of conserving our only home. We must, however, choose our partners carefully. Sustainability does not always mean riding the wave of popularity.  

Appropriately sourced beef burgers are less damaging to the environment than plant-based imitation meat burgers. This is not a question of dietary preference, it’s a matter of making well-informed choices. Good intentions do not have to be shortsighted.

A new paradigm for sustainability

Popular opinion today is that human beings are bad for the planet. The common response is reducing our footprint is the best we can do. The unspoken reality is reducing our footprint means destroying the earth less quickly.

We don’t have to accept being less bad for the earth, we can actually be good for the earth. It is our habits, not our nature, that’s destructive and our vast potential for destruction is equalled by our potential for regeneration.

As an industry, we must do not what is expedient, but what is right. A true commitment to sustainability includes supporting regenerative farms. As it turns out, selling responsibly sourced beef burgers may help save the planet.


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Eugene Conradie is an award-winning F&B Director and industry columnist.

Always open to new ideas, Eugene can be found on LinkedIn.

He writes the awesome MOD report for us. Check out his page -

www.hospemag.me/distinguished-contributors/eugene-conradie


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

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

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

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Puverel to lead Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Puverel to lead Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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

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

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

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Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Announces A SeleQtions Hotel In Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) Announces A SeleQtions Hotel In Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia's largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a SeleQtions hotel in Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. This hotel is in partnership with Thriving Hotels Private Limited.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, "IHCL enters a new leisure destination with this hotel. Tadoba National Park is the oldest and the largest tiger reserve in Maharashtra. In addition to catering to customers seeking a wilderness experience, the scale of the hotel and its proximity to Nagpur airport will help to attract meetings and conferences. These hotels will complement the existing safari circuit within our portfolio. We are delighted to partner with Thriving Hotels in this project."

The 35-room hotel spread over 17 acres is strategically located at the outskirts of the Tadoba Andhari Tiger, in close proximity of three of the most accessible and popular gates to the National Park. With a distinctive design, the hotel will have all the facilities required to give guests a unique safari experience. This is a Greenfield project and is slated to open in 2022.

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NexGen Hotels to Build Its First Home2 Suites by Hilton

NexGen Hotels to Build Its First Home2 Suites by Hilton

NexGen Hotels will break ground on its first Home2 Suites by Hilton this April. The property will be located at 1700 S. Higgins Rd. in Des Plaines, Illinois which is less than four miles from O'Hare International Airport

The $16 million, the five-storey hotel has 107 suites and is scheduled to open the summer of 2022. NexGen Hotels is the general contractor and developer for the 63,000-square foot property. Origination Design based in Alpharetta, Georgia is the architect, and Genuine Hospitality Group located in St. Louis, Missouri will manage the hotel.

Home2 Suites by Hilton is designed for both short-term and extended stay guests seeking eco-friendly experiences. The property features spacious suites complete with fully equipped kitchens, outdoor lounge and patio areas, an indoor saltwater pool plus a combination fitness and laundry facility called Spin2 Cycle.

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Palazzo Versace Dubai hits 90 percent occupancy

Palazzo Versace Dubai hits 90 percent occupancy

Occupancy levels at the Palazzo Versace Dubai hotel have shot up to 70 percent during weekdays and as high as 90 percent on weekends, according to the property’s managing director Monther Darwish.

Speaking to sister title Arabian Business, Darwish credited the rise in demand for staycations as one of the factors for the hotel’s impressive occupancy. Despite the pandemic, Palazzo opted to remain open throughout the UAE’s strict lockdown measures.

Darwish told Arabian Business that the property spent “millions of dirhams” on an aggressive marketing campaign to bring in guests. He revealed that as many as 2,700 people came through the hotel in a single day earlier in the month.

“During those tough times, we took a decision to go very intense in the marketing to market that we are the most fashionable and safest hotel in town. We started taking the procedures, from disinfecting gates to sanitizing the rooms, and the hygiene all over the place in the hotel and we started a big push in this manner.

“We started engaging many influencers. We want to position ourselves in the client’s mind that it is the safest.

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Vikas Khanna opens seasonal restaurant at JA The Resort Dubai

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The latest culinary collaboration between Vikas Khanna and JA Resorts & Hotels sees the Indian chef create a new seasonal restaurant Ellora by Vikas Khanna at JA The Resort in Dubai.

Opening at JA Beach Hotel, Ellora will replace signature restaurant Kinara by Vikas Khanna for the next few months, with the new concept focusing more on seasonal ingredients such as green mango, passionfruit, and watermelon.

Meaning caves in Sanskrit, Ellora is aiming to symbolize the creativity that can occur during challenging times such as this, and the menu will feature authentic regional Indian dishes with a modern twist.

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107 Dubai restaurants closed for violating COVID-19 safety measures

107 Dubai restaurants closed for violating COVID-19 safety measures

Dubai Municipality has now ordered the closure of 107 food establishments in the emirate for failing to adhere to COVID-19 health and safety measures.

The closures were ordered for violations such as failing to adhere to social distancing, not wearing personal safety equipment such as masks and gloves during food preparation, as well as not using approved sterilisation and disinfection materials.

Despite the number of closures, Dubai Municipality reported the compliance with the measures ad increased to 99 percent from 94 percent during the partial reopening of the F&B business, with 10,481 field visits to food establishments carried out in Dubai during the past 75 days.

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Marriott International Announces Opening of First Fairfield by Marriott in Peru

Fairfield By Marriott in Peru

The hotel offers 147 spacious, modern and well equipped rooms with separate work and rest areas. The property's public spaces feature the "modern calm" aesthetic of the Fairfield by Marriott brand, which encompasses open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light.

A charming rooftop with a beautiful view of El Reducto Park will allow guests to enjoy free breakfast, which includes various healthy and nutritious options.

Among the hotel’s amenities are a Corner Market, 24-hour convenience store, a business center, two meeting rooms, access to the gym and free Wi-Fi.

For more information, please visit the web site of Fairfield Inn by Marriott Lima Miraflores.