Minor Hotels Announces Second Anantara Resort in Brazil | Anantara Preá Ceará Resort in Northeast Brazil Slated to Launch in 2026

Minor Hotels, a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio of 530 hotels and resorts in 56 countries across Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, Africa and the Indian Ocean, announces its second Anantara property in Brazil. Slated to launch in 2026, the new-build Anantara Preá Ceará Resort will be located in the state of Ceará on the country’s northeast coast.

Soon to start development on Preá Beach in the municipality of Cruz and close to the well-known tourist destination of Jericoacoara, Anantara Preá Ceará Resort will offer 60 guest rooms and villas, 25 branded residential bungalows, some with private pools, and a 120 sqm Presidential Suite. To be built within the high-end Vila Carnaúba real estate development, Anantara Preá will offer guests access to all Vila Carnaúba’s amenities, such as the restaurants and bars, sports facilities and a gym, a kids club, a kitesurfing school and a variety of nature walks. The resort will also be home to a regional restaurant and an Anantara Spa which will offer an extensive range of spa treatments and wellness programmes.

The state of Ceará is well known for its fine sand dunes and beaches, natural lagoons and mangroves thriving with nature, with around a third of the state’s territory forming part of the Jericoacoara National Park, one of the most beautiful spots in Brazil’s northeast. The coastline is also well established as one of the country’s most sought-after destinations for watersports such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and wing foil surfing.

The new resort is being developed in partnership with Grupo Carnaúba. The partnership aims to strengthen the real estate market in the region with the introduction of the Anantara brand providing a luxury experience for discerning travellers. The project will also be focused on sustainability, ensuring the values of the local natural beauty are incorporated in harmony with the guest experience.

The ecoresort will extend over an area in excess of 52,000 square metres. The project’s design and decor are being created by Miguel Pinto Guimarães, a Brazilian architect well known for his contemporary creations which unite comfort in total harmony with the natural environment and the beauty of the surroundings. The landscaping will be developed by Embyá Paisagens & Ecossistemas. The hotel’s construction will focus on natural and regional materials. 

The sustainable and social initiatives of Vila Carnaúba, which is in the final stages of development, are an essential element of this partnership. These will include waste disposal and recycling, reforestation initiatives, replanting of Carnauba Wax Palm Trees, a fan palm indigenous to northeastern Brazil, along with supporting local food producers. At night there will be reduced lighting to preserve the sky’s panorama and to minimise the impact on the local fauna. 

Anantara Preá Ceará Resort will be accessible via the regional airport of Jericoacoara just 15 minutes’ away, or transfers can be arranged by car or small plane to Preá from the state’s main airport in Ceará which is 300 km from the resort. 

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of Minor International, commented, "In 2022 we announced our luxury Anantara brand's first hotel in Brazil, with Anantara Mamucabo Bahia Resort scheduled to open in 2025. We are excited to follow this with the announcement of a second Anantara in the country, demonstrating our commitment to expanding our footprint in Brazil with quality projects focused on preserving nature and the surrounding landscapes. We look forward to working closely with Grupo Carnaúba to bring this new Anantara resort to fruition.”

For further information please visit https://www.anantara.com/en/prea-ceara.

Ingredient Ideology | HEARTY BOWL OF SALADS TO RELISH BY: DR. KAVIRAJ KHIALANI- CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF

Indulge in the crunch & freshness of good health!

Summer Season is here and there is a need to be slightly aware of what needs to be included in our diets and the importance of nutrients and dietary fiber along with the essential vitamins and immunity-boosting properties are to be looked at in order to have balance on the taste buds, palates & the personality of the ingredients need to inculcate a feeling of welcome onto our plates

Here are a few simple, easy to make & Nutritious Salad Recipes:

Recipe-1] TIC TAC TOE SALAD

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup- iceberg, romaine, cos lettuce.

For the body of the salad:

Boiled sweet corn- 1 cup

Sliced green cucumber- ½ cup

Sliced red onions- ¼ cup

Red radish- 2-3 no slice
Green capsicum/ red capsicum- ¼ no cubed

Tomatoes-3-4 cherry variety sliced

For the dressing of the salad:

Olive oil- 2 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Mustard paste-1 tsp

Rock salt/sea salt- 1/4 tsp

Crushed black pepper- ½ tsp

Roasted crushed cumin-1 /2 tsp

Honey-1 tbsp.

Mint leaves-10-12 no

For the garnish of the salad:

Pomegranate seeds/ flax seeds/ sunflower seeds- 1 tbsp.

Microgreens/ mint/ coriander/parsley- 1 tbsp
Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing.

3. Add in the body of the salad just before serving.

4. Arrange the lettuce leaves at the base of your serving bowl/ plate.

5. Place the tossed salad on top and garnish appropriately.

6. Serve immediately.

Recipe-2] BOWL OF FASCINATION

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup- iceberg, romaine, Lollorosso lettuce

For the body of the salad:

Sweet potato- 400 gms, peeled and cubed.

Boiled chickpeas- ½ cup

Shallots/madras onions- ½ cup cut 1 x 2

To saute the sweet potato for 8-10 mins in the following:

Oil- 1 tbsp. + garlic- 1 tsp chop + ginger – 1 tsp chop + salt and pepper to taste + water- ½ cup + garam masala powder- ¼ tsp + chopped coriander- 1 tbsp.

For the dressing of the salad:

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Tahini paste- 2 tbsp.

Hung curd-1/2 cup.

Peanut butter- 2 tbsp. blended in 1/4 cup warm water.

Crushed black pepper- ½ tsp

Mint leaves- 2 tbsp.

Chat masala-1/2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Roasted crushed peanuts/roasted almonds/ melon seeds- as desired.

Fresh herbs- basil/ oregano/ thyme- as available can be added.

Method

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the lime, peanut butter mixture, pepper, salt and mint leaves, mix well.

3. Add in the body of the salad- cook the sweet potato separately add it here along with the shallots and chickpeas toss well.

4. Arrange the base of the salad in a serving bowl, arrange the salad over it.

5. In another mixing bowl combine the hung curd + tahini + chat masala mix well and add that on top of the salad like a drizzle topping and garnish, serve.

Recipe-3] TRUE TO LIFE TOSS 

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

White and purple cabbage- 1 cup shredded

For the body of the salad:

Sprouted moong – 2 cups

Cucumber-1/2 cup cubed

Tomatoes-1/4 cup cubed

Green chilies- 1 tsp chop

Onions-2 tbsp. chop

Pomegranate seeds- ¼ cup

Grapes- black/green-1/2 cup

Chickoo-2 no peel and cubed.

For the dressing:

Olive oil- 2 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Honey-1 tsp

Jeera powder-1/2 tsp

Chat masala-1/2 tsp

Ginger juice- 1 tsp

Mango pickle masala- 1 tsp from your mango pickle jar.

Mint leaves-1 tbsp. + 1 tbsp. coriander/basil leaves

For the garnish of the salad:

Chia seeds/ sunflower seeds/ sesame seeds- 1 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing.

3. Just before serving add in the body of the salad and toss well.

4. Arrange the base on a serving plate/bowl top it up with the tossed salad.

5. Garnish appropriately as desired and serve chilled.

Recipe-4] LA VOILA SALATA

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Assorted lettuce leaves- 1 cup – Lollorosso, chicory, cos lettuce

For the body of the salad:

Fusilli pasta- 2 cups or any pasta of your choice- boiled.
Tofu/ Paneer-1/2 cup cubes grilled/pan-fried.

Cherry tomatoes- 5-6 no cut 1x 2

Red/green/yellow peppers-1/2 cup cubed

Broccoli florets- 1 cup blanched.

For the dressing of the salad:

Olive oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chop/burnt garlic flakes- 1 tsp.

Tomato ketchup- 2 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Mixed herbs-1/2 tsp

Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

Parsley- 1 tbsp.

Chat masala-1/2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Black and green olives- 3-4 no sliced.

Fresh basil/rosemary- 2 tbsp.

Shavings of parmesan/ cheese- 2 tbsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the body and the dressing and toss well

3. Arrange the base of the salad on a salad plate or bowl, place the tossed salad on the base, garnish it well and serve it immediately along with a portion of crispy garlic bread.

Recipe-5] FRUITY PARADISE

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

• Banana leaf- 1 No cut it as per the size of the serving plate/platter.

• For the body of the salad: use your choice of fruits.

• Watermelon- 1 cup cubes

• Musk melon-1/2 cup cubes

• Green apple- ½ no cubed

• Chickoo- ½ cup cubed

• Papaya-1 cup cubed.

• For the dressing of the salad:

• Orange segments- ½ cup of fresh orange

• Ginger juice- 1 tbsp.

• Mint leaves- 10-12 no 

• Honey-1 tbsp.

• Chat masala-1/2 tsp

• Mustard paste- ½ tsp

• Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

• Sunflower seeds/ melon seeds- 2 tsp

• For the garnish of the salad:

• Pomegranate seeds- ½ cup/ olives/ grapes/ fresh herbs/ micro greens 

  Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the salad.

2. Use a choice of fruits as per seasonal availability.

3. Combine the dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl.

4. Add the fruits to the dressing bowl just before serving, toss well.

5. Arrange the banana leaf on a serving plate/platter top it with the tossed salad, garnish appropriately, and serve to use assorted nuts like walnuts/ apricots/pine nuts etc on this salad.

COSTA SERENA RESTARTS IN ASIA: COSTA IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO RESUME OUTBOUND CRUISES DEDICATED TO SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN

After two cruises out of Thailand, from June to October 2023 Costa Serena will sail on a total of thirty-five cruises from South Korea and Taiwan to Japan, featuring Italian style experiences.

Costa Cruises announces that Costa Serena returned to service in Asia.  After two cruises between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Serena departed today from the port of Busan, in South Korea, heading to Nagasaki and Yatsushiro, in Japan.  It is the first outbound cruise to resume in South Korea after the end of cruise travel restrictions.

"With the departure of Costa Serena from Busan, we celebrate a historic event for cruises in Asia. We are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s a very important moment for the recovery of the cruise industry in Asia. We achieved this significant result thanks to our historic presence in Asia and established relationship with local partners and institutions" - said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.

From June to October 2023, Costa Serena will be operating a program of “charter” cruises in Asia, in cooperation with local travel partners. The total number of cruises is thirty-five. Eight cruises, in June and October 2023, will be dedicated to the South Korean market; from July to October 2023 another twenty-seven cruises are planned for the Taiwan market.

IHCL Expands Its Presence In Uttarakhand, Signs A Seleqtions Hotel In Naukuchiatal

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a resort in Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand. This is a conversion and will be rebranded an IHCL – SeleQtions hotel after extensive renovations and expansion.

L To R: Suma Venkatesh and Puneet Chhatwal (MD&CEO) of IHCL, Mukund Prasad and Vibhas Prasad of Leisure Hotels Group

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “The signing of this hotel is in line with IHCL’s vision of expanding its presence in the leisure destinations. Naukuchiatal is a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand’s lake district. Nestled amidst the Kumaon Himalayas it provides easy access to other popular hill stations in the state. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Leisure Hotels Group for our fifth hotel together.”

The 88-room resort, sprawled over 4 acres elegantly borders the famous Naukuchiatal Lake, offering panoramic views of the water and the scenic splendor of the Himalayan foothills. It will boast of a range of dining options, including an all-day diner, a bar, and a specialty restaurant on the decks overlooking the shimmering lake. The property also offers a swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, and spacious indoor and outdoor venues for social gatherings and corporate events. 

Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL for our fifth property. The company with its pioneering efforts has put many destinations on the global tourist map. This will bring Kumaon in Uttarakhand on the tourism circuit while fostering invaluable support to the local community. We believe it will transform the hospitality landscape in the region.”  

With the addition of this, IHCL has nine hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Uttarakhand including four under development

IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces Effortless Wi-Fi Connection for Guests Worldwide

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), a leading hotel company with a global presence, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new mobile product feature – IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect. A first-of-its-kind innovation available at scale in hotels, this feature is now available exclusively in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for both iOS and Android users and will automatically connect IHG One Rewards members to Wi-Fi upon arrival at more than 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide – no separate passwords or logins needed!

IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect is enabled by the newly redesigned IHG app and IHG’s proprietary internet solution, IHG One Rewards Wi-Fi. Globally, the company logs more than 5.3 million monthly Wi-Fi logins. With this new solution, guests who opt-in via their mobile devices will join the internet upon entering a hotel without having to worry about separate login codes or passwords, saving time and enjoying a better user experience. A one-time set-up is required via the app where the member user can enable auto connection via settings. The functionality empowers guests visiting a hotel for a meeting, overnight stay or dining at a restaurant in a hotel.

“We know that our guests expect seamless instant connectivity and convenience, especially when it comes to Wi-Fi. At IHG, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the guest experience, and IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect is just one example of how we’re doing that,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Global Guest Experience, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “The solution will deliver IHG One Rewards members with even better connectivity and a seamless experience across 5,000+ hotels around the world.”

Motivated to improve the guest experience for loyalty members, the company continues to innovate and prioritize technology, comfort, and convenience. In addition to the improved Wi-Fi experience, the app has new enhancements designed for speed and convenience, including a new lock screen widget feature on iOS. Widgets allow guests to see their points balance and upcoming stays from the lock screen of their device, and to quickly launch the app. The app has also recently launched booking features allowing guests to select room enhancements during booking, including rooms with specific views or more space.

Unique Ways to Appreciate the Mighty Oceans of the World

June 2023: This World Ocean Day, spend some time in the marine world and pledge to celebrate its uniqueness. Dive deep to discover the corals, swim with the dolphins, save endangered Hawksbill turtles and learn about conserving their home.   

Swim with butterflyfish in Koh Tao, Thailand

Koh Tao Island is no less than a tropical haven, thanks to the profusion of spectacular beaches, dive sites, and a wealth of different activities to enjoy. Tanote Bay, located on the island’s east coast, is perfect for travellers who wish to witness the Kingdom’s marine life teeming with various species, such as butterflyfish, angelfish, parrotfish, rabbitfish, and groupers.

The island encourages ethical and sustainable tourism by organising Spotlight Koh Tao, an annual event comprising workshops and exhibitions which inspire tourists to participate in activities such as coral reef rehabilitation, sea glass jewellery making, coco tie-dye making, and fish aggregation with locals, among other initiatives that contribute towards marine conservation. 

Witness the largest aggregation of whale sharks in Qatar

As a peninsula surrounded by the Arabian Sea and blessed with year-round sunny weather, Qatar is famous for crystal-clear beaches, waterparks, and marinas that invite everyone to try out activities and experiences. 

The country also serves as the perfect habitat for many aquatic species that thrive in warmer temperatures, such as the Hawksbill Turtles that feed on marine delicacies at Al Ghariyah Beach. In addition, Qatar is home to the largest aggregation of whale sharks that prefer the warm and shallow sea waters of the country’s northeast coast, located about 145 km from Doha and reached by yacht. Qatar also accommodates the world’s second-largest population of Dugongs at the Al Thakira mangrove forest. One can witness these underwater creatures in full glory from April to September by kayaking.

Discover vibrant corals in the deepest atolls of Maldives 

From heavenly beaches and lush palm trees to turquoise waters and diverse marine life, the Islands of Maldives embody everything perfect for a leisurely escapade. Designed in harmony with the natural environment, The Residence Maldives offers myriad activities catering to every traveller’s interest, including the world’s largest and deepest coral atolls. 

The waters of the resort’s Gaafu Alifu atoll are home to over 1,200 species of corals, fish, sharks, green turtles, manta rays, and eagle rays. You can witness them by snorkelling and deep-sea diving. The resort also largely contributes to marine conservation by being part of the Maldives Underwater Initiative promoted by the Maldivian Ministry of Tourism and the Protect Maldives Seagrass, an initiative launched by the Blue Marine Foundation.

Save the endangered turtles in Oman

Nestled between the majestic mountains and glittering waters of the Gulf, Shangri-La Barr Al Jissah, Muscat, reflects the beauty of this Middle Eastern country. The sea around the resort is replete with rich marine life, such as turtles, rays, eels, fish, coral reefs, and shipwrecks that make beautiful underwater sights. 

A fully equipped and professionally staffed Dive Centre arranges daily excursions and guided diving tours. A night-time expedition and three daily dives are available too. Marine experts guarantee that everyone makes the most of their aquatic adventure. Oman is home to five different species of turtles, and one of the nesting sites is Shangri-La Muscat’s private beach. The Turtle Care Project aims to protect the endangered hawksbill and green turtle species as a ranger looks after nests and protects them from potential threats. Between March and September, when hundreds of turtles return to the resort’s beach to lay eggs, guests are invited to witness hatchings, help to protect their nests and attend Turtle Talks at the hotel’s Eco Centre.

The Gulf of Oman is also home to hundreds of dolphins, sometimes seen together in pods of 250. Every morning, tours depart from the resort’s marina, even as marine experts talk about conservation efforts and ways to contribute to them.

Feel the adrenaline rush in Ko Pha-Ngan, Thailand

Akin to its sister islands, Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Ko Pha-Ngan is a paradise for thalassophiles and water sports enthusiasts. Travellers can indulge in water activities, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, wakeboarding, kitesurfing, parasailing, and kayaking.

COREsea, a marine research and conservation programme instituted on this island, has been educating people about Southeast Asia’s marine biodiversity. They conduct independent research and experiments and even provide research vessels, diving equipment, and accommodations for those who wish to observe and volunteer in their marine conservation mission. 

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang Opens its Doors in Vietnam

Guests can expect Hilton Garden Inn’s signature Brighthearted service, elevated amenities and spacious guestrooms at Hilton’s first beachfront property in the coastal city

Da Nang, VIETNAM JUNE, 2023: Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, the perfect getaway for leisure and business travelers alike. Conveniently situated just four kilometers from the city center and located along the renowned My Khe beach, all 234 rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang come with cerulean beach views, promising a warm and inviting stay for guests to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate.  

“Vietnam continues to be one of the most dynamic travel destinations in Asia. To cater to the needs of the growing midscale segment seeking comfort and value, we are delighted to open the doors of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang and welcome guests to Hilton’s first beachfront property in the coastal city. This opening speaks to our strong growth momentum in South East Asia and contributes to our ambition to double our footprint within the region in the coming years,” said Alexandra Murray, area vice president and head of South East Asia, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang is conveniently located just seven kilometres, or a 15-minute car drive, from Da Nang International Airport and five kilometres from Da Nang Railway Station. Travelers can also enjoy easy access to the UNESCO-recognized Hoi An Ancient Town, the historical Hue city, and the rich nature of the Son Tra Peninsula.

Bright and airy spaces and contemporary design touches characterise the 28-storey hotel. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms features warm oak tones and custom-designed furniture. With seven room types, ranging from 26-square-meter layouts that can accommodate up to three guests, to a 60-square-meter junior suite with two balconies, guests can expect spacious, purposeful and highly-functional retreats designed for working and relaxing. Each room comes equipped with premium Peter Thomas Roth amenities and complimentary WiFi access. 

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang brings the brand’s innovative all-day dining concept, Together & Co., to South East Asia. Guests can enjoy an engaging social dining experience over thoughtfully curated local specialities and international favourites. For a delightful afternoon, guests can head to the T&Co. Lobby Lounge for sustainably and locally-sourced Vietnamese speciality coffee that pairs perfectly with freshly-baked pastries and light snacks.  

Come evening, guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets with refreshing cocktails or local craft beers at the hotel’s rooftop bar, T&Co. Rooftop. Located on level 27, the bar offers panoramic views of My Khe beach and Son Tra peninsula’s spectacular landscape. To ensure guests have everything they need during their stay, the hotel also features a 24/7, grab-and-go retail space offering an array of fresh foods, snacks and beverages. 

For those who wish to upkeep their fitness regime, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang also offers guests the choice of working out at its fitness center and yoga terrace, as well as relaxing swims at the rooftop infinity pool, both of which offer breath-taking and unobstructed ocean views.

“Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang’s opening marks a significant milestone for the brand’s growth across Asia Pacific, underscoring its appeal and popularity with travelers across the world. As we expand, we remain committed to extending great value to our guests through the brand’s subtly elevated accommodation and thoughtful amenities, as well as its signature Brighthearted hospitality,” said Jenny Milos, vice president, Brand Management, Suites & Focused Service, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang’s multi-functional event spaces are also ideal for hosting a range of corporate and social events, designed for fostering collaboration and encouraging guests to linger. The pillar-less ballroom, measuring 183 square meters, can accommodate up to 150 people and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean and Son Tra peninsula. Meeting organizers looking for more flexible spaces also have the option of holding business meetings, trainings, or dinners at the hotel’s 35 square meter meeting space on level 2. The space can also be repurposed into a pre-function area for cocktail receptions and coffee breaks. 

“We are excited to welcome guests to Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, where they can revel in the natural beauty that Da Nang has to offer. We seek to make every guest’s stay better and brighter and take their travel experience to the next level,” said Nick Boyd, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, which is owned by Hai An Investment Trading and Import Export Joint Stock Company, joins a portfolio of 12 trading and pipeline Hilton hotels in Vietnam. This year, Hilton is poised to also welcome Hilton Saigon an La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, which marks the lifestyle brand’s entry into Vietnam. 

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 19 world-class brands. Members who book directly through the preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Hilton Honors Points and money to book a stay, free standard Wi-Fi and an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app where Hilton Honors members can choose their rooms and check-in digitally.

TravClan Expands Global Reach through Strategic Partnerships with Middle East Government Bodies and Tourism Boards

May 2023, New Delhi: TravClan, a global B2B Travel Tech Platform, has entered into strategic partnerships with the government bodies and tourism boards of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to continue to reshape the way travel agents sell and deliver exceptional travel experiences worldwide.

Expected to attract over 2 lakh new consumers to the Middle East, these alliances stand to generate a potential 20% revenue growth in the next 3 years for 15,000+ travel agents who would get a chance to learn more about offerings of the region.

"Our partnerships are critical in achieving our mission to boost tourism in the Middle East," said Chirag Agrawal, Co-founder of TravClan. "They underline our commitment to showcase the region's incredible offerings and foster trust and confidence among travelers worldwide.” Through the partnerships, TravClan, aims to increase awareness amongst travel professionals regarding the vast choice of on-ground travel services and unique experiences these destinations have to offer.TravClan, in recent collaborations with tourism boards, has organized exclusive events, fostering networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing among over 1000 travel industry professionals. These initiatives align with TravClan’s broader vision to empower SMBs in the travel sector globally, enabling their business growth and success.

One such successful collaboration has been with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), resulting in a series of joint marketing activities promoting Saudi Arabia. These campaigns, centered around the FIFA World Cup and the ongoing IPL, significantly boosted awareness among the travel agent community and travelers, resulting in a surge in traffic with over 3000 passengers choosing Saudi Arabia as their preferred destination.

"Saudi is a new, unique leisure destination that is untapped and unexplored," said Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority. “As the true home of Arabia, Saudi offers rich cultural and heritage sites, pristine nature, and diverse landscapes, ideal for the curious, adventurous Indian traveler. Our partnership with TravClan is critical to unlocking opportunities for growth and position Saudi as a must-visit destination."

Joint marketing campaigns with Dubai and Abu Dhabi also yielded remarkable results, with a surge in traffic of over 20,000 passengers in the last 4 months. This success can be attributed to TravClan's ability to leverage technology to offer superior travel services at affordable prices, coupled with the commitment shown by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi government to create unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

TravClan, recognized as a leading tech-enabled global destination management company, boasts a local on-ground presence in over 18 destinations worldwide, ensuring delightful experiences at every step of the journey. As the summer season unfolds, travelers can look forward to exciting adventures, cherished family moments, and awe-inspiring experiences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

About TravClan:

TravClan is a global B2B Travel Tech Platform that is reshaping the way travel agents sell and deliver exceptional travel experiences worldwide. With a strong focus on cutting-edge technology and seamless customer experiences, TravClan empowers 15,000+ travel agents to sell travel online while providing comprehensive end-to-end on-ground travel services with local on-ground presence in over 18 destinations worldwide.

SAYAJI HOTELS EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN MAHARASHTRA WITH THE LAUNCH OF ‘EFFOTEL SAROLA’

Sayaji Hotels, synonymous with luxury and excellence is now proud to unveil its newest addition in Pune, ‘Effotel Sarola’. Centrally located on the Pune-Bangalore highway, the hotel is well-connected to prominent commercial and industrial zones including the Sarola,Shiwal, Khandala &Faltan MIDC, and Pune IT Park. Mr. Ajit Dada Pawar, Former DCM & Opposition Leader of Maharashtra officially unveiled Effotel Sarola in the presence of prominent dignitaries.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Jameel Sayed, Director – of Business Development, Sayaji Hotels Ltd. said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Maharashtra with the launch of Effotel Sarola, our sixth property in the State. The hotel perfectly epitomizes the brand’s core values of offering immaculate service and impeccable hospitality. We currently operate 22 properties nationally and have embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to establish our footprints in Gir, Panchgini, Udaipur, Lonavala, Khandala, Harda, and Satara in the coming years. The group overall plans to have 50 operational hotels nationally in the next 2 years. We are buoyant on the industry's growth in the Pune district that has fuelled demand for upscale mid-market hotels in this region. With the launch of Effotel Sarola, we move a step forward to establish our presence across prominent destinations nationally.”

Mr. Bhalchandra Jagtap, Founder, of Maee Hotels and Hospitalities Private Limited, said, “We are extremely overwhelmed by the owner-centric strategy adopted by Sayaji Hotels across all the properties they operate. This association enables us to benefit from Effotel’s premium brand image, smart technology, enhanced customer network, and professional expertise. Effotel Sarola with its strategic location, refined elegance, exquisite dining options, well-equipped conference facilities, and other contemporary amenities will perfectly complement the needs of discerning domestic and corporate travelers. We are thrilled to welcome our guests by offering them the signature Sayaji Hospitality experience and look forward to making their stay memorable”.

Effotel Sarola offers 54 well-appointed guest rooms comprising of 42 Premium Rooms, 10 Executive Rooms, and 2 Suites that blend contemporary design with unmatched comfort. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with tea-coffee makers, Wardrobes, Wi-Fi connectivity, LED TVs, and safety lockers. The facilities at the hotel include 24-hour room service, well-equipped with 2 conference rooms, a specialty restaurant, a board room, a banquet hall, Gym & a huge lawn – a perfect place for destination weddings. Guests can enjoy a magnificent culinary journey that spans diverse gastronomic experiences with a blend of multiple flavors and Indian hospitality. The banquet is an ideal venue to host private parties, weddings, and memorable events, while the board room is best suited for corporate meetings and training programs.

Sayaji Hotels is India’s premier upscale lifestyle hospitality brand, renowned for its bespoke experiences, signature hospitality, and ushering in new standards of opulence in the 4-star and 5-star hotels category. It has been at the forefront of the Hospitality Industry for the past 3 decades. The group presently operates 22 properties across India under the brand names Sayaji Hotels, Effotel by Sayaji, and Enrise by Sayaji. Each of the properties boasts luxurious rooms with a host of banqueting and F&B facilities.