Sofitel Mumbai BKC Launches New Negroni Cocktails for Negroni Week
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Sofitel Mumbai BKC, the elegant, luxury hotel in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, has just launched a new Negroni cocktail menu, to celebrate Negroni Week.
Available till September 18, 2022, at the hotel’s Le Bar Diamantaire, the special menu offers patrons five different types of Negroni cocktails. These include Campari Boulevardier; Campari Spagliato; Campari In & Tonic; Hazelnut Negroni; Campari Garibaldi; and Chocolate Orange Negroni.
Each Negroni cocktail on the special menu is priced at Rs. 899 plus taxes. Proceeds from the sales of the cocktails go to charity.
Visit Le Bar Diamantaire till September 18, 2022 to enjoy the special cocktails being served to celebrate Negroni Week.
Le Bar Diamantaire
Sofitel Mumbai BKC
C 57, G Block BKC
Bandra Kurla Complex
Bandra East
Mumbai – 400051
Hours of Operation: 12 pm – 12 am, Monday-Sunday
Telephone: +91 22 6117 5115
Kumar Raipancholia has been appointed as AVP Sales and Distribution for SaffronStays
/Kumar comes with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and is tasked with driving occupancy growth and numbers for the 7-year-old start-up that currently has 250+ homes under the banner
As supply for SaffronStays, India’s foremost and exclusive collection of fully staffed and serviced private vacation homes grows, the brand has roped in Kumar Raipancholia to lead demand as AVP, Sales and Distribution. This comes shortly after opening doors in vital new markets like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Goa, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kumar comes with over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry and is tasked with driving occupancy growth and numbers for the 7-year-old start-up that currently has 250+ homes under the banner.
Born and raised in Mumbai, Kumar is an alumnus of Bandra’s MET Institute of Management. In 2012 he had his first brush with the MICE and FIT segments at Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotels and Residences He then spearheaded the same segments at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa before moving to Alila Diwa Goa – A Hyatt Brand as Associate Director, Sales. With over 10 years of experience in the MICE-Weddings, FIT and Travel Trade experience of Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi NCR markets, Kumar comes armed with immense knowledge in the conventional accommodation space.
Says Devendra Parulekar, Founder, SaffronStays, “Besides setting ourselves on a path of profitability, a critical objective for 2022 that we’d set for ourselves was to professionalise the company. From a start-up that was a rank outsider to the industry, to causing the industry veterans to be a part of the category, SaffronStays has come a long way. It was time to induct professional talent from the hotel industry to take us to the next level. This is why we sought out Kumar Raipancholia as Chief of Sales and Distribution to help us navigate the complex world of hospitality sales. He will build and cultivate distribution channels including travel agents and OTAs, and leading website sales that has been the largest contributor to our sales.”
Says Kumar Raipancholia, “Ever since Airbnb opened its doors, it has opened travellers’ minds to the possibility of staying in a home, instead of a hotel. After the pandemic-induced lockdowns, we have seen a shift in the minds of the guests who are now turning to Homes Stays as an option while looking for their holiday. Private villas are aspirational getaway options; to holiday in and to own. Guests who stay in these estates always go back with a feeling of owning a private villa, and then wanting to partner with SaffronStays to monetise the asset after they’ve spent a few years enjoying it.”
SaffronStays has been recognised as one of India’s Top 100 Luxury Brands in Luxebook’s Most Powerful 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 and featured in MoneyControl’s 75 Brands That Changed The Way We Live list. It was the only Curated Network of Private Vacation Homes to be featured on any list. Moreover, 1 in every 12 villas from Conde Nast Traveler’s 50 Top Villas In India, is an exclusively managed estate by SaffronStays.
“I am here to build SaffronStays as a brand eponymous with quality standards, experiences and brand values in the premium and budget vacation rental space. This space is growing incredibly quickly and in another 5-7 years will be the default choice for Indians and inbound international guests as well. Today’s consumer wants luxury seeped in privacy, experiences and hassle-free service; and villas offer just that,”
Where a luxury hotel room costs ~₹25,000 for 2 pax, SaffronStays offers a base-category villa for 6 pax along with a personal home chef, a pool and complete service. “I am here to take this brand to every corner of India and spread its wings across international waters. SaffronStays should be the first brand that a guest equates to a holiday getaway.”
When he is not working, Kumar, a self-proclaimed auto enthusiast, is researching the latest supercars in the market or planning a trip from his bucket list, with Japan currently topping that.
The Westin Hyderabad mindspace put fourth a range of sustainability initiatives
/Onsite bottling plant, Green powers, EV charging stations etc, a some of the initiatives taken by the hotel
At Westin Hyderabad, sustainability and the environment are deeply ingrained into our operational procedures. Guided by Marriott International’s 2025 sustainability and social impact goals and Chalet Hotels Limited‘s RE100, EP100 and EV100 initiatives linked to renewable electricity, energy efficiency and electric mobility respectively, they are pleased to announce the launch of our Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station at the hotel on the occasion of World EV Day.
Some of their sustainability initiatives to minimize our environmental footprint as a part of our amenities are:
Onsite Bottling Plant – Eradication of Single-Use plastic water bottles.
Our vision to eradicate single-use plastic is in line with our mission to reduce the global carbon footprint and our commitment to be environmentally friendly through sustainability initiatives. The bottling plant at the hotel generates 240 litres of water in an hour which will be available in glass bottles for the guests in guestrooms as well as restaurants.
“Sustainability is the most powerful resource in business today”
Amitabh Rai, Cluster General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and Hyderabad Market.
Green Power– The first hotel in Hyderabad to get 100% green power.
“Sustainability is the most powerful resource in business today. Investing and implementing initiatives that use renewable energy and are eco-friendly, and reduce dependence on non-green sources enable benefits that are far-reaching even in terms of return of investment. The impact that these initiatives have on minimizing the carbon footprint and climatic change is very important to account for as a collective global responsibility.” says, Amitabh Rai, Cluster General Manager, The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and Hyderabad Market
Sumit Kumar Sharma has been appointed as the General Manager at Renest Haridwar
/He will be responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the hotel, while leading the teams to drive revenues and enhance the brand value
A Hotel Management graduate from IHM Bangalore, Sumit Kumar Sharma has been in the industry for over 2 decades. He brings with him an astute sense of business and markets. His hospitality journey began with Ananda in the Himalayas. He then moved to Novotel Convention Centre Hyderabad and has also worked with The Grand, New Delhi.
He was then appointed as a Resort Manager in Suryavilas. Sharma has a proven record of success in the preopening assignment at Sarovar Portico in Dehradun.
In his role as a General manager at Renest Haridwar, he will be responsible for day-to-day operations and management of the hotel, while leading the teams to drive revenues and enhance the brand value. In his personal time, he loves to travel, and binge eat.
The Ultimate Maldivian Adventure for Luxury Travel Partners,Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts gives a taste of the “Joy of Giving”
/Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts gives a taste of the “Joy of Giving”
Mumbai,September 2022: With the growing prominence of the Maldives in the Indian outbound market, leading hospitality group Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, organized a familiarization tour for 25 Indian travel agent partners to six of their Maldives properties. Atmosphere which is well known for their brands - THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU and By Atmosphere. The objective of the visit was to familiarize the agents, about the brand architecture, as well as experience the unique Atmosphere hospitality, weaved with the values of the Joy of Giving.
The two group familiarization tours began simultaneously. The 1st Group kicked off their trip from OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili followed by OBLU NATURE Helengeli. The following day the partners started with OBLU Select Sangeli before moving on to the next property, VARU By Atmosphere. On the other hand, the second group started from VARU By Atmosphere and then to OBLU SELECT Sangeli followed by OBLU NATURE Helengeli and concluded at OBLU NATURE Helengeli.
On the occasion of this familiarization tour, Vignesh Mohan, Director of Sales for Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts said “It was an opportunity for our partners to experience the “Joy of Giving”, which they have been extending to our mutual customers and guests in India. It was important to us that all segments of the trade community experience this and thus we invited our wholesale partners along with the travel agents. We especially focused on some of our gastronomic offerings including Indian and international cuisine, along with outdoor activities and wellness initiatives.”
Maldives offers the Indian traveler, a dream destination in close proximity and still undiscovered. Its natural place in the Indian ocean creates for an appealing union of azuring views of the blue, a taste of the Maldivian culture, adventure sports and wellness. The itinerary was specifically curated in a manner that brought key elements of the experience to the fore, including exquisite gastronomy at the specialty restaurants in each of the resorts and the under ocean restaurant Only BLU at OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi. An escape to the view of alluring Indian Ocean with exemplary services and exclusive dinners at all the properties left the tour group of 20 luxury travel partners from India captivated.
JW MARRIOTT MUMBAI JUHU ANNOUNCES THE ELEVATION OF ROHIT CHADHA AS THE EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF
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Chef Rohit Chadha is looking forward to curating innovative concepts that are inspired by the local community and exceeding expectations of the JW Marriott Juhu guests.
Mumbai, September 2022 - JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, the 5-star luxury hotel in Mumbai is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Rohit Chadha as the new Executive Sous Chef of the iconic property.
With a rich culinary experience spanning over a decade, Chef Rohit Chadha has previously spearheaded the team at Dashanzi, the award-winning progressive modern Asian cuisine restaurant at the JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and worked across leading brands in India and the Middle East, in addition to working alongside three-time Michelin Star Chef Allen Passard and industry stalwart Chef Hemant Oberoi. His unparalleled passion for his work, drive for innovation, and extensive knowledge of local and international cuisines have been instrumental in his success. Among his many achievements, Chef Rohit was one of the top 10 leading chefs in India selected for the “Himalayan Raw and Fine Journey” contest hosted by a leading travel magazine in 2019 for a culinary tour of Japan.
Chef Rohit shares his experience saying, “From my first day at the hotel, I was given the opportunity to live the experience of serving and enjoying my job. I am empowered to create concepts that are inspired by our communities. The creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit of my team makes me who I am today. From working with local horticulturists to prioritizing responsible sourcing, the team and I are committed to delivering gourmet experiences for our guests. Marriott is my home and my school to continue learning by living the company’s core values.”
In his new role, Chef Rohit Chadha will work closely with the culinary team at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to curate compelling, innovative and locally relevant dining experiences that are gratifying and fulfilling across the hotel’s distinctive restaurants, in keeping with the JW Marriott brand promise.
Marriott International Signs Agreement for Inaugural Property in Papua New Guinea
/Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby is Expected to Open in Mid-2023
Marriott International, Inc. today announced it has signed an agreement with Steamships Trading Company Ltd., to debut its first property in Papua New Guinea, the Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby. Slated to open in mid-2023, the property is set to be located in the heart of Port Moresby within the mixed-use development of Harbourside South.
Mr. Geoff Cundle, Chairman of Steamships, said, “I’m delighted that Steamships will work with Marriott International at Harbourside South. Located in the CBD district of downtown Port Moresby, and overlooking the Coral Sea and Fairfax Harbour, this is set to be a flagship development for Steamships, and this property is an excellent fit within the overall Harbourside precinct. The Harbourside precinct connects Harbourside South’s retail, commercial, leisure, and residential facilities with the existing commercial floors and F&B outlets of Harbourside East and West. Residents and guests of Marriott Executive Apartments Port Morseby will be able to live, shop, relax, work, and dine within the luxury and safety of the precinct – the first of its kind in Papua New Guinea.”
Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby is anticipated to feature 88 modern residential apartments – offering space, ambiance, and privacy of residential living, enabling a comfortable stay away from home. The new property is slated to feature spacious one and two bedroom apartments with separate living, sleeping, and working areas. Guests will also be able to enjoy additional amenities, including laundry services, kitchens equipped with a refrigerator, dishwasher, cooktop, microwave, and oven, and spacious dining areas.
“We are excited to work with Steamships Trading Company Ltd. to debut Marriott International’s first property in Papau New Guinea,” highlighted Sean Hunt, Area Vice President, Australia, New Zealand and Pacific, Marriott International. “Following our signing of Marriott Executive Apartments in Melbourne earlier this year, this is an exciting signing and testament to the confidence our owners have in this brand.”
Upon opening, Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby is expected to feature a lounge for residents and guests that offers a relaxed environment for light meals, self-service options and evening cocktails. Additional plans call for a spacious leisure floor which includes a lap pool, leisure pool, a well-equipped fitness center, three spa treatment rooms, and a recreational zone for children.
Marriott Executive Apartments Port Moresby will serve as an integral part of the new Harbourside South development, which also features a retail floor and three floors of A-grade commercial space. It will connect to the Harbourside East and West buildings on Port Moresby’s waterfront, which opened in 2015. The development offers quality commercial tenancies, the city’s finest restaurants and bars, a boardwalk, and marina.
Steamships Trading Company Ltd is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and Papua New Guinea’s National Stock Exchange (PNGX) and is part of the wider Swire Group, which includes the Hong Kong- listed Swire Pacific Ltd, owners of Swire Hotels, Cathay Pacific Airways and numerous other subsidiaries.
Ingredient Ideology | THE TENDLI TRAIL, By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.
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Tendli also called Ivy gourd, tindora is one of the most commonly available vegetable found in our local markets. while most of us do include it in our diets and recipes occasionally it is a very nutritious ingredient to include in various ways with a touch of innovation and little creative ideas Tendli or tindora regulates blood sugar levels in our system, improves digestion, prevents constipation and also is a heart healthy vegetable.
Tendli is rich in Vitamin C and is also regarded good for the eyes, and also assists in detoxifying our system as well. It is also known to increase metabolism levels in our body and is a good ingredient to consume for weight watching since it is low in calories.it is also rich in fiber, Vitamin B & iron content.
While most recipes with Tendli start with basic tempering with Indian spices and with a touch of hing, jeera and chilies, some also combine ingredients like coconut and curd too when working with Tendli based preparations. I enjoy Tendli aloo sukha subzi with a mild touch of home spices to accompany a nice dal fry and hot phulkas, besides having included in recipes with pasta, baked dishes, stuffing’s for parathas and continental dishes, Tendli is one ingredient which also goes well with Mexican, Spanish, Chinese and Thai recipes as well.
Here are some easy to make and healthy recipes with Tendli:
Recipe-1] Tendli Tamatar Ka Milan
Ingredients:
Tendli- 200 gm- cut into round slices
Oil-1 tsp
Ghee-1 tsp
Hing- ¼ tsp
Curry leaves- 8-10
Slit green chilies- 3-4
Tomatoes- 2 medium size, puree or grated.
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder-1/2tsp
Red chili powder-1/2tsp
Dhaniya powder-1 tsp
Kasoori methi- 1tsp
Water- ¼ cup
Roasted crushed peanuts- 2 tbsp.
Chopped coriander- 2 tbsp.
Lime juice- 1tbsp.
To serve with –chapattis, phulkas, ideal for tiffin.
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients and keep aside.
2. Heat oil add in the ingredients for the tadka and cook for 10 seconds, add in the sliced Tendli and tomatoes.
3.Now add in salt and all powdered masala, methi and bhunofy for 2 mins, add in the roasted crushed peanuts.
4. Add little water cover and cook in steam for 10-15 mins, add lime juice and coriander leaves mix, serve hot with rotis, raita and salad.
Recipe-2] Tendli Ka Khush Mijaaz Pulao
Ingredients
Tendli- 200 gms- sliced vertically.
Basmati rice- 1 and half cup
Oil- 1 tsp
Ghee-1 tbsp.
Shahi jeera/ jeera- 1 tsp
Ginger- 1 tsp sliced
Green chilies- 2-3 slit
Onion- 1 small sliced
Tomato- 1 med size chop
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder- 1/2tsp
Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
Methi leaves- ½ cup fresh
Coriander leaves- 1/2cup fresh.
Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp
Water as needed to cook the pulao
To garnish-fried brown onions/fried nuts.
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the pulao.
2. Soak the rice, heat oil and ghee in a pan add the ingredients one by one and saute for 15 seconds.
3. Add in the Tendli and fry them for 1 min, add in the drained rice, salt and all the masala and methi-coriander.
4. If desired add some more veggies like carrots, peas, capsicums, soy chunks etc.
5. Add in double the amount of water cover and cook in dum, or use a cooker and allow 2 whistles.
6. Serve the pulao hot garnish with fried onions/nuts with a bowl of chilled boondi aloo raita, papad and pickle.
Recipe-3] TENDLI AUR VATANE KI SUBZI
Ingredients:
Tendli- 150 gms sliced
Boiled white vatana- 1 cup
Oil- 1 tbsp.
Ghee- 1 tsp
Curry leaves- 10-12
Red chili- 2 no slit
Hing- 1 pinch
Ginger- chili paste- 1 tsp
White sesame seeds/til- 1 tsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Chopped onion- ½ cup
Chopped tomato-1/2 cup
Fresh coconut- ½ cup
Curd- ½ cup beaten
Salt to taste
Turmeric powder- 1/2tsp
Aamchur powder- ½ tsp
Dhaniya jeera powder-1 tsp mix
Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp
Fresh coriander- 2 tbsp. chopped
Method:
1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.
2. Heat oil and ghee in a pan add in the ingredients for the tadka one by one and add in the onions and saute until light brown, add tomatoes, salt and masalas, add in the coconut and beaten curd, boiled vatana and sliced Tendli.
3. Mix all well and allow to cover and cook for 15-20 mins in steam, stir occasionally and add little water if needed.
4. Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaves, roasted peanuts, enjoy this recipe with hot rotis/parathas, kulchas along with a bowl of salad and papad.
WELCOMHOTEL BENGALURU ACCREDITED LEED ZERO CARBON CERTIFICATION BY USGBC
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WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru has been accredited with yet another distinction by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) – the LEED ZERO CARBON certification. The first Welcomhotel to achieve this milestone, it is the 4th in the ITC Hotels chain after ITC Windsor in Bengaluru, ITC Grand Chola in Chennai and ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru to be accorded this certification by USGBC.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru was opened in 2014 and was awarded LEED Platinum rating by IGBC Under New Construction (NC) Version in the same year. The property since its launch has continued to enhance its sustainability standards - the bedrock of ITC Hotels. In 2022, the hotel was recertified with the LEED Platinum Certification under the Existing Buildings category by USGBC.
This LEED Zero achievement by Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru further demonstrates ITC Hotels’ deep commitment towards environment and our sustainability goals. Carefully using natural resources and synergise building/design strategies have been key drivers for ITC Hotels to keep on setting new benchmarks at a global level.
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru stands for best in class service – we are stylish hotels with young, vibrant and tech-enabled features, offering an ideal venue for the savvy and young business travellers, where cool and breezy ambience is blended seamlessly with spirited and efficient service. The hotel with its various sustainable measures like 99% Power requirement met by windmills, Zero Mile water, Chemical Free Water Treatment in Cooling Towers, Heat Pumps for Hot Water Generation, STP for reclaiming used water etc., has emerged as a model of environmental stewardship.
Amandeep Kaur, General Manager, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru added, “Sustainability is a driving force for ITC Hotel’s in line with our philosophy of Responsible Luxury that integrates world-class green practices with contemporary design elements to deliver the best of luxury in the greenest possible manner. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels takes immense pride as one of the smallest hotel to date globally to achieve a LEED Zero certification. Having said that, we continue our concerted efforts towards sustainable solutions, addressing the grave challenges facing the world today without compromising our core strength of providing world class hospitality and luxury experiences. In most responsible ways, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru would continue its journey towards reducing carbon footprints further focusing on enhanced use of renewable energy sources as well as reduction in specific energy consumption.”
“LEED Zero marks a new beginning for the hotel which comes with lot of pride and responsibility. We are excited and look forward to consistently improve our energy performance. ITC Hotels has pioneered several ground-breaking initiatives on environment, hotel ecosystem, health, and well-being. From LEED platinum ratings, to being one of the first chain to eliminate single use plastic free products, deployment of radiation harmonisers across the chain, farm to fork low carbon footprint cuisine, clean
air and more, we are consistently aiming towards providing our guests with Planet Positive Experiences”, adds Sumeet Pal Singh, Chief Engineer at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru.
“At USGBC we believe net zero is a powerful target that will move the entire industry forward. It influences the rest of the market to aim even higher and achieving LEED Zero certification demonstrates these goals are attainable,” said Peter Templeton, president and CEO, USGBC. "Given the climate-related risks we are facing, and the central role buildings play in climate mitigation, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru’s LEED Zero certification for [energy, water, waste or carbon] demonstrates visionary leadership because it contributes toward a regenerative future and represents a commitment to making the world a better place.”
For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for creating high performance green buildings and spaces and is an internationally recognized symbol of excellence. Building on that work, the U.S. Green Building Council has developed LEED Zero, a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net zero goals. LEED Zero represents a new level of achievement in green building that is not just attainable but is the goal of LEED certified projects around the world.
(*LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
About ITC Hotels:
ITC Hotels is the largest chain of hotels in the World, which has maximum number of LEED Platinum Certified Properties (As on June 2020, as per USGBC). Continuing with its Planet Positive Promise, ITC Hotels launched Sunya Aqua or zero-kilometre water in glass bottles across the chain over a decade back and have taken this lead further and pioneered the mitigation of single use plastic from its operations pan India. While ITC Windsor, Bengaluru is the first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon Certification, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai is the largest hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification. ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru is the third hotel in world to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification. Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Bengaluru is now the 4th in the ITC Hotels chain and the first amongst Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels to achieve this milestone.
About the U.S. Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is committed to a healthy, resilient and equitable future for all through the development of green buildings, cities and communities. For more than 20 years, USGBC has been advancing green building practices through the development of LEED, the world’s most widely used green building program. With the support of thousands of members, volunteers and partners, USGBC provides robust green building education courses, a rigorous professional credentialing program, and advocates for effective public policies. It convenes an international network of green building and sustainability leaders through the annual Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, and forward thinking programs, including the Center for Green Schools. For more information, visit usgbc.org and connect on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Harsh Mahajan appointed as the Commercial Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Agra
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Agra, September 2022: DoubleTree by Hilton Agra has appointed Harsh Mahajan as their new Commercial Manager.
Harsh brings along a wealth of expertise in the Sales and Marketing domain. In his new stint, he will be responsible to drive commercial objectives and enhance the brand positioning. He is recognized for his capability to communicate with customers and provide exceptional service that ensures client retention and unbiased positive feedback.
With over a decade of experience in different markets around the Golden Triangle, Harsh has worked with prominent brands like Hilton Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts to name a few.
In all his assignments Harsh has demonstrated the ability to ensure increased sales through up-selling techniques as well as implementing processes that drive profitability. Harsh excels in handling corporate to leisure, and weddings to MICE and is actively involved in strategic revenue planning across verticals. In his new role, Harsh will focus on developing new market segments and strategies as the hotel walks into the new financial year.
Harsh is an inquisitive explorer and enjoys traveling in mountains & adventure. He follows fitness as passion.
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park appoints Aman Dhoundiyal as Executive Assistant Manager-Rooms
/Pune, September 2022: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park welcomes, Aman Dhoundiyal as their new Executive Assistant Manager - Rooms. Aman in his role will have primary responsibilities including providing administrative and operational support to hotel managers. His duties will involve assisting guests, optimizing solutions for administration and guest queries, efficient telecommunication between guests and associates, and staff supervision.
With 17 years of expertise in the front office department, Aman started his hospitality journey in 2005 with The Oberoi Group. Aman, later on, went to work with hospitality brands such as The Lalit, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., IHG Hotels & Resorts. His last assignment was as Director of Room- W Goa.
Aman is a graduate from IHM Trivandrum, Kerala, with a Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Mgmt. Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition. In his role, Aman will be seen ensuring that corporate, divisional, and departmental policies and procedures are adhered to at all levels. He will liaise closely with other departments with emphasis on excellent inter-departmental relations considering other departmental procedures and policies and will delegate authority and responsibilities to direct subordinates for seamless and efficient on-ground operations. In his leisure time he likes to keep himself fit through regular workouts and loves to travel.
Commenting on his appointment, Aman Dhoundiyal, Executive Assistant Manager - Rooms, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, said, “I am honored to be a part of The Westin Pune Koregaon Park. The hotel has established a reputation for itself as one of the best luxury hotels with impeccable service and I’m delighted to be part of it. I look forward to providing my services to enhance the guest experience while working alongside our dedicated associates to ensure esteemed excellence and fruitful results.”
About The Westin Pune Koregaon Park:
Situated amid celebrated attractions, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a luxurious haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at the on-site dining options, including a chic bar and nightclub. Enjoy a coveted location in Koregaon Park near Pune Airport, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and many industrial parks. Work well in 45,000 square feet of sophisticated, flexible hotel event space, enhanced by modern AV equipment, on-site event planning and custom catering services. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Replenish your well-being at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
WORLD ARCHITECTURE TRAVEL PRESENTS THE WATCONNECT SERIES TO THE DURGA PUJA FESTIVAL OF KOLKATA
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WATconnect, an initiative from World Architecture Travel (WAT) presents an architecturally immersive travel experience to a unique location across the country. This September WATConnect in collaboration with massArt plans to communicate the art/ architecture/ local economy aspects of the Durga Puja and invite people to attend a preview show that will showcase the twenty most innovative and best of Durga Puja art installations from the 22nd to 24th September.
“Durga Puja of Kolkata has recently been enlisted as the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage from India. Apart from being a religious festival, Durga Puja is also a unique temporary architecture and installation form. It can perhaps be considered the largest kind of installation art. The city is transformed into a breathtaking public art gallery with attractive idols of the Goddess Durga, through lavish themes and artworks during the festive season.” says Brijesh Shaijal, Founder, World Architecture Travel.
World Architecture Travel is dedicated to exploring architecture and culture, celebrating excellence worldwide through guided architectural journeys curated by distinguished architects and professionals. Designed as an exclusive platform for selected architects to connect with each other on a national as well as an international scale, WATconnect aims to enhance professionalism and develop inbound architecture tourism through these connections.
About World Architecture Travel (WAT):
World Architecture Travel (WAT) a unique travel portal that explores architecture & culture is supported by The World Architecture Festival (WAF) the annual festival and awards ceremony for the architecture industry dedicated to celebrating and sharing architectural excellence from across the globe. WAT supported by WAF has inked a strategic brand alliance to offer a host of benefits to architectural travelers. WAT reaches out to individuals with a passion for architecture, urban design, and culture travels to places of modern architecture, and unexplored areas. Experiences through city walks, culture trails, and academic discussions are organized with a team of experienced architects, historians, and academicians. Our passionate teams of planners bind in local architecture, building culture, current architecture developments, and urban design as part of your travel experience.
Alumni Meet @ BCIHMCT - Reminiscing Past Memories
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BCIHMCT celebrated its Alumni Meet with all pomp and glory. The fun filled nostalgic event was filled with cultural dances, nukkad natak and felicitations of achievers along with reminiscence of the years gone by. The purpose of any Alumni Meet is to reconnect with the Alumni and celebrate their success and many of their achievements. It is the time for happiness and nostalgia and also an opportunity to reflect on their learning and achievements.
After the traditional Lamp Lighting & Ganesh Vandana, the Alumni Meet commenced with a welcome address by Mr Manish Malhotra, Assistant Professor, BCIHMCT. He spoke about this auspicious occasion as an opportunity for all to reconnect after so many years with each other. Alumni can now notice the various changes through which the college has gone through over the past few years.
In the field of hospitality and beyond, the BCIHMCT Alumni students are leading the way in the true spirit of becoming job creators as many of them have turned into successful entrepreneurs of our times. The event's panel discussion was sponsored by ODCJOBS, a leading hospitality firm providing manpower support for the hospitality sector. This venture is an initiative of Alumni of 2008 2012 batch, Surender & Devender.
The event also saw "TOP TEN GEMS" from the ALUMNI, being felicitated for their extraordinary achievements including - Mr. Prashant Sharma, Director Of Rooms, Shangri-la hotels, New Delhi, Chef Utkarsh Bhalla, Brand Chef, Azure Hospitality, Mr. Saurabh Khurana, Hotel Manager, The Lodhi, New Delhi , Mr. Siddharth Malhotra, Head of Operations, Massive Restaurant, Mr. Deepak Behl, Director Of Sales and Marketing at IHG Hotels & Resorts among others.
Alumni also interacted with the current batch of students and gave motivational talks regarding preparation for the hospitality sector. Students asked many pertinent questions regarding the future of hospitality and the alumni shared their views on it.
Mr. R.K. Bhandari, Principal, BCIHMCT, then, shared his wisdom and knowledge, and spoke about many success stories of the alumni students. He appreciated the efforts of Alumni Association of BCIHMCT, who have done a lot of hard work to make this event possible.
Mr. Varun Balwani, Commercial Director, FCS Computer Systems, and the president of Alumni Association of BCIHMCT then concluded with a vote of thanks for all stakeholders including the sponsors of the event. He also thanked the management of BCIHMCT for the support and guidance which has made Alumni Meet 2022 a grand success.
Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar appoints Nikhil Jacob as the new Food and Beverage Manager
/He will oversee the operations of all the Food and Beverage outlets, in-room dining, maintaining the service quality, and smooth operations of the restaurants at the hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is pleased to announce the appointment of Nikhil Jacob as the new Food and Beverage manager. With over six years of experience in the hospitality industry, he will oversee the operations of all the Food and Beverage outlets, in-room dining, maintaining the service quality, and smooth operations of the restaurants at the hotel and at the same time maintaining high standards of guest satisfaction.
Nikhil commenced his remarkable career journey at The St. Regis Mumbai in 2016. Making his way up the ranks as Team Leader, Assistant Manager F&B and Restaurant Manager. His most recent role was Restaurant Manager at Oberoi Hotels and Resorts Bengaluru. He is customer-centric & performance-driven specializing in full-service hospitality operations.
Leading the F&B operations at Courtyard Mahabaleshwar, Nikhil will continue to provide guests with memorable experiences across the F&B venues and launching Cloud Café to further strengthen the food and beverage offerings of the hotel.
Sheraton Grand Palace Indore appoints Karam Dogra as Executive Chef
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With over 20 years of experience, he has worked his way through culinary discipline holding various positions across leading brands such as ITC, Radisson, Hilton and Shangri-la
Sheraton Grand Palace Indore is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Karam Dogra as the Executive Chef of the property. In his new role, he will be responsible for planning, supervising, and managing the kitchen operations including procurement and maintenance of inventory for smooth functioning of all operations.
Prior to joining Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, Karam was associated with Dyota Hospitality, Delhi as the Director of Operations. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked his way through the culinary discipline holding various positions across leading brands such as ITC, Radisson, Hilton, and Shangri-la. A skilled culinary professional, Chef Karam specializes in Continental as well as Indian Progressive cuisine and brings strong interpersonal skills and creative thinking.
Commenting on his appointment chef Karam Dogra said, “I am elated to be associated with Sheraton Grand Palace Indore and eagerly look forward to giving my best to enhance and improve the overall guest dining experience at the property.”
HIGHLANDER TO RETURN TO RAS AL KHAIMAH REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR THE ULTIMATE LONG DISTANCE HIKING ADVENTURE
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The second edition of HIGHLANDER’s specially designed two-and three-day hikes on Jebel Jais to take place 18 - 20 November
offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a thrilling adventure atop UAE’s highest peak
Gurugram, India, September 2022: Soaring rockscapes, rugged canyons, winding pathways and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf – the Hajar Mountains are a breath-taking celebration of nature that makes hiking in Ras Al Khaimah truly unforgettable.
From 18 - 20 November, hikers at home and abroad have a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of the mountains with HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2022. Taking place on the UAE’s longest developed hiking trail, the first adventure, HIGHLANDER55, is a 55km hike over three days (18 – 20 November 2022), while the HIGHLANDER Experience is a 30km two-day trek (19 – 20 November 2022). Both routes will offer exciting mental and physical challenges and the opportunity to take in the natural wonders of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning mountain topography.
The second time the event has been held in the Emirate following the sell-out success of the first HIGHLANDER in November 2021, hikers will once again, in a backpacking fashion, carry everything they need to be self-sufficient and navigate through 100 kilometers of stunning hiking trails across Jebel Jais, the UAE’s highest peak. Encompassing 14 kilometers of newly developed and more challenging trails, including the new HIGHLANDER trail, which stands as the longest developed hiking trail in the UAE, the route will take hikers through Wadi Ghalila, making their way through the iconic ‘Stairway to Heaven’ trail for the ultimate hiking experience. Designed to be more challenging than the original trails, the new routes are divided into two sections; the lower segment connects the top of Jebel Jais to the lower trails, through the popular ‘Hidden Oasis’ spot, while the upper segment connects the various Jebel Jais trails to extend the longer distance routes. With safety as paramount, there will be numerous HIGHLANDER checkpoints supported by marshals and medical first aid stations.
In line with Ras Al Khaimah’s vision to become a sustainable tourism leader, HIGHLANDER’s global ethos follows the principles of sustainable tourism through its zero-waste policy. Each adventure will feature a ‘Leave No Trace’ workshop as well as educational sessions on ecology and sustainability to highlight the importance of protecting the Emirate’s natural environment and taking home only memories and stunning photographs. These talks will reinforce the nature-driven aspect of hiking, drawing awareness and appreciation of hikers towards the diverse natural landscape and the need to preserve it, as well as the rich culture of the Emirate.
Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the nature Emirate, with its combination of sea, desert, and mountains. Drawing on this natural heritage, we’ve worked closely with the local community to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, resulting in some of the most developed hiking trails in the region. As leaders in global adventure, we welcome HIGHLANDER for the second year to revisit some of their favourite trails on Jebel Jais and to discover new paths of exploration.”
Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, said: “Last year’s HIGHLANDER event saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 158 adventurers from the UAE and other European countries to explore the Emirate’s unique mountain ecosystem. I am so excited to host a second edition where, together with the Authority, we will immerse the HIGHLANDER community in the natural beauty of our Emirate, reinforce the wellbeing attributes of outdoor activities and show the importance of preserving nature for future generations.”
Registrations are now open at highlanderadventure.com/ras-al-khaimah/. Entries cost AED 1,300 and include three meals per day, transportation to the start point, transportation of one 60L/20kg bag to the finish point and Mountain Rescue service fee. Participants will all receive a HIGHLANDER finisher badge and certificate, ID, Bib number, map and an exclusive finish point celebration. For further details visit the website or the HIGHLANDER Instagram page.
To discover more exciting outdoor activities in the Emirate go to visitrasalkhaimah.com and visitjebeljais.com or Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s Instagram, YouTube and Facebook pages.
Kings Group Ventures (KGV) invests in Gourmestan
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Backed by Managing Partner Neha Anand, KGV’s latest investment marks a further expansion of the group’s F&B portfolio
Neha Anand, the Managing Partner at Kings Group Ventures (KGV), the UAE-based group that manages and advises businesses around the world, is pleased to announce the company’s most recent investment – in Gourmestan, the gluten-free confectionery and boulangerie started by Chef Shivani (an alumna of Le Cordon Blue London) in 2018.
Anand is passionate about food and has spent her professional career finding, funding, and founding food businesses across the globe. She spearheads multiple national and international food businesses under KGV and is also focused on lifting up female founders and guiding them through the male-dominated F&B industry. She is proud to announce that Gourmestan will be joining KGV and is excited to partner with them as they expand across India and the UAE. Both founder-led, built-from-scratch companies join forces to challenge the status quo when it comes to healthy, wholesome food.
Says Anand, ‘As a consummate foodie, I closely follow brands around the world to keep track of new developments and offerings. I’ve known about Gourmestan for a while now and felt that what they’re doing needs to be amplified, on a bigger platform. I’m excited to work with Chef Shivani and her team, to take the brand global and introduce her unique offerings to new audiences.”
With Gourmestan, Chef Shivani has managed to create healthy foods that don’t compromise on flavor. On a mission to revolutionize the healthy foods space in India, Chef Shivani’s offerings are gluten-free, vegan and preservative-free, while all being millet-based. Both she and Anand are mothers, a key factor that determined their interest in introducing and promoting truly healthy foods to audiences across the globe. What’s more, Gourmestan’s offerings are also ideal for people living with conditions like celiac disease, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, and lactose intolerance among others, enabling them to enjoy tasteful foods that are still good for them.
“I’m delighted to be partnering with Neha and her team at Kings Group Ventures,” says the chef. “This investment allows me to think more creatively about how I’d like to grow Gourmestan, and gives me greater confidence in the fact that there is a rapidly growing market that appreciates and looks for products like what we offer.”
Under the KGV banner, Anand drives the homegrown Circle of Crust and King’s Dairy brands across India along with a more recent investment, We Idliwale, while preparing for the launch of the Fuji Cream frozen dessert line. In Dubai, Neha leads the international expansion of Circle of Crust. In May 2022, Anand also launched the flagship location of their newest brand Jun’s, a Progressive Asian modern dining experience in Downtown Dubai on the famous Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.
Via this investment, Gourmestan will continue expanding across India, as well as focus on its international debut, as it looks to soon launch its first store in Dubai.
The Westin Pune Koregaon Park appoints Sunanda Sathish as Director of Human Resources
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Pune, September 2022: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is pleased to appoint Mrs. Sunanda Sathish as Director of Human Resources. In her role, Sunanda will primarily be shouldering the responsibility to develop plans for a variety of HR-related subjects and will act to support the human factor within the organization by devising strategies for optimal performance evaluation, aligning HR policies & Training & Development, etc.
Sunanda brings 22 years of enriched hands-on experience and honed skills as a Human Resource Manager in the Hospitality Industry. She’s a strategic professional who encourages learning to promote increased productivity, which results in value-added customer service in a fast-paced, diverse workforce. She’s also an excellent team builder and consultant on personnel issues and organizational development.
Prior to working for The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace in 2021, she also had the opportunity to learn from her previous roles in Human Resource department at JW Marriott Sahar, and Renaissance Mumbai Hotel & Convention Centre, & Marriott Executive Apartments. Over the years, Sunanda has proved herself not only in the fields of Recruitment but also in E-Recruitment Handling, Psychometric Testing, Training & Development, Employee Relations, HR Audit & Compliance, Compensation & Benefits Administration, and other HR Generalist Functions.
Sunanda is a Commerce graduate with a degree in Bachelors of Commerce from SNDT Girls College of Arts & Commerce, Mumbai University, with other certifications like Advanced Workshop on Investigation Process and Guidelines, The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace, Essential Skills for Supervisors and Managers, Foundations of Leadership, Global Anti-Corruption Certification, and the Marriott Interviewer Certification.
Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Sunanda Sathish, Director of Human Resources, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park, said, “I am pleased to be joining The Westin Pune family at a time when talent and skills are a top priority for both companies and individuals throughout the world. I recognize that people are our most valuable asset and are at the foundation of all we do. Thus, I look forward to working with the team to develop the talent and culture necessary to drive the company's growth.”
About The Westin Pune Koregaon Park:
Situated amid celebrated attractions, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a luxurious haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at the on-site dining options, including a chic bar and nightclub. Enjoy a coveted location in Koregaon Park near Pune Airport, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and many industrial parks. Work well in 45,000 square feet of sophisticated, flexible hotel event space, enhanced by modern AV equipment, on-site event planning and custom catering services. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness center with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin™. Replenish your well-being at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.
About Marriott International:
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.
The novel luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ presents an all new world at its maiden resort ‘ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur’
/‘Espire Hospitality Group’ expands footprint in India with the addition of a fresh brand in its portfolio
September 2022, New Delhi: The swiftly growing Espire Hospitality Group unveils its new resort,
‘ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur’ on the scenic Udai Sagar Lake. It is the group’s first resort under their newest brand, ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ and this launch marks the group’s entry into India’s luxury boutique resort market. Located just 20 minutes from the Maharana Pratap Airport, ‘ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur’ is conveniently located close to the key attractions of this ‘Venice of the east’ and yet, far away from the bustle of the city.
Named after the rare purple lily, ‘ZANA’ experience is an escape from the ordinary into a world of indulgence and exclusivity. Blooming across some of the most exquisite locations across the country, ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ offers a whole new world – a world that traces a confluence of unique experiences, modern hospitality, and a service philosophy that can only be defined as the ultimate ‘ZANA Way’.
The language of ZANA luxury is as much about the intangible as it is about the tangible; about experiences that reconnect you with the self and with your loved ones; about moments that linger and last. Be it a desire to escape into solitude or to meet with an adventure that gives you an adrenaline rush, your stay at ZANA has potential for all that and much more.
“We are extremely delighted to debut our new brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ in the historic city of Udaipur which displays a robust demand for high-end hospitality from affluent travellers, from around the globe. This opening marks a significant milestone for our group’s expansion in India” said Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality Group.
For ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’, we aim to create experiences that will be new to the Indian hospitality landscape. The brand concept has been planned after extensive research on what the Indian market currently has to offer and how we can develop a distinctive luxury experience. We are certain that the ZANA experience will give our guests many stories to tell and reasons to return,” he added.
At ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur, indulge in spectacular unfettered views of the mountains framed within a glistening lake that is home to exquisite migratory birds. Experience this solitude and solace infused across 30 intimately-crafted rooms with inspiring experiences, nourishing cuisine and a unique service philosophy.
This confluence of classic luxury and personalized service can be seen across the resort in curated detailing of the stay - from personalized airport pick-up and welcome drink on wheels to spirit tasting experiences and distinct wellness rituals.
The all-day multi-cuisine diner ‘Mayfair’ at ‘ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur’ features non-embellished breezy interiors juxtaposed against tastefully placed foliage, comfortable neoclassical furniture and floor to ceiling windows that open up to calming views of the lake. It is a place to sit back and relish an unmatched menu that is nourishing yet delectable. The outdoor dining spaces on the other hand, are simply picture-perfect and best suited for magical dining experiences.
Guests can unwind at the infinity swimming pool overlooking the enchanting Udai Sagar lake or tap into the inner calm with the finest treatments involving modern techniques at the in-house spa, ‘Soak’. The new resort also features a dedicated kid’s play area, ‘Toddle Wobble’, an in-house gaming arcade, and a plethora of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Inspiring activities such as a village walk, a movie under the stars, and a wildlife safari are available for the guests who to add fresh experiences to their stay.
Resembling a giant ship and therefore named after the two famous ones ‘Santa Maria’ and ‘Sao Gabriel’, the two lawns are spread over 50,000 square feet of lush green area. You have access to a priceless venue to host events to be remembered for a lifetime. Besides this, an intimate indoor meeting venue ‘The Arcade’ opens up to views of the lake and is ideal for inspiring meetings and celebrations.
This distinctive ZANA experience can be booked by emailing at reservations@zanaresorts.com or calling
+91 7838 203 203. To learn more about ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ visit www.zanaresorts.com
About Espire Hospitality Group
Espire Hospitality Group is the owning company of India’s most magnificent luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and operate a luxury boutique resort brand ‘ZANA - Luxury Escapes’ that is a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. The group plans to open 20 hotels and resorts in next 2 to 3 years.