This Is Why You Keep Your Restaurant’s Signature Dish

Chefs are creative individuals and I'm continually blown away by what these professionals can do when challenged to explore their passion. But a restaurant needs some marketing sensibility if it going to thrive, especially in a hotel or urban capacity where there are numerous other independent and more agile operations to compete with.

While some executive chefs are themselves tremendous impresarios or, dare I say, celebrity chefs, many others need to be reined in so that the menus are in stride with what the market wants and so that they fit with the dining outlet's theme for an easily digestible brand narrative. One aspect of this is whether or not to replace the most popular dish, something I recently encountered at a property for which I was asset manager.

The argument in favour of this substitution was that a new season called for a whole new menu in order to truthfully advertise it as such. And as political as any other organization, most of the senior team at the resort did not want to besmirch their camaraderie with the executive chef by testing his ego. But even though it may not be the chef's favourite, if it's the guests' favourite then isn't that what counts?

This is where I had to step in and apply some marketing wisdom as well as some statistics. The item deemed most popular was corroborated against POS sales data and a myriad of anecdotal evidence scraped from online reviews to verify it as a bona fide 'signature dish' (although if we had a social media aggregating platform this could likely have been used as well).

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Choice Hotels International Reports 2020 Third Quarter Results

In the third quarter of 2020, Choice Hotels continued to provide a broad range of support to its franchisees, guests, and communities while improving its overall financial and liquidity position. Highlights of third quarter and year to date 2020 results include:

• Domestic systemwide revenue per available room (RevPAR) outperformed the total industry by nearly 20 percentage points, declining 28.8% for third quarter 2020 compared to the same period of the prior year, and exceeded the chain scale segments in which the company competes, as reported by STR.

• Fourth quarter domestic RevPAR through October 24, 2020 has continued the pattern of sequential quarterly improvement, and October 2020 RevPAR is expected to decline by approximately 25% from the same period of 2019 (see Exhibit 7 for weekly RevPAR trends).

• The company awarded 232 new domestic franchise agreements year to date through September 30, 2020, a 38% decrease compared to the same period of the prior year. Nearly 70% of the agreements awarded year to date through September 30, 2020 were for conversion hotels.

• Net income was $14.5 million for the third quarter, representing diluted earnings per share of $0.26.

• Third quarter adjusted net income, excluding certain items described in Exhibit 6, decreased 52% to $36.8 million from third quarter 2019.

• Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the third quarter were $0.66, a 52% decrease from third quarter 2019.

• Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) for the third quarter were $74.9 million, a 34% decrease from third quarter 2019.

• The company reported cash flow from operations of over $68 million in the third quarter 2020.

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Chef Sabyasachi Dashampatra joined Ambassador Mumbai as Executive Chef.

Chef Sabyasachi Dasmahapatra regards himself as an artistic Cook. His preparations echo

innovation, keeping the authenticity intact in the recipe with diversities of dishes for every

palate. He has acquainted Fiesta and Organic Menu among the food connoisseurs in his early

professional carrier.

Re- discovered and familiarized the almost elapsed British Raj (Colonial) Cuisine to the main

stream culinary platform. He has introduced Churrascaria (Brazilian Barbeque) & Passador

(Meat Waiters) concept to City of Joy (Kolkata) which has been cherished and recognized by Mr. Nandan Bagchi (Food Critic) and Mr. Vir Sanghvi..!

He has contributed in various Food projects with the culinary stalwarts -Chef Tarla Dalal, Chef

Bobby Chin, Chef Sanjeev Kapoor & Chef Vikash Khanna to name few.

He brings 19+ years of opulent culinary proficiency with diverse cuisine expertise.

The Ambassador Grand Mumbai Pleased to Welcome Chef Sabyasachi onboard.

Radhika Dewan joins Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel as Director of Sales & Marketing

Radhika Dewan has been appointed as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel.

Dewan’s core responsibilities at the hotel will include planning and implementing of the hotel’s sales and marketing strategy, maximizing hotel’s revenues, exploring business opportunities through events, setting annual budgets, forecasting, analyzing revenue reports and strategy amongst others.

Hailing from a background in hospitality with over 13 years of experience spanning across India preceded by her stint in Sri Lanka at Sheraton Colombo, Dewan is a result-oriented and passionate sales professional with a wealth of experience in enhancing sales, marketing and revenue streams. Her portfolio boasts a proven track record of outperforming market-leading competitors through astute planning, account management, market and customer insight, and identification of innovative solutions.

Prior to joining Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Dewan was associated with Sheraton Colombo Hotel in the capacity of Director of Sales. After completing her degree in Hotel Management, she started her career in Marriott International Inc.at Renaissance Hotel & Convention Centre, Mumbai as a Management trainee in the Executive Development Program. Her career has also seen her through other managerial and directorial roles in some of the leading hospitality brands including JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity, Courtyard by Marriott International Airport, Mumbai among others.

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels to manage the historic Ran Baas part of Qila Mubarak, Patiala as a heritage hotel

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) has announced that it has been selected by the Department of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Punjab to upgrade and operate Ran Baas part of Qila Mubarak, Patiala as a Heritage hotel.

Qila Mubarak was built by the first Maharaja of Patiala, Baba Ala Singh in 1763. This heritage property stands in 10-acre complex in the heart of the Patiala city. The sprawling complex houses the Qila Androon (Inner Fort) or main palace, Ran Baas the guesthouse and the Darbar Hall. The majestic fort is an outstanding example of a synthesis of the late Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles.

Ran Baas was the guest house for the Maharaja of Patiala’s guests and will now be developed into a 28-room luxury boutique hotel reflecting THE Park Hotels’ design ethos, and its quintessential hospitality experiences. The palace will have an all-day dining, bar, spa, and multiple indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces with THE Park’s anything but ordinary services. Ran Baas hotel is slated to open in 2022, post-restoration.

Priya Paul, Chairperson, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. said, “I am delighted that we will bring Ran Baas back to life as a jewel-like Heritage hotel under THE Park Collection. Punjab is special for us as the roots of Apeejay Surrendra Group are in Jalandhar. We are thankful to the Government of Punjab for entrusting us to partner with them to make Ran Baas a showcase for Punjab, nationally and internationally.”

Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. remarked, “We are honoured to add the iconic Ran Baas to our collection of heritage hotels which include THE Denmark Tavern and THE Park Chettinad. We are equally pleased that Zone by The Park, Amritsar would open in the State within a few months to cater to a new audience. We look forward to more openings and growth in the region.”

THE Park Collection has hotels in Goa - THE Park Baga River and THE Park Calangute; heritage hotels - THE Denmark Tavern in Serampore, and THE Park Chettinad. 

FabHotels joins hands with Godrej Protekt and Godrej Proclean as their sanitization partner

FabHotels has joined hands with Godrej Protekt and Godrej Proclean, a newly launched range of surface disinfectant cleaners, as their official sanitization partner. With the government issuing Unlock 5.0 and trains, flights, etc. slowly opening up, people have started to plan traveling with precaution. To cater to this demand, this strategic partnership will ensure customers the best experience, without having to worry about their safety.

FabHotels recently introduced their ‘100% Safe Place to Stay’ initiative, which includes all the end-to end sanitization measures, to address traveler’s higher sensitivity towards hygiene in the COVID era.

The hotel chain will be utilizing the vast portfolio of personal hygiene and sanitization products from Godrej Protekt and Godrej Proclean to offer guests a 100% disinfected and safe experience to the guests.

These include the following upgraded protocols using products from the Godrej portfolio:

Sanitization every 2 hours using Godrej Protekt disinfectant sprays: All the high touchpoints in the room and around the property like a TV, AC, phone, switches, doorknobs, bathroom surfaces & bath fittings will be disinfected every two hours.

Sanitizers for all using Godrej Protekt handwash and sanitizers: Alcohol-based hand gel will be made available at all key entrances, exits, and common areas for the FabHotels’ guests

Sanitized common areas using Godrej Proclean floor cleaners: Common areas (registration desk, lobby, elevators, business centers, dining rooms, etc.) will be cleaned every two hours.

Vaibhav Aggarwal, CEO & Founder, FabHotels, comments, “We are delighted to have partnered with a strong brand like Godrej to further instill confidence in our guests that each FabHotel is a 100% Safe Place to Stay. With Godrej and their trusted products, we would be able to help guests and our staff to stay safe during this pandemic and beyond. We are committed to working closely with our hotel partners to provide 100% Safe stays across the nation as India starts traveling again.”

Sunil Kataria, CEO – India & SAARC, Godrej Consumer Products Ltd (GCPL), said, “As we move from restricted living to new normal living, hygiene and cleanliness will be of paramount importance to keep ourselves safe. We are pleased to have our two key brands, Godrej Protekt and Godrej Proclean partner with FabHotels to provide their guests a safe experience for their stay. With initiatives like Protekt India Movement and hygiene program with India Railways, we have contributed our bit to empower consumers during the pandemic. FabHotels is another strong partner who shares our common vision of keeping our community safe and provide the best experience.”

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JA Manafaru Maldives Reopens with New Attractions

Multi award-winning 5-star All-Inclusive resort JA Manafaru Maldives has officially reopened, having spent recent months focused on a remodelling and upgrade of interiors, the introduction of a new lounge concept, new menus in all restaurants and a brand-new Maldivian Cultural Awareness Centre.

Positioned at the most Northern tip of Maldives in the beautiful Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru offers privacy, and distance from other islands as it sits idyllically where the Arabian Sea meets the vast Indian Ocean. Fringed with exquisite powder beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic marine life, the chic enclave features 84 luxurious beachfront and over-water villas and residences, each with their own private pool. The accommodation options range from 135 sqm to 1600 sqm, providing complete serenity and the lagoon-ringed island location reassures guests of its safety.

Positioned at the most Northern tip of Maldives in the beautiful Haa Alifu Atoll, JA Manafaru offers privacy, and distance from other islands as it sits idyllically where the Arabian Sea meets the vast Indian Ocean. Fringed with exquisite powder beaches and crystal-clear waters teeming with exotic marine life, the chic enclave features 84 luxurious beachfront and over-water villas and residences, each with their own private pool. The accommodation options range from 135 sqm to 1600 sqm, providing complete serenity and the lagoon-ringed island location reassures guests of its safety.

A wealth of dining options are available, from traditional Indian Ocean cuisine, international fare and seafood feasts, all available on the All-Inclusive meal plan which also offers guests premium beverages from 11am-11pm. One of the most picturesque spots on the island has been transformed into the new White Orchid Lounge - set to open in December, an atmospheric ocean lounge treating guests to balmy breezes, Asian street food and melodic beats. Guests can also enjoy Kakuni, the all-day island hub, Andiamo Bistro with its lush green backdrop and Ocean Grill - incredible beachfront dining under the stars.

Opening soon, the Maldivian Cultural Centre is a highlight for visitors, showcasing traditional arts and crafts from around Maldives as well as artefacts found on the island itself. Complimenting this space will be Utheemu Gallery, showcasing a cultural photography and access to specific publications about the country. Additional activities available for both adults and children include a PADI-certified dive centre, jet-skiing, water-skiing, mono-skiing, fun tubing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, kayaking and catamaran sailing. There is a Marine Awareness Centre, beach volleyball, futsal pitch, tennis court, badminton court, pool table, and games room as well a recently upgraded fitness pavilion, now with the addition of a Yoga deck. Travellers can enjoy Maldivian cooking classes, dolphin-watching, boat cruises, fishing, yoga, eco-golf and the award-winning Calm Spa Sanctuary, offering Ayurveda, aromatherapy, and wellness journeys.

Vijesh Yoganathan Appointed Chapter Leader Singapore At WHTT (Women in Hospitality and Travel-Tech)

With vast experience in travel technology as well as the hospitality side of things, Vijesh has helped hotels maximise their online booking revenues using advanced digital marketing & distribution strategies across Asia-Pacific.

As Head of APAC at Oaky, she now leads the expansion of Oaky in the region, spearheading Sales, Customer Success, Partnerships and all other key activities for the region. An avid traveller, Vijesh loves to discover cool & quirky restaurants in new cities and is a bit of an adrenaline junkie. A master at problem solving and optimising business processes, she is also a champion of diversity and inclusivity in organisations.

Vijesh Yoganathan's appointment to WHTT is further the organisation's mission to increase the success and engagement in the workplace for women and other underrepresented groups, and to enable companies to attract, develop and retain potential diverse talent, nurtured by a powerful community. WHTT believes that by inspiring communities to enter the industry and organizations to leverage and retain in the sector, will create more diverse and inclusive leadership. Vijesh will take WHTT's mission to the next level by opening the first chapter in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Real Hospitality Group, Inc. (RHG) today announced the opening of Fenwick Island's first and only upscale hotel. The 65 guest room Fenwick Shores, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay with sweeping views and beach access. The quaint island is home to some of the region's most pristine beaches and charming collection of shops and dining. Designed to celebrate the island's unique past, Fenwick Shores honors the local history of merchant ships and the tradition of extending hospitality to travelers with nautical details, textures and finishes that are woven into the guest experience. In keeping with the rich history of the island, interior designer Susan Kirkpatrick reached out to several local artisans and historians who were engaged to contribute. Town Historian Dale Clifton, and Winnie and Tracey Lewis provided detailed accounts that inspired the names of the lounges and event rooms.

The opening of this property marks the continued growth of RHG's portfolio which has added seven additional properties and more than 1,300 guest rooms in the past six months to its management portfolio.

Located beachfront on historic Fenwick Island, the hotel is two miles from Fenwick Island State Park and less than five minutes from the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum, the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and the Fenwick Boardwalk. The focal point of the hotel's public space is a custom crafted blown glass chandelier by artist Jeffery Auxer. The large guest rooms and suites are designed to accommodate families with kitchens, a sectional sleeper sofa and private balconies with ocean or bayside views.

For dining, Mooncussers offers fresh American dishes or guests may enjoy the more casual Shipwrecked, for poolside dining and signature cocktails. Resort amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, beachside lounge chairs, a fitness center and 24-hour market. Some 1,560 square feet of well-appointed event space provide a beautiful venue for events and small meetings.

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How a Maldivian Hotel bounced back using THN Vouchers & Gift Cards

Amidst today's situation, hotels need to find new and creative ways to encourage reservations. Dealing with skeptical travelers and managing re-openings after months of closure is a completely new setting for many hotels, and trying to capitalize on new ideas to attract potential guests has become more important than ever. Seducing guests on the hotel website through vouchers and gift cards is becoming a reality for many, and some hotels are hitting the perfect notes in creating clever deals that re-spark the interest of their future guests.

Hard Rock Hotel Maldives, an elegant Maldivian resort-feel hotel merged with the nuances of the Hard Rock music culture, understands the importance of retaining loyal customers and engaging with potential new guests. By offering tempting and flexible deals on their website, the brand is able to effectively win over visitors during these times. "Guests always visit the website at least once, no matter where they decide to book", says Phromporn Sumatepimolchai, cluster E-commerce manager of SAii Lagoon Maldives and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives. "This is the most important touchpoint where we need to grab their attention and inform them about what we have to offer." 

In June 2020, Hard Rock Hotel Maldives decided to partner with The Hotels Network (THN) to take their hotel website experience to the next level. After THN's Vouchers & Gift Cards product launch, the brand was able to explore a new way to attract post COVID-19 guests, as this tool removed any uncertainty potential guests may have had around dates and encouraged immediate reservations.

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Marriott International Signs Agreement With Asset World Corporation To Bring Four World-Class Hotels To Thailand

Project expected to add 1,638 rooms under three global brands in Bangkok and Pattaya by 2027

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced it has signed a milestone agreement with Asset World Corp Plc. (SET: AWC) to add four new landmark properties under three world-class brands across Bangkok and Pattaya, Thailand. The multi-property agreement features a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand’s first JW Marriott Marquis hotel in Bangkok and two Autograph Collection hotels, set to debut the Autograph Collection brand in the country.

“We are pleased to strengthen our longstanding relationship with Asset World Corporation in this landmark signing,” said Craig S. Smith, Group President, Asia Pacific, Marriott International. “This agreement is a testament to the confidence owners and franchisees such as AWC have in Marriott International. We are excited to play a role in AWC’s vision of expanding its diverse portfolio of hospitality and lifestyle projects in Thailand.”

Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bangkok at Asiatique the Riverfront
Targeted to open by 2027 in Bangkok’s newly revamped Asiatique The Riverfront, the Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Bangkok is expected to serve as a private, ultra-luxury boutique urban resort set on the scenic curve of the Chao Phraya River. With 124 meticulously designed guest rooms, the urban sanctuary will showcase the rich culture, history and heritage of Bangkok’s 19th Century maritime trade.

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Gaurav Misra Appointed General Manager Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector 50

Gaurav Misra has been appointed as the General Manager for Holiday Inn Express Gurugram Sector 50

starting 1 st October. This is a unique appointment as Gaurav takes on dual responsibility of maintaining his current role of Portfolio Operations Manager for 10. Holiday Inn Express hotels and spearheading the team at the Gurugram Sector 50 hotel. Gaurav comes with around 18 years of rich experience in managing Hotel Operations with expertise in Rooms Division & Quality Control in various capacities. He has worked with prestigious brands like Oberoi Hotels & Hyatt Hotels. He joined IHG as Rooms Division Manager in 2015 at Crowne Plaza Jaipur. 

He specializes in hotel operations, Pre-opening management, performance enhancement, best practices implementation, setting up process

and implementation, organization development and human resources and training, throughout his

career “GM” as we like to call him, has been certified with various recognitions for commendable work

in the field of hospitality.

 Gaurav has completed his Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Lucknow & subsequently

completed Management Training from OCLD, New Delhi. 

 Gaurav is happily married to Garima and has a 12 years old son Ahaan. He enjoys music, long drives &amp weekend cooking. He also loves playing with Buddy, his pet dog.

He takes on this role from 1 st October, in addition to his role of Portfolio Operations Manager.

Meliá Hotels International Launches An Incentive Travel Programme For The COVID-19 Era: Individual And 100% Flexible

The COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions have caused numerous changes in the travel industry, forcing the MICE segment to completely reinvent itself and look for new ways to reactivate business travel. According to forecasts made by GEBTA and BRAINTRUST, travel for professional reasons at the end of 2020 will still be 50% below the previous year.

One of the segments that has been most affected is that of incentive trips, a traditional motivational tool that companies use to reward their best customers, employees or partners. For Meliá Hotels International, incentive trips represented 10% of all MICE revenues in 2019, and it has also been an important segment for travel agencies over recent years.

Given the current situation, the leading hotel company in Spain has taken a step forward in making incentive travel viable in the COVID-19 era, distancing itself from the more traditional concept of organised group travel and creating a new format in which flexibility and personalisation of the journey by the end user are key.

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Satya Anand Appointed President At Marriott International Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA)

Hospitality giant Marriott International has appointed Satya Anand as its president for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Spending 32 years with the group, Anand was most recently COO of luxury & Southern Europe and global design for EMEA.

He takes over from Liam Brown who will now sit as group president for U.S. & Canada.

Anand will lead Marriott's post-COVID-19 recovery, looking after 998 hotels spread across 75 countries. Reinvigorating the travel industry will be top of his agenda, where he will enhance cleanliness and sanitation across all EMEA properties, and spearhead international campaigns to reinstate guest confidence.

The company has 24 of its 30 brands represented in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, JW Marriott, W Hotels, Marriott Hotels, Le Méridien, Sheraton and AC Hotels by Marriott. Additionally, Design Hotels, a collection of privately owned and operated hotels and a part of Marriott International's brand portfolio, will be overseen by Anand in his new role.

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The Safest Hotels During The Covid-19 Crisis

If you're thinking of traveling during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, you might be wondering: Is there a list of the safest hotels during the COVID-19 crisis?

There is. The Safe Travel Barometer, a startup that ranks travel companies based on their cleaning and sanitation practices, released the list exclusively to FORBES. It's a handy guide for anyone interested in staying somewhere that takes safety seriously.

Why is a list of the safest hotels for coronavirus so important? Because too many hotels have said too little about their sanitation efforts. They've either published a vaguely worded press release, meant to soothe worried guests but short on specifics, or they've said nothing substantive other than, "We'll do better."

But the most alarming result of the Safe Travel Barometer research is that there just isn't a lot of information on hotel safety out there. Many properties have said little or nothing about their cleaning practices. That should be troubling to every guest, but also something worth remembering. It's not the hotels on this list that you should worry about — it's the ones that are not on this list.

A Hilton CleanStay seal at the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town in Scottsdale, Ariz.

CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT

How to tell if your hotel is safe during the COVID-19 crisis

Of course, some hotels go above and beyond, which is something else to look for. At the Canopy by Hilton Scottsdale Old Town in Scottsdale, Ariz., each door has a Hilton CleanStay seal, signifying that it’s been sanitized to the hotel chains high standards. The property, Old Town Scottsdale’s first new hotel in over a decade, opened just a month ago, so it its cleaning protocols have been there from the start. (One hotel guest told me that he always travels with sanitizing wipes and cleans surface areas himself. At the Hilton, he says, the wipes remained white. “I was impressed,” he says.)

After the housekeeping staff at the historic Beverly Hilton services a room, they bring in an ultraviolet light to sanitize even more deeply, says hospitality expert Anthony Melchiorri.

"If you have questions or would like to know more about the exact safety measures put in place to protect your health, call the hotel where you plan to stay and ask them what to expect," he says.

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Pullman Announces Global Partnership with Les Mills to Take Hotel Fitness from Ordinary to Extraordinary

Pullman Hotels & Resorts, a leading brand within the Accor group, is pleased to announce a strategic global partnership with Les Mills, the world's largest creator of group fitness classes available at health clubs, online, and now, at select Pullman destinations. Pullman Power Fitness Fueled by Les Mills makes Pullman the first boutique fitness hotel brand with around-the-clock innovative fitness classes, in-room fitness amenities, challenging boot camps and Pullman Fitness Squad events, while unleashing the full experience of the Pullman Power Fitness community.

The Pullman Power Fitness Fueled by Les Mills partnership is a key element of Pullman's latest approach to health and wellness - Pullman Power Fitness - replacing the stale one-size-fits-all hotel gym environment with a bold, artful, social approach to contemporary fitness. More than a gym, Pullman Power Fitness taps into a new era of training diversity, integrated technology and the support of a like-minded community to help Pullman guests stay on top of their fitness game.

"At Pullman, we've redesigned our fitness platform to be as action-oriented, diverse and dynamic as the busy lives of our guests - full of great music, plenty of fun and opportunities for safe social connections," said Lilian Roten, Global Vice President, Brand Management, Pullman Hotels & Resorts. "Just as our guests are motivated to become the best versions of themselves, they have motivated us to look beyond the walls of the gym and create a platform that is more engaging, more inclusive and more enjoyable than what they typically find at most hotels. Our new partnership with Les Mills takes our wellbeing programming to the next level, with immersive experiences, continuously updated content and a Pullman Fitness Squad of creative individuals connected by passion and a shared mindset."

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Inspire Brands to buy Dunkin' Brands donut company for $8.8 billion

The Dunkin' chain, created in 1950 in the US north-eastern state of Massachusetts, is known for its variety of doughnuts as well as its coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

Baskin-Robbins started in 1945 in California and is famous for its 31 flavours of ice cream.

The two brands account for more than 20,000 distribution points in more than 60 countries.

They have suffered somewhat from the pandemic and the resulting temporary or permanent closures of stores, with turnover of their parent company having fallen by six per cent in total over the first nine months of the year.

A former subsidiary of the Allied Domecq group, Dunkin' Brands was bought by the French wine and spirits group Pernod Ricard in 2005 and sold a year later for $2.4 billion to three investment funds: Bain Capital, Carlyle and Thomas H. Lee.

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Peru enters phase four and begins tourism reactivation

Tourism is currently one of the most affected sectors and it represents the third largest economic activity in Peru, generating more than 1.4 million jobs. In this sense, and given the reduction in the numbers of the pandemic, the South American country has been reactivating the sector in a gradual, responsible and sustainable way, applying bio-safety protocols to travel with safety and confidence.

Several indicators of this reactivation have been seen recently: last Tuesday 13th, Peru received the Safe Travels seal from the WTTC, a certification endorsed by the UNWTO and the CDC. Furthermore, the country has doubled the number of domestic flights and recently PROMPERÚ launched the 'Volver' campaign, which seeks to reactivate domestic tourism.

Important museums and archaeological sites in the country were also reopened in October, with all the biosecurity measures needed and receiving only 50% of their usual capacity in visitors. Added to this is the expected reopening of Machupicchu, scheduled for the first days of November receiving only 30% of its capacity in visitors.

Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore appoints Altamsh Patel as Executive Chef

Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore has appointed Altamsh Patel as their Executive Chef. Patel brings with him close to a decade of culinary experience specializing in Progressive Asian cuisine.

He is also a Joint Secretary of Western Indian Culinary Association (WICA), Member of Young Chef’s Association of India (YCAI), Indian Federation of Culinary Association (IFCA), World Association of Chefs Society (WACS), and is a HALAL & HACCP certified chef.

Prior to joining the team at Oakwood, Patel served as Executive Chef at The Park Hotel Mumbai where he established his career and cultivated exciting culinary techniques and strong leadership skills in kitchen management.

He has been actively involved in initiating diverse food fiestas around the globe, conducting various cookery shows and judging culinary competitions. He represented Culinary Team India at World Chefs Congress 2018, Malaysia.

An alumnus of Rizvi College of Hotel Management, Mumbai, Chef Patel started his career as a Management Trainee with the TajSATS under the brand Taj Group of Hotels in 2011. In a short time, he not only established himself as a critically acclaimed chef but also has been honored with numerous awards and accolades

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Hyatt Announces Plans for First Property in Sweden with Hotel Reisen

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) announced today that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise agreement with First Hotel Reisen AB to open the first Hyatt property in Sweden. Hotell Reisen is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and will be available on Hyatt's booking system on an unbranded basis as of December 1, 2020 with plans to join The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in early 2021. In the Nordics, the hotel will join the planned Grand Hansa Hotel in Helsinki, Finland as part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt and Hyatt Centric Reykjavík in Reykjavik, Iceland. The three hotels represent strategic cornerstones in Hyatt’s expansion plans for Northern Europe.

Located in the heart of Stockholm’s old town directly on the waterfront and on Skeppsbron, Hotell Reisen is rich in history, dating back to the 17th century. The property will offer cultural moments for guests seeking a sophisticated yet unscripted experience, as it will be located within walking distance of many of Stockholm’s landmark attractions. Independent-minded travelers can experience highlights of the city including The Royal Palace and the ferry to Djurgården, bringing guests to the tranquil oasis that is home to many of the city’s most famous museums and cultural attractions.

At Hyatt, we are focused on thoughtful growth based on locations that matter most to our guests, World of Hyatt members and customers, and Stockholm has been a priority market for some time,” said Peter Norman, senior vice president of development Europe, Hyatt. “While Stockholm is known for its high barrier to entry for global brands, the rich history and unique location in central Stockholm make Hotell Reisen a perfect addition to The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand. This brand has seen great momentum across the region, as each property celebrates their destination’s distinct culture and atmosphere, and we look forward to expanding the brand’s footprint in the Nordics.”

The name of Reisen originates from a 1750’s coffee house run by a Dutchman, Frederik Reiss. As the coffee house was a popular meeting space for merchants and travelers from all over the world, Frederik Reiss’s daughter soon started to rent rooms in the early 19th century. Ever since, the building has been in use as a hotel and today is a celebration of the vibrant and rich history of Sweden’s capital.

“We are delighted to work alongside Hyatt for the first Hyatt hotel in Sweden,” said Anders Moe, CEO of Host AB which owns First Hotel Reisen AB. “In creating a destination that locals and guests from afar will treasure, Hotell Reisen will honor the history of the building and the city. The combination of our expertise in Sweden’s hospitality market and Hyatt’s international reputation will allow for our vision to come to life.”

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