Taj Safaris welcomes guests with its Wildlife Escape offer

Taj Safaris, India’s first and only luxury wildlife circuit, has come with its Wildlife Escape offer for a new season of holidays in the wild. The new offer allows guests to enjoy the incredibly diverse wildlife in some of the most renowned National Parks in India and Nepal.

Offering an inclusive experience that allows one to feel the thrill of the forest while delighting in the touch of luxury at the intimate safari lodges, with the Wildlife Escape offer guests can look forward to private safari jeep rides to spot a host of flora and fauna including the Royal Bengal tigers and white tigers, leopards, Barasingha or swamp deer, hyenas, Sloth bears, wild dogs, and over 250 varieties of birds in India’s forests and the one-horned rhino in the jungles of Nepal.

In addition to safari drives, guests can enjoy myriad unique local experiences such as a spectacular high-tea picnic by the serene Khoka Lake at Pench National Park or a Walking Safari to spot wild mammals, birds and aquatic life at Bhamni beside the Banjaar River at Kanha National Park.

At Bandhavgarh National Park, guests can revel in the simplicity of Ranchha village with its mud houses amidst farmlands; whilst at Panna National Park, guests can walk with a local Pardhi guide to the Ranipur village, located in a territorial forest that boasts of gorges and waterfalls. Standing on the banks of the river Rapti, Meghauli Serai in Chitwan National Park, Nepal offers large infinity pool with a viewing deck and a ‘machan’ over the river for private dining and wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Escape is an all-inclusive offer that includes daily meals, a safari ride and recreational activities that allow one to celebrate the revitalizing essence of nature. Considering the uncertainty around travel, the offer allows for flexibility with select cancellations/modifications and is fully refundable. 

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Cygnett Group to add 4 new properties across North India

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Cygnett Group of Hotels and Resorts has announced that they are further expanding their brand to include four new properties in North India, a geography that is slowly opening to domestic tourism.

The four new properties include:

Cygnett Residences, Bhiwadi: The property is at its phase-1 of construction and will feature 106 rooms with a 10, 000 Sq.ft. banquet space.

Cygnett Park, Jaipur: The pink city and home to numerous art and folklore, Cygnett Park, Jaipur has 5-star facilities. The property will offer 60 keys, 6 banquets, coffee shops, rooftop restaurant, metro bar, swimming pools and spa.

Cygnett Inn, Dehradun: is a cozy little Inn with 40 rooms. The hotel will offer banquet space of 8, 000 Sq.ft.

Cygnett Lite, Patni Top: Another snug “Home away from home” with cozy 17 rooms.

The upcoming properties are designed keeping in mind the needs of guests. The spacious and comfortably structured rooms have refreshing and stylish interiors with a clear and beautiful view of the city. Whether one is visiting for business or leisure, the properties are the perfect place to check-in primarily due to their central location and proximity to all the important spots and travel stations. The hotel group is targeting early 2021 to open all 4 properties.

Apart from the artistic décor and the cozy atmosphere, the other attractions within the hotel include pool, gym, restaurants with delectable cuisines and spacious banquet halls and conference rooms.

Speaking on the expansion, Sarbendra Sarkar, MD & Founder Cygnett Hotels & resorts, said “We are

really enthusiastic about this expansion and explore these new exciting markets. We have chosen Bhiwadi, Jaipur, Dehradun and Patni Top as the four cities as they add a new facet to our burgeoning brand. Each of these destinations have a different feel and we want all our guests to have memorable experiences of their stay with us!”

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Neerav Dudhwala Appointed Head of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand

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Neerav Dudhwala joins Choice Hotels as the head of the Ascend Hotel Collection brand. In this role, he will help elevate the brand's value proposition and further its leadership position as the first and largest soft brand in the industry. Dudhwala will collaborate with the company's marketing and distribution department to improve top line revenue for owners, as well as the franchise development team to attract new investment to the collection. Dudhwala comes to Choice following 19 years with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. During his tenure, he held leadership positions in franchise operations and quality, most recently overseeing AmericInn by Wyndham, and worked closely with internal stakeholders and franchisee advisory groups to drive hotel performance and fuel unit growth. Dudhwala attended Pennsylvania State University.


Quincy Hotel Melbourne Quincy Melbourne is set to open in Q1 2021

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

Quincy Hotel Melbourne

From thoughtful spatial design to playful interiors and wondrous experiences - these are some of the finer things that guests can expect when Quincy Hotel Melbourne opens in the first quarter of 2021. The HMA is signed with InterGlobe through Far East Hospitality's joint venture company, Toga Far East Hotels in Australia, marking the Quincy brand's first expansion abroad.

Quincy's quirky and anticipatory approach to service fits into Melbourne's upbeat and experiential city lifestyle. Located at the top of Flinders Lane - a vibrant street in Melbourne's central business district - the hotel targets at social urbanites with a penchant for experiential travel and the finer things in life. Guests will be able to enjoy South East Asian cuisine at its signature restaurant as well as access to its club levels and lounge. The hotel also boasts a rooftop pool with views of Melbourne CBD and the nearby lifestyle precinct.

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Zonetail Partners with Routier to Bring AI Contactless Multilingual Guest Messaging

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Routier announces an integration partnership with Zonetail Inc. (TSXV:ZONE, OTCQB:ZTLFF) that can enable 25,000+ Zonetail partnered hotels across North America to facilitate contactless mobile communication between guests, staff, and local businesses. Routier is a leading provider of AI-enabled hotel guest-engagement and omni-channel messaging solutions that connect guests and staff via SMS/text messaging, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, WeChat, Facebook, Line, etc., and provides a unified dashboard to hotel teams to communicate with guests on their preferred messaging channel of choice. Zonetail is a mobile platform that connects guests to hotel amenities and services, as well as local businesses, such as restaurants, shops, attractions and other specialty services. These businesses pay Zonetail a fee to communicate with the highly valued, yet difficult to reach hotel guests. The advertising and transactional revenue generated, allows Zonetail to offer it's platform at no cost to its hotel partners.

Together, the joint Routier + Zonetail solution is providing a compelling business model and digital safety net for recovering properties in the wake of COVID-19. Guests can now engage with both hotel staff and the local neighborhood via the Zonetail Hotel Platform or through Routier's unified communications platform, MessageHub, while hoteliers use Routier's unified dashboard to respond to guest queries coming from the app channel or other messaging platform. As a multilingual guest concierge, request and guest satisfaction management tool, and maintenance-tracking platform, MessageHub enables recovering properties to maintain high quality guest-centric experiences that fully comply with social distancing concerns, regardless of reduced labor resources. Routier's AI Bot answers guests' requests or directs them to the relevant department to have a staff member resolve an issue in person. Property teams can utilize Routier's workflow to manage and track all guest and staff processes and communicate in 65 languages automatically.

Nicole Turnhout-Ammerlaan Appointed Vice President Operations – Western Europe At Interstate Hotels & Resorts Europe

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Nicole Turnhout-Ammerlaan joins Interstate from IHG, where she worked for seven years as both General Manager of a flagship Crowne Plaza Hotel in Am sterdam and an Area General Manager, following more than a decade in commercial and operational posts at NH Hotels Group in Europe. Nicole is also a board member of the Hotel Leaders' Network advisory board in The Netherlands and an examination, guest lecturer and board member at the prestigious Stenden Hotel School.

In her new role as VP Operations - Western Europe, Nicole will be based at Interstate's Amsterdam office and responsible for leading Interstate's operations across the region.

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Hilton to debut LXR Hotels & Resorts brand in Seychelles

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Global hotel operator Hilton has announced plans to bring its luxury LXR Hotels & Hotels brand to the archipelago nation of Seychelles in the Indian Ocean.

The new Mango House Seychelles LXR Hotels & Resorts will open on Mahé, Seychelles’ largest island, characterised by its white sand beaches. The five-star resort is on track to open at the start of next year, extending across the edge of the Anse aux Poules Bleues bay.

“We are delighted to have signed an agreement to bring LXR Hotels & Resorts to the Seychelles,” said Carlos Khneisser, vice president, development, Middle East and Africa, Hilton.

“Mango House Seychelles will allow guests to delight in a myriad of unique and exciting culinary concepts, including a variety of locally inspired menus. Guests can look forward to enjoying a boutique luxury resort experience at this outstanding LXR property.”

The property was originally built as a family home by the lauded fashion photographer Gian Paolo Barbieri. Hilton has created the resort with 41 keys, including nine suites, with the interior design retaining the heritage and culture of the surrounding area.

Other facilities include spa treatment rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean, an eye-shaped pool, an infinity pool and a wooden deck pool, along with a strong set of F&B venues.

Once open, F&B venues will include Mediterranean-inspired Muse, Japanese eatery Azido, a barbeque pop-up, an Indo-Seychelles bar serving exotic drinks and a lively poolside bar.

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UNWTO joins IMO to highlight importance of cruise tourism

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The two UN agencies also recognised the efforts made by the industry, countries and international organizations to protect the safety, health and well-being of passengers and crew, as well as the health of the population of destination port States of cruise ships.

In a joint statement, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) recently highlighted the importance of the cruise sector for the world economy.

According to industry data, the cruise sector supports 1.2 million jobs and contributes US$150 billion to the global economy every year. Tourism is vitally important for Small Islands States, where it sustains millions of livelihoods and brings substantial socio-economic benefits.

The two UN agencies also recognised the efforts made by the industry, countries and international organizations to protect the safety, health and well-being of passengers and crew, as well as the health of the population of destination port States of cruise ships. Since cruise operations were suspended worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry has been reviewing and enhancing its protocols to identify ways to go further in protecting the health of passengers, crew and the general public. 

The joint statement invites governments to use the Guidance on the gradual and safe resumption of operations of cruise ships in the European Union in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic (shared by IMO in Circular Letter No 4204/Add.26) to facilitate the recovery of the sector under safe conditions, as well as three framework documents (operator framework, passenger framework and seafarer framework) developed by the United Kingdom’s Chamber of Shipping together with CLIA.

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world’s first gold-plated five-star hotel- Dolce By WYNDHAM

The property features 5,000 square metres of golden tiles on the exterior, taking close to 11 years to complete

The property features 5,000 square metres of golden tiles on the exterior, taking close to 11 years to complete

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake has opened for business in Hanoi, Vietnam, becoming the world’s first gold-plated hotel.

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake has opened for business in Hanoi, Vietnam, becoming the world’s first gold-plated hotel.

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake has opened for business in Hanoi, Vietnam, becoming the world’s first gold-plated hotel.

Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake has opened for business in Hanoi, Vietnam, becoming the world’s first gold-plated hotel.

The 400-key property was developed by the Hoa Bing Group, operated under Wyndham

The 400-key property was developed by the Hoa Bing Group, operated under Wyndham

Throughout the interior, gold can be seen - even in the elevators

Throughout the interior, gold can be seen - even in the elevators

A look at the two-bedroom suite, priced at more than $1,000 per night

A look at the two-bedroom suite, priced at more than $1,000 per night

The design choice extends to the door knobs of the rooms

The design choice extends to the door knobs of the rooms

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park Hotel Indigo debuts in Malaysia in the heart of its capital city

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IHG® (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has signed a landmark deal to bring boutique upscale brand Hotel Indigo® to Kuala Lumpur in partnership with Techvance Properties Management Sdn. Bhd.

Scheduled to open in 2023, the 180-room Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park will be located at the base of the picturesque Bukit Nanas, close to KL Tower and KL Forest Eco Park, in the heart of Malaysia's capital city.

No two Hotel Indigo® properties are the same, and this stunning addition to the brand portfolio will have Kuala Lumpur's multicultural influences embedded in its DNA through a visionary design which captures the historical charm of local heritage buildings and the breadth of nearby modern architecture.

Sustainability has been key in Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park's creation with environmentally friendly methods prioritised in its planning, led by the use of reclaimed materials from nearby sites, solar panels on its roof, and rainwater harvesting. In line with IHG's broader sustainability efforts, the hotel will also be plastic straw free and will opt for bulk amenities in all its guest rooms.

With greenery from one of the country's oldest forest reserves woven throughout the hotel to bring the forest inside, memorable features include an interactive Green Wall in the lobby and a spot of quiet serenity amidst the bustle of the city in a Secret Garden. Guests will have an immersive experience all through the hotel to savour (and share on social media).

From the use of distinctive local ingredients in its dining selection through to graffiti walls made in collaboration with local students, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park promises to provide guests with an inspiring mix of cultures and experiences.

The hotel's two restaurant and bar options are heavily influenced by its locality. The rustic, industrial chic of the Neighbourhood Café offers a taste of local Malaysian cuisine with a modern spin, while Char Bistro and Bar provides a more casual setting and the chance for guests to visit the rooftop bar and enjoy a sunset cocktail with sweeping views of KL Tower, the Petronas Twin Towers, and the urban landscape of KL. A function room, flexible event space, outdoor rooftop pool, gym and work area will also be available for business and leisure travellers.

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park is located within walking distance of the main financial district, shopping at KLCC and Pavilion Mall, and a wide array of dining choices including Jalan Alor and Petaling Street, with their endless rows of hawker stalls. The neighbourhood is steeped in historical charm with heritage buildings and icons, and bounded by strips of hip restaurants and bars along the Changkat and Chinatown areas. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is 45km away.

IHG has a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures at all its hotels worldwide and understands that cleanliness, health and safety are top priorities for customers, especially at this challenging time. To this end, IHG has introduced additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices, in partnership with industry leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey, as well as launching the IHG Clean Promise. Once open and part of the IHG family, Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park will follow IHG's Way of Clean and offer guests the IHG Clean Promise.

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Airbnb and MTDC partner to promote unexplored destinations in Maharashtra

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Airbnb has partnered with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) to promote homestay and bed & breakfast (B&B) tourism in the state of Maharashtra. By promoting homestay tourism, this partnership will encourage travel to lesser-known destinations and will enable inclusive community-led tourism in the state, that will further enhance economic prospects.

Under the agreement, Airbnb and MTDC will:

  • Promote nearby travel-to destinations in Maharashtra that are off the beaten track and offer a unique experience to travelers

  • Onboard three MTDC properties within Maharashtra that will offer travelers differentiated offerings including farm stays

  • Conduct webinars and workshops to train homestay hosts and B&B owners on Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol—the first overarching standardized guidelines for cleaning and sanitization in the home sharing industry—to support hosts in advance of reopening communities for travel.

The partnership furthers both parties’ commitment to support a sustainable tourism ecosystem,  while highlighting current and upcoming tourism destinations in the state. Through knowledge  sharing and training workshops with hosts, the partnership will also enhance the potential of  tourism to create jobs and sustain livelihoods for local communities and will spotlight unique  properties as more travelers explore stays near metro cities. 

Announcing the partnership, Aaditya Thackeray, Minister for Tourism, Environment & Climate Change and Protocol, Government of Maharashtra, said: “Maharashtra is an  ecologically and culturally rich state and offers travelers unique travel experiences. We are  committed to improving community-driven hospitality that is sustainable and offers travelers  accessible, affordable and quality tourism. Safety is also key. With Airbnb, we will strengthen the  ecosystem for the growth of homestays and B&Bs in the state, to revive tourism growth in the  coming months. We appreciate Airbnb’s effort in helping us promote tourism in Maharashtra.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager (India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan) at  Airbnb, said: “This partnership is a valuable opportunity to drive rapid demand growth towards domestic tourism and to support economic recovery. Airbnb has always been committed to  highlighting unique destinations that are off the beaten track, and to ensure that economic benefits  of tourism reach as many communities as possible. We are proud to be working with MTDC, and  to support their vision. Rebuilding trust in travel is a long-term mindset and requires a collaborative  effort between governments, tourism authorities and private players. We have witnessed  commendable efforts put in by the Government of Maharashtra and MTDC towards this endeavor  and are fully committed to support them”.

According to Airbnb’s own search trends and data, destinations within Maharashtra such as  Karjat, Igatpuri, Alibag and Panchgani remain widely searched for options with their stunning  scenery, including in the backdrop of the Western Ghats, and offer authentic cultural experiences  for travelers.

Shobhit Sawhney Appointed General Manager At Park Hyatt Hyderabad, India

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Shobhit Sawhney has been appointed the new General Manager of Park Hyatt Hyderabad - one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in the City of Nizams. A seasoned hotelier with a career spanning over 20 enriching years across various brands in India and overseas, Shobhit was earlier handling the role of General Manager at Hyatt Regency Pune.

Possessing invaluable insights across various hotel operations roles, Shobhit graduated from IHM Mumbai and flagged off his career with The Leela Palaces and Resorts. His prior experience with having led the Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa provides him the brand knowledge that makes him an ideal fit for his new role. Being a people oriented person, he lives up to Hyatt's values of bringing the element of fun into work and portrays a refreshing sense of humility, making him a great leader for the team.

Being a people oriented person, he lives up to the Hyatt value of fun at work every day and is a delight to work with. A modest and positive person with an inherent gift of making a difference each day, Shobhit loves to spend time with his family and indulge in a game of tennis.


We maintain Indianness while designing hotels yet retain the contemporary look: Vandana Saxena

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"Design Innovation to Conservation" Series. The fifth-panel discussion of the weBBlast series themed, ‘Design for every style & need’, was moderated by Bobby Mukherji, Chairman, Bobby Mukherji & Associates.

Delineating her thoughts, Vandana Dhawan Saxena stated, “India, as you know, is very rich and diverse and seeing that something is Indian could have multiple connotations. When I study vernacular architecture to the depths of what Indianness means, there were a lot of intelligent steps that were taken in the olden times and of course, it got carried on as traditions and became a part of our culture. If we go down to the basics of what Indian designs meant, we will be able to develop more meaning in our design. If we go down to the core principle of what Indian is, we will be able to challenge and create or innovate in a better way.”

“Besides that, there are other ways one can incorporate Indianness in contemporary design, I think we should go down to the basics of using local materials like incorporating linens into our guest rooms, probably having local craftsmen embroider the cushion covers. If we go down to studying each region and incorporating those elements in our design, then we will really be able to create unique identities in the hotel projects that we are able to build. So, the key to design is multi-functionality and creating diversity,” Vandana Dhawan Saxena further added.

As part of a panel discussion on the future of hotel design as hotels reopen in the midst of the pandemic, she also maintained, “I am a follower of design than trends. But trends drive a lot of what we see today. Guests want to be engaged more than what hotels offer today. The way we design today is changing as per what the guest wants. Bathroom fixtures are becoming a point of celebrations. Shower experience is as important as sleep experience. There’s a lot of intelligence in what was done in earlier times and it has become a part of our tradition. If we go down to study core of the Indian design, we will be able to innovate and create unique identities in hotel projects keeping the look of the space very contemporary.”

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Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh Welcomes Richard Bias as Executive Chef

Richard Bias,Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh has announced the appointment of seasoned culinary professional Richard Bias as the hotel’s new executive chef.

 

The British national has worked in some of the world’s top kitchens and hotels and brings more than two decades of culinary experience to Hyatt’s first property in the Cambodian capital. Located in the heart of Phnom Penh, the 247-room hotel is scheduled to open its doors in the first quarter of 2021.

 

Bias will oversee the operations of all five food and beverage outlets, including the hotel’s two main dining venues FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar and Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, while upholding Hyatt’s commitment to sourcing the most sustainable and seasonal products from Cambodia by working with local farmers, growers and distributors.

 

“I’m looking forward to showcasing my passion for cooking with fresh, natural and locally produced ingredients to create inspirational dining experiences for our guests,” said Chef Bias who has worked in Cambodia twice before. “Phnom Penh's F&B scene is quickly maturing and through the hotel my goal is to put the city’s culinary offerings on the map.”

 

Prior to joining Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh, Bias was the executive chef at Amankora in Bhutan for two years.

 

In 2017, Bias joined the W Bali as Director of Culinary where he oversaw operations at the hotel’s modern grill restaurant, FIRE. Bias’ global culinary journey has seen him work at a number of luxury hotels and resorts across the Middle East and Asia, including The Chedi in Muscat, Atlantis The Palm in Dubai as well as Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor in Siem Reap where he spent two years as executive chef. 

Growing up in a country pub in Marlow on the River Thames, Bias discovered his passion for cooking when he started to help his mother around the kitchen. Bias trained under several Michelin-starred chefs in the UK, including Swiss chef and restaurateur Anton Mosimann and celebrity chef Gary Rhodes before embarking on his international culinary journey in 2005.

Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh is committed to ensuring the highest level of health and safety compliance when the hotel officially opens next year. Examples include daily temperature checks for all staff, mandatory face coverings for staff and guests in all indoor public areas of the hotel, socially-distanced seating arrangements in F&B outlets and recreational facilities, contactless check-in and check-out service as well as regularly updated health and safety training protocols for staff. Guests will also be given complimentary personal protective equipment kits containing premium masks, alcohol wipes and other comfort supplies upon arrival.

Sayaji Hotel Indore appoints Dev Thakur as the Director of Food & Beverages

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Sayaji Hotel Indore has appointed Dev Thakur as the Director of Food & Beverages. A passionate hospitality professional with 15+ years of experience in world’s finest hospitality brands, he brings to the table, his expertise in fast paced environment and high volume operations with multiple styles of service. Well versed with the food & beverage operations of luxury hotels, destination resorts, upscale & midscale hotels.

Prior to this, he was associated with multinational chains, such as Marriott International, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts Hyatt International, Hilton Hotels and Accor Hotels in India.

Hotel Sahara Star opens its doors again on 16th November 2020

Hotel Sahara Star has opened its doors again on 16th November 2020 with a motto ‘YOU ARE OUR ONLY CONCERN’, which ensures that enhanced cleanliness and safety measures are in place for its guests and associates.

The new measures include mandatory temperature checks for everyone entering the hotel at each entry point, frequent disinfection of all equipment, observing social distancing in all restaurants and public areas, and complimentary sanitizer and masks for guests and associates.

Beginning November 16th, the hotel’s much acclaimed Indian Specialty restaurant Namak will be open for dining along with Manuhaar – The Vegetarian Thali Restaurant and The Earthplate -Global Cuisine Restaurant. The impeccable food can now be enjoyed with a contactless menu and payment option at all food and beverage outlets of the hotel.

The hotel is extending a warm welcome to all its guests who are planning to host their next esteemed event whether it be a wedding, a corporate event, exhibition or any social gathering, Sahara Star would ensure a safe and memorable experience.

Arjun Channa Appointed General Manager At The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas,

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An Indian-born Canadian, Channa's career has taken him all over the globe. Channa speaks six languages, allowing him to bridge cultures with ease. After studying hospitality in Neufchatel, Switzerland, he began his career in Algeria, working in Stewarding. Channa then moved to United Arab Emirates, where he worked in various Food & Beverage roles for Starwood, leading him to his first Director of Food & Beverage position at the Great Wall Sheraton in Beijing, China. A few more leadership moves led him back to UAE, to Kenya, and then back to China where he served as the Hotel Manager at the Sheraton Sanya Resort.

Channa took on his first General Manager role at Le Meridien Port Vila Resort & Casino in Vanuatu, followed by another GM assignment at the Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa in India. He then served as Task Force General Manager for Starwood's Brand Assurance Team as well as the Acquisition & Development Team, both for South Asia. Arjun then moved his family to the Americas, taking the role of Hotel Manager at the Sheraton Centre Toronto. It was during this time that he gained experience in the Caribbean as the Task Force General Manager at the Westin Aruba Resort & Casino, as well as the W Vieques Resort in Puerto Rico.

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Ashley Lai Appointed General Manager At Sheraton Samui Resort in Koh Samui, Thailand

Ashley Lai

Ashley Lai

Marriott has appointed Ashley Lai as General Manager of the Sheraton Samui Resort in Thailand.

Ashley, a graduate of the University of Hawaii has worked with Marriott International for over 15 years, initially at the JW Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur.

In December 2013, Ashley transferred to the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa as Resident Manager where she was recognized for her leadership as JW Marriott Rooms Leader of the Year.

Ashley then moved to Siem Reap in Cambodia, her most recent position prior to Samui, to take on the challenge of being General Manager of the first Courtyard by Marriott branded hotel in the country.

Returning to Thailand, Ashley has joined the popular Sheraton Samui Resort as GM.

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Nora Harris Promoted Director of Sales At Courtyard by Marriott St. Peters

Nora Harris

Nora Harris

She will focus on maximizing profits while ensuring customer satisfaction for new and existing clientele. Her responsibilities include pursuing corporate and individual consumer bookings, as well as maintaining ongoing communication with both the property's team and guests.

Harris previously served as the hotel's Senior Sales Manager. Prior to that she was the Central Group Sales Manager for four of Midas Hospitality's properties located in Missouri. Harris first began her career as a front desk associate for the company, later serving as a sales coordinator .

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Park Inn by Radisson brand enters Saudi capital of Riyadh

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Radisson Hotel Group has opened its ninth Park Inn by Radisson in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh is the latest addition to the region’s growing portfolio of lifestyle hotels.

Anchored by the brand’s ‘feel good’ philosophy, the property has a more relaxed design style than other hotels in the Radisson group. Located in the Al Malaz business district, the hotel features 192 modern rooms and suites, with social spaces connecting the facilities of the property.

Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh offers business guests access to four meeting rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi and audio-visual equipment.

Dining guests can choose from RBG or Bocca Bouna, serving local and international dishes respectively.

The group’s CEO, Federico J. González said earlier this year that KSA is one of the key markets where Radisson can spur its recovery.

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