New Opening | A First Look Inside Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s New Restaurant

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is getting into the restaurant game.

The star signed on to be a creative collaborator in David Rabin (The Lambs Club, Skylark, Café Clover) and entrepreneur Maneesh Goyal’s new restaurant, Sona. Opening on Thursday, Sona will serve modern Indian food in a stylish space in Gramercy. “Sona is the very embodiment of timeless India and the flavours I grew up with,” Chopra Jonas wrote on her Instagram announcing the project.

“I would oftentimes get asked, where’s the Indochine of Indian food in New York, where do you go to have really great Indian food with a cool vibe?” recalls Goyal, who moved to New York City in 1999. “I kept saying, that’s a great question, but there’s no answer to that. Ultimately, I said, well, if there’s not an answer, maybe I should create the answer.”

Goyal’s parents emigrated from Punjab and eventually opened one of Dallas’ first Indian restaurants in 1975, a few months after Goyal was born. Called India House, the restaurant was open through the mid-1980s and the experience stuck with him. “It started to become more apparent to me that the country of my ancestral heritage if I didn’t try to build a bridge to it, what’s going to be my connection?” says Goyal. “There’s a continuity, there’s a legacy that I would love to be a part of.”

Goyal and Rabin started discussing the project back in 2015, and they soon brought on Chef Hari Nayak—a Daniel Boulud protégé at the helm of Dubai’s Bombay Bungalow and Masti, Bangkok’s Jhol, India’s Alchemy Bangalore, and the chef behind the ubiquitous Café Spice meals in grocery stores—for his first executive chef role at a U.S. restaurant. Interior designer and stylist Melissa Bowers, the former design director for the Miami Beach Faena District’s artistic fantasyland, came on in 2018.

Bowers and Chopra Jonas worked closely on the look and feel of the restaurant. “There’s nobody that personifies global Indian more than Priyanka, and she has broken down boundaries in a way that no one from Bollywood has today,” says Goyal, who met Chopra Jonas through a mutual friend. “Priyanka didn’t want [the design] to be on-the-nose Indian, but she also knew how to make it uniquely Indian in certain ways, and Melissa was interpreting and hearing all of it.”

The Indian decor references were ultimately inspired by what Bowers terms, “Indo Deco,” the Art Deco period in India, of which Mumbai is a primary example—the city has the largest collection of Art Deco buildings after South Beach.

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Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021: Odette is No. 2, and a total of eight entries from Singapore

Odette remains the best restaurant in Singapore

Hong Kong Cantonese restaurant The Chairman cliched top spots on the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list 2021, beating out last year’s winner Odette. The French fine-dining establishment by Julien Royer fell one spot to place second. Odette remains as the best restaurant in Singapore for the third year in a row.

A total of eight restaurants made it onto the annual list this year. Les Amis dropped two spots, from No.11 to No. 13; and popular grill house Burnt Ends comes in at No. 14, down nine spots from last year. Jaan by Kirk Westway fell 21 spots to place at No. 42.

Rising up the ranks is Zén, climbing five spots from No. 28 to No. 23.

The list also sees the entrance of three restaurants: Cloudstreet by chef Rishi Naleendra comes in at No. 31; Restaurant Labyrinth, also the winner of the Flor de Cana Sustainable Restaurant Award, debuts at No. 40; while Chef Jason Tan’s latest venture, Restaurant Euphoria, comes in at No. 41.

Outside of the main list, the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants has also for the first time announced the placements of restaurants ranked 51 to 100. Four local eateries were named: Meta, which was awarded the American Express One to Watch, clinched No. 60; Nouri fell out from the main list to place No. 73; Esora came in at No. 77; and Candlenut took home the No. 94 position.

Director of Content, William Drew, says in a press statement: “This year we have decided to publish the list of restaurants ranked from 51-100, created from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process, in order to recognise a greater number of venues than ever before.”

Check out the complete list of restaurants that made the list:

1 The Chairman, China
2 Odette, Singapore
3 Den, Japan
4 Le Du, Thailand
5 Gaggan Anand Restaurant, Thailand (New)
6 Suhring, Thailand
7 Florilège, Japan
8 La Cime, Japan
9 Narisawa, Japan
10 Mingles, Korea
11 Sorn, Thailand
12 Sazenka, Japan
13 Les Amis, Singapore
14 Burnt Ends, Singapore
15 Mume, Taiwan
16 Vea, Hong Kong
17 Neighborhood, Hong Kong
18 Indian Accent, India
19 L’Effervescence, Japan
20 Nusara, Thailand (New)
21 Raw, Taiwan
22 Fu He Hui, China
23 Zén, Singapore
24 Logy, Taiwan (New)
25 Belon, Hong Kong
26 JL Studio, Taiwan
27 Ode, Japan
28 Caprice, Hong Kong
29 Ministry of Crab, Sri Lanka
30 La Maison de la Nature Goh, Japan
31 Cloudstreet, Singapore (New)
32 Masque, India
33 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana , Hong Kong
34 7th Door, Korea
35 Nihonryori Ryugin, Japan
36 Born & Bred, Korea (New)
37 Amber, Hong Kong
38 Ta Vie, Hong Kong
39 Anan Saigon, Vietnam
40 Restaurant Labyrinth, Singapore (New)
41 Restaurant Euphoria, Singapore (New)
42 Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Singapore
43 Hansikgonggan, Korea
44 Mono, Hong Kong (New)
45 Shoun Ryugin, Taiwan
46 Gaa, Thailand
47 Lung King Heen, Hong Kong
48 Seventh Son, Hong Kong
49 Toyo Eatery, The Philippines
50 Wing Lei Palace, China

BEST PRACTICES | Welcoming New Talent @ Millennium Place Barsha Heights Hotel and Apartments

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Event | Holi-cation at Novotel Hyderabad Airport

Treat yourself with scrumptious buffet and enjoy a long week holiday at Novotel Hyderabad Airport 

The festival of Holi is just around the corner; Novotel Hyderabad Airport brings special staycation packages and a Holi buffet for all its patrons. This Festival makes time for bonding, recharges in style in one of the refined rooms, indulge in elevated dining options, and pamper your inner self at Novotel Hyderabad Airport. All the guests can enjoy 20% off on stays & spa experiences and indulge in some amazing traditional Indian delicacies like gujiya, Malpua, Dahi balle & many more to savor from.

So everyone can usher and celebrate the festival in high spirits, satiate and enthral your taste buds with the Holi-special dishes and enjoy 20% off on stays, dining, and spa experiences only at Novotel Hyderabad Airport.

Date: 27th and 28th March 2021

Venue: Novotel Hyderabad Airport

Price: Lunch buffet will be priced at 1399 plus taxes per person

Contact: Call +917660010554 to reserve your slot

Appointment | Sonali Merchant Chavan joins The Westin Mumbai Garden City as Director HR

She will be responsible for employee progression, workforce management, and developing innovative HR strategies for the associates

The Westin Mumbai Garden City has appointed Sonali Merchant Chavan as the Director of Human Resources. She will be responsible for employee progression, workforce management, and developing innovative HR strategies for the associates.

Prior to joining The Westin Mumbai, Chavan held the position of Director-Human Resources at The Westin Pune.

With over 14 years of well-rounded experience in human resource management, she has worked with major hospitality brands like the Taj and Accor group of hotels.

Chavan has also been a part of multiple pre-opening hotels, spearheading the human resource department and brings with her a fresh and rich culture adopted at every stint.

A post graduate diploma holder in the field of hospitality from the Swiss Hotel Management School. Chavan is known for her proactive approach and strong work ethic.

In 2017 during her tenure with the Accor hotels she was recognized for her creative efforts and awarded the “Talent & Culture Person of the Year” in India.

An innovative thinker with strong interpersonal and mentoring skills, Chavan at her new role looks forward to effectively balancing the needs of her colleagues with the mission of the organization.

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Appointment | Prabal Srivastava joins Grand Mercure, Vadodara Surya Palace as General Manager

Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace has appointed Prabal Srivastava as the new General Manager. Srivastava took on his duties at the hotel beginning February, 2021.

He comes with over 20 years of Hospitality experience working with various brands including The Oberoi Group of Hotels and Resorts, The Taj Hotels and The Lalit Hotels.

In his most recent assignment, Srivastava was General Manager of Golkonda Hotels & Resort, one of the oldest Business Hotels in Hyderabad with room inventory of 139. He holds a degree in Hotel Management from Mangalore University.

Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace is strategically located in the heart of Vadodara, a mere 2 min drive from the railway station and 10 min drive from the airport, thereby offering high brand visibility. It is not only regarded as one of the best hotels of Vadodara but is also a sought-after venue for weddings and other celebrations.

The hotel offers 146 rooms, Restaurant & Bar, 24/7 fully-equipped fitness and wellness centre and multiple meeting venues with state-of-the-art technology.

ITC's signature Biryani and Pulao Collection is now available in Gurugram

ITC Hotels now expands its delivery network and brings the first ‘Cloud Kitchen by ITC Hotels’, catered by the kitchens of ITC Grand Bharat

Epicurean indulgences from the Biryani and Pulao Collection by ITC Hotels can now be enjoyed in Gurugram.  ITC Hotels now expands its delivery network and brings the first ‘Cloud Kitchen by ITC Hotels’, catered by the kitchens of ITC Grand Bharat.

Crafted with the utmost care and hygiene to ensure a safe dining experience, the 'Biryani and Pulao Collection by ITC Hotels' is an ode to the legendary dishes, crafted by the Master Chefs of ITC Hotels for diners to enjoy. Starting today, the “Biryani & Pulao Collection” will be available on prominent food aggregator’s platforms namely Zomato, Swiggy & EazyDiner. Moreover, the collection can also be ordered via the ITC F&B app or by placing an order by calling directly on +91 9311120560 / +91 9311120561.

Rajat Sethi, General Manager, ITC Grand Bharat says, “As the festival of Holi approaches us, we introduce to the residents of Gurugram, the Biryani & Pulao Collection by ITC Hotels. These aromatic and flavourful gourmet delicacies can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your homes with the company of your near and dear ones.”

ITC Hotels’ tradition of culinary excellence is reflected in its well-researched cuisine concepts that underline the brand’s objective to showcase the best of Indian culinary offerings. United in its diversity, Biryani and Pulao have permeated every region with their universal appeal. The Biryani & Pulao collection embodies the dining legacy and finest cuisine offerings from ITC Hotels. 

Authentic recipes served at select banquets, these preparations have been a favourite of many for decades. Curated with great thought, the ‘Biryani & Pulao Collection’, brings forward gems from the heritage kitchens of India. Fine aromas, distinct taste, textures and simplicity that take you back to tradition. Carefully prepared and perfected over the years by renowned master chefs of ITC Hotels, the ‘Biryani & Pulao Collection’ can now be savored by all in Gurugram, from the comfort of your homes.

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Appointments | Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas appoints general manager

Etienne-Charles Gailliez hopes his property will help push the Qatar Vision 2030.

Following its opening last month, Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas has officially brought in Etienne-Charles Gailliez as general manager.

Gailliez previously played a vital role in the hotel’s development during pre-opening, acting as Hilton’s country GM for all of Qatar, a role he will maintain in tandem with his new position.

One of Hilton’s top performers, having been given the group’s President’s Award in 2014, he entered Qatar following a long career across Africa. His previous roles have included country GM for Nigeria, general manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja and GM of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa.

He will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the 361-key resort. He said: “My vision for Hilton Salwa Beach Resort & Villas is to secure our place as the preeminent leisure destination in Qatar and the Middle East, offering world-class services to guests. Hilton Salwa Beach Resort is a unique and innovative addition to the Hilton portfolio in Qatar and contributes immensely towards achieving Qatar’s 2030 vision of strengthening the country’s position as a leading destination for domestic and international tourism.”

Facilities at the hotel include an Arabian Village, 20 F&B venues, a marina, a spa, a sports academy and more than 12,900 sq ft of meeting space.

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Thoughts | THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN BUSINESS by Rajeev Thakur, Director, Grassik Search

New Opening | The Fern Hotels & Resorts Opens Royal Orbit The Fern, Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh

Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is now opening its third hotel in Central India with Royal Orbit The Fern, Jabalpur. The other two hotels managed by the company in Madhya Pradesh are both located in Bhopal. With this new opening, the company’s overall count has extended to 79 operational hotels across the country and in Nepal and Seychelles.

Mohit Sharad, General Manager - Sales & Marketing (North & East India), Concept Hospitality-The Fern Hotels & Resorts said, “We have relaunched this luxurious hotel as Royal Orbit The Fern, Jabalpur with new facilities and additions. The hotel has a marvelous combination of architecture and will be offering unparalleled personalized services and comfort to our guests. The rooms of the hotel have been designed to provide the utmost luxurious experience.”

Suhail Kannampilly, CEO, Concept Hospitality-The Fern Hotels & Resorts said “We are delighted to bring our brand The Fern to Jabalpur. With all the services & facilities and the environmentally sensitive operations that The Fern Hotels are known for, we are extremely happy to bring our brand to the city, for both our corporate and leisure guests. Our guests will enjoy high-level services of F&B and banqueting facilities, and have a great value stay!”

Royal Orbit The Fern, Jabalpur, with 111 luxurious and stylish rooms, offers a wide range of upscale accommodation options. These elegantly appointed rooms are bright and spacious, giving a comfortable experience with a touch of royalty. The hotel also offers a multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant along with extensive conference & banqueting facilities spread over 3 halls and 3 lawn areas, ideal for large weddings and events. The hotel is conveniently located with easy access to major sightseeing attractions.  

The hotel offers four different room categories – Winter Green, Winter Green Premium, Hazel Suite and Presidential Suite. In-room amenities include complimentary packaged drinking water, tea/coffee maker, satellite TV connections, digital in-room safe, bedroom slippers, eco-friendly lighting arrangements and eco-friendly bathroom conveniences. 

DINING:  

MP-20, the multi-cuisine all-day dining vegetarian restaurant at the lobby level, offering a culinary voyage spanning the length of Indian, Chinese, Mediterranean and Continental choices. Open daily: 07:30 am to 11:30 pm.

LOCATION: The hotel is 35 km from Jabalpur Airport and 15 km from Jabalpur Railway Station. 

The hotel is 20 km from Dhuandhar Water Fall.

ADDRESS: Opp Toyota Showroom, Tilwara Bridge, Nagpur Road, NH 7, Jabalpur 482 003, Madhya Pradesh, India.

T: +91 91091 37300| E: gm.tf.jabalpur@fernhotels.com | Visit us at: www.fernhotels.com  

Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. manages 82 hotels & resorts with 4800+ rooms currently operational under management or opening shortly across 67 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

For more information, contact: Ms Deepali Khotkar, Marketing Manager, Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd

6th Floor, 607-610 Acme Plaza, Opp Sangam Cinema, Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 059, India

Tel: +91 (0)22 4263 7777 | Email: marketing@fernhotels.com

Glion Institute of Higher Education appoints Didier Aniès as Executive Chef

In his role as Executive Chef, he will instil his culinary vision as well as providing inspiration for the menus of the institution's multiple restaurants.

Glion Institute of Higher Education has appointed Didier Aniès as Executive Chef. With extensive expertise in both cooking and training, this renowned expert and "Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000" (World’s best craftsman) will be a considerable asset for Glion.

In his role as Executive Chef, he will instill his culinary vision as well as providing inspiration for the menus of the institution's multiple restaurants.

Didier Aniès began his career in international cuisine in Germany and Austria before swiftly joining the prestigious star-rated restaurants of the high-end hotels in the south of France. He started at the Royal Casino Hotel in Mandelieu-la-Napoule near Cannes as sous-chef alongside Michel Joffre.

His expertise and creativity enabled him to quickly conquer the Executive Management of various kitchens, firstly at the restaurant of the Relais et Châteaux "Le Cagnard" in Cagnes sur Mer. He then joined La Coupole restaurant in the Mirabeau Hotel in Monte Carlo where he obtained his first Michelin star in 2006.

In 2007, he became Executive Chef of the famous Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, where he remained for ten years and where he also obtained the prestigious guide’s seal of approval in 2008.

Prior to joining Glion Institute of Higher Education, he held the position of Executive Chef at the Fairmont hotel in Monaco, which he joined in February 2018. There he managed a Brigade de Cuisine of 110 people and supervised all the catering outlets.

In parallel to his operational functions within this prestigious establishments, Mr. Aniès has always had a taste for transmission, which is at the heart of the values of the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France.

He has worked as a trainer in many institutions including the Lycée Régional d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme Paul AUGIER in Nice, the Ecole Supérieure de Cuisine Grégoire Ferrandi, the École des Chefs and the Fondation Auguste Escoffier.

He will join Glion on March 29th, replacing Benoît Carcénat who, during his four-year mandate, created the two beautiful restaurants, "Le Fresh" and "Le Bellevue", which are highly appreciated by both students and external clients.

In particular, he made a major contribution to the gastronomic restaurant "Le Bellevue" by obtaining a 15 out of 20 Gault & Millau score in 2018 only a few months after its opening. The student-run establishment is now rated 16 out of 20 by the gastronomic guide, which classifies it as "unquestionably one of the most beautiful restaurants in the country", underlining the "wildly elegant modern" décor.

Didier Aniès will be in charge of these two restaurants while overseeing production for the various two Swiss campus facilities: cafeterias, food courts and boutique.  Aniès will also be involved in the Bachelor in International Hospitality Business program and in themed Masterclasses which will allow this expert emeritus to share his knowledge and experience with students on a daily basis.

"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Aniès, whose unique dual background in both cooking and training will be invaluable and inspiring for our students," said Fabien Fresnel, Chief Operating Officer of Sommet Education.

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida opens Korean Grocery store

The Seela Mart will offer popular Korean food and grocery items, while it will also serve locally-manufactured products on their shelves like Korean snacks, sauces and spices.

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has opened its gates for one of the most authentic Korean grocery and food stores – The Seela Mart within its shopping arcade.

The Seela Mart will offer the popular Korean food and grocery items, while it will also serve locally-manufactured products on their shelves like Korean snacks, sauces and spices.

Expressing gratitude towards the newly opened venture, Ashwani Nayar, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, stated, “We are proud to open Seela Mart in our hotel that will serve as an expansion to the hotel’s shopping arcade. Available to all our guests, the mart will add to our efforts of making Crowne Plaza Greater Noida a Korean friendly facility enabling people to experience Korean culture through food and other authentic items.”

Commenting on the opening of Seela Mart at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Euy Don Park Ph. D, Managing Director, Seela Infratech Pvt Ltd said, “The Mart will cater to the increasing Korean community in Delhi NCR region, especially in Greater Noida. For Indians who would want to experience and explore Korean food and ingredients, the mart will be a gem serving East-Asian gourmet delicacies.”

The Seela Mart at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida will be a home to several Korean specialties including frozen as well as ready-to-cook food items, snacks, pastes and powders and much more.

Store Timings: 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Closed on: Monday

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Mental Wellness Initiative @ Ramada Plaza Chennai

International Women’s day celebration at Ramada Plaza Chennai Guindy.

Sandeep Bhatnagar Ramada Plaza Chennai & SRM Hotels

Glad to have prominent psychiatrist Gayathri ji speak about Mental wellness and Emcee Sabreena for the funfilled evening for our lady associates.

Ramada Plaza Chennai

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Hyatt Ahemdabad Promotes Small Local Business-Hyatt Loves Local

Visit Maldives | Collaborates with Photographer representing national geographic Russia

In the efforts to maintain destination presence and promote the Maldives in the Russian market, Visit Maldives invited a renowned photographer representing National Geographic Russia to showcase the destination through a physical photo exhibition to be held in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia during the summer.

The exhibition will promote the Maldives as a safe haven for travelers and highlight the unique geographical formation of Maldives along with a variety of activities and cultural elements through the lens of photographer Ivan Dementievsky.. The photographer will travel within the Maldives from 18th March until 29th March 2021.

Diamonds Athuruga Beach and Water Villas, W Maldives, Plumeria Maldives, White Lagoon Fehendhoo and the liveaboard Scuba Spa will host the photographer during their 2 week stay in the Maldives. The photographer will have the opportunity to experience and capture several experiences offered in the Maldives such as sunset cruises in a traditional dhoani, swimming with dolphins, shipwreck visits, water sports activities, and etc. In addition, the photographer will experience exciting and unique cultural activities specific to Maldives. This includes cooking traditional Maldivian meals, big game fishing, local island experiences, and traditional activities such as Boduberu and Dhandi Jehun are some of the many activities that photographers will experience during their stay in Maldives.

During the trip, the photographer will capture 50 photos in total of which 32 photos will be used for the exhibition in Moscow, while 16 out of the 32 photos will be used in the exhibition in St. Petersburg. The remaining photos will be used to promote the exhibition prior to the beginning of the exhibition. National Geographic will also feature 26 images on the website as a virtual exhibition.

Visit Maldives aims to promote and highlight the culture, traditions, heritage and the local island experience of Maldives. Several initiatives are underway to market the destination in Russia. In this regard, high impact campaigns on both offline and online platforms are in the pipeline for the market with several more collaborations with media and key stakeholders in the market.

Furthermore, high impact campaigns such as media familiarization trips have been conducted earlier this year, with more planned for the upcoming months. In addition, Visit Maldives is conducting a global campaign targeting Russia in collaboration with Expedia. The collaboration with Expedia is one of the many impactful global campaigns planned for the year. Visit Maldives is currently carrying an educational and training programme targeted to the Russian travel trade with Association of Tour Operators in Russia (ATOR).

Russia is the second largest source market to the Maldives as of now welcoming over 84,289 arrivals since reopening. It is estimated that the marketing campaigns and activities undertaken in Russia will increase the total amount of Russian travelers arriving in the Maldives in the upcoming months.

Maldives reopened its borders for tourists of all nationalities on 15th July 2020, with rigorous procedures in place to ensure the safety of tourists and tourism workers. Tourists are required to fill an online health declaration form within 24 hours prior to their departure, as well as have a negative PCR test result, conducted 96 hours prior to their departure.

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Tourism industry should be treated as a “Common Agenda”: HAI

Indian tourism and hospitality industry is going through a bleak phase despite the resilient and brave front by hotel players. The constant pummelling from the pandemic has led to losses exceeding Rs. 1.25 trillion (40%) in revenue and 50 million jobs across the sector.

While travel is still discretionary, for many people it is a necessity. In order to deal with the unprecedented crisis, there is a dire need to develop innovative strategies.

On behalf of the industry during the recent BITB conclave attended by 150 delegates and senior leaders from Travel & Tourism industry, the Hotel Association of India (HAI) called upon industry stakeholders to treat Tourism as a “Common Agenda” and also highlighted the need to make tourism viable, sustainable, accessible and affordable for all.

The apex industry body also suggested that the private sector and state governments should work together to usher the revival of the tourism sector and put it back on the track of recovery. HAI believes that the industry requires integrated and focussed efforts to ease domestic travel.

According to HAI, the ongoing crisis is posing to be an opportunity to plan a better future with people,
society and community being at the centre of future growth.

Some of the key initiatives that can be undertaken to catapult the industry into exponential growth are:

• Revisiting the current funding structure

• Providing institutional access to working capital which will enable liquidity and defer loans

• Repayment for all segments

• Additional taxation relief to promote tourism

• Improve the pace of vaccination for speedy recovery

• Encourage education and wellness tourism

• Creating experiences

• Allow Tourism to form and lay down its own rules

• Integrated taxation policy

“One of the biggest pillars of Indian tourism is its heritage. Today, more than 90% of the country’s heritage is in urgent need of revitalization. Its conservation is important for identifying, analysing, recording and protecting cultural resources. It is also an important tool for defining the landmark within the heritage area as well as to generate economic return and support the tourism industry. It not only preserves our historical legacy from further degradation but also strengthens the essence of the country’s rich past. Travel is not just about a destination; the journey is equally important. Attention to this will enhance tourism business," KB Kachru, Vice President, Hotel Association of India and Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor-South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

The association believes that granting industry status to the Indian hospitality sector will enable hotels across the country to avail benefits towards power tariff at an industrial rate, lower property tax, investment subsidies & tax holidays, refinancing of existing debts, hassle-Free loans at subsidised interest rates, simplified approval process for hotel projects and other benefits accorded to industries – thus helping in ushering transparency, reduce costs, and encourage reinvestment.

“This will also help strengthen the sector to unlock its potential and generate employment to support the post-pandemic economic revival”, Kachru added while speaking at the BITB conclave.

The apex body has also requested for measures like uniform road tax structure, reinstatement of scheduled flights, restarting of E-Visas, promotion of cruise tourism, creation of additional destinations for domestic travellers and development of infrastructure support in taxation so that the industry can evolve from business slump. Analytical transformation through efficient coordination of marketing budgets, sector promotions and last mile connectivity will ensure sustainable revival for the travel and hospitality sector.

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IHCL introduces bottling plants across its hotels in India, Maldives & Sri Lanka

The initiative to replace all plastic water bottles from the hotels with reusable glass water bottles, bottled with treated water, will avoid the use of 6 million plastic bottles per year.

Further to its commitment of phasing out single-use plastics from across its hotels, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company, reinforces its commitment towards sustainable business practices with the introduction of bottling plants across its hotels in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai in India and in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The initiative to replace all plastic water bottles from the hotels with reusable glass water bottles, bottled with treated water, will avoid the use of 6 million plastic bottles per year.  

In line with its commitment to safeguard the environment, IHCL, in 2018, announced the elimination of plastic straws from all its hotels, replacing them with paper and bamboo straws. It has taken additional measures to reduce the usage of single use plastics, including replacing plastic-wrapped dry amenities with eco-friendly substitutes.

IHCL is also credited with the introduction of the country’s first ever ‘Zero Single-Use Plastic Hotel’ – Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Andamans. With focus on sustainability to preserve the fragile ecosystem of the island, 72 beach villas at the resort have been constructed without felling a single tree, and the resort has an onsite bottling plant, a waste disposal system that converts wet waste to gas and compost, and a sanitation treatment plant to limit its carbon footprint.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji's Holi staycation package assures an experiential getaway

This staycation provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, along with curated destination experience and bespoke hospitality.

Take your festive celebrations a notch higher by indulging in the much-deserved staycation break at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa – Panaji.

For the upcoming long Holi weekend, the hotel is offering discerning travelers and family ways to satisfy wanderlust with the enticing experience package “Great Small Breaks”. This staycation provides a perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature, along with a curated destination experience and bespoke hospitality.

Starting from INR 6500+ taxes, the offer includes daily breakfast and dinner for two at Comida restaurant, complimentary stay and breakfast for up to two children below 12 yrs, signature tour to the Island of Divar to experience Goa or Goan Culinary Master, class. Also, guests can earn points for free stays at all Hilton hotels around the world.

Besides, guests can indulge in the delectable ‘Holi Brunch’ at the property on Sunday, 28th March.

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Video Lesson | Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | How to hold service gear By Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh

Brief About the Vlogger

Dr. Hemant Kumar Singh is an accomplished Trainer and administrator with over 21 years’

of experience in the field of Hospitality. His research work has published in various national & international journals. During his 20 year-long career, he has organized and attended a number of national & international conferences, seminars, workshops, FDPs, MDPs. He is a trained Online Educator certified by American Hospitality Academy.

Appointment | Reema Diwan joins Accor as Director Design and Technical Services

Diwan will lead the planning, design and construction of projects under Accor and will be responsible for designing high-impact guest experiences.

Accor India & South Asia has announced the appointment of Reema Diwan as Director Design and Technical Services, effective from 10 March 2021.

With an extensive background in Hospitality design and a futuristic technical expertise, Diwan will lead the planning, design and construction of projects under Accor and will be responsible for designing high-impact guest experiences.

Diwan has played an important role in crafting immersive experiences for customers and guests alike by reimagining brand landscape for some award-winning hotel projects in the past.  She is a strategic thinker and passionate about storytelling, and design narratives while having the ability to motivate and work within teams. Her forte is putting together an integrated, 360-degree approach to hospitality and the ability to craft high impact design led hotels that leave an everlasting guest experience.

Congratulating Reema Diwan on her appointment, Puneet Dhawan, Senior VP Operations, India and South Asia said “With over 20 years of rich experience in design and previous accomplishments of delivering many award-winning hotels, Reema will drive Accor’s commitment to offer the best experience to our guests and owners. Having worked with diversified hospitality brands, she brings strong domain knowledge, and we are confident that her expertise and approach to hospitality along with her enthusiastic outlook towards each project will enhance our positioning in the industry.”

On her appointment, Reema Diwan, Director Design and Technical Services, India & South Asia said “Accor is a trusted name with exceptional hotels worldwide and I am truly delighted to join the family. It will be my endeavour to work collaboratively to achieve even higher levels of hospitality by crafting immersive guest experience through brand touchpoints. I look forward to adding design led hotels that express their own unique language and experience under the Accor umbrella.”

In the past, Diwan has been associated with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, where she was instrumental in crafting brand identity and conceptualizing various brands under the IHCL portfolio. She was the driving force behind several award-winning projects.

Diwan holds a degree in design and in her spare time, she likes to travel, innovate and explore emerging trends that form the basis for her design inspiration.

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