NEWS | Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to strengthen its presence across EMEA

The company expanded its brands to new markets and completed several key openings across EMEA in the first quarter of this year and plans to open more than 20 additional hotels in 2021 including five located in the Indian subcontinent.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to cement its presence across Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA) with a series of recent hotel launches and a strong line-up of openings for 2021.

The company expanded its brands to new markets and completed several key openings across EMEA in the first quarter of this year and plans to open more than 20 additional hotels in 2021 including five located in the Indian subcontinent.

In a year of historic challenges for the travel industry, in 2020 Wyndham achieved 38 new hotel signings in the region, a host of important openings, in addition to launching multi-faceted initiatives to support and empower hotel partners across EMEA to help re-build demand in response to changes and on-going travel restrictions.

Some of Wyndham’s key 2020 openings included the European expansion of Ramada by Wyndham in Madrid, Valencia, Leeds, Budapest and other openings in Germany. 2020, also marked a significant year for the Indian subcontinent, with milestones including the debut of the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand as well as continued growth of the Ramada brand.

Other highlights included the expansion of La Quinta by Wyndham in Turkey, and the debut of the Super 8 by Wyndham brand in the UAE.

In late 2020, Wyndham also opened its first hotel in Nepal under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand, and expanded in India with the addition of Wyndham Ahmedabad Shela.

Solid growth continued in 2021, as Wyndham announced the debut of the La Quinta brand in Dubai and saw further momentum in Turkey with the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Izmir Aliaga, while also expanding its Dolce brand with a new flagship hotel in Copenhagen.

Wyndham’s recent expansion in EMEA reinforces its commitment to its partners, guests and team members across the region and is set to continue with a strong development pipeline of over 16,000 rooms that includes more than 20 new hotels expected to open later this year. 

Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are extremely proud of these achievements, initiatives and the incredible resilience shown by our hotel partners in the region. In the toughest period our industry has ever experienced, it is more important than ever to put our partners, guests and teams at the heart of everything we do. Our ability to continue to grow is a testament to the strength of the value proposition of the Wyndham brands for hotel partners as they prepare to rebuild demand, and we are looking forward to our continued and long-term success together.”

Some of the upcoming openings in 2021 will include:

• Further development in India with the openings of Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Deorali Hotel & Casino in April and Ramada Varanasi Katesar later in 2021.

• The debut of the Wyndham’s namesake brand in Cyprus with the highly anticipated opening of the upscale Wyndham Nicosia expected around the end of the year. The hotel will offer elegant accommodation in Nicosia’s main square, alongside several leisure amenities and conference space.

• Further momentum in Turkey where Wyndham is the largest international hotel group with over 80 hotels and seven new properties expected to open in 2021, including the debut of the Days Inn by Wyndham brand with two openings in Istanbul.

• Brand expansion in the Middle East with the opening of the first Days Inn by Wyndham in the UAE in the second half of 2021, which will bring more economy accommodation options to travellers visiting the charming Deira district in Dubai, as well as the opening of a new Wyndham Grand hotel in Doha, Qatar.

• Further growth in Europe includes the launch of the Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotels with a stylish hotel in central Brussels and more upcoming Trademark openings in Budapest and Dusseldorf later in 2021. Expansion of the Ramada by Wyndham brand in Romania, with two additional openings in Targu Jiu and Slatina.

• Additional openings of Wyndham Garden Burabay (Kazakhstan), Ramada Encore by Wyndham Tashkent (Uzbekistan). A Ramada by Wyndham will also open in Georgia’s capital Tbilisi.

In 2020 Wyndham Hotels & Resorts launched a new hybrid meeting solution in EMEA combining live-streaming and in-person participation to encourage attendance when faced with restrictions on meeting sizes and travel. Wyndham also introduced support for business travelers with reduced corporate rates for small to mid-size businesses through the Wyndham Easy Book, and a new Wyndham Mobile App offering personalized experiences and responding to new user’s needs in real-time

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NEWS | Abu Dhabi cancels all permits for Ramadan tents

Abu Dhabi has cancelled all permits for Ramadan tents. The tents used to distribute iftar meals have been banned in order to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport issued a statement that the move was in line with The National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority. The safety protocols have been put in place to protect the public’s health.

The tents are traditionally a way for people to come together and break their fast during Ramadan but have been banned in other areas of the UAE including Sharjah, Dubai and Ajman. In-person activities have also been canceled in other emirates.

Ramadan begins on April 12, depending on the UAE’s Moon Sighting Committee. This is the second Ramadan to take place during the Covid-19 pandemic and with restrictions that prevent gatherings. Mosques are closed immediately after prayers and religious meetings in the mosques are canceled.

The latest Ramadan rules prohibit restaurants from distributing charitable iftar meals inside or in front of their premises. The delivery of meals is allowed to labor housing complexes via direct coordination with the management of labor housing in each region, taking social distancing into account.

The public has also been warned that it should not create or build iftar tents. Those interested in sharing meals in public places must coordinate with charities, while donations and zakat must be done electronically.

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Appointment | Mandar V. Bhitale joins Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu as Marketing Head

In his new role, he will be responsible for Marketing Communications & Brand functions for all hotel amenities and facilities

Mandar V. Bhitale has joined Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu - a Unit of Ramee Group of Hotels (India) as its Marketing Head.

In his new role, he will be responsible for Marketing Communications & Brand functions for all hotel amenities and facilities. Bhitale will also be at the helm of crafting strategies for the hotel's marketing teams, including digital, advertising, communications, and creative.

Bhitale started his hotel career in 2018 with Ramee Group of Hotels, Mumbai as Marketing Manager. In the year 2019, he moved on to Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC (Radisson Hotel Group) as Marketing & Communication Manager.

He has also handled business development, marketing & communication portfolios during his stint with Alford Group.

Bhitale's unwavering passion for hospitality has won him numerous recognitions. He was recognized with Certificate of Excellence - for creating memorable moments and establishing an excellence-driven culture at Radisson Mumbai Andheri MIDC in 2021. Last year he was also awarded with Every Moment Matters Award (EMM) as an Ambassador of RHG Cultural Belief.

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Indian travellers ready to adopt ‘digital health passports’ to restart travel

93% of respondents would be comfortable using a digital health passport for future travel

As governments and the travel industry explore the benefits of digital health passports, the message from Indian travelers is clear: digital health passports can be a vital tool in opening up travel once again.

The study found that 93% of Indian travelers would be comfortable using a digital health passport for future trips, as the appetite to travel remains high with nearly half (47%) expressing their interest in booking international travel within six weeks once the restrictions are lifted.

The study further revealed that over the past three quarters, 79% of Indian travelers would be willing to store their travel health data electronically if it meant it will enable them to travel sooner, and if it enabled them to pass through the airport faster with less face-to-face interactions with others.

The international study that included over 1,000 respondents from India, indicates that there is enough incentive for authorities and businesses to accelerate plans for digital health passports.  In fact, 57% stated that they would be happy for a digital health passport to become the norm.

Despite an overwhelming response to digital health passports, when queried further, there are concerns about security and privacy such as:

• 34% of respondents are worried about data security risks with their personal information being hacked,

• 28% of respondents are concerned about lack of transparency and control over how and where their data will be shared.

• Surprisingly, the highest scepticism around digital health passports was reported among Gen Z, with 12% saying that they would not be comfortable using a digital health passport under any circumstances.

• The travel industry needs to consider and explore the checks and balances to ease privacy concerns and build traveler confidence in digital health passports, to which the survey found that:

• Over half of Indian travelers (53%) would be comfortable using a digital passport if it was accepted by most countries and was regulated as per international standards,

• 8 out of 10 (80%) would be more likely to store health data on a secured app where a travel provider has partnered with a trusted healthcare provider.

Even though receptiveness to sharing data is high, when asked about the technologies that would increase confidence in travel in the next 12 months, mobile solutions were highlighted as a popular option, with suggestions that include:

• Mobile applications that provide on-trip notifications and alerts (51%)

• Contactless mobile payments (49%)

• Facial recognition technology (48%)

• Boarding pass on mobile (47%)

Mani Ganeshan, Head of R&D, APAC, Amadeus, says, “As businesses navigate out of the global pandemic, the future of travel looks optimistic.  This study offers a clear roadmap for the industry, by acknowledging the appetite for technologies that can address the concerns of travellers, whether it is better access to information or reducing physical proximity. Innovations such as digital health passports can catalyse both traveller confidence and the opening of international borders once again. With the world racing towards digital transformation unlike ever before, sophisticated travel-friendly apps will help build the much-needed confidence for travellers both worldwide and in India.”

Christophe Bousquet, CTO, Amadeus, comments, “This study reinforces the key role that technology will play in rebuilding travel. We’ve seen a shift since our last survey, as travellers now place more focus on mobile and touchless technology, crucial areas that will clearly strengthen traveller confidence. It’s also very relevant to see that travelers are open to digital health passports and sharing their data as they move through the journey, once the right safeguards are in place. At Amadeus, we’re committed to rebuilding a better industry, together with our customers and partners.”

To gather more insights into how the travel industry can rebuild, Amadeus, a global leader in travel technology, commissioned research to learn more about travelers top concerns around digital health data, their comfort levels with sharing and storing their data, and the solutions that may help to alleviate their concerns for future travel.

The research is the second in a series of traveler surveys, where Amadeus takes a regular checkpoint on traveler sentiment and concerns to help the industry rebuild travel in the most effective way. The 2020 Rethink Travel survey revealed how technology can help to increase traveler confidence and Amadeus revisited this question to see how traveler confidence has changed since September 2020. 91% of travelers globally now say that technology will increase their confidence to travel, an increase from 84% in September 2020.

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Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts as Managing Director of IMEA region

Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as Senior Advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the appointment of Haitham Mattar as Managing Director of India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA), effective 18 April 2021.

In his new role with IHG, Haitham Mattar will take on a broad leadership agenda to drive IHG’s business in the Middle East, Africa and the South West Asia region, covering both development and operations responsibilities across a portfolio of 165 operational hotels and a strong pipeline of over 100 properties, representing IHG’s brands across luxury and lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites collections.

Haitham Mattar is a well-known industry veteran in the IMEA region, with over 25 years of experience in hospitality and tourism and an outstanding network across the industry.

Haitham Mattar joins IHG Hotels & Resorts from the Saudi Ministry of Tourism where, as Senior Advisor and a member of the Executive Leadership Committee, he contributed to the development and implementation of Saudi’s sustainable tourism strategy to become one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

Before then, Haitham spent four years as CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, reporting to His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah.

Guided by His Highness’ vision, Haitham was responsible for developing and implementing the first ever tourism strategy to position Ras Al Khaimah as a global adventure tourism destination, connecting the world to the emirates’ natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 

Haitham previously spent 11 years at IHG Hotels & Resorts from 2000 to 2011 in various operations, commercial and sales & marketing positions based in IMEA.

In his new role, Haitham will be based in IHG’s Dubai office and will report to Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Africa (EMEAA). 

Commenting on the announcement, Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa, IHG said: “I am very pleased to welcome Haitham back to IHG and lead our business in IMEA at such a crucial time for the travel and tourism industry. Haitham has a wealth of experience within the sector and has been at the forefront of several important strategic initiatives in the region over the last decade. I am confident that his knowledge, diverse experience, along with cross-continent and local expertise will be invaluable, as we look to continue driving our recovery”

Haitham Mattar said: “I am delighted to join the IHG family once again and have an opportunity to lead such a diverse region with enormous potential. The tourism and hospitality landscape in IMEA has transformed significantly in recent years, providing us with a tremendous opportunity to offer world-class hospitality options to both domestic and international travelers. Building on IHG’s strong performance track record and growth plans, I look forward to working with the team, as well as our partners, as we look ahead to the next chapter of travel in the region.”

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Visit Maldives | BAA ATOLL BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Baa Atoll located in the central region of the atoll chain that form the Maldives is considered globally significant in terms of its biodiversity. The atoll covers an area of over 139,000 hectares...

Baa Atoll located in the central region of the atoll chain that forms the Maldives is considered globally significant in terms of its biodiversity. The atoll covers an area of over 139,000 hectares and is situated just north of the Kaashidhoo channel that geographically separates the northern chain of atolls from the central chain. Baa atoll consists of several habitats that support the rich biodiversity of the atoll and includes coral reefs, islands, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

Coral reefs are the most important habitat type in terms of area as well as biodiversity and is home to a high diversity of reef species, which includes 1,200 reef-associated marine species, 250 species of stony and soft corals, and populations of marine turtles, manta rays, whale sharks and seabirds. These also include threatened and endangered species such as the green turtle, hawksbill turtle, Napoleon wrasses, and tawny nurse shark.

The reserve consists of nine core areas in which extraction of any kind is prohibited. The areas are highly protected and are conferred the highest levels of conservation. They have clearly defined management areas that have a high ecological significance in terms of marine and terrestrial biodiversity. The limited activities permitted within the boundaries of these areas are monitored through stringent management systems, codes of conduct, and due diligence from all users. Anchoring of any boat, unless in emergencies is prohibited in these areas.

Around the Core, Areas are buffer zones that are also managed and monitored. Here non-damaging, non-extractive uses are allowed. Core areas and the buffer zones are enveloped by transitional areas, which cover the whole of Baa Atoll. Sustainable activities are permitted in transitional areas.

Hanifaru Bay is the highlight when it comes to Baa Atoll’s biodiversity, attracting large numbers of visitors every year. This tiny Bay located on the eastern flank of the atoll has seen some of the largest gatherings of manta rays anywhere in the world. Up to a hundred of these gentle giants are seen in a single congregation, gliding through the waters to feed as the tide pushes abundant plankton into the bay.

Getting There

There are several daily flights from Velana International Airport to Dharavandhoo Airport offering convenient connections to international flights. The flight time to Dharvandhoo is approximately twenty minutes.

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New Opening | Three new openings from Tree of Life Resorts in April-May 2021

Himmat Anand, the founder of Tree of Life is excited about the new properties with a hot summer ahead of us.

The Tree of Life Resorts have a very packed schedule for April and May with two of their new properties about to come online. Himmat Anand, Founder of the company spoke to ETHospitalityWorld about his new openings and the prospect of the second wave of infections.

“There are two launches happening both in the Corbett area—one we had signed last year called the Tree of Life Homestead, which is between Kashipur and Ramnagar, so not really Corbett, but it's in the district. It's a very interesting property which has just 12 rooms set in 160 acres of an estate with amazing trees and its own six-hole golf course it's got a small airstrip, it's got ATV machines, it's got the most amazing observatory, its got a hammam and spa, an ideal getaway,” Anand said adding that the pandemic had delayed the opening by a year, and now this property would open on May 1.

The rooms were going to be around INR 6,000 per night with breakfast, he added. Anand was also opening a Dog Story—his pet-centric getaway brand, The Dog Story Corbett Country, at the same location.

The second property scheduled to launch is the Tree of Life VanVilas River Edge, Corbett National Park which they had signed recently.

“This property is more inside Corbett and has only six rooms—two are actually built in a Kumaoni home, made of stone which is probably 100 years old and four rooms are built in the extension. The advantage of this property it’s on the banks of a river behind which is the full forest,” he said adding that they were 12 kilometers from the Bijrani Gate and eight kilometers from the Sitamani buffer zone.

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Leisure Hotels Group announces special Chardham Yatra package

Leisure Hotels Group, the largest experiential Hotel chain in Uttarakhand and pioneers of spiritual and pilgrimage travel to the Char Dham (Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath) has resumed its operations for Chardham Yatra for the year 2021 by offering special Yatra Packages to explore Char Dham for pilgrims this year including ‘Heli Chardham Yatra Package’ and ‘Personalized Yatra Package by Road’.

Nestled amidst the mighty, blue-green, snow-capped Himalayan peaks in Uttarakhand, Char Dham comprises of the four sacred Hindu sites –Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.

The yatra shall begin at Rishikesh; followed by Barkot; Harsil, Guptakashi, Joshimath and concludes at Rishikesh. These locations are well-connected to shrines.

The Chardham camps offers a luxurious experience not only to pilgrims on a pious pilgrimage to the sacred shrines, but also to explore the rich landscapes of Uttarakhand through the group camps situated in the natural beauty, which makes for a perfect holiday with friends and family. These special pilgrimage packages include Multi-cuisine meals, Kedarnath Darshan By Helicopter, Escorted visits to Shrines/ Temples, Complimentary Wi-fi in Camps and much more.

While making the announcement, Shahzad Aslam, Head of Sales, Leisure Hotels Group said, “Last year, the Chardham Yatra was halted because of Covid-19 pandemic. Subsequently, our operations were discontinued. With the State Govt opening Shrines for pilgrims, we have resumed our operations for the yatra ensuring the highest standards of Covid-19 safety protocols. The group takes a special initiative to organize "Maharaj" during Chardham Yatra offering our customers regional cuisines such as Gujarati, South Indian and other local cuisines. From conducting evening Artis, to arranging visits to exploring the local folk culture of the region, we go that extra mile in fixing the pilgrims complete itinerary to make their spiritual journey beautiful”.

Starting at INR 44,000/ per person the special Chardham Package includes accommodation in spacious thatched-roof cottages for 8 nights/ 9 days, meals as per plan, evening hi-teas, escorted visits to shrines/ temples, yoga sessions every morning, evening local aarti, assistance in sightseeing to nearby areas, wi-fi services at all their camps, and more.

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Appointment | The Roseate Ganges appoints Deepak Singh Rana as Executive Chef

Chef Rana is an enterprising person and constantly works toward honing his skills and learning innovative methods.

The Roseate Ganges, Rishikesh has announced the appointment of Deepak Singh Rana as Executive Chef. With over 16 years of experience across the Indian and global subcontinents, Rana has worked with leading brands like Vana Wellness Retreat Dehradun, Hilton in Bangalore, Carnival Cruise Line, Miami, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and many more.

His forte lies in wellness cuisine using select organic ingredients which is in alignment with The Roseate Ganges’ mantra of farm to fork in the lap of nature.

Rana's passion for culinary and his global exposure have helped him excel in his career. He is well-versed in advanced culinary techniques like Molecular Gastronomy and mastery over health and wellness meal curation taking inspiration from the world of Ayurveda which has medicinal and healing properties.

Chef Rana is an enterprising person and constantly works toward honing his skills and learning innovative methods. He has been recognized for his achievements in the culinary industry for the opening of Bloomsbury’s Boutique Café & Bake, headed earlier by Michelin Star Chef Atul Kochhar and Hygiene Excellence Award. He is also a certified internal auditor for Food Safety Management System (ISO 22000-2005 Standard) by Bureau Veritas.

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Essential Skills For Food and Beverage Personnel | Basic Restaurant Tools-part 1 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.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts opened the highest number of properties in India in 2020,' says HVS Anarock India

The company retained its numero uno position for the second consecutive year in terms of number of properties opening

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has opened the highest number of properties in India in 2020, a report recently published by HVS Anarock titled ‘Indian Hospitality Overview 2020’ said.

The company retained its numero uno position for the second consecutive year in terms of number of properties opening. The hotel group is a member of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global.

In terms of number of keys opened The Fern Hotels & Resorts stood at no 3 position. IHCL opened the maximum number of hotel keys in 2020 followed by Wyndham hotels in the second position. Overall “the industry set a record with the opening of 4,537 branded keys”, it added.

The top five companies in terms of number of keys were IHCL, Wyndham, The Fern Hotels & Resorts and Sarovar Hotels.

The report mentions that mid-segment hotels emerged as market leaders in the industry in regards to the number of properties signed in 2020. In terms of keys, midscale hotels is the most preferred segment in the country, accounting for 41 per cent of the total signings in by keys in 2020, followed by upscale (37 per cent of total signings), economy (11 per cent of total signings) and luxury (11 per cent of total signings).

Reacting to the findings of the reports, Suhail Kannampilly, CEO, Concept Hospitality said “It brings us a great deal of pride and satisfaction to have been positioned as the top player in terms of number of properties opened by us. This is a sheer example of our commitment towards the Indian market and we are in full steam ahead to make our presence more astute.”

The company has started 2021 with a bang and has already opened six new properties foraying into locations like Daman, Jabalpur, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Kevadia, and Mussoorie. The company is all set to open 13 properties by the end of the current year. This will take their existing number to 87 hotels. In terms of a number of keys, they are likely to add 1156 keys which will take their overall key number to 5217 keys.

Expressing his thoughts on this milestone, Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global, said, “This is a pivotal turn to our story in India where we have been constantly engaging, hustling and harping on the many opportunities it offers. Even though many disruptions were faced globally and domestically, our vision to grow along the Indian hospitality industry is evident and justified with the conclusion of this illuminating report. Considering this immense potential, we are determined to further expand & grow enormously in the coming future, breathing life into a common goal shared by each and every member of our team.”

Currently, the company is managing 82 Fern, Zinc by The Fern, and Beacon hotels across 67 locations in India, Nepal and Seychelles. The group is at the forefront of responsible hospitality and sustainable tourism.

NEWS | ITC Windsor, Bengaluru, first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon Certification

ITC Hotels, the world’s largest chain of hotels with the maximum number of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum-certified properties, has been accorded yet another distinction by the USGBC (United States Green Building Council), making ITC Windsor, Bengaluru the first hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.

ITC Windsor is powered by its own wind turbine generators and uses innovative energy-efficient technologies such as electrical boiler, induction burners and other renewable energy. The hotel is a stellar example of how hospitality can make a positive global impact by committing to sustainability and achieving net zero carbon status.

Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC said: “The ITC Hotels growth story is a story about sustainability. We strongly believe that any effort to save the planet ultimately equals to saving ourselves. Elevating the role of buildings in mitigating climate-related risks and halting resource depletion is critical in achieving a sustainable and regenerative future for all. At ITC Hotels, we understand the value of going beyond efficiency and have showcased extraordinary sustainability leadership by enhancing the renewable energy footprint, energy efficiency and mitigation of greenhouse gas emission.”

ITC Hotels has pioneered several ground-breaking initiatives on environment, hotel ecosystem, health, and well-being. From LEED platinum rating to being one of the first chains to eliminate single-use plastic-free products, deployment of radiation harmonizers across the chain, farm to fork low carbon footprint cuisine, clean air and more.

“At USGBC we believe net zero is a powerful target that will move the entire industry forward. It influences the rest of the industry to aim even higher and achieving LEED Zero certification demonstrates these goals are attainable,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC. "Given the climate-related risks we are facing and the central role buildings play in climate mitigation, ITC Windsor’s LEED Zero certification for carbon demonstrates visionary leadership because it contributes toward a regenerative future and represents a commitment to making the world a better place. By prioritizing net-zero carbon, ITC Windsor is pioneering a new way forward for the industry as a whole,” he added..

For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for creating high-performance green buildings and spaces and is an internationally recognized symbol of excellence. Building on that work, the US Green Building Council has developed LEED Zero, a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net zero goals. LEED Zero represents a new level of achievement in green building that is not just attainable but is the goal of LEED-certified projects around the world.

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IHG Hotels Ushering in the new era of Indian weddings with IHG Hotels & Resorts

IHG Hotels & Resorts is making “beautiful wedding” dreams come true with a special offer bundle to help couples make the most of this momentous occasion in their lives when they are ready to say “I do”

Elaborate events have long been a cornerstone of the wedding industry in India, guests and wedding planners alike have worked hard to up the wow factor with extravagant decorations, sumptuous menus and long guest lists. Under the current circumstances and with health and safety in mind, guests have been taking a less traditional approach. Families and couples are now looking at organizing more intimate weddings and special occasions in accordance with the local government guidelines. 

Select IHG® Hotels & Resorts venues across brands including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn hotels in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh have been adapted to create bespoke experiences, making them a perfect match for couples looking to host intimate and beautiful wedding events. IHG Hotels & Resorts’ team of professional event specialists has customized their venues and services to cater to smaller yet glamourous or one-of-a-kind events with a relentless focus on health and safety so guests can leave every worry behind.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has put together a special offer available from 1 March until 30 April 2021, for weddings from 1 May 2021.

• Guaranteed room upgrade to a suite, to make this special occasion even more memorable

• 50,000 IHG Rewards points for the first 100 confirmed weddings, to thank guests for trusting us in delivering a great wedding experience (equivalent to 1 night at InterContinental, 3 nights at Crowne Plaza, 4 nights at Holiday Inn 5 nights at Holiday Inn Express across the globe) 

• Up to a 5% rebate towards total bill, to help save a little bit more to splurge on jewels or the honeymoon

• 2-night stay voucher for 2 people, to reminisce and cherish the fond memories experienced 

• 1 Kg bridal cake with our compliments, to congratulate couples on their new journey together

• 10% off in-room dining/laundry services, to bring some added comfort to the wedding experience With smaller weddings, guests who want to include a larger number of people in their special occasions are finding alternate and innovative solutions to do so. Splitting the invitee list based on the type of ceremony is a popular option - many guests are choosing to invite younger family members or friends for pre-wedding celebrations and the elders for the main wedding event, while others are hosting ‘virtual weddings’, live streaming the ceremony for families and friends based in different parts of the country, and the globe. 

IHG Hotels & Resorts has enhanced the experience for its hotel guests, by redefining cleanliness and supporting guests’ personal wellbeing throughout their event and stay at the hotel. Using new, scientific protocols and service measures, partnering with industry-leading experts Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey, and launching a global IHG Clean Promise, these strengthened measures are giving guests greater confidence and hotel teams the protection needed. 

For all social events, teams across IHG Hotels & Resorts ensure that every touchpoint is sanitized and proper hygiene is maintained across all operations, throughout the event. Hotels are using technology where it can make a difference. This includes deploying enhanced, highly visible and more frequent cleaning measures, and applying new standards and service approaches to food and beverages as well. 

Ingredient Ideology | The Charismatic Chickpeas By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

The Charismatic Chickpeas

It is commonly known as Kabuli Chana in Hindi and garbanzo in Spanish is a well-known high protein belonging to the legume family. They are one of the earliest cultivated legumes and originally found in the middle-east chickpeas have since become popular across the globe.

It is one of the most popular ingredient and included as a part of our regular diets in the Indian sub-continent. Chhole as we fondly call commonly are made in a number of ways in various parts of India, while it is more popular in the north some of my favorites include the aloo tikki chhole chaat, the street side popular and dhaba style chhole kulche especially in Amritsar is out of the world. Besides we also use chickpeas in a number of ways too from dips to salads and even baked dishes and in stews too.

Health Benefits of Chickpeas:

• They are a good source of fiber in our diets.

• Chickpeas boost the immunity in our body.

• They are rich in calcium and iron content.

• Chickpeas are heart healthy food.

• Helps in regulating hormonal changes.

• Provides a healthy glowing skin.

• Is good to have in order to keep blood pressure in control.

• Chickpeas increases satiety value in our body

• They are also considered good for a weight loss diet.

• Chickpeas are an excellent source of vegetarian proteins.

• They are widely used in vegan diets and are energizing as well.

• Chickpeas are very rich in minerals as well and are nourishing for our system.

Culinary Uses of Chickpeas:

• Also known as Kabuli chana it is significant in our Indian cuisine and very popular in our homes when it comes to chhole Chawal or Chhole Kulche or Bhature are an all-time favorite.

• Chana is also very popular to make cutlets, tikkis for snacks and koftas as well in rich creamy gravies.

• Kabuli chane wala pulao, chhole aur makhane ki biryani, chickpea pilaf rice, stir fried rice with chickpeas and greens are also some ways of using it.

• Chickpeas are also used to make dips like the most famous one being hummus from middle-eastern cuisine it is now also modified in several colors and flavors as well but the best one classic taste still remains.

• They are also good to add into salads as they make you feel full and add a good filler value as well into the bowl.

• Using it in the famous Indian Chaats has ever since been a weakness of many of us, the StreetSide stalls, food counters are so very mesmerizing with varieties of chickpeas being used, must try some nice mashed chick pea dahi bhallas for a change from the regulars.

• The Moroccan and Turkish cuisines also boast of chickpeas in their world famous delicacies called tajine with couscous in which chickpeas are a part of the stew in the tajine with meat/chicken and vegetables.

• Chickpeas mashed up spiced and added as a stuffing into a paratha also creates variety in parathas and is a feel good experience too.

• In some of the cuisines we also use them in stir fried forms as well a little olive oil, garlic, mint and some light seasonings toss the boiled chickpeas in it and add a splash of lime juice and a few crushed roasted peanuts have it like a in between meal snack.

• Kabuli chane with palak gravy, methi Lasooni chhole, the famous Bengali puries called loochies also go well with some nice chana masala.

• It is also grounded and its flour form also is useful in a number of recipes from thickening agent to adding binding and also taste and flavor in dough concepts where gluten can’t find its way.

Here are a few recipes with this charismatic ingredient:

Recipe NUTTY CHICKPEA DIP

Ingredients:

• Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup

• Garlic- 1 tsp chop

• Olive oil- 2 tbsp.

• Peanut butter-1 tbsp.

• Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

• Lime juice- 1 tbsp.

• Chilled water- 2 -3 tbsp.

• Tahini paste- 2 tbsp.

• Mint leaves- 8-10 no.

• Paprika powder- ¼ tsp

• Chaat masala powder- ½ tsp

To serve with: crackers/ sticks of vegetables/ grilled skewers of chicken/ cottage cheese.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the dip.

2. In a food processor combine together all the ingredients and adding olive oil and chilled water blend to a smooth paste.

3. Remove into a serving bowl, drizzle little olive oil, sprinkle a little paprika powder, chaat masala powder and few whole boiled chickpeas and some greens for garnish. Serve chilled with varieties as per choice.

Recipe-FUSION CHICKPEA CHAAT

Ingredients:

• Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup

• Boiled groundnuts- ¼ cup

• Blanched moong sprouts-1/2 cup

• For the chaat:

• Onions + tomatoes+ green chilies+ mint + coriander as desired.

• Chaat masala- to taste

• Salt to taste

• Roasted crushed jeera powder-1/4 tsp

• Lime juice- 1 tbsp.

• Imli chutney- 2 tbsp.

• Green mint and coriander chutney- 1 tbsp.

• Mayonnaise- ¼ cup + chili sauce- 1 tsp + tomato ketchup -1 tsp- mix well.

• Fried/roasted peanuts- 2 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the fusion chana chaat.

2. In a mixing bowl combine all the ingredients and toss the chana chaat.

3. Arrange on a serving plate and top with a drizzling of the mayo mixture and serve chilled.

4. As an additional variety add slices of chicken tikka, seekh kababs, boiled eggs, sliced chicken sausages etc.

Recipe- ASIAN CHICKPEA STEW

Ingredients:

• Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup

• Boiled rajma-1/4 cup

• Oil- 1 tbsp.

• Butter-1 tsp

• Bayleaf-2 no

• Peppercorns-4-5

• Garlic- 1 tsp chop

• Onion- 1 med size chop

• Tomato puree-1 cup

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

• Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

• Potato cubes- ½ cup

• Carrots-1/4 cup cubes

• Green peas/ French beans/capsicums/corn as desired.

• Peanut butter- 1 tbsp. mixed with ¼ cup warm water + 1 tsp soy sauce.

• Water/veg stock- 2-3 cups

• Raisins/cashews/almonds- 2 tbsp. 

• Coriander and mint leave- 1 tbsp. chop for garnish.

• For non-veg- chicken cubes/ mutton pieces/ prawns.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the stew.

2. Heat oil and butter and add in the Bayleaf, peppercorns, garlic, and onion and saute for 15-30 seconds.

3. Add in the tomato and all seasonings and herbs, add a little allspice or garam masala powder if desired.

4. Add in the vegetables of our choice and chickpeas and rajma and saute all well add water or stock, allow to simmer for 10-15 mins, finally add in the peanut butter mixture and stir well, cook for 5 mins.

5. Serve hot garnished with greens and serve along with brown rice or assorted pieces of bread.

Recipe MARINATED CHICKPEA AND QUINOA SALAD

Ingredients:

Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup

Cooked quinoa-1/2 cup

For the marination:

• Olive oil-2 tbsp.

• Mustard paste-1/2 tsp

• Chili sauce-1 tsp

• Salt and crushed black pepper to taste

• Herbs like fresh basil/oregano/thyme/parsley- 1 tsp

• Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

• Roasted crushed cumin powder-1/4 tsp

• Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

• White vinegar-1 tsp

• Sugar-1/2 tsp

• To Add to the Salad: sliced chicken sausages/ boiled cubes of eggs/ saute prawns/ cucumber dices/ cherry tomatoes/ cubes of bell peppers/ saute sliced mushrooms/ boiled American corn/ blanched broccoli/Babycorn etc. [ any choice to be used]

• For the base of the salad:

• Iceberg lettuce/ assorted greens for the base of the salad.

For the garnish of the salad:

Feta cheese/ black /green olives/ fresh micro greens/ parsley/ cherry tomatoes/ sunflower seeds/ flaxseeds.

Method:

1. Prepare the ingredients for the salad as listed.

2. Marinate the chickpeas and keep aside for 15-20 mins.

3. Toss the salad with the other choice of ingredients as per the list above and adjust seasonings.

4. Create a base of the leaves on a serving plate or bowl, place the body and garnish appropriately and serve the salad chilled.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai-based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.

NEWS | Mercure Hyderabad KCP celebrates International Transgender Day

Mercure Hyderabad KCP celebrates International Transgender Day

April 5th 2021, Hyderabad: Mercure Hyderabad KCP celebrated International Transgender Day to raise awareness about the discrimination faced by the transgender community. The event started with a warm welcome with a welcome drink by the staff, followed by lunch and conversations. The struggles and fundamental right of dignity and live freely in the society same respect is all that the community wants. Ensuring this creates awareness in the society that we live in was the motive.

The team at, Mercure Hyderabad KCP had lunch with them at Cayenne, and post lunch a session to understand their struggle was conducted, in order to identify the scope of how and where to help them and find equal opportunities for them..The session enlightened the thoughts and learning’s about the diverse beliefs, values, opinions, traditions,s and cultures.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Soumitra Pahari, General Manager, Mercure Hyderabad KCP said “We at Mercure Hyderabad KCP are committed to doing everything within our scope for the betterment of our society. We are delighted to celebrate International Transgender Day at our hotel. This was to celebrate the transgender community and a small step towards gaining equality, rights, and respecting day-to-day life. We all had a wonderful time together and hope this initiative will bring about a change the mindset of the society, by eliminating the discrimination and misconceptions about the transgender community.” 

About Mercure Hyderabad KCP -

Mercure is a rare midscale brand that combines the strength of an international network with genuine and local hospitality experiences. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality ensures a consistent and reliable standard of service at every Mercure around the world, while the design of each hotel reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Going beyond the ordinary for business and leisure travelers, Mercure team members are known for their passion, enthusiasm, and warmth, sharing their knowledge of the local scene, providing insider tips and entertaining guests with tales of history and local folklore. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 810 hotels in 60+ countries.

Mercure is part of Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group offering unique experiences in 5000 hotels and residences across 110 countries.

mercure.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

Hyatt announces plans to expand its brand footprint in India Hyatt will add over 3,600 keys to its existing portfolio of 32 Hyatt-branded hotels across eight distinct brands in the country

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to grow its brand footprint in India – one of Hyatt’s top three growth markets globally – by more than 70% by 2023.

With over 20 executed managed and franchised agreements, Hyatt will add over 3,600 keys to its existing portfolio of 32 Hyatt-branded hotels across eight distinct brands in the country, including Andaz, Alila, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Hyatt Centric and Hyatt Place brands.

This ambitious growth in India is fueled by an ever-increasing demand from guests, World of Hyatt members, customers, and owners to offer unique and differentiated hotel experiences. This announcement signals significant intentional growth plans for Hyatt, bringing the number of Hyatt-branded hotels in India to more than 50 by the end of 2023, resulting in a more diverse portfolio of hotel offerings in new and existing markets.

“Hyatt remains focused on thoughtfully accelerating its brand growth and momentum by transforming the hotel landscape in India with planned openings in some of the most frequented and desirable destinations in the country,” said Dhruva Rathore, Hyatt’s vice president real estate & development, India.

“Hyatt’s pipeline in India reflects a thoughtful growth strategy by expanding into new markets and leisure destinations that are relevant to our guests and customers. We are thrilled to collaborate with a number of new and existing owners to bring these exciting projects to fruition. We are also focused on expanding our independent collection portfolio by teaming up with owners and developers who are eager to leverage our global distribution network and World of Hyatt loyalty program.”

In 2021, Hyatt plans to primarily expand its Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place brands. The Hyatt Regency brand, which continues to drive Hyatt’s brand growth in India, will enter two new markets with Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansoravar and Hyatt Regency Trivandrum. The Hyatt Place brand will enter four new markets with Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Hyatt Place Vadodara and Hyatt Place Bharuch.

“India remains a growth driver for Hyatt, and we are committed to catering to the Indian traveler with a comprehensive portfolio of hotels,” said Sunjae Sharma, Hyatt’s vice president & country head, India.

“Despite the challenges the industry faced last year, Hyatt signed eight new hotels across various brands that will cater to the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The growth of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt Regency brands remain a key priority for India, with nearly 20 hotels under these brands expected to open across India by 2023.”

Hyatt’s growing brand footprint in India will offer a balanced portfolio designed to provide unique and engaging guest experiences, coupled with Hyatt’s deep understanding of the local and global hospitality standards for which it is known. Executed managed and franchise agreements for Hyatt-branded hotels in India that are expected to open through 2023 include:

Grand Hyatt: Guests can experience superior service within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture, inventive restaurants, luxury spas and sophisticated meeting spaces. 

• Grand Hyatt Gurgaon
• Grand Hyatt Jaipur

Hyatt Regency
Hyatt Regency hotels allow guests to transition from work to play, and create their own meaningful connections in modern spaces designed for sharing, socializing and collaborating. Each property boasts spirited restaurants and bars, vibrant event venues, and their trademark atrium lobby setting. 

• Hyatt Regency Jaipur Mansarovar
• Hyatt Regency Trivandrum
• Hyatt Regency Dehradun
• Hyatt Regency Ghaziabad
• Hyatt Regency Udaipur Sisarma
• Hyatt Regency Kochi Malayattoor Resort
• Hyatt Regency Goa Baga
• Hyatt Regency Kasauli
• Hyatt Regency Surat
• Hyatt Regency Jaipur

Hyatt Centric: Hyatt Centric hotels inspire exploration and discovery for savvy, millennial-minded travelers with an adventurous spirit. Offering share-worthy experiences at and around each property, each property connects guests to the heart of the action in each destination, so they never miss a moment of adventure. 

• Hyatt Centric Sector 17 Chandigarh
• Hyatt Centric Lonavala
• Hyatt Centric Electronic City Bangalore

Hyatt Place: Each property is thoughtfully, intuitively designed around guests needs and wants. From the lobby to guestrooms to 24/7 market dining options, Hyatt Place hotels deliver a seamless transition from work to relaxation. 

• Hyatt Place Bodh Gaya
• Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar
• Hyatt Place Vadodara
• Hyatt Place Bharuch
• Hyatt Place Vijayawada
• Hyatt Place Dehradun Rajpur Road
• Hyatt Place Kolhapur Shiroli
• Hyatt Place Tirupati
• Hyatt Place Visakhapatnam Madhurawada

Appointments | Luxury Escapes elevates Arun Ashok to Regional Head India and Middle East

Arun has been with Luxury Escapes for almost five years and has been instrumental in setting up the India operations from scratch

Luxury Escapes has elevated its India Country Manager, Arun Ashok to the position of Regional Head India and the Middle East, in recognition of the growing importance of these markets. In his new role, Arun Ashok will continue to grow the Indian base – Luxury Escapes’ fastest-growing international market while simultaneously exploring strategic growth opportunities in the Middle East, particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia.

“The Middle East is uniquely positioned to bounce back from Covid quicker and stronger than most markets, given their emphasis on regional travel and the aggressive vaccination drive that’s currently being executed across key locations” says Arun. “The advantage with a nimble organization like Luxury Escapes is that we can ramp up our operations in a new market like Saudi Arabia relatively quickly to capitalize on new opportunities while maintaining steady growth in our legacy international markets like India and US.”

Arun has been with Luxury Escapes for almost five years and has been instrumental in setting up the India operations from scratch. Prior to that he’s been associated with blue-chip hospitality brands like Marriott and ITC Hotels and is a Post-graduate from ISB Hyderabad.

Luxury Escapes has close to 4 million discerning members and is owned by Lux Group Limited, a privately-owned business based in Melbourne founded in 2009 by Jeremy Same and Adam Schwab. Launched in India in 2016, Luxury Escapes India has partnered with over 150 resorts in the region, including brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, The Oberoi, Four Seasons and more across the world.

From indulgent resorts to luxurious tours to exotic getaways, Luxury Escapes is a one-stop-shop for all things travel. With some of the best hotel brands in the world as partners, Luxury Escapes promises quality holidays, perfect for everyone: friends, families and couples. The indulgent VIP inclusions transform an average holiday into an extraordinary one. Travelers can expect to be pampered with all-inclusive meals, exclusive spa vouchers, free drinks, airport transfers and more on their Luxury Escape.

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Appointment | ibis appoints key leaders to head its hotels across India

Ajit Jose, Saumitra Chaturvedi, and Sandip Satange, the dynamic leaders to lead three key properties of ibis and Anant Leekha as Cluster General Manager in their new roles

ibis - a smart economy brand from the Accor stable, has recently announced the appointment of Ajit Jose and  Sandip Satange as General Managers of ibis Kolkata Rajarhat and ibis Coimbatore City Centre respectively, Saumitra Chaturvedi as the Deputy General Manager of ibis New Delhi Aerocity, and  Anant Leekha as cluster General Manager of ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli.

Their appointments are a testament to ibis’ belief in strong and dynamic leadership and deliver upon the values ibis stands for. In their new roles, they will head the hotel’s overall management and operations.

Commenting on the new appointments, Sylvain Laroche, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles, India said, “We are proud to announce the appointment of the four dynamic leaders. We are excited to have them on board with us. Ajit, Saumitra, Anant, and Sandip have been contributing to the Accor family for a long time now and we have immense trust in their leadership. They will play a key role in the day-to-day operations as well as the management of our Kolkata, Delhi, Coimbatore, and Mumbai properties. On behalf of the entire team, I extend a warm welcome and congratulate them on their new roles.”

Anant Leekha has been with Accor for 13 years in various roles. He is currently Deputy General Manager at ibis New Delhi Aerocity and in his previous assignment, he led the opening of ibis Pune Hinjewadi and managed the ibis Pune cluster for 2 years.

Commenting on his appointment, Anant Leekha, Cluster General Manager of ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli, said, “I am delighted and honored with the opportunity to be leading ibis Navi Mumbai and ibis Vikhroli – the 20th ibis hotel slated to open in Q3 of 2021. I am excited to have the chance to lead an exceptional team and we will always look for new ways to make our guests’ stay memorable.”

Ajit Jose comes with over 22 years of hospitality experience including 4 years with Accor India. He joined Accor in May 2016 as General Manager of ibis Kochi City Centre and was key to the successful opening and stabilization of the hotel.

Commenting on his appointment, Ajit Jose, General Manager, ibis Kolkata Rajarhat said, “I have been a part of the Accor family for 4 years now. I started my journey with ibis Kochi City Centre and I look forward to working with the ibis Kolkata team and take ibis to greater heights.”

Saumitra Chaturvedi comes with over 18 years of overall hospitality experience including over 5 years with Accor India. He was instrumental in relaunching ibis Jaipur Civil Lines while positioning the property as a go-to leisure destination.

Commenting on his appointment, Saumitra Chaturvedi, Deputy General Manager, ibis New Delhi Aerocity, said, “I have been a part of the Accor family for over 5 years now. As I venture on to expand my roles and responsibilities in New Delhi, I thank the management for believing in my potential. I look forward to contributing to ibis’s culture of greatness and hospitality.”

Sandip Satange joined ibis Coimbatore as Hotel Manager in Feb 2020 and has been successfully handling the property over the last 1 year. He has been redesignated as General Manager of the 129 rooms ibis Coimbatore City Centre recently.

Commenting on his appointment, Sandip Satange, ibis Coimbatore City Centre, said, “I am delighted to have been given this opportunity. Along with my team, I am confident that we will achieve a higher level of hospitality and deliver every guest a personalized experience. Looking forward to a great learning experience.”

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Appointment | Rishi Kumar joins Indore Marriott Hotel as General Manager

He brings with him valuable knowledge from the wide-ranging assignments with prestigious International and Indian Hotel chains.

Indore Marriott Hotel has announced Rishi Kumar’s appointment as General Manager. Known for his exceptional leadership qualities complemented by the diverse work experiences, he brings valuable knowledge from the wide-ranging assignments with prestigious International and Indian Hotel chains.

In his new role, he envisions a stellar roadmap for the hotels’ positioning within the hospitality landscape. He has consistently displayed an incisive business sense along with fostering an environment of innovative thinking for driving revenues and operational excellence in all his assignments. With an outstanding reputation in establishing personal connections with guests and associates alike, his approach to work has always been commendable.

His people-focused approach and participative leadership style have always made the hotel teams proud of their numerous achievements.

An expert hotelier, driven by passion and a deep sense of originality, Rishi Kumar is a demonstrated leader and has worked with some of the world-class hotels in his previous assignments including Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Getaway, Taj Lands’ End Mumbai, and the likes.

Taking charge at Indore Marriott Hotel, Rishi Kumar, General Manager said, “I am very excited to embark on this new journey with Indore Marriott Hotel. I look forward to creating elevated experiences for our guests and taking the Hotel to the next level of success, hand in hand, with this excellent team.”

In his previous role as Director of Operations at Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Getaway, Kumar was spearheading the overall hotel operations and was vigorously involved in designing and planning the hotel’s business development strategy. With his astute business skills, he has always put a benchmark in the areas he has catered to. Marriott International looks forward to witnessing Indore Marriott Hotel reaching new heights under his expert guidance.

Kumar hails from Mumbai where he spent his formative years of education and career. He is a fitness enthusiast and likes to explore new horizons in the food and beverage domain.

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Appointment | Sarovar Hotels and Resorts appoints K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts appoints K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts has appointed K Paul Singh as the new General Manager of Park Plaza, Zirakpur. 

Seasoned hospitality operations professional, Singh comes with more than 20 years of experience in the industry.

Singh’s new role will see him focusing on hotels’ business development and strategy of making it as the preferred destination for business as well as leisure travelers.

Having worked with prominent hospitality brands mainly internationally, Singh commenced his professional journey with Hyatt Regency, Virginia, USA as Restaurant Assistant Manager. Later, he worked extensively in Saudi Arabia, UAE; multiple locations in China; and Bali, Indonesia.

He was most recently the EAM Food and Beverage for Grand Hyatt, Bali Indonesia where he developed and implemented operations strategy, potential business partnership and awarded MICE hotel 2019 by World Travel Awards.

Singh is an alumnus of Hotel Institute Montreux, Switzerland, holds Cornell Certification in Restaurant revenue management and recently finished MBA from British Open University.

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