Appointment | Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas Welcomes Executive Chef Lucas Leonardi Varin

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas announces the arrival of Lucas Leonardi Varin as the resort’s new Executive Chef to lead all food and beverage operations. Brazilian born and hailing from Sao Paulo Lucas brings over a decade of experience in delighting diners, top celebrities and guests from some of the best restaurants and luxury resorts globally including France, the Caribbean, Luxembourg, Australia, Japan, the Maldives and Thailand.

Covid NEWS | Beyond Designs Bistro delivers 120 covid meal per day

While a single meal is priced at INR 249, when all three meals are ordered, the combined price is INR 669. Orders can be placed through Zomato, call, or WhatsApp.

Beyond Designs Bistro has stepped forward to put its resources to use in times of crisis. To help those in need with meals at their doorstep, the brand is preparing 110-120 plates of food per day, where a typical meal comprises dal, roti, rice, paneer, raita, salad, and the vegetable of the day.

Orders for breakfast are to be placed a day before till 9 pm, for lunch, the orders are taken till 10 am on the same day and for dinner, it is till 4pm. Orders can be placed through Zomato, call or WhatsApp. An individual meal is priced at INR 249 and all three meals for a day are priced at INR 669.

“We started on April 19 and till now have successfully served 110-120 meals per day. Overall we have served 3000+ meals,” Neha Gupta, the founder, told ETHospitalityWorld.

Meals are delivered by the restaurant’s in-house riders covering locations in South Delhi and Gurgaon. Distances measured beyond the radius are taken care of via Uber and Wefast. Ensuring no orders are refused, Gupta remains active on social media groups, reaching out to people ensuring deliveries and pickups are made possible.

“To keep the kitchen protected and safe, we sanitize it twice a week. We call the chefs on a rotation basis so that it does not look too crowded. We are following covid appropriate behavior like wearing double masks, gloves and also 90 percent of our meals are delivered by inhouse runners to avoid exposure from outsourced teams. We are delivering food at the doorstep with no contact and we only take contactless payments,” Gupta said, explaining the precautionary measures being taken.

The menu changes daily and is repeated on a weekly basis. For example, if Ghia is served one day, Paneer will be served the next day. Apart from providing Covid meals, normal bistro food is also open for deliveries, she said.
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New Opening | Accor to open Raffles in Palm Jumeirah

Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai.

Accor is opening its first Raffles Resort in the Middle East, on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Set to open in the last quarter of 2021, Raffles the Palm Dubai will be the first ultra-luxury addition to Accor’s existing diverse portfolio in Dubai.

The group is partnering with Emerald Palace group (EGP), which has been successfully developing and constructing residential projects in Ukraine, UAE, and Russia since 1996. At present, EGP has 8 new developments under construction, with a further 10 at the project stage.

"We are pleased to partner with Accor to establish the first Raffles resort in the Middle East. Our international expertise in developing and constructing a hotel and residential projects combined with Accor’s knowledge, presence, and prestigious brand portfolio set the grounds to open the best hotel in town!” mentioned Never Mkhitaryan, Owner of EGP Group.

Raffles The Palm Dubai will be situated within a 100,000 sqm landscape on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the world’s largest man-made island and archipelago. Its privileged location boasts panoramic sea views and vistas of Dubai’s iconic skyline while offering a tranquil and private escape, just a short drive away from the city’s vibrant attractions.

Once open, the resort will offer 389 luxurious rooms, starting from 65sqm, suites and villas, each of them featuring a balcony and terrace showcasing unparalleled sea views. Not only will this new property offer unrivalled hospitality, but it will also go beyond expectations by providing the legendary Raffles butler service and offering eight new unique lifestyle food and beverage experiences.

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INITIATIVE | IIHM join hands with NGOs to set up oxygen support isolation centre in Kolkata

The IIHM family, which includes the students at large, have also been deeply affected by Covid-19.

International Institute of Hotel Managemen (IIHM) has stepped in to do its bit towards community welfare. Compassion is the key word in the Hospitality industry and IIHM is practising just that. Witnessing the widespread desolation and suffering that people are experiencing, IIHM has joined hands with several NGOs to set up a 25 bed Oxygen Support Isolation Centre in New Town, Kolkata to provide basic treatment and Oxygen supply to the needy.

The IIHM family, that includes the students at large, have also been deeply affected by Covid. On 15th May, a student from one of the campuses lost his father to the virus. The family is devastated as the father was the only breadwinner of the family. In this situation, the livelihood of the family is at stake, let alone paying the fees for the boy’s education. In this condition, IIHM extended its hand of support and has waived off all the remaining fees of the student so that he can complete his course.

Suborno Bose, Chief Mentor of IIHM said, “Amidst this mass devastation, we cannot just sit and watch people suffering, but have to come forward and help people in need in whatever way we can. In case of our student, too, we cannot bring back the departed soul, but we can surely try to stand by these families and do our part.”

The institute has circulated a message to everyone, to approach them if they hear of any student currently studying in IIHM, who has lost a parent and who was the earning member of the family, so that the institute can support them in whichever way possible.

The hospitality management institution is truly practicing the values of the hospitality trade by coming forward wherever possible to support people in this pandemic. Not just those who have been ailing, but also to those parents who have suffered job losses due to the pandemic and lockdown, IIHM has also promised to consider fee assistance on a case-to-case basis. Students have been asked to mail to their directors at the campuses with their appeal.

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NEWS | Mexico’s outbound tourism fell 73% in 2020, according to GlobalData

Mexico’s short-term recovery will depend heavily on its thriving domestic tourism market. Like many other regions, GlobalData projections show domestic trips will recover by 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Mexican outbound travel, with the number of trips falling by 73%. This figure is the second-highest fall in the Americas, after Peru (76%).

Despite commercial flights operating throughout the year at a limited capacity, many countries were reluctant to open their borders amid Mexico’s high COVID-19 infection and death rate. Ultimately, this has led to a devastating drop in outbound travel which will not recover until 2024, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Craig Bradley, Associate Travel and Tourism Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Many foreign government officials are under pressure to make the right decisions when it comes to travel. Unfortunately, they take the view that countries with high rates of infection and deaths are a risk to the safety of other destinations. Consequently, many international governments have made it almost impossible for Mexicans to enter their borders or at least made it very difficult.”

Mexico’s short-term recovery will depend heavily on its thriving domestic tourism market. Like many other regions, GlobalData projections show domestic trips will recover by 2022.

Bradley continues: “While figures are not guaranteed, the surge in staycation bookings is a global trend. The easing of travel restrictions was slower than expected, and health and safety fears remain a key motivator for domestic tourism.

“Mexico’s domestic tourism market is sizeable. In 2019, there were approximately 275 million domestic trips. Unfortunately, the figure fell by 55% in 2020. As a result, the Mexican Government faces a challenging time. The tourism sector offers jobs and income for many businesses, but the officials may need to consider whether it is safe to promote domestic tourism in the near future as the pandemic continues to hit hard in Mexico.”

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NEWS | Chalet Hotels reports consolidated net loss of INR 25.96 crore in 2021 Q1

Sales declined 57.12 percent to INR 97.83 crore in the quarter ended March 2021 as against INR 228.16 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2020.

Net loss of Chalet Hotels reported to INR 25.96 crore in the quarter ended March 2021 as against net profit of INR 42.78 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2020. Sales declined 57.12 percent to INR 97.83 crore in the quarter ended March 2021 as against INR 228.16 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2020.

For the full year,net loss reported to INR 139.08 crore in the year ended March 2021 as against net profit of INR 102.68 crore during the previous year ended March 2020. Sales declined 69.99 percent to INR 294.39 crore in the year ended March 2021 as against INR 980.85 crore during the previous year ended March 2020.

The hotels and leisure industry has been one of the worst hit by the pandemic, the restrictions on operations and the social distancing norms prescribed. Most hotels are operating at less than half their capacity and that is evident in the top line numbers.

Visit Maldives | VIRTUAL CONSUMER TRAVEL FAIR, MALDIVES VIRTUAL TOUR EXPO TO BE HELD IN JULY 2021

Maldives Virtual Tour Expo, a virtual consumer travel fair, will be held in July 2021.

Maldives Virtual Tour Expo is a virtual consumer travel fair scheduled to be held in July 2021, which will be carried out at maldivesvirtualtour.com enabling visitors to experience the Maldives virtually & enroll on multiple lucky draws to win exciting Maldives holidays. The Expo will take place in July for a duration of 2 weeks. MVT Expo is organized by Maldives Virtual Tour.

Experience Maldives virtually and book your holidays with special offers and win deals of a lifetime. Get the chance to enroll in multiple lucky draws to win exciting Maldives holidays!

Officially launched on 31st December 2020, Maldives Virtual Tour is the breathtaking 360° virtual tour of the Maldives with over 2000 virtual tours of more than 150 islands. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2021. This is carried out by Orca Media Group in collaboration with Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation as an official partner along with Ooredoo Maldives as main partner and Trans Maldivian Airways as Seaplane Partner.

Maldives’ first 360° destination video was also launched by Maldives Virtual Tour, in association with MMPRC. This is a series of 360° destination videos by Maldives Virtual Tour. Maldives Virtual Tour is a product of Orca Media Group, one of the leading media and marketing firms in the Maldives.

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INITIATIVE | Masterchef Sanjeev Kapoor partners with Chef José Andres of World Central Kitchen to provide meals to healthcare workers

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor along with Chef José Andres are currently dishing out 10,000 meals for frontline healthcare workers in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Goa, and Hyderabad

As the second wave of COVID-19 rages across India, Masterchef and philanthropist Sanjeev Kapoor has come forward with a heart-warming initiative. In a bid to support the healthcare workers, Chef Kapoor along with World Central Kitchen and Taj Hotels is providing free meals to the healthcare staff at various hospitals in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Goa and Hyderabad. World Central Kitchen (wck.org) has been doing pioneering humanitarian work across the world.

As a part of the initiative, Chef Kapoor, World Central Kitchen, and Taj Hotels are currently actively dishing out over 10,000 meals daily for frontline workers on duty across the hospitals in these seven cities. The menu is specially curated keeping in mind their nutritional needs to fight the pandemic. The trio will further ensure all of the safety measures while creating and delivering the meals.

Speaking on the initiative, Sanjeev Kapoor said, “I got a call from World Central Kitchen which was keen to contribute towards Covid relief activities in India. We had provided for to the Covid warriors in hospitals last year. With World Central Kitchen’s intent to support relief work in India, it started all again. While the financial funding would come through World Central Kitchen, we needed a partner to produce large quantity meals in a hygienic way. And, hence, we joined hands with the Taj Hotels. The intent is to give healthcare workers, who are working tirelessly at various hospitals, healthy and hygienic food that is also tasty. We are creating menus looking at the needs of each hospital as a single menu cannot fulfill all requirements. In terms of food options, we are also going with the ones that stay fresh for a long time, as they might not be able to eat it on time.”

At the moment, Sanjeev Kapoor and the team are delivering meals to Cooper Hospital & Sion Hospital in Mumbai, and a state-run civil hospital in Ahmedabad providing thousands of meals a day to the nurses and other staff members. In addition, they have also expanded their offering to other cities like Delhi, Gurugram, Kolkata, Goa and Hyderabad.

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the celebrity chef and entrepreneur has been promptly serving the Indian community by arranging, stocking, distributing, and mobilizing food and other essential commodities throughout the period. Some of his initiatives during the lockdown in 2020 included arranging meals for doctors and medical care providers of Kasturba, KEM, and Sion Hospital in association with India’s leading homegrown hospitality brand and catering service.

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Appointment | Akanksha Katiyar Khandare joins Hyatt Regency Chennai as Front Office Manager

She will be spearheading front office management and guest experience in the hotel

Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Akanksha Katiyar Khandare as the Front Office Manager.

Khandare brings with her over 11 years of hospitality experience where she will be seen spearheading front office management and guest experience in the hotel.

She joined Hyatt Regency Chennai as Assistant Manager Front Office and has grown today to lead the front office team.

During her journey in the hospitality industry, she has been recognized for her work and has been awarded as Covid Warrior by IHC London and IIHM Bengaluru along with other accolades such as being awarded Hystar Diamond for having maximum guest recognition in the property Q4 2018.

She is an avid reader and loves to write poems during her leisure time.

Appointment | The Roseate New Delhi appoints Rajesh Sharma as Executive Chef

Chef Sharma has over two decades of experience and excels in the field of culinary art, especially in haute and wellness cuisine

The Roseate New Delhi has announced the appointment of Rajesh Sharma as its new Executive Chef. Chef Sharma has over two decades of experience and excels in the field of culinary art, especially in Haute and wellness cuisine.

He also specializes in progressive Indian and modern European Cuisine. With over a decade of experience, Chef Rajesh’s hospitality journey holds includes some Indian and International names like Radisson in Gurgaon, The Grand New Delhi, Leeu Collection in South Africa and Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa in Thailand.

Chef Sharma is known to adopt innovative and unique approaches in the kitchen. He brings simple yet sophisticated variations to the table pleasing even the most discerning guests.

In his personal time, Chef Sharma enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with his family.

New Opening | NH Hotels Announces Upcoming Debut of Brand in Middle East Region

We are excited to announce the upcoming debut of NH Hotels in the Middle East region later this year with the launch of NH Dubai The Palm. Currently in the final stages of development, the new-build 533-key property will open its doors in December.

Located on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, a global landmark, and within easy reach of the city’s key tourist attractions including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina, NH Dubai The Palm will offer 227 hotel guest rooms and suites, in addition to 306 serviced apartments. Facilities will include multiple restaurants and bars, three spa treatment rooms, a fully-equipped gym, a kids’ club and four meeting rooms.

With a bold and colorful interior and local character reflecting the pulse of the dynamic city of Dubai, the new 14-storey hotel will introduce new hot spots to The Palm, including a lively sports bar and a stylish rooftop bar and lounge alongside the infinity pool, all west facing and perfect for enjoying city’s famous sunsets.

NH Dubai The Palm will be the first of the brand to launch in the Middle East and will join an existing portfolio of over 240 NH Hotels properties, which are known for their quality of services and facilities.

New Opening | Avani Hotels Debuts on Bali’s Hottest Corner

We are excited to announce that Avani Hotels is entering Indonesia with the debut of Avani Seminyak Bali Resort, scheduled to open on 1st June 2021.

Avani Seminyak Bali Resort at a glance:

• The resort features 16 spacious private pool villas and 21 residential suites perfect for the long-staying traveler.

• The main dining outlet - GROOVE, serves classic Balinese cuisine as well as Indonesian regional favorites.

• Island excursions include beach hopping, surfing lesson, and strolling through the various art galleries in Seminyak.

• Discover the charming side of Seminyak, hop on a scooter and ride up to Canggu, discovering the eclectic collection of cafes as well as hidden beaches.

• The resort is situated just a 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).

PRODUCT | Roastery Coffee introduces a new range of Specialty Coffees from 2021 Harvest

Roastery Coffee, one of the leading artisanal specialty coffee brands in India, has introduced coffees from Salawara Estate and Tribe- O- Project from 2021 harvest, for all the “coffeeholics”. 

The brand is excited to have collaborated with Salawara Estate as its new partner farm this year. Salawara literally means “a string of blessings”. Located in the lush foothills of India’s Western Ghats near Sakleshpur in Belur region, this estate is spread over 145 hectares. Established by the Britishers in the late 1880s. The coffee crop from the Salawara estate is successfully inter-cropped with pepper, Areca nut, oranges, and silver oak trees which brings in the perfect balance of richness and heritage. The two variants of Salwara Estate Coffee available at Roastery Coffee are “Yeast Fermented” in Tasting Notes of Apple, Sugarcane and Green Apple and “Carbonic Marceration” in Tasting Notes of Candied Apple, Tangerine and Hibiscus.

The other newly launched coffee by Roastery Coffee is the wild-grown coffee from the Tribe-O-Project. Tribe-O Koraput Coffee is unique for being semi-wild, growing in the forests of Koraput, Odisha at 1000 MSL, instead of well-organized estates or plots of land. It is grown in the forested hills of Koraput, where the tribal farmers do not own the forest land but have permission to harvest the coffee cherries from it. The forests where the coffee plants grow are dense and the plants grow far apart from another in the natural foliage. This makes it challenging to pick the ripe coffee cherries and the process is slow and laborious. Tribe-O Koraput Coffee farming is an agricultural activity carried out mostly by the women in the tribal villages of Koraput.  The brand is proud to be a part of Tribe-O-Project’s journey to make coffee farming more commercially relevant to the indigenous peoples of Koraput, while retaining their age-old tradition of living in harmony with nature. With notes of Gooseberry, Cacao and Black Tea, the coffee has a unique and interesting flavor.

So now you can enjoy these newly launched specialty coffees either by visiting Roastery Coffee House in Hyderabad and Kolkata or by ordering online for brewing pleasure at home.

For placing the orders, please visit www.roasterycoffee.co.in

Pricing: Salawara Estate Rs 470 onwards

Tribe-O-Project Rs 400 onwards

Roastery Coffee House:

Hyderabad: Roastery Coffee House, 8/2/287/12, House 418, Road 14, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 

Kolkata: Roastery Coffee House, 70 B, Calcutta South India Club, Gariahat, Kolkata

 About Roastery Coffee

Roastery Coffee is one of the best specialty coffee roasters with cafes in Hyderabad and Kolkata. Founded in 2017 by Nishant Sinha, exquisite yet innovative Roastery Coffee was curated with one unrelenting goal that is: to create flawless & consistent coffee, perfect for quenching the thirst of many coffeeholics all around the world. The USP of the brand is that the coffee is sourced directly from India's finest farms and roasted on Giesen Coffee Roasting Machine. Roastery Coffee House, the in-house cafe of the brand, also offers a complete dining experience to its patrons.

Media Contact:

The Hatch Project:  Sonali Priy Kapoor | sonalipriy@thehatchproject.in |   + 91 99531 37673            

NEWS | Agri-Tourism fits the bill for those looking for a holiday post pandemic: Valsa Nair

Agri-Tourism fits the bill for those looking for a holiday post pandemic

The Principal Secretary - Tourism & Culture, Maharashtra Tourism speaks about the state’s agri-tourism program and how it would help provide unique experiences for guests and much needed extra income in rural areas.

For a country that has more than 60 per cent of its population living outside of the cities, the agri-tourism industry is surprisingly still in its infancy. The state of Maharashtra was the first state in the country to realise the potential of agritourism. It is also the state with the most high-end agri-tourism resorts (in the vineyards of Nashik). ETHospitalityWorld spoke with Valsa Nair, Principal Secretary - Tourism & Culture, Maharashtra Tourism about their plans for the segment.

“More and more travellers are seeking environment-friendly holidays. Currently, people are experiencing lockdown fatigue, and there will be a demand for travel post lockdown. Travellers will look for less crowded destinations offering them meaningful experiences and agri-tourism or farm-tourism fits these requirements,” Nair began by explaining.

Maharashtra had great potential in agri-tourism, because of its climatic conditions and diverse agri products as well as varied rural traditions and festivals. The state had been at the forefront of implementing and promoting agri-tourism, rural tourism, and sustainable tourism in the country, she said.

Last year, Maharashtra had announced a new agri-tourism policy which underlines the importance of agri-tourism initiatives for sustaining rural economic development as it allowed farmers to diversify their income, regenerate communities, encourage agriculture-related businesses, and provide employment to young women based in rural areas, she said adding that the implementation process of the policy had already begun. “We have reached out to the farming community to educate them about the policy as well as to conduct capacity-building programs,” Nair said.

“We do not look at farm tourism as day-long activities alone. There are 328 agro-tourism centres with accommodation which provide ‘back to nature experiences for the guests,” she added. There were currently 328 agri-tourism centres across 29 districts in Maharashtra including Pune, Aurangabad, villages near Nagpur, and the tribal belt of Thane district. These centres recorded 4.7 lakh, 5.3 lakh and 7.9 lakh tourist visits in 2018, 2019, and 2020 respectively—which helped farmers to generate a cumulative income of INR 55.79 crore. The initiative also helped create more than 1 lakh jobs for women and youth in the rural areas, Nair added.

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KFC, Pizza Hut operator DIL files for INR 1,400 crore IPO

The Initial Public Offering is looking to raise INR 400 crore via issuance of fresh equity shares and an offer of sale of upto 125,333,330 equity shares by Investor Selling Shareholder, Dunearn Investments (Mauritus) Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings and Promoter Selling Shareholders, RJ Corp Ltd.

NEWS | Novotel Hyderabad Airport introduces “Work from Hotel”

Novotel Hyderabad Airport introduces “Work from Hotel” 

17th May 2021, Hyderabad: The growing concerns surrounding the pandemic and lockdowns have made companies practice WFH again, and employees are on a constant lookout for safer & relaxed workspace options to break the monotony of working from home, obviously with greater emphasis on enhanced hygiene and sanitization. Novotel Hyderabad Airport has announced “Work from Hotel” and there are innumerable options to choose from, one can either pick a spot in a traditional meeting room or if you like to be surrounded by nature then Novotel Hyderabad Airport is the spot for you. the hotel boasts of the lush green cover present in the hotel and if you are lucky enough you might even spot few migratory birds around, there have various alfresco seating options that one can choose from and they are perfect to enjoy a cup of coffee while one peruses to achieve their work deadlines, not only this you can even bring your furry friends along for them to enjoy various dog treats curated by our chefs at the hotel. Also, the hotel takes care of all your work needs be it highly effective WIFI, basic stationery, or printouts. 

Novotel Hyderabad Airport will also provide amenities like Super-Fast WIFI (Out Door /Indoor), Dedicated Plug & Play Office Space, Office Essentials Kit, Unlimited Tea & Coffee, Immunity Booster Drinks, Housekeeping services, and much more. 

 According to Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, “Keeping in mind the present developments we are providing a safe, alternative working space to individuals and organizations looking to work remotely. Our functional indoor and outdoor spaces are vibrant and conducive to fuelling innovation, productivity, and meaningful collaboration and at the same time adhere to the safety and hygiene standards. We are working with corporates and businesses to offer personalized solutions to meet their requirements” 

About Novotel-

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers destination hotels designed as comforting and energizing places where guests can ‘press pause’ and take time to enjoy the moments that really matter. The brand’s wide array of hotels, suites, and resorts offer a multitude of services for business and leisure guests alike, including spacious, modular rooms with natural and intuitive design; 24/7 catering with nutritious choices; dedicated meeting spaces; attentive and proactive staff; family zones for the youngest guests; multi-purpose lobbies and accessible fitness centers. Novotel, which has over 530 locations in more than 60 countries, is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries. For more information and reservations visit all.accor.com or become a fan and follow us on Twitter and Facebook. novotel.com | group.accor.com

Element by Westin® Announces Opening of Element Philadelphia, the Largest Property for the Global Eco-Conscious Brand

The 460-Room Hotel Opens its Doors to Travelers Just in Time for Summer, Featuring a Range of Wellness-Inspired Amenities Geared Towards Families, Groups and Business Travelers

Element Hotels – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 leading brands and designed for today’s healthy, active traveler – announced today the opening of Element Philadelphia, marking the brand’s debut in the city. Developed by Conshohoken-based Chestlen Development, the hotel will be the newest addition to Philadelphia’s reemerging hospitality scene, with travelers planning an average of 2.7 trips this year, according to a recent Visit Philadelphia report. Designed with a focus on sustainability and well-being, Element is ideal for families, groups, and business travelers who want to maintain a balanced lifestyle while on the road.

“Bringing the Element brand to Philadelphia was a strategic decision to appeal to the wellness-minded modern traveler, who is looking for self-sufficiency, more space to recharge, and amenities that align with their lifestyle,” stated Edward Baten, Complex General Manager, Element Philadelphia. “As the needs of travel, work and leisure have evolved over the last year, our offering is better suited than ever before to welcome guests with a range of work and life demands. Our flexible accommodations will open at a time when it’s needed most for leisure and business travelers alike.”

Element Hotels has redefined the longer stay experience with a design philosophy that encourages guests to recharge and find focus. This approach is seen throughout Element Philadelphia, the brand’s largest property globally. The hotel’s 460 bright and modern guest rooms are positioned in an ideal Center City location and boast impressive views of Philadelphia’s historic architecture and skyline. The sunlit Sky Lobby will offer open seating for work and relaxation, and a range of safe, socially distanced amenities for guests to utilize. Fully equipped kitchens in every room, a business center, Motion Fitness center and guest laundry services create flexible work-from-anywhere possibilities.

At Element Philadelphia, guests will be energized with a food and beverage program that prioritizes fresh, healthy ingredients. A complimentary Rise breakfast starts the day and the Relax evening reception invites guests to unwind together in the Sky Lobby. Balanced grab-and-go meals, snacks and beverages are available from the Restore gourmet pantry, which features products from local producers. In addition, guests are invited to eat well from the comfort of their own room. With kitchens stocked with everything needed to create a home-cooked meal, Element hopes to inspire guests by introducing local culinary and nutritional voices to provide easy-to-follow recipes. These digital recipes and meal ideas, which will be accessible via in-room QR codes and in pre-arrival emails, will feature fresh, local ingredients that can be picked up at iconic neighborhood markets such as Di Bruno Brothers and Reading Terminal Market.

Designed to get visitors moving, Element Philadelphia features a Bikes to Borrow program with its custom-designed Priority Bicycles in unmistakable Element green. The Bikes to Borrow program provides suggested routes to help guests experience the city’s history, art, or nearby bike trails.

Whether on two wheels or walking with a four-legged friend, Element encourages guests and their pets to explore more. Element’s pet-friendly program includes a signature dog bed, treats, water bowls, eco-friendly clean-up supplies, and more for travelers visiting with pets.

Element Philadelphia offers more space for guests to live their lives in rooms ranging in size from a Standard guest room to Deluxe and Executive guest rooms, to One Bedroom Suites. The signature Westin Heavenly® beds and spa-inspired bathrooms feature rain showers designed to infuse a sense of calm.

Element is proud to be green from the ground up and has built a smarter, better place to stay. When choosing materials, Element Philadelphia’s design team pioneered an eco-friendly, sustainable design that improves hotel air quality, minimizes pollutants and chemicals, and gives guests ample access to natural light, resulting in a cleaner, healthier environment. The hotel also integrates eco-friendly materials and practices into its design in a variety of ways, including:

• Electric vehicle charging stations

• Guestrooms featuring carpets with up to 100% recycled content

• Wall art mounted on a base made from recycled tires

• Walls featuring low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints

• Bathrooms featuring low-flow faucets and fixtures

• Silverware and glassware provided, minimizing single-use plastics and disposable waste

• Recycling is made easy with bins in every guestroom and throughout public spaces

• Filtered water is available in all guestrooms and in the public spaces through a dispenser unit

• Element Philadelphia uses only 100% recycled postconsumer wastepaper for all printing and stationery needs

Element Philadelphia will soon provide access to over 45,000 square feet of purpose-built event space, fully adaptable for the changing dynamics of indoor meetings, events and celebrations.

Guests of Element Philadelphia can travel with confidence with services adapted for COVID-19, adhering to Marriott’s Commitment to Clean standards throughout their stay, including contactless check-in, social distancing, increased cleanliness protocols, and new UV-light cleaning technologies. Consisting of in-house and outside experts in food safety, hygiene and infection prevention, and hotel operations, the Marriott Cleanliness Council has redefined cleaning and safety standards.

Element Philadelphia is located at 1441 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. For more information, to book an event or learn more about the hotel’s offerings, visit www.elementphiladelphia.com. You can also follow the hotel on Instagram and Facebook @elementphiladelphia.

About Element Hotels
With more than 65 hotels across North America, Europe, Middle East & Africa, and the Asia Pacific, Element Hotels is designed for today’s healthy, active traveler who wants to maintain the balance of daily routines while on the road. Offering many of the comforts of home, Element caters to those looking to stay both short and long-term. All hotels have an outdoor-inspired, sustainability-focused design philosophy and feature spacious and airy guest rooms with in-room kitchens, spa-inspired bathrooms, and signature Heavenly® Beds. The brand’s signature amenities include a complimentary healthful Rise breakfast and a Relax evening reception. Always prioritizing guest wellness, all hotels are equipped with 24/7 Motion Fitness centers, all-natural saline pools, and a Bikes to Borrow program. Further increasing flexibility and convenience for small groups, Element now offers Studio Commons, a one-of-a-kind room concept with private communal space to cook, convene, or relax together. For more information, visit www.elementhotels.com and follow along on Facebook and Instagram. Element is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit MarriottBonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott Bonvoy is the award-winning travel program from Marriott International that encompasses the company’s global portfolio of 30 hotel brands and premium home rental offering Homes and Villas by Marriott International. When members book directly with Marriott, they earn points for every stay, have access to member-only rates, and can take full advantage of the features in the Marriott Bonvoy app that delivers a seamless travel experience. Using Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards from Chase and American Express, members accumulate even more points when making purchases. Points can be redeemed for free nights, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, converted into miles with the program’s airline partners, and more. As members stay more often at participating properties, they achieve elite status providing even more benefits, including bonus points, enhanced Wi-Fi, and guaranteed late checkout. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit MarriottBonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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41 hotels managed by Concept Hospitality accorded with TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award 2021

Out of these 41 hotels, 36 are managed under the Fern brand, one Zinc by The Fern, 3 under Beacon Hotels and one independently branded hotel

As many as 41 hotels & resorts managed by Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award 2021. Out of these 41 hotels, 36 are managed under the Fern brand, one Zinc by The Fern, 3 under Beacon Hotels and one independently branded hotel.

Congratulating all the team members at the winning hotels, Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing said, "It is a matter of great pride for us that so many of the hotels patronized by our guests have been so well appreciated by travelers across the country."

We have been continuously striving for excellence and this recognition is a testimonial to the fact that we are on the right track, Noshir added. He exhorted all his General Managers to excel and ensure that more of their hotels achieve the award next year.

TripAdvisor uses a proprietary algorithm to determine the Travelers’ Choice honourees. It takes into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews and opinions submitted by travelers on TripAdvisor over a 12-month period, as well as a business’s tenure and ranking on the Popularity Index on the site.

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Hyatt News | Hyatt announces the launch of more than 160 Hyatt Loves Local collaborations

Hyatt Loves Local has evolved to further meet the current needs of Hyatt communities and guests, including collaborating with more minority-owned and female-owned businesses and delivering reimagined experiences.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced Hyatt hotels across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Southwest Asia regions have launched more than 160 Hyatt Loves Local collaborations in a continued effort to help revitalize and advance care to communities and small businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following the success of the 2020 community-driven initiative, which provides complimentary resources and exposure to select local businesses that have struggled during the pandemic, Hyatt Loves Local has evolved to further meet the current needs of Hyatt communities and guests, including collaborating with more minority-owned and female-owned businesses and delivering reimagined experiences inspired by the new travel landscape. In turn, Hyatt Loves Local connects those in-need directly with Hyatt guests and locals through distinctly local offerings, including wellbeing, arts and entertainment, “voluntourism,” traveling with pets and culinary experiences.

Aligned with Hyatt’s Change Starts Here commitment to accelerate Hyatt’s longstanding diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, nearly half of the 100 participating hotels are teaming up globally with more than 65 minority-owned and female-owned businesses, two groups that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

“Based on how enthusiastically guests and colleagues embraced Hyatt Loves Local since launch last year, we are excited to expand the program with more than 100 new community collaborations that truly support the people, businesses and organizations that are the foundation of the local communities in which Hyatt hotels operate,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, loyalty, brand marketing and insights “Hyatt has been advancing care across communities for more than 60 years and to see Hyatt’s role helping small businesses thrive through Hyatt Loves Local last year has been a rewarding experience. We are proud to continue supporting communities while simultaneously offering our guests experiences that celebrate the future and recovery of travel.”

The latest Hyatt Loves Local trends and collaborations include:

• Emphasizing Wellbeing: With a focus on safety first and wellbeing always, Hyatt is reimagining the hotel journey with new wellbeing amenities and offerings that support local wellness providers who were forced to reduce or reshape their offerings during the pandemic:
o Hyatt Regency Chandigarh is collaborating with wellness brand H2 Origin. The brand had to permanently close their brick-and-mortar space, so the hotel is providing complimentary space in the hotel’s Amaira Spa & Club to lead guided meditation and yoga classes for guests beginning May.

• Pet Projects: Pet adoptions boomed during the pandemic lockdown with many travelers planning to bring their furry friends along for their next trip. Hyatt hotels are collaborating with local pet businesses to offer pampering and perks to pet travelers:
o Andaz Delhi is working with animal rescue, medical and adoption shelter, Touch and Treat Animal Trust, to build a community where people value and respect stray animals. Guests are invited to volunteer daily to help feed strays or with rescue missions to support this very important cause. This collaboration began in March 2021 and will be ongoing through the year.
o Grand Hyatt Goa is supporting local NGO, Welfare for Animals (WAG) - an organization dedicated to rescuing stray animals from the streets of North Goa. As part of this collaboration, animal-lovers staying on property have the opportunity to spend a day volunteering to help injured and stray animals under the care of WAG. Alternatively, guests can sponsor an animal for a year as a way to ensure their long-term care. This collaboration began in 2018 and is ongoing through 2021.

• The Art of Hospitality: As museums, movie theaters, and concert venues continue to face strict regulations to curb the spread of COVID-19, consumers are hungrier than ever to reconnect with arts and culture again. Hyatt hotels are serving guests art, music and film experiences in a socially distant manner:
o Alila Diwa Goa has teamed up with Jim Fernandes, a local singer and musician to perform live for guests on Saturdays from 7-10pm, and Moinuddin, a local food cart owner and one of the hotel’s regular vendors is providing food carts for onsite events.
o Alila Fort Bishangarh is collaborating with villagers who lost contracts for their services during the long pandemic shutdown. The hotel provides venues for artist Mohammed Rafiq Khan to perform Rajasthani Sufi folk arts, support for Ms. Leela’s work with the Fort’s organic farm and livestock, and work for Matu Singh and his crew with the hotel’s real estate development. The collaborations are ongoing through 2021.
o Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel and Residences is collaborating to help sisters, Sujata and Taniya (Su and Ta), behind saree- and apparel-maker Suta to offer various programs featuring the brand’s owners and artisans, including a High Tea and panel discussion for female entrepreneurs in June 2021 (invite-only), a weekly pop-up at Grand Brunch on Sundays for Suta to display and sell their collection, and private experiences for guests and locals including “Know and Experience Indigenous Crafts of India,” “Learn Indian Draping Styles,” and “Learn an age-old Indian craft directly from Suta artisans.”

• Stepping up for Voluntourism: The struggles of the pandemic have inspired many travelers to volunteer their time to support local organizations who seen a dip in volunteer support over the past year, and Hyatt hotels are connecting guests with these opportunities:
o Alila Diwa Goa in India teamed up with a local Podher (breadmaker) offering guests the experience to learn about the local breadmaking artistry and volunteer to prepare fresh breads for children at the nearby community center.

• Reimagining Hotel Gift Shops: Hyatt properties are taking onsite retail to new, hyper-local heights by inviting local makers and businesses to create and sell their products on property, resulting in guest experiences that educate and make a positive impact on communities:
o Andaz Delhi is featuring two artisanal food organisations: Darima Farms, a female-run maker of all-natural, preservative-free cheese in the village of Darima, and House of Umang, a female-run collective of producers, specializing in honey,  at the hotel’s award-winning food hall AnnaMaya, whose slogan is – “Eat Mindful. Shop Artisanal. Raise Awareness”.
o Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is offering space to two local companies - Elemental by Nanya, a female-owned maker of handcrafted, earth-friendly concrete décor, will display her items for sale to guests and locals near the hotel’s 24/7 restaurant during brunches and events through May 2021, while Paul and Mike, a farm-to-bar maker of chocolates, fine flavors and real floral distillates, has been offered complimentary banquet space for interactive exhibitions, tastings and product displays through June 2021.
o Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad is supporting the creativity of local women by providing popup outlets for two local female-led businesses to showcase their products. SEWA Kalakruti, led by Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Cooperative Federation, is an organization aimed at teaching local, underprivileged women crafts and arts, while The Heritage Shop, run by a young female artist, is a curated art & lifestyle boutique whose mission is to pay tribute to India’s First World Heritage City, Ahmedabad. Both businesses are receiving complimentary space in the property’s lounge and cafe on alternate weeks during the hotel’s Sunday brunches to showcase and sell handcrafted items and artworks to guests and locals. The hotel is also featuring artistic postcards from The Heritage Shop in its front office for sale to guests as souvenirs. The pop-up shops are debuting in June and will continue weekly through September.
o Hyatt Regency Chandigarh is collaborating with two local brands. Female-owned Phulkari brand, Phulkaris of Punjab, is receiving complimentary space weekly during Sunday brunches to sell their hand-embroidered clothing and accessories through June; and the hotel is outfitting its entire team with masks (100,000 orders to date) made by female artisans supported by Insha-e-Noor - a local NGO. 
o Hyatt Regency Chennai has been collaborating with local, minimalist men’s and women’s fashion designer Vivek Karunakaran (VK) to create a special, socially distant shopping experience for guests and locals since September 2020. The pop-up will be ongoing through 2021.
o Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort is indulging guests with departure gifts that help local businesses, including specially made tea bags from Anandini Himalaya Teas; handmade photo frames from Green Shop and recommended pottery workshops from Dharamkot Studio as a unique guest experience.

• New experiences on the menu: Nurturing the local community, Hyatt properties are collaborating with artisans to enhance their existing F&B portfolio, thus giving the artisans an opportunity to thrive amid the pandemic while innovating on the range of healthy and organic offerings for guests.
Hyatt Raipur is collaborating with T-Tales, the country’s first sustainably led tea-maker, to launch an onsite Bio-Café in June 2021. This will feature organic products that speak to climate, social and organically sustainable practices in line with Hyatt’s vision of advancing care for communities.
o Hyatt Regency Mumbai is collaborating with the citizen-action committee Rewilding Aarey that supports ecological sustainability and the indigenous tribes in the Aarey-Sanjay Gandhi National Park Forest. The hotel will feature farm-to-table brunches serving indigenous recipes while offering space in Glasshouse restaurant for the Adivasis (tribe) to set up a farmers’ market with fresh produce available for purchase by guests. The “Farm-to-Table” brunches will be held on Sundays at 12:30-3:30pm in June and July.