New Opening | Mumbai’s Lower Parel To Host A Swanky New Restaurant - Cafe Noir

Mumbai’s Lower Parel To Host A Swanky New Restaurant - Cafe Noir

 Bengaluru-based VRO Hospitality takes up 3500 sq. ft. retail space at Lodha World

    Iconic French café brand ‘Café Noir’ to foray into Mumbai for the first time!

Delhi, November  2021: As millions of Mumbaikars return to their favorite restaurants, pubs and bars in town, the city will see a hot new destination - the iconic French café brand ‘Café Noir’, within the Lodha World premises.

‘Café Noir’ by Bengaluru-based VRO Hospitality will offer some of the finest arrays of cakes, sandwiches, quiches, and other bakery items.  Originally started by Frenchman Thierry Jasserand more than a decade ago, Café Noir’s first outlet was at Bengaluru’s posh shopping destination UB City. It became legendary for its bakes, coffees & breakfast.

However, in 2020, Thierry decided to return home, which is also when VRO Hospitality took over this quaint coffee place. The cafe also has a new culinary director, Daniel Koshy, who comes with nearly three decades of experience, and is a magician in terms of baking. After a decade of success in Bengaluru that saw VRO Hospitality create successful and popular brands like Hangover, Badmaash, Nevermind, Mirage, Destination, and Mr. Tycoon, the group is now all set to enter Mumbai for the first time ever with Café Noir.

Needless to say, the Mumbai edition of Café Noir will be in tune with the city’s vibes. “Besides our posh new estate in Lodha World, we have elevated the interiors and made it closer to the timeless French bistros of Paris. Our menu is also a little different, as we are inviting Mumbaikars to come here even for dinner, and not just coffee”, VRO co-founder Dawn Thomas explains.

Co-founder Sharath Rice, an experienced restaurateur added, “The new avatar of Café Noir in Mumbai will have mains, along with our popular bakes, sandwiches & quiches. We are working really hard to offer Mumbaikars a truly world-class dining experience as they start their hunt for new and exciting food haunts in town.”

Besides Café Noir, VRO Hospitality also acquired Fava, Plan B, Caperberry, and One Night in Bangkok that were transiting from the F&B space last year due to the impact of COVID. The acquisitions were followed by a fresh round of funding (Series A) this year worth $3 million and will help VRO take its diverse portfolio across India. Around 80% of the Series A funding, which was led by Creed Capital, will be going into expansion as VRO is planning to add 16 new projects in Bengaluru, Goa, Mumbai, Kochi, and Chennai.

About VRO Hospitality

One of the fastest-growing hospitality companies based out of Bangalore, VRO Hospitality owns some upscale bars and restaurants in the city. It currently operates 15 outlets and has five upcoming projects lined up. Some of its brands include Badmaash Lounge, Hangover, Plan B, Nevermind, Cafe Noir and Tycoons.

Appointment | Novotel Hyderabad Airport appoints Ms.Lovey Mathew as its Executive Housekeeper

Novotel Hyderabad Airport appoints Ms.Lovey Mathew as its Executive Housekeeper

Hyderabad 8th, November 2021: Novotel Hyderabad Airport is pleased to announce the appointment of  Lovey Mathew as the new Executive Housekeeper at the property. Lovey will play a pivotal role in leading the housekeeping operations at the iconic flagship hotel.

Lovey comes with extensive experience of more than 21 years in the hospitality industry, having previously worked with prestigious brands like Oberoi group, The Pullman Gurgaon Central Park, Vivanta by Taj groups to name a few. She has worked with Oberoi Center of Learning and Development and as an Executive Housekeeper and was also associated with the C.K. Birla Group as Head Housekeeper. She is known to possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills with proven abilities in team management and guest relationship management.

At the Novotel Hyderabad Airport, she will provide maximum safety and hygiene for guests and associates across all functions. Lovey and her team will drive their efforts to ensure that guests have a relaxing experience and that their needs are addressed in an effective manner. Her key expertise lies in keeping efforts towards the overall maintenance of the hotel to enable smooth operations and ensure an elevated experience for guests.  She is familiar with modern housekeeping techniques, resource utilization strategies, and the application of the highest standards of safety and hygiene in hotel operations. 

Mr. Rubin Cherian, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport said, “We are happy to have Ms. Lovey Mathew as our Executive Housekeeper.  She is a great asset and I am confident that she along with her team will ensure that overall maintenance of the hotel support smooth operations and promise an elevated experience for guests” 

Ingredient Ideology | MUFFINS TO MUNCH By Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

MUFFINS TO MUNCH 

FUN TO BAKE & YUMMY TO RELISH!

The word Muffin comes from the French word ‘Moufflet’ which is described as freshly baked small round bread-like bakery products with a sweet taste and best served warm. Muffins are known to be British and American specialties while the British muffins have a flat shape and a hollow inside and the American ones are more like bread cooked in a muffin mould or pan. Muffins can be sweet as well as savory and are usually available such as cornmeal & cheese muffins or sweet ones like the famous blueberry, chocolate chip, lemon or banana flavored as well. 

They are often eaten for breakfast, brunches, evening high-teas, and tea, coffees are also usually found accompanied along with muffins. While we find cupcakes being topped and decorated and loaded with frostings and icings, muffins usually wear a sober look when it comes to their presentation.

 Muffins are single-serving bread that rises with the help of baking powder, baking soda and eggs, instead of yeast. They tend to be sweet and somewhat moist but a little heavier than a cupcake. Muffins are so easy to make that if one is a beginner after cookies it should be the next great baked goodie to be tried out and experimented!

Here are five ways with muffins for bakery lovers!

Recipe-1] THE VERY BERRY MUFFINS

Ingredients

2 cups maida/ refined flour

¾ cup grain sugar

1 cup blueberries

¼ cup butter

1 and a half cup milk

1 tbsp. baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

Pinch of salt

1 tsp lime juice

1 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius, grease and line up the muffin tins.

2. Sieve the flour with salt, baking powder, baking soda and keep aside.

3. Coat the berries with 1 tsp maida and keep aside.

4. In a bowl add milk, lime juice, butter, vanilla essence and sugar and stir well to combine the ingredients.

5. Gradually add in the dry ingredients using cut and fold method using a spatula and ensure proper mixing, avoid lumps and do not over mix as well.

6. Lastly fold in the coated berries into the muffin mixture and give it a light mix, fill the muffin mould 3/4th and allow to bake for 15-18 mins and check with a toothpick if comes out clean. Allow to cool on a baking rack for 20 mins and store/serve.

Recipe-2] ALMOND COCONUT MUFFINS

Ingredients

2 cups maida/ refined flour

2 eggs

½ cup butter

½ cup milk

¾ cup grain sugar

½ cup desiccated coconut

¼ cup chopped/sliced almonds

1 and a half tsp. baking powder

1 pinch salt

1 tsp vanilla essence

½ tsp almond essence-optional.

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees Celsius and grease and line up the muffin mould and keep them ready.

2. Sieve the flour, salt, baking powder and keep aside.

3. In a mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar using a hand blender until light and fluffy, add in the eggs a little at a time, add in the essence, milk, and beat it all well.

4. Carefully add in the dry ingredients a little at a time and using a spatula and fold it along, also add in the almonds and coconut, and with a light hand blend them all in.

5. Pour in the mixture into the muffin mould and fill them a little over halfway in the mould and allow to bake for 14- 16 mins and once the toothpick comes out clean from the center of the muffins, remove them allow to cool for 20 mins and then store/serve.

Recipe-3] HEAVENLY BLESSED CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

Ingredients

2 eggs

2 cups maida/ refined flour

1 cup grain sugar

½ cup butter

½ cup milk

Salt a pinch

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla essence

1 cup choco chips

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees Celsius and prepare the muffin mould grease and line them up.

2. Sieve together the flour, salt, baking powder and keep aside.

3. In a mixing bowl using a hand blender combine and beat together the sugar and butter for a couple of minutes.

4. Add in the eggs and continue beating until light and fluffy, add in the essence, add in the dry ingredients and slowly mix them all in, finally add in the milk and get the mixture to the right dropping texture and add in the choco chips and using a spatula gently mix them in.

5. Now spoon this mixture into the prepared muffin mould and allow to bake for 20-25 mins or until done. Remove and allow to cool for around 30 mins and then store/serve.

Recipe-4] PEANUT BUTTER FRUITY MUFFINS

Ingredients

3 large ripe bananas

2 eggs

½ cup crunchy peanut butter

1 and a half cup maida/ refined flour

4 tbsp. honey

2 tsp vanilla essence

A pinch of salt

1 tbsp. baking powder

½ cup choco chips or assorted sliced nuts.

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees Celsius and prepare the muffin mould and keep ready.

2. Sieve the flour with a little salt and baking powder and keep it aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, peanut butter, honey, eggs, and vanilla essence, and using a hand blender blend it all well.

4. Now fold in the dry ingredients gently using a spatula and ensure proper mixing, also add in the choco chips or assorted nuts of your choice.

5. Spoon the muffin mixture into the prepared mould and allow to bake for 18-20 mins or until done and allow to rest and cool for around 20 mins upon baking and then store/serve.

Recipe-5] POWER PACKED WHOLE WHEAT MUFFINS

Ingredients

1 cup wheat flour

1 egg

½ cup butter

½ cup sugar

Pinch of salt

½ cup hot water

½ cup chopped dates

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

¼ tsp cinnamon powder

½ tsp vanilla essence

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven at 180 degrees Celsius and prepare the muffin mould and keep ready for baking.

2. Sieve the flour with salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder and keep aside.

3. Soak the dates in hot water for 8-10 mins and keep them aside.

4. In a mixing bowl combine together butter and sugar and cream it up well using a hand blender.

5. Add in the eggs beat until light and fluffy, add in the dates and blend them in well, finally add in the dry ingredients into this bowl and using a spatula mix it all up well.

6. Pour the mixture into the prepared muffin mould and allow to bake for 15- 20 mins or until just baked enough. Remove and allow to cool for 30 mins and then store/serve.

NEWS | Paytm partners with Darjeeling Himalayan Railway to launch mobile ticketing

Paytm has announced the launch of a QR-code-based ticketing system in a strategic partnership with Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR). This new service would give commuters the option to avoid long queues to buy tickets for toy trains operated by the DHR. They can now simply purchase digital tickets on their Paytm app, and proceed for the journey.

With this, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has become one of the first operators of toy trains in India to enable digital ticketing systems.

Paytm digital tickets will enable commuters to book tickets without being physically present at the railway stations. All they need to do is open the app, enter the date of journey, select the type of train & schedule and make payment to receive the PNR number. They can use the same digital ticket as proof of purchase at the railway station.

Priyam Agarwal, assistant director of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, said, “The joyrides have been a landmark in Darjeeling’s culture and tourism. We are happy to have partnered with Paytm to bring the QR code ticketing system to the joyrides, with an aim to reduce ticket booking time and lead to shorter queues as well. In these times, contactless ticketing will also be of great help in maintaining social distancing.”

Appointment | The Leela appoints Hemant Mediratta as its chief advisor for international leisure business

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has appointed luxury hotelier and entrepreneur Hemant Mediratta as chief advisor for its international leisure business. Mediratta completed 15 years with The Oberoi Group and has been pursuing an entrepreneurial journey as co-Founder of a sales and marketing organization catering to global ultra-luxury and luxury brands.

In his role as chief advisor, Mediratta will drive the international leisure strategy and mentor and guide the travel trade team along with international sales offices at The Leela to strengthen the positioning of the brand and help garner its rightful share from this segment.

Mediratta has over 28 years of experience in the hospitality business and is a seasoned professional with experience ranging across hotel operations and sales and marketing in both domestic and international markets. Being a passionate believer in the Indian story, he has worked relentlessly towards driving Indian tourism.

During his long association with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, he played a significant role in positioning the brand internationally, especially in his last position as Senior Vice President Sales. His other previous roles span successful terms in senior positions at globally acclaimed hotel groups like Hyatt International, IHG and Park Hotels.

NEWS | May this Deepawali bring back the endurance for travel trade & the industry prospers together: Jyoti Mayal

May this Deepawali bring back the endurance for travel trade & the industry prospers together: Jyoti Mayal

In her message to association members and the travel trade, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI said that the industry is once again picking up and is expected to deliver at par in the coming months.

She mentioned, “At the outset, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of you for your exemplary support and cooperation extended to TAAI and to the Chair of President which I have been bestowed with, in the year 2019, with your blessings. As we all know and have experienced that the travel trade industry has been going through its toughest time as compared to the last many decades. However, I would like to profoundly appreciate the sincere efforts made by each one of you in keeping the confidence intact, of people attached to the travel trade, by your continued efforts in keeping the show running at TAAI. Thank you so much!”

On the special occasion of Deepawali, she wished and hoped that the festival will bring back the endurance for travel trade and the industry will prosper together, especially after the eventualities caused by the pandemic. “On this special occasion of Deepawali, I am writing this to wish you and your families, good health, prosperity, success and happiness,” she said.

“It is my privilege to share that travel trade is once again picking up and is expected to deliver at par in the coming months. I truly appreciate the way members have coordinated with each other, central and state governments and worked efficiently disseminating vital information related to rules, regulations, and protocols. I once again would like to thank you for all your hard work and sheer dedication towards travel trade & TAAI and hope that this will continue for years to come by. Have a wonderful Deepawali and a prosperous new year ahead,” Mayal further added.

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Eclat Insights | What Are Lead & Lag Measures, Why You Need Them & How To Make Them Work

There is a giant difference between knowing a thing and knowing the data behind that thing.

– CHRIS MCCHESNEY, CO-AUTHOR OF THE 4 DISCIPLINES OF EXECUTION

A LAG measure tells you if you’ve achieved the goal, a LEAD measure tells you if you are likely to achieve the goal.

Let's say you want to get healthier or fitter. The lag measure (read goal) can be measured by your weight or BMI. However, to get there, you need to do some steps, take some action - maybe eat healthier, work out, sleep better. When you track these activities, you are using lead measures.

Why is it relevant to Hospitality & Service Industries?

I have loved the idea of lead measures since I first learnt about it in N Kano's Customer Service Model. I used that model to train a lot of people and set up what we call Active Empowered Processes.

Hospitality & Service requires attention to detail. Improving small aspects of the service, in incremental gains, can have a compound effect on the overall satisfaction of guests. A process is a series of steps. Measuring only Customer Satisfaction or Net Promoter Score at the end of the service does to allow you to make changes while you can.

Measuring lead measures, allows leaders to make changes, correct delivery of service to ensure that the end goal is achieved.

Actionable Insights

• Break up activity into smaller parts and then measure it.

• Use a metric that can be divided into smaller parts, a metric that can be measured, a metric that tells you when you have accomplished your goal.

• Create vibrant, compelling measures.

Make it easy to measure. If the measures create more 'work', your teams will just ignore them.

Example - Hotel Rooms Revenue For A Particular Day

LAG Measure - Revenue from Room Sales. Calculated at the end of the day, during night auditing. There is nothing you can do to improve the sales once the night auditing process is complete.

However, if you had LEAD measures:

• Booking Horizon - Starts 90 days before the date. You start measuring the number of reservations for a particular date. If this number is low, you push sales.

• Confirmed Reservations - You start confirming your reservations for a particular date. This can start 7 days before the date.

• Upselling - You can start tracking this is a Lead Measure from the first Check-In of the day.

Want to make this WOW?

Use this for healthy competition amongst your teams.

• Breaking the measures down into smaller parts can make both learning and working fun. For example, break down the cleaning of a room into smaller measures: bed making, bathroom cleaning, restocking minibar etc.

Make it super easy for your teams. 

• For example, a common measuring system used to track washroom cleaning in hotels, restaurants is an A4 printout stuck to the back of the door in a plastic sheet, that the cleaner is supposed to sign off at a predetermined interval of time. What can you do to make this better? Allow them to take pics after cleaning and sharing it on a WhatsApp group or an app of your choice. You get the time stamp, you get a visual that can be compared to what the standards are set as and it is super easy for the team member.

"All winners are trackers. You cannot improve something until you measure it"

Your productivity measure has to be something that you can measure while the task is on. A lead measure so to speak, is not something that has the feeling of an autopsy.

A word of caution - Goodhart's law states that when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.

If you would like to develop lead & lag measures that remain great measures, get in touch. p.bedi@eclathospitality.com

PrabhjotBedi

is a Hospitality Ideator. A process innovator, trainer, and professional speaker, he has worked with the Taj Group of Hotels, conducted training programs for hospitality leaders, launched a National Council Accredited Hospitality Institute as Principal, successfully launched and sold three hospitality businesses. He now assists hospitality leaders and educators in creating superlative services and products. He also edits the very popular www.hospemag.com - the largest hospitality career e-mag

NEWS | Karma Hospitality LLP launches Treehouse M.A.R.S Valley View

Karma Hospitality LLP has launched Treehouse M.A.R.S Valley View in Shimla in association with Ailsinghani Hotels. Nestled in the picturesque town called Shoghi, which is situated at an altitude of 6400 feet in the great Himalayas, it is surrounded by lush green forest.

The tastefully done up resort has accommodation with modern facilities, stunning views and ample parking space. Its location makes it an ideal retreat for those who wish to escape the cacophony of city life.

“Team Treehouse is excited about adding another hotel in its portfolio. Now, our guests can enjoy and experience Himachal by staying at Treehouse hotels in Shimla & Chail. We look forward to serving our guests at Treehouse M.A.R.S. Valley View,” said Suman Ghosh, COO of Karma Hospitality LLP.

Karma Hospitality LLP is a multi-dimensional hotel company operating and managing full scale hotels, resorts and serviced apartments under the Treehouse brand name. It forayed into management of hotels in 2007 and currently manages more than 616 keys in 17 hotels across India at Delhi NCR, Bhiwadi, Neemrana, Jaipur, Ranthambore, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Goa, Himachal, Amritsar, and Corbett.

Maldives News | LEAD GENERATION CAMPAIGN” WITH AUSTRALIA’S SIGNATURE MEDIA

LEAD GENERATION CAMPAIGN” WITH AUSTRALIA’S SIGNATURE MEDIA

Visit the Maldives begins the “Lead Generation Campaign” with Australia’s Signature media. This B2B campaign will be held from October 2021 till April 2022.

Signature Media is Australia's leading independent publisher of travel content. The brand has four platforms, including Holiday with Kids (HWK), Vacation and Travel (V&T), Signature Luxury Travel (SIG) and Luxury Travel & Style (LTS), through which print and online tourism-related content is circulated to over hundreds of thousands of readers/viewers.

The campaign with Signature Media is held as part of Visit Maldives’ efforts to make the Maldives the go-to destination in the Australia Market, to build media and PR contacts, and to increase engagement with tourists from Australia. The campaign will target three segments of travelers, including luxury, family and standard travelers with distinct messaging for each.

Through this campaign, we aim to inform the travel trade and tourists of the wide variety of options available in the Maldives for not just luxury, honeymooners, and couples but also families and budget travelers. It targets to boost the visibility of Maldives in the Australian market to encourage pre-booking. During this campaign Signature, Media will post advertisements and editorials of the Maldives targeting 4 platforms of the group which is expected to reach over 700 thousand readers/viewers of its platforms.

source

NEWS | TAAI Joins hand with ABTO to Promote Buddhist Tourism in India

Appointment | Pankaj Gupta joins Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar as its general manager

IHG Hotels has appointed Pankaj Gupta as the new general manager for Crowne Plaza, Mayur Vihar, Noida.

An industry veteran with over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Gupta brings with him a holistic experience including strategic leadership, guest experience, and expertise in revenue analysis, yield management, and sales and marketing. He started his career as a front office associate and since then has held various positions and as a general manager with leading hotels chains: Accor Hotels, Marriott International, and IHG.

His achievements include opening a brand new hotel from the ground up and setting up the entire operations, and more.

Before moving to Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, Gupta was with Holiday Inn Jaipur, spearheading the biggest property in the city center, where he was also responsible for the associates’ elicit performance and achieving the vision of the hotel.

NEWS | Pride Group of Hotels signs four new properties in Uttarakhand

With the signing of four new properties, the Pride Group of Hotels will have six properties in Uttarakhand including Rishikesh and Mussoorie

Pride Group of Hotels has signed up to launch four new properties in the state of Uttarakhand with Pride Hotel Haldwani, Pride Resort Nainital, Pride Biznotel Haldwani, and Pride Resort Jim Corbett.

"Despite several challenges and volatility faced during the last year, Pride Group of Hotels has been growing from strength to strength. We are delighted to mark our presence with the four new properties in one of the most popular states in North India. Haldwani, Nainital, and Jim Corbett are important leisure destinations for the domestic as well as international market attracting a large universe of nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. We hope to bring in a new level of comfort and facilities to travelers to this region with our superior accommodation and excellent services. Guest safety will be assured by our efficient team at Pride Group of Hotels" said Atul Upadhyay, Vice President- Pride Group Of Hotels.

Pride Hotel Haldwani, Pride Resort Nainital, Pride Biznotel Haldwani, and Pride Resort Jim Corbett will feature a collective room count of 213 rooms, 9 F&B outlets and 14 Banquet conference hall and lawn.

With the signing of four new properties, the Pride Group of Hotels will have six properties in Uttarakhand including Rishikesh and Mussoorie. All the properties will comprise well-appointed rooms with aesthetically designed interiors. Personalized services, premium in-room amenities, restaurants will elevate guests' experiences.

With its presence around 34 great locations across India, Pride Group of Hotels boasts of 3213+ Rooms, 70 Restaurants, 92 Banquets, and Conference Halls, reinforcing itself as a one-stop destination for MICE. Currently, Pride Hotels operates and manages a chain of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, at Aerocity – New Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, “Pride Hotel” at Bangalore, Chennai, Nagpur, Pune, Indore, Udaipur & (soon) Bharuch, Haldwani along with “Pride Resorts” at Goa, Puri, Jaipur, Rajkot, Bharatpur, Gangtok, Dapoli, Mussoorie & (soon) Aatapi, Rishikesh, Daman, Bhavnagar, Dwaraka, Nainital, Jim Corbett, and also Mid-Market Hotels under “Pride Biznotel” at Anand & (soon) Jabalpur, Agra, Bhopal, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Somnath & Haldwani.

New Opening | Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opens 80 keys Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts opens 80 keys Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali This marks the second opening under the flagship brand – ‘Wyndham’ in the country.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,000 hotels across 95 countries, continues to grow steadily in India with the opening of the 80 keys Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali. This marks the second opening under the flagship brand – ‘Wyndham’ in the country.

Located at the cross point of Mohali and Chandigarh, Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali will cater to both micro markets. Ideal for large events and corporate travelers, it boasts an accessible location, just 6km from the Chandigarh International Airport. The property will also be an ideal location for sports enthusiasts, with Mohali Cricket and Hockey Stadium in close proximity and overlooking the Mohali Golf Range.

Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali features spacious rooms between 375 and 750sqft in size, an inviting lobby lounge, an elegant all-day dining restaurant, and a modern bar. The hotel will also offer a refreshing wellness area, an all-weather-covered pool and eclectic entertainment areas. The hotel has a business centre, multiple meetings and event spaces spread across more than 25,000 sqft as well as expansive outdoor event space. Venues range from 5,000 sqft to 17,000 sqft giving choice and flexibility to the wedding as well as corporate guests.

Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts said: “The opening of Wyndham Chandigarh Mohali marks an important milestone for Wyndham as we continue our strong growth trajectory across Eurasia. Chandigarh is a metropolitan city and a drive-to destination, making it a welcome addition to our growing portfolio of properties across the region. We look forward to this opening as it further expands our offerings and accommodation options for travellers to Eurasia.”

“We are proud and delighted to join hands with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring this one-of-a-kind hospitality offering into Punjab. The Tricity of Chandigarh is the epi-centre of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh’ economic and social activity and we are delighted to bring a unique product to the Mohali market that caters to this demand. We have worked very closely with the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Eurasia team to create a world-class offering and service,” said Puneet Makkar, President, The Mohali Club.

Inaugration | Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar

Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar marks Brand Welcomhotels foray into the state of Odisha

ITC Hotels announced the opening of “Welcomhotel Bhubaneshwar”, the first LEED Platinum Certified Hotel in the State.   Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri. Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the latest addition to Odisha’s hospitality destinations that promises to further enrich the vibrant tourism landscape of the State.

Located in New Bhubaneswar, the hotel is conveniently placed eight kms away from the airport and is in close proximity to the suburban institutional, educational and residential development hub.
Drawing inspiration from the magnificence of the 500+ temples that adorn this marvellous city, Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar is heavily influenced by local indigenous stone architecture with descending roofs, pronounced overhangs, covered walkways and spacious gardens.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Sanjiv Puri, Chairman and Managing Director of ITC Ltd, said, “ITC has over the years built iconic hotel properties that enhance and enrich the tourism landscape of India. We are indeed proud to add another feather in the cap of ITC’s diverse hotels portfolio by launching our landmark hotel in Bhubaneshwar under the Welcomhotel brand.  I am confident that this world-class property will make a meaningful contribution to the signature tourism assets of Odisha. Apart from our investment in the hospitality sector, ITC's investments in Odisha encompass sustainable agriculture, manufacturing as well as multi-dimensional interventions that contribute to social development in the State."

Nakul Anand, Executive Director, ITC Ltd stated, “It is a matter of great pride for ITC Hotels to launch Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar in the capital of the culturally rich state of Odisha. Upholding our internationally acclaimed standards of service, Welcomhotel Bhubaneshwar is reflective of the warmth of Indian hospitality. The new opening will undoubtedly strengthen our footprint in the eastern region as Brand Welcomhotel continues to surge forward adding a number of properties across India to its portfolio.”

Designed for those who demand more to make the most out of their stay, Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar is the new age traveller's key to curated immersive experiences that enrich both business and leisure journeys. The hotel has 107 well-appointed guest rooms, including a Presidential Suite, 3 Executive Suites & 4 Junior Suites.

The Hotel skilfully blends together local aesthetics and modern day comforts along with ITC Hotels' renowned culinary expertise. The WelcomCafe offers a variety of tastefully curated buffet and a la carte spreads. The signature WelcomSthalika presents a glimpse of the region’s most cherished delicacies on a single platter introducing travellers to the best local recipes. 

Peshawri presents an award winning menu of signature dishes cooked in the traditional clay tandoor. The menu offers an unmatched choice of kebabs, vegetarian preparations and the internationally acclaimed Dal Bukhara. Swizzle, the in-house concept bar is just the place to be for unwinding or a cheery celebration while the Sunbean Café offers a selection of freshly baked delicacies and short eats paired with bespoke fusion blends of finest gourmet coffee.

Welcomhotel Bhubaneswar serves as the perfect venue for celebrations, corporate events, weddings, conferences and meetings.  The beautifully landscaped, stunning outdoor lawns and banquet venues are spread over 2600 sq. meters.

Guests will also have access to a well- equipped gymnasium, K by Kaya Kalp- a spa based on time-honoured Indian wellness principles. The pool area is another exquisite setting where guests can enjoy an air of peace and serenity. 

The Welcomhotel Brand aims to further elevate guests’ delight with emphasis on destination-inspired enriching experiences. Welcomhotel accords the well-being of its guests at the forefront. Developed in collaboration with medical professionals and disinfection experts, WeAssure program enhances the existing hygiene & cleaning protocols across all Welcomhotels addressing every facet of operations. The promise of delightful experiences is enriched by stringent safety standards to enjoy unparalleled comfort with peace of mind.

Hilton News | Hilton Launches Female Development Program in Sri Lanka

SRI LANKA - Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced its partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) to launch Hilton Liya Diriya­ – a specially curated female development program in Sri Lanka.

Translating to ‘female courage,’ Hilton Liya Diriya aims to provide training opportunities for local female students keen to build a career in hospitality. Selected participants will undergo two training phases to pick up practical knowledge, skills and experiences, involving a one-month period dedicated to theoretical training with SLITHM and a six-month industrial traineeship at one of Hilton’s properties in Sri Lanka. 

The establishment of the program is in line with Hilton’s Travel with Purpose 2030 goal of doubling its social impact investment, and underscores its continued commitment to ensuring inclusive growth, sustainable solutions and economic opportunities for all, even during these unprecedented times. Furthermore, by empowering its female participants and enabling them to pursue a career in hospitality, Hilton Liya Diriya also aims to create a positive impact on the community by increasing the historically lower1 labor force participation rate for women in Sri Lanka.

On top of the training, participants will receive support from Hilton throughout the duration of the program, in the form of accommodation, allowance and mentoring. Upon graduation, they will also be awarded certifications, as well as employment opportunities at a Hilton property in Sri Lanka or abroad.

“Sri Lanka has shown immense potential for us over the years, evidenced by the resilience of the country, its promising tourism sector and ongoing improvements to infrastructure which have laid a strong foundation for us to kickstart our robust expansion plans,” said Paul Hutton, vice president, operations, Hilton in South East Asia. “Despite the challenges caused by the health pandemic, we continue to recognize its long-term prospects and have doubled down on our commitment to putting Sri Lanka on the global roadmap with the recent opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort in November – our third Hilton property in the country.”

Commenting on the opportunity to further extend the Hilton Effect in Sri Lanka, Hutton added: “In line with our growing presence in the country, we also want to continue honoring our founder, Conrad Hilton, and his ambition to be the most hospitable company in the world, by doing our part for the communities we operate in. Through the introduction of Hilton Liya Diriya, we hope to leverage our scale and capacity to advance women’s economic empowerment in the country by identifying and developing the best local talents, and I look forward to seeing them excel in their careers with us.”

Kimarli Fernando, chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism, said: "We aspire to achieve a higher level of female participation in Sri Lanka's hospitality industry, especially in the skilled and value creation areas, which would provide more opportunities for them to further their careers in the longer term. Currently, women make up less than 10 percent of the hospitality workforce locally, compared to 54 percent globally. This is a strategic change Sri Lanka Tourism is striving for and we are delighted to partner with Hilton on the Hilton Liya Diriya program, which is a major step forward to champion the strategic change in our workforce."

1 2019, The World Bank, Labor force participation rate, female – Sri Lanka

About Hilton

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising more than 6,700 properties and more than 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on the 2021 World’s Best Workplaces list, and was named the 2020 Global Industry Leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. In 2020, 

Hilton CleanStay was introduced, bringing an industry-defining standard of cleanliness to hotels worldwide. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 123 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check-in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone.

NEWS | FHRAI announces scholarships for BSc in Hotel and Hospitality Administration

As a special case, the scholarship will be provided to the children of hospitality.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) in association with its regional associations has announced the launch of a scholarship program for students interested in pursuing a three-year BSc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM), Greater Noida.

FHRAI-IHM is the first and only private institution run by an Industry Association to be affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management & Catering Technology (NCHMCT), an autonomous body under the ministry of tourism, Government of India.

Children of employees of member establishments of FHRAI and its regional associations will be offered 50 percent waiver in the admission, enrolment, tuition and examination fees and 20 percent waiver will be offered to children from the families of hospitality patrons or employees. As a special case, the scholarship will also be provided to the children of hospitality sector employees of member establishments who lost jobs during the pandemic, based on a certification by the member establishment and the regional associations.

The admissions will be based on the merit of Class XII results, availability of seats, and approval of the affiliating organization - NCHMCT, Noida. Registration is open for direct admission at https://www.fhrai-ihm.com/.

“India’s tourism and hospitality sector has the potential to become the growth engine of our economy by accelerating demand and supply in the market along with generating employment in millions. At the moment, the entire sector is reeling under the impact of the pandemic and we are witnessing its cascading effects on the field of hospitality education as well. Under the present environment, all stakeholders should join hands to ensure that the growth prospects of the hospitality industry do not get hamstrung due to current challenges. With the launch of the scholarship scheme, FHRAI and its regional Associations will take the lead to promote hospitality education in the country to pick up from where we left off prior to the pandemic,” says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, vice-president, FHRAI.

“The scholarship scheme can be availed by children of employees working in the member establishments of FHRAI and its regional associations who fulfill the age and eligibility criteria for admission as per NCHMCT norms. Associations will shortlist the eligible candidates from their region and recommend them for enrolment in FHRAI – IHM under the scholarship program. It is our endeavour to create a qualified and committed workforce for the sector and we would like a maximum number of students to avail of this scholarship opportunity,” says Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, vice-president, FHRAI.

NEWS | Dusit International partners with leading educational and culinary institutes to develop Thailand's first academy of gastronomy with business incubation facilities - 'The Food School'

Set to open in Bangkok in Q1 2022, the state-of-art facility will offer culinary training and business incubation services to drive innovation in Thailand's food and beverage sector.

Dusit International, one of Thailand's leading hotel and property development companies, is set to expand its hospitality education business in the kingdom with a unique joint venture offering experiential training in Italian, Japanese, and Thai cuisines - plus exclusive incubation services for food and beverage startups - in a state-of-the-art facility in Bangkok.

Called The Food School, the project occupies 3,200 sq m of thoughtfully designed space set over three floors at the new Creative & Startup Village in the city's Sam Yan district, just a five-minute walk from Sam Yan MRT underground station.

Equity partners in the THB 336 million development include Dusit International; Glowfish Co-Working Space (under privately owned real estate investment company, Heritage Estates Co., Ltd.); Allied Metals, one of Asia's leading suppliers of professional kitchens and kitchen infrastructure; and La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana (ALMA), recognised as the world's leading education and training centre for Italian cuisine.

Designed to provide an innovative, progressive and experiential learning environment, and targeted at young professionals, keen amateurs, career-switchers, and entrepreneurs seeking to get the best possible start for their food and beverage businesses, The Food School will bring together three globally recognised institutions - including Dusit's own Dusit Thani College; Japan's renowned Tsuji Culinary Institute; and ALMA. Each will offer long-course modules in Thai cuisine, Japanese cuisine, and Italian cuisine and bakery, respectively.

Students will also have access to The Food School's unique entrepreneurial incubator platform, The Test Kitchen, which will offer facilities for product testing and experimentation; business planning services; professional coaching and mentorship from renowned local chefs; and exclusive opportunities to get financial support from investors during specially arranged pitching sessions.

Alongside sourcing sustainable produce from selected farms throughout Thailand, the academy will bring in premium imported ingredients to ensure authenticity. Regular events will showcase innovations and new food and beverage business trends. A community dining room, meanwhile, will serve as a venue for students, instructors, locals, visitors, mentors and mentees to exchange ideas and evaluate new concepts.

"The Food School aims to create a vibrant, dynamic and collaborative ecosystem that brings together Thailand's food community to drive positive social, environmental, and economic developments in the food and beverage industry at large," said Ms Suphajee Suthumpun, Group CEO, Dusit International. "Three clear highlights set The Food School apart as a unique proposition in Bangkok. First, it is the first mover in the market to offer multi-cuisine training and business incubation all under one roof. Second, its Test Kitchen facilities will provide an unrivalled opportunity for experienced or fledgling chefs and savvy entrepreneurs to trial new concepts, receive advice on these concepts from seasoned industry experts, and tap into Thailand's dynamic food and beverage market. Third, the Food School will play an active role in the food and beverage community by hosting regular events that bring together key industry players to discuss the latest trends, evaluate concepts, and brainstorm the way ahead for established and upcoming food and beverage businesses alike."

Ms Suthumpun said that no other facility offers such comprehensive services for culinary startups and young professionals in Bangkok.

"By responding to the professional needs of the market in the new normal, fully leveraging Dusit's rich experience in providing hospitality education for more than 20 years, and offering direct access to mentorship from celebrated chefs and well-known restaurateurs in Thailand, and later globally, we look forward to helping The Food School's students, entrepreneurial associates, and community supporters to fulfill their potential with services, facilities and hands-on learning specially created to equip them for success in the brighter post-COVID-19 days ahead."

Ms. Prim Jitcharoongphorn, Chairperson of the Executive Board at Allied Metals, said, "The highlight of The Food School facility is the design of kitchen classrooms that fosters teamwork and collaboration among peers. Our facility is equipped with eco-friendly equipment which is energy-efficient, user-friendly, and versatile. Kitchens at The Food School are truly state of the art. We are delighted that our innovative solutions will contribute to the sustainable development of culinary talents in Thailand by facilitating maximum productivity with minimal environmental impact."

Mr Gavin Vongkusolkit, Managing Director of Heritage Estates Co. Ltd & Founder of Glowfish Co-Working Space, said, "Glowfish is all about people, community, and genuine collaboration, and any partnership or project we undertake will always be built on these solid foundations. Bringing our expertise in value-driven collaboration to The Food School, we look forward to building a thriving ecosystem of creativity and innovation, not only for Thailand's food industry but also for the wider benefit of tourism, agriculture, wellness, sustainability, entrepreneurship, education and many connecting parts of our society and economy."

Appointment | The Westin, Pune, Koregaon Park appoints Vinay Oberoi as Director of Catering Sales

The Westin, Pune, Koregaon Park appoints Vinay Oberoi as Director of Catering Sales

Pune: Mr. Vinay Oberoi joins The Westin Hotel in Pune ,Koregaon Park as Director of Catering Sales  after an impressive career profile that encompasses over a decade of experience in the hospitality sector.

Vinay Oberoi has a great track record of successfully building and converting multiple luxury hotels and concept-driven restaurants in India. He is praised for his commercial acumen, people-oriented management style, and attention to detail. From his initial position as a manager with Oasis property to leading the operations with Hyatt Group, he had established a firm foundation in the hospitality sector at a young age while also becoming extremely prominent in Mumbai's social circuit.

Since then and throughout his career Vinay has occupied senior roles in award-winning hotel Grand Hyatt Mumbai. He mastered the art of success by organizing many events at the Hyatt Hotel Group.

A creative, friendly, and passionate hospitality professional, Vinay is now at The Westin Pune as the Catering Manager, bringing his vision for progressive event concepts and cultivating a culture of genuine care and sincere service to cement the hotel’s position as a premium destination for leisure, business, and social guests in Pune.

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Oberoi, said, “It’s a privilege for me to be a part of a premium lifestyle hotel which is truly a reflection of passion, forward-thinking and poised

intentionally. The precision perfection in the conceptualization and implementation of innovative concepts, narrative techniques, and design components certainly makes it a sought-after hotel.

I feel privileged and grateful to be a member of such a diversified and talented team. I am looking forward to a fruitful tenure under the direction of our General Manager. With a focused commitment to enhancing all our stakeholders and community experiences, I will undertake responsibilities for the operational, experiential and commercial performance of the hotel.”

About The Westin, Pune, Koregaon Park:

Situated amid celebrated attractions, The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a 5-star haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at the dining options, including an all-day multi-cuisine restaurant,  a chic bar and a nightclub. Enjoy a coveted location in Koregaon Park near Pune Airport, Magarpatta, Hadapsar and many industrial parks. Work well in 45,000 square feet of sophisticated, flexible hotel event space, enhanced by modern AV equipment, on-site event planning and custom catering services. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness centre with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin. Replenish your well-being at The Westin Pune Koregaon Park.

NEWS | IHCL announces signing of Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 21 hotels across brands in Rajasthan including eight under development

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) announced the signing of Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer. The hotel will be converted into an IHCL SeleQtions hotel post comprehensive renovations. This hotel is in partnership with Historic Resort Hotels (HRH).

Commenting on the occasion, Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said, “With the signing of this hotel, IHCL is stepping into another strategic location in Rajasthan. We will now complete the important tourist circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. We thank Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar for having reposed his trust in us for the third hotel in this partnership.”

The 83-key hotel is located in the heart of Jaisalmer, close to major tourist attractions. The yellow sandstone heritage hotel will have an all-day diner, bar, recreational facilities including a spa, a banquet hall and gardens for social and business gatherings. The hotel will shut down and undergo a complete renovation before it is launched under the SeleQtions brand in the second quarter of 2023.

Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, CMD, HRH, said, “This is the 50th year of our very special relationship with IHCL, which commenced with Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur in 1971 and continued with Taj Fateh Prakash Palace, Udaipur. We strengthen our relationship with Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer. I am very confident that the company will enhance the tourism potential of Jaisalmer.”

Nicknamed ‘The Golden city’, Jaisalmer in the Thar desert, stands on a ridge and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. Many of the houses and temples of the fort and the town below are built of finely sculptured sandstone, which gives it a golden colour.

With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 21 hotels across brands in Rajasthan including eight under development.

NEWS | Maldives Welcomes 1 Millionth Tourist of 2021

A colorful celebration was held at Velana International Airport on Friday (October 29) to welcome the 1 millionth Tourist to the Maldives. The 1 millionth Tourist Mr. Victor Vincent Corentin from France arrived from EK652 flight this afternoon.   

He was received by officials of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), together with the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Immigration, Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), and representatives of the Maldives tourism industry.   

The commemoration of the event started with the stamping of the passport of the 1 millionth tourist by the Maldives Immigration officer. Victor and his spouse were escorted with a traditional Maldivian bodu beru procession to the VIP lounge area. They were welcomed by Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC Neesha Shahid, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ahmed Athif, CEO & MD of MACL Gordon Andrew Stewart, Chief Principal Immigration Officer Sheeneez Ali and the Chief Guest of the ceremony Secretary General of MATI Ahmed Nazeer. The venue was decorated for the ceremony and the guest was awarded with a congratulatory certificate and special gifts representing traditional Maldivian culture and tourism.   

Victor and his spouse were given a complimentary holiday package sponsored by Villa Hotels & Resorts for 6 nights at Paradise Island Resort which can be redeemed during a period of 1 year. This is the couple’s 20th time visiting the Maldives. In addition to this, Club Med Kani upgraded their accommodation and also prepared a warm welcome for the tourists.   

Commenting on the achievement of this important milestone, Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdullah Mausoom said that “today we turn yet another page of the remarkable success story of Maldives tourism. Reaching our target tourist arrivals of One Million for the year 2021, two months in advance is a remarkable achievement. Congratulations to His Excellency President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, industry partners & employees, health professionals, local councils, related Ministries, authorities and agencies, NGOs and volunteers, tourists, fellow Maldivians; and MMPRC and Ministry of Tourism team for the continuous engagement and support towards Maldives tourism recovery. Thank you all for the valuable contributions to Maldives tourism success story.”   

Speaking on the occasion, CEO & Managing Director of MMPRC, Mohamed Thoyyib congratulated the industry stakeholders for this achievement and said, “this milestone is only possible due to the perseverance and dedication shown by the government and all the industry stakeholders. Regardless of the predicaments faced due to the pandemic, MMPRC ensured the destination was promoted in the most effective and efficient manner so as to maintain destination momentum, create brand awareness and market Maldives as a safe haven. The roles of industry stakeholders in delivering what we market abroad is what brings tourists to our shores.”   

CEO & Managing Director of MACL, Gordon Andrew Stewart said reaching this milestone is truly remarkable in the most challenging of times in travel and aviation history. “Today is a wonderful day as the Maldives receives the one millionth visitor this year. I am really impressed by the work done by Team Maldives in promoting this destination around the globe. We are seeing huge demand and our airport is now almost running at pre-covid capacity numbers, which is a unique success story in the current world of aviation. I thank all the stakeholders who have contributed to this extraordinary achievement and congratulate the lucky 1 millionth visitor this year”   

Controller General of Immigration Mohamed Ahmed Hanafy noted this is a truly remarkable milestone achieved during testing times and thanked the Immigration officers who work on the frontline to welcome visitors to the Maldives. “Resilience of the tourist arrivals has been a surprise, but the devotion of everyone involved in the tourism industry, both directly and indirectly, is compelling for the landmark, as we pass 1 million visitor arrivals today. I would like to express my gratitude to all of the contributors, particularly the immigration officers who have welcomed tourists a million times this year.”

While we celebrated the arrival of the 1 millionth visitor to the country this year, all this could not have been possible without the collective effort of the Government, Ministry of Tourism, MMPRC, MACL, Immigration Maldives, MATI, Customs and Port Health and the rest of the industry stakeholders. The continuous effort by MMPRC to market the destination as a safe haven at a time when people were reluctant to travel following the pandemic is especially noteworthy. 

The government, MMPRC and all industry stakeholders hope for nothing but success in the future to come. They are also confident that whatever crisis comes their way, they are well-equipped and prepared to face the challenges head on and take the tourism industry to the next level.