EspireTM Hospitality appoints the key Leadership Team

Currently the owner and operator of six unique hotels, the company plans expansion in coming years

New Delhi, 20th December 2021: Espire Hospitality, the owning company of Six Senses Fort Barwara and the owner & operator of the mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ announced the appointment of its leadership team from amongst the finest hotels. The team will focus on expansion plans and is committed to establish Espire Hospitality as a leading hotel company.

 

Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality said “I am delighted with the joining of an experienced leadership team. The hospitality landscape has transformed in last two years and it has given us an opportunity to not only grow our existing portfolio but to also consider expansion in the luxury segment which will be announced with the launch of our upcoming luxury boutique brand early next year. With these plans, we look ahead to the next chapter of Espire Hospitality.”

 

Sushil Amlani, Head - Business Development is an industry veteran with over two decades of experience in Business Development, Hotel Operations and Sales. He has worked with leading hospitality brands like Accor, Sayaji Hotels, Sterling Holidays and Best Western Peninsula. In his role at Espire Hospitality, he will be supporting the growth objective of the company and achieving the goal of 20 resorts in the next two years.

 

A hospitality professional with over 14 years of experience, Ankita Dawar, Head - Marketing & Communications has handled marketing and communications for the hotels at corporate and unit level. Prior to joining Espire Hospitality, Ankita has worked with The Oberoi Group, Hilton India, Shangri-La New Delhi and Radisson Hotel Group. She will focus on building the brand identity, strategic marketing and corporate communications.

 

Shilpa Dubey joins the team as Head - operations. Shilpa is a hotel operation specialist with over 13 years of experience in luxury hotels like The Leela, Hyatt and Renaissance. She will be responsible for setting standards for delivering high quality service and spearheading hotel operations.

 

Devender Lamba, Head - Sales comes with over 19 years of experience in the industry. Devender’s most recent assignment was with Hyatt and he has also played a role during the formative years of Lemon Tree and Berggruen Hotels. Devender will lead the sales team for all brands under Espire Hospitality portfolio.

 

Marietta Fernandes who joins as Head - Revenue Management and E-Distribution specializes in online revenue generation and has 31 years of experience in this field. Marietta has worked with leading hotel brands in Dubai and India. She will be driving the commercial objective of the company.

 

Silky Rohilla, Head - Human Resources has been associated with the travel and hospitality Industry since 2007. She has worked in hotel operations, airline operations followed by a long stint in Human Resources with top organizations such as Radisson Hotel Group, Starwood, Marriott, and Hilton. Silky will be responsible for recruitments and will work towards making the organization highly employee-centric.

 

Himanshu Gupta joins as Head - Finance. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Himanshu has led Finance functions even in organizations other than Hospitality thus brings in a widened horizon of professional management to overlook the financial planning for Espire Hospitality.

 

About Espire Hospitality

Espire Hospitality is the owning company of India’s newest luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts, and are progressing towards the launch of a new brand which will be a confluence of luxury and top-notch hospitality. There are 20 hotels and resorts in the pipeline, due to open in the next 2 to 3 years.

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla unveils their unique Christmas tree themed on ‘Incredible India’ 

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla unveils their unique Christmas tree themed on ‘Incredible India’ 

December, 2021, New Delhi: As the capital rejoices with festivities, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla organised their annual Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and hosted meet and greet with Santa Claus. 

Conceptualised in-house by the Engineering and House Keeping team, the 30 feet long sparkling Christmas tree is weaved around the theme 'Incredible India' with a beautiful hope of 'Reviving Tourism' in the coming year. It also echoes a strong & powerful sentiment towards 'Make In India' and drives home a compelling eco-awareness message around ‘Sustainable Tourism’.

Decoding the Christmas Tree 

The 'spices' at the bottom celebrates India, the land of spices while the 'puppets' narrate the fables of fascinating folk culture. The shades of ’saris’ represent the vibrant handloom industry of the country while the artifacts' pay an ode to the local craftsmen and artists.  

Strengthening the message of IHG Green Engage, the eco-friendly 'Green' represent the need of the hour - Sustainable Tourism while twinkling stars light up the hope for a better tomorrow. 

The star of the show Santa Claus jingled all the way to light up the Christmas tree and danced with the adults and kids alike. The evening panned out with a hearty tete-a-tete, with guests exploring the mesmerizing Ginger Bread House full of decadent X-Mas Goodies - Plum Cakes, Mince Pies, Yule Logs, Stollen Breads etc. These classic goodies can be customized into festive hampers for gifting purposes.

General Manager, Mr. Shuvendu Banerjee launched the ‘Festivity Desk’ and shared about unique dining and stay experiences that the hotel has curated for the patrons for the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities. The spectacular show was graced by the presence of in–house guests, corporate guests and team members who participated in a melodious carol singing session followed by gourmet Hi-Tea. 

 

Vandal-Bar & Lounge is Opened at Meluha,The Fern Hiranandani Garden,Powai

Vandal-Bar & Lounge, the latest entry to Mumbai's glittering and sparkling nightlife, opened at Meluha, The Fern @ Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. 

Dazzling and glittering interiors, mesmerizing and captivating music, cocktails and concoctions to lift the spirits; and a lot more!!!

Welcome to Vandal-Bar & Lounge, which is all set to take Mumbai's night club culture by storm. Vandal exhorts you to bring the free spirit inside you to the fore. Let the mood sway you to the palpable energy which epitomizes the essence of Vandal. 

The moment you enter inside, you are enamored by the imposing chandelier with hundreds of shimmering lights. The nicely lit, L shaped bar in the corner. On top of the bar is the DJ console perched on the first floor fitted with the state-of-the-art music system. The mighty speakers dangling on chains from the high ceiling.  Myriad of funky luminescent and phosphorescent lights add up to the ambience. All of this and much more will transfer you to a different terrain altogether where you will desire to break free and paint the town red.

With DJ behind the console juggling the best acoustics in town, it surely promises to be the most exhilarating and invigorating experience. And to add to the frenzy and thrill, the bartender with the best stocked bar in town will shake and whip some of the most amazing drinks to make the night a memorable experience.

The elaborate drinks menu has been curated keeping in mind everyone’s preferences. Starting from signature cocktails to martinis, crafted gin & tonic to shooters, aperitifs to scotch, single malts to bourbons everything is on the menu. The menu also comprises extravagant champagnes, red and white wines. Besides, the regulars like vodka, tequila, rums, beers are also available in plenty with a variety of best options to choose from.

The VP Operations, Punish B Sharma said, “The burgeoning central suburbs have been missing on the night-life front with practically no options.  But not anymore, with Vandal now open, they don’t have to bother to go to western suburbs or town side. Head to Vandal to cherish thrilling and delightful evening”


Sunday’ becomes a couple favourite for weddings; Mumbai remains no.1 city for the most number of weddings as Delhi falls off the top 3 list in 2021: WeddingWire India

Sunday’ becomes a couple favorite for weddings; Mumbai remains no.1 city for the most number of weddings as Delhi falls off the top 3 list in 2021: WeddingWire India Year-End Report

  • The platform sees a 28% increase in the number of weddings this calendar year 

  • Top 3 for 2021 vs Top 3 for 2020: Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad witness the highest numbers in 2021 as compared to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore in 2020

  • Towns/Cities that recorded the least number of weddings: Nabarangpur (Odisha), Kolasib (Mizoram), and Thoubal (Manipur)

  • Most booked vendors: Wedding Photographers - 25%, Bridal Makeup Artists - 18%, and Wedding Decorators - 16%

  • While Sunday was the most popular day, 21st November was the most popular date for weddings

National, 16th Dec 2021: WeddingWire India, the Indian subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide, the leading wedding technology platform for couples and wedding professionals, today released a year-end report on how the year that went by fared for the wedding industry. With the wedding season making its way back, the month of November itself saw a 27% increase in the number of registered users as compared to November 2020. Sunday was the most preferred day by couples to get married. In fact, 21st November 2021 (Sunday), was the most popular date for weddings this year. 

Interestingly, Delhi, which is popular for hosting the most weddings, didn't make it to the top 3 cities this year and Mumbai registered the highest number of weddings 2 years in a row. It was closely followed by Bangalore and Hyderabad. As per queries for 2021, the top 3 preferred types of wedding venues are- Banquet halls (50%), Wedding Lawns Farmhouses (14%) & Marriage Garden (14%). Sparing no expense, couples are extending their weddings into mini-vacations. The platform saw every 10 out of 100 guests enquiring about destination weddings. On the other hand, Nabarangpur (Odisha), Kolasib (Mizoram), and Thoubal (Manipur) recorded the least number of weddings. 

Talking about 2021 trends and insights, Anam Zubair, Associate Director of Marketing - WeddingWire India, a part of The Knot Worldwide, said “The pandemic resulted in couples and families delaying nuptials. However, we are seeing a gradual increase in the number of weddings, while keeping safety a priority. Families and couples want to make up for the time lost and really celebrate with loved ones. They are leaving no stone unturned, which in turn is uncovering several new trends and insights for the wedding industry. We believe that 2022 will definitely be an interesting phase of growth as the industry builds on these newfound insights and delivers on the increasing demand that the second half of 2021 saw.”

The data also revealed that Wedding Photographers - 25%, Bridal Makeup Artists - 18%, and Wedding Decorators - 16% took the top spots when it came to vendors. With the change in trend and keeping safety as a priority, more and more couples are adopting WedTech platforms for planning their wedding. WeddingWire India also saw a surge of 27% registered users on the WWI app in November 2021 in comparison to Nov 2020. 


About WeddingWire India

WeddingWire India, launched in mid-2017, is one of the fastest-growing and trusted wedding technology platforms in India connecting engaged couples with local wedding professionals. The virtual marketplace gives couples in India access to any and every wedding service provider and online planning tool they can think of. It is the one-stop destination for all wedding planning requirements with a robust vendor directory covering over 60,000 vendors across categories such as venues, photography, hair and makeup, catering, music, etc. From vendor management, checklist, website creation, budget allocation, guest list creation, community ideas, and inspiration, millions of couples search, compare, and connect with required wedding services from WeddingWire India’s vast directory of vendors. It is dedicated to building innovative tools and resources and is present across apps, websites, and mobile web as the online marketplace of venues and wedding professionals that simplify and inspire the wedding planning process that is unique to its customers. WeddingWire India helps clients plan their dream weddings across 28 states and 8 union territories.

 

Weddingwire.in is the Indian subsidiary of The Knot Worldwide, the world’s largest global wedding technology platform with over four decades of expertise in the wedding industry which is present in 15 countries and has been helping people in celebrating their life’s biggest milestones.

Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma launches ‘Jhakaas’a new delivery brand in London

Jhakaas, a modern Indian delivery brand created during lockdown, has launched its first bricks and mortar site on Brockley Rise in London.

Rajasthan born Michelin Plate Winner Chef Dayashankar Sharma recently launched a new delivery service and Home dining experience with his new brand Jhakaas in London that brings fine Indian food.

The kitchen is led and owned by Chef Dayashankar Sharma who brings his Michelin-starred experience and gives a contemporary twist to some popular classics. Jhakaas, a modern Indian delivery brand created during lockdown, has launched its first bricks and mortar site on Brockley Rise in London.

Trained from honing an impeccable reputation right from the beginning across 32 years of culinary experience, Chef Dayashankar Sharma has become recognized for pairing time-honored tradition with contemporary ideas and creating his food with full commitment and passion for every occasion. Opening nine months to the day after Heritage, Jhakaas offers a food menu that takes its inspiration from India’s four major cities – Delhi, Bombay, Kolkata and Chennai. The site is described by the brand as designed “in the style of the myriad urban cafes that line the streets of India’s major cities.” 

With the opening of Jhakaas, Chef Sharma also announces hiring new and young talent from hospitality sector in India for his London projects. He is collaborating with hospitality institutes across India to give them a great experience platform in UK. Chef Sharma will soon be starting a organic lentils and fruit brand in India through which he wants to offer employment to many other.  Chef has been closely associated with various hospitality insitutions in India and have been tirelessly educating students about hospitality skills. Chef Sharma believes that Indian Students have a bright future in F&B sector across globe if given right guidance and platforms.

Executive Chef Dayashankar Sharma says, “Jhakaas means ‘epic’ or ‘superb’ in Hindi, which is a pretty accurate description of its epic street food-style menu if you ask us. Everthing tastes authentic and home-cooked, not too heavy and heavy with spice. This food is very close to my heart – I have spent many years developing dishes that my mother taught me as a child, and taken inspiration from my early career at some of the finishe establishments in India”.

The Rajputana and Rajputana Grill both offer plenty of meaty offerings, such as Punjabi butter chicken and Varhadi poussin saag aloo, while vegan bundle includes tofu saag, lasooni tadka dal, mini nutty samosas, warm rotis and a fantastic spiced tomato and fried aubergine dish.

Vikram Sharma joins The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa as multi property Director of Human Resources

Vikram Sharma joins The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa as multi property Director of Human Resources

Vikram Sharma has been appointed as the Multi-Property Director of Human Resources for The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa.

A seasoned hotelier, Vikram brings with him a rich and diverse repertoire of experience of over 17 years; after graduating from The Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition, Mumbai and having completed a prestigious Masters degree in leadership from XLRI, Jamshedpur. He started his career with the Hyatt Group in 2004 and thereafter moved on to become a part of Marriott International in 2013, having worked in diverse roles with brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Westin, JW Marriott amongst others. In his last stint, he was associated with the JW Marriott Kolkata as the Director of Human Resources.

An excellent team player is known for his strong interpersonal skills and creative thinking, Vikram will be helming the full spectrum of human resources and talent development functions across both the hotel and the resort in his new role, and will be instrumental in ensuring a strong motivated team to achieve the complex’s strategic goals. He believes that great guest experiences find their roots in great associate experiences, where associates are proud and energized by the meaningful impact their work has on guests. He looks forward to creating engaging, high quality learning experiences and creating an environment where all associates understand and embrace the link between purpose and performance; that will in turn empower them to do their best.

Rahul Puri, Multi-Property General Manager for The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi and The Westin Sohna Resort and Spa said, “We’re delighted to welcome Vikram to the complex team. I’m a firm believer that our associates are at the core of our business and operations, and I look forward to working closely with him to ensure that our people strategy is aligned with our organizational strategy and our valuable talent across all functions of the hotel and resort.”

Vikram’s result driven approach and immaculate strategic acumen have also led him to multiple accolades and achievements like HR Leader of the Year 2020 for APEC by Marriott International, Top 100 minds in Hospitality Industry 2018, Young Human Resources Leader of India 2017 by Federation of Hotels and Resorts Association of India; to his name.

Outside the realm of work, Vikram is passionate about travelling and a long bike ride is his stress buster. He takes pride in calling himself a family man and enjoy spending time with his family especially his toddler, being the doting father.

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel hires Suhas Sharma as the Director of Sales

Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel has appointed Suhas Sharma as the Director of Sales. A young and dynamic hotelier par excellence, he has enriched his professional expertise in the areas of sales, business development, strategic  planning, and  team management, after having worked with some of the key brands in the Hospitality Industry. 

At Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel, Suhas’s core responsibilities lie in maximizing hotel revenues through result-oriented  sales programs and exploring new business opportunities. He will not only focus on the business recovery of the hotel post the pandemic, but he will also work towards creating a new and sustainable business stream for the hotel.

Sharing his excitement, Suhas Sharma said,” I’m delighted to be a part of the hotel that is known for curating guest experiences which the people of Bengaluru and beyond have come to love. Overlooking the iconic Bangalore Turf Club and the terrific skylines of the city, Renaissance Bengaluru is a beautiful hotel situated next to race course. And we want to showcase  it to everyone, we will make some noise, do extraordinary things in style… after all no matter where or why you travel, there’s always something ‘wonderfully new’ to be found. Our brand motto says, “no matter where or why you travel, there’s always something ‘wonderfully new’ to be found” and that’s where exactly my focus will be.

Suhas is a thorough professional and comes with a rich and diverse experience spanning over 13 years, where he excelled in multiple facets of the hospitality industry including business development, strategic management and knowledge of various market segments. He began his career with The Oberoi  Rajvilas as the F&B Associate in 2008 and has since moved on to work with Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, Hyatt Regency Gurgaon, Shangri-La Hotel Bengaluru. Prior to joining Renaissance Bengaluru, he worked as the Account Director in Marriott National Sales. 

Recipient of many industry accolades and awards for leading from the front and driving sales performance in his former roles, his strong performance-driven culture has won him Awards of Excellence in Leadership at Marriott Hotel.

Hailing from Rajasthan, Suhas secured his Hospitality Management from American Hotel & Lodging Association, Wayanad, Kerala. He also holds a diploma in Hotel Management & Catering Technologies from Oriental School of Hotel Management, Kerala. When not at work, you will find him indulging in Gardening, Photography and Travelling.

New Ginger Hotel Being Constructed By All-Woman Team At Santacruz, Mumbai

IHCL and Tata Projects collaborate for this marquee 371-room Ginger hotel

Committed to driving women's empowerment and creating an equitable workplace across industries, Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has collaborated with TATA Projects for the construction of the new Ginger hotel at Santacruz, Mumbai by an all-woman engineering team. This marquee project is a significant step forward in promoting varied opportunities for women in otherwise traditionally male-dominated industries such as construction.

Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, stated, “At IHCL, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all. Today, the world is marching towards a future where women are continuing to push the boundaries across sectors. This partnership with Tata Projects reiterates this belief. We are proud of the all-woman team helming the construction of the all new Ginger Santacruz.”

The 371-room hotel with a built-up area of over 19,000 sq. m will be constructed over a course of 19 months. The building process will incorporate the latest construction techniques and technologies. Located at a prime location in close proximity to Mumbai Airport and Western Express Highway, this will be a flagship Ginger hotel and is being constructed by one of India’s leading construction companies - Tata Projects.

Vinayak Deshpande, Managing Director - TATA Projects, said, “The Ginger hotel project is progressing well under the leadership of an all-woman team. This is reflective of the culture of the Company, which encourages women to embrace diverse roles in the workplace. The success of this team is important for motivating more women to build their careers in the construction and engineering sector. Another key feature is that new technologies such as BIM and 3D are also being deployed to ensure on-time and quality construction.”

IHCL has been on a continuous journey of empowering women including the recently launched all-woman-run luxury residences in Chennai. The company has implemented various other industry-leading practices such as ‘Extended Maternity Leave’, compulsory crèche facilities, medical reimbursement for family expansion including IVF treatments, amongst others. Tata Projects’ policies have created platforms for women employees to participate in different functions of the business at all levels, gain experience in their fields, and achieve their career aspirations.

Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions will give first-hand updates to TAAI members on industry trends: Jyoti Mayal.

Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions will give first-hand updates to TAAI members on industry trends: Jyoti Mayal.

The Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has associated with Amadeus to educate its members on NDC and termed it the way forward for airline ticketing to enhance and up sell activities to clients. The association has a motive to prepare its members for the future technological changes to adopt, educate and enhance the business potential through the New Distribution Capability (NDC) along with Amadeus 1A platform.

During the webinar, Rakesh Bansal, CEO, Amadeus India & Subcontinent talked about how travel powers progress and Amadeus powers travel and how his company has pioneered the travel technology market in India for 27 years now. Moving forward, Bansal invited, Jyoti Mayal, President, TAAI and talked about her vision to raise the standards of tourism industry.

Mayal during her addressal emphasised on the need to focus on two words as of now that is “Re”; restructuring, rebooting, re-aligning to rebound businesses which has seen a massive setback due to the Covid-19 pandemic. “Going down in the history, TAAI and Amadeus have had a long relationship and we are once again collaborating for our mutual benefits. NDC is basically a new communication protocol replaced by the old protocol that has been around since 1980’s and through this channel we are allowing airline service providers to deliver rich content to our customers since this is the only way to market ourselves and develop a distinguish brand name,” she stated.

Mayal further added that their top priority as a travel Association is to cater to the needs of customers which has doubled since this pandemic. “Therefore, not just collaboration but actively working on it to bring about the desired results is the need of the hour for the re-emergence of the businesses,” she commented.

Going forward, NDC expert Ramona Bohwonaprasart, Senior VP- India & Southeast Asia - Inside Sales Travel Sellers, Amadeus talked about the relevance of NDC for the industry stakeholders and shared the global perspective of its use. She then handed over to Nitesh Senapati, Head of NDC growth, APAC, Amadeus and Swati Bhatia, Head Products and Solutions – Indian Subcontinent, Amadeus India, were also present as speakers and presented the data and spoke about India being the potential scorer despite uncertainty around. They echoed thoughts shared by Mayal and put forth how NDC is bringing these retailing capabilities to life. “Amadeus has prepared a stable platform where all the queries of travel industry stakeholders would be addressed, we are among the only ones that have a fully open system, providing flexibility and scalability” mentioned Senapati. He further highlighted the points like high normalisation, integration, operational efficiency, and dual payment method that makes Amadeus different from others in the market.

Mayal also included in the discussion the benefits that TAAI members could garner. “They can get the latest updates on industry trends and Amadeus’ upcoming NDC enabled solutions first-hand from the industry experts like the booking of NDC content on Amadeus, selling platform connect, checking out the key capabilities, how to get connected to NDC content in Amadeus. They could further learn about latest airlines that are Amadeus NDC enabled and insights on future NDC roadmap,” she said.

Bhatia while concluding the webinar showcased all the features of the system and also compared it to other platforms, singling out key features like its availability only on graphical user interface which makes it unique and easy to access.

TAAI members actively participated in this educative webinar & many questions were raised & answered. This truly was one of the most educative webinar.

ITC GRAND CENTRAL USHERS THE FESTIVE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

ITC GRAND CENTRAL USHERS THE FESTIVE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

Mumbai, December 2021 - ITC Grand Central, the first and finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveller in central Mumbai, will usher in the festive season of Christmas and New Year by setting up a beautiful ‘Christmas Tree’ in the lobby. 

Living up to the sprit of the Polar Express, with cheer and joy, the Grand Central will celebrate this season with carols and musical performances and of course with jolly Santa Claus on 25th December. Festivities have begun by the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the 11th of December,2021.

During the celebratory season ITC Grand Central has special offerings at the three restaurants of the hotel - Hornby’s Pavilion, Shanghai Club and Kebabs & Kurries during Christmas and on New Year’s Eve and the New Year Day. 

Our all day dining restaurant Hornby’s pavilion is all geared up to host our patrons to a gala dinner on the eve of new year. 

Hornby’s Pavilion: Celebrate the spirit of Christmas with a sumptuous spread on December 24, 25 and 26, 2021 at Hornby’s Pavilion. Roasted Stuffed Turkey with Cranberry sauce and Truffle Hints, Pork Chops with Apple Chutney, Rosemary Infused Lamb Chops with Red wine Jus and many more mouth-watering traditional Christmas delicacies would be on offer. Bring in the New Year with a fabulous Buffet Spread along with a veritable river of unlimited beverages at Hornby’s Pavilion, the all day dining restaurant of the hotel.

The gourmet shop Nutmeg at ITC Grand Central, introduces all-year-long hampers, a treasure trove of deliciousness. These hampers come in 5 varieties with varied inclusions and at different price ranges; and to name a few they are Festive reserve, Celebration special, Deluxe section, Hand Rolled truffles and rochers, Chef crafted Petit Macarons. A wide variety of signature chocolate & nut brownies, delicious honey dried fruit & seed bars ae also available to choose from.

Also, you can avail the exclusive NYE room offer, that includes Accommodation for 2 adults, New Years' Eve Gala Dinner (non alcoholic) at Hornby’s pavilion and Buffet Breakfast on 1st Jan.

For queries please call on 24101010 and extension number will be 5070/5071





ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT PARK HYATT CHENNAI

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AT PARK HYATT CHENNAI  

December 2021 – The most wonderful time of the year is here. 

To commence the year-end festivities the customary Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at Park  Hyatt Chennai was organized on Saturday, December 11th in the hotel lobby. This year the concept was made extra special by turning the Christmas Tree into a Christmas Wish Tree.  

Children from Rainbow Home (an orphanage for girls) were invited, through Chennai Volunteers, to  share their Christmas wish list with the hotel prior to the event, and come to light the tree on the  day. The girls aged between 4 – 14 years sent their wishes, which were displayed on the Christmas  Wish Tree for guests and employees to view and sponsor. These articles will be purchased and gifted to them on Christmas Eve.  

In addition to the children, our esteemed hotel guests joined us for the ceremony along with well known food critic Ms. Ameeta Agnihotri. The tree lighting was followed by carol singing by the hotel  team and hi tea for everyone. Christmas specials like mulled wine, jalapeno cheese croquettes, muffins and plum cakes were served. This concept had already touched many of our guests and they are lining  up for fulfilling the wishes. 

General Manager Sascha Lenz adds,’ Christmas is the time for giving back and even more so after the  challenging times we have seen. We wanted to do our bit for the community we live in and spread  the spirit of Christmas among the less fortunate. Luckily this concept has been much appreciated  among our guests and colleagues and we hope to bring lots of smiles on the faces of these kids on  Christmas.’  

Park Hyatt Chennai has an array of festivities lined up for Christmas. Join us to celebrate the merry  month!

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation 

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company offering  20 premier brands. As of June 30, 2021, the Company's portfolio included more than 1,000 hotel and  all-inclusive properties in 68 countries across six continents. The Company's purpose to care for  people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended  to attract and retain top employees, build relationships with guests and create value for  shareholders. The Company's subsidiaries operate, manage, franchise, own, lease, develop, license,  or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences, and vacation ownership properties,  including under the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection  by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson  Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt  Place®, tommie™, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brand names, and operates the World of  Hyatt® loyalty program that provides distinct benefits and exclusive experiences to its valued  members. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com

About Park Hyatt  

Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, global travelers with a refined home-away-from-home. Guests  of Park Hyatt hotels receive quietly confident and personalized service in an enriching environment.  Located in several of the world's premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to  combine sophistication with understated luxury. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed  guestrooms, world-renowned artwork and design, rare and immersive culinary experiences, and  signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs. There are currently 45 Park Hyatt hotels in the  following locations: Abu Dhabi, Auckland, Bangkok, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan,  Canberra, Changbaishan, Carlsbad, Chennai, Chicago, Doha, Dubai, Guangzhou, Hamburg, Hangzhou,  Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kyoto, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, New York,  Ningbo, Niseko, Paris, Saigon, Sanya, Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Siem Reap, St. Kitts, Suzhou,  Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto (under renovation), Vienna, Washington, D.C., Zanzibar, and Zurich. For  more information, please visit parkhyatt.com. For more information, please visit  parkhyatt.com. Follow @ParkHyatt on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and tag photos with  #LuxuryIsPersonal.


Slay All The Way this Festive Season at SOCIAL

Slay All The Way this Festive Season at SOCIAL

Ho Ho Ho, Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas with SOCIAL’s limited edition holiday menu


It's the most wonderful time of the year and your favourite neighbourhood all-day café & bar chain SOCIAL, is set to spread the cheer with a limited edition #eats & #drnks menu - Slay All The Way. To ring in the holiday season and make the year end one to remember, SOCIAL outposts across the country will also be decked out with Christmas themed decor that channels the spirit of the holidays while reflecting their commitment to sustainability and conscious thought and action.


The SOCIAL elves have been at work, and the Slay All The Way menu is crafted to make sure you end the year on a grand note. Known for its eclectic names and combinations, SOCIAL is sleighing the season with eight new #eats and four new #drnks for an exclusive Christmas menu, starting on 15th December 2021. 


#SlayAllTheWay with the Social Slay Pasta “Bake” featuring Macaroni along with grilled vegetables baked in a creamy white sauce. Another addition is The Christmas Tikka, smokey boneless chicken legs marinated with roast garlic and sumac cooked in a tandoor. Share the joy with your loved one while enjoying the Christmas Couch Potato Platter or the Tandoori Sausage Platter for all you meat-lovers. Just like Christmas is incomplete without Carrot Cake, Indian winters are incomplete without the good old Gaajar ka Halwa. Making this Christmas extra sweet is SOCIAL's take on these iconic desserts with Carrot on Carrot, a perfect combination of Gaajar ka Halwa on Carrot Cake served with nuts and raisins and a smoked custard. 


Looking beyond the traditional apple cider and eggnog, the #drnks on this menu are twisted and delicious. The all-new Clause-mo-politan made from Vodka, Cranberry Clear Syrup, Lime Juice & Cranberry Air Foam; Tiramisu Santatini made of Whiskey, Tiramisu Syrup, Martini Bianco, Olive Brine, Silver Sheet & Tiramisu Biscoti; Jingle Tingle which consists of Beefeater, Orange Marmalade, Orange Juice, Sweet & Sour and Ginger Ale, are balanced to give you the perfect holiday buzz.


For the sustainable decor across its outposts, SOCIAL has collaborated with Tyrell Valladares, Founder of MetalHead Studio to curate a Christmas mood that goes above and beyond. Outposts across the country will channel the spirit of the season using biodegradable materials, recycled and upcycled elements, making it a truly sustainable holiday season. Tyrell amps up the festive fever at SOCIAL outposts across the country with decor created from paper mesh and newspapers. Buntings, gift boxes, stars and holly will be dotted through the outposts, to amplify the cheer of a limited edition menu of signature SOCIAL #eats and #drnks.


Head to your neighbourhood SOCIAL and get ready to #SlayAllTheWay.


Availability:

Date: 15th to 25th December 2021


Outlets: All SOCIAL outposts in Mumbai

 

Pre-book your table: Call your neighbourhood SOCIAL


**

 

ABOUT SOCIAL

SOCIAL is a path-breaking urban hangout that’s designed to take you offline while still keeping you connected. From an all-day café serving great food, coffee, and cocktails, SOCIAL transforms from this creatively charged collaborative space into a high energy bar when work hours end, striking the perfect balance between work x play. Each outpost is a representation of the neighbourhood it resides in, from the pincode to the people. It’s a second home, workplace, and hangout, all wrapped up in one mind-blowing experience.

 

ABOUT IMPRESARIO HANDMADE RESTAURANTS

Impresario Handmade Restaurants was founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha – Coffees & Conversations. Today, Impresario boasts a network of 60 restaurants across 16 Indian cities and multiple brands. Its umbrella of brands includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Goodness to Go, Salt Water Café, BOSS Burger, Hung-Li, Lucknowee, Ishaara, Slink & Bardot, Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît, Prithvi Cafe, and Mocha. The company’s core strength lies in understanding the changing dining out habits of young India and delivering quality experiences tailored to delight its patrons

InterContinental marks 75 years of pioneering luxury travel with a celebration of rich heritage, iconic hotels and exclusive experiences

The world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand announces limited-time offers for its diamond anniversary

National, December 2021: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has become synonymous with bold exploration, travel, and cultural discovery, having pioneered luxury travel in emerging and well-loved destinations for the past 75 years. This year, as the brand toasts its diamond anniversary, it invites guests to celebrate the joy of travel and rediscover InterContinental hotels and resorts around the world. From now until April 2022, guests can enjoy an exciting lineup of limited-time offers ranging from sparkling anniversary celebrations to exhilarating stay experiences. As part of the 75th-anniversary initiative and IHG’s Journey to Tomorrow commitment, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts will also donate US$75,000 to Water.org, supporting 15,000 people to gain access to clean water through sustainable, locally owned, and run projects.

 

Stay and celebrate in style

Guests can recognize personal milestones with a range of anniversary packages. The 75th Anniversary Package will be available at select hotels and includes a personalized refreshment experience for two; for those looking for incomparable experiences, the InterContinental Diamond Stay Packages offer varied and carefully curated once-in-a-lifetime luxury moments across hand-picked InterContinental hotels.

 

Bringing local destinations and ingredients to the forefront, talented teams at select InterContinental hotels and resorts around the world have crafted celebratory variations, along with special food pairing menus, for a unique interpretation and taste journey in each destination.

 

InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort  has curated an exclusive ‘Romantic Sea-break’ with extraordinary experiences for a couple getaway. Designed for two nights, the tailor-made package comes with inclusions of in-room celebration amenities for the couple on arrival, chef’s crafted 5-course private dinner on the water’s edge at KoKoMMo Tiki Shack with a bottle of wine, in a special dine by design arrangement, once during the stay. The couple can enjoy a hearty royal breakfast in the room and special offers on all therapies and treatments at Amrtam Spa. As a part of this celebratory package, the hotel has also crafted four unique experiences including hands-on culinary master class with the chef, mixology lessons at KoKoMMo beach shack, pranic healing and meditation with the in-house wellness practitioner and access to cultural performances at Dakshin Chitra. The diamond anniversary package ‘Romantic Sea-break’ is attractively priced at INR 35,000 plus taxes for two nights and is valid only for stays until 30th April 2022.

Eclat Insights | The Perfect Customer Service Experience. The Powerful Storyboard Concept and What You Absolutely Must Do

If you know exactly who your customer is and what great service looks like for that customer, this should be a piece of cake. If you are a banker, you might see a customer walk in, get assisted immediately, deposit a lot of money and thank you for the privilege. If you are a salesperson, you can probably imagine your perfect customer walking in, pleasant greetings exchanged, buying everything you recommend and then some, and again, thank you for the privilege.

What if I asked you to share this with someone? Imagine sharing this perfect experience with your family, or a friend. Imagine telling them all about it.

You would say something like 'So, I was just standing there, and then she, and then I, and then she, and OMG, she was like, wow, can you pack all this and that and that and that and that…'

You would tell a story, wouldn't you?

That's all we want to do in this insight, Tell amazing customer service storied. 

Introducing, The Storyboard.

What Is a Storyboard?

A storyboard is a visual outline for your story. It’s made up of a series of thumbnail images that convey what happens in your story, from beginning to end. It also includes notes about what’s happening in each frame. A finished storyboard looks like a comic strip.

So how does it help in customer service?

Let's go back to that perfect customer service experience we discussed earlier. If you can draw that up into a storyboard, it should be very easy for anyone to see what great customer service looks like for your company, department or process.

This is from a client of mine, where the vehicle delivery team made a storyboard of the customer process. The customer is the one with a crown (as it should be).

All the key interactions are shown as a unique panel. The script or the words they have to use come next and that is called process scripting, but for now, almost instinctively you know the activities that need to happen for this process to be 

1. complete & 

2. good

Storyboarding can help in the following:

  • It clarifies the key moments in a process. I call these 'wow' moments, but that's only because I am tired of moments of truth (which to me sounds like a pathological liar trying to balance his karma once in a while)

  • It helps you plan your process. If you don't see the customer anywhere in the frame, you know you aren't keeping her at the heart of your operation. If you can't see your customer smiling, feeling happy, elated, then a storyboard allows you to examine the process, frame by frame. In one case, the sheer number of people the customer had to meet to get something done was an eye-opener for the management. They kept asking, so who is in this frame now? and every time they would be told about a whole new designation.

  • It helps you communicate your process in an easy & intuitive way. Try running a happy customer service process from a 20-page pdf document. Boring! When you have storyboards, you can print the entire process on one sheet and create a visual reminder for the entire team. You can also regularly work on each frame to make that micro-experience better. Think cold towels/water offered by businesses in summer. It's just one frame of the entire process, but they made it better.

  • It simplifies further action. Scripting the words, action, lighting, staging everything becomes so much easier when you start looking at it as a movie.

How to do it?

Start with the basics.

Create a simple outline of your process.

Scene 1 - what happens. Who is in the frame? Where is it happening? Use stick figures. Repeat for every scene.

Stick to some pivotal points or action frames.

So, if the customer has to walk from the main door to the reception, you don't need to draw a frame for every step. 

Frame 1 - Customer opening the door to the shop 

Frame 2 - Customer at the counter

Show it to someone, anyone. They should be able to make sense of the story without you having to explain it. That is the first test of a good storyboard.

Once you have a good first cut, you can keep improving it, crafting a customer experience that will make them share their story with the rest of the world. Word of mouth comes from such craft.

Want to make this WOW? 

I Have 2 ideas for how you can make this wow!

1. Look for emotion in every frame. If you know the emotion you want to create, then you will be able to design a service to create it.

2. Make videos! Yes, not the boring training videos you are used to, but a customer success video. Get your team's best acting talent, write a script, make sure it follows the storyboard you created and simple make the happiest, service experience video ever! Watch it with your team regularly. 

At the heart of great customer service is a great story. Learn to tell yours.

Manage a customer service process? Own a company that has customers? Let me help. Write to me at p.bedi@eclathospitality.com & get absolutely free assistance on creating amazing storyboards > processes.

Prabhjot

Bedi

is an 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

Would You Buy a Pizza From These Robot Pizza Chefs at PizzaForno?

Robots are taking over making America's favorite dish, with chains like PizzaForno setting up automated kiosks

Pizza may be the perfect food for automation. It's composed of relatively few ingredients and many chains, Domino's (DPZ) - Get Domino's Pizza, Inc. Report included, already use automated ovens. That makes it a relatively small leap (albeit an expensive one) to go from semiautomated to fully automated and one small U.S. chain has said it's not only doing it but doing it well. 

American pizza chain PizzaForno is investing in robot-operated artisanal pizza vending machines as food tech enjoys its disruptive moment amid acute labor shortages in the U.S. 

The fast-casual chain is planning to set up 1,000 fully automated PizzaForno kiosks across the U.S. by the end of next year. The company has 40 kiosks in North America, including five units in Michigan.

This Is Not New Technology

PizzaForno co-Founders Les Tomlin and Will Moyer told QSR Magazine, a trade publication for the fast-food restaurant segment, that they first witnessed the "aha" moment in a small French town north of Paris 3 1/2 years ago.

"The technology has been around France for the better part of 10 years. Covid, the labor shortage, people don't want to spend 10 minutes waiting for anything. All those things add up to super fast, super convenient, super quick serve. That's where I think everybody's got to go," Tomlin said.

PizzaForno partly bakes its crusts, flash freezes them, then has humans top them at regional kitchens before they’re delivered to the refrigerated innards of its 80-square-foot machines.

Radisson RED brand launched in India with hotel in Chandigarh region

The 154 key Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali property is owned by Bestech Group.Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali property is owned by Bestech Group.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the launch of its Radisson RED brand, in India, with the opening of Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali. The hotel is first of 10 hotels slated to open in the market under the brand’s umbrella within the next three to five years, catering to the needs of the new age travellers in India and across the world, with its bold and stylish properties situated in dynamic, urban and scenic locations.

Speaking about this strategic expansion, Zubin Saxena, managing director and vice president operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group said, “We believe that the style-savvy and social Indian travelers will relate and enjoy the experiences and ambience that come with Radisson RED – a vibrant, unconventional and trendy brand. We appreciate the long-standing relationship with our strategic partner Bestech Group and the trust that they have demonstrated in the Radisson RED brand. As we launch into India with Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali, we are confident of a stellar response and look to branch out even more in the near future.”

“It gives us great pleasure to open the first Radisson RED in the country as part of our strategic alliance with Radisson Hotel Group. The hotel is perfectly positioned to provide guests with a safe and inspiring environment including unique dining options and all of it draws inspiration from the local culture and experiences. We anticipate that this bold, playful and eclectic twist on conventional hospitality will resonate with Indian travellers looking for novelty,” said Dharmendra Bhandari, managing director, Bestech Group.

“We have had an immensely successful partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and are proud to grow the relationship further. The Group’s operational expertise and brand reputation are key factors that win guest confidence, especially now as travellers seek assurance of health, safety and hygiene as they venture out. We are honoured to be a part of this landmark launch and cannot wait to see the response from the new-age travellers,” said Sunil Satija, managing director, Bestech Group.

With 154 rooms, guests can choose from four room categories including standard room, superior room, junior suite and executive suite. All rooms and suites are fitted with king-size beds, stylish furnishings, selfie spots, digital screens, and revitalizing amenities to ensure that guests have a fun experience.

Recently appointed general manager, Kshitij Jawa said, “I truly believe that Radisson RED and the Tricity area is a perfect match. We are located in the hub of culture, art, architecture and commerce, making it easy for our guests to make the most of their trips whether they are travelling for business or leisure. The hotel will add an edge to the city’s thriving energy, and I am excited for the possibilities that come with opening the first Radisson RED here”.

New Launch | SOCIAL launches a brand new outpost in Malad

SOCIAL launches a brand new outpost in Malad

The 29th outpost of the iconic brand is an ode to the cultural cocktail of the suburb.

Mumbai, December 2021: The Mumbai that you see today has gone through the motions. What started out as a sleepy fishing colony with multiple islands is now a megacity that never sleeps. Where bustling villages reside, tall buildings also thrive. Although commerce has been the backbone of the city, culture has been the soul. 

The North Mumbai suburb of Malad is no different; a suburb which the ethnic communities of Kolis, Bhandaris and East Indians call home. Beaches like Aksa and Manori are go-to spots for the residents. Close to the shore and the sky, the IT boom in the late 90’s saw Malad become the base for IT and call centre boom Mindspace, while the iconic Inorbit Mall became the first mall of the suburbs. 

Malad is thus a melting pot that represents Mumbai itself, where the old and new not just meet each other, but blend together seamlessly. 

It’s of little wonder then that SOCIAL’s 29th outlet in the country and 13th in Mumbai happens to be in the manic yet measured suburb of Malad. Paying homage to the duality of the suburb and bringing alive the topography of the region, the interiors of the outpost are broken into levels to promise guests a sense of privacy while still feeling one with the crowd. The outlet décor reflects a birds-eye view of the city – this design experience gives an illusion of space like never seen before. “We’re exploring the materiality of the outpost through signature cod-ten steel and natural stone inlays that embellish the classic SOCIAL vibe. The raw feel is balanced through a massive green wall on the other side, with bold graphics flanking the ceiling and metal, talking of the context of Malads's evolution.” say architects Faizan Khatri and Samir Raut of studio eight twentythree, who helmed the project.


SOCIAL and its parent company Impresario have always kept hyperlocal culture at the heart of what they do. Speaking of the launch, Riyaaz Amlani, CEO & MD, Impresario Handmade Restaurants, says, “SOCIAL’s unique identity has been solidified over the last eight years as a community space, where culture, creativity, and community collide, and we’re very excited to bring it to the modern yet diverse neighbourhood of Malad. The neighbourhood will be pumped to have a collaborative space which is not only functional but also fun at its very core! Whether it’s for a work meeting over a cup of coffee or a weekend wind-down with the gang, SOCIAL is everything an all-day café needs it to be.”


Over the years, SOCIAL has also become synonymous with trailblazing experiences that have made it one of the most exciting F&B brands in the country. SOCIAL is all about creating an engaging offline experience, and that thought is taken forward even in our food and drinks menu. Whether it’s our inventive cocktails of the legendary 1,000ml Longest Long Island Iced Tea (L.L.I.I.T), or our quirky dishes like the Black Label Butter Chicken or Tandoori Pizzas, the offerings try to involve diners in an experience that's more immersive. Malad SOCIAL is all set to become the neighbourhood’s go-to community space and we’re thrilled for the neighbourhood to experience everything India loves about SOCIAL - the food, the drinks, the workspace, the community, and the gigs,” says Mayank Bhatt, Business Head, SOCIAL.


Famous for putting an experimental spin on classic dishes, going through the SOCIAL menu is no less than going on a culinary adventure. Malad SOCIAL will serve the iconic Breakfast Trays, Munchies, China Boxes, and legendary Biryanis, along with cocktails like Asia Sour, Gin Julep, The Pink Pound, Mars Attack and more that make patrons keep coming back for round 2! 


Entering the buzzing heart of Malad at Inorbit Mall, it’s about time that #MaladGetsSOCIAL, with the outpost opening to the public from xx onwards on December 10, 2021. 


We’ll #SeeYouAtsSOCIAL then?

ABOUT SOCIAL

SOCIAL is a path-breaking urban hangout that’s designed to take you offline while still keeping you connected. From an all-day café serving great food, coffee, and cocktails, SOCIAL transforms from this creatively charged collaborative space into a high energy bar when work hours end, striking the perfect balance between work x play. Each outpost is a representation of the neighbourhood it resides in, from the pincode to the people. It’s a second home, workplace, and hangout, all wrapped up in one mind-blowing experience.

 

ABOUT IMPRESARIO HANDMADE RESTAURANTS

Impresario Handmade Restaurants was founded in 2001 with its maiden venture Mocha – Coffees & Conversations. Today, Impresario boasts a network of 60 restaurants across 16 Indian cities and multiple brands. Its umbrella of brands includes SOCIAL, antiSOCIAL, Smoke House Deli, Goodness to Go, Salt Water Café, BOSS Burger, Hung-Li, Lucknowee, Ishaara, Slink & Bardot, Soufflé S’il Vous Plaît, Prithvi Cafe, and Mocha. The company’s core strength lies in understanding the changing dining out habits of young India and delivering quality experiences tailored to delight its patrons.



Marriott International Expects to Debut More than 30 Luxury Hotels Across the Globe in 2022

Marriott International Continues to Redefine the High-End Hospitality Landscape and Grow Luxury Footprint from New York City to Cairo to Sydney

From International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, Marriott International, Inc. today announced it expects to debut more than 30 luxury hotels in 2022, creating the rare and enriching experiences today's luxury traveler craves with its unmatched portfolio of dynamic luxury brands. Through the world-renowned hospitality hallmarks of The Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W, The Luxury Collection, EDITION, JW Marriott and Bulgari, Marriott International continues to elevate travel, creating highly contextualized, distinct brand experiences that signal the future of luxury. With an unrivaled network of more than 460 landmark luxury hotels and resorts in 68 countries and territories today, Marriott International is poised to expand its luxury footprint with nearly 190 properties in the development pipeline, including the 30 hotels expected to open in 2022, in iconic as well as emerging destinations from Mexico to Portugal and Australia to South Korea.

“Our guests are seeking deeper, more immersive experiences that allow them to indulge in global exploration while sparking personal regeneration," said Chris Gabaldon, Senior Vice President, Luxury Brands, Marriott International.

Luxury is Entering a New Era of Regeneration
A global luxury trends study conducted in collaboration with creative agency Team One revealed that today’s affluent travelers are shifting from a ‘box checking’ mindset to a ‘traveling well’ mindset, taking a more thoughtful, intentional approach to trip planning. Gabaldon observed, “As people reexamine and reprioritize what matters to them most, a shift that has accelerated over the past two years, we’re seeing a real embracing of deeper travel. Our guests are focusing more on where they travel and why they make the journey, seeking to foster a more meaningful connection to the destination as well as the people they meet.” With a truly global footprint, Marriott International is poised to meet this evolving set of aspirations, inviting people to view travel as a canvas for regeneration that leads to lasting positive impact on locals and destinations. “From the world’s most desirable destinations to undiscovered gems, we strive to go beyond offering moments of transformation for our guests and hope to create experiences that will inspire a newfound sense of personal wellbeing and joy,” said Gabaldon.

The Ritz-Carlton Continues to Define the Future of Luxury Hospitality
With a focus on destination-driven design and unparalleled service, The Ritz-Carlton continues to drive innovation and set the standard for luxury hospitality. In 2021 the brand was introduced in some of the world’s most coveted locales, including the Maldives, Turks & Caicos, and Mexico City. In 2022, the brand expects to expand in Arizona with The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley, The Palmeraie, as well as in New York City, debuting in the vibrant NoMad neighborhood, where guest rooms feature sweeping city views. The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne is slated to grow the renowned brand’s footprint in Australia. Ritz-Carlton Reserve anticipates expanding its highly curated portfolio, debuting its sixth rare estate in the historic Chinese valley of Jiuzhaigou. In keeping with the brand’s forward-looking design aesthetic, The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, are all expected to celebrate major renovations in the year ahead. Additionally, the brand expects to mark the inaugural voyage of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection in May 2022.

Appointment | Novotel Kochi Infopark appoints Gayatri Bist as General Manager

In her most recent stint, Bist was the General Manager of Holiday Inn in Chandigarh Panchkula with an inventory of 127 keys.

Novotel Kochi Infopark has appointed Gayatri Bist as the new General Manager. Bist commenced her new role at the hotel on November 11th, 2021.

Bist comes with a total experience of 21 years in the hospitality industry, with a remarkable history of working with brands like Intercontinental Hotels and Shangri-La across various challenging roles and geographies.

In her most recent stint, Bist was the General Manager of Holiday Inn in Chandigarh Panchkula with an inventory of 127 keys. Prior to this, she was the Executive Assistant Manager at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad. She is a seasoned sales professional, coming from a strong background of Sales & Marketing. She was instrumental in the launch of The Holiday Inn in New Delhi.

Bist's favorite hobby is traveling and discovering new places around the world. She especially enjoys solo traveling along with outings with friends and families.

Novotel Kochi Infopark offers 128 rooms, Restaurant & Bar, fully equipped fitness and wellness centre and multiple meeting rooms for comfort and recreation, for both leisure and business.

ITC Grand Chola becomes world's largest hotel to get LEED Zero Carbon certification

The ITC Hotels group is already the world’s largest chain of hotels with the maximum number of LEED Platinum certified properties.

ITC Grand Chola, Chennai became the largest hotel in the world and the commercial buildings achieved the LEED Zero Carbon Certification, according to a release issued by ITC Hotels.

The hotel company is already the world’s largest chain of hotels with the maximum number of LEED Platinum certified properties, it added.

Earlier, in March 2021, ITC Windsor, Bengaluru became the first hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.

LEED Zero encourages a holistic approach for buildings and places, which will contribute to a regenerative future. Sharing the same vision, ITC Hotels decade strong ‘Responsible Luxury’ initiative seeks to adopt the highest standards of planet-positive experiences in its operations.
ITC Grand Chola has demonstrated extraordinary sustainability leadership over a decade by consistently enhancing its energy efficiency with world class energy-efficient and climate friendly technologies. It has further invested in building the renewable energy footprint through self-owned wind farm and solar energy, the release said.

The LEED Zero carbon certification demonstrates a deep commitment to implementing building and design strategies that assure an enhanced quality of life. It includes creating an environment where any human-produced carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere through technological or natural means.

Zubin Songadwala, area manager – south, ITC Hotels and general manager, ITC Grand Chola, said, “ITC Hotels has been at the helm of exemplary sustainability leadership with its innovative energy efficiency, renewable energy and mitigation of greenhouse gases emission initiatives. The LEED Zero carbon certification for ITC Grand Chola and ITC Windsor is one step closer to creating a better world for all of us where buildings are actually generating more energy than they consume and removing more carbon than they create.”

For more than two decades, LEED has provided a framework for creating high-performance green buildings and spaces and is an internationally recognized symbol of excellence. Supplementing this framework, the U.S. Green Building Council has developed LEED Zero, a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net zero goals. LEED Zero represents a new level of achievement in green building that is the goal of LEED certified projects around the world.