Absolute Hotel Services India Expands Its Footprints With 550 Keys Hotel In Lucknow

Sameer Dharkar - MD Absolute Hotel Services &  Prawal Choudhary MD Atharva Hotel Superfluities India Pvt Ltd

Lucknow, known as the City of Nawabs, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and respected for its deep-rooted culture, illustrious heritage, and delectable cuisine, is in the current headlines due to the impending elections. Absolute Hotel Services is supplementing by bringing to the city a hotel which likewise, will create ripples and be seen as an address to be in.

Strategically located and a destination by itself, the property would interest discerning travelers, both Corporate and leisure through its multitude of offerings ranging from a plethora of room options, all-day multicuisine restaurant, contemporary bar, and a microbrewery, fitness center, spa, swimming pool and huge banquets. Be it conferencing, wedding, social occasions or individual stays, every experience will be curated to distinct palates and preferences. Property is surrounded by a hub of imperative developments like IT City, International Cricket Stadium, Medanta Multispecialty Hospital, Police Headquarter, Cancer Institute to name a few.

A jubilant Sameer Dharkar, Managing Director, Absolute Hotel Services –South Asia & Middle East region is ecstatic to have this deal inked with Prawal Choudhary, Managing Director, Atharva Hotel Superfluities India Pvt Ltd . “While we have been associated in developing and managing mid-sized projects, this endeavour heralds us into the league of scale and magnitude. Sensing an enormous opportunity, this project has the confluence of two Brands, Eastin Hotel and Eastin Easy, expanding diversity in offerings, both product and services, thus substantiating our brand essence of providing value and quality. The pandemic has ushered every business into the new normal, we took this period to introspect, adapt and reinvent, this development is a measure of our outlook moving forward. We are extremely proud to showcase this property in the revered City of Nawabs, and we will, through our established inclusive management, provide genuine hospitality to every guest”. 

An equally thrilled Prawal Choudhary, Managing Director, Atharva Hotel Superfluities added, “we see this partnership with Absolute hotels Services as the foundation of a new era in our aspiration to make headway in the hospitality arena.  We have been on the lookout to collaborate with a right affiliate, Absolute Hotel Services, one of the fastest Hotel Management Company from Southeast Asia, gives us the precise competitive advantage that we have been eagerly seeking. It’s a win- win situation for us, while we bring in the strategic expansion expertise, they pull in the world-class hotel operations capabilities.”  

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

VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIAL GOURMET

Valentine's Day is considered a holiday in several parts of the world when lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts. It is also called St. Valentine's Day. The holiday has expanded to express affection between relatives and friends. Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14. The best way to celebrate Valentine is to remember the love of God. The Bible says, 'for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son. It is a time of giving. Valentine reminds us of the gift of God to mankind and true love of God in our hearts. That we have to also love the way God loves. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

Cupid is often portrayed on Valentine's Day cards as a naked cherub launching arrows of love at unsuspecting lovers. But the Roman God Cupid has his roots in Greek mythology as the Greek god of love, Eros. A pagan fertility ritual was held in February each year and the Pope abolished this festival and proclaimed 14 February Saint Valentine's Day, thus establishing this feast day on the Catholic Calendar of Saints. The poet Chaucer in the Middle Ages was the first to link St Valentine with romantic love.

The first Valentine's Day was in the year 496! Having a particular Valentine's Day is a very old tradition, thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February - officially the start of their springtime. Some popular valentine's day traditions include exchanging gifts such as roses or chocolates, and a romantic night out or dinner. While school and college students often exchange valentine's cards/ messages and gifts that may contain chocolates and more.

Here are a few yummy and delicious treats to try out and surprise your valentine with your culinary skills!

Recipe-1] ROLLING UP FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Ingredients:

For the dough:

Maida- 1 cup

Salt-1/2 tsp

Oil- 2 tsp

Warm water as needed

For the filling:

Boiled chopped chicken- 1 cup or paneer/ soya keema- 1 cup

Oil- 2 tsp

Butter-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Soy sauce- 2 tsp

Red chili sauce- 2 tsp

Spring onion greens- ½ cup chopped

Grated cheese- 2-3 tbsp.

To fry- oil as needed.

For the dip to go along:

Tomato ketchup- ½ cup

Tomato puree- ¼ cup

Oil-1 tsp

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Capsico sauce- ½ tsp

Water-2-3 tsp

Crushed black pepper to taste

Coriander leaves- 2 tsp chopped

Schezuan sauce-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare the various elements of the recipe as listed.

2. Start up with the dough making for the rolls, prepare a firm hard dough and keep covered under a damp muslin cloth for 15 mins.

3. Meantime prepare the filling for the rolls, boiled chicken and chop it finely, add in sprouts/ shredded capsicums and add salt, pepper, herbs as desired. Cook for 1-2 mins. add in the sauces, mix well and turn off the flame. Similarly, we can use soaked soya chunks, grated paneer, assorted mix veggies as well.

4. Add in the cheese lastly and mix, allow the filling to cool. Prepare a solution of maida and water as a solution to help in sealing the rolls.  Divide the rested dough into 10-12 small lemon sized portions and roll out each portion into a round thin chapati, place a little of the chicken/veg filling towards one side of the chapati, apply a little of the maida water paste on the edges and start rolling and folding it up into a roll or a cigar shape, sides to be locked in and sealed up as well.

5. Heat oil to a medium temperature and slide in the rolls one by one and cook them on all sides evenly and remove once nicely golden browned. Drain them on a kitchen tower/ tissue papers and then cut them 1 x 2 and serve hot.

6. To prepare the dip to go alongside, heat oil in a pan add in garlic, the tomato sauce and all other ingredients with a little water and allow to cook for 1-2 mins. serve it warm with the fried rolls.

Recipe-2] TICKLING TEMPTATIONS

Ingredients:

Canape cups- 12-16 pieces

For the stuffing:

Boiled peeled diced potatoes- 1 cup

Green capsicum- ½ no chopped

Onion- ½ chopped

Tomato-1/2 chopped

Green chili-1 tsp chopped

Mayonnaise-1/2 cup

Capsico sauce- ½ tsp

Lime juice-1 tsp

Chaat masala- ½ tsp

Crushed black pepper- ¼ tsp

Raisins-2 tsp

Sliced almonds/cashews- 2 tsp

Parsley- 2 tsp chopped

Olives- black/green – 2-3 tsp sliced

Method:

1. Choose between using read to use canape cups/ tart shells or use mini papad and fry/ roast them and shape them into small cups.

2. To prepare the filling, combine together all the ingredients in a mixing bowl, check for seasonings and adjust as per taste.

3. Just before serving, spoon in the prepared filling into the canape cups and garnish it with a choice of colorful options as listed above including nuts.

4. Arrange the set canapes on a serving plate/ platter and serve immediately.

Recipe- 3] DRESSED TO PERFECTION

Ingredients:

Boneless chicken breasts- 400- 500 gms.

For the marination:

Olive oil / oil- 2-3 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Mustard paste-1 tsp

White wine- 2 tsp

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

For the sauce to go along with the main course:

Boiled chickpeas- 1 cup, kabuli chana

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Lime juice-2 tsp

Cashews- 2-3 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil- 2-3 tbsp.

Chilled water-2-3 tbsp.

Tahini / white sesame seed paste- 2-3 tsp

Cream cheese- 2-3 tsp

Melted butter- 2-3 tsp

Parsley- 2-3 tsp chopped

Method:

1. To start up with the recipe, prepare the chicken breast pieces, marinate them and keep aside for 20 mins, place them on a greased baking/roasting tray and cook in a pre-heated oven at 160 degrees for 20-25 mins, remove and keep aside.

2. Using a food processor, prepare the chickpea sauce and once it is well blended and smooth, add cream cheese and melted butter and mix it well.

3. To serve the chicken recipe, slice the prepared chicken breasts, arrange them on a serving plate and drizzle over the prepared sauce, garnish with fresh herbs/ micro-greens and serve it with garlic bread.

Recipe-4] EARTHY EVOLUTION

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

Penne pasta / macaroni/ fussili pasta- 2 cups boiled

To toss the pasta:

Olive oil / oil- 2 -3 tsp

Garlic – 1 tsp chopped

Onion- 2 tbsp. chopped

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Salt to taste

Crushed black pepper- to taste

Lime juice-2 tsp

Parsley- 2 tsp chopped

Sliced chicken sausages/ salami pieces- ½ cup

Sliced mushrooms- 1 cup

Fresh cream-1/2 cup

Pesto sauce- ½ cup

Fresh basil- 5-6 no

Grated cheese- ¼ cup

Black and green olives- 3-5 no sliced

Pumpkin seeds/ sunflower seeds- 1-2 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the elements for the pasta recipe as listed.

2. Heat oil in a pan, saute the garlic, onion, mushrooms and saute for a few seconds, add in the sausages/ salami or assorted veggies as well as a choice.

3. Add in salt, pepper, herbs, chili flakes, add a little water/stock and then add in the fresh cream and simmer for 2 mins.

4. Add in the boiled pasta, and toss for 1-2 mins, turn off the flame and add in the pesto, lime, pepper finally and mix it lightly.

5. Assemble the pasta on the serving plate, add cheese, basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, micro- greens etc and serve hot.

Recipe- 5] LOADED LOVE FOR CHEESE

Ingredients:

Potatoes- 6-8 no medium sized with skin

Oil- 2 tsp

Butter- 2-3 tsp

Celery- 2-3 tbsp. chopped

Green chili- 1 tsp, chopped

Chicken salami- ¼ cup chopped or grated paneer for veg

Salt and pepper to taste

Mixed herbs-1/ 2 tsp

Chili flakes- ½ tsp

Parsley- 2 tsp chopped

Cream cheese- ½ cup

Grated cheese- ¼ cup

Spring onion greens- 2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees celsius. wash the potatoes well, make slits in each potatoes not going down all the way.

2. Place the potatoes in a saucepan with a little salt and par cook them for 3-5 mins, drain the water and carefully remove the potatoes.

3. Mix together the ingredients together with a little seasoning to taste and insert a little of the filling mix into the slit open potatoes. Top them with a little grated cheese and cover with aluminium foil and place for baking for 20-25 mins, last few minutes to be baked open to slightly brown up the cheese on the top.

4. Arrange the baked cheesy potatoes on a serving plate/ platter and garnish with spring onion greens, hung curd dip, sour cream, serve it hot with tomato sauce/ Capsico as a side dish.

Recipe- 6] THE VERY BERRY DELIGHT

Ingredients:

Fresh strawberries- 10-12 no

For the custard – cream mixture

Milk – 400 ml

Sugar to taste

Custard powder-2-3 tsp dissolved

Fresh cream – 1 cup, sweetened, whipped

Vanilla essence- 2-3 drops

Strawberry crush-2-3 tsp

Melted white chocolate/ milk chocolate- ½ cup

Gelatin- 2-3 tsp melted

Crumbled up mava pedha- ¼ cup

Gulkhand- 2-3 tsp

Fresh mint leaves/ cherries/ praline for garnish

Method:

1. Start up by preparing the custard, boil milk add in sugar to taste, add in the dissolved custard powder solution, thicken up to a coating texture, cook for 2-3 mins, turn off the flame, cool and chill.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine together the chilled out custard and add in the sweetened whipped cream, add in vanilla, gelatin, and melted white chocolate, strawberry crush and cut and fold the mixture.

3. Using dessert cups/glasses start layering the dessert starting with the custard cream mix, sprinkle the crumbled indian sweet/mithai add some Gulkhand, nuts, fresh strawberries and continue layering.

4. Allow the cups/glasses to set in the fridge and chill for 2-3 hours and garnish appropriately and serve it cold. It is an unusual combination dessert with a touch of innovation and just right for the occasion.

Here’s wishing all our readers a very Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Cooking!

Cunard sees strongest bookings in a decade with Summer 2023 Voyage Program

The luxury travel brand saw a phenomenal response in the first two days of trading

VALENCIA, Calif.,FEB, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard's Summer 2023 itineraries, which unveiled over 150 new, international voyages, has seen a record-breaking first two days of trading, with demand especially strong for Princess and Queens Grills Suites.

"We are thrilled by the robust response to our recently announced Summer 2023 voyage program, which has surpassed our record-breaking sales in 2021 when Queen Elizabeth's summer at sea sailings became available to book," said Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales for Cunard North America. "Cunard's two strongest booking periods in more than a decade have happened in the last 12 months, which is a true reflection of Cunard's global appeal, and our guests' enthusiasm to re-join our luxury ocean travel experience."

Cunard's Summer 2023 schedule includes 150 voyages calling at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration.

The World Awaits 2023 New Voyages - Key Itineraries

The Canary Islands (V312)
The volcanic terrain of Tenerife's Teide National Park and Sintra's Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are among the UNESCO World Heritage sites awaiting discovery on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on April 27, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

North Cape Discovery (V315)
Immerse in a land of forest and water, where ancient wooden houses decorate the streets, waterfalls spill from verdant gullies, and soaring mountains reflect in mirror-like fjords. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,399 per person.

Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada (M329H)
Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, you'll travel to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton September 22, 2023. Inside staterooms from $4,999 per person.

Mediterranean Highlights (M316)
Pisa's UNESCO World Heritage listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi's architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all within reach on this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,899 per person.

Alaska (Q320)
Guests will be charmed by Ketchikan's colourful totem poles, as they keep a watchful eye for humpback whales, and absorb the splendour of skyscraper-tall glaciers, on a voyage to Alaska's icy fjords. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

Western Mediterranean (Q330B)
The sparking azure waters of the French Riviera, Pisa's UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza's captivating old town, Dalt Vila, await discovery on this 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona September 25, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,249 per person.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-528-6273.

Cunard
Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

Appointment | Saurabh Khanna appointed General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Agra

He was earlier the Director of Hotel Openings for South Asia Marriott International

Saurabh Khanna has joined Courtyard by Marriott Agra as General Manager. He was earlier the Director of Hotel Openings, South Asia Marriott International where he spearheaded the opening of some prominent properties across the region for two years. With over 15 years of innovative experience and expertise in a myriad of skills and hospitality brands, he has proven himself to be a consistent winner across various verticals.

Khanna’s journey comes with many milestones including an array of recognitions across leading hospitality brands like Marriott International, IHCL Hotels, and more. He has successfully been a pillar at changing the course of business functioning and sales outputs across organizations. These achievements, and his ingrained value towards result-driven strategies, have helped shape his journey along the way.

Apart from adhering to the traditional hospitality methods that have proven to work, his commitment to encompass innovative technology, diverse marketing alliances, constant innovation and multi-cultural revenue stream generations, have gone a long way in creating successful business entities. He arrives at the Courtyard by Marriott Agra with a vision to sustain the hotel’s existing strong positioning and take the stakes higher. He resonates with the core philosophies of the hotel when it comes to creating memorable guest experiences and connecting with people basis dynamic sales and marketing strategies.  Outside the realm of work, traveling to explore destinations relaxes him and sports is a sense of peace. Over the years, Khanna has realized that work-life balance is the key to a successful hotelier journey with an energized aim to succeed.

New Launch | Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay launches in Puducherry

Boasting of Franco-Tamil architecture, the spacious rooms reflect the classic style of Puducherry, with wide balconies and verandas decorated in rich, earthy colors.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay in the coastal fishing village of Arikamedu in Puducherry. ­­Situated between a lagoon and the Bay of Bengal, the hotel looks to welcome business, leisure, and MICE travelers to enjoy safe and memorable stays.

Spread over 20,000 sqm, the resort amalgamates modern design and comfort with rustic surroundings for delivering an immersive experience to its guests. Pondicherry’s colonial architecture is reflected through the resort’s design, with interiors inspired by the French and Tamil architecture and the use of locally sourced materials like the classic Athangudi floor tiles from Chettinad. It also houses a 260 sqm hydro-therapy saltwater Moroccan pool with a jacuzzi, called Salt Splash.

“2021 was a milestone year for us at Radisson Hotel Group as we successfully opened our 100th hotel in India. With the onset of 2022, we continue our ambitious five-year expansion plan as we add Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay to our portfolio. This hotel is part of our vision to make premium hospitality accessible in every part of our vibrant country, especially in the tier-II and III markets. We look forward to strengthening our footprint in India by introducing hotels and resorts that offer an elevated guest experience with a significant focus on design and architecture,” said Zubin Saxena, MD and vice president - operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is conveniently located within a 20-minute drive from Pondicherry’s train and bus stations. Pondicherry’s domestic airport is 11 km away and is a 30-minute drive from the hotel while the Chennai International Airport is located at 150 km. Located close to the city centre, guests have a myriad of attractions at arm’s length such as the famous Arikamedu archaeological site – which dates back over two thousand years, Promenade Beach and the French War Memorial. The resort also offers breathtaking views of Eden Beach, one of only 10 Indian beaches to get the coveted Blue Flag status for its pristine environment.

The resort features chalets and private villas across five categories, including chalet with balcony - garden view, chalet with balcony - lagoon view, chalet with verandah – garden view, chalet with verandah – lagoon view and villa with private pool. Boasting of Franco-Tamil architecture, the spacious rooms reflect the classic style of Pondicherry, with wide balconies and verandas decorated in rich, earthy colours. The luxurious chalets and private villas either overlook gardens filled with local verdant flowers or the mesmerising lagoon.

“It gives us great pleasure to partner with Radisson Hotel Group. We are certain that the Group’s international repute will help us draw and cater to domestic and international travellers alike. Nestled in the quaint coastal fishing village of Arikamedu, the resort creates the perfect symphony by fusing old-world European charm with local flavors. We anticipate this being even more relevant now as travellers are actively scouting for offbeat locations to rewind and rejuvenate, with a focus on wellness. We look forward to working together with the Group and setting new hospitality benchmarks in the union territory of Pondicherry,” said Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels & Resorts.

With over 6,000 sqm of indoor and outdoor event space, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay is the city’s most sophisticated setting for banquet functions, offsite business meetings and conferences, premier launches, executive retreats, grand weddings, and celebratory events. The resort offers two indoor venues - Bay View banquet hall and Boulevard that can host up to 350 pax and two outdoor venues – La Boulevard Lawn and Sands, which can host up to 650 pax. Wedding guests can benefit from the expertise of a dedicated wedding planner to make for a memorable day, while business guests can choose from a variety of meeting packages to host conferences and meetings in picturesque settings.

The resort includes two on-site restaurants that offer a variety of local and international F&B offerings. The Bay Bistro offers stylish décor and an array of dishes that bring together the French and Indian cuisines. The Great Kebab Factory specialises in North-West Indian dishes, including kebabs and special types of Indian breads. Additionally, Arikamedu Lounge serves freshly baked pizzas made in wood-fired oven designed by an Italian artisan from Auroville.

The resort is also well equipped with modern amenities like a 24-hour fitness centre and a 92 sqm outdoor pool for kids. Another distinctive feature of the resort is its full-service Bodhi spa. This environment-friendly spa offers luxury product lines, especially formulated essential oils, organic apparel treated with herbs during the yarn stage and an exquisite selection of treatments.

Alexander Vajaravel, GM, Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay, said, “We are excited to welcome guests to Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay. With Franco-Tamil influenced architecture, modern amenities and infrastructure, as well as a taste of local culture, the resort makes the perfect destination for leisure and business travellers looking for rejuvenating experiences and unmatched hospitality services.”

Appointment | Absolute Hotel Services India appoint Rajeev Sharma as General Manager of U Rivergate Karjat

Absolute Hotel Services India is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajeev Sharma as General Manager of U Rivergate Karjat

A thorough bred Food & Beverage exponent, Rajeev takes on the role of General Manager U Rivergate Karjat having spent 5 enriching years with Absolute Hotel Services. His self-driven work style got him fast tracked within the company, taking on senior roles within his skill set, his previous stint being Hotel Manager of Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon. 

Being Hotel Management Graduate along with a Master’s in Business Administration, Rajeev has acquired gainful insights in Hotel Operations on a backdrop of over two decades. His career set off with a sizeable tenure  at ITC Hotel Maurya Sheraton & Towers, thereafter  embarking on International assignments in South Africa and Oman. A rounded mix, including Pre-Opening,  gives him the perfect platform to successfully launch the property and provide it with a fitting growth track.      

“An astute follower of Brand and Quality Standards alongwith exposure to our various integrated systems, Rajeev will be able to get U Rivergate Karjat create it’s own identity in the drive-to destination space. The essence of a typical U Brand Resort is to curate delightful experiences for guests and we are fully confident that he will be able create this indelible difference.” as stated by Mr. Shalil Suvarna, VP – Operations & Pre-Opening of Absolute Hotel Services India

About Absolute Hotel Services (AHS)

www.absolutehotelservices.com

AHS is the fastest growing hospitality management/branding company in Asia and Europe with an ever-expanding geographic portfolio of hotels, resorts and serviced residences. Head quartered in Bangkok, Thailand with regional offices in Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, India and Europe with more expansions planned, AHS and its brands have resonated with investors and consumers contributing value to all stakeholders.

Covering the luxury to economy segments through its brands U Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Grand Hotels & Resorts, Eastin Hotels, Resorts & Residences and Eastin Easy.  AHS also has the right to manage hotels under Travelodge brand under Travelodge Thailand and Vienna House brand under Vienna House Asia.

ibis Vikhroli partners with Magenta for EV charging facilities

ibis, a smart economy hospitality brand and a joint venture from Accor Hotels and InterGlobe Enterprises has tied up with Magenta. The latter will install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at ibis Vikhroli, which is strategically located in Mumbai’s corporate hub.

With the increasing popularity of EVs in the country, this initiative will further fuel the growth of the EV segment and help in reducing the carbon footprint. Magenta shall install, operate, and manage DC fast chargers initially at ibis Vikhroli followed by other properties across the country.

These charging solutions are mobile-enabled applications (OCCP based) and come with many other consumer-friendly features. These chargers can be accessed by EV users using the ChargeGrid system. The ChargeGrid app provides seamless information from acquiring a charger to completing an online charging session.

Commenting on this tie-up, JB Singh, President and CEO, Interglobe Hotels said, “We’re delighted to cater for the need of our young and modern audience, at a time when we are seeing them gradually shifting towards EVs. This partnership will also provide us with the opportunity to promote environment-friendly options for our target customer segment and meet sustainability goals.”

All charging channels to be used under this partnership will be managed and operated with the Charge Grid internal Magenta software which will enable EV customers to continuously monitor electricity consumption and track the deduction of the wallet value during charging.

Appointment | Rubeena Khan joins Novotel Hyderabad Airport as Marketing and Communications Manager

She will create integrated marketing strategies for the hotel while handling the overall aspects of marketing, communications, PR and content creation to maximize brand visibility

Novotel Hyderabad Airport has appointed Rubeena Khan as the Marketing and Communications Manager. She has over four years of experience in hospitality marketing.

In her new role, she will be creating integrated marketing strategies for the hotel while handling the overall aspects of marketing, communications, public relations, content creation, amongst others to maximize brand visibility.

Khan was previously associated with one of the leading hospitality chains, Marriott International – The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and Sheraton Hyderabad, where she has played a critical role in strategizing, branding and creating invigorating marketing campaigns aligned with the hotel’s key goals.

A self-driven and creative professional, Khan loves taking a tactical approach in order to strengthen the brand. In her leisure time, she loves to travel and explore.

CELEBRATE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ITC GRAND CENTRAL

 CELEBRATE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ITC GRAND CENTRAL

Mumbai, Feb, 2022 -   ITC Grand Central, the finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveler in Central Mumbai, would offer a special Valentine’s Day Menu at its three eateries - Hornby’s Pavilion, all day dining restaurant, Shanghai Club, fine dining Chinese restaurant and Kebabs & Kurries, specialty Indian restaurant during dinner hours (7:30 pm to 11:45 pm) on February 14, 2022

Celebrate your romance with delicious dinner coupled with a glass of finest sparkling wine and chocolate cake give away for all the lovely couples visiting the hotel. Our Chef has himself hand picked the mouth-watering menu for this extraordinary day. We would make sure that the service would be efficient and discreet!

For queries call ITC Grand Central call on Kebabs & Kurries - 022-67045110/ 022-67045109 & Shanghai Club - 022-67045110/ 022-67045109

About ITC Grand Central 

ITC Grand Central is the first and finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveler in Central Mumbai. 

Reflecting the rich heritage of the colonial past, ITC Grand Central has 242 tastefully appointed guest rooms, a well-equipped 24-hour business center and an exclusive ‘Wellness Centre’ complimented with an experience of warm Indian hospitality. Furthermore, ITC’s latest brand of Indian restaurant, Kebabs & Kurries, showcasing delicious heritage cuisine, fine-tuned through years of research by the celebrated chefs of Welcomgroup is located here. Multiple dining options are available with the presence of Hornby’s Pavilion, Frederick’s Lounge, Shanghai Club, Dublin and the premium rooftop lounge called ‘Point of View’.

Appointment | Mr. Anurag Raha is the new General manager,Crowne Plaza Pune

Crowne Plaza Pune appoints Mr. Anurag Raha as its General manager

The Crowne Plaza Pune Centre is set to add a new dimension to its main management with the appointment of Mr. Anurag Raha as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Pune. 

Mr. Raha brings more than 20 years of managerial expertise to Crowne Plaza Pune, having previously worked at Taj Group of Hotels, The Grand Laxmi Vilas Palace, Radisson White Sands Resort, The New Kenilworth Hotel, Alila Diwa Goa, Pride Hotel, and Holiday Inn. Mr. Raha has a proven track record of running successful operations that nurture and grow the business while reducing costs and improving profits.

“ I am a firm believer in being productive and upbeat in all circumstances. Crowne Plaza has tremendous potential, and I am confident that with my strong commitment and enthusiasm for hotel management, Crowne Plaza Pune will soar to new heights. Crowne Plaza Pune is recognised for its luxury experience and exceptional service, so it's the perfect place for me to tap into my full potential in creating all-new management styles and procedures for a more efficient business. My major goal is to transform Crowne Plaza Pune from a great luxury hotel to a top cuisine destination in the city. ”  - Mr. Anurag Raha, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre  

"Mr. Raha is a creative, talented, and dedicated individual who is passionate about delivering excellent customer service and building strong connections with customers in order to generate repeat business." He has a track record of successfully managing operations that nurture and expand the company while lowering expenses and increasing earnings. He possesses the ideal mix of experience and passion to maintain Crowne Plaza Pune's excellent name and financial success. " Mr. Shiv Raheja, Crowne Plaza Pune's Board Director. 

Mr. Raha looks forward to bringing the expertise and skills that he has built over the past 20 years to bear on bringing success to the near future of Crowne Plaza Pune City Centre. 

J&K government, OYO launch homestays project with 75 villages

Encouraging startup entrepreneurship under the 'Crown of Incredible India' project, it has planned 200 homestays planned in a year in the state

Aiming to uplift the lives of local communities and help the youths of the state become startup entrepreneurs, OYO has partnered with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to launch a state-wide initiative – ‘Crown of Incredible India’. Under this collaborative approach, OYO will partner with the government’s ‘Mission Youth’ programme to open homestays across 75 villages to promote entrepreneurship and create self-employment opportunities.

The Mission Youth initiative of the J&K Government provides a platform to local youth under multiple schemes. It offers financial assistance, last-mile infrastructure and accessibility to promote sustainable livelihood.

This initiative includes supporting the provision of Livelihood Generation, Skill Development, Education, Counseling and Rehabilitation, Sports and Recreation etc. In its efforts to promote rural tourism, the ‘Tourist village network’ includes 75 villages identified on scenic beauty, landscape, cultural diversity, and heritage parameters. OYO will provide its tech platform to onboard homestays and boost the local economy. J&K Govt under Mission Youth will support 500 youth for establishing homestay, and INR 50,000 financial assistance per homestay will be provided for refurbishment. The venture will help build a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, inaugurated the ‘Crown of Incredible India’ project. It aims to operationalise upto 200 home stays in Udhampur, Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Doda and other underpenetrated districts in the next year. The company will expand its network across 75 villages under ‘Mission Youth’. OYO will assist in the training of existing and potential homeowners on responsible hosting, hospitality standards, hygiene and basic amenities. OYO will provide a constant stream of guests to these home stays by listing and promoting them on OYO’s customer app.

In addition, the homestays will also be listed on OYO’s website and multiple Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms. The homestays owners will also be able to use OYO’s technology to run the operations and customer service through the company’s simple to use homeowner facing Co-OYO app. This partnership is a part of OYO’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism across India and empower underserved communities in the process.

The homestay owners in Jammu & Kashmir are primarily engaged in agricultural activities, making it a key source of their income. This includes apple, saffron, corn and walnut cultivation, which are the mainstays of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy. In a background where many migrated to towns, OYO’s rural-home-stay initiative will provide a valuable opportunity for these households to generate more income with minimum additional investment.

The concerted efforts made by the government of Jammu and Kashmir have already started showing results, with many private players from India already investing in the Union Territory. The government regularly organises summer and winter festivals, exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts, handloom, cuisine, sanctions for ropeway projects,  and efforts for new cable car projects at Pahalgam, Shiv Khori and Gulmarg are supporting the local economy.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, said, “Rural homestays in MP, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra have started to rival conventional tourism. This partnership marks the start of a new chapter. OYO has made a great start to onboard J&K’s rural homestays on their platform. Our Mission Youth department has identified 75 villages under the Tourist Village Network, each with its distinct identity. They will partner with OYO, not just to generate jobs, but to improve the local economy and infrastructure. I am announcing that for those youth in this program, who want to start their homestays, we will support them through an incentive of INR 50,000 each.”

He further added, “Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, J&K is today the 6th largest tourist destination in India in terms of tourist influx. It has created both jobs and revenue. In Aug-Nov 2021, the state witnessed 52 lakh tourists, growing by the day. With this project, OYO plans to start with 20 homestays, of which ten are already live. I am hoping, as committed, Ritesh will ensure that 200 of our homestays are on their platform by December. This will provide both national and international tourists with the opportunity to experience and live the culture and tradition of JK. We will be able to create the most well developed rural tourism circuit.”

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO, said, “We, at OYO, are thrilled to be a part of the unique tourism opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir, and are excited to welcome travellers visiting the state for unique stay experience at these homestays. We are proud to extend our partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Government to generate economic and employment opportunities in the district. The ‘Crown of Incredible India’ will enable socio-economic development, helping people become Atmanirbhar.”

Since entering Jammu & Kashmir in 2015, OYO has hosted thousands of guests at the hotels on its platform while ensuring higher earnings for 140+ hotels and homeowners. The company has further created direct and indirect economic opportunities for 500+ people. Many such patrons have started multiple hotels since joining the OYO family. According to OYO Travelopedia, a travel trend report, in 2022, 61% of Indians would prefer to go local and explore domestic destinations surrounded by nature which is reassuring to boost rural tourism in India. With revenge travel picking up, especially among millennials and Gen Z, Jammu & Kashmir is among the favorite destinations in the North. The affordable tariffs for rooms at OYO rural homestays will cater to experiential and immersive travelers. These come with all basic room amenities, great views, and an opportunity for travelers to experience Kashmiri life in its truest form. These homestay kitchens and dining spaces are stocked with Kashmiri food, including traditional bread – Khambir, local fruits and Kahwa.

Design | Millennium Place Mirdif looks to appeal to the Mirdif residential community

Millennium Place Mirdif has now opened. The sleek lifestyle property brings 248 keys to the area, 132 of which are residential units. It also has six dining outlets.

The F&B venues include Batchig, a modern take of Lebanese-Armenian cuisine, Sala de Cigar, the largest cigar lounge in Dubai, The Urban Bar, Hunter & Barrel Steakhouse, B Social, an all-day dining restaurant, and Vola Rooftop.

Bassam Bou Sleiman, general manager of Millennium Place Mirdif, said, “We are thrilled to finally open our doors and welcome our esteemed guests to their new happy place. Our hotel is intended to be a getaway and a haven for people looking for a vacation, staycation or just a day out. The versatility of the hotel lends to the splendour in terms of venues, leisure, entertainment and so much more. The announcement that we are open is just the beginning, we have so much more planned and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

The hotel makes up part of the wider AED3 billion Mirdif Hills project in Dubai which is building up the area as a hub for retail, hospitality and dining.

On that connection to the residential community, Sleiman added: “We feel very privileged to be a part of the exciting Mirdif Hills project, a fantastic lifestyle destination that fits with the ethos of our hotel.”

Appointment | Aditi Das joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Assistant Director Human Resources

Aditi Das joins JW Marriott Kolkata as Assistant Director Human Resources

She will manage HR operations, including employee welfare, recruitment and selection, talent potential identification and development, conduct satisfaction and engagement survey, budget and revenue

Aditi Das has joined JW Marriott Kolkata as the Assistant Director of Human Resources. With over 12 years of experience in the industry in end-to-end human resource functions, she has worked across multiple hotels like Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, ibis Gurgaon, ibis Jaipur, Lebua Hotels and Resorts, Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Trident, Jaipur (Oberoi group of hotels and resorts).

An alumnus of International College for Girls, Jaipur, Das started her career as Assistant to General Manager at Trident, Jaipur (Oberoi group of hotels and resorts) and moved to take over the position of Human Resources Executive at Jaipur Marriott Hotel. After her three-year stint, she took over the role of Assistant Manager – Human Resources at Lebua Hotels and Resorts before joining the ibis Jaipur (AccorHotels Group) team as Assistant Manager – Human Resources.

Having successfully strategized, co-created, and implemented business transformation through people processes to improve business and accelerate business performance, Das was promoted to Talent & Culture Manager – Human Resources at Human Resources, ibis Jaipur.

In 2016 she joined as the Talent and Culture Manager at ibis Gurgaon where she won the award of HR Manager of the year from Hotelier Awards 2017 and 2018 consecutively. She was also part of the winning team of Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan for the JW Marriott Jr. Diversity Excellence Award. She was nominated for Debbie Marriott Harrison TakeCare Award of Excellence (Marriott International Highest recognition, 2019).

After spearheading multiple projects at Courtyard by Marriott Pune Chakan, she was transferred to JW Marriott Chandigarh, as the Human Resources Manager, which was her last stint, before starting her new role at JW Marriott Kolkata.

Aditi has been the driving force behind flawless HR systems implemented and praised for their effectiveness. In her current role at JW Marriott Kolkata, she would manage the daily operations of the Human Resources office with a diverse task list. This would range from Employee Welfare/ Satisfaction, Recruitment, and Selection, Talent Potential Identification and Development, Conduct Satisfaction & Engagement survey, Budget and Revenue responsibilities and many more.

An avid reader and listener of good music, Aditi is an animal lover and enjoys her leisure time by going on long spontaneous trips. She is a self-motivated team player who can work with speed and stretch herself professionally in the pursuit of client satisfaction. Known for her dedication and passion, Aditi strives to focus on maintaining a professional yet friendly relationship with everyone she encounters and enhancing the overall growth of the organisation.

Appointment | Santanu Guha Roy joins Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Karjat as General Manager

He looks forward to lead with team work, determination and dedication to pave way for quality service and to ensure overall guest satisfaction

Santanu Guha Roy has been appointed as the General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Karjat. A seasoned hotelier, he completed his graduation from Kolkata University in 1995 and Diploma in Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition from IHMCTAN, Kolkata in 1993.

With a broad spectrum of hospitality experience of close to three decades, he has worked with hospitality brands like The Taj Group of Hotels, Intercontinental Group of Hotels and Carlson Rezidor Group. He has been with the Radisson Hotel Group since 2007.

Under his able leadership, Radisson Blu Resort Alibaug was recognized as the top performer in Net Promoter Score amongst all the Carlson Rezidor Hotels in APAC region in 2015 and 2016 and was also awarded the ‘Best 5 Star Destination Wedding Hotel’. He helped the hotel earn the “Tourism Torch Bearer award” for two consecutive years.

He was then transferred to Radisson Blu Hotel Ranchi in 2017 where he played a key role in flipping the F&B revenue. The hotel was awarded the 5 Star Deluxe Hotel Classification under his leadership in 2021.

In his new position, Santanu looks forward to lead with team work, determination and dedication to pave way for quality service and to ensure overall guest satisfaction.

Appointment | Satyadeep Mishra joins OYO as CHRO for Tech, Corporate teams

Satyadeep Mishra joins OYO as CHRO for Tech, Corporate teams

Global hospitality technology platform, OYO, has announced the appointment of Satyadeep Mishra as the Chief Human Resources Officer for its Technology, Product, Shared Services and International Markets teams.

Satyadeep joins OYO from Jio and brings with him 20+ years of experience in co-creation and execution of people strategy and a track record of end-to-end HR programs and service delivery management to align with key business priorities. He previously worked as the HR Leader for Jio Platforms Limited and over the last 6 years has been associated with the transformational growth journey of Jio’s core telecom and digital platform initiatives in retail tech, health tech, media tech, fintech and other domains. Prior to Jio, he worked with Microsoft, Infosys, Bajaj Finance, Barclays Bank & the Natwest Group (erstwhile RBS). Satyadeep is an alumnus of Xavier Institute of Management.

At OYO, Satya will lead all aspects of people operations for teams specifically of Product, Engineering and Shared Services. In addition to these, Satya will also be responsible for teams that serve international markets of  OYO including the USA, UK, LatAm and others. With OYO’s continued focus on launching new features for its technology products for hotels and homes (Co-OYO App) and customers (OYO App)  in 2022, Satya’s appointment comes at a time as the company scales its data science, design, engineering and product teams.

Commenting on his appointment, Satyadeep said, “To me, the story of OYO is a story of focus, resilience and transformation. I am delighted to be a part of OYO’s journey and super excited to help build a culture of solving problems and creating solutions with a technology-first approach, for our OYOpreneurs, patrons and customers.” 

Commenting on the recent addition to OYO’s leadership team, Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO-OYO said, “I am excited to welcome Satyadeep to OYO’s management team. I am looking forward to partnering with him in further building and scaling our teams. ”

Satya’s appointment comes in the backdrop of OYO’s recent announcement of strengthening its technology and product talent pool. In October 2021, OYO had announced its intent to hire 300+ technology professionals – including software development, engineering and product managers, designers, data scientists across entry-level to senior leadership roles in the coming months. OYO has in the past mentioned that nearly 30% of its workforce now constitutes product and technology experts.

Eclat Insights | Everything Is Created Twice. A Step-By-Step Approach To Envisioning Amazing Services WIth Your Team

According to Dr Stephen Covey, everything is created twice. There is a mental (first) creation and a physical (second) creation. The physical creation follows the mental, just as a building follows a blueprint.

The act of creating the mental creation is called visualization.

Visualization is the process of creating a visual image in one's mind or mentally rehearsing a planned movement in order to learn skills or enhance performance.

This is generally considered an individual activity. I am asking you to make it a collective one. Get your team together, and then follow this process.

Step 1 - Collective Visualization

• Get the team to sit in a circle.

• Move around the circle in a clockwise fashion.

• Tell your team that they will be collectively imagining a perfect scenario. A happy outcome for the guest, the team and the company. Tell them everything in this will be bright and shiny. The only rules are: Do not negate anything your team member imagines & Always take it further by saying 'yes, and...'. (this is an improv tool)

• Tell them to make it real with smells, sounds, and the like. As much or as little detail as they need to make it feel real.

• Take any process that the team is involved in or responsible for.

• Ask everyone to close their eyes, listen & imagine.

• Starting with any one member, ask them to describe the mental picture they see. They can share how much they want and then say 'continue' when they want their team member to take it forward.

• At 'continue' the next person in the circle should take the story forward.

Step 2 - Capturing The Visualization

You may want to have a few practice rounds first, but sooner than later, you should capture this amazing process. Your team will start creating a superlative memory, a story, that can or has the potential to become your ideal or perfect customer service experience. 

The first thing would be to record the narration on audio. Capture the energy, the intonation, the highs and lows, the pitch and the texture of the voices.  

When the process is done, play the audio to the team. They might laugh, cringe, or even be embarrassed, but you will see that they are listening and feeling it even more intently. Ask them if they want to do another round or are good for now.

Step 3 - Revisiting The Visualization

Post the activity in Step 2, let the result simmer in everyone's mind for a week or so. Then, gather them around again, and this time, just tell them 'you know what to do'.

• Repeat step 2, record the audio.

Now play the old audio and the new one. You will see so much more detail emerge. Some team members will have added elements you did not think of or imagine could be part of the process. 

Ask the team if they want to create a video using the audio as a script. Get the team to act in various roles. Keep improving as you go along.

Step 4 - Reimagining / Improving The Visualization

The last step is to keep improving. There are two ways to do this:

• You can ask the team to work on the same process and keep adding more details, depth.

• You can ask the team to start creating versions of the process for different situations or customer segments.

Want to make this WOW? 

• Let every team member lead at least one visualization. Break down the process to as small a sequence of steps as you need to in case you have a large team, but let everyone be activated by this activity.

• You can also ask team members to visualise a particular detail that is unique or different from everyone else's. When this manifests in the real world, it is a light bulb moment. For example, one team member that I ran this with, imagined a whole family wearing identical clothing at the time of check-in. She couldn't stop smiling when it really happened a few weeks later.

Do this for me right now. Close your eyes and imaging yourself doing this at your workplace. Imagine getting everyone together, sharing what you want them to do and leading the session. Imagine each and every one of them enjoying the exercise. 

As always, please allow me to lead a team visualization session for your team. This is with my compliments. I am on p.bedi@eclathospitality.com

Prabhjot Bedi

The one thing you can do right now is going on a walk. I would love to either go on a virtual walk with you or see your recorded walk to discuss tons of improvement ideas. As always, write to me at p.bedi@eclathospitality.com

Appointment | W Marriott Mumbai Sahar Appoints Chef Asif Qureshi, As The Indian Specialty Chef

Mumbai, February 2022: JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, renowned for its gastronomic prowess since its launch in 2015 is pleased to announce the appointment of Chef Asif Qureshi, as the Indian Specialty Chef, effective as of February, 2022. With his appointment, Chef Asif will play a key role in leading the hotel’s illustrious Indian kitchen to scale newer culinary heights.

Chef Asif hails from Lucknow and has been showcasing the classical grandeur of Awadhi cuisine and the magic of Nawabi delicacies having worked with some of the leading hospitality chains in India. Chef Asif Qureshi brings with him over 17 years of hospitality experience in curating stellar Indian meals and showcasing age-old recipes from the land of the Nawabs and taking their rich culinary legacy forward. 

In his new role, Chef Asif will showcase his expertise of Indian cuisine, developing and innovating on new food trends, training his team and curating new indigenous menus. He will focus on sourcing quality produce, ingredients, and spices to curate an authentic experience for our guests.  He will also present his specialties in Awadhi cuisine at the hotel.

A coherent hospitality professional with meticulous skills in gastronomy, Chef Asif will ensure that guests have an authentic experience. His management style, attention to detail, and result-oriented approach makes him the perfect choice for this role. 

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar offers effortless elegance and sophistication. Just a short drive from Mumbai's international and domestic airports, the luxury hotel makes for an ideal destination for business and stay. Our 5-star hotel accommodation features 588 spacious rooms with pillow-top beds, marble bathrooms and high-speed Wi-Fi, as well as generous work desks and 24-hour room service. Our Hotel’s dining options reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. Romano’s, JW Café, JW Lounge and JW Baking Co. showcase the gastronomic prowess of the talent we have at JW Sahar.  Our 29,837 sq.ft. of indoor conventional and meeting spaces are a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality and world-class audio visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends its host of therapies so one can experience holistic wellness. Visit us online on www.JW mumbai.com. For social media updates, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter on @JWSahar. For more information, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus. 

Appointment | Le Meridien Gurgaon promotes Rahul Mahindroo to Front Office Manager

He will be in charge of directing front-office operations, providing quality services to guests, and maintaining service standards for business excellence

Rahul Mahindroo has been promoted as Front Office Manager at Le Meridien Gurgaon. In his new position, he will be in charge of directing front-office operations, providing quality services to guests, and maintaining service standards for business excellence. He has a quick learning curve and the capacity to adapt to changing industry trends, as well as proven problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.

Rahul is a devoted professional with the passion and skill set to succeed in a fast-paced leadership role that improves a company’s capacity to increase customer retention and revenue growth. He has excellent project leadership and personnel management capabilities, as well as a solid understanding of the hospitality business, based on his fourteen years of experience.

He began his career in 2008 at The Grand Hotel New Delhi, followed by stints at Crowne Plaza Today, Gurgaon in 2010, Shangri La Eros Hotel in 2012, and Le Meridien, Gurgaon in 2015.

Appointment | Crowne Plaza Greater Noida appoints Sharad K Upadhyay as General Manager

With over 20 years of experience across a broad spectrum of hospitality functions, he holds specialisation in hotel operations with an avid interest in F&B, sales and marketing

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has appointed Sharad K Upadhyay as the new General Manager. With over 20 years of experience across a broad spectrum of hospitality functions, he holds specialisation in hotel operations with an avid interest in F&B, sales and marketing. He has held various leadership positions and worked with renowned domestic and international hospitality brands across the country and beyond.

In his new role, Upadhyay will spearhead the business operations, overall implementation and business development at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, ensuring its growth and expansion through innovative strategies. He brings with him an extensive array of proficiency and a deep understanding of operational knowledge especially in pre-opening set ups and managing the financial sustainability of hotels.

His impeccable attention to detail and hardworking nature has led to him being awarded with the Outstanding Leadership Award in 2017 and Leadership Recognition Award in 2018 by IHG Group. In January 2021, he was awarded the Best General Manager award by Empower Business Awards 2022 for his leadership contribution towards running a highly successful and profit-making hotel during the pandemic of 2020-21 from the hands of Padma Shree Kalapana Saroj. In his last stint, Upadhyay was the General Manager of Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport. He completed his General Management Program from Cornell University Ithaca, New York.

He began working with IHG Group in the year 2002, which was at the Crowne Plaza North Beijing, PRC and has worked with leading hospitality brands in Nepal, India and Thailand over his tenure with the parent brand. Thereby gaining proficiency in handling various aspects of hotel functions, including Sales and Marketing, Relationship and Management Contract, and Finance.

The ITC Hotels app, a one-stop destination for guests, debuted

Gourmet food delivery, room reservations, table reservations and loyalty membership management are enabled through this App

Keeping pace with the dynamically changing consumer preferences, ITC’s Hotel Group have launched an app. Through this guests will be able to access services like room reservations, restaurant reservations, food delivery and takeaway, loyalty membership essentials and much more across ITC Hotels, Welcomhotels and select Fortune Hotels. 

The ITC Hotels App enables guests to book their stay at over 55 hotels and resorts through a simple process giving them access to the best rates. 

Club ITC members can also save up to 10% on room reservations through Club ITC exclusive member rates and earn and redeem Club ITC Green Points for their stays booked directly. 

Club ITC members can earn 500 bonus Green Points for materialized room reservations as an exclusive limited time offer. Business travellers can book their stays at their organisations contracted corporate rates via the App, making the whole reservation process hassle-free and easily accessible at all times. 

Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Hotels, stated, “The new ITC Hotels mobile app is a natural progression for the brand that prides itself on moving with the times and serving its customers in the most modern and efficient way possible. We are living in a digital world and want our guests to enjoy the ITC Hotels experience with the convenience, efficacy, innovative and interactive interface that the new ITC Hotels app offers, along with multiple benefits and privileges.”

The App enables food delivery and takeaway across 14 cities — Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Goa, Agra, Jaipur, Vadodara, Amritsar, Coimbatore, (Bhubaneswar and Guntur coming soon). Whether you are planning a leisurely lunch, coffee with friends or a celebratory dinner, scores of options are available on the App, just a click away. 

Guests can now order home their favourites from the iconic cuisine brands through Gourmet Couch – ITC Hotels pan India food delivery initiative via the App. Guests can order through a Common Cart where they can place an order from multiple signature menus in one order, order combos or curated set menus. 

To add to guests’ gourmet experience is the ease of table reservations at 75 plus restaurants at ITC Hotels & Welcomhotels at just one touch on the App. 

Members of Club ITC and those who hold the Club ITC Culinaire membership have reason to celebrate the new App as it manages the account on their phones and keeps track of member’s points, transactions, tier status and much more. Guests can earn and redeem Club ITC points on eligible orders, gift a meal, or schedule using the new App. For those who want a new Club ITC membership, the App enables easy and free registrations instantly, welcoming them to enjoy the membership benefits.