NEWS | Lemon Tree Hotels signs new hotel in Mukteshwar

The property is owned by The Alpine Chalet Resort and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels, a subsidiary and management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited announced its latest hotel signing – Lemon Tree Hotel, Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand. This hotel is expected to open in July 2022. The property is owned by The Alpine Chalet Resort and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a subsidiary and management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Nestled amidst the majestic hills and lush greenery, Mukteshwar is a hill station suburb of Nainital. It derives its name from the 350-year-old temple, Mukteshwar Dham, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Mukteshwar is also a wonderful trekking location with fruit orchards, coniferous forests, lush green pathways, and narrow lanes, it is a nature lover’s paradise that attracts throngs of tourists all year round.

One side of the destination is covered by dense forests and the other side features a stunning view of the enchanting valleys. Located in the Nainital district, this property will feature 41 well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar. It will also have a conference room, and a swimming pool, spa and a fitness center for recreation.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikramjit Singh, President – Lemon Tree Hotels Limited commented, “We are delighted to expand our reach in Uttarakhand with our valued partner The Alpine Chalet Resort. This state holds immense business and tourism potential and is a preferred destination for travellers. With our widespread reach, we feel that this hotel will add value to our customers.”

New Opening | Hilton Garden Inn Hotel opens at Embassy Manyata, Bengaluru

This 353-key hotel is part of the upcoming Hilton Hotels Embassy Manyata complex comprising 619 key dual-branded Hilton properties

Embassy Office Parks REIT, India’s first publicly listed real estate investment trust and Asia’s largest by area, announced the opening of the first Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Bengaluru, strategically located at Embassy Manyata Business Park (‘Embassy Manyata’). This 353-key hotel is part of the upcoming Hilton Hotels Embassy Manyata complex comprising 619 key dual-branded Hilton properties – Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton, and a state-of-the-art 60,000 sq ft Convention Centre; making it one of the largest hotels complexes in South India.

The hotel provides a preferred hospitality destination for global corporates in a growing tech hub in the heart of Bengaluru, India’s leading office market. It is located within close vicinity of key destinations in North and Central Bengaluru like Hebbal and other key Commercial Business districts; and enjoys easy accessibility from Kempegowda International Airport.

The Hotel adds to the total business ecosystem of Embassy Manyata, one of India’s largest business parks with an operational area of around 12 million square feet. It shares a symbiotic relationship with the wellness-oriented grade A office product, catering to over 100,000 employees from 42 top-notch corporates. A recently inaugurated flyover with a dedicated arm servicing the park enables easy access and streamlines traffic for the benefit of hotel guests, employees, and the local community.

Michael Holland, CEO of Embassy Office Parks REIT, said, “With the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn, we are delighted to provide another top-class amenity at Embassy Manyata; which is a perfect example of Embassy REIT’s philosophy to enhance the total-business-ecosystem offering that our parks deliver. The hotel will offer ease and convenience to our park occupiers and their guests, and presents an integrated solution for many corporates as they return to the office.”

Navjit Ahluwalia, Senior Vice President and Country Head of Hilton in India, said,“We are thrilled to partner with Embassy REIT to open our first Hilton Garden Inn property in Bengaluru. This hotel is amongst the largest Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Asia Pacific. As we come out of the pandemic and look forward to a brighter future for our industry, our commitment to grow our estate in India remains on track with this opening as well as the Hilton and the Convention Centre at this complex slated later this year.”

The hotel boasts 353 functional guest rooms including 11 suites. Guests don’t have to look too far for a delicious meal; the hotel features restaurant ‘F5’, which serves a sumptuous spread of authentic local cuisine, international delicacies, and daily specials. This is complemented with a full-service lobby bar, ‘TechTonic’. Guests can also enjoy round-the-clock convenience with a variety of grab-and-go options at ‘The Shop’ located in the hotel lobby.

With a focus on combining premium hospitality with affordability, the hotel has a spectacular opening offer for business & leisure travellers. As part of the offer, guests will receive a one-night complimentary stay at the upcoming Hilton Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park; for every stay reserved between March 1st to 31st, 2022 at Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru, in addition to Bonus points from the Hilton Honors program.

Combining upscale accommodation with ease of access and affordability, Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park comes with the quality assurance of the award-winning brand that delivers its signature positive, upbeat service and a better and brighter stay.

Marriott International Debuts Its 8,000th Property with the Newly Opened Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott

Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today celebrated the opening of its 8,000th property – Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ, a 12-story stylish retreat adjacent to Marriott International’s soon-to-open new global headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. The hotel opening signifies both a growth milestone for the company, as well as a remarkable moment in the Marriott story, as the company celebrates its 95th year. Marriott’s first lodging property, the Twin Bridges Marriott, opened in 1957 and was a four-story motor hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

“From the nine-seat root beer stand that my grandparents started nearly 95 years ago in downtown Washington, to the milestone opening of our 8,000th property, we have been fortunate to call this area our home,” said David Marriott, Director and incoming Chairman, Marriott International Board of Directors. “Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ reflects the continued transformation of the Marriott Hotels brand, and we are thrilled to embark on a new era of inspired travel and design with the opening of this hotel.”

Marriott Bethesda Downtown, part of the Marriott Hotels brand – the signature flag of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 extraordinary brands – brings enriching, locally-influenced experiences to the global hospitality company’s home state. The hotel, owned by The Bernstein Companies and managed by Marriott International, is a gateway to the greater Washington, D.C. area and a destination in and of itself, featuring three innovative culinary concepts, including Bethesda’s first high-rise rooftop bar.

BUILT UPON INNOVATION
Exemplifying Marriott Hotels’ continued brand evolution, Marriott Bethesda Downtown sparks inspiration at every corner, with a modern, residential design and tailored solutions with locally-inspired accents. The hotel’s contemporary interiors illustrate a curated palette of materials inspired by the region’s natural attributes. Stone and tiles reminiscent of local Bethesda bluestone quarries greet guests at the hotel entrance leading to a grand staircase – the centerpiece of the glass-enclosed lobby brimming with natural light.

Faceted mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows ripple throughout the hotel, infusing an abundance of natural light while also resembling reflections of the Potomac River.

Reimagined guest rooms and suites – with tailored, modern touches that inspire and nurture the needs of today’s traveler – feature multi-functional furniture, technology-enabled work surfaces with built-in universal adapters and UCS cords, and rose gold tinted mirrors. Hotel features include a spacious fitness center with Peloton bikes, a second-floor library highlighting local authors, and a curated art collection from the region’s emerging talent that is showcased throughout guest rooms and public spaces. A large-scale mural by multi-media artist Liz Collins, known globally for her abstract patterns, is an exclusively commissioned highlight.

Constructed to be LEED Gold certified with custom and sustainable design, the hotel features five expansive rooftop green spaces growing select ingredients for hotel menus and is designed to reduce pollution, save energy, and manage storm water.

BCIHMCT will be hosting its 12th India International Hotel, Travel and Tourism Research Conference (IIHTTRC) from 3rd -5th March, 2022.

TOURISM POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology supported by National Assessment & Accreditation Council, as well as Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi will be hosting its 12th India International Hotel, Travel and Tourism Research Conference (IIHTTRC) from 3rd -5th March 2022. 

The aim of this three-day conference is to get industry managers, tourism, and hospitality researchers together and to provide a platform, for deliberating on "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup". The conference will serve as a means for developing measures for “Tourism Potentials and Performance Assessment” which is also a theme of one of its technical sessions.

The conference is being organized online due to the prevailing pandemic scenario by Prof.  R. K Bhandari Chairperson-IIHTTRC & Principal,-BCIHMCT and Dr. Arvind Saraswati, Convener-IIHTTRC & Academic Co-ordinator- BCIHMCT. Amongst the attendees will be dignitaries from Industry and Academia (National & International), media persons, paper-presenters, faculty members and students.

There will be a technical session titled “Tourism Potentials and Performance Assessment” which will be chaired by an industrial expert showcasing the research papers on different themes such as:

• Bibliometric Analysis of Tour Guiding Research 

• Medical Tourism and Health Insurance are Image Constructs for Destination: A Study of India

• Development and Infrastructure Growth of Urban Tourism in Guwahati City 

• Urban Tourism Potentialities in Bhubaneswar City – Opportunities and Challenges 

• The Influence of Perceived Constraints on Women’s Participation in Backpacking Trips

•  Evaluating Tourism Performance of New Delhi using UNWTO–WTCF City Tourism Framework

• Kashmir: A Culinary Paradise of the North-Frontier

• Potential of Food Tourism in Kundapura

These papers focus on how tourism is playing its role in the development of economy of various countries in terms of its contribution to the GDP of each country. And also how Tourism has the potential to show case culture, historical heritage, variety in ecology and natural beauty to the world. Additionally, these papers outline the part played by tourism towards earning of foreign exchange for various countries. Also the aforesaid research papers will advance the understanding of the transformed management practices of the tourism industry. They will help in developing a post pandemic rulebook for the industry, thus addressing the issues plaguing the industry

This technical session is to focus on a workable method to quantify tourism potential and its performance assessment. To evaluate means by which tourism as an industry can help any tourist destination development in the form of generation of employment and creation of infrastructure.

The International Conference will be attended online by hundreds of academicians & research scholars. Many students participating will benefit from the discussions and deliberations which will be made during the three-day mega event. IIHTTRC will culminate with a valedictory function where the efforts of paper presenters and all the participants will be acknowledged. 

NEWS | The iconic Pulitzer Amsterdam has appointed One Rep Global as its India representative partner.

The iconic Pulitzer Amsterdam has appointed One Rep Global as its India representative partner.

Discover quintessential Dutch elegance in an intricate maze of 25 connecting Golden Age canal houses. After a full renovation, completed in August 2016, this hidden neighborhood now features 225 guest rooms & suites, tranquil inner gardens, meeting & event spaces, a garden café, a hotel bar, and a restaurant that serves simple yet beautifully crafted dishes. The Pulitzer is a unique blend of up-market, traditional, and modern Dutch craftsmanship hidden amongst the city’s iconic canals. 

The buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries have been carefully restored to combine original, historic canal house components with modern and luxurious aspects. From leading merchants to flamboyant Dutch aristocrats, the former residents of these canal houses lend Pulitzer Amsterdam the opportunity to inspire guests and visitors with its rich character and history.

Guests can choose from four distinctive room types and three suite categories, as well as the beautiful romantic Pulitzer Suite. The four exceptional Collector's Suites with private entrance on the Keizersgracht and breathtaking views over the canals are inspired by the stories of intriguing characters who may have inhabited the canal houses over the years; from a determined art admirer to an eccentric book lover; a music composer and an antique collector. No two rooms are the same; each combines Amsterdam's rich past with the modern present in an eclectic mix of designs and elements that complement the charm of each individual room.

Speaking on this partnership, the Commercial Director, Gladys Camphuijsen, says, “For years we have seen the Indian market as such a great opportunity for the Pulitzer Amsterdam, however, we didn’t have the right tools to enter this market. With commencing the relationship with One Rep Global, we feel like we have found the perfect way to approach this market and build the right relationships. We are excited to learn about the wants and needs of the Indian market and can’t wait to become a hotel of choice in Amsterdam”

Further on the collaboration, Founder of One Rep Global, Hemant Mediratta, adds, “We are absolutely thrilled at this partnership with the Pulitzer Amsterdam and delighted how the property and destination perfectly complement our portfolio of luxury hotels. Situated amongst the iconic canals on the steps to key sites, The Pulitzer Amsterdam provides history combined with modern finesse. This property is truly unique and perfect for the discerning Indian luxury traveller.”.

About Pulitzer Amsterdam

The renovated Pulitzer Amsterdam is a luxury hotel situated in 25 combined 17th and 18th-century canal houses, in one of Amsterdam's most chic neighborhoods. With a view over the Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht, the hotel is situated in the historic heart of Amsterdam, listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Close to Dam Square, from Hotel Pulitzer, the Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House are within easy reach. The trendy Nine Streets, the special shops in the Jordaan, the flower market, and the Royal Palace are located a stone's throw away, to be discovered by foot, bicycle or boat. 

Hyatt Announces Plans for the World's First FILA-Branded Lifestyle Hotel in Shanghai

A unique expression of life and vitality, FILA HOUSE Shanghai to join the JdV by Hyatt portfolio

Hyatt Announces Plans for the World's First FILA-Branded Lifestyle Hotel in Shanghai

CHICAGO  Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and ANTA Sports Products Co., Ltd. (ANTA Group) announced plans for the first-of-its-kind FILA-branded hotel in Shanghai – FILA HOUSE Shanghai. The hotel will make its mark on the global stage as the inaugural FILA-branded hotel in the world and by joining the JdV by Hyatt brand, FILA HOUSE Shanghai will bring a vibrant new experience to the local hotel scene.

FILA, a global sports brand with a strong lifestyle appeal with more than 100 years of history, has gained recognition among high-end consumers for its unique fusion of fitness and fashion that is both sporty and stylish. In China, the Italian brand is owned and managed by ANTA, one of the country’s leading global sportswear companies, which has successfully positioned FILA at the premium end of sports fashion with a brand concept of “Live Your Elegance,” combining elegance with vitality.

The development of FILA HOUSE Shanghai marks the first time FILA China is extending its brand into the lifestyle hotel space, as FILA’s vision for this hotel aligns with the JdV by Hyatt brand’s ethos. Embracing the brand’s namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of independent properties that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home, inviting guests and locals alike to connect and celebrate the joy of life while unwinding in spaces designed with distinctive personality. This, together with the FILA brand’s free-spirited attitude and legacy of style designed for life in motion, will create a one-of-a-kind experience that appeals to today’s young travelers seeking to live in the moment.  

Stephen Ho, president of growth and operations, Asia Pacific for Hyatt, said, “We are thrilled to be working with ANTA Group and FILA China to develop the first FILA HOUSE hotel in the world. We look forward to welcoming guests, locals and a new generation of FILA fans with the JdV by Hyatt brand’s inclusive, heartfelt and joy-driven service.”

Brian Yiu, CEO of FILA China, said, “We are excited to be collaborating with Hyatt on the world’s first FILA-branded lifestyle hotel. Not only will the hotel be a unique expression of FILA’s history, culture, products and fashion trends, we believe that the young-at-heart JdV by Hyatt brand experience will be a fitting reflection of FILA’s spirit of vitality.”

FILA HOUSE Shanghai will be developed as part of the new Shanghai headquarters of ANTA Group in Shanghai’s West Hongqiao Business District, an area that is fast establishing itself as a center of Shanghai international trade, with excellent transportation links and a vibrant community of business and industry. Located across five independent buildings, housing headquarter office, shops, food and beverage outlets, the unique eco-friendly headquarters complex is envisioned to be a destination for sports retail as well as a space to showcase the latest trends in sports apparel. The complex, including FILA HOUSE Shanghai, is expected to open by 2024.

For more information about the JdV by Hyatt portfolio, please visit hyatt.com/brands/jdv-by-hyatt.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and / or one or more of its affiliates.

For further information:

About JdV by Hyatt

A community for the spirited, the light-hearted, the young-at-heart, the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods we call home. Embracing its namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand invites guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, inviting all to make each stay yours truly. Follow @JDVHotels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.jdvbyhyatt.com.

About FILA

International sportswear giant Fila was established in Biella, Italy in 1911, nestled among the foothills of the Italian Alps. Fila gained global attention for its instantly recognisable tennis apparel in the 1970s, and has since expanded their design portfolio to include sporting apparel across a wide range of codes including golf, training, running and compression wear. While their technical processes are at the forefront of sporting design, the brand remains true to its time-honoured European aesthetic and outfits professional artists and athletes from around the world. From small northern Italian town beginnings over 100 years ago, Fila has evolved into one of the world’s most reliable sports lifestyle brands. Our legacy of style earns us admiration to this day. Whether you perform for the challenge of adventure, the rigor of competition, or simply the pleasure and well-being of an active life. Fila understands that the beauty of sport is that, of a life in motion. A worldwide leader in sporting and lifestyle shoes and apparel, Fila champions its heritage Italian design DNA while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of modern performance wear.

About ANTA Sports Products Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1991, ANTA Sports is an integrated sportswear group, principally engaged in the design, manufacture, sales and operation of sportswear including footwear, apparel and accessories. After 30 years of development, ANTA has grown from a traditional private company into an internationally competitive listed corporation with modern governance standards. In 2021, ANTA Group determined the development strategy of "Single-Focus, Multi-Brand and Globalization". The Group owns many well-known Chinese and international sports brands such as ANTA (China), FILA (Italy), DESCENTE (Japan), KOLON (Korea), and SPRANDI (UK), as well as sub-brand series such as ANTA KIDS, FILA KIDS, FILA FUSION and FILA ATHLETICS.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,150 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 70 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by HyattTM, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt ZivaTM, Hyatt ZilaraTM, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by HyattTM, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMRTM Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Appointment | Conrad Pune appoints Dinesh Maan as Director of Food & Beverage

Conrad Pune appoints Dinesh Maan as Director of Food & Beverage

Pune, Conrad Pune is delighted to announce the appointment of Dinesh Maan as the Director of Food & Beverage. Maan will be responsible for the entire F&B operations across the 7 distinguished restaurants and bars at the luxury property. His new position will be focused on marketing and generating revenues for the F&B division.

Maan brings over 13 years of professional expertise in the hospitality industry which includes converting strategic direction to quantifiable results with a focus on day-to-day operations. His areas of operations will be to maximize employee productivity, integrate F&B trends into Conrad’s culinary offerings, further enhance the hygiene & safety standards and align F&B activities in tandem with maintaining smooth operations.

On Maan’s appointment, says Rahul Bhagat, Director of Operations, “Dinesh has been associated with the F&B operations since the pre-opening days of the hotel and we are delighted to see his progress towards being the director of F&B. The Conrad team is excited about his new leadership role and we are sure he will continue to contribute strongly to the hotel’s notable repute in the region as he has over the years”.

Regarded as a customer-centric and performance-driven F&B professional, Maan has been the driving force behind the operations of several well-established hotel brands in India. Graduate in Bachelor of Hospitality Management from National Institute of Hotel Management Dehradun, Maan enjoys spending quality time with family in his leisure time.

Appointment | Fairmont Dubai announces the appointment of Nawaf Abdelaziz Nayef Hassan as Director of Operations a

Fairmont Dubai announces the appointment of Nawaf Abdelaziz Nayef Hassan as the Director of Operations

DUBAI, February 2022 - Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, the global luxury hotel group,

is pleased to announce the key appointment of its Director of Operations, Nawaf Abdelaziz

Nayef Hassan, effective as of February 2022. Nawaf will play a key role in overlooking the

operations of the iconic hotel across all functions and ensuring the highest levels of guest

satisfaction.

Nawaf comes with a rich experience of over 20 years of progressive experience in the

hospitality industry, having previously worked with leading hotels brands. Nawaf has a proven

track record in the industry. Committed to bringing out the best in his team, he attributes

mentoring as evidently the key to achieving the goals. Nawaf started his career in his home

country in Kempinski Dead Sea Jordan as Restaurant Supervisor. Two years later, he then

moved to Abu Dhabi and joined Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara as the Assistant

Outlet Manager in 2009.

He then joined the pre-opening team of another hotel Qasr al Sarab

Desert Resort by Anantara as the Outlet Manager. Prior to taking his current role as Director of

Operations of Fairmont Dubai, Nawaf joined Radisson Blu Hotel, Downtown Dubai, as the

Outlet Manager, then later moved his way up to Food and Beverage Manager in 2011 in

Radisson Blue Resort, Sharjah, then transitioned to the role of Director of Operations/Acting

hotel manager.

At Fairmont Dubai, he will be responsible for leading the team to ensure full compliance

to Hotel operating controls, SOP’s, policies, procedures and service standards. Nawaf will focus

on demonstrating to guests and colleagues a commitment to service excellence through the

effective implementation and delivery of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Core Standards at all times.

Commenting on his appointment, Nawaf stated, “I am thrilled to become part of the

Fairmont Hotels family and to be able to contribute to the development and the growth of such

a prestigious brand”. I look forward to working with the entire team on further elevating the

bespoke service and innovative guest experience.”

“An eclectic and accomplished man like Nawaf will allow us to design an even more

solid corporate structure and accelerate the expansion of the hotel, which is already underway.

I am delighted that he has chosen to work with us,” comments Kosta Kourotsidis, General

Manager, of Fairmont Dubai.

BCIHMCT International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference: "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup”

BCIHMCT International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference: "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup”

Encouraged by the resounding success of the previous editions, BCIHMCT is hosting its 12th edition of the International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference from 03rd to 05th March 2022 themed "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup” focusing on the hospitality and tourism sector through the application of theory and practices viewed from the perspective of issues prevailing worldwide due to the current pandemic situation. The aim of the conference is to evolve constructive deliberations on, and to discuss and devise future strategies to re-think, re-build and re-coup tourism, travel and hospitality sector. 

The objective of this three-day conference is to bring together stakeholders for the purpose of creating a platform for sharing, discussing and synergizing various hospitality and tourism strategies, practices and also measures to mitigate the economic  and other losses the hospitality and tourism industry has suffered.

The importance of this conference is to come to conclusions that enable the industry to bounce back in the post-pandemic scenario. Also, to bring together prominent names from the tourism and hospitality sectors to express an opinion on the trends being witnessed globally in the form of steps being taken to recover and revive the tourism business.

The conference seeks to discuss the erosion caused by the pandemic on the hospitality sector as an industry. The measures that are necessary to be adopted to bridge the gap and take the hospitality sector back to the pre-pandemic levels are an intrinsic component of the discourse initiated under the aegis of the conference. 

IIHTTRC will include formal presentations, workshops, and academic-industry interaction through industry-related forum. Apart from the regular presentations, the conference will include keynote addresses by eminent speakers and experts from both industry and academia along with approximately 400 participants. The previous conferences held at BCIHMCT, were well attended by national and international delegates. 

Some of the International speakers and resource persons who would be enlightening the august audience during IIHTTR Conference 2022 are:

• Prof. Shunsaku Hashimoto, Full Professor and Associate Dean, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Japan

• Prof Ian Yeoman, Associate Professor of Tourism Futures, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, visiting Professors - European Tourism Futures Institute and Ulster University. Co-editor, Journal of Tourism Futures

• Dr. Lucília Cardoso, Researcher of CITUR – Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Portugal, Assembly President- Portuguese Graduates Association in Switzerland (AGRAPS) and General Secretary-Swiss Chapter of the International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) 

• Dr Kevser Çınar, Necmettin Erbakan University, Turkey, Vice President of Euro Asia Tourism Studies Association & Editor-in-chief, Euro-Asia Tourism Studies Journal (EATSJ) 

• Highlighting the issues, IIHTRC 2022 will further have a workshop on research on the topic “Research Problem Identification” by Dr. Rajnish Ratna, Associate Professor, Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan apart from presentation of various research papers.

Original articles, research papers and case studies that highlight the issues related to the theme in different aspects from academicians, practitioners and policy makers are invited. Selected quality papers shall be published in the annual Hospitality Management Journal indexed in India Citation Index (ICI), “Indian Journal of Applied Hospitality & Tourisms Research”. Selected papers from the conference will also be published in an ISBN Edited Book. 

Appointment | Sita Lekshmi is the new General Manager at Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park

Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park appoints Sita Lekshmi as General Manager

She will be responsible to create new business opportunities, develop talent, development plans, and guidelines to maintain market leadership

Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park has appointed Sita Lekshmi as the new General Manager. An enthusiastic hotelier with an urge to create innovative and bespoke experiences, she comes with over 15 years of experience.

An effective leader, in her new role she will lead complete operations at the hotel. She will be responsible to create new business opportunities, develop talent, development plans, and guidelines to maintain market leadership. With her skills and experience, she aims to build Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park as a preferred destination for social gatherings including weddings and a sought after space for Gen-Y travellers. 

Lekshmi plans to take Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park to the next level by creating more interesting business plans and offerings for business travellers to have a comfortable stay and for millennials to relax and unwind. She has a proven track record of leading and executing business strategies.

Lekshmi holds a B.Sc degree in Hospitality Administration from IHM Kovalam, followed by an MBA degree in Human Resources Management and a PGDM in Guest Service Management from Oberoi Centre of Learning & Development. She commenced her hospitality journey by working with Oberoi Hotels for the first seven years of her career in F&B and room division.

She joined Accor in 2014 in sales and marketing. She grew her way in sales to become Director of Sales and then moved back to operations in 2019 as Rooms Division Manager. Lekshmi’s last assignment was at the ibis Kochi City Centre as General Manager before joining Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park at Outer Ring Road

Lekshmi is a state council member of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce, India, Hospitality and Tourism- Kerala chapter. Through this platform, she has conducted various activities during the second wave of the pandemic to ensure the mental well-being of not only female hoteliers but also the members of the hospitality industry as a whole.  She is a fitness enthusiast and a yoga lover. When not at work, she loves to paint, garden, and read.

Appointment | Absolute Hotel Services promotes Prashant Shewale as Regional Manager – Revenue & Distribution

He joined Absolute Hotel Services at Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon as Front Office Manager and was later promoted to Rooms Division Manager

Absolute Hotel Services India has promoted Prashant Shewale as Regional Manager – Revenue & Distribution. A hotel management graduate, he did his Business Administration from Greenwich University.

Shewale has over a decade of experience in operations, predominantly in the rooms division, with a sizeable tenure in the UK, notably with ibis and Novotel.

He joined Absolute Hotel Services at Eastin Easy Aishwarya Talegaon as Front Office Manager and outperformed to be promoted as Rooms Division Manager. Astute with numbers and a slant towards analytics, he has shown immense interest in understanding markets, revenue models, distribution networks and its implication on business.  

“Absolute Hotel Services as a hotel operator is known to recognize, develop and nurture talent, empowering individuals to flourish in their space of interest. Homegrown aptitude always gives us the advantage of a clear understanding of our vision, culture, work style amongst other characteristics, hence Prashant’s advancement is in line with our Human Resource practices, as we keep increasing our footprints. Revenue and Distribution is one of our key pillars in our management process and he will fittingly shoulder this responsibility”, said Shalil Suvarna, VP – Operations & Pre-Opening of Absolute Hotel Services India

UAE restaurants can return to pre-covid-19 conditions with 100 percent capacity

The UAE has eased capacity and social distance restrictions that were imposed on restaurants and venues across the country.

In line with the decision of the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, the capacity restrictions on food establishments have now been removed. Restaurants can return to pre-covid-19 conditions with 100 percent capacity.

Restaurant employees and customers need to still wear a facemask. Moreover, disinfection protocols remain unchanged.

Shisha cafes can return to 100 percent capacity with strict adherence to the standards of the Federal Tobacco Control Law, which states that two square meters per person in the smoking area. 

As of Friday, February 25, the UAE reported 696 Covid-19 cases, 1,916 recoveries, 1 death.

Ingredient Ideology | BLACK EYED BEANS TO BINGE ON By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

BLACK EYED BEANS TO BINGE ON

Also known as chawli beans or lobia it is one of the commonly available variety in the family of legumes and pulses which have come a long way offering their fruitful uses and benefits to us in our diets over the years. This is very popular in our day to day cooking and is prepared in a number of ways from starters to soups, from dips to salads from stews to curries and from Chaats to kebabs!

Lobia to me as a chef has been very kind enough to come about getting itself incorporated and transform into various forms, textures and even accepting flavors on the whole giving me great opportunities to impress my guests with wondrous recipes with lobia for instance the sun dried tomato and lobia paniyarams, the chawli bean pancakes, the lobia waffles with peanut butter salsa, nizami nargisi lobia wale chaap, black eyed beans in coconut gravy, lobia cheelas, dosas and uttappams etc.

Here are a few health benefits of Black Eyed Beans:

1. Lobia are said to be full of proteins, fiber and great source of potassium in our day to day diet.

2. Lobia also are a good source of iron and assist a lot in weight loss as well.

3. Lobia is good for the heart, a great anti-oxidant and also low in fat.

4. Lobia are good for our bone health and also helps in lowering of blood pressure.

5. Lobia promotes skin health and is also said to wash away free radicals, overall it has most of the essential nutrients for our body.

A few Culinary Uses of Black eyed beans:

1. Soaked, boiled add a dash of chaat masala or salt and crushed black pepper with a splash of fresh lime in a bowl being enjoyed the way it is, is heavenly.

2. Chawli beans as it is also called is a popular choice for us to make in a slightly gravy form while some like it with steaming hot boiled rice or jeera rice and some prefer to have phulkas or hot parathas, salad and curd or raita.

3. Black eyed peas/beans is also popular in many international cuisines as well from being tossed into salads and quick fix meal bowls, one pot dishes, stir fries, baked dishes and stews!

4. Try lobia with a number of exotic veggies like zucchini, Babycorn, red capsicums, asparagus, mushrooms etc and add a touch of garlic and tomatoes in a stew format with fresh herbs and simmer it, serve the stew with toasted garlic bread.

4. While many of us like lobia with a spicy wet coconut based masala too the flavor of the coconut compliments chawli beans quite well, it can also be enjoyed with dosas, uttappams, appams etc too.

5. Lobia with fresh greens like methi, dill leaves, palak, coriander welcome each other pretty well and It can be prepared as a main course or even as a side dish to go with the main course with less oil and spices, healthy and nutri rich as well.

6. Lobia in the form or dahi bhallas, Kachories, steamed lobia idlis, dhokla with lobia ka atta, lobia goes well into a handvo concept as well. Always try to think of a mix- n- match concept when it comes to ingredients like lobia since it needs a little planning and it emerges as a winner at the end of it

Do try out these Simple- Healthy- Nutritious Black Eyed Bean Recipes:

Recipe-1] LAJAWAB BLACK EYED BEAN CURRY

Ingredients:

Chawli beans/lobia- 1 cup, cleaned and soaked for 1 hour in 3 cups water.

Oil/ghee- 2 tsp

Cinnamon stick- 1-inch piece

Cumin seeds- 1/ 2 tsp

Hing- 1 pinch

Ginger garlic paste- 1 tsp

Onions- 2 small chopped

Tomatoes- 2 med sized puree

Salt to taste

Kasuri methi- 1 tsp

Red chili powder- ½ tsp

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander powder- 1 tsp

Garam masala powder- ¼ tsp

Water as needed to cook

Fresh coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients the black eyed bean recipe.

2. Heat oil/ghee in a pan and add in the cumin and cinnamon stick and after 15 seconds add in the onions and saute till pink, add ginger garlic paste.

3. Add little water as required and add in the tomatoes, salt and all masalas, kasuri methi and mix well for 30 seconds.

4. Drain off the water from the chawli and add it into the pan, and saute on a medium flame for 2-3 mins add in water 2-3 cups and bring to a boil, cover and cook for 30-45 mins or use a pressure cooker

5. Finally add in the garam masala powder and coriander leaves and mix well, check for seasonings and adjust texture accordingly and serve with roti or rice.

Recipe- 2] MURGH AUR BLACK EYED BEANS KI JUGALBANDI

Ingredients:

Chawli beans/ lobia-1 cup- boiled.

Boneless chicken cubes- 250 gms.

Oil/butter- 2 tsp

Bayleaf- 2 no

Peppercorns-4- 5

Slit red chilies- 2 no.

Onions- ½ cup chop

Garlic- 1 tsp chop

Salt and pepper to taste

Cumin powder- ½ tsp

Tomato puree-1/2 cup

Veg stock/water- 2-3 cups

Assorted vegetables- carrots, peas, potatoes, mushrooms etc.

Soy granules or soy chunks can also be used with lobia beans.

Chicken – breast pieces or leg or drumstick with bones- 600gms cut

Chicken sausages-2-3 no. sliced.

Mixed herbs-1 tsp

Chili flakes-1 tsp

White wine/red wine- 2 tsp optional.

Parsley/coriander- 2 tbsp. chop.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the stew recipe.

2. Heat oil/butter in a pan and add in the whole spices.

3. Add in the onions, garlic and saute for few mins.

4. Now add in the drained lobia, chicken curry cuts/boneless cubes and sausages or vegetables as per choice and tomato puree, salt and all spices to taste

5. Saute the mixture for 1 min, add in liquid in the form of water or stock, bring to a boil and simmer for 30- 45 mins until the beans are well softened and chicken too is cooked well.

6. Add in the wine if being used and parsley/coriander leaves and simmer for another 3-4 mins keep the gravy medium in this case as being served with french bread or bread rolls, serve hot.

Recipe-3] GREENS AND BEANS MASALA

Ingredients:

Chawli beans- 1 cup boiled.

Spinach- 1 bunch, cleaned, washed, blanched, and chopped.

Methi leaves-1/2 cup chopped

Oil/ghee- 2 tsp

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Dried red chili-2 no.

Ginger garlic and green chili paste- 1 and a half tsp

Onion paste-1/2 cup

Tomatoes- ½ cup chopped

Salt to taste

Coriander powde-1 tsp

Cumin powder- ½ tsp

Turmeric powder-1/2 tsp 

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Amchur powder-1/2 tsp

Water as needed

Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. for garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.

2. Heat oil/ghee in a pan add in the cumin and dry red chili and then add in the onion paste and ginger garlic chili paste to saute it all well, keep adding little water as needed. Add in the tomatoes, salt and all powdered spices and bhunao well for 3-4 mins on a medium flame.

3. Add in the boiled lobia and chopped spinach, methi and blend it all well in the pan, add a little water and simmer for 3-4 mins, check for seasonings, add in the aamchur powder, garam masala powder and coriander towards the end and serve hot with rotis, naans, missi rotis and laccha parathas.

Recipe 4: BLACK EYED BEAN CHATPATA CHAAT

Ingredients:

Boiled lobia- 1 cup

Khara boondi-1/4 tsp

Boiled cubes of potatoes-1/2 cup

Cucumber -1 small cubed

Tomatoes-1 small diced

Green chilies- 1 tsp chop

Onion- 2 tbsp. chopped

Mint leaves- 2 tbsp.

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp.

Chaat masala-1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted crushed jeera powder-1/2 tsp

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Imli chutney- 2-3 tbsp.

Schezuan chutney-1 -2 tsp if desired.

Crushed Papdi, sev, bhujiya or cornflakes chiwda for topping/garnish.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the chaat.

2. Assemble all ingredients into the mixing bowl one by one and add in the seasonings, spices, sauces, chutneys etc and give it a nice toss and mix.

3. Seasonal fruits like mango cubes, grapes, chickoo cubes, pomegranate seeds can also be incorporated into the chaat to make it more nutritious.

4. Add in the mint and coriander leaves on the top along with the farsan or namkeen toppings, for non-veg options for this chaat one may add boiled cubes of eggs, boiled or tandoori chicken tikka pieces, sauté prawns etc.

Recipe- 5] BLACK EYED BEAN WALA DUM PULAO

Ingredients:

Basmati rice- 2 cups soaked for 20 mins

Soaked black-eyed beans-1 cup for 30 mins

Oil-2 tsp

Ghee-2 tsp

Bay leaf- 2 no

Peppercorns- 4-5 no

Cloves- 3-4 no

Ginger- garlic paste-2 tsp

Onions- 1 cup sliced

Tomatoes- 1 cup fresh puree

Salt to taste

Potato cubes-1 cup

Coriander powder-2 tsp

Cumin powder-1/2 tsp

Turmeric powder- ½ tsp

Kashmiri red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder -1/2 tsp

Water- 4 cups

Kasoori methi-1 tsp

Coriander leaves-2-3 tbsp.

Fried onions-1/2 cup for garnish

Fried nuts- ½ cup for garnish

To serve with:

Curd / raita/ papad/ pickle.

Method

1. Prepare all the ingredients as listed for the rice and bean recipe.

2. Heat oil and ghee in a pan, add in the whole spices, onions and saute for 1 min. add in the ginger-garlic paste, tomato puree and cook.

3. Add in the kasoori methi, all powdered spices, and salt to taste, and bhuna for a few minutes.

4. Now add in the drained black-eyed beans, the drained rice and add in the water/stock and bring to a boil.

5. Simmer the rice and allow the pulao to cook well, absorb all the moisture and once it is all set, remove onto serving plates, garnish and serve hot with fried onions and nuts, enjoy the recipe with bowl of curd/ raita.

Recipe- 6] BLACK EYED BEANS TOSSED SALAD

Ingredients:

For the base of the salad:

Ice berg lettuce/ Lollorosso lettuce- 1 cup

For the body of the salad:

Boiled black eyed beans-1 cup

Boiled sweet potato cubes- ½ cup

Boiled sweet corn-1/4 cup

Green and yellow zucchini- ½ cup small dices

Tomato-1 med sized, de-seed and cut into small dices

Assorted moong sprouts- ½ cup

Black and green olives- 3-4 no sliced.

For the dressing:

Olive oil-2-3 tbsp.

Honey-2 tsp

Mango pickle masala from the jar- 2-3 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Chaat masala- ½ tsp

Roasted crushed cumin powder- ½ tsp

White vinegar-2 tsp

Grated jaggery-2 tsp

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

For the garnish of the salad:

Assorted nuts / seeds/ micro-greens/ olives etc as desired.

Mint leaves

Parsley leaves

Method:

1. Prepare all the parts of the salad as listed above and keep it ready.

2. Clean and rinse the lettuce leaves and place them in the serving salad plate after placing them on water absorbent kitchen towels.

3. In a bowl/ jar, shake together the ingredients for the dressing and give them a nice shake/ stir/ mix and toss it all well. Add some chopped dates in case it gets too sour.

4. Just before serving the salad, add in the body of the salad into the dressing and toss the salad well and check for seasonings, adjust accordingly.

5. Dish out the salad on a bed of crispy salad leaves, add garnishes of your choice from greens to nuts/seeds/ for non-veg variations try adding boiled cubes of chicken/ sliced chicken sausages/ boiled cubed eggs etc.

Appointment | Hitesh Mehta joins Novotel Kolkata as Director of Finance

Novotel Kolkata has appointed Hitesh Mehta as Director of Finance. Over the past 14 years, he has worked with Hyatt Regency Chandigarh, JW Marriott Chandigarh, Indore Marriott Hotel, Le Meridian Nagpur, The Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai, and ICICI Bank.

Mehta is a qualified Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. He will organize and direct the team to supervise all revenues and expenses and all inventories in his current role. He will also be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial reporting and controlling requirements of the departments and will be required to review and analyze management accounts.

Mehta will plan, direct, supervise, and coordinate the activities of the personnel involved in the organization’s accounting and other financial functions. He will also analyze and interpret financial data and recommend changes to improve financial performance and maintain an account of all the transactions. He will be responsible for budget and cost controls, financial analysis, accounting practices, and reports.

The New boutique lifestyle Hub in Aqaba “Ayla” and Kerten Hospitality extend partnership with one-of-a-kind Hospitality offering

The New boutique lifestyle Hub in Aqaba “Ayla” and Kerten Hospitality extend partnership with one-of-a-kind Hospitality offering

DUBAI: February , 2022: Following the success of the “Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba” which has been operating since July 2020, "Ayla " and Kerten Hospitality agreed to manage another one-of-a-kind Hospitality Hub to further diversify the hospitality offering and continue to increase the footfall.

“The Pulse", a Cloud 7 Boutique Hotel, consists of 75 rooms located at the Marina Village, the heart of Ayla - a real estate leisure hub with the potential to be a second home destination. It is a tailored destination seeking to attract wanderlusters and exploration lovers and seeking to become an attractive Business Hub suited for short and extended stays that will constantly evolve throughout the seasons, attracting a diverse audience for a variety of immersive experiences along with dedicated workspaces for ‘bleisure’ travelers, guests, music and art lovers.

Ayla’s Managing Director, Sahl Dudin, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with "Kerten Hospitality" following their great success in managing the " Cloud 7 Residences" and we entrust the Group with the management of "The Pulse Hotel" whilst seeking to expand our hotel accommodation and entertainment offerings in Jordan in addition to the real estate development projects. Since its launch, Ayla has taken the initiative to work on promoting and diversifying the tourism offers in Aqaba. Our commitment to grow the hospitality and real estate facilities would not have been possible without the right partners.”

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality said: “Our vision and efforts have always been exerted to create local collaborations and bring projects to life with depth and purpose that allow to bring communities together. Our relationship with Ayla has developed where we share and motivate new ideas for development; we are truly looking forward to bring this next project to life.”

This vibrant unique Boutique Hotel is aligned with Kerten Hospitality’s DNA to transcend spaces into locations for art and design lovers, and entrepreneurs who seek impactful collaborations, meaningful connections and a place to attend and host creative workshops and entrepreneurial networking events. The facilities, interior design and communal spaces have all been tailored to fit this unique environment.

Appointment | Anantara Siam Bangkok Announces Key Culinary Appointments at Thailand’s Flagship Hotel

Anantara Siam Bangkok Announces Key Culinary Appointments at Thailand’s Flagship Hotel

Anantara Siam Bangkok Announces Key Culinary Appointments at Thailand’s Flagship Hotel

Bangkok, February 2022 – Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas announces four key culinary appointments at the international hotel group’s Bangkok flagship property – Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel.

Jérémy Jouan - Executive Chef

 Chef Jérémy began his career at the one-Michelin-starred Château de Bagnols in his native France, before embarking on a culinary journey that saw him honing his skills in some of the world’s most famous kitchens – from the two-Michelin-starred La Chèvre d'Or, France; to Alain and Michel Roux’s three-Michelin-starred The Waterside Inn outside London; and the famed two-Michelin-starred Restaurant DANIEL in New York.

He joins Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel from The Oberoi, Marrakech, where he oversaw five food and beverage outlets as the Executive Chef.  Prior to working in Morocco, he was the Executive Sous Chef at InterContinental Hanoi Landmark72 in Vietnam and held Chef de Cuisine positions at Armani Hotel Dubai; Burj Al Arab; and Capital Club Dubai.

 Jérémy holds a Master’s Degree in Culinary Arts from École Hôtelière de Marseille and attained two national diplomas from Lycée des Métiers Alexandre Dumas in Cavaillon, France.  In 2003 he was crowned the runner up in the Meilleurs Apprentis Cuisinier de France (The Best Apprentice Chefs in France) competition.

In his new role at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel Chef Jérémy Jouan will oversee the hotel’s award-winning restaurants and the annual World Gourmet Festival event, Bangkok’s oldest international culinary spectacular.

Anupong Nualchawee - Cluster Executive Pastry Chef

 Thai-born Anupong is no stranger to the limelight in Asia, having won the Eat List Star television show search for the next big culinary personality in 2017; co-presented the McDang cooking show on Thai television; and participated in Cleo Magazine’s 50 Most Eligible Bachelors competition in 2015.

He started his professional career as Executive Personal Chef for the Thai Royal Family at Chakri Bongkot Palace in Pathum Thani in 2008, before relocating to the United States where he took up various Assistant Pastry Chef positions from Florida to New Hampshire.  Anupong returned to Bangkok to take the helm in the pastry kitchen for various hotel openings and a rebranding, including Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa, and The Athenee Hotel and The St. Regis Bangkok where he led both culinary teams as Executive Pastry Chef.

The part-time lecturer at Bangkok University and Walailongkorn University holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Dusit Thani College Bangkok’s Faculty of Hospitality Industry; a Certificate of Master Chocolate Dessert from l’École Valrhona in Japan; and Certificates of Master Sugar Showpiece and Master Chocolate Showpiece from the Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia.

Anupong will also oversee operations at the brand’s Anantara Bangkok Riverside Hotel as well as its sister property Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel.

Kevin Montorfano - Chef de Cuisine, Biscotti Restaurant

Swiss-Italian national Kevin joins the Michelin Guide-listed Italian restaurant and Bangkok’s favourite trattoria from Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo where he was the Head Chef at Pesce Italian fine dining restaurant.

Starting his career as Commis Chef at the 17-point-Gault&Millau Villa Sassa Hotel & Spa in Lugano, Kevin relocated to the Middle East in 2013 and held Chef de Partie positions at Al Muntaha at the Burj Al Arab; Vanitas at Palazzo Versace; and the three-Michelin-starred Quique Dacosta restaurant’s popup in Dubai.

Kevin’s culinary journey took him to London’s Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in 2017 where he held the position of Demi Chef de Partie at the two-Michelin-starred Dinner by Heston Blumenthal.  In 2018 he returned to his homeland to take up the Sous Chef position at L´Accademia at the Beau-Rivages Palace in Lausanne.

Chef Kevin attained a Culinary Degree from the Hospitality and Management School of Lugano, Switzerland.

Alexandre Castaldi - Executive Sous Chef

French-born Chef Alexandre Castaldi joins Anantara’s Bangkok flagship hotel from Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel where he held the Executive Sous Chef position.

Alex made his first foray into the Asian culinary scene in 2011 as Chef de Partie at Sofitel Bangkok Silom Hotel, after which he returned to his native France to complete his two-year Brevet de Technicien Supérieur diploma in Hospitality Catering at Lycée Hotelier de Marseille. While studying, he started honing his culinary skills as a Commis Chef under legendary three-Michelin-starred Chef Alain Senderens, one of the founders of the nouvelle cuisine movement, and then as Chef de Partie at the one-Michelin-starred Restaurant Le Céladon in the heart of Paris. 

In 2014, Alex returned to Bangkok to take up the role of Executive Sous Chef at Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant, and in 2016 he took the helm as Executive Chef at the Hong Kong edition of the popular French eatery. 

The opening of SEEN Restaurant & Bar, Bangkok’s newest society rooftop hangout, in 2018 and the opportunity to work alongside Olivier da Costa, one of Portugal’s most successful chefpreneurs, lured him back to the City of Angels as Chef de Cuisine.  In 2020 Chef Alex was appointed as Executive Sous Chef at Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel where SEEN is located.

Appointment | Alma Resort Cam Ranh Welcomes Son Hoang Le as Director of Sales

Alma Resort Cam Ranh Welcomes Son Hoang Le as Director of Sales

CAM RANH, Vietnam FEB 2022– A talented hospitality professional with more than 16 years of experience in sales, marketing, events, and operations at some of Vietnam’s most acclaimed hotels has been named Alma’s director of sales.

Vietnamese national Son Hoang Le’s appointment to the 30-hectare family resort, with 196 pavilions and 384 suites overlooking Long Beach on Vietnam’s Cam Ranh peninsula, comes after he worked at the Caravelle Saigon as the director of room sales.

Before that, he was the director of sales and marketing at Diamond Bay Vung Tau Resort & Spa and the director of sales at Hotel Majestic Saigon.

Son embarked on his hospitality career in early 2005 as a bellman at the Caravelle Saigon, where he spent the next 10 years also working as a receptionist, night supervisor and banquet sales executive, learning about various facets of the hotel business.

He moved to the Hotel Nikko Saigon to become a corporate sales executive, before progressing to the Pullman Hanoi where he became a sales manager and then an acting senior sales manager.

Son holds a Bachelor of Arts, English Linguistics and Literature at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and also studied electronics at Cao Thang College. Both institutions are based in Ho Chi Minh City.

Describing him as “an excellent negotiator and strategic thinker”, Alma’s managing director Herbert-Laubichler Pichler said Son’s background in operations enriched his leadership abilities among the hotel’s management ranks and, coupled with his rich sales and marketing experience, placed him in great stead to spearhead the resort’s ambitious sales efforts for 2022.

Bold, spacious and emblematic of Vietnam’s maturation as a destination, the independently owned and operated Alma features 14 food and beverage outlets and a cascade of 12 beachfront swimming pools. Other drawing cards include a science museum, 6000 square metre waterpark, 13-treatment room spa, art gallery, cinema, convention centre, amphitheatre, youth centre with virtual reality games, kid’s club, water sports centre, gymnasium and yoga room and an 18-hole putting green.

To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com or email info@alma-resort.com

New Opening | The Fern Hotels & Resorts to open six new properties by June 22

The Fern Hotels & Resorts to open six new properties by June 22

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain will be opening six more hotels in the first half of the calendar year, taking the tally to 88 operational properties across 70 locations by June 2022, the CEO of the company, Suhail Kannampilly said.

The company will be opening two more hotels in Gujarat which will further expand its footprint to 24 properties in the State, Suhail said. One of the resorts in Jamboghoda, Gujarat is spread across 6 acres of land and will have 108 rooms.

Similarly, two new hotels will be opened in Maharashtra, one in Navi Mumbai with 76 keys and another in Lonavala, with 24 villa rooms. Besides, the other two hotels will be in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, and another luxurious tent resort in the Union Territory of Diu with 90 rooms. Altogether the company will be adding 393 keys in the first half of the year which will take the overall key count to over 5100.

Informing the expansion of the Fern Hotels during the past few months he said, “Despite the terrible second wave which impacted the hospitality industry very badly, we still opened new hotels in Pune, Haridwar and Hubballi.”

Expressing his optimism about the business growth for the hospitality industry in the ensuing financial year he said, “we hope that the worst of the covid is behind us and we are expecting improved occupancies and ARRs”.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts is India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain and amongst the fastest growing hotel brands in India, with 88 hotels & resorts currently operational under management or opening shortly across 70 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.