Visit Maldives | Aviation is one of the fundamental pillars that led to the advent of global tourism, says CEO & MD of MMPRC

The Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives), Mr Thoyyib Mohamed, has stated that aviation is one of the fundamental pillars that led to the advent of global tourism. Mr Thoyyib made this statement while speaking during a panel discussion held during the 9th Arab Aviation Summit, being held in Dubai.

Speaking during this panel, Mr Thoyyib delineated on how the past two years had transformed the entire state of the world, especially the tourism and aviation industry. Noting that the travel and aviation industries were perhaps some of the hardest hit by the global pandemic, he commended the steadfast efforts of the global travel trade towards recovery.

Citing Aviation as one of the fundamental pillars that led to the advent of global tourism, Mr Thoyyib said that the tourism and the aviation industry should work closely together to overcome the challenges. He stated that during the early days of the lockdowns, MMPRC made sure to constantly keep a strong relationship with local and global aviation partners. He announced that over 35 international flights currently operate to the Maldives.

Referring to how destinations can stand out and become the preferred choice for travelers in the post-pandemic era, Mr Thoyyib said destinations have to implement stringent safety measures and see how the natural geography and unique features of the country can contribute to making it a safe option for travelers. He then went on to highlight how the Maldives heavily promotes the scattered geography of the country and the ‘one island one resort’ concept as a feature that makes the Maldives a safe destination.

Outlining the ‘new normal’ for the tourism industry, Mr Thoyyib said that we are already in the midst of a new normal, and every new phase of the global pandemic presents us with a brand new version of ‘the new normal’. He further elaborated that it’s important to carry on with our lives and work towards full recovery of the tourism industry and the economy as a whole. He also noted that we shouldn’t be under the impression that the global tourism market will return to the state it was in prior to 2020, rather we should work towards evolving with every phase of the new normal.

Speaking further during this panel, Mr Thoyyib referred to the important role the Middle East plays as a growing source market for the Maldives. He said this market is one of the fastest growing markets to the Maldives, as well as the central hub for a large number of tourists. He expressed pride over the fact that leading Middle Eastern airlines such as Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Etihad Airways, and Gulf Air operate to the Maldives on a regular basis.

Endorsed by the Arab Government and previously held in various Arab countries, the Arab Aviation Summit 2022 is hosted in collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and supported by global industry partners such as Airbus, CFM, Air Arabia, Alpha Aviation Academy, and Ras Al Khaimah Airport.

From the GCC market, Saudi Arabia was the top 6th market to the Maldives, with an impressive arrival figure of 39,178 travelers. The entire Middle East region accounted for 7.0% of total arrivals in 2021. In order to maintain this momentum and position Middle Eastern markets as top markets to Maldives, MMPRC is conducting a wide variety of marketing activities in the region. We are taking part in Arabian Travel Market 2022, ILTM Arabia 2022, Riyadh Travel Fair 2022. We are also conducting a Maldives Roadshow in Dubai, as well as media familiarization trips, and a joint marketing campaign with Emirates Holidays.

Appointment | Hyatt Regency Delhi appoints Shrikant Wakharkar as general manager

Hyatt Regency Delhi appoints Shrikant Wakharkar as General Manager

Wakharkar brings with him over 30 years of experience and will lead the flagship and iconic hotel’s operations.

Hyatt Regency Delhi has announced the appointment of Shrikant Wakharkar as the general manager. He’s also been made the area vice-president of Hyatt Hotels – North.

Wakharkar brings with him over 30 years of experience and will lead the flagship and iconic hotel’s operations, oversee strategic and tactical growth strategies along with spearheading innovative programs which are aimed at further strengthening the position of the hotel.

Before stepping into his role as the GM at Hyatt Regency Delhi, Wakharkar was the general manager at Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty. In his previous roles, he has held leadership positions at Taj, Intercontinental, Starwood and Marriott Hotels.

This would be his second innings with Hyatt Regency Delhi as he has previously been a part of this flagship hotel and held the position of assistant director of food and beverage back in 1999.

Wakharkar has extensive experience and wide-reaching knowledge of hospitality including restaurant pre-openings, hotel up-gradation/renovation projects, sales generation and sustaining significant bottom-line results. A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Bhubaneshwar, he also attended three professional development programs at Cornell University.

Appointment | Sayaji Hotel Indore appoints Mir Hafizur Raheman as Executive Chef

Sayaji Hotel has recently appointed Mir Hafizur Raheman as the hotel’s Executive Chef. A seasoned professional, he has over 18 years of pivotal experience in the realm of the hospitality industry. He will helm the hotels culinary operations that include Chopstick City, The authentic Pan-Asian restaurant, Cravings, the all day dining restaurant and café, Kebabsville, the barbeque and grill dining restaurant, Mediterra, the Mediterranean cuisine rooftop restaurant, along with in-room dining. He would be responsible for curating, managing, and overseeing all the retail food offerings by Sayaji Hotel Indore.

A native of Bhubaneswar, Chef Raheman has spent over a decade in the Republic of Maldives holding various Chefs positions in some of the best hotels. His wide exposure to world culture, travelers, and people has helped him bring to the table the best innovative practices from across the globe, evolving new methods, flavors, and textures of cooking. His diverse techniques in curating signature dishes and enhancing gastronomical experiences have won him many appreciations.

Chef Raheman has a wealthy experience of working with some of the prestigious hotels namely Mayfair Hotels & Resorts ((Maldives), JA Manafaru Resorts (Maldives), Atmosphere Kanifushi Resorts (Maldives), Constance Halaveli Resorts (Maldives), Eon Resorts (Maldives), Royal Orchid Resorts & Convention (Bangalore), Alila Hotels (India) and Justa Hotels and Resorts (India).

Appointments | Hyatt Regency Dehradun announces the appointment of leadership roles

Hyatt Regency Dehradun announces the appointment of leadership roles

March 2022, India: Nestled amidst picturesque 4.25 acres landscape of Dehradun, adjacent to the serene Malsi Forest and majestic Himalayan range, Hyatt Regency Dehradun, the first 5-star hotel in Dehradun and the largest luxury hotel in the state of Uttarakhand, today announced the appointment of its leadership roles. The corporate roster includes industry-forward professionals with specialized experience in the hospitality and food and beverage industry, who will be leading Hyatt Regency Dehradun’s management and verticals across operations, sales, marketing, F&B, and HR.

Harkaran Singh as General Manager

Harkaran brings with him 15 years of varied experience across Marriott & Hyatt hotels in India. He began his journey with the Hyatt family 12 years back and has worked across Hyatt Pune in 2010 to Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli, Hyatt Regency Kolkata, and was General Manager at Hyatt Raipur, before taking on his latest role at Hyatt Regency Dehradun.

Passionate about delivering above-and-beyond moments for guests & colleagues, Harkaran is strategically aligned, financially disciplined, and result-oriented with a repertoire of exceeding expectations of all stakeholders.  In his role as the General Manager, he is leading the multi-cultural team of this stunning 263 keys hotel across all disciplines.

Pratiti Rajpal as Director of Operations
Pratiti brings along years of inspiring experience across Marriott & Hyatt hotels in India, with a decade of the journey being with Hyatt. Starting as the Marketing Communications Manager at Hyatt Regency Chennai in 2012 to cluster role at Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa & Grand Hyatt Mumbai and Cluster Director of Marketing Communications at Andaz Delhi & Grand Hyatt Gurgaon (Pre-Opening) her professional journey has been adventurous. 

A result-oriented and passionate hotelier, Pratiti thrives on creating memorable experiences for guests and an amazing work environment for her colleagues. With exceptional attention to detail and intuitive leadership, Pratiti delivers results that exceed the expectations of all stakeholders involved. In her role as the Director of Operations, Pratiti will be overlooking the operations of a diversely segmented, 263 keys hotel.

Sujas K Nameth as Director of Food & Beverage
With 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry across Hyatt, Marriott & The Grand hotels in India and Muscat, Sujas is an industry veteran specializing in the Food & Beverage department. A passionate hotelier with wide-spread experience and an impeccable work ethic, Sujas, in his current role, is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the operations, maximizing the F&B revenues, introducing new F&B concepts & elevating the dining experience for guests, ensuring synergy between and maintaining the highest standards of guest service.

Sahil Arora as Executive Chef 

Chef Sahil joins Hyatt Regency Dehradun with 22 years of elevating experience across brands such as Marriott, Hyatt and Shangri-La hotels in India. Starting his career as a Prep Chef at the Hyatt Regency New Delhi in 1999, he moved to The Shangri-La Connaught Place, New Delhi as a Senior Sous Chef, then to The Imperial New Delhi as an Executive Sous Chef, followed by the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre & Lakeside Chalet- Marriott Executive Apartments as the Executive Chef and then Shangri-La Eros, New Delhi as the Executive Chef.  

A master chef, with a wide range of experience in cooking and curating the perfect dining experience for the guests, Chef Sahil will be responsible for ensuring the smooth and safe running of all the kitchen operations, developing and tailoring menus to suit the guests and the hotel’s needs while ensuring all health & safety and service standards are being enforced.

Sunishchal Parasnis as Director of Sales & Marketing

With a career spanning across 15 years, Sunishchal has worked across Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Park Hyatt Goa Resort & Spa and Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa in various sales strategy functions.  As the Director of Sales & Marketing, Sunishchal in his current role will be responsible for developing new marketing opportunities and implementing new sales strategies in order to boost rooms & events sales at the hotel.

Avijit Ghosh as Director of Finance

Avijit brings with him 25 years of enriching experience in challenging finance roles. He began his journey with the Hyatt family 6 years ago and has worked at Hyatt Raipur and Hyatt Regency Chennai before taking on his latest role at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. His business acumen is driven by a strong commitment to operational excellence.

Nikhil Raje as Human Resources Manager

Nikhil brings along with him an industry experience of 12 years across Marriott, Radisson, Accor & Hyatt hotels in India. With his great people skills and the ability to resolve conflict quickly and efficiently, in his current role Nikhil will be responsible for the recruitment of the team, managing payroll, ensuring ethical business practices, statutory compliances, associate wellbeing, learning & development and team engagement.

Vijayakumar Singh. R as Chief Engineer

Vijayakumar brings along 29 years of enriching experience across Taj, Meridian & Hyatt hotels in India, with the Hyatt journey being 20 years and counting. A master of his trade, in his current role, Vijayakumar will be responsible for the management, operations, rectification of the entire hotel’s furniture, fixture and equipment while also ensuring sustainable practices and increasing efficiency throughout the hotel.

Appointment | Hyatt Regency Kathmandu announces the appointment of Ashish Kumar as the General Manager

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu announces the appointment of Ashish Kumar as the General Manager

Ashish Kumar has completed his Diploma in Hotel and Catering Management from International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in 1999 and completed his Business Management course from All India Council for Management Studies in 2001. He brings more than 23 years of experience in hospitality industry.

He has been part of the Hyatt Family for 13 years. He started his Hyatt journey with Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa in 2009 as Front Office Manager, followed by stints at Hyatt Regency Pune as Rooms Director and Hyatt Regency Chandigarh as Rooms Director. His first assignment as General Manager was at Hyatt Place Hampi in 2016. Before joining Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, his last assignment was at Hyatt Regency Lucknow.

He has worked in different parts of India and across cultures. In his earlier role as the General Manager at Hyatt Regency Lucknow, he successfully implemented various key areas of product enhancement, brand compliance and employee training and development. After having worked across various positions, Mr. Kumar’s urge stays with overall administration, asset management and strategic positioning of the hotel. He also possesses the aptitude of forecasting, revenue management, negotiations management, crisis management and numerous operational services.

His professional milestones includes several successful brand establishments and positioning in highly competitive markets, while nurturing robust relations with stakeholders. He strongly believes that the key to success is investing in the right people.

Appointment | Hotel Sayaji Raipur appoints Nisha Singh Chauhan as the new Human Resources Manager

Nisha Singh Chauhan

.

She will be looking into employee development workforce management, reviewing and implementing new HR policies.

A Bachelor of Arts graduate, she completed her MBA, Specialization in Human Resource Management from Sikkim Manipal University, Raipur, Nisha started her career in the hospitality industry as a Human Resources Executive at Hotel Babylon Inn, Raipur. Her first job was at Hotel Babylon Inn, Raipur as an HR Executive in April 2012 and since then worked with several properties in HR role.

“I believe that my strong communication and grooming skills along with creative thinking will enable me to achieve the hotel’s mission and key interests. I look forward to forming fruitful connections and at the same time bring about the transformation needed”, says Nisha Singh Chauhan, HR Manager.

She will be helming the full spectrum of HR and talent development in the new role and will play a key role in ensuring a strongly motivated team to achieve set goals. She believes that great guest experience is immensely connected in great associate experiences, where associates are proud and energized which gets reflected in their work and guest experience. She looks forward to creating an engaging, fruitful learning experience and also create environment where all associates embrace the link between purpose and performance.

“I am elated that Nisha Chauhan is on board at our property. She is diligent in every single work she takes up and is dynamic and creative with her ideas. I will work closely with her to ensure that our key strategies are implemented across the hotel and valuable talent is showcased across all functions of the hotel”, says Ashoo Bhatnagar, General Manager, Sayaji, Raipur.

DESIGNS | Historic Galle Fort Hotel reopens inside UNESCO World Heritage site after two years of restoration

Sri Lanka’s most iconic heritage hotel, Galle Fort Hotel, reopened on 23rd February 2022.

Located inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort, the ultra luxe boutique hotel is housed in a Dutch mansion that dates back 300 years. The property was once a warehouse and served as the residence of a renowned family of gem merchants during the British era. This heritage restoration of the Galle Fort Hotel was done, working in line with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Archaeology to ensure that the building’s 300 year old Dutch walls and façade were conserved as authentically as possible.

In its new look, the Galle Fort Hotel features 11 luxurious suites with varying themes and décor. The Loft Suites have been given an entirely new look inspired by the Dutch East India Company, while the newly introduced Garden Suite draws its theme from the illustrations of a Dutch botanist. The Admiral Cheng Ho Suite features a Chinese-inspired décor, to reflect Galle as a historic crossroads of trade, while the entry- level Garden Room stands out with its massive hand painted wall, commissioned to a local artist.

One of the structural highlights of this property is the stunning Palladian colonnade verandah, which houses the Galle Fort Hotel Bar, with its exclusive selection of gins from across the globe. The adjoining gourmet restaurant is one of the best tables in the Galle Fort and serves up Western fusion cuisine.

Amrit Rajaratnam, founder of Maitland and Knox Heritage Hotels, an experiential luxury company that owns the hotel says, “The refurbishment of an iconic property like this one is always a challenge, and covid pre- sent its own set of hurdles. That said, the hotel is still one of the finest examples of Dutch architecture in the Fort. The Suites play on these strengths and draw inspiration from the Dutch East India Company, and the spice trade, which was used as an underlying theme to decorate the Loft Suites, among others. At Maitland and Knox, our properties act as experiences and not mere hotels. Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for immersive, experiential luxury.”

Shayan Kannangara, Director, Maitland, and Knox Heritage Hotels, comments, “Experiential luxury travel has always been our forte at Maitland and Knox Heritage Hotels. Galle Fort Hotel is poised to take this ethos to new levels with curated mini-adventures in the local lifestyle and food & beverage. Sri Lanka is the ideal boutique hospitality destination, if marketed strategically to high net worth tourists, encompassing FITs as well as small families and groups of friends. This is where the boutique segment can truly be showcased.”

Appointments | Atmosphere Gears Up For Expansion — Welcomes A Stellar Line Up Of Senior Industry Veterans

Atmosphere Gears Up For Expansion — Welcomes A Stellar Line Up Of Senior Industry Veterans

Joining the leadership team are Michel Politano as VP Revenue & Distribution, Sarah Walker Kerr as VP Communications, Ashley Goddard as Corporate Culinary Director and Silvia Collepardi as VP Sales & Marketing - COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere.

Left to Right - Sarah Walker Kerr - Vice President Communications, Silvia Collepardi - VP Sales & Marketing for COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere and Ashley Goddard - Corporate Culinary Director

March 2022, Mumbai: Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts (AH&R), a dynamic and fast-growing hospitality company, starts the year on a winning note with four key leadership appointments to support its ambitious development plans.

Atmosphere's strategic onboarding of top talent to its senior leadership team include Michel Politano as VP Revenue & Distribution, Sarah Walker Kerr as VP Communications, Ashley Goddard as Corporate Culinary Director, and Silvia Collepardi as VP Sales & Marketing for COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere

Coming from the finest hospitality brands across the globe, these accomplished leaders add to the company’s growth momentum. Helping to take its three brands, THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU and By Atmosphere, to alluring leisure destinations in India, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

Ashley Goddard - Corporate Culinary Director

Taking up the newly created role of Corporate Culinary Director, Ashley Goddard will drive brand distinction and corporate reputation by refining dining experiences throughout Atmosphere’s portfolio of resorts. He will mentor and develop the company’s culinary teams, enhance existing Food and Beverage experiences, and contribute to the launching of our new openings and projects in the current pipeline.  

During his successful career spanning over 30 years, this Australian Chef & Culinary Entrepreneur has worked with some of the leading international hospitality companies, immersing in cultures across the globe. Having been a part of different cultures has enriched Ashley’s palette for life – allowing him to develop world-class culinary teams, in numerous countries and throughout reputed hotels and resorts. “I believe raising both the perception of our guests, as well the expectation of a truly memorable dining experience, we are lucky to touch so many people and bring the Joy of Giving”, says Ashley Goddard.

Silvia Collepardi - VP Sales & Marketing for COLOURS OF OBLU & By Atmosphere

Silvia Collepardi has been promoted to Vice President Sales & Marketing for the company’s recently launched brand COLOURS OF OBLU as well as By Atmosphere. In her new role, Silvia will focus on strengthening brand positioning in key feeder markets across the globe and developing new markets. 

Hailing from Italy, Silvia joined AH&R in 2018 as Regional Director of Sales Europe. She offers a wealth of expertise acquired over 16 years of sales and marketing experience, including senior positions at international brands like Centara Hotels & Resorts. Her love for oceans has inspired Silvia to focus her expertise on promoting dream destinations and beautiful resorts in the Maldives, Thailand, and Bali, with a passion for pre-opening and business development. 

Michel Politano - Vice President Revenue & Distribution

In the role of VP Revenue & Distribution, French national Michel Politano will work towards maximizing revenue, enhancing channel connectivity and profitability, and optimizing online presence, traffic acquisition and conversion. 

An impactful leader with 15 years of hands-on experience, Michel excels in implementing unique and highly effective market strategies, successfully entering new markets and providing value-based leadership. 

He has most recently held senior leadership positions at Emaar Hospitality Group, where he set up and grew the entire distribution ecosystem (spanning 20+ hotels across 4 brands) and contributed to organizational growth by leading change management of cluster structure.

Sarah Walker Kerr - Vice President Communications 

Recently appointed, Sarah Walker Kerr has hit the ground running – steering the company’s 

communication strategy with a focus on promoting brand distinction. With over 20 years of international experience, UK-born Sarah is adept at setting up and managing globally integrated communication programs that drive guest engagement, elevate corporate identity and build brand equity.

Sarah comes to Atmosphere from Marriott International, where she spent 3 years as VP Communications, achieving positive awareness (externally and internally) and brand distinction. As part of this role, she set up a fit-for-purpose communications organization across complex geography of 30 countries. She was ranked among the Top 25 ‘Most Influential Communicators in the Middle East’ by PR Week UK. 

Salil Panigrahi, Managing Director Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts said “As we prepare for our next phase of expansion, we are thrilled to welcome such outstanding talent to our senior leadership team. I am eager to see how their depth and breadth of collective experience will help us drive brand distinction, foster culinary excellence, elevate our reputation, reach new markets and unlock our immense growth potential.”

These appointments build upon the new additions last year of Ashwin Handa as Senior Vice President Operations and Abhijit Ghosh as Senior Vice President – Creative & Quality Assurance.

About Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts
Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic and fast-growing international hospitality company. Currently, the company is operating eight resorts within the Maldives and is set to further expand in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. AH&R’s distinguished portfolio comprises THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and By Atmosphere, with a rich diversity of experiences within each of these brands. Opening 2022, are two exciting COLOURS OF OBLU resorts: OBLU SELECT Lobigili and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.

NEWS | Effat University & Kerten Hospitality partner to grow human capital, innovation & entrepreneurship across the Kingdom

Effat University & Kerten Hospitality partner to grow human capital, innovation & entrepreneurship across the Kingdom

Creative collaborations and mentorship for young Saudis at The House Hotel Jeddah City Yard

Jeddah, March 2022: Effat University, a private university in Saudi Arabia, and Kerten Hospitality, a responsible lifestyle operator, have joined efforts to support entrepreneurship, innovation, human capital upskilling for young Saudi talents in the Kingdom.

Innovation hackathons that spur creativity in problem-solving capabilities, entrepreneurial knowledge-exchange held jointly with hospitality experts as well as facilitating opportunities for students to launch their own business are just few of the initiatives within this partnership that will be spearheaded by Maria Bou Eid, General Manager of The House Hotel Jeddah City Yard.

Additionally, at The House young Saudi leaders of tomorrow will be motivated and stimulated to enter the hospitality space with expertise acquired during internships and apprenticeships right in the heart of Jeddah’s lifestyle destination. Joining a global team of disruptors, students from non-hospitality backgrounds willing to connect on a global level will have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in the industry and witness first-hand how meaningful collaborations take shape, evolve and deliver impact to the communities around.

Dr. Haifa Jamal Al-Lail, President of Effat University, said: “With the Kingdom’s new focus on tourism, our partnership with Kerten Hospitality will not only open up a wide range of employment opportunities to our graduates, it will also enable them to actively contribute to welcoming international visitors, shaping perceptions and re-shaping stereotypes, contributing to transforming Vision 2030 into reality.”

Maria Bou Eid said: “We’re proud to partner with a mission-driven university that aspires to bring down barriers for entrepreneurial students who think outside-of-the-box, want to establish their own business and are ready to drive innovation further. We are looking forward to bring together our leadership capabilities in the industry and to help nurture talent through our knowledge-share networks, tech-focused initiatives and real-life experiences.”

Effat University, the first private institution of higher education in Saudi Arabia which provides quality education as per global standards is a fully-accredited non-profit educational organization is a pioneer in the innovation and entrepreneurial space. Established in 1999 by Queen Effat Al-Thunayan, wife of late King Faisal. Operating under the umbrella of King Faisal Foundation, the University offers rigorous educational graduate and undergraduate programs conducive to lifelong learning within four colleges.

The House Hotel Jeddah City Yard is an ESG-oriented lifestyle destination connecting international travelers with the local community as part of curated events throughout the year. The focus on the human capital development of Saudi talents and the establishment of meaningful connections within the neighborhood has become the property’s attraction point for employees and visitors alike. For instance, the first Career Day hosted at The House attracted over 1300 applicants willing to join the tourism industry – one of the pillars in Saudi Vision 2030 and a key GDP contributor.

Hyatt Place Gurgaon Pays Tribute to Women Chauffeurs this International Women’s Day!

Hyatt Place Gurgaon Pays Tribute to Women Chauffeurs this International Women’s Day!

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Hyatt Place Gurgaon launched a special #UnstoppableMe

Women’s day campaign to showcase the inspiring real life stories of the lady cab drivers in India. The

the hotel celebrated the spirit of womanhood on March 8 th by highlighting the story of an iron-willed lady,

Ms. Renu Yadav is anything but limitless.

Women in India face gender inequality which restricts them to take up demanding jobs like driving

taxis. Renu who is just 22, is one such skilled women driver working with "Women with Wheels, a

Sakha Cabs initiative by Azad foundation". Sakha aims to provide safe transport solutions by women

in urban India. Renu’s story is the prime example of what motivating and empowering women can

result in. She was asked by her father to learn driving and that became a pivoting point in her life. She

has now been working for more than 3 years with the organization and feels truly happy and fulfilled

being an independent working woman. She dreams big, aims to drive a bus someday and make a

difference in the society we live in.

Hyatt Place Gurgaon reached out to this foundation and invited Renu to the hotel so that the team

could hear her story, understand her dreams & struggles in life. The team had an inspiring

conversation with her and also enjoyed breakfast together. Through this campaign, the brand aimed

to celebrate the new-age women who aspire to be successful and make a mark for themselves in

lesser travelled domains. Women are cutting through gender barriers and emerging as someone who

is unstoppable and invincible.

Mr. Ashish Shome, General Manager added “There are some people who never give up, no matter

what the odds are. We don't need extraordinary stories about special individuals to inspire us. Stories

like that of Renu is what true women empowerment means. Let's recognize and celebrate more

women like Renu”.

ABOUT HYATT PLACE GURGAON UDYOG VIHAR

Hyatt Place Gurgaon, is one of the finest business hotels in Gurgaon (Gurugram). Located just 20

minutes away from the International airport and in close proximity to Ambience Mall, Cyber City,

Unitech Infospace, Infotech Center, and DLF Cyber Park 2, the hotel is a place where conveniences,

uncomplicated service and flexible spaces help guests move seamlessly from work to play. The hotel

is ideal for both business and leisure travelers. The hotel offers convenient access to Gurgaon’s

most famous sites and attractions, ideal places to experience a perfect blend of India’s art, culture

and heritage in the form of cinematic and theatrical musicals, all under one roof.

Hyatt Place Gurgaon Udyog Vihar offers:

• 176 spacious and comfortable rooms (126 King rooms, 12 Pool View and 38 Specialty

• rooms) measuring 30sq mtr each featuring a 42-inch flat HDTV and a Cozy Corner in the guestrooms

• Free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel

• 2,720 square feet (253 square meters) of flexible, high-tech meeting and function space 

• Buffet Breakfast, featuring freshly prepared breakfast sandwiches, a variety of fresh fruits,

• hot and cold cereal, yogurt, slices of bread, premium coffee, and an assortment of juices

• A multi-cuisine restaurant featuring local and regional specialties, made-to-order entrées

• and appetizers around the clock

• The Bar features specialty coffees and premium beers, as well as wines, cocktail and

• cocktails

• A Fitness Center, offering advanced cardiovascular and strengthening equipment’s

• Relax and unwind at the outdoor swimming pool, while enjoying the pleasant weather and

• green surrounding

• Free public computers with internet access and remote printing

About Hyatt Place

Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation, and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy-to-navigate

experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms

featuring distinct zones for sleep, work, and play, and free-flowing social spaces that offer seamless

transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 385 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer

freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of

Hyatt members. For more information, please visit hyattplace.com. Join the conversation on

Facebook and Instagram and tag photos with #HyattPlace and #WhySettle.

Eclat Insights | IPOT & ISPT - 2 Perspectives To Empathy Explained With Real-World Service Examples

IPOT & ISPT - 2 Perspectives To Empathy Explained With Real-World Service Examples

A perspective is a particular attitude towards or way of regarding something; a point of view.

One approach observes and infers how someone feels. This is imagine-other perspective-taking (IOPT). The other way to empathise is to put yourself into someone else's situation, this is imagine-self perspective-taking (ISPT).

IOPT - Imagine-other perspective-taking

• is thinking about someone else's feelings, without taking those feelings upon yourself.

• translates into imagining the thoughts and emotions of the other person

ISPT - imagine-self perspective-taking

• is the traditional 'walking in a mile in someone else's shoes'.

• means imagining what one’s own thoughts and emotions would be if one were in the situation of the other person

Why is it relevant to Hospitality & Service Industries?

At the very heart of a service is the act of creating, crafting and providing solutions. Solutions that are a response to stated or unstated needs. A guest's stated need might be a room to sleep in for the night, but the unstated needs are safety, no disturbance (peace), a comfortable bed, working appliances, water and maybe breakfast in the morning. Every time a guest books a hotel room, she does not need to state these.

If all service is a response to needs, wants or desires, then the ability to read, deduce and understand the needs can be a big differentiator for your business.  

Learning to respond to these needs can be innovative and may create whole new categories(think AirBnB, All Day Dining, All Day Breakfast, plunge pools in rooms etc).

Using perspective, both types, you can make this into practice.  

Actionable Insights with Real-World Examples

eg 1 - General Manager For A Day Concept or HOD For A Day

One employee / Team Member gets to be the Hotel General Manager or HOD for a day (shadowing)

• IOPT - Imagine-other perspective

For the GM/HOD - be open to what the team member feels, pays attention to, asks, spends time on, is enamoured by or in awe of.

For the Team Member who is shadowing - ask questions, watch what the GM/HOD pays attention to, try to understand the rationale behind the decisions.

• ISPT - imagine-self perspective

For the GM/HOD - appreciate that your team member may be anxious about the day. Let them know what to expect. Make them comfortable. Listen to their ideas. Let them make an actual decision. Put yourself in their shoes by remembering your early career days.

For the Team Member who is shadowing - appreciate this is a big opportunity, let the GM/HOD know you value it, ask what you can or should not do. Attend a meeting pretending to be the GM or the HOD. Fully immerse yourself into that reality.

See a real-world example of this from Hyatt

eg 2 - Let Reservation/ Sales/ Front Desk team members sleep in the hotel rooms.

They will get first-hand exposure to what a guest feels. 

Make sure you give them the following:

• A checklist for a proper room check. This becomes feedback for Housekeeping

• A list of activities /tasks that guests usually undertake. e.g. charging phones, watching tv, using the shower, ordering food & eating it in the room, switching on / off lights, of course, sleeping in the bed.

If you do this, you will find the following:

• Your team now understands why the guests are so angry when they call from the room

• Your team will want you to change things in the room. If that cannot be done, they will want you to put better signage.

• Your team will give much better room orientations. they will point out things that they assumed were obvious before this experience.

If as a leader you are willing to do this, I would invite you to also let the In-Room Dining / Room Service crew eat in a hotel room. Do this and you will find at least 10 things that need to be changed in your current SOPs and you will find your guest feedback from these services suddenly improving. 

When we got a team to sleep in the hotel rooms, immediately, there was a change in the bed making process (the duvet was no longer tucked under the mattress as the team realised one had to wrestle it free at bedtime), water was now kept at the bedside, not on the minibar, a new master switch was added for all lights in the room (the rooms had 7 light switches), extra crockery & cutlery was added for meals. The changes continued for some time. 

How To Make This Wow

Not every process needs you or your team to be ISPT (walking in someone else shoes). Most innovation, guest centricity can come from IOPT (thinking about what other's feel).

However, some solutions will only emerge if you truly immerse yourself in your guest's perspective. Wheelchair friendly facilities, allergy concerns, safety & security are among these.

Appointment | Sanjeev Advani joins The Orchid Group as its VP of sales

Sanjeev Advani joins The Orchid Group as its VP of sales

The Orchid Group has appointed Sanjeev Advani as its vice-president of sales. Advani is a passionate hospitality professional with over 30 years of work experience in the industry.

Prior to this, he was associated with Lemon Tree Hotels as the area director of sales - western region. He has worked with reputed brands such as The Leela, Grand Hyatt, Oberoi, Hyatt Regency, Sofitel, Hilton Shillim and Lemon Tree Hotels.

Appointment | Harsh Mahajan is the New Associate Director of Sales at Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur

Harsh Mahajan

Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur appoints Harsh Mahajan as Associate Director of Sales

Harsh Mahajan joins Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur as Associate Director of Sales. This will be a second stint for Harsh with Marriott International as he was earlier associated with Courtyard by Marriott Agra and JW Marriott Chandigarh for almost four years.

With over a decade of experience, Mahajan has worked with brands including the Oberoi Group and IHG Hotels & Resorts. He is known for his capability to communicate with customers, provide exceptional service that ensure client retention and unbiased positive feedback. In all his assignments he has demonstrated the ability to ensure increased sales through up-selling techniques as well as implementing processes that drive profitability.

In his new role, Mahajan will focus on developing and implementing sales strategies for Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur. He is an inquisitive explorer and enjoys travelling in mountains and adventures and follows fitness as a passion.

AIR by Ahuja Residences debuts in Gurugram as the brand’s first 4-star green building

Ahuja Residences second premium boutique hotel in India will soon receive the ‘Green Building Certification’ by the Indian Green Building Council

Ahuja Residences has launched its premium boutique hotel in Gurugram AIR Conscious Living by Ahuja Residences, Nestled in avenues of DLF Phase 2 in Gurugram, this 4-star hotel which is located on MG Road, within less than a km distance from Sikandarpur metro station. It is 10 kms from the airport, and 2.5 kms from DLF Cyber Hub in Gurgaon.

By emphasizing on energy and water efficiency, the management has also focused on the use of construction materials that have very low carbon emissions to design their latest business hotel in Gurugram.

The company designed and constructed the project strategically. From choosing a location surrounded by natural plantations to designing the guest rooms in a soothing colour palette of light shades including grey, light green and more, AIR by Ahuja Residences promises a memorable experience. The restaurant and banquet rooms boast a feature wall that combines a gentle waterfall with vertical gardens on either side.

The entire building consisting of guest rooms, restaurant, conference rooms, cafeteria and back-office has special air ventilation and filtration system, which is designed to achieve good indoor air quality all times during building operations.

The hotel is also expected to soon receive “Green Building Certification” by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). Created as a result of Jaideep Ahuja’s “labor of love,” AIR combines an automation technology that includes “touch panel and voice-operated room fixtures” and an air purification system, which ensures ambient air is maintained at an AQI of 50 or below within the building.

The property is equipped with EV Charging station for vehicles, 33kv Solar PV and solar water heating system and LED installed for efficient lighting. Food waste composting machine is installed for zero solid waste discharge and Rainwater harvesting to harvesting the roof and non-roof water.

Ahuja Residences has made optimum use of natural resources, successfully facilitated the effective use of water conservation and energy efficiency thus meeting the green features required to certify the property as a green hotel. It has 58 guest rooms, one all day dining restaurant and room service.

A 2,000 sq ft banquet room that can host up to 120 people and 2 meeting rooms equipped with the latest smart meeting technology for meetings. Every room has a hi-speed wireless internet and 4K TVs that are equipped for streaming services and OTT channels.

In addition to this, the property also aims to cater to different types of audiences with a design that is friendly for differently-abled patrons and senior citizens. With a parametric sculpted wall and front desk in the lobby leading to a Zen lounge, the residence show cases natural elements, lighting, fresh water and minimal wastage.

CELEBRATIONS | Cookery sessions, laughter and feasting marked Women’s Day celebration at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre

Cookery sessions, laughter and feasting marked Women’s Day celebration at Holiday Inn  Jaipur City Centre 

Let Culinary Skills Conquer This Women’s Day 

The largest city centre hotel in the Pink City, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre hosted the young and influencing  ladies of Jaipur on this women’s day marking some laughter, cooking sessions at the most favorite Chinese Bistro,  Chao and feasting on some delectable Tex-Mex treats at their casual Restobar Roadhouse Bar & Grill. The  workshop included the art of unique culinary, bringing alive the Pan-Asian flavors by Executive Chef, Raj Kumar  along with the team of experts at Roadhouse craftfully showcasing the intriguing process to some amazing  artisanal beverages to sip on. 

The culinary affair and tipsy Mocktail Making Session was followed by a lavish lunching experience with the most  fascinating and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine curated with love and care at Roadhouse Bar & Grill. These beautifully  orchestrated workshops were the perfect way to celebrate Women's Day while embracing all the pretty ladies  in the city. "The special Women's Day workshop included authentic Chinese & Japanese dishes like Assorted  Sushi & Dim sums, Hand at the Wok, Classic Mocktails and got a chance to try their hands on oriental cooking  techniques and mixology skills which were learned by the ones present throughout the Workshop," said Vidhi  Jain , Marketing Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. 

Mr. Imit Arora, General Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre said, "The workshop was a success, as we had  planned to bring together the women of the city on the occasion of International Women's Day and had an  amazing dining experience while enjoying the exquisite Tex-Mex cuisine and artisanal beverages" 

CHAO's ambiance with its open setting offers family-style seating. The restaurant offers an exciting immersion  in irresistible Pan - Asian cuisine, prepared on the spot with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. It is fascinating to watch the woks fly up while master chefs are stir-frying and tossing the delicacies at the dumpling & noodle station finally, dishing out savory, made-to-order bowls. It gives guests the chance to indulge in an array of uncomplicated yet authentic dishes that offer a modern spin on traditional recipes from China's popular culinary destinations. 

On the other hand, The Roadhouse Bar & Grill, a casual Restobar conceptualized to encapsulate tantalizing Tex Mex flavors along with hand-crafted drinks in an ambiance that exudes elegance and style. Roadhouse offers  Entertainment, small plates, live music, and exclusive cocktails on the go. The food and drinks have been  carefully handpicked from across the Tex- Mex region to mirror the newer trends in the changing tastes of young  clientele. Large sofas with a dining setup, bar stools, and cocktail tables as well around the bar; One can chill out  with scintillating cocktails and the rhythm of Roadhouse’s music from DJ or Live Band on Weekends. This casual  restobar serves as the perfect spot to indulge in some quality time with friends and family. 

One Rep Global to Represent Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India

One Rep Global to Represent Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India

New Delhi, March 2022: One Rep Global, led by seasoned luxury hotelier Hemant Mediratta, has been appointed as the exclusive India representation partner for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). One Rep Global will be responsible for driving holistic sales, trade marketing and PR strategies in India for the popular destination.

The announcement comes at an opportune time as the international travel restrictions are being eased and more Indians are expected to travel overseas in 2022. “As one of our biggest source markets, India continues to hold a lot of appeal in the new normal of travel,” said Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development & MICE, adding, “the charm of the northernmost emirate is undeniable with spectacular natural landscapes, global hospitality brands and large-scale meeting venues perfect for destination weddings, including the region’s only convention center located by the beach.”  

Commenting on the partnership, Hemant Mediratta, Founder – One Rep Global said, ‘We are delighted to be representing Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India and are looking forward to working closely with the tourism authority to position Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive leisure destination for Indian travelers. The emirate has something to offer for travelers of all age groups and is also an attractive choice for the large-scale‘ big fat’ destination weddings from India. MICE is another crucial segment that we will target for Ras Al Khaimah from India.”

The UAE's northernmost Emirate offers a wealth of diversions between its miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, majestic Hajar Mountains, and magnificent desert sand dunes. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital in 2020 and 2021, much of Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity comes from the increasing ease of accessibility. Located a few short hours by flight from India, the emirate is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah has also reinforced confidence in the destination being certified as the first safe city worldwide by Bureau Veritas SafeGuard Label and the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About One Rep Global I https://www.onerepglobal.com/

One Rep Global is a leading sales and marketing organization in India that offers a 360-degree approach and bespoke solutions to luxury hotels, travel, luxury lifestyle, and wellness brands. We are a one-stop solution across multiple disciplines offering sales representation, creative studio services, digital marketing, public relations, and consultancy services.

The services are tailored to each individual client’s unique requirements, helping them expand reach, enhance visibility and acquire profitable market share. Founded by seasoned luxury hotelier Hemant Mediratta and driven by an experienced team of professionals, we integrate innovation, creativity and technology, ensuring deliverance of measurable results. At One Rep Global, our primary goal is to give our clients the most credible voice and help them build a powerful presence in India and the Middle East.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

Appointment | River Country Resort Manali appoints Temjen as Resort Manager

Temjen

River Country Resort Manali appoints Temjen as Resort Manager

Temjen AKA TJ has been appointed as the new resort manager at Renest River Country Resort in Manali. His responsibilities include including sales and marketing, HR, empowering associates to provide superior customer care, associates, and other visitors, managing food and beverage, budgeting/forecasting for the hotel, communication and problem-solving, amongst others.

Temjen has over 10 years of experience in the industry, during which he has worked in four different nations i.e. Singapore, India, the UAE and Bahrain. He has worked with brands like the Oberoi, IHCL and Accor.  Apart from work, Temjen enjoys cooking and is passionate about bike riding

New Opening | Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel has been rebranded to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake

Westin Mumbai Powai Lake opens in India

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel has been rebranded to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, continues to propel its footprint in India with the opening of The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake embracing the brand’s six pillars of well-being – sleep well, eat well, move well, feel well, work well, and play well.

Set on the shore of lake Powai in Mumbai, the hotel has 600 guestrooms with views of the Hiranandani skyline overlooking the lake. The design philosophy takes inspiration from the concept of Biophilia, which posits that people have an innate need to connect with nature and that our link to the natural world affects our well-being.

“We are excited to bring the second Westin hotel to Mumbai. With an increasing demand for wellness travel, the opening of The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake will further expand our portfolio in South Asia, offering industry-leading well-being experiences designed to empower a better you.” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “The hotel is committed to delivering the wellness promise that the brand is known for, giving travelers and locals new ways to experience this destination.”

The Westin workout fitness studio overlooks the views of Powai Lake. The outdoor pool offers view to guests’ workout routines. To translate the ‘move well’ concept on the ground, the hotel has a 2km scenic track across 15 acres of greenery around the Powai lake.

“We are delighted to launch our Powai hotel in its new avatar of wellness and wellbeing, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The team at the hotel looks forward to welcoming back our guests the old loyalist as well as new adventurist to this upgraded hotel in Powai Mumbai. My best wishes to our colleagues at the hotel for the exciting times ahead,” said Sanjay Sethi, CEO, and MD, Chalet Hotels Ltd.

Guests can indulge in the brand’s eat well offerings at four dining venues with culinary experiences created by Chef Gautam Mehrishi.

The hotel has a 102,325 sq. ft. meeting and events space. Fully equipped with advanced audio-visual capabilities, the grand ballroom can accommodate up to 1,800 persons.

The resort also has 15 versatile indoor and outdoor venues that are ideal for large-scale conferences or intimate social events. The hotel’s outdoor event space overlooks the Powai lake, making it a popular choice to host weddings and social functions.

“We at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre are delighted to embark on a new journey as we rebrand ourselves to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, becoming part of the globally acclaimed Westin Hotels & Resorts,” said Nagesh Chawla, Cluster General Manager. The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai, Marriott Executive Apartments. “Located on the scenic shore of the Powai Lake, our hotel offers a sense of relaxation and escape for every type of traveler thanks to Westin’s signature approach to Eating Well, sleeping Well and Moving Well. We look forward to providing our guests a new way to experience the city.” 

Initiative | Alila Diwa Goa installs a water bottling plant in partner with Boon

The “Zero Mile Water” program is an automated in-house system wash, sterilizes, and fills glass bottles to eliminate carbon emissions.

Alila Diwa Goa, a lifestyle Hyatt Resort in South Goa is proud to be the first hotel in Goa to install an automated sustainable drinking water bottling plant at its property, in partnership with Boon (Formerly known as Swajal WaterCube).

The hotel supports sustainable tourism and reduced carbon footprint by using biodegradable materials. It also takes care in minimizing its environmental impact by using primarily local materials.

In the “Zero Mile Water” program, an automated in-house system wash sterilizes and fills glass bottles to eliminate the carbon emission involved in transporting the bottles to the hotel from a plant. It also eliminates the use of new plastic bottles in the property.

Boon’s proprietary Clairvoyant IoT platform monitors the quality of each drop of drinking water. Guests can scan a unique QR code to get insights into the drinking water quality and impact in real-time.

“Goa is a unique place in India, and sustainable tourism is the only way forward to improve the area’s tourism based economy while preserving nature that makes the destination such a unique place. Single use plastics can damage beaches and the beauty of nature. Replacing single use plastic bottles with glass bottles is a small step in that direction, but it is a giant leap in thinking about our environment,” said Dr. Vibha Tripathi, CEO of Boon.

New Opening | Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai opens its doors

Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm, Dubai opens its doors

Indian Hotels Company’s (IHCL) Taj brand announced the opening of Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, The Palm in Dubai. Nestled between the Arabian Sea and the city skyline, this beachfront resort is located in the heart of Palm Jumeirah. This is the third Taj branded hotel in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The resort has 325 elegantly styled rooms and suites, an array of culinary experiences, and holistic wellness at the Jiva spa, replete with a private beach and the longest pool in Palm Jumeirah. This island hideaway’s contemporary interiors by Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA) weaves in traditional craftsmanship and is influenced by its surroundings.

Guests can have a culinary experience by having various dining options. Be it inspired Indian fine dining at Varq, a gastropub experience at the Roaring Rabbit, arabesque atmosphere at Raia, the rooftop bar & lounge, palm kitchen, which brings alive the flavors of international fare. The Coast, a beachside bistro offering coastal delicacies.

Jiva, the all-natural spa inspired by traditional Indian healing techniques, features treatments including Ayurveda, Indian therapies, yoga, meditation and more. The popsicle kids club, with a dedicated shallow water pool and a playground, makes it a getaway for families with children. Two expansive ballrooms and multiple meeting rooms are ideal for conferences, social events, and weddings.