Booking.com is ‘spilling the tea’ with five destinations to celebrate International Tea Day

Booking.com is ‘spilling the tea’ with five destinations to celebrate International Tea Day

Ah, tea! The comforting brew that most people can’t get enough of. International Tea Day on 21st May, celebrates the cultural and economic significance of tea across the globe, highlighting just how much joy and comfort this beverage can bring.

Booking.com is marking the occasion with a round-up of five destinations for tea lovers around the world. With 44% of Indian travelers keen to try the best places for food and drink on their next trip,* International Tea Day is the perfect excuse to travel to locations naturally steeped in history and beauty.

Tea is a worldwide phenomenon and just about every country, from Argentina to Malaysia, has its own way of consuming it. From the rich flavorful tea leaves from Darjeeling to the vibrant mint leaves of Morocco, discover the exciting destinations behind the drinks.

Darjeeling, India

The Darjeeling district of West Bengal is known for its plethora of tea gardens, with over 80 stretching across acres of land. Located in the foothills of the mountains, the emerald-green Darjeeling Tea Garden produces tea with such an intense aroma and spicy flavor, that it’s often referred to as the ‘champagne of teas.’ When visitors aren’t admiring the majestic Khangchendzonga, the world’s third-highest mountain, they can visit Buddhist monasteries and take a ride on the 140-year-old stream Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.

Where to stay: The blissful hill resort Mayfair Darjeeling, with spectacular views overlooking the valley, is a tranquil spot with easy access to the Darjeeling Tea Garden. Classic Indian rooms exude old world charm and elegance with carved wooden furnishings and colourful prints. The hotel features a spa, state-of-the-art gym, pool, and tea boutique. Wake up to birdsong and spend the day exploring the stunning tea gardens.

Harrogate, United Kingdom

English breakfast tea is a British staple, which has expanded over the years to include a variety of brews including decaf and gold standard. The quaint spa town of Harrogate is home to one of the UK’s most popular Yorkshire tea brands, where it blends tea leaves from Assam and East Africa to create unique combinations bursting with flavour. Take a trip to the nearby city of York and enjoy a delightful Afternoon Tea Boat Cruise along the picturesque River Ouse, where visitors will discover the city's mediaeval history. Iconic sites include York Minster, one of the largest and most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in the world.

Meknes, Morocco

Refreshing mint tea is the national drink of choice in Morocco. Various blends are made across the country, but the vibrant mint leaves from the scenic hilltop city of Meknes are said to be the best. A UNESCO-stamped ancient medina, meander around the old town to discover everything from specialist souks selling beautiful crafts and textiles to teahouses in secret courtyards and even the odd donkey strolling around.

Where to stay: Stay in the heart of Meknes at the impressive Riad Mama H&K. Traditionally decorated with the authentic architecture of Morocco including hand-carved wood and geometric tiles, the hotel also features a pretty outdoor terrace. Discover local dishes from tangines to seafood in all their richness and variety at the on-site restaurant or relax by the fireplace with a soothing mint tea.

Misiones, Argentina

Said to have the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea and the joy of chocolate, the herbal tea Yerba Mate is Argentina’s national drink, and enjoyed for its energy-boosting qualities. The leaves are grown in the rich rainforests of the northeastern province of Misiones, famed for its red earth and papaya fields. Within Misiones lies the Iguazú National Park, home to the magical Iguazú Falls – the world’s largest waterfall – where visitors can spot bright-billed toucans and colourful butterflies.

Where to stay: Self-catering bungalows Cabañas Doralia in the city of Oberá feature a well-equipped kitchen, BBQ terrace, outdoor pool and exquisite garden views. The comfortable accommodation is located near La Ruta Del Te, an Argentinian tea house where travelers can learn from fourth generation tea producers and try Yerba Mate sweetened with agave and served with pastries for an afternoon treat.

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Steeped in rich tea-making traditions, the Cameron Highlands is renowned for its impressive emerald tea estates and exquisite mountain views. The Bharat Tea Estate produces some of the world's favourite tea labels including Cameroon Valley, which takes its flavour inspiration from Sri Lanka and South India. Visitors can quench their thirst at the estate’s Tea House with a special high tea, and wander through the lush hilly terrain with moss-covered trees, rich wildlife and exotic plants.
Where to stay: Located a short drive away from the Bharat Tea Estate is Heahtitude, a kitsch vintage guest house with modern amenities. Visitors can enjoy activities around the Cameron Highlands, including hiking and cycling in the Mossy Forest, where Rafflesia – the biggest flowers in the world – can be found. Between trekking and tea culture, it’s easy to unwind in the evenings on the beautiful riverside terrace.  

For those inspired to discover the destinations behind their favourite teas, Booking.com is sharing Getaway Deals for travellers to use when booking their next trip. Discounts start at 15% and are valid for stays between April 4, 2022 until September 30, 2022. In addition, Booking.com is bringing the great value of its Genius program to even more customers by giving all account holders access to the program’s Level 1 benefits, with no minimum number of previous bookings to qualify, including access to exclusive 10% discounts at hundreds of thousands of participating properties around the world. All travellers have to do is download the Booking.com app, log in and look for the Genius logo to identify associated benefits, discounts and perks.

* Research commissioned by Booking.com and conducted among a sample of adults who plan to travel for business or leisure in the next 12-24 months. In total 24,055 respondents across 31 countries and territories were polled (including 501 from Argentina, 1003 from Australia, 500 from Belgium, 1001 from Brazil, 500 from Canada, 1000 from China, 1007 from Colombia, 1001 from Croatia, 508 from Denmark, 1002 from France, 1000 from Germany, 1005 from Hong Kong, 1000 from India, 502 from Israel, 1003 from Italy, 1002 from Japan, 500 from Mexico, 501 from The Netherlands, 501 from New Zealand, 500 from Peru, 1000 from Russia, 1005 from Singapore, 1002 from South Korea, 1002 from Spain, 501 from Sweden, 501 from Switzerland, 504 from Taiwan, 500 from Thailand, 1000 from the UK, 1002 from the US and 501 from Vietnam). Respondents completed an online survey in August 2021.

Eclat Insights | Using The Competition To Get Better. This Is What You Should Be Doing

1. Set up your competitive set. The most common approach includes a combination of location, level of service, price band.  

Location is the most obvious one. If you are a business hotel in Gurgaon, then this works very well. If a business traveller has a meeting in Gurgaon, she is not going to be looking at hotels in Noida. 

To some extent, this works for resorts too, though, at the high end - uber-luxury, your competitive set could be halfway across the world.

Level of service

Most hotels categorise themselves into a star rating model from 1 - 5. Once they identify themselves in a particular "star" category, that pretty much becomes the filter for competition. +- 1 is also considered. So a very good 4-star hotel could compete with a badly managed/run 5-star hotel.  

Airbnb and other platforms changed the game. The star category was thrown out of the window and replaced with visuals that appeal. If the customer/guest felt something looked amazing, it was 5 stars.  

Another change was the 'guest review' mechanism on social media/platforms. google review, TripAdvisor etc. These use the same 5 point scale, but the stars mean very different things from the categorisation based on amenities. Suddenly you could have a stand-alone, no brand property, with no pool, no speciality restaurant, no-frills ranked higher than a full-service hotel. 5- star rating, has replaced, 5- the star category.

Price

or price band since almost all hotels have dynamic revenue management now. If there is another hotel in your catchment area/vicinity that matches your rates (even if it is their low and your high or vice versa), the hotel is in your competitive set.

Start with these. You can always get creative and add size, banquet spaces, food & beverage etc.

In some areas/cities, due to the nature of your business (property), you might land up with a lot of competition. I suggest you trim it down to 7. Be ruthless at this stage. You will not be able to keep track if you keep your competitive set too large.  

2. Set up what you would like to track

ARR or REVPARs are the most commonly tracked metric. Some savvy operators track costs (like HR from keeping a track of salaries etc, or info from suppliers). It makes sense, this is what bosses want to see, can be exchanged easily and understood. Quantity Of business, measured. You can also use this information to see if you have positive market penetration. If you are not doing this right now, I suggest you talk to the leadership at your competitive set and start sharing this information.

If, for myriad reasons, this is not possible, then have someone check rates on your preferred travel website and use that as a proxy.

Quality Of Business, however, is another story. Some intelligence is gathered, like company accounts, events hosted etc. This might give you an indication if you are getting the same 'quality' of clients as your competition. If the VPs are being put up in your competition and you are getting all the interns/entry-level, even if the rate is the same, you are playing second fiddle.

Make sure your sales team feeds you market intelligence. This should be part of their KRAs.

What To Do:

• Track websites of your competitive set. Apart from the design, look, feel, keep a track of special promotions, events, announcements etc. Join their mailing list.

• Follow & track social media accounts. This is just a wealth of information.

• Track reviews of your competitive set ruthlessly. I added ruthlessly. Here is an example:

source

What I like about the reviewer, is that he still gave the location a 3.

If this is your competition, your sales team needs to be carrying this review to all pitches.

• Don't use reviews only for a sales advantage. Use them to improve your processes and services. This is your TG. If the guests of your competitive set are unhappy about something at the hotel they currently use, you could improve your processes to focus on the issues that are highlighted. You can also run a targeted social media campaign talking about how you offer the services/amenities.

• You can add services or create new processes to solve/address these unmet needs. here is an example:

Source

As a competing hotel, you should ensure that at Check-In the guest can see enough staff around.

• Get your teams to experience the competition. It is an expense that will pay rich dividends. See this review for example:

source - First, when was the last time a guest booked for 6 days and stayed for 21 at your hotel? Now, Imagine sending your Front Office team to stay a night and experience the legendary hospitality of Ajay & Mukesh as mentioned by the guest. Maybe personalized service is what keeps guests coming to this hotel and staying there. Do your people get named in reviews?

Think of these are mystery audits, but for your competition. Let your people use elaborate checklists, take lots of photos, videos, and interact with staff, but more importantly let them come back and present/share the details with the entire team. 

PROTIP - Ensure they share the good and great before they go into everything that was wrong and reinforce we-are-amazing. We want to learn and improve.

Bonus Ideas on defining the competitive set

• If your sales team keeps running into the sales team from another hotel at client offices, they are a competition!

• Ask your bookers/agents, what hotel they would use if you were sold out. The answers are your competition.

• Ask your guests, what hotels they would use if you were unavailable. The answers are your competition.

--END OF INSIGHT--

### How do I get more reviews on Google?

While I have some ideas of my own, here is something from Google https://support.google.com/hotelprices/answer/7219055?hl=en

• Create and share a link guests can use to leave a review.

• When guests check out, invite them to leave a review on Google. Consider creating a short link or Quick Response (QR) code that makes it easy for users to get to your review page.

• After check out, follow up with guests and send a reminder in any of your post-stay communications.

As always, I am on p.bedi@eclathospitality.com. Reach out and we can discuss your competitive set, what you should track and how to get more and better reviews from guests.

Prabhjot Singh Bedi

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

Appointment | Amrita Ray been appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager of JW Marriott Kolkata

Her key responsibility areas include ideation and implementation of marketing strategies, marketing communication, content creation, digital marketing, and establishing brand associations

Amrita Ray, who has recently been appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager of JW Marriott Kolkata. She brings with her over a decade of benchmarking success in integrated marketing and communication projects with diversified industry experience in hospitality, automotive, and media. Her knowledge in enhancing business positioning and augmenting brand value through successful social media and digital marketing strategies, as well as improving public and media relations to propagate brand legacy, makes her an asset to the organization.

Amrita’s key responsibility areas include ideation and implementation of marketing strategies, marketing communication, content creation, digital marketing, establishing brand associations and handling of media and PR activities for the hotel.

Armed with a Post Graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication, Amrita started her career in hospitality industry with The Park Kolkata. She comes with a strong background in media relations owing to her tenure with brands like, The Park Kolkata, The Lalit Great Eastern Kolkata and BMW Group India, The Westin Kolkata, JW Marriott Jaipur Resorts and Spa and The Leela Palace New Delhi.

Throughout her tenure, she displayed her strengths in the domains of property positioning, planning and executing marketing strategies, as well as nurturing public and media relations. Her hard work ensured that the brand had strong communication and marketing strategy in both, pre and post launch periods.

Amrita loves to spend time with her toddler and two fur babies on her off days.

Appointment | Annam Lubana has been appointed as Director of Rooms at JW Marriott Pune

Annam brings with her an experience of over a decade from renowned hospitality chains, The Oberoi and Marriott in India

JW Marriott Pune is pleased to announce the appointment of Annam Lubana as the Director of Rooms.

A strategic and passionate hotelier, Annam brings with her an experience of over a decade from renowned hospitality chains, The Oberoi and Marriott in India.

At JW Marriott Pune, she will be responsible for spearheading Front Office, Housekeeping, and Spa operations with a passion for curating superlative guest experiences that uphold the tenets of the JW brand and sustain the traditions of which the JW Marriott Pune team is so proud of while striving to further enhance service quality and brand value in the future. Annam is an effective orator, known to achieve organizational goals with great enthusiasm. ‘’Beyond the awe-inspiring façade and the resplendent lobby of the JW Marriott Pune, it’s the keen eyes and serving hands of our team that build customer loyalty that lasts a lifetime. It’s the attention to detail that matters the most when it comes to our discerning guests and we aim to continue sustaining the legacy JW Marriott Pune stands on”, says Annam.

Annam is a bibliophile and also enjoys nurturing her collection of diverse plants in her free time.

Appointment | Keenan McKenzie appointed as General manager at ITC Narmada – Luxury Collection of ITC Hotels

Keenan McKenzie appointed as General manager at ITC Narmada – Luxury Collection of ITC Hotels

Keenan McKenzie has been appointed by ITC Hotels as the General Manager for its upcoming luxury property, ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad. Bringing along an extensive 18-year experience in the hospitality and services sectors, Keenan is all set to lead the team at ITC Narmada and script its growth story by strengthening its brand position in the value-driven market of Ahmedabad.

Keenan Began his career two decades ago as a management trainee at the ITC Hotel Management Institute (formerly known as the Welcome Group Management Institute) in the year 2000. He has pursued his degree in Tourism Studies from IGNOU. He took a leap into the hospitality sector in 2004 when he joined ITC Kakatiya in Hyderabad and later moved on to Welcome Hotel Grand Bay at Visakhapatnam. This was followed by his stints at ITC Rajputana in Jaipur and ITC Sonar in Kolkata.

Having worked in different roles across the ITC brand of hotels including the ITC Maratha, Keenan brings along a multi-faceted experience in the hospitality sector with an extensive experience in ITC’s bouquet of luxury hotels in India. By building, positioning and strengthening ITC’s Luxury hotel brands in different markets, Keenan has carved a niche in attaining operational excellence from process to execution to delivery level.

In fact, Keenan’s astute leadership as the hotel manager of ITC Maratha not just steered the property’s revenue growth across different channels but also drove its journey to become the market leader in overall guest experience.

Sharing his views about his upcoming journey with ITC Narmada in Ahmedabad, Keenan said, “Ahmedabad is a unique and promising market. In fact, it is an eclectic blend of centuries-old heritage, culture and traditions and modernity. Ahmedabad draws beautiful contrasts by being the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage City and a gateway to the modern world being a thriving global business hub located in close proximity with India’s first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) at GIFT City in Gandhinagar. Adding one more start to my journey with ITC Hotels, I look forward to the opportunity of launching one of the most prestigious properties of ITC Hotels and strengthening the position of this hotel in the value-driven market of Ahmedabad amidst the city’s growing hospitality sector.”

“Through ITC’s promise of hospitality, we will put our best foot forward to continue offering specially curated experiences to our guests,” he further went on to say.

A firm believer in collaborative approach to achieve operational efficiency, Keenan is known for his well-thought out business strategies and keeping his team dynamic and motivated. A voracious reader and a well-travelled individual, he prefers spending quality time with his family.

American Brew Crafts launches Block Buster beer in a CAN

American Brew Crafts launches Block Buster beer in a CAN

Same taste in a trendy new avatar  

Hyderabad: May 2022: American Brew Crafts Pvt. Ltd. a modern and authentic beer manufacturing company announced the launch of the BlockBuster beer in a Can. The all-new BlockBuster beer CAN will come in both Lager & Strong variants offering a refreshing experience to customers. The CAN will accentuate the experience of social interactions, parties, travel, and events by offering convenience and ease of consumption. Everybody can now enjoy the thrill of pure chilled beer anytime, anywhere. The new CAN will be available in stores across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Pondicherry, and Andaman.

The new beer CAN will add to the Blockbuster SKU basket offering convenience and comfort for beer connoisseurs to use while on the move. . BlockBuster beer can is available in 500 ml packs which are easy to carry and look trendy and cool.  

“We are happy to announce the launch of BlockBuster beer CAN in Telangana. Our objective is to introduce a trendy and appealing SKU for the brand. With this launch, we are looking at offering ease of consumption and storage to our customers." said Mr. Satya Siva Athi, Director of American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd. 

Adding to this, Sri Nagendra Tayi, Chief Executive Officer, American Brew Crafts Pvt Ltd. said, “We hope this unique Can will attract the millennials who are constantly looking for innovations and trying out new tastes. With this new SKUs, we aim to increase our reach and offer convenience to our customers. Blockbuster offers a unique taste and fizz and is fast emerging as one of the leading brands in the sector” 

Can's have always been the chic and cooler cousins of the bottles, while the bottles come in 650ML and 330ML, the 500ML CAN provide an additional option for consumers who strictly go by portions. Today’s CANS can retain the actual taste and authenticity of the brew for much longer. While the true essence of the beer remains in all our SKUs the CAN will provide us a window to the next-gen consumers.

Awards | 25 hotels and resorts managed by Concept Hospitality win Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice Award for the year 2022

25 hotels and resorts managed by Concept Hospitality win Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice Award for the year 2022

As many as 25 Fern and Beacon hotels and resorts managed by Concept Hospitality have won the prestigious Trip Advisor’s Travellers Choice Award for the year 2022, Noshir A Marfatia, senior VP, Sales & Marketing, The Fern Hotels & Resorts said.

Congratulating the winning hotels, he said, “It is a moment of great pride when we receive the acknowledgment of our hospitality and services from our guests. It is a validation of the processes we have adopted that make our guests feel safe and secure.”

Giving the breakup of the awards he said, “Nine of our upscale The Fern hotels won this award, as did 15 of our mid-scale Fern Residency level hotels. And one of our smart, efficient Economy brands, Beacon Hotels, also received the award.”

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 72 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

Appointment | Ramandeep Singh Kapur appointed as Director of Operations of Andaz Delhi

Ramandeep Singh Kapur has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at Andaz Delhi – a concept by Hyatt. An expert in luxury hospitality, His career spans over 15 years across multiple iconic names in the industry.

Ramandeep started his career in hospitality in 2006 as a Food & Beverage Assistant at The Oberoi Amarvilās. Over the next few years, he worked at The Trident in Gurgaon, from 2010 till 2016 as the assistant manager for Food and Beverage services and as the Assistant Food and Beverage Manager from 2016 till 2018. In 2017 he joined The Oberoi Udaivilās in Udaipur as the Food and Beverage Manager. He also worked as the Director of Food and Beverage at JW Marriott, New Delhi from 2018 till 2022, and his last assignment was at The Camellias Superluxury Residences by DLF as the in-charge of their AGM Club Operations.

On his appointment, Ramandeep says: “I am thrilled to begin my wonderful journey at Andaz Delhi and am proud to be part of the Andaz tribe. I look forward to utilizing my years of experience and hope to continue to progress further and truly make a difference in the lives of our guests.

Ramandeep holds an Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management by GRICHM as well multiple certifications from The Oberoi Group and The Oberoi Center of Learning and Development. He was also awarded the Special Jury award by Indian Hospitality Expo for Food and Beverage, and the Food and Beverage Team at The Oberoi Udaivilās, Udaipur was awarded the team of the quarter under his leadership as well.

Wandurlust List | BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF RAS AL KHAIMAH WITH BRAND-NEW HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE AT MANAR MALL

UP, UP AND AWAY: GET A BIRD’S-EYE VIEW OF RAS AL KHAIMAH WITH A BRAND-NEW HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE AT MANAR MALL

Take to the skies and soak in the awe-inspiring views of the Emirate via the new tethered hot air balloon flight at Manar Mall in Ras Al Khaimah

New Delhi, May 2022: Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) announces the opening of RAK Airventure, a brand-new tethered hot air ballooning experience, available exclusively at Manar Mall, the Emirate’s most popular shopping and leisure center. Opened to the public on Saturday 30th April just in time for the Eid Al Fitr holidays, the family-friendly experience offers breath-taking aerial views of Ras Al Khaimah’s diverse natural and urban scenery.

Offering all the thrills of a traditional hot air balloon ride in a safe and fun environment suitable for all ages, flights last approximately 10 minutes to giving time to soak in the stunning views from above like never before. Seek out the majestic Hajar Mountains, rolling terracotta dunes, lush mangroves and the city’s busy markets, palaces and mosques – as you fly almost 30 meters above the ground.

Commenting on the launch of RAK Airventure, Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “We are delighted to unveil Ras Al Khaimah’s latest attraction, another unique way for visitors to explore our diverse Emirate and soak up its beautiful sights. With nature, adventure and outdoor experiences at the very core of our destination strategy, RAK Airventure is a perfect addition to our portfolio, providing stunning 360-degree views of our unique landscapes.”

The launch of RAK Airventure follows the Authority’s announcement in May 2021 of over 20 new sustainable tourism initiatives across the Emirate marking an investment of half a billion dirhams in partnership with RAK Hospitality Holding and RAK Chamber of Commerce and Industry. These projects center on the Emirate’s new destination strategy that focuses on nature, leisure, adventure, accessibility and authenticity.

Operated by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the flights are run by fully qualified pilots with years of experience in the ballooning industry. Welcoming visitors from five to 75 years old, including people of determination, for safety reasons, passengers must be able to physically climb into the basket unaided.

RAK Airventure is open daily from 5pm until sunset at Manar Mall, flight availability might be altered due to weather conditions. Kids under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult and tickets are priced at AED 75 for both adults and children. To find out more about information on RAK Airventure and to book your spot in its sunrise or sunset flights

QSR Chain 99 Pancakes Raises INR 6.5 cr To Fuel Expansion

QSR Chain 99 Pancakes Raises INR 6.5 cr To Fuel Expansion

-         Plans to open 25 outlets across India over the coming months

-         To venture in FMCG segment with pancake pre-mixes

Mumbai, May, 2022: Mumbai-headquartered quick service restaurant (QSR) chain 99 Pancakes has raised INR 6.5 crore in a round of funding through a group of angel investors. India’s first QSR chain specializing in pancakes is set to utilize the funding for aggressive expansion and marketing across India in the coming months. The brand which recently collaborated with leading kids’ entertainment channel, Cartoon Network to roll out a special summer menu for children will be further spreading its wings for such marketing associations.

Started by Mumbaikar Vikesh Shah in 2017, 99 Pancakes is a specialty QSR chain with 45 outlets operational across 14 cities - Mumbai, Surat, Pune, Varanasi, Indore, Jabalpur amongst others. The brand enjoys a dominant presence in Mumbai with 20+ outlets. This is the brand’s first round of funding and the company already has defined plans to consume the incoming funds to fuel country-wide expansion. 99 Pancakes plans to open 25 outlets, in the first phase and going ahead with more rounds of funding, it plans to penetrate in Tier 2 & 3 cities as well. The brand will follow the Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) and Franchise Owned Company Operated (FOCO) model to mark its presence all over the country. The brand will also soon enter the FMCG segment as well with the introduction of its first product as pancake premixes.

“In the last 5 years, 99 Pancakes has successfully carved a niche for itself in the QSR segment. We have grown steadily through the owned and franchise route so far. With this funding, we will steer ahead and expand our presence in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai. To maintain the SOPs and experience of the ambience and menu, we wish to keep the operational functionality with us, however to penetrate the markets all across the country, we may adopt the institutional franchise route”, said Vikesh Shah, Founder, 99 Pancakes.

Vikesh further added, “With this funding we intend to enter the FMCG segment with pancake premixes. A part of these funds will also be utilised towards brand building and marketing. We have grown organically so far and we will now adopt a strategic approach towards brand positioning and visibility through a digital first approach.”

Naresh Kamath who invests in ace start ups said multiple factors induced him to invest in this project. “Since its inception, the brand has performed steadily and has continued expanding its footprints. Despite the setback in the last two years, the brand has not only managed to sustain but also has registered very good numbers especially since the restrictions were relaxed. The F&B industry is showing great promise in the country. I am confident about its management and expect it to become one of the most popular brands in the country within a couple of years.”

99 Pancakes, which is the pioneer in the pancakes QSRs in India, is currently present across 14 cities of the country including Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Lucknow, Indore, Hyderabad amongst others. The brand offers a 100% vegetarian menu, including the speciality pancakes. Besides this,, the menu offers a variety of Waffles, Crepes, Cakes, Pastries & Desserts, French Macarons, Chocolates, Croissants, Pizzas, Shakes, Coffee & other Beverages. Customers can dine-in, take-away or order delivery through Zomato and Swiggy. The brand also recently collaborated with Cartoon Network, and rolled out a special summer menu for children inspired by the popular cartoon characters like Ben10 and Tom & Jerry. In the past, it has also collaborated with Nickelodeon and SONY.

About 99 Pancakes

99 Pancakes is one of the leading QSR chains in India specializing in a variety of pancakes. The QSR started its first outlet at Kala Ghoda in Mumbai in 2017 and within a span of 5 years already has a presence in 14 cities across India with 45+ exclusive outlets.

99Pancakes has a USP of having open kitchens in all its outlets where the customers can experience the making of the pancakes, live. Another USP of the brand is that it serves Mini Holland Pancakes with a variety of toppings. Other than pancakes, the brand also has Waffles, Crepes, Cakes, Pastries & Desserts, French Macarons, Chocolates, Croissants, Pizzas, Shakes, and Coffee & Beverages on its menu.

Appointment | Jon Cannon has recently been appointed General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok

Having joined Accor in 2010 at Sydney Olympic Park, home to the first Pullman address in Australia, Jon took on various operational roles across the country before relocating to Thailand in 2015. Since then, Jon has held leadership positions in Phuket, Koh Samui and Bangkok.

Jon is also Accor’s Planet 21 Champion for Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Within this role, Jon oversees projects related to sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) at over 140 hotels and resorts across five countries. Planet 21 is Accor’s Global CSR programme consisting of a series of ambitious objectives structured around four strategic pillars: working with employees, involving clients, innovating with partners, and involving local communities.

In his spare time Jon is a Board member for the Thailand chapter of the Australian Chamber of Commerce, and is actively involved in community initiatives across the Kingdom, heading the chamber’s CSR committee.

Jon also supports three children at Yaowawit School – Kapong, in the Phang Nga Province of southern Thailand, as part of a community sponsorship programme, along with his rescue dog, Keo, who he met during the pandemic in Koh Samui.

Jewels of India at Hilton Chennai

Jewels of India at Hilton Chennai

Hilton Chennai welcomes you to join 'Jewels of India' a food festival, celebrating cuisines from the Royal

Kitchens of Kashmir, Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Rampur, Awadh & Hyderabad.

Conceptualized by Chef Mothi in collaboration with Celebrated Chef Mujeeb-ur-Rehman, who holds an

experience of two decades, well versed with the nuances of many regional variations of Indian & Royal

cuisines.

Hilton Chennai aims to deliver pure ecstasy to their customers and to bring authenticity to the people

of Chennai. As our General Manager, Jameson Solomon says, “you don’t have to travel far off to taste the

different flavours of India, you can experience them under one roof in Chennai.”

Jewels of India takes place at Vasco’s from 16th to 25th May, 2022 for Lunch & Dinner Buffet.

Sustainable suitcase swaps: Booking.com’s guide to packing more mindfully

Sustainable suitcase swaps: Booking.com’s guide to packing more mindfully
With 94% Indians wanting to travel more sustainably, here’s a helpful packing guide with more mindful must-haves for your future travel

Mumbai, Tuesday, May 2022: With travel restrictions lifting, people are eager to get back out and experience the world again. While sun-drenched beach escapes with the family and romantic weekend getaways are firmly back on the calendar, many travellers are also thinking more responsibly about the impact of their trips. In fact, recent sustainable travel research commissioned by Booking.com reveals that travelling more sustainability is important to 94% of Indian travellers*. Additionally, 68% of Indian travellers say that recent news about climate change has been the impetus to make more sustainable travel choices.

However, travelling more sustainably starts before even leaving one’s home and by taking a more mindful approach to packing the proverbial bags. By carefully considering the contents, as well as packing a little lighter, travellers can keep their personal travel footprint to a minimum. Less weight means planes burn fuel more slowly and, with 36% of Indian travellers in the past year choosing to travel lighter, as a result, it’s a positive step towards reducing the carbon emissions associated with their trips. Even travellers escaping to their chosen destinations by train, car, bike, boat, or foot, can pack a few mindful essentials that will help them further minimize their impact. With that in mind and as Indian travellers get back to travelling this summer,Booking.com – one of the world’s leading digital travel platforms – shares a helpful packing guide with more mindful must-haves for this year’s sustainable suitcase.

Trusty eco-friendly toiletries

Bathroom cabinet contents have benefited from an eco-makeover in recent years, with more sustainable options now available in place of toiletries that use non-recyclable plastic. For those who are keen to pack lighter and more sustainably, there are game-changing shampoo and conditioner bars that don’t use plastic packaging and won’t weigh a case down.

For travellers planning to take to the water on their getaway, consider the sustainable credentials of the SPF too – particularly travellers who will be visiting and swimming in areas with sensitive ecosystems such as coral reefs. The chemicals in sunscreen can be harmful to the ocean and aquatic life, so ensure it’s labeled ‘reef-safe’ before it makes its way into the suitcase. Likewise, with mosquito repellent, some chemicals can be damaging to the planet, so consider switching to a natural option that uses citronella or peppermint instead to keep the bugs away. These simple switches are a great option for the 58% of Indian travellers who consider preserving the wildlife and natural habitats of their chosen destinations a key part of sustainable travel.

Embrace zero waste

It’s no secret that limiting single-use plastic is one of the greatest environmental challenges faced, with an estimated 91% of plastic currently not recycled and ending up in the ocean or landfill. Travellers can make some simple swaps when packing, thinking about what reusable items they might need on their travels. Many global travellers are already considering dinner time sustainable swaps, with 75% Indian travellers planning to be more conscious about their food consumption while travelling, such as choosing more vegan or vegetarian options or eating organic/locally sourced foods. But it can also be more than what's on the plate. If eating at a food market or dining on street food, then drop in some bamboo cutlery to avoid the single-use ones on offer. Sampling the local cocktail selection? Pack a metal straw and BYO to the bar. For those planning to do some shopping? Pack a tote bag to carry purchases. Thinking ahead about the reusable switches when travelling means travellers will naturally pack more mindfully.

Travellers can also make sustainable swaps while staying hydrated too. Instead of purchasing single-use plastic bottles of water during trips, consider a stainless steel alternative, which can be used for years, and keep it topped up with drinking water wherever possible. For those venturing to destinations where the water might not be safe to drink, or those relying on natural water sources on camping and hiking trips, there are eco-friendly options too. Consider water purification tablets or a UV-light purifier - a small, lightweight wand-like item that emits UV light to destroy bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (parasites) in water.

Sustainable style

For some people, having a vacation ‘outfit of the day’ (OOTD) is even more important to them than picking what to wear at home. But that’s not to say that the OOTD can’t be a sustainable choice. Avoiding fast fashion is an advised way to shop for our latest garments, but sustainability-savvy travellers can also pack mindfully too. Avoid over-packing by thinking about those versatile wardrobe staples that can be worn a few times over. Or take a color-coordinated approach, so more of the clothes mix and match and work well together. If travelling for a longer period of time, consider packing lighter and doing laundry on the move. Many places to stay have a laundry service available or are often close to a laundry facility. There are a plethora of eco-friendly laundry options available these days, from detergent sheets and strips to refillable options to switch to at home and decanter a small amount for travel. These options mean a lightweight option to pack, but also completely reduce plastic packaging.

Whether a consciously sustainable traveler like the 45% of Indian travellers now bringing their own products to minimize their impact or just looking for a few smart swaps to be more mindful during their next trip, thinking about what goes into the suitcase is a great way to have a more positive impact on the environment even before the actual travelling begins.

Methodology

*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 30,314 respondents across 32 countries and territories (1,000 from USA, 958 from Canada, 1,009 from Mexico, 1,001 from Colombia, 1,003 from Brazil, 1,017 from Argentina, 1,000 from Australia, 486 from New Zealand, 998 from Spain, 1,003 from Italy, 996 from France, 495 from Switzerland, 980 from the UK, 998 from Germany, 1,014 from the Netherlands, 991 from Belgium, 985 from Denmark, 984 from Sweden, 964 from Croatia, 976 from Russia, 1,008 from Israel, 1,002 from India, 1,004 from China, 925 from Hong Kong, 1,006 from Thailand, 988 from Singapore, 1,002 from Taiwan, 1,004 from Vietnam, 1,004 from South Korea, 1,003 from Japan, 1,006 from South Africa and 504 from Kenya ). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have traveled at least once in the past 12 months and must be planning to travel in 2022, and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in February 2022.

Appointment | Sudeep Sharma Joins The Westin Pune As General Manager

Continuing his 11+ years of experience at Marriott International

Pune, May 2022: The Westin Pune Koregaon Park announces the appointment of Mr. Sudeep Sharma as the General Manager of the luxury haven of wellness & renewal. Sudeep has primarily been with Marriott International for over a decade, having worked his way from the Assistant Director Food & Beverage at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to various leadership positions such as Director of Food & Beverage at Jaipur Marriott Hotel and Director Of Operations at Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad, before being appointed, today, as the General Manager for The Westin Pune. As a seasoned professional, Sudeep aims to bring innovation, operational excellence, and renewed energy to Westin Pune with his fresh perspective.

Sudeep’s remarkable work at Marriott International has earned him the title of a trailblazer for the brand. He has been bestowed with numerous awards and accolades over the years, including General Manager of the Year by FHRAI for 2018 and Global General Manager of the Year in 2019 for Fairfield by Marriott and Restaurateur and F&B Leader for the APAC region in the year 2013-14.

“I am thrilled to be joining the talented team at The Westin Pune as we strive to offer the authentic Westin experience for our guests,” shares Sudeep, General Manager, The Westin Pune. “I hope to leverage my learnings at Marriott International brands across the country to empower associates with growth opportunities and scale the property to new heights.”

Born and raised in New Delhi, Sudeep holds a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Chaudhary Charan Singh University. He is a firm believer of work-life balance, prioritizing his fitness routine and travel with family when he’s not on the clock.

About The Westin Pune:

The Westin Pune Koregaon Park is a luxurious haven of wellness and renewal. Experience effortless relaxation in tastefully designed hotel rooms and suites with signature comforts, sleek marble bathrooms and inspiring views. Thrill your senses at on-site dining options, including a chic bar and nightclub. Refresh in the sparkling waters of our outdoor pool, and exhilarate your body in our well-equipped fitness centre with cardio equipment and free weights. After a full day of work, shopping or sightseeing, invigorate your mind and body with massage, beauty and wellness therapies at our Heavenly Spa by Westin. Replenish your well-being at The Westin

Pune Koregaon Park.

About Marriot International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,000 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy®, its highly-awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Nestlé a+ Mishti Doi with jaggery is a category-first innovation, launched this summer.

Nestlé a+ Mishti Doi with jaggery is a category-first innovation, launched this summer. The product is deliciously creamy and smooth, with a distinct caramelized taste of jaggery.

Commenting on this new launch Mehernosh Malia, Head  – of Dairy Business, Nestlé India said, “The taste of traditional mishti with gur is something special. Nestlé a+ Mishti Doi with jaggery is our attempt to bring this delightful experience to our consumers. Along with its traditionally known goodness, jaggery also has a distinctly rich texture which lifts the taste of our new Nestle a+ Mishti Doi.”

Nestlé a+ Mishti Doi has been launched in Delhi NCR and from July’22 onwards, will be available in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives Opens in the Scenic Raa Atoll

The all-pool-villa sanctuary provides guests with a luxurious island escape surrounded by abundant marine life, clear blue waters and lush vegetation

CHICAGO (May, 2022) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced today the opening of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, a private island retreat located in the picturesque Raa Atoll at the northern edge of the Maldives. The all-pool-villa resort offers a refreshing blend of serenity and discovery in a relatively untouched corner of the archipelago renowned for its abundant marine life.

“As countries continue to open up and travel confidence grows, we look forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to Alila Kothaifaru Maldives for a memorable getaway in what we hope will become the centerpiece of Raa Atoll,” said David Udell, group president, Asia-Pacific, Hyatt. “We are delighted to add this beautiful resort in the Maldives to our growing Alila portfolio, with new Alila hotels opening in sought-after destinations such as Suzhou and Shanghai in China and Nha Trang in Vietnam in the future.”

Surrounded by Nature’s Wonders

Housed on a 27.6 acre  (11.2 hectare) island, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives can be reached via a 45-minute seaplane journey from Malé. As one of the deeper atolls in the archipelago, the Raa Atoll offers abundant snorkeling and diving options to discover its rich marine life, from colorful corals to manta rays and sharks. The resort offers easy access to the famous Hanifaru Bay UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and is close to Vaadhoo Island, one of the best spots to witness the spectacular ‘Sea of Stars’ phenomenon. Alila Kothaifaru Maldives features white-sand beaches overlooking the infinite expanse of ocean blue, a stunning house reef and lush greenery.

Private Island Sanctuary

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers 80 pool villas, of which 44 are along the beach and 36 are perched overwater with direct access to the sea. Guests can unwind in these understated, sophisticated spaces that balance privacy with openness to the outdoors. Each villa comes with a private pool and sun deck where guests can bask in picture-perfect views and enjoy personalized service whether they are staying steps from the beach or above the turquoise lagoon. The Sunrise Beach Villas offer early birds captivating views to start their day alongside quick access to the resort’s main facilities such as the infinity pool, Play Alila kids’ club, Seasalt restaurant and Mirus Bar.

The resort’s elegant minimalist architecture by Singapore-based Studiogoto encompasses terraced pavilions, villas and a treetop spa that are carefully integrated into the existing landscape to immerse guests in the picturesque natural surroundings. The low-rise structures and contemporary interiors feature open-air spaces and a calming palette of island-inspired colors and textures, creating an idyllic setting for complete relaxation and connection with nature.

Immersive Culinary Journeys

Alila Kothaifaru Maldives offers a delightful variety of culinary experiences including:

• Seasalt, the resort’s beachside all-day dining restaurant with an ocean view, serves coastal Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. Not to be missed are the restaurant’s signature salt-baked fish dishes.

• A spectacular Maldivian sunset alongside a refreshing selection of cocktails at Mirus Bar inspired by the region’s former spice trade routes and concocted with ingredients from the resort’s own herb garden.

• Umami offers Japanese-inspired menus prepared in a teppan theater with a premium selection of organically grown vegetables, Wagyu beef and sustainably sourced fish and seafood. The adjourning Yakitori Bar is the place to be to indulge in sundowners, from Asian-inspired craft cocktails and mocktails to fine Japanese sakes and spirits, amidst delicious smoky aromas from a robata grill.

• Pibati Café provides light bites and comfort food that are convenient for grab-and-go en route to an excursion.

• Guests dreaming of an ultimate castaway experience can set sail in a traditional Maldivian dhoni on a two to three-hour journey around the Raa Atoll before returning to the resort’s private sandbank, The Shack, a secluded spot for a gourmet picnic, a sunset barbecue or a romantic candlelit dinner under the stars.

Haven for Relaxation

Nestled just above the treetops, Spa Alila features four double treatment suites, all with a private bathroom, shower and a floor-to-ceiling window with verdant views. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating treatments and beauty rituals that put a contemporary spin on ancient healing techniques and draw on the benefits of natural ingredients. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary daily yoga session in a tranquil outdoor space within the spa. The resort also offers a 24-hour fitness center and a beachfront infinity pool.

A wide range of water activities and excursions organized through the expert marine guides at the resort’s Water Sports and Dive Center are also available while Play Alila, a dedicated play and learning space for young guests will keep them entertained with toys, games and fun, supervised indoor and outdoor activities.

Bespoke Celebrations

From barefoot chic to elegant sophistication, couples can tie the knot or renew their vows with an enchanting celebration set in tropical splendor, whether on a pristine palm-fringed beach with the glistening ocean as a backdrop or on the private sandbank at sunset followed by a bespoke dinner under the stars.

“We are honored to welcome guests to one of the world’s most blissful destinations and we look forward to sharing with them the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds us,” said Alexandre Glauser, general manager, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Here at our all-pool-villa sanctuary, guests can unwind in peaceful seclusion with charming views while our gracious hosts deliver personalized experiences leading to unique moments and treasured memories.”

Guided by its purpose of care, Hyatt’s multi-layered Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment further enhances its operational guidance and resources around colleague and guest safety and peace of mind. More information on Hyatt’s commitment can be found here: hyatt.com/care-and-cleanliness.  

For more information about Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, please visit: alilahotels.com/kothaifaru-maldives.

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 Alila

The hallmark of Alila hotels is the combination of innovative design and luxury in unique locations, set apart by an unprecedented level of private space, crafted artisanship, personalized hospitality, and bespoke journeys. Alila means “Surprise” in Sanskrit, which suitably describes the refreshing character of our properties and impressions of our guests when they stay with us. In support of sustainable tourism, Alila hotels adopt EarthCheck operating standards, integrating the natural, physical and cultural elements of their environments. To stay at any Alila hotels and resorts is to embark on a destination experience – be it in recreating the flavors of the local cuisine, enhancing your well-being through ancient healing arts or the thrill of adventure sports, you will re-discover the luxury of living at Alila hotels. For more information visit, alilahotels.com, follow us on Instagram @AlilaHotels or like us on Facebook.

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 March 31, 2022, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,150 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 71 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMR™ Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Vivid Hotels & 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.

PRIDE HOTELS TO EXPAND ITS FOOTPRINTS TO 100 HOTELS BY 2030

PRIDE HOTELS TO EXPAND ITS FOOTPRINTS TO 100 HOTELS BY 2030

Pride Group of Hotels which presently has 44 properties nationally has embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to open 100 hotels by 2030. Once the new hotels are operational, Pride Group will have 100 properties with over 10,000 keys spread across various geographical regions, primarily in tier 1 and tier 2 markets. The focus is on an asset-light model for expansion with a major slice of the portfolio managed directly by the company. Most of the new properties will be located in popular leisure destinations with great tourism potential.

Announcing the developments Mr. SP Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, Pride Hotels Limited, said “Subsequent to the challenges due to the pandemic in the past two years we are now witnessing exponential growth. While we will have 50 properties by the end of this year we plan to expand our footprints nationally by doubling our portfolio to 100 hotels by 2030. With the market gaining rapid momentum we will soon come back to expansion mode for our flagship properties. The Pride Group performed exceedingly well in 2021-2022 compared to 2020-2021. The ADR and occupancy have gone up from 43% to 65% for the current year 2022-2023. We are expecting to clock a turnover of Rs. 250 crores this fiscal year”.

The new portfolio includes resorts and hotels in the cities of Nainital, Jim Corbett, Jabalpur, Daman, Rishikesh, Surendranagar, Dwaraka, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Agra, Somnath, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Neemrana, Rajkot, Bhopal, Aurangabad, and Haldwani. Pride Group has also forayed into the premium service apartment space with the launch of its new brand ‘Pride Suites’, with the first property signed in Gurugram.

Currently, Pride Hotels operates and manages a chain of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, “Pride Hotel” which are conveniently centrally located upscale business hotels, “Pride Resorts” at mesmerizing destinations and Mid-Market segment hotels for every business “Pride Biznotel”. All four brands are well appreciated and frequented by corporate clients, domestic and foreign tourists. Pride Hotel is a homegrown brand that resonates with true Indian hospitality. The group’s vision is to establish Pride Hotels as the best Indian Hospitality chain.

Visit: www.pridehotel.com

Trends | SATTVIK WEDDINGS AT WELCOMHOTEL KATRA

SATTVIK WEDDINGS AT WELCOMHOTEL KATRA

Located in the heart of the divine city Katra, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Katra has 83 well-appointed rooms overlooking the Trikuta Hills home to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Just 45 kilometres away from the Jammu airport, the hotel is an idyllic destination nestled in the lush green valleys with panoramic views. Amidst the pine trees, breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the hotel stands tall like a crown jewel of Katra city.

Welcomhotel Katra has opened new horizons for weddings and MICE in this holy city of India. The hotel offers an ideal indoor and outdoor space for events, weddings and celebrations with a seamless pillar-less banquet hall of 225 sq mt that can accommodate up to 250 guests opening into a dedicated pre function area & outdoor gardens.  

The picturesque and scenic backdrop, complimented with the culinary strengths of ITC Hotels, are an ideal combination to curate memorable experiences during weddings and wedding related events. Local delicacies like Kalahari Cheese, Rajma, Ambal, Shingare ki Kadhi, Mewe ka Kofta and Tumba Ajwain Aloo etc. will take guests on an expedition of this rich, Sattvik cuisine. 

River rafting features high on the itinerary of honeymooners. Katra has one of the best rafting stretches in the region with its fifteen-kilometer-long stretch bordered by lush green surroundings in the white waters of Chenab that is 24 kilometers from the hotel. Moreover, Bhimgarh Fort, 20 kilometers from the hotel, and hot springs, 5 kilometers away are also favoured by the tourists and honeymooners to explore. The special honeymoon package at Welcomhotel Katra offers romantic settings in privacy of one’s room.

Welcomhotel Katra is the base camp for those couples wanting to partake of the region’s picturesque attractions, including Patnitop which is just 85 kilometres by road from the hotel and the route to the hill station is truly poetic with the beautifully lined pine and cedar trees. Nathatop, 10 kilometers from Patnitop, and Sanasar, 10 kilometers from Nathatop, are two other nearby attractions where adventure activities take place and guests can revel in the nature.

Welcomhotel Katra offers a quintessential ITC Hotels culinary experience with signature dishes on offer at its two restaurants, WelcomCafe and Dough and Co. The WelcomCafe serves the best of gourmet flavours in international and regional vegetarian cuisine - it’s one of a kind in its offerings and the finest in Katra. Dough & Co. offers a range of teas and coffees with short eats to go with them with some mesmerising views of the valley and Trikuta Hills.

The WelcomSthalika represents regional fare from Jammu region, and is prepared in Sattvik style bringing out the flavors predominant in Katra and adjoining areas. Some of these local preparations are Jammu Rajma, Ambal, Shingare ki Kadhi, Mewe ka kofta and Tumba ajwain aloo.  The curated menu uses locally grown ingredients like Jammu Rajma, walnuts, almonds, badi masala, tumba ajwain, shahi zeera, saunf, sonth and more in traditional style. 

While the mere mention of Katra brings to fore images of the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is much more to this high point destination. Welcomhotel Katra is a destination that offers a gleeful experience to the discerning traveller with interests ranging from pure spirituality to celebration events, rest and rejuvenation in this holy city.

About Welcomhotel: www.itchotels.com/welcomhotel:

Welcomhotel is a collection of premium hotels designed for those who demand more and seek bespoke experiences to make the most out of their stay, optimizing their travel intent. With an endeavour to provide immersive and enriching experiences, the brand is reflective of the warmth of Indian culture while upholding the benchmark service standards that ITC Hotels is known for. From curated journeys that enhance leisure trips, to those that help maximize the efficiency of business stays, at WelcomHotel, every effort is made to add value to the new-age traveller.  It is this vision that helps enrich the lives of the guests, the community, and our hotel associates through integrated efforts and holistic initiatives. ITC Hotels manages and owns many hotels under the Welcomhotel brand including Welcomhotel Chail, Welcomhotel Shimla, Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi, Welcomhotel Mussoorie, Welcomhotel Jodhpur, Welcomhotel Fort & Dunes, Khimsar, Welcomhotel Visakhapatnam, Welcomhotel Mammalapuram, Welcomhotel Coimbatore, WelcomhotelPahalgam, WelcomhotelKatra, Welcomhotel Amritsar, Welcomhotel Bay Island (Port Blair), Welcomhotel Dwarka (New Delhi) and Welcomhotel Guntur. 

About ITC Hotels:

ITC Hotels is the largest chain of hotels in the World, which has maximum number of LEED Platinum Certified Properties. Continuing with its Planet Positive Promise, ITC Hotels launched Sunya Aqua or zero-kilometre water in glass bottles across the chain over a decade back and have taken this lead further and pioneered the mitigation of single use plastic from its operations pan India. While ITC Windsor is the first hotel in the world to achieve LEED Zero Carbon Certification, ITC Grand Chola is the largest hotel in the world to achieve the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.  ITC Gardenia is the third hotel in world to receive the LEED Zero Carbon Certification.

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Appointment | Ruchika Gupta appointed as Marketing Director at Beam Suntory India

Ruchika Gupta appointed as Marketing Director at Beam Suntory India

Beam Suntory India, the global premium spirits company, has appointed Ruchika Gupta to the role of Marketing Director in India. This strategic appointment to its leadership team is in-line with its vision of reaching $1 billion in revenue by 2030. Among the youngest marketing top talents in Indian alco-bev currently, Ruchika Gupta is the first woman leader to spearhead brand marketing for India business of Beam Suntory in India.

Ruchika joined Beam Suntory India in 2019 as part of the brand team and was elevated to Head of Marketing in the interim last year, succeeding Rishi Walli, who was appointed as Senior Commercial Director for the company in India, effective April 1, 2021. Amongst her many achievements, she led the launch of one of Beam Suntory’s strategic priority NPD Project - Oaksmith – India’s first International Blended Whisky. Under her leadership, Oaksmith has rapidly expanded in the period of three years and has won many international and national blend and brand building accreditations. More recently, she has supported the premiumization and growth of the Beam Suntory India portfolio.

Ruchika brings over 15 years of rich marketing and digital experience working with some of the finest organizations. Prior to Beam Suntory, Ruchika led strategic thinking for world class brands like Bacardi Rum, Grey Goose Vodka, brands at Uber and also from the agency side supporting brands from Unilever and Johnson & Johnson. In her present role, she will be responsible for building new scale for Beam Suntory’s premium brand portfolio, lead the rapid expansion of Oaksmith and unlock new business opportunities and digital-first equity building to increase the market share of key brands.

“At Beam Suntory, preserving the rich legacy of our centuries’ old brand heritage, building winning new brands and innovating to premiumize is an ongoing ambition,” said Neeraj Kumar, Managing Director at Beam Suntory India. “Ruchika has been instrumental in accelerating the growth strategies of the company through sustained market outperformance and innovative practices. Ruchika’s success in building our brands through the challenging pandemic is a testament to the passion, agility and strategic thinking that she consistently brings to the fore. Given her depth of experience with our brands and teams, we are confident that our marketing team and the business will benefit richly from her leadership role at Beam Suntory India. I want to wish Ruchika and Rishi the very best in their new roles at Beam Suntory India”

Marketing Director at Beam Suntory India, Ruchika Gupta says, “It’s an exciting time for alcobev in India, and it has been my absolute joy working with the iconic brands at Beam Suntory India driving forward our marketing work pivoted around principles of Monozukuri, Monogatari and Gemba. After 3 years in the company, I feel fortunate to be a part of a dynamic and inclusive work environment where every talent is nurtured to their highest potential. I look forward to moving onto the next chapter and to lead with purpose and vision of building greater scale for our premium brands alongside my fantastic team, aligned to our vision of “Growing for Good”.”

Rishi Walli, Senior Commercial Director at Beam Suntory India says, “It has been a remarkable journey of portfolio expansion at Beam Suntory. Our focus behind premiumization and a ‘Gemba’ mindset continue to be at the core of achieving our 2030 ambition and we are investing in building strong commercial capabilities to enable this vision. I wish Ruchika the very best in her new role as marketing director, leading the scale up and growth of our iconic brands.”

Over the recent years, Beam Suntory India has been on an upward growth trajectory by building premium scale within the alco-bev industry in India. Despite the challenges posed during the global pandemic, the company has launched some of the world’s most iconic brands like Yamazaki 55-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky, Hibiki 21-Year-Old Blended Whisky, Bowmore Series, etc. This also includes rapid expansion of Oaksmith, its first international blended whisky which is now present in 16 markets across the country and is expected to be a national brand by the end of 2022. The company is on a path of building capability and strengthening digital and commercial excellence. Its progressive people policies and a culture of high people engagement have resulted in Beam Suntory India to secure a recertification as a Great Place To Work in 2022.