Sri Lanka Tourism Embarks on a Three-City Roadshow Series in India Reaches out to South Indian markets

April 2023: Sri Lanka Tourism continues to expand its warm bilateral and cultural ties with its Indian counterparts by venturing into a series of Road Shows in key Indian cities from 24th –  28th April 2023. The first roadshow will be held in Chennai (24 April), followed by Cochin (26 April), and finally Bangalore (28 April).

Sri Lanka is witnessing a considerable increase in tourist arrivals with India leading the way and securing the number one position. The event also focuses on promoting a myriad of tourism experiences while focusing on converting potential travelers to make bookings and highlighting the positive message that Sri Lanka is open for Leisure, Business, and MICE tourism.

The target audience at these roadshows will be Tour Operators, Media, Key Influencers, Corporates, Trade Associations, and key Tourism Industry stakeholders in India, who have the ability to take the message that Sri Lanka is not only one of the most beautiful countries with an amazing range of destinations and products but is also safe and secure.

A delegation of over 30 Sri Lankan Travel Agencies and hotels will be participating in this event, with the delegation being led by the Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism accompanied by Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, and Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, Ms. Shirani Herth, Junior Manager, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Ms. Malkanthi Welikla, Manager – Marketing, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau.

Many industry stakeholders have supported this endeavor including Sri Lankan Airlines and Indigo. Each roadshow will include B2B Sessions facilitating numerous discussions followed by an Evening Networking event which will also help to improve business partnerships.

A touch of glamour will be added to these events with the participation of celebrities such as Cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya. A dancing troupe specially flown in for this event will showcase Sri Lankan rich heritage of performing arts.

During the Roadshows, the Hon. Minister of Tourism is expected to meet several high-profile Business Leaders, Tourism Stake Holders, and Corporates while engaging in several media interviews with leading Indian media houses.

India has generated over 80,000 tourist arrivals to the country so far and it is expected to double these numbers by 2023. Thus, these roadshows will add more value to create a positive mindset regarding Sri Lanka and its diversity of attractions, cultural value, and travel opportunities, enabling Indian tourist arrivals to the destination.

Tourist Arrivals from India

Tourists from India in January to March 2023 – 46,432

Tourists from India in 2022 - 1,23,004 with a share of 17.1%

Tourists from India in 2021 - 56,268

Tourists from India in 2020 - 89,357 with a share of 17.6%

Tourists from India in 2019 - 355,002 with a share of 18.6%

Sri Lanka has seen an increase in tourism earnings with around 530 million U.S. dollars being received in the first three months of 2023 as compared to the $482.3 which was in the first three months of 2022.

Hon. Harin Fernando, Minister of Tourism, said “Tourism in Sri Lanka over the last six months has been very interesting and promising. The last three months alone in 2023 from January to March has seen 8000 tourist arrivals a day, which is the highest since 2018". 
He further added, "Sri Lanka values the Indian outbound market and has been a key driver of arrivals into our country. Sri Lanka offers other than its rich heritage of 2500 years, a spectacular array of destinations and products such as wellness and yoga, beaches, shopping, cuisine, adventure, and wildlife. The added attraction for the Indian market is the very well-laid-out Ramayana circuit, which is an excellent religious travel initiative. The time is perfect to experience the warm hospitality of our people!"

Mr. Chalaka Gajabahu, Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau further added "Sri Lanka offers a complete destination for families and is a yearlong destination.  Sri Lanka is also meeting the travel industry here in India to further establish the country as a go-to destination. We are here in India with our stakeholders representing hotels and resorts, destination management companies, and event management companies to reach out to our travel-trade partners in India to add value to a mutually fruitful relationship."

Mr. Thisum Jayasuriya, Chairman Sri Lanka Convention Bureau said, “Sri Lanka is a promising MICE destination for meetings, Conferences & Incentives. The proximity and good Connectivity enhance the appeal of Sri Lanka as a cost-effective and attractive place for MICE travelers.”

Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management and Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising offer 5-day power packed Summer Camp

Pune, April 2023: Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management and The Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising have joined hands to offer a week-long summer camp. The camp will help students master several trending skills in the hospitality segment as well as learn to make exciting YouTuber videos. 

The 5-day camp beginning May 2-May 6 will include day-long programs that will have modules covering hospitality skill sets in the morning followed by lunch offered by the institute. Attendees will learn all about YouTube video-making skills in the post lunch sessions. The camp will be held at the campus of the Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management and the Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising at Wagholi, Pune.

As part of the hospitality skill set learning module, the students would learn nuances in baking, dining etiquette, kitchen skills, and innovating summer coolers with their creativity. Not only this, the participants will also be taught life skills that include bed making, stitching, and decorative flower arrangements as part of the summer camp. On the final day, the students will learn the art of chocolate making as well as decorating a chocolate cake.

“A hospitality skills summer camp will help the participants develop important career skills, such as teamwork, time management, problem-solving, and leadership, which can be applied in any profession. The summer camp will be conducted by our expert faculty in a safe and fun environment at our state-of-the-art campus at Lexicon IHM, Pune,” says Sagar Chitre, Principal- Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management

The afternoon sessions are dedicated to aspiring YouTubers who will be taught how to create impressive videos that can be uploaded on YouTube. Young YouTube enthusiasts who are keen to improve their viewership and reach on their personal channels will gain an understanding from choosing the right topic for the right audience to using ambient lighting for their videos. The 5-day workshops will teach students the nuances of shooting and editing YouTube videos for various segments like cooking, dance, do-it-yourself and more. The course has been designed to simplify the YouTube video creation process for learners using basic equipment like mobile phones to both shoot and edit the videos. The hands-on experience and special insights will prove to be an advantage to YouTubers looking to monetize their personal channels. The YouTube creation course will be conducted by Abhijit Joshi, a professional cinematographer with over 25 years of industry experience.

 “If you, as a YouTuber want your channel or video to stand out from amongst the scores of videos being uploaded each day, your content has to be superlative in every way, our course modules ensure that all participants gain deeper understanding of what to write, how to use lighting, how to record good audio, how to present and how to edit what will be the final cut. By the end of their course, each student would have created a professional grade video to be uploaded on their YouTube channel by incorporating techniques learned from the summer camp,” says Dipta Joshi, Principal, Lexicon Institute of Media & Advertising. 

The details pertaining to timing and classes for the above camp are given below.

The timings for the camp: 10 am-4 pm  

10 am – 1 pm:  Hospitality Skills

Lunch break: arranged by the Institute 

2pm – 4 pm: YouTube creation modules 

To know more about the Institutes, Visit:

Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management: https://www.lexiconihm.com/
The Lexicon Institute of Media and Advertising: https://lexiconima.com/

Reasons for Embracing Organic Practices in the Hotel Industry

It is well-known that the rise in consumer awareness regarding food safety, health concerns, and environmental issues has led to the emergence of organic hotels. In order to stay competitive, hoteliers are taking on the responsibility of providing guests with a healthy lifestyle by incorporating organic food into their kitchens. If you are considering transitioning to organic food at your hotel, there are several reasons why it may be beneficial for you.   

Reasons for Hotels to Go Organic

1. Organic Food is Growing in Popularity

The trend of organic food has seen a significant increase in popularity. What was once considered a novelty term has now become mainstream, and consumers are becoming more informed about their organic food choices. A recent survey found that 41% of parents are purchasing more organic food than they did a year ago, and over half of the adults stated that they prefer organic food over conventional options. 

For business owners, it is important to note that the organic food trend is not just a passing fad. Studies show that once a consumer converts to organic food, they are unlikely to revert back to conventional food, even in times of financial hardship. With such strong consumer demand for organic food, restaurants can confidently embrace organics as well. 

2. Organic Hotels Can be Profitable

Although organic food may cost more for restaurants to purchase compared to conventional food, many consumers are willing to pay the extra cost to support environmentally-friendly dining. Surveys indicate that consumers are willing to reduce spending in other areas to afford organic food. 

A green dining survey showed that a majority of consumers are willing to pay higher prices at restaurants that serve organic and locally-sourced food. Out of all surveyed consumers, 65% reported that they would pay up to 10% more to dine at an environmentally-friendly restaurant. Additionally, 20% of surveyed consumers indicated that they would pay more than 10% extra to eat green. These findings suggest that restaurants that offer organic and eco-friendly options are likely to attract a larger customer base and may even have the ability to charge higher prices. 

3. Organic Food is Environmentally Responsible 

Organic food is not only beneficial for our health, but it is also environmentally responsible. Organic farming practices prioritize the use of natural resources and aim to minimize pollution and waste. For instance, organic farming avoids the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, which can harm the soil, water, and wildlife. Instead, organic farmers use natural methods such as crop rotation, composting, and integrated pest management to maintain soil fertility and control pests. 

Moreover, organic farming also helps combat climate change. Studies have shown that organic farming practices can help sequester carbon in the soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. Additionally, organic farming avoids the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, by choosing organic food, we can support environmentally responsible farming practices that contribute to a healthier planet. 

4. Organic Food is More Appetizing Than Conventional Food 

Customers who are knowledgeable about organic food are aware that conventional food may contain harmful substances like pesticides, chemicals, additives, hormones, antibiotics, and even sewage sludge. In contrast, certified organic food is legally required to be free of such contaminants, which makes it a more appealing and appetizing option for consumers.

By offering conventional food, restaurants risk alienating customers who prioritize healthy and environmentally friendly options. Therefore, restaurants that incorporate organic options into their menu can attract more customers and show their commitment to serving safe and healthy food. Organic food is not only free of harmful substances but also is higher in nutritional value and tastes better than conventional food. By choosing to serve organic food, restaurants can provide a superior dining experience to their customers.

5. Organic Food Options Are Varied 

In the past, it was challenging to find organic food options when dining out. However, the availability of certified organic food products has grown tremendously over the years, giving restaurants a wide range of choices to choose from. Organic chefs can now access organic fruits and vegetables, baking goods, different types of millet, honey, cheese, and even wine and spirits that are certified organic. 

The selection of organic food products is no longer limited to just greens but has expanded to include organic meats such as poultry, beef, lamb, and more. With so many organic options available, restaurants can offer their customers a diverse and healthy menu that meets their dietary preferences and values.

6. Organic Food Allows for a Creative Menu

As organic food becomes more widely available, organic restaurants and their chefs need to stay creative to keep their menus fresh while also controlling costs. To achieve this, many restaurant owners opt to source organic and local ingredients, as it is the most cost- effective and efficient way to maintain a fresh and healthy menu.

However, not all organic foods are available year-round, which means the menu must change with the seasons to accommodate product availability. While cooking with seasonal ingredients can pose a challenge, it is also an excellent opportunity for chefs to experiment with new dishes and flavors. Moreover, this practice keeps the menu exciting and attractive to customers, who will appreciate the variety and freshness of the food. By maintaining a creative approach to their menu, organic restaurants can stand out in a crowded market and provide customers with a unique and memorable dining experience.

7. Organic Food Supports the Local Community 

The Organic Farming Manual states that communities with a higher number of organic farms and farmers tend to have stronger local economies. By choosing to operate an organic restaurant, you are directly supporting organic farmers and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the local economy.

8. Organic Hotel Marketing Is Easy as Pie 

Hotels that offer organic options have a great marketing advantage. This is because consumers who are interested in organic food are often very passionate about their choices and are actively seeking out businesses that offer organic options. Organic hotels can easily market their commitment to organic food by highlighting their use of organic ingredients on their website, social media platforms, and in their promotional materials. Additionally, organic hotels can participate in local organic food events, sponsor organic food festivals, and collaborate with other organic businesses to increase visibility and attract new customers.

By promoting their commitment to organic food, hotels can differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract a growing segment of consumers who are passionate about eating healthy and sustainable food. Organic food can be a key selling point for hotels that want to attract health-conscious travelers and increase their customer base.

Final Thoughts

The benefits of embracing organic practices in the hotel industry are clear. From meeting the growing demand of health-conscious consumers to reducing the environmental impact of your business, going organic is a win-win for both your guests and the planet.

Organic food not only tastes better, but it’s also safer and more nutritious. By offering organic options, hotels can tap into a growing market of consumers who are willing to pay a premium for high-quality, sustainable food. And let’s not forget about the positive impact on local organic farmers and the economy.

So, whether you’re a small boutique hotel or a large chain, going organic can give you a competitive edge and help you stand out in a crowded market. It’s time to join the organic revolution and start reaping the benefits for your business, your guests, and the planet.

Author Bio

Kunal Tambe is part of the content marketing team at Two Brothers Organic Farms. With his team, he works tirelessly to create awareness about organic farming, food sovereignty, sustainable practices, nutrition, climate change and a myriad of issues that surround these topics. His content offers value to farmers, the agriculture industry and to end consumers. Besides writing and developing content strategies, he loves adventure sports and listening to classical music.

Marriott International Underscores Development in India During Visit by President & CEO Anthony Capuano

April 2023 - Mumbai, India - Marriott International, Inc. today celebrated the recent visit of its President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano, who underscored the company’s deep commitment to growing its footprint in India. During the visit, which took place between April 10-14, the company opened the JW Marriott Goa, it’s 150th hotel in South Asia as well as the Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort. In addition, the company announced its plans to open 15 hotels this year in South Asia across its luxury, premium and select brand segments. Marriott also has plans to launch the brand debut of Moxy in India with the anticipated openings of Moxy Bengaluru Airport Prestige Tech Cloud and Moxy Mumbai Andheri West in 2024.

During his tour of the country, Mr. Capuano was a featured speaker at the Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) in Bengaluru and met with Minister of Tourism G. Kishan Reddy to discuss capitalizing on India’s G20 presidency to accelerate the industry’s development. A highlight of Mr. Capuano’s visit was his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the company’s plans for continued growth in the region. Accompanying him at the meeting was Ms. Ranju Alex, Marriott’s Area Vice President for South Asia. India is one of Marriott’s top global markets and the company is building a pipeline of diverse leadership talent, with a heavy focus on supporting women in leadership, a topic that was discussed during the meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

“India is known for its rich culture and heritage, and it was wonderful to be back to experience India’s legendary hospitality,” said Mr. Capuano. “I am grateful to Prime Minister Modi and the Government of India for highlighting their clear economic vision and how Marriott can best help advance their goals for the travel and hospitality industry. We are committed to positioning India as a top global destination for travel and tourism and will continue working with our hotel owners to showcase India’s attributes—from extensive national parks and unique wildlife to its rich cultural heritage—to both domestic travelers and those from around the world.”

Marriott International is currently present in over 40 cities with 140 hotels across 16 brands in India. The company is focusing on advancing development in secondary and tertiary markets to attract both business and leisure visitors. Marriott has launched its brands in locations such as Mussoorie, Pushkar, Mahabalipuram, Raipur, Siliguri, Bilaspur, and more recently in cities like Tiruchirappalli and Shillong where Marriott was the first international brand to enter the market. These openings fuel economic growth, support local employment, and drive interest and tourism to these areas – which both directly and indirectly benefit an extended supply chain. To meet the growing demand in leisure travel, Marriott plans to further expand its portfolio in key markets such as Jaipur, Corbett, Coorg, Shimla and Pahalgham.

“Marriott is excited to advance the hospitality industry throughout India,” said Mr. Capuano. “We are committed to India’s economic growth and have plans to be in more than 50 cities in the next two years, creating 10,000 new jobs.”

Regenta Hotels by Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd opens five new properties

Launched its Regenta brand in Vadodara, Jhansi, Mohali, Greater Noida, and Mahadevpura-Bangalore

The five properties will showcase the new and vibrant Regenta brand across two categories – Regenta Place and Regenta Inn.

Travellers visiting these cities can now opt for affordable luxury with the opening of the new Regenta properties. 

Commenting on the expansion, Chander K Baljee, Chairman & Managing Director, Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, said, “The opening of our five new Regenta properties is a testament to our commitment to making hospitality affordable and accessible. The Regenta brand is for the value-conscious travellers looking to explore India beyond the regular.”  

Regenta Fairlak Vadodara, is a hotel managed by Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd. located in Vasna Bhayli. The hotel offers 81 rooms with five types of accommodation, including executive rooms, club rooms, junior suites, orchid suites, and royal suites, all with modern amenities. The hotel also has a coffee shop, restaurant, swimming pool, gym, and spa with massage rooms.  

The Regenta Place Jhansi is a good choice for visitors who want to take a historical stroll down memory lane. The hotel’s 33 rooms, which range from executive to suites, can accommodate both business and leisure travellers. It also offers additional meeting space.  

Mohali will open its doors to the first Regenta Place welcoming guests to enjoy its 36 tastefully-designed rooms. In addition to banqueting facilities, it offers a variety of dining options along with a multi-cuisine restaurant, a rooftop restaurant, and a stylish bar.  

The Regenta Inn – Greater Noida caters well for corporate guests with its close proximity to India Expo Centre & Mart and other business hubs, in addition to the Yamuna Expressway which connects to Agra. The hotel’s 39 spacious guest rooms come with a multi-cuisine restaurant with 66 seats and business amenities.  

Finally, with the debut of the Regenta Inn Grand, ORR – Mahadevpura, Bangalore will expand its portfolio of Regenta hotels. Visitors opting for the new property can choose from 49 well-appointed rooms with options like all-day and in-room dining among many others.  

Royal Orchid Hotels Limited is looking to capture a fair share of Tier 2 and 3 markets with the opening of their new properties. Plans are underway to open many more properties Pan-India in the coming months.

Spotlight | The Lalit Suri Hospitality School - TLSHS - India

Tlshs - e Brochure 2023

Event | The Workforce Modernization Conference, Mumbai, 26th April

The Workforce Modernization conference is set to take place on 26thApril at the Coutyard by Marriottin Mumbai. The theme for this year's event is 'Reinventing the Employee Experience with Tech' and it will address the elements like use of technology and strategic services to make work better to make jobs easier, safer, to enhance employee productivity, customer experience and to make companies more efficient.This conference will bring together 150+ CHROs and Head of Workforce Transformation, VP- HR, Talent Acquisition, and Learning and Development Head from various industries in the region.

The Workforce Modernization conference will provide a platform for industry leaders where they  will discuss the best measures to align technology with HR strategy to churn a successful human-machine collaboration. The conference will be led by industry leaders like -  Yashwant Mhadik -  President of Global Human Resources at Lupin, Dr. C. Jayakumar- Executive Vice President & Head - CHRO at Larsen and Tourbo, Amit Ahincholikar - Global CHRO at Yokohama, Smita Puranesh - CHRO at Viocom 18, Chandra Bhattacharjee - CHRO at Aditya Birla and many others.

One of the key topics that will be discussed at the conference is Reskill; The new Recruit. This session will focus on the importance of Reskilling as an essential component of career development in today's rapidly evolving job market, and how the new recruits who are willing to embrace reskilling opportunities will be well-positioned to succeed in their careers. Attendees will learn about why upskilling and reskilling are good alternatives to hiring in today’s talent landscape and whether AI and Automation are eliminating certain roles.

Another important topic that will be covered at the conference is Employee Well-being a Significant Aspect of your Company Culture. Culture is a manifestation of the people who are in the organization at the time; it cannot be something rigid or removed from the people. The importance of championing employee wellbeing will percolate deep into the health and satisfaction of employees - creating a company culture that grows in strength as companies scale and face new challenges. In this discussion between HR leaders from some of the most successful cultures.

Working the Talent Strategy for the Future is another key topic that will be discussed at the conference. This session will explore the impact of a talent strategy for the future and how organizations can position themselves for success in a rapidly changing business environment, and ensure that they have the talent they need to achieve their goals. The speakers will also discuss the key challenges of how relevant and personalized training helps talent acquisition and retention.

The Workforce Modernization is sponsored by Adrenalin, Visit Health, Disprz, Zoho Connect and BetterPlace. This conference is an opportunity for CHROs and HR heads who are decision makers looking to learn, explore and enhance their digital capabilities, streamline the HR function and optimize business outcomes. 

In conclusion, the Workforce Modernization the conference is a must-attend event for  CHROs and HR professionals. The Workforce Modernization is organized by NetNex Global. NetNex is an integrated marketing solutions company that specializes in B2B conferences.

For more information on the Workforce Modernization conference, please visit the official website at https://nextechsummit.com/wfm. Register today to secure your spot at this exciting and informative event.

NOESIS Report: “India Hospitality Overview 2022” Reveals Strong Recovery and Positive Growth

NOESIS Report: “India Hospitality Overview 2022” Reveals Strong Recovery and Positive Growth

NOESIS, a leading hospitality consulting and hotel investment advisory firm in India, is pleased to announce the launch of its latest report, "India Hospitality Overview 2022." The report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of the hotel and tourism industry in India and offers valuable insights into the future prospects of the sector.

Despite the challenging period caused by the pandemic, the Indian hotel industry is showing signs of recovery and gaining momentum. According to the report, the majority of markets have surpassed 2019 levels, indicating a positive trend for the industry. In 2022, the industry experienced a critical year with unique opportunities, and domestic businesses seized the chance with 66% of hotel signings. Meanwhile, international brands signed 44% of the total keys, resulting in the opening of 10,138 keys. This exciting future is set to continue with a pipeline of 7,163 keys being added from 2023 onwards.

North India will account for 38% of all hotel signings in 2022, with Himachal Pradesh (8.6%) and Rajasthan (8.1%) leading the way. This is followed by India's Western region, which is driven mostly by Gujarat (10.4%) and Maharashtra (9.5%), as well as other states. Tier 2 cities accounted for 46% of hotel signings, with untapped destinations accounting for 33%, and Tier 1 and Tier 3 cities accounting for around 10% of hotel signings each.

The tourism industry in India is also growing strongly, with a total of 294 million passengers moving through the country's airports in 2022. Of these, 49 million were international travellers, while 245 million were domestic travellers. December recorded the highest air passenger movement, with 5 million international and 25 million domestic passengers. In contrast, January was still affected by pandemic restrictions and recorded only 2.5 million international and 13 million domestic air passengers. While there is a significant difference between the first and fourth quarters, the summer season (Q2) saw a total movement of 76 million air passengers, with Q3 receiving 73 million total air passenger movements.

The "India Hospitality Overview 2022" report is a valuable resource for businesses and investors looking to understand the current state of the Indian hospitality industry and the future prospects for growth.

NOESIS Report- “India Hospitality Overview 2022” Reveals Strong Recovery and Positive Growth

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport celebrates 25 years of hospitality

The hotel has truly stood up to its prominence of 25 glorious silver years of serving local and international travelers, from generation to generation and has created a benchmark for being one of the finest hotels in Delhi/NCR

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport has been a hospitality landmark welcoming guests from all over the world, since opening its doors in 1998. With 261 luxurious rooms, award-winning food and beverage options, bespoke meeting spaces, one of a kind indoor and outdoor event spaces, the hotel continues to set standards and raise the bar.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Nitin Kapur, Managing Director, said, “We are delighted to be commemorating the 25th year of hospitality for Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport, the hotel that introduced the brand in South Asia and remains its flagship. Our aim in the coming 25 years is to continue offering our guests an unrivaled experience while continuing to grow and adapt to the ever-changing hospitality landscape in the region.”

Ashwni Kumar Goela, General Manager, said, “2023 is a special year for us as Radisson Hotel Group celebrates its 25 years of operations in India and we being the first hotel of the Group are a significant part of these celebrations.” 

ITB India 2023 | Mumbai | 26 - 28 April 2023

Co-located with MICE Show India, Travel Tech India and the ITB India Conference, the annual trade show is making a strong comeback as an in-person event in Mumbai from 26 – 28 April 2023. Among the top exhibitors and industry leaders are Atout France India, German National Tourist Office, Saxony Tourism, Tourist Office of Roissy, Tourist Office of Spain and Visit Sarajevo.

Happening in the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, the three-day B2B trade show and conference will build the bridge to the Indian and South Asian travel markets. After two digital editions, the show will offer a face-to-face exhibition experience to the travel industry and bring together key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors from various segments of MICE, Leisure, Corporate and Travel & Technology.
 
Guest of honour Mr Achim Fabig, Consul General, Federal Republic of Germany in Mumbai, together with Mr David Ruetz, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin, and Mr Stefan Halusa, Director General at Indo-German Chamber of Commerce will usher the opening of ITB India 2023 with a traditional lamp lighting and ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
The promising exhibitior participation facilitates business meetings and drives engagement for attendees from around the world through ITB India’s live format. The various representations by destinations are impressive and feature stands of Spain, France, Germany, Sarajevo, Vietnam, Iceland, Thailand, Fiji, Japan and many more.
 
Being an international stage, the exhibition will also feature many global national tourism organisations (NTOs) including Atout France India, German National Tourist Office, Saxony Tourism, Tourist Office of Roissy, Tourist Office of Spain and Visit Sarajevo.
 
International airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tour operators are also highly represented with their products at this year’s show, they will include AVIS, Collinson Group, Fiji Airways, Mize, IDeaS, Prince Hotels & Resorts, TravelLine, Uzbekistan Airways and Vietnam Airlines to name just a few.
 
"With less than a week to go before ITB India open its doors, the number of bookings and the feedback we are receiving from industry experts in discussions underline that all signs point to a successful live premiere. I am convinced that ITB India will help create the best possible business opportunities for all participants and accelerate the international recovery and upswing. The Indian and South Asian outbound travel markets are becoming increasingly important for many countries: ITB India is simply an unmissable event, and I am delighted that the show happens 100 per cent live”, says Ms Sonia Prashar, Deputy Director General, Indo-German Chamber of Commerce.
 
Leading minds will take the stage at the ITB India Conference, set to take place parallel to the trade show in three conference tracks: Knowledge theatre, MICE Show India & Travel Tech India. “Connecting You to the Indian Travel Market” will be the overarching theme of the conference, where high-level experts will exchange their insights into the future of the industry.
 
As part of the exciting keynote line up on Day 1 (26 April 2023), Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel Limited and Rakesh Bansal, CEO, Amadeus India will address the future of travel and give strategic insights to South Asia's tourism reboot.
 
Knowledge Theatre: Leaders in the industry gather to share their insights and thought leadership
 
In the “Hospitality Leaders’ Panel: Adapt and Grow”, senior level speakers including Parveen Chander, Executive Vice President – Sales & Marketing, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), Vikramjit Singh, President, Lemon Tree Hotels, Amit Sidana, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Pride Group of Hotels, Vivek Shukla, CEO, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group and Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director, Eurasia Region, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts will share their thoughts on how the hospitality industry has adapted and transformed to stay relevant and grow in a new world of travel. This session will be moderated by Aindrila Mitra, Editor-in-chief, Travel + Leisure India & South Asia.
 
The growth of India's unique accommodation market has opened up opportunities for micro-entrepreneurship and deeper connections with local communities. Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, General Manager for India, SEA, HK and Taiwan, Airbnb, will talk about “Responsible Tourism - Key to Resurgence of the Travel Industry”.
 
In the session named “Travel Influencer Marketing: The Good, the Bad and the Brilliant”, Megna Shankaranarayanan, Industry Head - Travel & FoodTech, Google, will highlight the growing importance of video in the discovery, research and planning phases of a traveler’s purchase journey
 
In the “NTOs’ Talks: Destination Rediscoveries”, leaders from NTOs across the region and beyond share insights and plans for their destinations to come back stronger than before. Key speakers of the NTOs Talk series will include Sheetal Munshaw, Director of India, Atout France, Romit Theophilus, Managing Director, German National Tourism Organisation, GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East & South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board, Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – Middle East, India and South East Asia, South African Tourism, Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager – India & Gulf, Tourism Australia, Vishal Bhatia, Country Manager - India, VisitBritain and Sara Sodhi Juneja, Country Head - India & UAE, Visit Finland.
 
MICE Show India: The Conference for the meeting industry in APAC
 
Most meetings and events have returned in person worldwide. Yet that does not take away the challenges that the entire industry is facing. The “MICE Leaders’ Panel: Return to a World Transformed: Revitalising MICE for a New Era in South Asia” explores how different players in the MICE ecosystem can work together to deliver a better bottom line and future for the industry. The panel discussion features top experts from the MICE sector including Chander Mansharamani, Managing Director, Alpcord Network Events and Conferences Management Company, Harshad Donde, Country Director - India, BCD Meetings & Events, Manpreet Bindra, President - FCM Meetings & Events, FCM Travel India, Vijay Sharma, General Manager, Koelnmesse India and Renjie Wong, Area Director, India and South Asia (Mumbai), Singapore Tourism Board.
 
In the “C-Suite Talk: Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Event Technology”, Anupam Arun, Senior Vice President & Country Head, India, Cvent, will foretell event trends of the future and unveil the magical uses of event technology.
 
The “Buyers Meet TMCs Panel: The State of Corporate Travel 2024” gathers corporate travel managers, meetings and event executives, travel management companies (TMCs) and leading business travel thought leaders from South Asia to discuss how the industry is evolving. Gaurav Sundaram, President, ProKonsul Consulting will discuss the corporate travel trends in 2023 and beyond with his panellists, including Akhil Shah, Director - Global Market Management, India, CWT, Tanvi Mazmudar, Global Business Travel Leader, Lowe's India, Jasminder S Brishan, Senior Manager - Global Travel, Ocwen Financial Solutions and Sangitha Shetty, General Manager Global Travel & Mobility, Tata Communications.
 
Corporate travel ecosystem is going through a transformation. The “Fireside Chat: Transformation in the Corporate Travel Space” welcomes Anuj Razdan, Vice President & Head of Products & Supplier Relations, FCM Travel India and Deepesh Jethwani, Senior Director - Strategy and Operations, FCM Travel Asia as speakers. They will give insights on how to navigate the changing corporate travel landscape, adapt to new trends and technologies, and ensure the safety and well-being of employees while traveling.
 
Travel Tech India: Latest technologies, emerging trends, leading travel brands and innovative startups at one place
 
The “Tech Leaders’ Panel: The Next Frontier” will address what digital transformation in hospitality looks like today, and why tomorrow’s leaders need to understand both customer needs and how technology can support them. Moderated by Prasad C G, Hospitality Tech Evangelist, Jio Platforms Limited, the panel discussion features top technology experts including Anshul Gupta, Managing Director, Travel & Hospitality Industry, Accenture - Advanced Technology Centers in India, Pratik Modi, VP Engineering and Head of Egencia, India, AMEX GBT, Darshana Shirodkar, Senior Director, Lodging Market Management -Southeast Asia and Indian Subcontinent, Expedia Group and José María Pestaña Sartorius, High Performance Director, Hotelbeds.
 
Travel customers are increasingly moving online to not just research but book their vacations online, and hotels can benefit immensely by building their strategy around the changing online trends. In the “C-Suite Talk: Test and Analyze: Get to Know How Your Guests Like to Travel”, Krishna Rathi, Country Director-India, Sri Lanka & Nepal, Agoda, shares key tips on how best to test, analyze, and ultimately grow.
 
The rise of Superapps in travel is the focus of an upcoming industry conference session, with an emphasis on both the Asian market and India-focused potential players. In the fireside chat, titled, “Superapps and the Impact on the Tourism Industry”, Brett Henry, President Director, MG Group and Kei Shibata, Co-Founder & CEO, Venture Republic – TRAVEL jp & Trip 101 discuss how Superapps have become crucial distribution channels for travel brands across Asia and how they can offer a range of services such as payments, ride-hailing, and e-commerce. They will also share what to expect from Superapps and marketplaces in the travel space moving forward.
 
The session, titled, “Evolution of B2B Distribution Technology – Opportunities & Challenges” opens the dialogue on the NDC - New Distribution Capability journey from an Airline, Travel Technology Partner, and Travel Trade Partner perspective. Paurus Nekoo, Regional Distribution Manager, APAC, Lufthansa Group, Sanjeev Bhasin, Vice President - Airline Contracting, MakeMyTrip and Abdul Bijur V A, Chief Growth Officer, Verteil will explore the current status of the industry’s approach to NDC.
 
Trade visitors can register online at itb-india.com/visit-register for USD16 and get access to all three shows over three days. Listed Rate at USD16 ends 25 April.
 
For more information on ITB India 2023, visit itb-india.com.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts signs their first property in Sonipat, Haryana.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, one of India's fastest-growing hospitality companies, has announced the signing of their first property in Sonipat, Haryana. This marks the company's debut hotel in the state.

The hotel is set to open in the coming months and will offer 42 well-appointed rooms, equipped with all modern amenities expected in a branded budget property. The hotel will feature a multi-cuisine restaurant and a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) with a seating capacity of 300 guests.

Cygnett Sonipat will offer multiple banqueting and conferencing facilities, capable of accommodating up to 900 guests. With a range of venues to host workshops, product launches, exhibitions, weddings, and other social events, the hotel will cater to a diverse clientele.

Founder and Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, Sarbendra Sarkar, commented on the signing, "We are thrilled to establish our presence in the significant district of Sonipat, which is both an industrial and educational hub. The property will be well-positioned to cater to the local wedding market as well. This hotel is a significant addition to our rapidly expanding portfolio of hotels in the country. We are confident that it will create a niche market for itself in the region."

Located approximately 44 kilometers from New Delhi, Sonipat is an industrial hub and home to several esteemed universities. The region also boasts a rich history dating back to the Mahabharata era, when it was known as "Swarnprastha." The Sikhs under Banda Singh Bahadur fought the Battle of Sonipat against the Mughals in 1709.

Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is excited to add this new property to its growing portfolio and looks forward to welcoming guests to Sonipat in the near future.

JW Marriott Goa, Now Open!

Set in an unparalleled location along the golden Goan coastline and close to landmark attractions, historic forts, churches, and pristine beaches, JW Marriott Goa is the perfect getaway and an embodiment of the JW Marriott principle of mindfulness. With thoughtfully crafted spaces, transformative experiences and sophisticated style, the new hotel is poised to be an oasis of luxury and warm hospitality, empowering guests to focus on feeling revitalized in mind, body and spirit.

“JW Marriott is at the forefront of the evolution of luxury, blending a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a contemporary commitment to mindfulness and well-being that continues to be a priority for today’s luxury traveler,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Goa embodies this modern approach to luxury through its thoughtful design, emphasis on serene spaces and connection to the natural world.”

“We are delighted to announce the opening of JW Marriott Goa. This opening marks a milestone for Marriott International’s 150th opening in South Asia. It solidifies our commitment in the region and signifies the trust our owners have in us,” said Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “We remain confident in the strength of our brands, our team, and we shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels.”

The new hotel is located along the picturesque coastline of Vagator, Goa, minutes from historic Chapora Fort and Chapora and Vagator beaches, famous for their dramatic cliffs and breathtaking sunset views. This popular travel      destination is approximately 27 kilometers from the new Mopa Airport in North Goa and 43 kilometers from Goa International Airport.

Thoughtful Design

Inspired by the rich culture and traditions of Goa, the 151-room JW Marriott Goa reflects the tranquility and beauty of its surroundings, with an architectural narrative featuring local artifacts such as wooden paneling, mother-of-pearl detailing, intricate glassware chandeliers and water fountains that accentuate the natural marble and stone throughout its serene spaces. The use of neutral color palettes of gray and light sand, along with soft ambient lighting, complements the abundant greenery of its natural surroundings. Goan cultural references and elements of modern design interweave to create a sense of place in a peaceful sanctuary. Guestrooms feature balconies that open to breathtaking ocean views, and luxurious suites offer private plunge pools. 

Inspired Culinary Creations

JW Marriott Goa features four inviting dining venues to suit all occasions. JW Kitchen is the hotel's all-day restaurant with a theater-style open kitchen, serving globally-inspired cuisine and exquisite local dishes, along with indulgent Sunday brunches and a special children's selection. Pérola is an impeccably-appointed French-style lobby bar with a daily Afternoon Tea service, ideal for casual meetings and get-togethers over a glass of wine, signature coffee or tea, and light snacks. Guests can savor Mediterranean cuisine and exotic cocktails at the hotel's sky-dining Água Bar and Café, perched atop the hotel overlooking the infinity pool and spectacular views of the Goan coast. Complementing the resort’s commitment to healthy dining, many of the seasonal vegetables and fresh herbs featured on the menus are grown in the hotel's signature JW Garden. Guests can also harvest the fresh produce within the garden's calming spaces as they reconnect with their loved ones in natural surroundings.

Serene Spaces

For guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the hotel offers holistic treatments at Spa by JW, which features Goa’s first and only Turkish and Moroccan hammams, or steam rooms. The hotel's modern gym, JW Fitness, showcases the latest cardio and weight equipment, and a stunning outdoor infinity pool with poolside cabanas where guests can enjoy a relaxing swim and lounge in the warm tropical sunshine.

The Family by JW program puts families first, offering an entertainment center with virtual reality games, a bowling alley and a children's play area for quality family time together. Kids can learn the art of candle making, create pasta necklaces, enjoy board game competitions, and more, while adults can join Zumba classes, chakra healing sessions, and Gua Sha workshops. Fun-filled activities for all ages, such as water polo and pot painting, allow     families to create unforgettable holiday memories.

Spaces For Connection

The hotel offers a total of 18,752 square feet of indoor and outdoor event spaces, including two well-appointed meeting rooms as well as the splendid 4,607-square-feet Grande Salão, an elegant ballroom with an outdoor terrace, complete with the latest audio-visual technology, Wi-Fi and a dedicated events team for seamless and memorable meetings, weddings and celebrations.

“Guests arriving at JW Marriott Goa step into a luxury oasis, set like a rare jewel in one of India's finest tropical beach destinations. Our hotel is a haven of tranquility inspired by its natural surroundings where guests can seek well-being      as well as explore all the vibrant attractions of Goa and the genuine hospitality of its people. We look forward to welcoming travelers to discover all that beautiful Goa has to offer," said Manav Malhotra, General Manager, JW Marriott Goa.

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort in Bengaluru, Now Open!

Tribute Portfolio- part of Marriott Bonvoy’s growing collection of characterful, independent Resorts, welcomes its latest addition with the opening of Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills- A Tribute Portfolio Resort .This serene property is nestled at the foot of the historic Nandi Hills and is a 25-minute drive from the Kempegowda International Airport. Rooted in the ethos of meaningful travel, the 102 key property nurtures an intimate design that invites the return to a simplistic life. The Resort is a beautiful confluence of natural elements like sweet bird song, earthly textures accentuating rustic shingle roofs, dark wooden pillars, natural stonework, brass artifacts, walkways interluded with lush greenery and panoramic views of the Nandi Hills lend a sense of space and home coming, encouraging the free spirited and curious minded traveller to forge deeper connections with the locale and community when travelling.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this vibrant new Resort within Tribute’s Portfolio to Bengaluru, one of the most cosmopolitan and progressive cities of India. This opening marks the eighteenth property to join our growing portfolio of brands in this city” said Ranju Alex- Vice President South Asia, Marriott International. This new hotel is set to present captivating design and truly authentic experiences tailored to the locale in Bengaluru.”

One of the leading real estate developers in the country, The Prestige Group has a legacy of over three decades in real estate development. It has diversified business models across the Residential, Office, Leisure, Retail, and Hospitality segments with operations across 8 key locations in India. Commenting on the launch, Mr. Irfan Razack, Chairman & Managing Director of Prestige Group, said, “we are thrilled to add to our hospitality portfolio- Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, - A Tribute Portfolio Resort which has its own unique characterful personality where guests can seek to immerse themselves in the richness of the locale, to discover what defines Nandi Hills as a leisure destination and to experience a one-of-a kind warm boutique ”

Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort is inspired by a beautiful story woven around the small joys and simplicity of childhood. The vibrant paintings, naturalistic murals and hand painted artwork adorning the resort, tell the story of a young girl named Santi who lived in an idyllic, rustic setting against the backdrop of the majestic Nandi Hills. Santi grew up on a Mulberry farm, under the watchful care of doting parents and a loving grandmother. Her childhood was spent in the company of warm cinnamon aromas, wild lush greenery, home grown herbs and the earthly fragrance of silkworms. Her lazy summer afternoons were filled with fun-filled explorations, gardening, plucking fruit, adventurous treasure hunts and unending stories. Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort embodies the beauty of Santi’s childhood, with its imaginative spaces and thoughtful experiences that will evoke a sense of warm nostalgia

The resort comprises 102 vibrant villas and suites, each featuring bespoke, handmade furniture, eye-catching wall murals and local artwork. A three-fixture bathroom enhanced with natural stone and warm lighting with private verandahs favoring views of the foliage integrated into the landscape, are some of the unique features of the room categories. The resort has a carefully thought-out wellness and recreation calendar for guests to get busy and engaged – early morning somatic workouts, moonlight yoga, wine stomping, board games, pottery classes, books and binoculars for bird watching and musical evenings are some of the fun experiences lined up. Digital distractions are discarded in favour of spending time with loved ones in the company of nature.

Guests can enjoy an immersive culinary experience across three unique restaurants. Terra, the all-day dining offers a refreshing mix of seasonal and local specials with international favourites, enjoyed over uninterrupted views of the beautiful hotel landscape. The swim-up pool bar Asri serves small plates and creative cocktails that bring the garden to glass concept to life. Kokoon, the quaint cozy cafe next to the lobby is the perfect place for coffee brews, choicest selection of teas and baked local specialties available from early morning to late evening.

Guests can relax at the Ksema spa at the hands of expert therapists who offer a full range of spa treatments, facials and body wraps. A Turkish hammam, a couple jacuzzi, an open-air pool, a well-equipped workout studio, a pickleball court and a yoga and meditation room complete the wellness checklist. Kreo the game zone for grownups and a kids play area are open for some spirited fun with family and friends. The resort is pet-friendly, allowing guest to enjoy their stay with their furry friends in tow.

The resort is poised to be a sanctuary for small and intimate business meeting and social events with a banquet space measuring 2200 sq ft and a pre function area with abundant daylight and inspiring design. Additionally, Aurora the poolside deck measuring 1000 sq ft and an outdoor lawn Shanti measuring 2600 sq. ft allows for intimate cocktail evenings and open-air celebrations in the benevolent climate of Bengaluru.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests to Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort. Its true Indie spirit, vibrant social spaces and thoughtful experiences will help create meaningful connections for the bold and intrepid traveller seeking to connect with the true spirit of the destination” said -Devidyuti Ghosh, Hotel Manager – Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

Shillong Baking Company, now open!

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong unveils its finest patissiere and much anticipated Shillong Baking Company.

Courtyard by Marriott Shillong is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest addition, the Shillong Baking Company. Located within the hotel, the Shillong Baking Company offers guests and locals a selection of delectable baked goods, pastries and beverages. Each treat from coffee and fresh and flavourful pastries baked at dawn, to more substantial bites, all are masterfully crafted by the in-house pastry Chef Shanti Priya Manna. The outlet features an Interactive baking area that is always creating the next irresistible treat.

The Shillong Baking Company offers an aromatic and refreshing experience – the perfect spot for those looking for a quick bite or a leisurely snack. The menu features a divine fusion of traditional patisserie and fresh bakes with superior quality and taste, providing guests with a heavenly experience. Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special events with Shillong baking company's best-in-class personalized cakes inspired by current fashion, custom-made for the occasions.

The bakery offers a wide range of bread, cakes, cookies, pastries like ‘Red Velvet’, perfectly soft and chewy, gorgeously red and dotted with creamy Chocolate Chips, ‘Soft Centred’, Thick and chewy Chocolate Cookies filled with gooey pockets of Belgian Chocolate, ‘Coconut’, Overloaded with Coconut with Snchy on the outside and chewy and soft inside, and other baked goods that are freshly baked every day. The menu also includes a variety of beverages like, ‘Ristretto’, ‘Flavoured cappuccino’, ‘Cafe Latte’, ‘Emerald Green Tea’, ‘Mystical Assam Tea’, ‘Spice Carnival Red Tea’ to name a few.

Patrons can experience the much-loved taste of Shillong Baking Company by indulging in signature desserts like ‘Strawberry danish’, ‘Butter and chocolate croissant’, ‘Local fresh fruit cheesecake’ to name some. The menu will also embrace an assortment of sugar free confectionery to relish.

"We are excited to launch the Shillong Baking Company, which is the latest addition to our food and beverage offerings at Courtyard by Marriott Shillong. The café aesthetics has been designed to initiate conversations around food, nature, while also serving people the best and the latest from the world of baked food. Our guests and locals will now have a new destination to satisfy their sweet tooth or grab a quick bite from Shillong Bakery Company," said Mr. Tushar Nagar, General Manager of Courtyard by Marriott Shillong.

The expansive space is designed to provide a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for its guests. The interiors are decorated with warm colors that offer the perfect refuge for quiet business lunches or a place to relax while relishing the wide assortment of exquisite patisserie and the beverages.

The Shillong Baking Company is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. Guests and locals can also place orders for custom cakes and other baked goods for special occasions. So, head to Shillong Baking Company to enjoy your favourite gourmet delights.

For Reservations: +91 364 2300 600

Address: Jail Road, Police Bazaar Shillong, Meghalaya 793001 

Website: www.courtyardshillong.com

Chowman expands in Delhi NCR with 2 new outlets

~Chowman now in Indirapuram & Pitampura~

With its massive success spreading across Kolkata, Bangalore & Delhi with altogether 27 outlets, the leading Chinese Chain of restaurants “Chowman” has added another achievement to its cap with two more outlet launches in Delhi NCR- Indirapuram & Pitampura.

India’s first-ever restaurant with the motto “Democratization of Fine dining and Neighbourhood Dining Experience”, Chowman has now become a household name in the Capital City. And once again, it gears up to extend further into the lengths and breadths of the city with a back to back launch of Pitampura, Chowman, located at Plot No. 5, Ground Floor, Garg Plaza, LSC Sainik Vihar, Pitampura, North West Delhi-110034 (Opp: Keshav Maha Vidyalaya) with 600 sq. ft. area and  a 1200 sq.ft. of Indirapuram, Chowman at  Plot 30, Niti Khand 3, Manoj Vihar, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201014.

With its cosy sitting area, warm ambience dominated by the soothing, instrumental tune of the Chinese ethos, decors and interiors paralleling an ancient ambience of China, Chowman brings a world within itself.

Now with its wings spread all across the Capital City, Chowman is all set to introduce its wide variety of Asian dishes to trigger your taste bud. With a selection of starters like Chilli Prawns, Crispy Fried Crab Wontons, Double Cooked Crispy Chilli Fish & Pan-Fried Chilli Paneer that are sure to satisfy your hunger pangs before moving on to main course like Kung Pao Chicken, Lamb in Hunan Sauce & Lobster in sauce of your choice with rice & noodles dishes like Seafood Fried Rice, Asian Green Fried Rice & Shanghai Meifoon. 

Minor Hotels Announces Strategic Expansion of its Avani Brand in Europe & Latin America with Addition of Seven Properties by Mid-2024

Minor Hotels has announced the expansion of Avani Hotels & Resorts with the launch of seven properties across Europe and Latin America by mid-2024. 

Avani will make its debut in Spain in June with the rebranded Avani Alonso Martínez Madrid Hotel. Also in June, the brand will launch in Italy with Avani Palazzo Moscova Milan Hotel, followed by the Avani Rio Novo Venice Hotel in the summer. Later in the year, Avani will debut in Germany, and 2024 will see the brand enter the Netherlands.

Minor Hotels is also preparing to introduce Avani in Latin America where two additions are planned for later this year in Mexico and Colombia. 

London’s Iconic Wolseley Pops Up in Bangkok with Grand European Flair

The Wolseley Hospitality Group, owner and operator of some of London’s best-loved restaurants including the famed The Wolseley on Piccadilly and The Delaunay in Aldwych, is bringing its distinguished European fare to Bangkok for a limited time.  

From 18 April 2023, Café Wolseley, the group’s first international venture and a reference to its London flagship, will delight Bangkok gastronomes and foodies in European grand café tradition when it opens at Madison Restaurant at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel for three months.

The restaurant combines British heritage with European grandeur and serves Wolseley classics together with contemporary additions.  Diners can expect a menu brimming with quintessential European classics from Dressed Dorset Crab with brown crab mayonnaise and lemon; to The Wolseley’s Coq au Vin of red wine braised chicken with pancetta, pearl onions and button mushrooms; and Crème Brûlée, a Muscovado caramelised set vanilla custard.

Starter highlights include Petit Plateau de Fruits de Mer, a selection of oysters and shellfish from Rungis Market in Paris served on crushed ice with lemon and shallot vinegar; Steak Tartare, a hand chopped rump steak with a spicy relish, cornichons, and capers; and Escargots à la Bourguignonne, escargots in the shell with garlic and parsley butter, finished with Pernod.

A Wolseley menu staple of egg dishes include Omelette Arnold Bennett, a parmesan glazed flat omelette with smoked haddock and cream; and Soufflé Suisse, a twice cooked cheese soufflé with mushroom and parmesan cream sauce and chives.

The main course dishes feature classics from France to England and from Germany to Hungary: Fillets of Lemon Sole Grenobloise, a pan roasted salmon fillet with wilted spinach and Nantua sauce; Whole Native Lobster, a steamed whole English lobster with sea vegetables, parsley butter and medium cut chips; Wiener Holstein, a pork schnitzel with a fried egg, anchovies and a lemon and caper butter; and Goulash and Spätzle, a diced beef casserole with pancetta, peppers, tomato and hot paprika, finished with sour cream and gherkins. 

Desserts are deliciously presented with classic Apple Strudel of spiced apples and dried fruits encased in filo pastry with a Calvados cream; Mixed Berry Pavlova, a light and chewy meringue filled with fresh seasonal berries with a strawberry compote, strawberry purée, and whipped cream; and Coupe Lucian of decadent pistachio, hazelnut and almond nougatine ice creams, whipped cream, and butterscotch sauce.

A fixed price menu of two or three courses with choices is also available.  In the restaurant’s private dining room, groups of up to eighteen diners can sample a five-course private menu of Classic Wolseley Canapés; Prawn and Avocado Cocktail; Heritage Beetroot Salad; Roast Anjou Chicken with Morels; and Baked Vanilla Cheesecake.

The restaurant’s cocktail menu takes its cue from some of Café Wolseley’s favourites, with an added playful twist, including the Mai O’ Mai Tai of light rum, aged Jamaican rum, lime juice, pistachio orgeat, milk and orange Curaçao; and Whiskey Velvet with Rye whiskey, lemon juice, milk liqueur, and egg white.

Café Wolseley in Bangkok is helmed by chef David Stevens, Group Executive Chef at The Wolseley Hospitality Group and former Head Chef at The Wolseley in London. The native Australian’s illustrious culinary career began in Michelin-starred establishments including Fleur de Sel in England; Chateau de Montreuil in France; Dolder Grand in Switzerland; and moving to The Ivy in London before starting his own business, Proof is in the Pudding.  Stevens joined The Wolseley in London in 2013 as Head Pastry Chef before becoming Head Chef in 2017.

Café Wolseley is located in the Parichart Court at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel and is open from Monday to Saturday for lunch from 12.00pm to 2.30pm and Monday to Sunday for dinner from 6.00pm to 10.30pm. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Anantara Siam on telephone 02 431 9497 or email dining.asia@anantara.com.

Fortune Hotels launches Fortune Resort Kalimpong

A new haven of blissful comfort amidst nature, this is Fortune’s third property in the region after Kolkata and Durgapur 

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group proudly announces the opening of Fortune Resort Kalimpong, its newest property in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. The scenic resort set amidst picturesque locales, tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of city life, is a perfect blend of modern amenities and nature's tranquillity offering easy access to all popular tourist spots should the enigmatic wanderers wish to explore.

Fortune Resort Kalimpong boasts aesthetic, well-appointed rooms and suites with stunning views of Mt. Kanchendzonga. The contemporary decor of the rooms perfectly complements the beauty of nature that is embellished with a burst of flora and fauna of the region. The resort features an open-air swimming pool and a restful spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing.

Commenting on Fortune Hotels' growing footprint across India, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said, “Kalimpong is our conscious acknowledgement of the potential that this relatively unexplored quarter of the country holds for the travel and hospitality industry. We are committed to providing our guests with memorable experiences in this panoramic town by the Teesta River, endowed with a unique culture, colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and sprawling tea plantations. By bringing Kalimpong into our portfolio, we look forward to partaking in the growth and development of this enchanting corner of India.”

At the Fortune Resort Kalimpong, guests will discover a world of culinary wonders at the all-day diner, Zodiac, where a multi-cuisine menu featuring Indian, Chinese, Continental, and local delights can be savoured amongst breath-taking views of the Kanchendzonga mountain range. Whether it is a wholesome breakfast or an extensive a-la-carte menu, Zodiac's modish ambience and delectable menu are sure to satisfy tastebuds. The chic bar, Neptune, invites you to unwind and enjoy relaxed evenings in a vibrant setting. Its impressive selection of spirits and heady beverages paired with caringly crafted finger foods is sure to keep you company.

Fortune Resort Kalimpong also makes for an ideal venue for corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. The hotel features a modern banquet hall and a lush green lawn space that can accommodate up to 600 guests. The hotel's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated team, lip-smacking gourmet options, and tailor-made services ensure that every event is a success.

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Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa Earns Three Prestigious Nominations at World Travel Awards 2023

Nestled in the pristine northern Haa Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is the epitome of a luxury island sanctuary. This opulent all-suite resort is designed to cater to the discerning traveller who craves authentic luxury and utmost seclusion. 

This year has been an exciting time for the resort as it has received three prestigious nominations from the industry renowned World Travel Awards. Hideaway is proud to be in the running for the titles of Maldives Leading Honeymoon Resort 2023, Maldives Leading Beach Resort 2023, and Maldives Leading Luxury Island Resort 2023. These nominations are a testament to the resort's commitment to providing exceptional experiences for its guests.

These prestigious nominations come at a time when the resort has also just embarked on a thrilling journey, in introducing the ‘The Signature Collection at Hideaway’. A collection of ultra luxury residences built on the northern point of the island, away from the rest of the secluded villas, these epic residences are in a class of their own. Designed in absolute luxury, these spacious, multi-room residences come with special privileges adding to the already sophisticated package – a holiday fit for royalty. 

At Hideaway, sustainability is a core value that shapes everything. Our commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment, but also enhances the guest experience, ensuring that every stay is memorable.

One of the highlights at Hideaway is the exquisite dining options. With a range of cuisines to choose from, including Asian Fusion and Mediterranean, there's something to please every palate. Indulge in a private beachfront dinner for two or savour the flavours of the Maldives at our world-class restaurants. Vastly talented Chefs who use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and sustainable. 

This idyllic island is the perfect retreat for honeymooners and couples seeking a blend of seclusion and adventure. With a select number of exclusive villas and residences nestled among lush vegetation and expansive beaches in the large private island, every guest is guaranteed privacy and tranquillity. Unwind in your own little piece of paradise, with the sounds of the ocean and the scent of tropical blooms as your backdrop.

In addition, the resort offers enchanting experiences for couples seeking romance. These include renewing vows on immaculate beaches, savouring candlelit beachside dinners, and indulging in exclusive getaways to a private island, reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe's tale. Just envision spending an entire day with your beloved on a serene private island, creating treasured memories and exploring together. At Hideaway, the team will go above and beyond to help create unparalleled once-in-a-lifetime experiences for both of you.

At the resort, every member of the family deserves a memorable vacation. That is where the Tender Hearts Kids Club come in - a place where children can learn, play, and make new friends from around the world.

Educational activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity, and fun-filled games and events will keep the little ones entertained all day long. Whether they're splashing around in the pool or exploring the island's natural wonders, the memories will last a lifetime.

This special sanctuary under the northern Maldivian skies offers a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa – your little piece of heaven. 

Ingredient Ideology | Chatpata Chats on a Platter By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

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Chatpata Chats on a Platter Versatile and yummy Fare

Chaat is an umbrella term for a wide range of roadside foods that usually feature some kind of fried dough with various ingredients that typically create a spicy, tangy, or salty flavor, though some chaat is sweet. Chaat is also referred to as a family of savory snacks that originated in India, typically served as hors d'oeuvre or at roadside tracks from stalls or food carts across South Asia in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The different kinds of Chaat names from the collection are Aloo and Peas Chaat, Aloo Paneer Chaat, Sprouts Chaat, Raw Mango Chaat, Palak Chaat, Idli Chaat, Boondi Chaat, Cutlet Chaat, Oats Chaat, etc. There are almost more than 500 varieties of Chaat across the country in various states, cities, and smaller places as well. In India, “chaat” is a word that describes more than just a set of snacks: It's a way of life and a category of food that hits practically every element that makes something crave-able—sweet, sour, tangy, spicy, and crunchy.

The original chaat is a mixture of potato pieces, crisp fried bread dahi vada or dahi Bhalla, gram or chickpeas, and tangy-salty spices, with sour Indian chili and saunth (dried ginger and tamarind sauce), fresh green coriander leaves and yogurt for garnish, but other popular variants included alu tikki or samosa. There are those who say the word chaat originated from its literal meaning 'to lick'. It was so delicious that people licked their fingers and the bowl made of peepal leaves, called donas, in which it is often served. Others think it originated from the term chapati (tangy). However, no one truly knows the origin.

Though Chaats are prepared with a mixture of various ingredients yet, they are not so unhealthy to eat. But, there is Chaat like Aloo Tikki chaat and samosa chaat can be unhealthy, especially for people who are trying to lose weight. In short, Samosa Chaat is made when samosa is broken into bite-sized pieces and served with masala, chutney, and spices. Even though it's amazing street food, it can also be made at home. It's the perfect dish to experiment with because there are so many different sauces and spices to try it with.

Here are a few easy to toss- mix- assemble and relish options for a Sunday evening with Chaats:

Recipe-1] CHATPATA MAKKAI WALA CHAAT

Ingredients:

Oil-2 tsp

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chili-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomato- 1 small chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp. chopped

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Lime juice-1 tsp

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Red chili sauce-1 tsp

Aamchur powder-1/2 tsp

Imli chutney- 2-3 tsp

Flat papdis- 4-5 no

Nylon sev- 2-3 tbsp.

Fresh anardana- 2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. boil the American sweet corn until tender and keep aside.

2. prepare all the cutting- chopping of the ingredients as listed, keep it all chilled until used.

3. heat oil add ginger, chilies, corn and saute for a few seconds, add salt to taste, lime juice, chaat masala and all other sauces and flavourings.

4. add in the boiled corn, onions, tomatoes, mint, coriander leaves and give it all a nice mix. Add in boiled potato cubes as well for a little more volume in the chaat.

5. toss the chaat well just before serving and assemble it all on a serving plate and garnish with anardana, coriander, imli chutney and serve it chilled.

Recipe-2] KALA CHANA FIRANGI CHAAT.

Ingredients:

Oil- 2 tsp

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Green chilies -1 tsp chopped

Kala chana- 2 cups boiled

Boiled potatoes-1 cup peeled and diced

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Schezuan sauce- 2 tsp

Lime juice-2 tsp

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Onions-1 small chopped

Tomatoes-1 small chopped

Coriander-2 tbsp. chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Lightly toasted peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat masti mazaa for Sundays.

2. in a mixing bowl toss up together the ingredients for the chaat one by one, add

In seasonings to taste, sauces, chutneys and mix well.

3. add in the variety of veggies as per taste and give them all a nice mix.

4. add in a little cream cheese as well to balance the spice if needed.

5. garnish the chaat well with elements like sev, puries, coriander, chaat masalas and chutneys and offer them immediately garnish with toasted or roasted peanuts, mint, coriander and serve chilled.

Recipe- 3] MAKHANA MASTI CHAAT

Ingredients;

Makhanas- lotus seeds-1 cup

Oil-2 -3 tsp

Salt to taste

Black pepper- to taste

Lime juice-2 tsp

Peanut butter- 2-3 tbsp.

Boiled corn-1/2 cup

Boiled potatoes-1/2 cup diced

Cucumber-1/2 no peeled and cut

Tomatoes- ½ cup diced

Boiled chicken cubes- ½ cup

Sliced chicken sausages-1/2 cup

Tomato ketchup-2- 3 tsp

For more options on veggies:

Saute sliced zucchini

Sliced saute mushrooms

Sliced black and green olives

Fresh herbs/ parsley/ micro-greens

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat recipe as listed.

2. lightly toast the makhanas in oil on a medium flame and add a little salt and pepper into the makhanas and remove, allow to cool.

3. in a mixing bowl, combine together all the ingredients for the makhana chaat recipe. Start with the basic ones, add the sauces, and ingredients to flavor the makhanas. I personally also tried it with peanut butter with tomato ketchup, a dash of imli chutney, and mint- coriander.

4. add in the chutneys, and seasonings to taste and give it all a nice toss set the chaat into small bowls, add makhanas towards the end and sprinkle some more chaat elements onto the chaat bowls and serve it immediately.

5. for garnishing Chaats we can also use grapes, kiwi, berries, orange segments, cubed papaya etc can also be an option to be used in Chaats.

Recipe- 4] PAKODE WALI CHAAT

Ingredients:

Assorted pakoras- onion bhajiyas, potato bhajiyas, moong dal pakoras,

Mix veggie pakoras, paneer pakoras, boiled egg pakoras, chicken pakoras etc can be used.

Onions- ½ cup chopped

Tomatoes-1/2 cup chopped

Mint leaves- 8-10 no

Coriander leaves-2 tbsp. chopped

Peanut butter chutney-2-3 tbsp.

Red chili sauce-1-2 tsp

Garlic red chili chutney-2-3 tsp

Imli chutney- 2-3 tsp

Curd- ½ cup beaten.

Chaat masala-1/2 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/2 tsp

Lime juice- 2-3 tsp

Fresh fruits- pomegranate seeds or sliced dragon fruit.

Method:

1. to prepare the chaat elements, ensure all the ingredients are freshly cut and kept chilled.

2. choose between the pakorasas per choice and taste. Take 2-3 varieties of the pakorasfor this chaat recipe.

3. the chaat is to be assembled just before serving, we need to keep all the choices of toppings, chutneys, etc ready with us for this session.

4. the pakoras can be fried and assembled as chaat while they are a little warm as well similarly the moong dal pakoras can also be served while a little warm with toppings.

5. ensure the elements of the chaat are handy and ready to use once we start the assembly process. Add the toppings randomly on the pakoras, use squeeze-out bottles to remove out the assorted topping sauces, chutneys, etc on the chaat.

6. garnish the chaat with assorted garnishes from the classics to the creative ones and make it look nice, attractive and tempting.

Recipe- 5] PEANUT WALI KHASTA MAZAA CHAAT

Ingredients;

Peanuts- 1 and a half cups, boiled, fried/ roasted.

For non-veg- boiled/grilled/tandoori chicken sliced

For veg- paneer tikka- cut sliced/ cubes

For the chaat dressing:

Oil-1 tsp

Imli chutney-2-3 tbsp.

ginger juliennes-2-3 tsp

lime juice-2-3 tsp

mango pickle masala-2 tsp

tomato ketchup-2-3 tsp

raisins- 2-3 tsp

date puree-2-3 tsp

white vinegar-1 tsp

brown sugar-1- 2 tsp

mint and coriander- 2-3 tbsp.

onions- ½ cup chopped

tomatoes- ½ cup chopped

green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

chaat masala-1/2 tsp

salt and crushed pepper to taste

method:

1. prepare all the elements for the chaat and keep it all ready to toss.

2. choose between the veg and non-veg options for the chaat combination.

3. peanuts are a good choice to add into chaat and goes well with potatoes, boiled chana, 

Rajma, chauli etc.

4. assorted fruits like apples, pears, orange segments, ripe papaya cubes, grapes etc.

5. add in the assorted chutneys, sauces, and chaat ingredients as needed, and give it all a nice toss.

6. we can also use papdis, sev, bhujiya, crushed mathhri, and other crunchy stuff as well like soya sticks, namkeen chiwda etc can also add taste and volume into the chaat. Garnish and serve immediately.

Recipe- 6] RAJMA AUR KAIRI WALI CHAAT

Ingredients:

Boiled rajma- 2 cups

Boiled cubed potatoes- 1 cup

Onion-1/2 small chopped

Tomatoes- ½ cup chopped

Green chilies- 1 tsp chopped

Lime juice- 2 tsp

Chaat masala powder- ½ tsp

Kala namak- ½ tsp

Raw mango- ½ cup cut

Imli chutney-1/4 cup

Green chutney- ¼ cup

Tomato ketchup-1 tsp

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Flat papdi-1/2 cup

Nylon serv-1/2 cup

Assorted fruits-1/2 cup cut

For garnish- 

Assorted nuts

Assorted greens

Sliced dates

Method:

1. prepare all the ingredients for the chaat and ensure they are all cut and kept chilled.

2. boil the rajma and keep aside, boil potatoes and peel, cut into cubes and keep aside.

3. prepare all the other ingredients as well for the chaat and keep it handy.

4. fruits, garnishes, toppings, and options for veg and non-veg need to be checked.

5. just before serving the guest. We need to add everything from rajma to veggies and kairi into the mixing bowl and add 

Seasonings, chutneys, sauces as per taste and give it all a nice toss, and mix.

6. assemble the chaat into small glasses, mini portion bowls, etc and place colorful garnishes on the chaat and ensure it is looking fresh. Serve the chaat immediately and relish it.