The Role of AI in the Hospitality Industry by Dr. Shailendra K Rai

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the hospitality industry by enhancing guest experiences, streamlining operations, and driving profitability. From personalized services to predictive maintenance, AI is becoming a vital tool for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses. Here’s a look at how AI is revolutionizing this sector.

1. Enhancing Guest Experiences

Personalized Recommendations: AI algorithms analyze guest preferences and behaviors to offer personalized recommendations for dining, activities, and services. For example, AI can suggest a specific type of cuisine based on a guest's past dining choices or recommend nearby attractions.

Virtual Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants like chatbots and voice-activated devices are available 24/7 to assist guests with inquiries, bookings, and service requests. These assistants can handle a wide range of tasks, from room service orders to providing local information, thereby improving the guest experience and freeing up staff for more complex tasks.

Sentiment Analysis: AI tools can analyze guest reviews and social media mentions to gauge sentiment and identify areas for improvement. This real-time feedback allows hotels to address issues promptly and enhance overall guest satisfaction.

2. Streamlining Operations

Efficient Booking Systems: AI enhances the booking process through dynamic pricing, availability management, and personalized booking experiences. AI-driven systems can adjust prices in real-time based on demand, competition, and other factors, ensuring optimal occupancy rates and revenue.

Housekeeping and Maintenance: Predictive maintenance powered by AI can foresee when equipment or infrastructure might fail, allowing for proactive repairs. This minimizes downtime and reduces the likelihood of service disruptions. AI can also optimize housekeeping schedules based on guest check-ins and check-outs, ensuring rooms are ready promptly.

Inventory Management: AI algorithms help manage inventory by predicting demand for food, beverages, and other supplies. This reduces waste, ensures availability, and helps in maintaining cost-effective operations.

3. Driving Profitability

Revenue Management: AI-driven revenue management systems analyze vast amounts of data to forecast demand and set optimal room rates. These systems consider various factors, including booking patterns, local events, and market conditions, to maximize revenue.

Marketing and Sales: AI can segment customers based on their preferences and behaviors, allowing for targeted marketing campaigns. Predictive analytics help in identifying potential high-value customers and tailoring offers to them, thus boosting sales and loyalty.

Staff Management: AI optimizes staff scheduling based on predicted occupancy rates and guest needs. This ensures that the right number of staff is available at the right time, enhancing efficiency and reducing labor costs.

4. Future Trends

Robotics: The use of robots in hospitality is on the rise, with robots performing tasks such as room service delivery, cleaning, and concierge services. These robots can work around the clock and handle repetitive tasks, allowing human staff to focus on more personalized guest interactions.

Facial Recognition: AI-powered facial recognition technology is being used for seamless check-ins, security, and personalized services. This technology can identify guests as they arrive, streamlining the check-in process and providing a personalized welcome.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AI, combined with AR and VR, can offer immersive experiences to guests. For instance, guests can take virtual tours of hotel rooms before booking or experience local attractions virtually, enhancing their overall experience.

Conclusion

AI is rapidly becoming an indispensable tool in the hospitality industry, driving innovation and efficiency. By leveraging AI, hospitality businesses can provide personalized guest experiences, optimize operations, and increase profitability. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of AI in hospitality will only grow, further transforming the way this industry operates and serves its guests.

Author:

Dr. Shailendra K Rai,

Associate Professor, Hotel Management, Jaipur National University, Rajasthan

EXPERT OPINION | Why should students pursue education and hospitality despite the recent dip in the industry? by Shivani Arora

Fundamentally, hospitality revolves around human connection. The Latin word hospitalitis, which describes the relationship between a guest and a host, is actually where the word hospitality originated, and its importance in both business and education has only grown.

While the past year was tough for all industries alike, the way hospitality industry operates, and education is imparted, has been reshaped. There's never been a better moment to seize the opportunity and join an industry poised to enter the next major stage of development.

All other industries are inextricably linked to the hospitality sector. It's critical to comprehend the skills that students who seek hospitality education will acquire before I respond to your questions about why they should. As I frequently emphasize, hospitality management is a humane approach to conventional business education. And that's precisely what sets this course apart from others, along with the chances it offers.

Contrary to popular belief, a degree in hospitality provides doors for employment in nearly every field. The hospitality industry is not just about hotels and restaurants. Students are well equipped to work in industries like travel and tourism, banking & finance, real estate, consulting, luxury lifestyle & retail, event management and so many more.

In fact, a lot of students decide to go on and become successful entrepreneurs in their chosen field of interest. The unique quality of hospitality education is in its emphasis on human capital. This course is unique because of the ‘transferrable skills’ that students acquire, even though the curriculum includes modules on finance, marketing, economics, human resource management, strategy, law & ethics, entrepreneurship, and other business essentials.

These are skills and traits that stay with students throughout their professional and personal lives, and across industries, no matter what career path they opt for. In fact, according to predictions made by the majority of business periodicals, candidates will stand out for their soft skills, which include problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.

Given a choice between two equally eligible candidates, recruiters are always going to choose an employee which ranks higher on soft skills and emotional intelligence. These transferrable skills are a great asset to one's current skill set and have a significant impact on one's career path. Real-world learning is a significant advantage of a hospitality education. The theoretical as well as the practical aspects of learning are stressed equally.

With the help of case studies, industry narratives, and historical and contemporary organizational models, students can apply theory to real-world situations through this type of industry immersion.

In order to create space for a better, more sustainable, and more productive tomorrow, they are taking lessons from the past. Although there are many opportunities in education, it's also critical that students arrive prepared and with the appropriate attitude.

Individuals that possess creativity, the ability to think and act unconventionally, or a strong desire to become tomorrow's leaders are ideal candidates for this kind of training. I would argue that, as the consumer-industry ecosystem develops, the importance of the service has surpassed that of the product. People are found wherever there is experience, and there is a dramatic change occurring worldwide from products to experiences.

Additionally, education has a lasting value since, in situations when others are having difficulty, hospitality advances thanks to transferable skills that accumulate over time. What will the job market be like in five or ten years? Nobody knows for sure. What we do know is that some skills particularly in industries like hospitality where human interaction is the Unique selling proposition, will remain in high demand, while others will become obselete.

---

Shivani Arora is an enthusiastic and dedicated professional with a Master’s in Travel Tourism Management from the University of Mumbai and a Bachelor's in Hospitality Studies from Sheila Raheja Institute of Hotel Management. With experience at Thomas Cook India, Travelxp TV, Iris Representations, Sutherland Global Services, and Trident Hotels, she now excels in academia, training postgraduate and undergraduate students. Passionate about molding students into industry-ready professionals, Shivani fosters intellectual curiosity and confidence for lifelong learning.

linkedin

---

Elevating Celebrations: Unveiling Opulent Wedding Trends and Exclusive Offerings with Mr. Namit Vijh, Cluster General Manager for Rajasthan & Agra

In anticipation of the forthcoming wedding season, Mr. Namit Vijh, the esteemed Cluster General Manager for Rajasthan & Agra with Radisson Hotel Group and General Manager of Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar, unveils exciting developments and trends in the world of luxury weddings.

As the Indian economy demonstrates robust recovery post-pandemic, discerning couples are poised to elevate their special day into an unparalleled, unforgettable experience, reflecting an upswing in spending capacity. Reflecting contemporary preferences, weddings are witnessing a shift towards personalised arrangements, where couples endeavour to infuse their unique personalities into every facet of their celebration.

The hospitality sector anticipates a substantial surge in wedding bookings, projecting a growth rate of 20 - 30 percent for the upcoming season. Hotels, ranging from affordable to luxury establishments, strategically position themselves to cater to the flourishing wedding industry. Banqueting services emerge as a significant revenue stream, drawing keen interest from investors for its promising potential.

Gurugram is swiftly emerging as the preferred destination for opulent weddings. The city’s unique fusion of modern amenities, accessibility, and cultural richness positions it as an ideal choice for couples seeking an extravagant celebration.

As a flagship property within the Radisson Hotel Group, Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar, The property features a sprawling 35,000 sq ft event space, making it an ideal choice for hosting social and corporate events of any scale. With 5 outstanding venues for weddings - Lawn, Poolside, Lotus, Jasmine, and Rose, along with a restaurant, a bar, and 200 inventory rooms, it offers the perfect blend of traditional and contemporary hospitality. The commitment to providing diverse and exceptional experiences extends further with the inclusion of a unique Smash Gaming Zone and an exclusive Tattva Spa, ensuring that guests can enjoy not only luxurious accommodations but also immersive entertainment and relaxation during their stay. Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar, stands as a benchmark for unparalleled service and sophistication in the hospitality landscape.

Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar has meticulously revamped its banqueting facilities, ensuring they align with the evolving needs of modern weddings. Our updated and modernized banquet halls provide the ideal canvas for crafting memorable moments. Acknowledging the significance of a delightful culinary experience during weddings,

Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar is committed to curating a gastronomical journey that seamlessly complements the overall theme of the celebration. Our offerings span from traditional Indian cuisine to international delicacies.

In a bid to elevate the dining experience, Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar has invested in cutting-edge technology. Guests can indulge in live food counters, interactive food displays, and digital menu cards, ensuring a seamless and delightful culinary journey.

Mr. Namit Vijh and the distinguished team at Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar are dedicated to crafting unique and unforgettable weddings. Whether an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our team of experts collaborates closely with couples to bring their distinctive vision to life.

Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar extends a gracious invitation to those seeking the perfect venue to host their wedding. With an unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled experience, we invite couples to explore our offerings and transform their wedding into an exquisite and magical affair.

In the dynamic landscape of Indian weddings, Mr. Namit Vijh and Radisson Gurugram, Udyog Vihar, stand prepared to orchestrate an extraordinary and memorable wedding experience.

Employee Learning And Development: The Secret Sauce Of Success In The Hotel Industry by Saurabh Pande, Master Trainer & Facilitator

In the ever-evolving world of the hotel industry, the secret recipe for an organization's success is deeply anchored in the talents and skills of its workforce. Yet, this secret recipe may lose its magic when the importance of comprehensive employee Learning and Development is overlooked by key executives and supervisors. Often underestimated, this element of professional development is a game-changer in the industry. The Association for Talent Development's 2023 study brings to light a startling revelation, indicating that hotel establishments offering comprehensive Learning and Development programs enjoy an overwhelming 218% higher income per employee than those that do not.

However, on the other side of this encouraging statistic is a concerning insight from a Gallup survey: 70% of employees do not feel they have mastered the skills required for their roles. This stark contrast between the potential and reality of employee Learning and Development in the hotel industry paints a vivid picture. In this thought-provoking article, we focus particularly on India's hotel industry to delve deep into the heart of this issue. We aim to explore the intricate challenges arising from inadequate Learning and Development and examine the sweeping impact such shortcomings can have on team performance.

1. The Keystone of Success: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) act as the cornerstone of success in the hotel industry. They provide a methodical approach for efficient and uniform operations. SOPs ensure clarity, reduce errors, and promote teamwork, thereby forming a robust foundation for achieving organizational goals. However, a lack of clear SOPs can lead to confusion and inaccuracies, which can negatively impact the service quality in hotels. An effective SOP provides employees with a reference to the most common and vital tasks, procedures, and practices within the hotel. It is an invaluable tool for the Learning and Development of new employees and reinforcing protocols among existing staff.

2. The Downward Spiral: Inadequate Learning & Development

Inadequate Learning and Development can trigger a 'domino effect', where one event sets off a series of subsequent unfavorable incidents, leading to a decline in team performance. This is especially true in the hotel industry where high standards of service are expected. The remedy is clear - hospitality establishments must invest in comprehensive, high-quality Learning and Development to bridge the skills gap and boost productivity. Effective Learning and Development equips employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles efficiently and deliver high-quality service to guests.

3. The Silent Adversaries: Complacency and Miscommunication

Complacency and miscommunication, if not addressed, can subtly undermine team performance in the hotel industry. Complacency can set in when employees feel their growth and learning have stagnated, while miscommunication can lead to errors and coordination problems. To counter these issues, it's essential to provide growth opportunities and maintain transparent communication channels to keep employees engaged and motivated. Regular Learning and Development programs and workshops can help employees upgrade their skills and stay updated with industry trends.

4. The Crucial Intersection: Impact on Team Performance

Inadequate Learning and Development harms team performance, resulting in decreased efficiency, complacency, and miscommunication. This is particularly significant in the hotel industry where team performance directly impacts guest satisfaction. Therefore, organizations must invest in comprehensive Learning and Development to foster growth, engagement, and effective communication within teams. A well-trained team can significantly enhance guest satisfaction, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth advertising for the hotel.

In concluding our exploration, it is abundantly clear that addressing the often-hidden consequences of inadequate employee Learning and Development is not just important, but critical for the long-term success of any hotel establishment. The key to unlocking a multitude of benefits is acknowledging these challenges and making a firm commitment to invest in comprehensive Learning and Development solutions. These investments can bolster efficiency, improve quality assurance, reinforce safety protocols, and yield significant returns on investment. By nurturing a culture of continuous professional growth, hotel establishments can help unlock their workforce's full potential. However, the benefits of employee Learning & Development and development extend beyond the employees and the organization. This proactive approach greatly enhances the experience and satisfaction of the guests, contributing to the overall success of the hospitality industry. In essence, by investing in our employees, we are investing in the very heart of our establishments, setting the stage for a journey toward unparalleled success in the exciting world of hospitality.

---

About The Author

Saurabh Pande

Hotelier

Master Trainer & Facilitator

Certified Learning & Development Manager

Saurabh Pande, hailing from the charming city of Lucknow, is a passionate hotelier boasting an impressive 20+ years of experience under his belt. With a decade each spent mastering the art of F&B Service and Learning & Development, he has emerged as a dynamic Master Trainer and Facilitator. As a Certified Learning & Development Manager, Saurabh's diverse interests include reading, writing, and singing. Forever fuelled by curiosity, he loves exploring new avenues and delving into the hidden depths of his interests.

Linkedin Profile Link

HARNESSING THE K.A.S.H. MODEL Empower Employee to Enhance Revenue, & Guest Experience in Indian Hotel Industry

It's a pivotal moment in the history of the Indian hotel industry. As we navigate past the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we're stepping into a time of extraordinary growth and transformation, where the industry is ripe with opportunities for innovation and advancement. In the present scenario even if we talk about the mid-budget segment; then major players like OYO have witnessed an impressive surge in revenue, reaching 47.8 billion INR in 2022[1]. Furthermore, the sector is poised for expansion at a growth rate of 8.28% from 2023 to 2027[2], with market volume predicted to reach approximately US$10.53 billion or ₹774.95 billion [3].

However, certain challenges need to be addressed urgently, including high employee turnover rates and a declining intake in hotel management colleges. The annual turnover rate in the hotel industry stood at a staggering 74.9% in 2018[4], highlighting the dire need for an effective training model. Over the past four years, data shows that a mere 77% of students graduating from hotel management and catering colleges were boys [8].

Additionally, statistics indicate significant skill gaps in hotel management and food production [11]. According to a Ministry of Tourism study, there was a shortfall of 2.6 million skilled personnel in 2018; this is expected to reach 1.1 million by 2025[6]. The hospitality sector still faces an overall shortage of quality manpower ranging between 20-25% [10].

Industry executives, managers, and professionals must take these challenges head-on by adopting innovative models like K.A.S.H (Knowledge, Attitude, Skills, and Habits) for holistic employee development. This approach emphasizes four crucial pillars:

• Knowledge: Comprising approximately 25% of employee development, this includes grasping industry norms and operations—like knowing how to manage reservations or handle guest complaints.

• Attitude: Contributing an estimated 30% towards employee development, it emphasizes the need for a positive service-oriented attitude crucial to enhancing guest experiences - for instance, greeting guests warmly and handling requests graciously.

• Skills: Equating to about 25% of employee development, this aspect forms the groundwork for efficient hotel operations. Skills can be identified like adeptly managing the front desk or swiftly resolving maintenance issues.

• Habits: Accounting for nearly 20% of employee development, it focuses on good practices like punctuality, cleanliness, and protocol adherence—like punctually showing up for shifts and maintaining spotless guest rooms.

Although we lack specific post-COVID statistics for India, it is reasonable to infer that the pandemic has exacerbated these challenges. The K.A.S.H Model has been acknowledged as a key framework in various sectors, including financial services and sales [12]. Its comprehensive approach aligns with the hospitality industry's demands, where knowledge, attitude, skills, and habits play a critical role in success.

The Indian hotel industry has always underlined the significance of K.A.S.H. in enhancing employee satisfaction, improving service quality, and reducing turnover rates. However, a strategically focused model is currently more vital than ever before. To maintain our competitive edge and deliver world- class services that meet international standards while preserving India's unique hospitality charm, a robust K.A.S.H Model implementation is indispensable.

In conclusion, the K.A.S.H Model goes beyond being a mere training model; it is a blueprint for success and a guide to revolutionizing industry operations. As we continue to evolve in this dynamic sector, it is imperative to adopt models like K.A.S.H to ensure competitiveness, top-notch service quality, and enhanced customer experiences. Industry professionals must recognize that investing time and effort into implementing this model will not only help us survive but truly thrive in the Indian hotel industry.

REFERENCES

[1]: Statista. (2022). Hotel industry in India - statistics & facts. (https://www.statista.com/topics/7790/hotel-industry-in-india/

[2]: Statista. (2023). Market volume of the hotel industry in India from 2018 to 2027. https://www.statista.com/outlook/mmo/travel-tourism/hotels/india

[3]: Skift. (2023). Hotel sector could add 1 trillion to economy by 2047. https://skift.com/2023/08/21/skift-india-report-hotel-sector-could-add-1-trillion-to-economy-by-2047/

[4]: IHM Ahmedabad (2020). Journal Index http://ihmahmedabad.com/download/others/Journal%20Index_2020/A7.pdf

[5]: Mordor Intelligence. (2021). Hospitality Industry in India. https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/hospitality-industry-in-india

[6]: HVS. (2023). Indian hospitality sector skill shortage to hinder recovery and growth. https://www.hvs.com/article/9274-hvs-monday-musings-indian-hospitality-sector-skill-shortage-to-hinder-recovery-and-growth

[7]: Live Mint. (2024). Hotel industry to contribute 1.5 tn to GDP by 2047.https://www.livemint.com/industry/infrastructure/hotel-industry-to-contribute-1-5-tn-to-gdp-by-2047-11692120793671.html

[8]: Times of India. (2021). Boys dominate enrolment chart in hotel management, catering.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/boys-dominate-enrolment-chart-in-hotel-management-catering/articleshow/65370839.cms

[9]: Pal Arch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology. (2020). Quality of Hotel Management Education in India. https://archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/download/9949/9146/19488

[10]: Financial Express. (2021). Manpower shortage big challenge for hospitality sector. https://www.financialexpress.com/business/industry-manpower-shortage-big-challenge-for-hospitality-sector-sarovar-hotels-md-2604646/

[11]: Travel Daily Media. (2022). HRAWI focuses on shortage of talent in the hospitality industry. https://www.traveldailymedia.com/hrawi-focuses-on-shortage-of-talent-in-the-hospitality-industry/

[12]: NAPA Benefits. (2020). The K.A.S.H. Formula for Sales Success. https://www.napa-benefits.org/business-development/the-K.A.S.H.-formula-for-sales-success

---

SAURABH PANDE

EXPLORER

MASTER TRAINER AND FACILITATOR

CERTIFIED LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

Saurabh Pande, hailing from Lucknow - the charming city of Nawab’s & Kebab’s; is a passionate hotelier carrying an impressive 20+ years of experience under his belt. With a decade each spent mastering the art of F & B Service, and Learning & Development, he has emerged as a dynamic Hotelier, Certified Master Trainer and Facilitator, and Certified Learning and Development Manager.

Saurabh's diverse interests include reading, penning thoughts, and singing. Forever fuelled by curiosity, he loves exploring new avenues and delving into the hidden depths of topics that interests him.

Saurabh Pande’s Linkedin

---

Trainer Tip: PPPP by Annepaul Vemagiri

Trainer Tip: PPPP.

But before that, here is your task of the day.

• Take a Piece of Paper and Paint a P covering the entire sheet.

• Take a Pause and look at your P

• Pick a name that starts with P

• Write 4 Praises for the Person whose name you wrote

My P – Pooja

1.      Pooja you are a superwoman

2.      Pooja you always carry a smile on your face.

3.      Pooja passion towards your work is pure.

4.      I am glad we are friends

Have you got a clue of a Trainer's PPPP ?

If yes, well done! If not, here we go  

PPPP is a technique used by Trainers before, during or end of the training session to test knowledge and to check learning progress while engaging your learners in a classroom or an online session.

Here are the 4 PPPPs in the sequence of their usage

1.      P – POSE A QUESTION

2.      P – PAUSE

3.      P – PICK A NAME

4.      P – PRAISE

1P – Pose a Question

As a trainer we all know that asking questions is one powerful technique that every trainer must use. It is from the list of must have’s.

There are 2 types of questioning and they are Open ended and Closed ended. Both can be used as and when required but the sequence of questioning to test knowledge and learning progress while holding attention of all the attendees at the same time has a trick. Firstly, pose a question towards your learners with your eyes looking around. This would put everyone at attention as they do not know who must answer the question.

While you ask your question, keep your voice loud and clear to be audible to all in the room. Making eye contact is a must, this ensures two things – Get everyone’s attention and also helps you to gauge who could be knowing the answer. The idea is not to embarrass but to encourage participation during the training session.

2P – Pause

Post posing your question, look around, glancing over each one while taking a pause. The pause is to make sure everyone is listening to you. Incase, you notice someone has still not heard you. You may give them time to ask you to repeat.

3P – Pick a name

Out of all the learners sitting in the room, you must pick a name of the person you want to answer your question. Ensure to keep changing the names instead of picking up the same person all the time.

4P – Praise the person

Once you get the right answer, learn to praise. Praise can be in one word like "Bravo", "Superb", "Brilliant" or a phrase like, " that's the right answer". You may also ask everyone in the room to clap for the person. This would also create attention and participation. This also fills your session with good energy. Praise the person and confirm that the answer is right.

As Trainers, you must be able to gauge who has the right answer to avoid embarrassment. To involve all levels of learners, keep a bank of all levels of questions meaning easy to difficult ones so that you can ask as many questions as possible. Make note that you have balanced equally to all.

About The Author

Annepaul Vemagiri

Winner - Asian Education Awards 2023 & Academic Excellence Award for Extraordinary Service & Contribution to Teaching

Busting Whiskey Myths On World Whiskey Day

MYTH 1: WHISKEY IS A ‘MAN'S DRINK’

The old stereotype that whiskey is a drink solely for men, enjoyed in exclusive cigar clubs is outdated and untrue. Today, the liquid is appreciated as a gender-neutral beverage that can be savoured by anyone who values its rich and complex flavours.

MYTH 2: THE BEST WAY TO CONSUME WHISKEY IS NEAT

While it's true that some patrons prefer to enjoy their whiskey neat or on the rocks, it's a common myth that this is the only way to consume it. In fact, many premium whiskeys, like Magnum Double Barrel Whiskey, are designed with a versatile flavor profile that makes them ideal for mixing in cocktails. Experimenting with different mixers and creating your own signature cocktail is also a fun and exciting way to explore the category basis individual tastes and preferences.

MYTH 3: BLENDED WHISKEY’S ARE NOT AS REFINED  

The age-old question of whether blended whiskey can measure up to pure blends has been a subject of much debate. However, the truth is that creating the perfect blend of whiskeys is more of an art than a science. Blended whiskey, when done right, can satisfy even the most discerning palates, and provide an unparalleled, flavourful drinking experience.

MYTH 4: COCKTAILS ARE BEST MADE WITH WHITE LIQUOR AS THE BASE

The notion that cocktails are only made with white liquor as the base is a common misconception. Whiskey, with its complex and nuanced flavor profile, can be an excellent base for cocktails too. The key to making a great whiskey cocktail is to find the right mixers that can enhance its unique flavors. For instance, lemon juice adds a citrusy tang to whiskey in a Whiskey Sour, coffee can also be used as a mixer in classic cocktails like the Irish Coffee, where hot coffee is combined with whiskey, sugar and a layer of whipped cream on top.

MYTH 5: WHISKEY IS A WINTER DRINK

Despite popular belief, whiskey is not just a winter drink. In fact, whiskey can be the perfect summer drink as well. Whiskey Sour, Bourbon Peach Tea, Irish Coffee Milkshake or a simple Whiskey Lemonade are perfect for a hot summer evening or a weekend BBQ party.

MYTH 6: ALL WHISKEYS TASTE THE SAME

It's a common misconception that all whiskeys taste the same. Each has it’s own set of complexities, unique notes that when tasted neat or mixed with the right mixer can come to life and make for a great drink.  

In conclusion, don't let myths about whiskey being a man's drink or tasting the same stop you from trying the golden liquid. Experiment with mixing it and create your own signature drink. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or mixed with your favourite chaser - have it, the way you like it.

NEWS | Decrease in Covid-19 cases is the new key to revive and evolve business: TAAI President

According to the aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), domestic airlines flew 8.99 million passengers last month, as against 5.27 million in October 2020. The number of passengers who flew on domestic carriers in October 2021 increased by more than 70 per cent over the corresponding figures during the same period last year.

Commenting on the development, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) expressed her gratitude to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia and the DGCA for working tirelessly in the direction and allowing airlines to operate services at full capacity from last month.

TAAI has been linked with various airlines, travel agents and tour operators at the grass root level for making travel hassle free keeping in mind all the safety measures and guidelines released by the Government of India and various state governments for providing an easy passage for intra-state travel.

Welcoming this news and congratulating the authorities, the TAAI President said “Our association has always been an active participant and such good passenger statistics will work as a morale booster for the travel trade. For several months, air carriers operated under various restrictions which refrained people from travelling thus not doing any good to the business post Covid. Now with the services operating at full capacity there is a huge hike in travellers which is a good sign.”

She further added, “Reversing an order which came into effect in April this year, during the second wave of the Covid pandemic, meals can now be allowed on flights with a journey time of less than two hours. This will further enhance the travel experience.

Thoughts | THERE ARE NO FRIENDS IN BUSINESS by Rajeev Thakur, Director, Grassik Search