Food data Intelligence Software NutriCal launches in the UAE

NutriCal, a Food Data Intelligence Software, has launched in the region with the aim to equip businesses with the information they can use to attract and retain customers.

NutriCal can be integrated by restaurants, cloud kitchens, food delivery companies, aggregators, food manufacturers, and brands. 

The system has data and intelligence of over 25,000 ingredients from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other international databases

For More Information Click Below :

www.hotelnewsme.com/news/food-data-intelligence-software-nutrical-launches-in-the-uae/

"66% believe that COVID-19 will fundamentally change how they operate in the future"

ICCA is the global association leader for the international meetings industry and specializes in the international association meetings sector, offering unrivaled data, education, communication channels, and business development and networking opportunities.

Research conducted by ICCA during May 2020, in collaboration with AfSAE, APFAO, and ESAE examined the post-COVID-19 strategies and plans of almost two hundred associations around the world.

ICCA research makes it clear the partnerships between suppliers and associations have become more important than ever, and this is exactly what we are facilitating in our global community of suppliers and associations. 

For More Information Click below :

hospitality-on.com/en/mice/66-believe-covid-19-will-fundamentally-change-how-they-operate-future

The Ascott Limited Becomes First Service Residence Operator To Sign Global Agreement With Bureau Veritas

CapitaLand’s wholly-owned lodging business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has entered into a global agreement with a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification, Bureau Veritas to certify the hygiene and safety standards of its properties worldwide. As the first serviced residence owner-operator to enter into such an agreement, Ascott has embarked on the project as part of its ‘Ascott Cares’ program, which focuses on nine commitments to continue providing safe homes for its staff and guests.

Our guests can continue working remotely with maximum peace of mind and leave it to Ascott to provide an environment that is not only comfortable but also clean, secure, and safe.

Ascott in India recently launched ‘Sheen – Fabric Care’, its minimum-contact, professional fabric care services.

For More Information Click Below:

file:///C:/Users/WELCOME/Downloads/News%20release_ASCOTT%20PARTNERS%20WITH%20BUREAU%20VERITAS.pdf

Tourism and Hospitality sector seeking 680-million dollar aid package from province

According to the Tourism Association of BC, over 100-thousand jobs in the sector have been temporarily or permanently lost due to the pandemic.

The sector is seeking a 680-million dollar stimulus recovery package from the BC Government.

Chairperson, Vivek Sharma told Vista Radio businesses are facing some increased costs after re-opening.

“Any businesses that have re-opened has had to do at a significant cost to change the way they do business bringing in barriers, personal protective equipment, and implementing ways of doing contactless operations, all of that comes at a cost.”

Sharma added several businesses have been ravaged because of COVID-19.

“Ten percent of our restaurants have closed permanently and another 50% are expected to close if they don’t get any assistance. Hotel occupancy has been down about 65% for June over previous years.”

“We need to get strategic on how we aid industry now and when we came up with this amount we broke it down into three categories so that we know how the aid is required.”

The three components are:

A Working Capital Recovery Grant ($475 million) to help sustain and maintain solvency for businesses that have prospects to return to profitability in the medium term (i.e. 18 months). This could include the provision of low or no-interest loans with an extended payback period. As the timing and magnitude of out-of-province visitors are uncertain, the immediate priority would be to sustain businesses that normally rely on these visitors and generate significant revenues for the visitor economy, as well as businesses that play central roles in attracting visitors to a community or a region.

Support for Adaptation Costs ($190 million) that would provide funds to help businesses adapt their operations to the health and safety requirements of COVID-19 and protect their workforce, visitors, residents, and local communities; and develop innovative ways of delivering tourism experiences to augment and accelerate recovery.

Support for Developing Resilient, B.C.-focused Supply Chains ($15 million). The goal would be to support industry subsectors (accommodation, attractions, transportation, food services, and retail) refocus their supply chains and forge new relationships with B.C. suppliers, to create supply chains that will not only promote recovery over the next 18 months but also contribute to the industry’s resilience going forward.

Destination BC’s projection for this year is a 69% decline in tourism revenue from the $20.4 billion generated in 2018 to $6.7 billion in 2020.

‘Dubai Assured’ recognizes establishments complying with health and safety protocols

Dubai has launched a compliance program to certify and recognize hotels and retail establishments, F&B outlets, and attractions that have implemented all public health protocols for the prevention and management of COVID-19. 

The initiative is part of efforts to showcase Dubai as one of the world’s safest destinations as it continues to receive tourists following the city’s reopening to international visitors on 7 July.

A verification and validation process has been established in collaboration with the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Department of Economic Development (Dubai Economy) and Dubai Municipality for issuing the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp to the hotel and retail establishments, F&B outlets and tourist attractions that have complied with health and safety guidelines issued in accordance with the preventive protocols outlined by Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management.

The specially designed ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp, to be issued free of charge, will have a validity of 15 days. It can be renewed every two weeks upon further verification by inspectors from the relevant authorities. With the reopening of many public and private facilities and amenities, including beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, swimming pools, and golf courses, and the resumption of popular activities like water sports and camping, the ‘Dubai Assured’ program will cover all key tourism touchpoints across the city. Over 1,000 establishments have already been inspected for compliance with relevant guidelines, as part of the program, making them eligible to receive the ‘Dubai Assured’ stamp.

The stamp is a visual mark reassuring guests that safety and hygiene measures prescribed by the authorities have been complied with across all tiers and categories of tourist and resident touchpoints such as hotels, attractions, retail, food & beverage, and leisure and entertainment. The establishments can feature this stamp in their marketing communications.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai Tourism, commented: “The successful strategy adopted in combating the pandemic, based on the vision and wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the follow up of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has helped create an environment that is conducive to reopening our city to tourists from 7 July. Nonetheless, the health and safety of our residents and visitors remain our utmost priority. The compliance program we have rolled out across the hospitality sector with the wholehearted support of Dubai Economy and Dubai Municipality is not the only testament to the continued efforts being made to further enhance health and safety standards but is also a confidence-boosting measure to reassure travelers that Dubai is one of the world’s safest destinations.

“With health and safety foremost on the minds of travelers when selecting their destination, the ‘DUBAI ASSURED’ seal is a simple yet critical mechanism to ensure tourists enjoy a smooth and safe experience at every stage of their journey, from arrival at our airports to their departure from Dubai. The Safe Travels stamp Dubai received recently from the World Travel & Tourism Council further validates the city’s efforts to implement stringent hygiene and safety protocols and align itself with international health and safety standards and best practices,” HE Almarri added.

Sami Al Qamzi, Director General of Dubai Economy, said: “The outstanding commitment demonstrated by commercial establishments in complying with precautionary measures has contributed significantly towards Dubai being able to reopen for business and welcome visitors in spite of the global pandemic threat. In fact, we have seen stronger coordination and co-operation between the government and the private sector, and a new level of preparedness in Dubai. Safety, stability, and resilience are paramount in the new scheme of things, and ‘Dubai Assured’ is an inspiring statement that Dubai has strengthened its credentials as a safe destination and global hub for tourism, retail, and leisure.”

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality said: “Dubai Municipality is taking effective steps to promote health and safety and facilitate a gradual return to normal life in a safe environment. We are committed to ensuring that tourists can enjoy a comfortable and safe stay in hotels in Dubai. We have outlined precautionary measures for all hotels to ensure their guests can enjoy activities in all its facilities including beaches. We continuously follow up to ensure compliance with precautionary measures as part of making sure all hotels in Dubai are prepared to receive guests with the highest standards of hygiene and safety.”

According to a survey by global consulting firm HVS on future destination selection, 85 percent of travelers will prioritize their travel plans based on the destination’s reputation and the action taken by its government in managing the pandemic including safety and security measures and the quality of the healthcare system and services.

Besides the standard precautionary measures of social distancing and wearing masks at all times by guests and employees, Dubai hotels have deployed stringent disinfection measures covering contact points in lobbies and other areas including restaurants and swimming pools. Entrances have been fitted with equipment for contactless screening of guests. Mall operators are using advanced technology to minimize risks including the use of thermal scanners and cameras to monitor traffic at entry points. Public parks and beaches under Dubai Municipality have reopened with strict guidelines for visitors while restaurants are allowed to serve guests with reduced seating arrangements and the enforcement of a distance of two meters between tables.

Dubai has also deployed a wide range of preventive measures across all other customers facing high-frequency touchpoints of visitor and resident interaction in line with detailed reopening guidelines for both government and private establishments.

"Eat out to help out" - Britain aids hospitality sector with voucher scheme

Britain’s government will hand out vouchers worth 500 million pounds ($625 million) to the public to boost spending at restaurants, cafes, and pubs that have been hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdown. For the month of August, everyone in the country will be given an “Eat Out to Help Out discount” voucher.

Britain’s foodservice industry, which employed 1.8 million people before the crisis, has suffered thousands of job cuts, with layoffs announced by firms including the owner of the Upper Crust and Caffe Ritazza chains and Pret A Manger.

For More Information Click Below :

in.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-britain-vouchers/eat-out-to-help-out-britain-aids-hospitality-sector-with-voucher-scheme-idINL8N2EF2KF

Frasers Hospitality reopens properties with new cleaning measures

Frasers Hospitality is reopening its properties with new health and safety initiatives in place in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

Following the easing of restrictions in the UK, serviced residences in England reopened on July 4 and those in Scotland will open on July 15, with a phased reopening of boutique lifestyle hotels Malmaison and Hotel du Vin.

Fraser says it has introduced the following measures across its properties as part of its new #FraserCares initiative

For More Information Click Below:

www.businesstraveller.com/business-travel/2020/07/08/frasers-hospitality-reopens-properties-with-new-cleaning-measures/

Miami rolls back restaurant dining as U.S. coronavirus deaths top 130,000

Florida’s greater Miami area became the latest U.S. Coronavirus hot spot to roll back its reopening, ordering restaurant dining closed as COVID-19 cases surged nationwide by the tens of thousands and the U.S. death toll topped 130,000 and according to latest update is raised to 1,33,000.

California, Texas and Florida are all among two dozen states reporting high infection rates as a percentage of diagnostic tests conducted over the past week.

For More Information Click Below :

in.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-usa/miami-shuts-down-restaurant-dining-again-as-u-s-coronavirus-deaths-top-130000-idINKBN2471VX

NDMC hikes health fee, traders feel the pinch

Opening a restaurant or running a hotel or a showroom in Lutyens’ is going to cost more as New Delhi Municipal Council has increased the yearly health trade licensing fee and penalty from 2% to 5%.

The license fees for various trades have been revised by the council’s resolution. Late fees will be charged in cases where the renewal application is received after April 30.

If the application is received within a year from the date of expiry of the license, the fees would be an additional 5% per month, and after a year, the fees would be doubled and would be multiplied with the number of years.

For More Information Click Below:

timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/ndmc-hikes-health-fee-traders-feel-the-pinch/articleshow/76699655.cms

Dubai is ready to reopen its doors to receive visitors and guests from all over the world

Dubai prepares to reopen its doors to receive visitors and guests from all over the world, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing confirmed its complete keenness to provide distinguished experiences for visitors within the framework of a package of preventive measures that put the health and safety of everyone at the top of their priorities.

Emphasizing the importance of adhering to physical distance and putting masks throughout to combat the virus.

For More Details Click Below:

www.gulfnewstoday.net/2020/05/dubai-is-ready-to-reopen-its-doors-to.html?m=1

LG Pairing ‘Clean Remote’ With New Hotel TVs

Key Take Away

When hotels purchase a new hotel TV from LG, they will also receive a free “Clean Remote,” which LG says will help address the health concerns of travelers. Clean Remote is now part of LG Business Solutions USA’s new Health Protocol Initiative

The Clean Remote features a non-porous, sealed membrane that can reduce bacteria and germs by as much as 99% compared to traditional remotes.LG is offering the Clean Remote for a limited time.

For More Information Click Below:

www.tvtechnology.com/news/lg-pairing-clean-remote-with-new-hotel-tvs

3 island resorts in Seychelles that have re-opened after COVID

Key Take Away

 With the easing of travel restrictions in Seychelles, the country has been working to welcome its first guests after the outbreak of COVID-19. As part of its cautious approach to re-opening, only visitors going to island resorts will be allowed into the country. Seychelles News Agency (SNA )takes a look at island resorts that have been given the green light by the local health authorities and tourism department to start welcoming visitors.

Cousine Island

A small granitic island located west of Praslin, the second-most populated island, Cousine was the first island resort to get approval from the authorities.

Fregate Island Private

Located 55 kilometers east of Seychelles' most populated island of Mahe.

North Island

Located among the inner granitic islands of Seychelles, North Island features 11 private guest villas

For More Information Click below:

m.seychellesnewsagency.com//articles/13070/+island+resorts+in+Seychelles+that+have+re-opened+after+COVID

Delhi: 40 hotels, 80 banquet halls to be converted to COVID-19 facilities with 20K more beds

Key Take Away

The Delhi government has directed district magistrates and other officials concerned to set up nearly 20,000 more beds in the wake of a spurt in COVID-19 cases in the national capital.

According to the official, around 40 hotels and 80 banquet halls will be converted into health facilities to provide medical care to coronavirus-infected people.

 Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said that Delhi would need 1.5 lakh beds by July 31 if people from other states start coming to the national capital for treatment.

For More Information Click Below:

www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-40-hotels-80-banquet-halls-to-be-converted-to-covid-19-facilities-with-20k-more-beds-11592147122898.html

New safety rules announced for UAE hotels

Key Take Away

Hotels across the UAE have new guidelines to follow to ensure they operate safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Guidelines were issued by The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and apply to all hotels across the emirates, according to state news agency Wam

There are 21 main points covered in the hotel guidelines, which advice on policies for physical distancing measures, cleaning and sanitizing of guest rooms, health checks for staff and guests, as well as hygiene protocols for restaurants, cafes, swimming pools, beaches, and health clubs.

Under the new guidelines, hotels must test staff for COVID-19 before reopening. Tests must then be repeated every 15 days.

For More Information

www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/new-safety-rules-announced-for-uae-hotels-1.1029270

Cyprus offers to cover cost of holidays affected by Coronavirus

Key Take Away

The battle to lure tourists to the Mediterranean is hotting up with Cyprus declaring it will go one step further than its competitors, footing the bill for anyone whose holiday is ultimately ruined by a coronavirus.

The only bills the Greek Cypriot government will not cover are those for repatriation flights and taxis to airports.

Cypriot authorities are demanding that, initially, visitors carry health certificates proving they have tested negative for Covid-19 at least three days before departure

For More Information

www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/29/cyprus-cover-cost-holidays-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19

France to reopen restaurants, bars and beaches from June 2

Key Take Away

France will allow restaurants, bars, and beaches to reopen from June 2, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe stated. But limitation will be that there depending upon zone (i.e green, orange).

For More Information

www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-restaurants/france-to-reopen-restaurants-bars-and-beaches-from-june-2-pm-idUSKBN2342TL

Dubai is ready to reopen its doors to receive visitors and guests from all over the world

Key Take Away

In light of the effective management of the Emirate of Dubai to contain the global pandemic and continue its efforts to control the spread of the Corona, the city is taking carefully studied measures and procedures to reopen its various economic sectors in stages

Dubai put detailed instructions for reopening commercial activities for various government agencies and private companies, including the hospitality sector

Maintaining its commitment to ensuring the public safety of the city's residents and visitors.

For More Information

www.gulfnewstoday.net/2020/05/dubai-is-ready-to-reopen-its-doors-to.html?m=1

Centara Hotels & Resorts makes food donation to the Thai Government’s Public Relations Department

Key Take Away

Thailand's leading hotel operator recently donated 1,500 food boxes to the Thai Government's Public Relations Department

When a consumer buys a Centara cash voucher for a future escape, Centara will add a further 50% value to the purchase.

For more information:

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4098708.html

Starbucks to reopen 150 UK stores to serve takeaway coffee

Coffee giant Starbucks has announced that it will begin the “phased reopening” of 150 UK.The stores ​– which will reopen their doors on May 14 – will largely be made up of the brand’s drive-thru locations, joined by a “handful” of cafes offering takeaway, with delivery services expected to be introduced shortly. The move comes after Starbucks announced the closure of all its UK stores in March. 

Starbucks has said that the reopened locations will offer a “near-complete beverage menu”, but the food menu is to be “slightly restricted” and will “focus on more popular items”. The company will also be offering all NHS workers free beverages – in Tall size only, but in any variety – on the house.

The company has said it will introduce enhanced health and safety measures to the stores, including Plexiglass screens, contactless payments, social distancing measures and new cleaning protocols and increased hand-washing guidelines.  

In a letter to the company’s partners, UK general manager Alex Rayner said that the goal was to “be fully open by the end of June”.

“We have been learning, testing and refining these operational standards every day and have tailored to the specific needs of our Government and healthcare officials. You will be able to work safely in our stores.”

Zomato to lay off 13% workforce

Online food-delivery platform Zomato on Friday said it will reduce its workforce by 13%, while also implementing a temporary pay cut of up to 50% for remaining employees as nationwide lockdown to prevent spread of COVID-19 severely affected its business.

In an email to employees, Zomato Founder & CEO Deepinder Goyal said that the workers affected by the layoffs will continue to get half of their salaries, in addition to health insurance and outplacement support, for the next six months or till they find another job, whichever is earlier

The company is also looking at making “partial or full work from home” a permanent feature to reduce real estate costs.

“Our business has been severely affected by the COVID lockdowns. A large number of restaurants have already shut down permanently, and we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg,” Mr Goyal said, adding that he expects the number of restaurants to shrink by 25-40% over the next 6-12 months.

Many people have volunteered for a 100% pay cut for at least 6 months, the company remains short of its salary reduction target.

Lower cuts are being proposed for people with lower salaries, and higher cuts (up to 50%) for people with higher salaries.This temporary reduction in pay will also be eligible for 2x ESOP grants.

 All employees who no longer have any work at Zomato, will continue to be “with us at 50% salary for the next 6 months. During this time, outside of the handover period of 1-2 weeks, we expect these folks to spend 100% of their time and energy towards looking for jobs outside of Zomato.”

Some impacted employees who are not directly on Zomato’s payroll, will get two months of severance 

“Each person leaving us will also be allowed to keep their Zomato issued laptops and phones (if any),” he said, adding, “Previously allocated ESOPs will continue to vest during this period of six months, as all these people will remain on our payroll with reduced pay.”

The company will continue to hire people in some areas, primarily in product and engineering.

Noting that the company’s highest recurring expense today outside of payroll is real estate, Mr Goyal said Zomato has over 150 offices globally, most of which are spaces for their sales and logistics teams. “Given how well we have been working from home, we have decided to make partial or full work from home a permanent feature of our lives.”