Sterling Adds To Its Kerala Footprint With A Romantic Getaway In Vythiri

• 7th Resort in Kerala and 2nd in Wayanad as part of Sterling’s expansion plans

• Ideal destination for Couples, Family Vacationers, Reunions and Nature Enthusiasts

Sterling Holiday Resorts, India's leading leisure hospitality brand, announced the opening of its new resort in Vythiri, Wayanad. This is Sterling’s 2nd resort in the bustling tourist destination of Wayanad, adding to its existing resort at Sultan Bathery. With this, Sterling’s portfolio in God’s Own Country extends to seven.

Nestled amidst a lush 4.5-acre green landscape with 27 beautifully furnished suites and cottages, the main attraction of Sterling Vythiri Wayanad is the tranquil rivulet of the Kabini river flowing through the resort. An awe-inspiring 80 ft giant bamboo thicket and a restored Russian army truck provide unique selfie-spots in the property.

Within a 2-hour drive from Calicut International Airport, and 1 ¼ hour drive from Sterling Wayanad, the resort is ideal as a romantic getaway for couples, newlyweds or nature enthusiasts on a quiet escapade. A stay at Sterling Vythiri Wayanad can help one indulge in much needed ‘me-time’ with soul-pampering activities. Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, immersive bird-watching trails or a gentle cycling trip around the resort will help one simply unwind.

Spring Valley – the multi-cuisine restaurant promises exotic Moplah / Malabari cuisine along with select Indian and global favourites. Chemmeen kudampuliyittathu, Malabari peralan and Veg mappas promise to offer food enthusiasts a gastronomic journey across Kerala’s rich cuisines all at one destination.

Other nearby attractions include the captivating Manjappara View Point, offering picturesque sights, boating in the scenic Pookode Lake, exploring the glass bridge of Thollayiram Kandi, and visiting the unique Seetha temple at Pulpally, the only one of its kind in India. For adventure-seekers, there are options like bamboo rafting at Kuruvadweep, thrilling trekking adventures on the Chembra Peak, and much more to explore.

Speaking on the launch of the resort, Mr. Vikram Lalvani, MD and CEO of Sterling Holiday said, “This is our 7th resort in Kerala and our portfolio includes: hill stations, lake side, jungle, pilgrimage and drive-to destinations. There is a surging tourism demand for Kerala that we would like to tap and we are planning to further expand our presence with more resorts across the state.”

On the occasion, Mr. Jose Mathew, Director EVM Group said, “We are sure that our Vythiri resort will form a nice circuit with the existing Sterling Wayanad resort making it an ideal 5-day holiday for our guests to enjoy the natural beauty and rich culture that Wayanad has to offer. We are delighted to join hands with Sterling to present a world-class hospitality experience to our esteemed guests.”

Sterling Vythiri Wayanad is currently open for bookings on – www.sterlingholidays.com

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Thomas Cook (India) Limited delivers Record Operating Profits for FY23 Driven by Robust Recovery across business segments

Highlights for FY23

·     The Group’s Operating EBITDA grew significantly to Rs. 2.7 Bn for FY23 against a loss of Rs. 1.2 Bn in FY22. Growth driven by Foreign Exchange & Travel Businesses (Thomas Cook); Hospitality (Sterling Holidays)

·     Highest Operating EBITDA & Operating PBT for Thomas Cook in a decade. Operating EBITDA at Rs. 1.2 Bn for FY23; Operating PBT at Rs. 560 Mn Vs a loss of Rs. 1.14 Bn in FY22

·     Sterling Holidays registered Highest EBITDA & PBT since inception: EBITDA at Rs 1.1 Bn for FY23; PBT at Rs. 659 Mn Vs Rs. 436 Mn in FY22

·     Consolidated Total Income from Operations grew YoY by 163% in FY23 to Rs. 51 Bn

·     Robust growth across all business segments in FY23; Income from operations growth (YoY): Forex: 123%, Travel: 248%, Hospitality (Sterling Holidays): 36%, Digital Imaging Solutions (DEI): 72%

·     Focus on Cost Optimization saw annualized savings of Rs.3.71 Bn for FY23, representing a 20% reduction in costs Vs FY20 (Pre Pandemic). The Group maintains a strong financial position, with Cash & Bank balances of Rs. 10.1 Bn as of March 31, 2023 Highlights for Q4 FY23

·     The Group’s Operating EBITDA at Rs. 518 Mn Vs Rs. 239 Mn in FY22

·     Standalone Operating EBITDA for TCIL at Rs. 205 Mn Vs Rs. 28 Mn for Q4 FY22

·     For Q4 FY23 Consolidated Total Income from Operations grew by 150% YoY to Rs. 13.2 Bn

New Hotel | Sterling Legacy Shimla, Sterling’s 4th property in Himachal Pradesh and 9th in the Himalayas.

Sterling Holiday Resorts a leading leisure hospitality brand, with its presence across hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, heritage, pilgrimage, adventure, and drive-to destinations, announces the launch of its 41st property, Sterling Legacy Shimla, in the queen of hill stations, Shimla.

Ideally located in the heart of Shimla’s famous Mall Road, the hotel serves as a base for travellers who would love to experience the vibrancy and colonial charm of the former British summer capital. All important sights are within easy walking distance – The Mall Road: a bustling hub of activity and the main shopping area dating back to the colonial era, The Ridge: which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and the many historic buildings and quaint churches that dot the town. Besides these attractions, Shimla's viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

What sets the property apart is its rich history. Bridgeview Estate, the property where Sterling Legacy Shimla is located, holds the distinction of being the first to receive a “Khata” registration by the British government in Shimla in 1842, making it an integral part of Shimla’s legacy.

Sterling Legacy Shimla is an exquisite upscale hotel with 26 spacious contemporary rooms. The property’s stunning architecture features Dhajji-style walls crafted from locally sourced limestone and a wood mix, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is both charming and elegant.

At the hotel, guests can savour a range of culinary delights, from global favourites to authentic Himachali cuisine, at Shimla Zero One the on-site multi-cuisine restaurant. The restaurant offers a cosy dining area, with plush seating arrangements and a delectable menu to suit all palates.

Sterling Legacy Shimla forms a circuit with Sterling Kufri and Sterling Shivalik Chail, offering guests the choice of a bouquet of experiences – a hotel in the midst of a prime upmarket location in Shimla, a full-service resort for an indulgent holiday at Kufri and a nature retreat to enjoy the fantastic views of the Shivalik valley at Chail.

Speaking on the inauguration of the property, Mr. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director and CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts said, “We are happy to be collaborating once again with The Ras Resorts and are thrilled to unveil Sterling Legacy Shimla, our 41 st property located in this popular holiday destination of the country. We now have 4 properties in Himachal Pradesh and are planning to expand with more destinations in this beautiful state.”

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