Accor’s Premium, Midscale & Economy Division Set to Break Record in Number of Signings across Asia

15,000+ KEYS ARE POISED FOR SIGNING BY THE END OF 2023

Accor, the largest international hospitality group in Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific, is gearing towards a record-breaking year in signings in the Premium, Midscale, and Economy Division across Asia, affirming its strong commitment to the region's dynamic hospitality landscape.

As of September, Accor has already inked management agreements for a total of 42 properties, adding over 11,000 keys to its robust portfolio. The outlook for the remainder of 2023 includes plans to sign an additional 20 projects, bringing an impressive 15,000+ total new keys to the region. As part of this significant growth, the Group is actively focusing on elevating its presence in the Premium segment with its Pullman, Swissôtel, Mövenpick, and Grand Mercure brands, with a substantial 17 hotels signed thus far. Simultaneously, Accor remains steadfast in maintaining its leadership in the Midscale and Economy market, primarily represented by Novotel, Mercure, and ibis brands.

 “Our commitment to the region is evident through our comprehensive growth strategies, setting new benchmarks in terms of both the number of properties and keys signed, alongside the introduction of innovative brands that cater to the diverse needs of the ever-evolving Asian hospitality market. As we continue to ride on this momentum, Accor is undeniably at the forefront of shaping the future of hospitality across the Asia region,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia.

 New signings include:

 Grand Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 68 (Thailand)

Nestled along the bustling Sukhumvit Road, Soi 68, just a mere 200 meters from the Udomsuk BTS station, Grand Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit will tempt travellers to discover all that Bangkok has to offer.

Boasting an array of amenities, including two restaurants, a bar, a rejuvenating spa, a swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, and five versatile meeting and conference rooms, this hotel ensures guests have every comfort at their fingertips. As a part of the renowned Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts family, it promises to enchant travellers with its charm and an alluring hotel experience that kindles their spirit of adventure and curiosity.

Grand Mercure Amritsar Airport Road (India) 

The eagerly awaited Grand Mercure hotel in the heart of Amritsar is set to redefine the city's hospitality landscape with 100 spacious rooms, including five suites. Two delightful dining options, as well as an expansive banquet hall, a top-notch spa and fitness center, and a swimming pool complete the guest experience.

Situated in the heart of Amritsar, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and the iconic Golden Temple, the Grand Mercure aims to be a symbol of elegance and comfort. Travelers visiting this vibrant and historically significant city can anticipate a world-class accommodation option that seamlessly combines Accor's modernity with the timeless charm of local Amritsar.

 Pullman Amritsar (India) 

Accor is pleased to announce the signing of its second Pullman property in India. Targeting the new generation of business and leisure travellers. Pullman Amritsar will open its doors in 2027, located in a prime location on a sprawling 9,642-sqm site in the heart of Amritsar. The exquisite hotel will offer 200 well-appointed rooms, three exceptional food and beverage outlets and a magnificent 1,200+ sqm banqueting facility. Additionally, guests will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness centre and spa, alongside a relaxing swimming pool.

Mövenpick Living West Hanoi (Vietnam) 

 Mövenpick Living West Hanoi takes over a 196-room property situated in the heart of Hanoi's new Central Business District. This strategic location offers convenient access to numerous office buildings, making it an ideal choice for business travellers seeking a comfortable and accessible stay. Guests will be able to explore the vibrant city of Hanoi with ease, as the hotel is just a stone's throw away from some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the Vietnam National Convention Center and My Dinh National Stadium.

The hotel will open in Q4 2024, aiming to deliver a premium experience that aligns perfectly with the long-stay trend, offering spacious rooms and a range of amenities designed to make guests feel at home during their extended visits.

 Novotel Genting Highlands (Malaysia)

Scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2031, Novotel Genting Highlands will be a new addition to one of Malaysia's key tourist destinations. The 300-room hotel will be located within the King's Park mixed-use development project in the heart of Genting Highlands, which encompasses over 2 km of street shops, an entertainment hub, an event hall, three distinctive hotels, and upscale residences.

 Novotel Genting Highlands will offer a comprehensive array of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, an inviting lobby bar, an exclusive executive lounge, a swimming pool, spa, well-equipped fitness centre, ballroom, multiple state-of-the-art meeting rooms, and a kid's club.

The Rise of Machine Learning Operations in the Hospitality Industry

Mlops (Keyword)

Machine learning operations. A set of best practices in the machine learning development cycle use in hospitality.

Machine learning has become a game-changer in the hospitality industry, revolutionizing the way hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the sector operate. However, the implementation of machine learning algorithms and models is not a one-time task. It requires a continuous and efficient process known as Machine Learning Operations (MLOps).
MLOps can be defined as a set of best practices and techniques used in the machine learning development cycle to streamline the deployment, management, and monitoring of machine learning models. In the hospitality industry, MLOps plays a vital role in leveraging data to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and enhance the guest experience.
Here are some key aspects of MLOps that are crucial for the hospitality sector:

Data Collection and Preparation

A successful machine learning model relies on high-quality and relevant data. In the hospitality industry, data can be obtained from various sources, including customer bookings, transaction records, guest feedback, and social media platforms. MLOps involves collecting, cleaning, and preprocessing this data to ensure it is suitable for training predictive models.

Model Development and Training

Once the data is prepared, the next step is to train the machine learning models. MLOps emphasizes developing models that can effectively solve real-world hospitality problems, such as demand forecasting, revenue optimization, personalized recommendations, sentiment analysis, and fraud detection. These models are trained using historical data and advanced algorithms, such as deep learning and ensemble methods.

Model Deployment and Integration

After the models are trained, they need to be deployed into production systems for real-time usage. MLOps helps seamlessly integrate machine learning models with existing hospitality management software and infrastructure. This integration ensures that the models can access the latest data, generate predictions, and provide valuable insights to optimize operations.

Continuous Monitoring and Maintenance

MLOps involves continuous monitoring and maintenance of machine learning models to ensure their optimal performance. This includes regular model evaluation, updating the training data, retraining models periodically, and monitoring the prediction accuracy. Monitoring these models helps identify any performance degradation or concept drift, enabling timely intervention and model refinement.

Collaboration and Documentation

In the hospitality industry, multiple stakeholders, including data scientists, developers, business analysts, and domain experts, collaborate to build and deploy machine learning models. MLOps promotes effective collaboration and communication among these teams to streamline the development cycle. Additionally, comprehensive documentation of the models' architecture, processes, and assumptions is critical for future reference and knowledge transfer.

Ethics and Transparency

Machine learning models used in the hospitality industry must adhere to ethical considerations and ensure transparency. MLOps incorporates practices to avoid biases and discriminatory outcomes in predictions. Additionally, it establishes mechanisms to explain and interpret the decision-making process of these models, especially in situations like dynamic pricing, where transparency is essential.

MLOps has the potential to transform the hospitality industry by enabling data-driven decisions, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing the guest experience. As more hotels, restaurants, and travel companies embrace machine learning, it is crucial to adopt best practices in MLOps to ensure smooth and successful implementation.

Implementing MLOps requires expertise in data science, machine learning algorithms, software development, and domain knowledge. Therefore, hospitality businesses that intend to utilize machine learning should consider partnering with experienced professionals or specialized MLOps service providers to navigate this complex landscape successfully.
In conclusion, as the hospitality sector continues to embrace machine learning, the adoption of MLOps becomes imperative. By following best practices in machine learning development cycles, hospitality businesses can unlock significant value from their data, streamline their operations, and deliver superior guest experiences in an increasingly data-driven world.

Accor | Third-quarter 2023 revenue of €1,286 million up 13% like-for-like

REVPAR UP 15% COMPARED WITH Q3 2022

UPGRADED REVPAR GROWTH GUIDANCE FOR 2023

EBITDA EXPECTED TO IMPROVE AT BETWEEN €955 MILLION AND €985 MILLION

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, said:

“The Group’s strong performance during the quarter illustrates once again the strength of business momentum in all of our markets, notably in Asia, and for the brands in our two segments: Premium, Midscale and Economy, on the one hand, and Luxury and Lifestyle on the other. For Accor, this is the 6th consecutive quarter of growth since the return to post-pandemic business levels. These positive trends and our strict financial and operational discipline enable us, once again, to raise our RevPAR and EBITDA guidance for the year."

Hotel demand remained very strong throughout Q3 with RevPAR up 15% compared with prior year despite a very high comparable basis (RevPAR in Q3 2022 was up 14% compared with Q3 2019).

The underlying dynamics observed in previous quarters remained constant, with average price still high and a marked improvement in the occupancy rate which slightly lags the level of 2019.

All regions and segments contributed through solid operating performances, even if the first signs of normalization of activity growth are materializing after several quarters of intense recovery.

In third-quarter 2023, Accor opened 73 hotels, for around 9,200 rooms, and has thus achieved net unit growth of 3% over the last 12 months. At end-September 2023, the Group had a hotel portfolio of 812,425 rooms (5,537 hotels) and a pipeline of around 219,000 rooms (1,273 hotels).

For 2023, the Group is confirming its forecast of net unit growth in the network between 2% and 3%.

Hyatt Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results

New Record Total Fee Revenue of $250 Million Pipeline Expands to New High of 123,000 Rooms

Hyatt Hotels Corporation ("Hyatt" or the "Company") (NYSE: H) today reported third quarter 2023 financial results. Highlights include:

• Net Income was $68 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $28 million in the third quarter of 2022. Adjusted net income was $75 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $72 million in the third quarter of 2022.

• Diluted EPS was $0.63 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $0.25 in the third quarter of 2022. Adjusted Diluted EPS was $0.70 in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $0.64 in the third quarter of 2022.

• Adjusted EBITDA was $247 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $252 million in the third quarter of 2022.

  • Adjusted EBITDA does not include Net Deferrals and Net Financed Contracts of $35 million1 in the third quarter of 2023, and Net Deferrals and Net Financed Contracts of $43 million1 in the third quarter of 2022.

• Comparable system-wide RevPAR increased 8.9% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 2022.

• Comparable owned and leased hotels RevPAR increased 6.3% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 2022. Comparable owned and leased hotels operating margins were 23.5% in the third quarter of 2023.

• Comparable All-inclusive Net Package RevPAR increased 8.6% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to 2022.

• Net Rooms Growth was approximately 6.2% in the third quarter of 2023.

• Pipeline of executed management or franchise contracts was approximately 123,000 rooms.

• Share Repurchases were approximately 1.25 million Class A shares for $144 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Marriott International Reports Third Quarter 2023 Results

Third quarter 2023 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 8.8 percent worldwide, 4.3 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 21.8 percent in international markets, compared to the 2022 third quarter;

• Third quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $2.51, compared to reported diluted EPS of $1.94 in the year-ago quarter. Third quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $2.11, compared to third quarter 2022 adjusted diluted EPS of $1.69;

• Third quarter reported net income totaled $752 million, compared to reported net income of $630 million in the year-ago quarter. Third quarter adjusted net income totaled $634 million, compared to third quarter 2022 adjusted net income of $551 million;

• Adjusted EBITDA totaled $1,142 million in the 2023 third quarter, compared to third quarter 2022 adjusted EBITDA of $985 million;

• The company added approximately 17,200 rooms globally during the third quarter, including roughly 13,000 rooms in international markets and more than 4,900 conversion rooms;

• At the end of the quarter, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled more than 3,200 properties and nearly 557,000 rooms, including roughly 40,300 of pipeline rooms approved, but not yet subject to signed contracts. Approximately 238,000 rooms in the pipeline were under construction as of the end of the third quarter;

• Marriott repurchased 4.8 million shares of common stock for $950 million during the third quarter. Year to date through October 31, the company has returned $3.7 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Hyatt Adds Hotels in New Markets with Hyatt Place and Hyatt House Openings Across the U.S.

 Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced the continued strategic growth of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands throughout 2023. This growth includes expanding the brand’s footprint in the U.S. in new markets where there are no Hyatt hotels and the thoughtful expansion of airport locations in key markets.

Today’s news comes on the heels of Hyatt announcing significant progress in the development of the Hyatt Studios brand, the latest select service brand in the Hyatt portfolio, including executed franchise agreements for the first locations in Mobile, Ala. and Marysville, Calif., emphasizing Hyatt’s strategy of adding hotels in untapped markets where its brand presence is yet to be established; groundbreaking for the Mobile, Ala. location is slated for Q4 2023.

“As part of Hyatt’s commitment to listen to our owners and take action on their feedback, Hyatt continues to identify white space in sought-after markets,” said Jim Tierney, senior vice president, development and owner relations, Hyatt. “Based on our intentional growth strategy, we focus on growing in new markets and expanding our base with new developers and owners without creating intra-brand competition.”

Hyatt’s pipeline of select service brands is the fastest growing segment of Hyatt’s portfolio in the U.S., as Hyatt continues to lead the industry on a global scale with six years of industry leading net rooms growth. In 2023, as part of the Hyatt Place and Hyatt House brands expansion in the U.S., Hyatt will welcome 14 new owners to the Hyatt family and expand existing Hyatt portfolios for five owners. This underscores Hyatt’s focus on delivering value and ensuring a strong return on investment across all Hyatt hotels.

By the end of 2023, Hyatt expects to have an established hotel presence in U.S. markets that currently do not have a Hyatt hotel located within five miles, including:

Hyatt Place Albany (N.Y.)

Hyatt Place Flagstaff (Ariz.)

Hyatt Place Munster (Ind.)

Hyatt Place Newark / Main Street (Del.)

Hyatt Place St. Augustine / Vilano Beach (Fla.)

Additional growth for the company includes the entry of the Hyatt House brand in the following markets:

Hyatt House Bentonville / Rogers (Ark.)

Hyatt House Colorado Springs Airport (Colo.)

Hyatt House Lansing / University Area Lansing (Mich.)

Hyatt House Mall of America / MSP Airport (Minn.)

Hyatt House Vacaville (Calif.)

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

---

Chalet Hotels Limited announces its results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 ending June 30, 2023.

Chalet Hotels Limited announces its results for the first quarter of the fiscal year 2024 ending June 30, 2023.

Key Highlights for Q1FY24:

 Total Income at INR 3.1 bn, up 21% as compared to Q1FY23

 Adjusted EBITDA at INR 1.3 bn, up 24% as compared to Q1FY23

 Hospitality Segment Performance:

o Revenue at INR 2.8 bn, up by 23% from Q1FY23

o ARR at INR 10,317, up by 38% over Q1FY23

o Occupancy was at 70%

o RevPAR improved by 24% YoY to INR 7,182

o Adjusted EBITDA was at INR 1.2 billion, up by 26% from Q1FY23

Other Highlights:

 ~68% of the total electricity for hotel portfolio sourced from renewable resources in Q1FY24.

 Newly launched The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City is completely sold out from day 1, operated by an all-women team and is run on 100% Green Power.

Development Pipeline Updates:

 CIGNUS POWAI ® Tower I at Westin Complex, Powai is in its final stages of completion.

 At the CIGNUS Whitefield Bangalore ® Tower I, tenants are moving in by August 2023.

 CIGNUS Whitefield Bangalore ® Tower II is in its final stages of completion.

 88 new rooms at Novotel Pune are ready and awaiting OC to commence commercial usage.

 We are adding ~130 guest rooms at Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield, designs are in final stages.

 The residential project, Raheja Vivarea, at Koramangala, Bengaluru is progressing well and sales for the project is expected to commence within the calendar year 2023.

Speaking on the financial results, Mr. Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels Limited, said,

“ARRs have been holding strong with 38% growth year-on-year, a key business performance indicator for the Company. This quarter also witnessed the launch of our first all-women-run hotel, ‘The Westin Hyderabad HITEC City’, a small contribution towards gender equality and empowerment in the hospitality industry. India's strong economic indicators combined with a robust demand-supply environment and our ongoing capex initiatives, bode well for the future of Chalet Hotels.”

Accor, First-quarter 2023 revenue of €1,139 million up 54% like-for-like

Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Accor, said:

“In first-quarter 2023, Accor once again stepped-up business growth across all regions and in its two divisions: Premium, Midscale and Economy; and Luxury & Lifestyle. These excellent performances were driven in particular by the strong rebound in Asia, good price levels, and increased occupancy rates. They reflect the attractiveness of our brands, the commitment of our teams, and an ever-greater desire for travel and adventure on the part of our guests.
Given this highly positive start of the year, we have revised our 2023 guidance upwards, with double-digit RevPAR growth versus 2022."

The first quarter of 2023 demonstrated once again the robustness of the business recovery, quarter after quarter. This further acceleration in RevPAR (up 19% compared with first-quarter 2019) notably reflects the rebound of hotels in Asia following the lifting of the strict zero-COVID policy in China in late 2022. All the other regions also contributed to maintaining business activity at a substantially higher level than before the crisis.

The underlying dynamics observed in previous quarters remained in place, with average prices still high and sequentially improving occupancy rate but slightly lower than in 2019.

In first-quarter 2023, Accor opened 36 hotels, for around 4,400 rooms, and has thus achieved net network growth of 2.9% in the last 12 months. At end-March 2023, the Group had a hotel portfolio of 800,321 rooms (5,444 hotels) and a pipeline of around 214,000 rooms (1,241 hotels).

Consolidated revenue
 
The Group reported first-quarter 2023 revenue of €1,139 million, up 54% like-for-like (LFL) versus Q1 2022. By activity, this growth breaks down into a 71% increase for Management & Franchise (M&F), a 60% increase for Services to Owners, and a 37% increase for Hotel Assets and Other.

By division (excluding Holding & Intercos), €681 million of revenue was generated by the Premium, Midscale and Economy division, up 62% LFL compared with first-quarter 2022, and €477 million by Luxury & Lifestyle, up 52% LFL.

COSTA SERENA RESTARTS IN ASIA: COSTA IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO RESUME OUTBOUND CRUISES DEDICATED TO SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN

After two cruises out of Thailand, from June to October 2023 Costa Serena will sail on a total of thirty-five cruises from South Korea and Taiwan to Japan, featuring Italian style experiences.

Costa Cruises announces that Costa Serena returned to service in Asia.  After two cruises between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Serena departed today from the port of Busan, in South Korea, heading to Nagasaki and Yatsushiro, in Japan.  It is the first outbound cruise to resume in South Korea after the end of cruise travel restrictions.

"With the departure of Costa Serena from Busan, we celebrate a historic event for cruises in Asia. We are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s a very important moment for the recovery of the cruise industry in Asia. We achieved this significant result thanks to our historic presence in Asia and established relationship with local partners and institutions" - said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.

From June to October 2023, Costa Serena will be operating a program of “charter” cruises in Asia, in cooperation with local travel partners. The total number of cruises is thirty-five. Eight cruises, in June and October 2023, will be dedicated to the South Korean market; from July to October 2023 another twenty-seven cruises are planned for the Taiwan market.

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.”

---

73% of Indian travellers want to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived reveals Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report.

Booking.com’s latest Sustainable Travel Report, found that Indian travellers are integrating sustainable thinking into their vacation planning, beyond everyday small habits such as using reusable water bottles or reusable shopping bags. Some say, they now travel outside of peak season to avoid overcrowding and opt for walking, biking, or taking public transport as part of their means of transportation. Others have also taken on the “buy local” mantra, favouring small, independent stores to contribute to the local economy.

Recycling, reusing and the value of reducing are becoming the mantra of the Indian traveller

A majority of Indian travellers recognize by conserving resources now and being more sustainable, one can help save the planet. In just a year, Indians have grown extremely conscious of how they impact the planet and are implementing several measures as a result.

In a bid to save water, 55% travellers reuse their towels multiple times, up 21% from 2022. As more people are comprehending the value of reducing, reusing, and recycling 57% of them brought their own reusable water bottles, up by 12% since 2022. 52% individuals are utilising reusable bags to be more responsible; 44% practise recycling garbage while travelling and surprisingly, 51% of individuals always carry their personal, reusable water bottle.

Indians are making greater efforts to be more mindful of their travel impact at every step of their journey

Indians are taking several sustainability-related actions as their environmental consciousness grows.

Taking conscious habits from home when travelling, 66% now turn off their air-conditioning when they aren’t there (up 23% from 2022)

Indian travellers are moving towards sustainable travel practices and are becoming more selective when deciding their accommodations and modes of transportation primarily due to the worsening effects of climate change and growing environmental awareness.

When it comes to transportation, 51% of Indian travellers now plan their sightseeing so that they can walk, use bicycles or take public transportation - essential for ecotourism

Looking to further reduce their impact, 41% decide to go off-peak to avoid overcrowding, up 5% since 2022.

Additionally, taking the ‘buy local’ ideology is also a popular mantra amongst travellers while on vacation with 52% respondents favouring small, independent stores.

 Incentives and discounts can further drive Indians to be more sustainable

Today, while the intent is clear, there are several challenges travellers face to find and book sustainable properties, however, they are open to further incentives to travel sustainably. Nearly half of Indian (44%) travellers are asking for discounts and financial incentives to choose eco-friendly options. Additionally, it has been found that 53% of people would be motivated to travel more sustainably if they were given reward points for selecting sustainable options. These reward points can also be used to receive additional benefits or discounts through online travel agencies.

According to Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com, "Indians are travelling with a renewed outlook to reduce their impact on the planet. With 73% of respondents wanting to leave the places they visit better than when they arrived, today’s travellers are increasingly adopting a regenerative approach to travel. They are converting intent into action by taking active small steps at home and when travelling to drive a more sustainable future. To help travellers in their sustainability journey, Booking.com has taken measures to help not only travellers but also local communities and the environment. This includes awarding thousands of properties in India and globally with the Travel Sustainable Badge, the ability to compare the CO2 emissions for different flight options or being able to find and book greener taxi options. We are committed to making it easier for everyone to experience travel in a more mindful and responsible way.”

AI planning Travel Itinerary

I asked AI to plan my travel itinerary to Japan 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/J0ijeeqFLK

— Easlo (@heyeaslo) May 12, 2023

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd announces its Results for Q4 & FY23

Highest ever Annual MHRIL Standalone:

· Total Income1 at Rs. 1,275 Crs (+24% YoY)

· EBITDA1 at Rs. 352 Crs (+18% YoY)

Holiday Club Resorts, Finland, turns around and delivers EBITDA of € 6.4 Mn in Q4 and € 5.0 Mn in FY23

Consolidated FY23 PAT grows by 68% YoY to Rs. 114 Crs 

Operational Highlights (Standalone)

· Member additions at 17,477 (+37% YoY).

· Membership Sales Value at Rs. 734 Crs (+70% YoY).

· Highest ever Annual Upgrades at Rs. 188 Crs (+71% YoY).

· Average Unit Realization (AUR) 2 at Rs. 4.2 lakhs vs Rs. 3.4 lakhs last year.

· Share of member acquisitions through the digital and referral routes at 57%.

· Cumulative member base stands at 2,81,820 with 85% fully paid.

Resorts/Room Inventory FY23

· High resort occupancies of 84% vs 74% last year.

· Occupied room nights up by 49% YoY.

· Inventory addition of 372 keys leading to total inventory at 4,940 keys in 102 resorts

· New resorts at domestic destinations such as Janjheli (Himachal Pradesh), Lachung (Sikkim), Jambughoda (Gujarat), Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh), Amba Ghat (Maharashtra) and international destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Cambodia, Vietnam, Chitwan (Nepal) and Chiang Mai (Thailand) have added 256 Keys to the existing inventory.

Commenting on the performance, Kavinder Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. said, “We have achieved exceptional FY23 results with new milestones in Total Income, Resort Income, EBITDA and PBT. Highest ever Membership Upgrades along with higher member spends is a great endorsement of the immersive family vacation experiences that Club Mahindra delivers consistently.”

Novotel, Mercure and Ibis will grow in Saudi Arabia, through a deal with Asma Hospitality

Accor has signed a deal with Amsa Hospitality in Saudi Arabia to develop and franchise 18 hotels over the next 10 years.

The deal was announced at Dubai’s Arabian Travel Market and will see Amsa Hospitality develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, as well as the recently launched Handwritten Collection. Asma will also act as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. 

Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan.

---

IHCL ANNOUNCES RECORD FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR Q4 AND FY 2022-23

IHCL ANNOUNCES RECORD FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR Q4 AND FY 2022-23

• FY23 REVENUE AT INR 5,949 CRORES, UP 85% YoY

• FY23 EBITDA MARGIN AT 32.7%, UP 1523 BPS YoY

• FY23 PAT AT INR 1,003 CRORES, OFFSETS COVID LOSSES

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, reported its consolidated financials for the fourth quarter and full ending March 31st, 2023.

Commenting on the FY23 performance, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL, said, “IHCL achieved a record setting year with a number of significant accomplishments including the highest ever full year consolidated revenue, an all-time high and industry leading EBITDA margin and PAT of over INR 1,000 crores a historic first for the company. This performance was enabled by consecutive four quarters ofsustained high demand, additionally bolstered by IHCL demonstrating RevPAR leadership across its brandscape in all its key markets.

IHCL crossed 260+ hotels in its portfolio including 36 signings at a rate of 3 hotels a month and 16 openings or a new hotel every three weeks in the year. IHCL’s vast footprint now covers 31 States and Union Territories in India. We were also able to achieve an optimal 50:50 mix between our owned/leased and managed hotels.”

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

TAJ REACHES LANDMARK 100TH HOTEL MILESTONE

• The iconic brand Taj has reached a portfolio of 100 hotels and has more than doubled its room inventory over the past five years

• Key signings under the brand:

  • Taj Dhaka, a 230-room hotel in the capital city of Bangladesh

  • Taj Riyadh, a 205-room hotel in the heritage city of Diriyah in Saudi Arabia

  • Two Taj resorts in Lakshadweep, 110 room resort each on Suheli and Kadmat islands

  • Taj added to its presence with a hotel each in key cities of Chennai, Bengaluru and Cochin

  • Taj marked its entry to the state capitals of Raipur and Gandhinagar with a 150-room hotel and 118 room resort and spa respectively

• Opened three new Taj hotels across Kolkata, Wayanad and Jaipur and an addition to its palace portfolio with Sawai Man Mahal, Jaipur

• Taj continues to retain the dual honour of World’s Strongest Hotel Brand and India’s Strongest Brand as per Brand Finance Hotels 50 Report 2022 and India 100 Report 2022

RECORD PORTFOLIO GROWTH & ACHIEVES BALANCED PORTFOLIO

• With a record signing of 36 hotels in FY 2022-2023, IHCL portfolio now stands at 260+ hotels

• Achieved industry leading performance with 16 new hotel openings this fiscal. This included four hotels each under Taj and SeleQtions brands, three Vivanta and five Ginger branded hotels.

• In line with its initiative to restructure its portfolio under Ahvaan 2025, IHCL has attained a balanced portfolio mix between its owned/leased and managed hotels

REIMAGINED AND NEW BUSINESSES

• Ginger hotels has reported a turnaround in FY 2022-23, led by a 50% Lean Luxe portfolio, the company achieved Revenue of INR 307 crores, EBITDA margin of 37.4% and a PBT of INR 48 crores

• TajSATS captured a market share of 58% in FY 2022-23, clocking a Revenue of INR 641 crores a 53% growth over pre-Covid, EBITDA margin of 19.7% and a PBT of INR 107 crores

• Under the new businesses, Qmin has now grown to 34 outlets with a presence across 24 cities and amã Stays & Trails has witnessed a 42% growth in portfolio this fiscal reaching 114 bungalows across 50+ locations

DRIVING SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

• Paathya - IHCL’s ESG+ framework, key highlights for the year include:

  • IHCL’S FLAGSHIP TAJ MAHAL PALACE, MUMBAI IS NOW 100% GREEN

  • 310 EV charging stations across 129 locations in India

  • 32.5% renewable energy and 42% water recycled usage across operating hotels

  • 20 hotels equipped with bottling plants to eliminate use of single use plastic bottles

  • 16 skilling centres across the country with a presence in Gwalior, Lucknow, Jaipur, Jamshedpur among others

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.

Spotlight | The Lalit Suri Hospitality School - TLSHS - India

Tlshs - e Brochure 2023

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

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.