Mr. Nitin Pathak Awarded Best General Manager of the Year – North East India

Celebrating an exceptional achievement in the hospitality industry, Mr. Nitin Pathak, General Manager of Novotel Guwahati GS Road, has won the prestigious "General Manager of the Year - National in Upscale Category" award at the BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Awards & Summit 2023 7th Edition.

This esteemed recognition highlights Mr. Pathak's exemplary leadership and outstanding contributions to the hotel industry. The award signifies not only an individual accomplishment but a collective effort by the entire team at Novotel Guwahati GS Road.

Expressing his gratitude, Mr. Nitin Pathak remarked, "I am extremely gratified and humbled by this honor. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the esteemed jury of BW Hotelier for recognizing my efforts. This award is a testament to the commitment and hard work of the entire team at Novotel Guwahati, and I share this success with them. This achievement would not have been possible without the continuous support and guidance provided by the SMJDB and Accor India Corporate team "

Mementos by ITC Hotels Ekaaya Udaipur awarded the Best 5 Star Hotel by Today’s Traveler

Udaipur, October 2023: It is with great cheer, pride and gratitude that Mementos by ITC  Hotels Ekaaya Udaipur has been awarded the ‘Best 5 Star Hotel in Udaipur’ by Today’s  Traveler in recent days. The prestigious accolade was bestowed by the famed publication to the hotel for their Today’s Traveler Award 2023 held in October this year.  

Nestled in the quiet recesses of the pristine vistas of Udaipur, the resort blends the famed hospitality and service excellence that defines the brand with grand, expansive architecture and bespoke luxury experiences synonymous with the regality of the City of Lakes. With an  inventory of 117 villas, each opening to an unperturbed and breathtaking view of the Aravalis,  bringing fine modern heritage set amidst an uninterrupted landscape which provides all the ingredients for an invigorating or intimate relaxed getaway. The experience is further coupled with the culinary marvels from their award winning restaurants like ‘Kebabs & Kurries’, along with ‘Royal Vega’, ‘Aravali Lounge’ and ‘Udai Pavilion’ amongst others.  

Mr. Sandipan Bose, the General Manager of the luxury resort, on the occasion, quoted, “The sprawling 47-acre property of the Mementos by ITC Hotels Ekaaya Udaipur offers an inimitable experience of luxury, rejuvenation and cherished moments to each discerning traveler. This is coupled with the service excellence of our team, wherein each member strives to go above and beyond expectations and commit to curating moments to define the unforgettable experience of each guest at the resort. We are gratified and proud to have been  recognized with such an accolade at Today’s Traveler Awards 2023 and shall continue to  persevere and add many more such feathers of appreciation to the name!” 

About Mementos by ITC Hotels Ekaaya, Udaipur 

Burrowed in close proximity to Nathdwara & Eklingji temple, 40 minutes from Udaipur airport  and just 20 kms from the city, Mementos Udaipur is spread over an area of over 47 acres and  is an exquisite resort with 117 bespoke villas, 5 acclaimed luxury dining outlets and more than  a lakh square feet of versatile meetings and celebration space. The royal resort with its spectacular architecture and unparalleled offerings, holds the promise of a relaxed and an intimate getaway. This hillside resort blends classical elegance with a distinctive regional  allure that's infused in its service, cuisine, rituals - promising a truly immersive experience for each discerning guest!

Scoot Awarded Best Low-Cost Carrier at TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023

India – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has been awarded “Best Low-Cost Carrier” at the TTG Travel Awards and Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023. Scoot has won these awards for consecutive years, underscoring its commitment to delivering operational and service excellence and reaffirming its position as a leader in the industry.

Scoot’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Calvin Chan, attended both award ceremonies and expressed his gratitude. He said, “We are honoured to receive these awards once again and would like to thank our valued customers and industry partners for their support through the years. These awards reflect the unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work of the entire Scoot family. We remain committed to connecting people and cultures through travel and redefining the experience in the low-cost carrier industry.”

TTG Travel Awards 2023 – Best Low-Cost Carrier

The TTG Travel Awards is organised annually by TTG Asia and honours the best of Asia Pacific’s travel industry. Winners are determined through online voting by TTG publication readers and travel trade industry professionals.

The 32nd Annual TTG Travel Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner was held in Thailand on 28 September 2023. This year marks Scoot’s third consecutive year in winning the award.

Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 – Best Low-Cost Carrier (Asia Pacific)

The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards acknowledges excellence in the travel and hospitality industry. Winners were selected from votes casted by industry professionals based on overall excellence, professionalism, innovation and other criteria according to their area of expertise.

The award ceremony was held at Conrad Centennial Singapore on 3 October 2023. This is Scoot’s second win in the same award category.

 Earlier this year, Scoot was also named the “Best Low-Cost Long-Haul Airline” at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023. Since 1999, the World Airline Awards has been regarded as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’ and remains fully independent and impartial, with travellers of over 100 nationalities deciding on the winners via a passenger satisfaction survey.

Meliá Chiang Mai Strikes Gold at Thailand Tourism Awards

Meliá Chiang Mai General Manager Marc Selinger (5th from left) accepts the Thailand Tourism Gold Award at a ceremony in Bangkok on 27 September 2023.

Meliá Chiang Mai, a 22-storey luxury hotel located in the heart of the northern Thai city, was last week presented a Thailand Tourism Gold Award, only one of four hotels in Thailand to receive the accolade and the only one outside the Thai capital.

The Thailand Tourism Awards – also known as the Kinnaree Awards – was initiated by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in 1996, and recognises quality and excellence in the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. This year’s awards were held at the Samyan Mitrtown Hall in Bangkok on 27 September and were presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana who conferred prizes on the winners.

In addition to Meliá Chiang Mai, the other recipients of Thailand Tourism Gold Awards were: Millenium Hilton Bangkok; The Sukosol Bangkok; and The Okura Prestige Bangkok.

According to TAT, this year’s bi-annual award “strengthens awareness for responsible and sustainable tourism with two new categories – tour programmes, and low-carbon and sustainability – in addition to attraction, accommodation, and health and wellness tourism.”

The achievement of a Kinnaree Gold Award is all the more remarkable for the fact that Meliá Chiang Mai only opened its doors to guests in April 2022.

“We were very proud to receive this honour,” said General Manager Marc Selinger. “The fact that TAT recognizes that we can provide top-class facilities not just for leisure visitors but business travellers too, enhances the hotel’s prestige and helps put Chiang Mai firmly on the map.”

Towering over the city’s famous Night Bazaar and the Ping River, this 260-key hotel is arguably the freshest addition to the Chiang Mai skyline in years. Its jewel in the crown is the rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – sitting majestically on the 22nd floor, and with a glass bridge commanding 360-degree views as far as the eye can see.

Facilities at the resort include Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, swimming pool, ballroom, a kids’ club, and three restaurants with a dedicated focus on Mediterranean and Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisines.

Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International (MHI), Meliá Chiang Mai is the first five-star hotel to debut in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic.

Meliá Chiang Mai brought home two coveted accolades in July 2023 when it won “Best Hotel Lobby Interior-Thailand” and “Best Hotel Spa Interior-Thailand” at the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Awards 2023.

The hotel was also recognised recently by Australian travel magazine Holidays With Kids, when it was named No 10 in the Thailand’s Best Family Resorts category for 2023.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor Wins Prestigious Recognition from Condé Nast Traveler

Historic hotel ranked No. 2 in Southeast Asia in magazine’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards

The iconic Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor was voted the No. 2 hotel in Southeast Asia by readers of the industry-leading, U.S.-based travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

The historic luxury hotel, situated on the doorstep of world-renowned ancient Khmer archeological sites in Cambodia, earned the recognition in the publication’s closely followed annual Readers’ Choice Awards, which were announced on Oct. 3.

“The readers of Condé Nast Traveler are among the savviest on the planet. For them to name Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the top hotels in Southeast Asia—a region full of remarkable hotels—is the ultimate validation,” General Manager Joseph Colina said. “We constantly strive to provide an unparalleled guest experience in a place of true splendor, and this recognition highlights that we are doing just that.”

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor originally opened in 1932 and is considered a national treasure. It was originally built as a rest stop for archeologists and adventurers seeking to explore the ancient kingdom of Angkor Wat, which is today a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The hotel recently launched exclusive new multi-course tasting menus at its celebrated Khmer fine-dining restaurant 1932, offering diners a tantalizing introduction to the distinctive flavors of authentic Royal Khmer and modern Khmer gastronomy. The tasting menus are categorized by different historical eras and presented with optional wine pairings.

The hotel also introduced a new Champagne brunch served the first Sunday of each month.

Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor emerged last year from an extensive renovation and pandemic-related closure. Nearly all of the hotel’s 119 guest rooms and suites were fully refurbished, many with all-new Italian tiling and fixtures in the bathrooms. One of the hotel’s most distinctive attributes—its classic metal and timber elevator in the lobby—remains, as does the vintage ambience of The Elephant Bar.

The hotel’s sister property in Cambodia, the landmark Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh, opened in 1929 and is a grand statement of Khmer, Art Deco and French Colonial styles. Raffles Hotel Le Royal recently introduced a new Gueridon Brunch served every Sunday, along with a Parisian brunch at Le Phnom 1929 available the first Sunday of each month.

Condé Nast Traveler is one of the two most important and distinguished monthly travel magazines in the North American media market, alongside Travel + Leisure. In April, T+L named Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor one of the world’s “500 Best Hotels.”

The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, now in their 36th year, are the longest-running and among the most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry.

ABOUT RAFFLES

Raffles Hotels & Resorts boasts an illustrious history and some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide. In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring, legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and lavish resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. Connoisseurs of life choose Raffles, not merely for its aura of culture, beauty and gentility, but for the extraordinary way they feel when in residence with Raffles. Each Raffles, be it Paris, Istanbul, Dubai, Warsaw, Jakarta or the Seychelles, serves as a venerated oasis where travellers arrive as guests, leave as friends and return as family. Raffles is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Cotigao Village in Goa wins Bronze Award for Best Tourism Villages of India 2023

Panjim, September 2023 - It is indeed a proud moment for the state of Goa as Cotigao Village has won the award for Best Tourism Villages of India 2023. This recognition was achieved under the Bronze category at the Best Rural Tourism Competition 2023 presented by the Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

Out of a total of 795 applications received from 31 States/Union Territories, Cotigao Village stood out as a shining example of excellence and best demonstration of the values and practice of rural tourism. It has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to promoting rural tourism in India and upholding the principles of the Best Tourism Village Competition.

Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India organized the Best Rural Tourism Competition 2023. The event is part of the global launch of “Travel for Life'' organized by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, The United Nations World Tourism Organization, and the United Nations Environment program. The purpose of this event is to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of villages and also mark the initiation of the Best Rural Tourism Village Competition 2024 and the Best Rural Homestays Competitions 2024.

The Best Tourism Village Competition focuses on the nine pillars that drive sustainable rural tourism development. Cotigao Village has excelled in these areas, showcasing its commitment to preserving its cultural heritage, promoting local community involvement, and providing economic opportunities through sustainable rural tourism. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of the community and the local authorities in Cotigao Village.

The award recognizes Cotigao Village as a model rural tourism destination, demonstrating the potential for tourism development in rural areas that showcase the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It serves as an inspiration for other rural communities across the country to follow suit and embrace sustainable tourism practices.

The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, congratulates Cotigao Village on this remarkable achievement. The Best Rural Tourism Competition 2023 is a testament to the Ministry's efforts in promoting rural tourism and empowering local communities to become active stakeholders in the tourism sector.

This recognition will surely boost the tourism industry in Cotigao Village and attract more visitors who are seeking authentic rural experiences. It will not only contribute to the local economy but also encourage the preservation of the region's unique cultural heritage and natural resources.

About the Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay: The Central Nodal Agency for Rural Tourism and Rural Homestay, under the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is responsible for promoting and developing rural tourism in the country. Its aim is to empower rural communities, preserve cultural heritage, and promote sustainable tourism practices in rural areas.

Flavourful Goan street-food style burger takes 2023 Burger Wellington title

Mumbai September: Burger fans took over the city for the August Edition of Visa Wellington On a Plate devouring  200-plus burger entries and sending through a whopping 11,500  ratings    to help determine  the  2023  Burger  Wellington  presented  by Garage Project finalists.

After a week of judging, the assessments are in, and the winner of Burger Wellington presented  by  Garage  Project  2023  is  One80  Restaurant  with  their ‘Goan  Chicken  Ros  Pao’ burger.

The winning burger takes inspiration from One80 Restaurant’s Executive Chef Chetan Pangam’s  mother’s  hometown  of Goa, and  the  street  food he loves. The  burger  features  a richly  spiced   chicken  curry, a ‘Ros’ omelette, and  a  unique  bun     that represents the ‘Poee’ style bread  that  the omelette and curry  is  typically  served  in.

Executive  Chef, Chetan Pangam says  this year’s Burger Wellington theme of ‘Breaking the Mould’ presented  the  perfect  opportunity  for  his  team  to  challenge    perceptions. “In  New  Zealand  many  people  see  hotel  restaurants  as  boring,  and  that  was the biggest  stereotype  I  had to break with  this  burger. I  wanted to create a humble street food  dish  in  a  winning  burger  concept,”

“It  took  a  huge  team  effort,  with  support  from  local  suppliers, and  in  particular  I’d   like  to thank  the  Claireville  Bakery  for  the  custom  Poee  style  bun,” he  adds.

Visa Wellington On a Plate Festival Director Sarah Meikle says the August Edition of the Festival was all about burgers, beer, and encouraging people to get out and support the hospitality sector. “It was fantastic to see  Wellingtonians eating out and about, supporting our local venues. The  One80  Restaurant  burger  was  a  real  flavour  journey that brought  together the fragrant  herbs  and  spices  of  India, it’s an absolute pleasure to see Chef  Chetan and the team  take  the  title  this  year.”

The  August Edition of Visa Wellington On a Plate included Events and Pop Ups rounding out the programme, including New Zealand’s biggest celebration of good beer, Beervana.

Sarah adds, “With  the  new  festival  split  it  was  important  to  us  to  offer  some  events alongside  Burger  Wellington, and it made  sense for these to be burger-related, like  the Future of  Food  event  with  The Gas Hub, or Beervana-related like the Shining Peak Beer and  Oyster  Dinner  at  GPO.”

“We were thrilled for the Everybody Eats team and their ‘To The Rescue’ burger which featured rescued and recycled food from Kaibosh, people could ‘pay as they       feel” with all proceeds going towards the charity organization. Over the course of the festival more than $5000  was raised,” she says.

Head of Programming Beth Brash says every year they are blown away by the support for Burger Wellington presented by Garage Project, and across the board there were great quality burgers, ranging from more traditional flavours to innovative concepts including chocolate ‘patties’ and  Yorkshire Pudding ‘buns’.

“It’s been great to see Wellington’s burger-loving community exploring new venues too, there  were  a  few like Ernesto’s  Cocina  Cubana  and  Kanama  Kopi  Kadai    who  have  definitely won  over  some  new  fans.”

The 2023 Burger Wellington presented by Garage Project award winners are:

●      One80’s  Goan  Chicken Ros Pao – Burger  Wellington presented by Garage   Project  Winner

●      Field  &  Green’s  Reuben-esque - 2nd place in Burger Wellington  presented  by  Garage  Project

●      Ernesto’s  Cocina  Cubana - 3rd place in Burger  Wellington  presented by  Garage  Project

●      Elixir’s The Phial  Of  Eären-Dill – Best  Use  of  Theme

●      Myrtle’s  Belly  and  Jelly - Most   Innovative

●      Regional  Award winners  are:

• Wairarapa - Café  Medici’s  A  Perfect  Swine

• Upper Hutt – Bone face Brewing Co’s Yorkie Dork

• Hutt  City - Twenty  Eight’s  Spice  is  Right

• Porirua - T  Bay  Cafe’s  The  Hot  Chick

• Kāpiti - Hey  Coastie’s  Coast  with  the  Most

Visa  NZ  Country  Manager, Anthony  Watson, says   since  2009, Visa  has  been  a  proud    sponsor of the remarkable evolution that is Visa Wellington On a Plate – an event that  truly  captures  the spirit  of  our  vibrant  New  Zealand  community.

“The  Burger  Wellington  Award  is  a  testament  to  the  industry’s  creativity  and  is a celebration of the hospitality sector which Visa is delighted to support,” says Anthony Watson,  Country  Manager  for  Visa  New Zealand  &  South Pacific.

The  prize  for  Burger  Wellington  presented  by  Garage  Project  includes  free  festival   entry for  2024, and a special collaboration  brew  with  craft  beer I cons, Garage  Project.

The Visa  Wellington On a Plate  August  edition ran from 11 - 27 August 2023. The Festival will  return  in  2024 with the May Edition focusing on food Events and Pop Ups, and the August  Edition  focusing on burgers and beer, with Burger Wellington    and Beervana.

Minor Hotels Wins 19 Top Accolades in Tripadvisor 'Best of the Best' Awards

Minor Hotels has secured more than 270 awards at the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2023 awards, including 19 prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ accolades that recognise the top 1% of listings on the site.

Among the group’s four wins in Asia was Avani+ Khao Lak Resort, located on Thailand’s Andaman Coast, which earned a highly coveted ‘Best of the Best’ award as one of the ‘Hottest New Hotels in the World’.

The annual Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviewse, and recognise the properties that have delivered the most exceptional experiences for travellers.

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ATTIA Announces the Travel Changemakers Awards Judges Panel

SINGAPORE, July 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - The Asia Travel Technology Industry Association (ATTIA) and Web in Travel (WiT) announce who is participating on the Judges Panel for the inaugural Travel Changemakers Awards 2023. 

The Awards seek to recognise innovators that have used technology to build back better, post-pandemic, with the winners to be announced at WiT Singapore, 2-4 Oct 2023. Those awarded will demonstrate how they have had respect for the environment, created meaningful engagement with local communities or unearthed hidden gems for travellers to discover. They laud the repurposing of assets rather than building new, and how they demonstrate that diversity and inclusion are critical to building back better. 

The prestigious panel consists of imminent industry leaders, as follows. 

• Aya Aso, CEO, SAVVY Collective 

• Rod Cuthbert, Chairperson, Jayride; Board Member, Veltra (Tokyo); Board Member, Tourism Tasmania; Founder, Viator 

• Loic Dujardin, Head of ESG, Traveloka 

• Fred Barou - Senior VP, Online Travel and Market Strategy, Amadeus 

• Kelly Kolb - VP for Government Affairs, Travelport 

• Steven Liew - Director of Public Policy, APAC, Airbnb 

• Choe Peng Sum, CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group 

• Aloke Bajpai, Co-Founder, Group CEO and Managing Director, ixigo 

• Elaine Tan, Director, AirAsia Foundation 

• Daniel Gelfer, Director of Global Government Affairs, Agoda 

• Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive of Marketing Group, Singapore Tourism Board 

Chis Kerin, Managing Director, ATTIA says, "We are delighted by the support demonstrated by the travel tech industry for these awards, and are equally thrilled to have assembled such an esteemed judging panel. With their collective expertise, we are confident that the submissions will be held to the highest possible standards."

"We are delighted with the calibre of judges that have embraced these awards in its first year," says Yeoh Siew Hoon, Founder, WiT. "It is an honour to recognise those who turned ideas into action and initiated programmes to build back better during the pandemic. They will deservedly get their heyday with these awards, which will demonstrate exactly how the travel, tourism and hospitality industries have taken lessons learned over the pandemic to plan and create a better future for all travellers".

To enter the Awards, click here

Radisson Blu Kaushambi receives recognition for its hospitality talent in the AHP Hospitality Excellence Awards 2023

New Delhi, India,  July 2023 || At the AHP Hospitality Excellence Awards 2023,  Radisson Blu Kaushambi – one of Delhi NCR’s top five-star hospitality brands, was honored for its outstanding hospitality services and staff. India's largest hospitality industry competition, the AHP Hospitality Challenge 2023, took place on July 8th, 2023, at the USI Auditorium in Vasant Vihar, New Delhi. In order to demonstrate their expertise in 17 different categories, over 350 hospitality experts came from all over the nation. This event set a new standard for excellence in the sector.

The Radisson Blu Kaushambi stood out among its contemporaries, taking home four trophies. Deepak took the International Cuisine prize, while Mohit and Padam received bronze medals in Regional Indian Cuisine and the 45 Minutes Cooking Challenge, respectively. Sandeep won the Gold prize in the Biryani category, while Lalit was recognized for his Kabab dish.

Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Navneet Jain, CEO of Radisson Blu Kaushambi, expressed his pride in his team's accomplishments. "We are grateful to the AHP Hospitality Challenge for this recognition, and we are honored by these accolades. These honors are a monument to the dedication, innovation, and passion of our team members, who work relentlessly to offer our visitors first-rate services. We'll keep raising the bar and establishing higher benchmarks for hospitality excellence.

Success at the AHP Hospitality Excellence Awards 2023 is evidence of Radisson Blu Kaushambi's dedication to hospitality excellence and a testament to their unrelenting dedication to provide top-notch services to their visitors. The staff at the hotel demonstrated outstanding innovation, enthusiasm, and dedication, and their efforts were rewarded with these esteemed awards.

Chiang Mai Hotel Sweeps International Interior Design Awards

CHIANG MAI, Thailand 2023 – Meliá Chiang Mai brought home two coveted accolades last week when it won “Best Hotel Lobby Interior - Thailand” and “Best Hotel Spa Interior - Thailand” at the prestigious Asia Pacific Property Awards 2023.

Hosted annually by the International Property Awards, and judged by a panel of more than 100 industry experts, Meliá Chiang Mai, which celebrated its grand opening just 16 months ago, scooped two of the leading interior design prizes in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We are honoured to receive such international recognition,” said Meliá Chiang Mai General Manager Mr Marc Selinger. “So much of the credit goes to our interior designers, PIA Interior, who have masterfully contributed to what is truly a landmark hotel here in the heart of Chiang Mai.”

Lead designer on the project, Mr Songsak Rungkiattiwong of PIA Interior, said he and his team are “incredibly proud” to have won the awards.

“We embarked on a mission to rejuvenate one of Chiang Mai's most iconic hotels, previously known as Pornping Tower Hotel, which has stood the test of time for nearly 50 years,” he said. “The hotel's rich history inspired us to infuse the refurbishment process with an element of fun. My vision was to breathe new life into the space.

“In the Lobby, our welcoming space draws inspiration from various sources. The symbol of fortune takes centre stage, incorporating elements from the spiritual journey of Wat Umong. Additionally, we have incorporated the charm of tung, a symbol of good fortune, and the lanterns of the Yi Peng light festival. These elements come together to create an immersive experience that sets the tone for the guests' journey of discovery in Chiang Mai.”

The lobby’s aesthetic centrepiece is undoubtedly the tung sai moo to which Mr Songsak referred, an objet d’art which sits in the centre of the foyer. Its shape will be familiar with many visitors who have experienced the wet and wonderful Songkran festival in Chiang Mai, at which colourful tung flags are on display at almost every Buddhist temple. In this instance, the tung is encased in a solid silver chat, the symbolic umbrella that sits atop temples throughout Thailand, offering protection.

Above the tung art piece is a ceiling designed with celestial silk Chinese lanterns, or kom, often identified with the Loy Kratong festival. Meanwhile, the walls surrounding the spacious interior of the lobby are lined with teakwood panels, all engraved with geometric patterns woven by the region’s hill-tribe peoples.

Leading downstairs from the lobby lies the YHI Spa and its seven treatment rooms. With a cool ambience suggestive of an underwater theme, the mazey corridors of the spa pay homage to another Chiang Mai landmark, the ancient Wat Umong or Tunnel Temple, with its arched low doorways seeming to burrow deeper into a blissful netherworld of Thai massage and aromatherapy treatments.

“For the Spa, the inspiration struck me during an evening walk at Tha Phae Gate [in Chiang Mai], where I witnessed the captivating contrast between the deep twilight sky and the brick walls of the city gate,” Mr Songsak recalled. “Drawing from this experience, the spa's layout was intentionally designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquillity.”

Towering over the city’s famous Night Bazaar and the Ping River, this 260-key hotel is arguably the freshest addition to the Chiang Mai skyline in years. Its jewel in the crown is the rooftop bar Mai The Sky Bar – the highest in the city – sitting majestically on the 22nd floor, with a glass bridge commanding 360-degree views as far as the eye can see.

Facilities at the resort include Meliá’s signature YHI Spa, a fully equipped fitness centre, a swimming pool, a ballroom, a kids’ club, and three restaurants with a dedicated focus on Mediterranean and Lanna (Northern Thai) cuisines.

Owned by Thailand’s leading integrated lifestyle real estate group Asset World Corporation (AWC) and launched by Spanish hotel group Meliá Hotels International (MHI), Meliá Chiang Mai is the first five-star hotel to debut in Chiang Mai since the onset of the global pandemic.

The group has recently developed luxury properties in several key destinations in Thailand, beginning with the launch of Meliá Koh Samui in January 2020, and closely followed by the opening of Meliá Phuket Mai Khao on the Andaman coast.

PIA Interior is also working on the latest Meliá hotel in the country, the 33-storey INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit,, which is due to celebrate its grand opening in the Thai capital next month.

Meliá Chiang Mai also won an award this month presented by Australian travel magazine Holidays With Kids, in which it was named No 10 in the Thailand’s Best Family Resorts category for 2023.

Scoot Wins ‘Best Low Cost Long Haul Airline’ Award Three Years in A Row

India - Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has been named the “Best Low-Cost Long Haul Airline” for the third consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2023 held at the Paris Air Show on Tuesday, 20 June 2023.

Scoot Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Leslie Thng, said: “We are humbled to be recognized by Skytrax once again. This award is a testament to our commitment to continually providing our customers with quality service, differentiated products, contemporary experiences and great value. It is also an encouragement to our staff, who work tirelessly day after day, not just on the frontlines but also behind the scenes, to deliver a seamless customer journey and experience. Looking ahead, we will continue to pave the way in redefining value travel in the industry and raise the bar for low-cost travel.”

Held at the iconic Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace (Air and Space Museum), the 24th edition of Skytrax’s World Airline Awards was attended by representatives from top airlines from around the world. 

Since 1999, the World Airline Awards has been regarded as ‘the Oscars of the aviation industry’ and remains fully independent and impartial, with travelers of over 100 nationalities deciding on the winners via a passenger satisfaction survey. This year, the World Airline Awards returned to the Paris Air Show for the first time since the pandemic, and over 80 awards were presented.

Vistara Scores a Hat-trick: Awarded ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’

Vistara Scores a Hat-trick: Awarded ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for Third Consecutive Year; Named 16th Best Airline Globally at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax 

• ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia for the fifth consecutive year

• Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia for the third time in a row

• Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia for the second consecutive year

Gurugram, June 20, 2023: Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has been ranked 16th worldwide, moving four places up from last year, at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. This makes Vistara the only Indian carrier to feature in the list of World’s Top 20 Airlines for the second time in a row. Additionally, the airline also won several prestigious awards including 'Best Airline in India and South Asia' for the third consecutive year, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth time in a row, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third consecutive year and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time. The award ceremony took place amidst the grandeur of the Paris Air Show 2023 at the iconic Musée de l'air et de l'espace. 

Vistara also secured the 8th position, moving up by one rank from last year, amongst the ‘Best Airlines in Asia 2023’. The airline ranked 20th amongst ‘World's Best Airline Cabin Crew 2023’ and 19th in the category of the ‘World’s Best Inflight Entertainment 2023’. 

Vistara was voted for by travellers globally (from over 100 nationalities), as the World Airline Awards are based on the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey of more than 20.23 million travellers for the period between September 2022 and May 2023.  

(Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara (second from left) and Rashmi Soni, VP & Head – Corporate Communications, Vistara (extreme right) receiving the awards along with Vistara team at the World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax)

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are overjoyed to have done it again! It is extremely gratifying for all of us at Vistara to be awarded the Best Airline in India and South Asia for the third time, and Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia for the fifth time. We are also ranked 16th amongst the world’s best airlines along with winning these stellar accolades at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. These awards are a strong endorsement of our customers’ trust in our thoughtful service, consistent operational excellence and constant innovations, all aimed at elevating their travel experience. These awards are also a recognition of the hard work put in by our employees, especially the frontline teams, who have given their all to Vistara throughout our eight years of existence. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Skytrax for these coveted awards which strengthen our resolve to delight our customers at every touchpoint and on every journey.”

Congratulating Vistara and commenting on the awards, Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax said, "We congratulate Vistara on the fantastic achievement of winning this award as the Best Airline in India & South Asia. The double success of scooping the award for the Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia for the fifth time is an unprecedented achievement in this region.”

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on multiple industry forums and has also been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards. In a short span of over eight years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service standards in the Indian aviation industry. 

The Westin Goa ranks #1 in TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Hotels 2023

The Westin Goa has emerged as a shining star in the hospitality industry, recently winning the prestigious Travellers' Choice Best of the Best Hotels Award. Situated in the captivating coastal town of Anjuna, Goa, it has claimed the title of the leading hotel in the area and has secured the third position among the top hotels in all of India.

This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the hotel's unwavering commitment to wellness, offering guests a truly holistic and rejuvenating experience. Since its grand debut in 2021, The Westin Goa has consistently proven itself to be a sought-after leisure destination, capturing the hearts of both domestic and international travellers.

With a range of exceptional offerings across various domains, including exquisite dining experiences, state-of-the-art amenities, and convenient proximity to major tourist attractions, The Westin Goa has become synonymous with luxury and excellence. Its seamless blend of comfort and elegance sets the stage for unforgettable stays.

The TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards serve as a testament to the hotel's dedication to exceptional service and guest satisfaction. Winners of these prestigious awards are chosen based on millions of reviews and opinions from travellers worldwide, with a particular emphasis on parameters such as overall guest satisfaction, service quality, and F&B offerings.

Harish Gopalakrishnan, the General Manager of The Westin Goa, expressed his delight on this remarkable achievement. He emphasized the hotel's commitment to creating unique and personalized experiences, tailored to each guest's preferences. Gopalakrishnan stated, "The year 2023 has been a year of elevation in the industry of hospitality, and we look forward to continuing to excel while providing exceptional customer experiences that build unforgettable memories."

But The Westin Goa is more than just a hotel. It's a sanctuary that encapsulates the spirit of Goa, offering guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich local culture and traditions. From savouring authentic Goan cuisine to indulging in the resort's renowned Sunday Brunch, guests are treated to a true sensory delight.

Grand Hyatt Gurgaon hosted The Icons of Whisky & Icons of Gin Awards 2023

National, May 2023: Together with Spiritual Luxury Living, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon hosted the 12th edition of the Global Icons of Whisky Awards 2023 & the 3rd edition of the International Icons of Gin Awards 2023, in India. Having one of the largest event spaces in Delhi NCR, Grand Hyatt Gurgaon made for the most appropriate venue to add to the panache of the prestigious award ceremony.

Icons of Whisky are the only international Beverage Awards held in India and celebrate the spirits industry by recognizing bars, distilleries, individuals and more globally, each year. The winners are selected post consultation with industry experts and a final decision is arrived at with an international jury in the UK.

The event was graced by several HNIs, journalists, industry professionals and other valuable guests. Commenting upon this successful show, Mr. Tarun Seth said “It gives us great pride to see our event spaces at Grand Hyatt Gurgaon being recognized by patrons not only for decadent weddings but also for prestigious award ceremonies. Here’s to welcoming many more guests to experience grandeur in the details with us in the times to come.”

About Grand Hyatt

Around the world, Grand Hyatt hotels bring travel dreams to life by celebrating the iconic in small details and magnificent moments. Located at the crossroads of local culture and global business within major gateway cities and resort destinations, each Grand Hyatt hotel is uniquely designed to be a captivating destination within a destination. Grand Hyatt hotels deliver welcoming and elevated service, first-class accommodations, and an abundance of options within a multicultural backdrop of dramatic architecture and bold and vibrant design. Grand Hyatt properties boast inventive restaurants, luxury spas, fitness centers, and business and meeting facilities. 

Singapore Changi Airport named World's Best Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023

• This is the 12th time Changi Airport has claimed this title

• Passenger traffic between India and Singapore has recovered to 85% of pre-Covid levels.

INDIA, March 2023- Singapore Changi Airport has been voted the World’s Best Airport at the Skytrax World Airport Awards. This is the 12th time Changi Airport has been awarded this prestigious accolade, a record number since the award was first given out in 1999. In addition to the World’s Best Airport award, Singapore Changi Airport also garnered awards for the World’s Best Airport Dining, Best Airport for Leisure Amenities, and Best Airport in Asia. 

Mr Lee Seow Hiang, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group (CAG), said, “Changi Airport is honoured to be named World’s Best Airport for the 12th time. This recognition is a great encouragement to our airport community, who stood firmly together to battle the challenges of Covid-19 over the past two years. We thank them for their dedication to serving Changi’s passengers and their perseverance to keep Singapore connected to the world. To our passengers, we are deeply grateful for your vote of confidence. Your continued support encourages us to keep pursuing service excellence as we expand our offerings to redefine the Changi Experience. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Changi Airport as we rediscover the magic of travel again.”

At present Changi Airport is linked to 16 Indian cities, including major hubs such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Hyderabad, with 7 airlines (Air India, Air India Express, DrukAir, IndiGo, Scoot, Singapore Airlines, and Vistara) providing approximately 241 weekly services. Apart from those visiting Singapore, Changi serves as a major transit airport for Indians travelling to Australia, the USA, Indonesia, and beyond.  With India being a key market for Changi Airport, CAG  has consistently focused on 360-degree marketing efforts to promote Changi through campaigns such as ‘First in Jewel’ in 2019, and ‘Chalo Changi’ in 2022. 

As travel resumed, passenger traffic from India has witnessed a steady recovery with January 2023 seeing the number reaching 85% of pre-covid levels.

The Skytrax World Airport Awards reflect the views of airport customers. Each year, respondents of more than 60 nationalities take part in a global customer satisfaction survey to assess facilities and customer service across more than 550 airports. The World Airport Awards are independent of airport input and fully funded by Skytrax. 

Mr Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said, “This recognition for Changi Airport is from the airport customers and serves to underline the airport's popularity with international air travellers. Winning this award as the World’s Best Airport is a very clear recognition of the team effort amongst all staff at the airport who contributed to Changi Airport’s success.” 

Post-pandemic rebound travel from India and beyond

With the roll-back of Covid-19 measures and the return of global travel, passenger traffic at Singapore Changi Airport has recovered to about 80% of pre-Covid levels and is expected to reach 100% by 2024. Changi Airport’s top five passenger markets for 2022 were: Australia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Changi Airport re-opened Terminals 2 and 4 in 2022 due to strong travel demand. Terminal 4 (T4) resumed operations in September after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. As part of continuous efforts to enhance the passenger experience, Singapore Changi Airport embarked on expansion and renovation works at Terminal 2 (T2) in 2020. T2’s phased re-opening began in May 2022. 

Enhanced infrastructure and passenger touchpoints for travellers

Upon completion in 2024, T2’s expansion will increase Changi Airport’s total capacity by five million passengers per annum (mppa) to 90 mppa. The project adds 15,500 square metres of space, allowing for larger Departure and Arrival Halls, and consequently, more room for operations including check-in and immigration clearance. 

New leisure, dining, and retail experiences 

At the same time, Changi Airport has been adding to its growing range of offerings that cater to different interests and tastes. Apart from the nature-themed attractions of Jewel, the family-friendly experiences at Changi now also include a rock-climbing attraction and a 16m-tall play structure called Chandelier. Travellers can also catch the latest blockbusters at Changi Airport’s 24-hour movie theatre which offers free movie screenings. 

Dining delights representing culinary influences from around the world include the Flavours of Singapore F&B outlets showcasing local specialities and homegrown brands. Avenues for retail therapy continue to grow with the addition of more international retailers as well as exclusive designer labels. Changi Airport is also ramping up pop-up events to offer travellers exclusive promotions and the world’s first product launches.

ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS- The pursuit of excellence from Travel,Hospitality,Culinary

Honouring those who are on a journey to inspire, innovate and lead. 

March, 2023: Zee Zest is a leading multi-platform lifestyle entertainment brand that enables its audiences to discover, engage & broaden their horizons on food, lifestyle, and travel trends. While it creates invigorating content by working with the finest talent in the industry, it is now time to honour the individuals and businesses who have helped this sector grow and prosper. To honour the industry shapers and risk takers, Zee Zest brings to you the first edition of the ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS Co-Presented by L’Oreal Paris– New (Hyaluron) Moisture. The awards will recognize and felicitate those who inspire innovation, progress, and challenge the status quo; exemplifying the boundless possibilities in the world of culinary, travel, and hospitality.

The awards have been broadly divided into key pillars of cuisine, beverages & nightlife, travel, and individual achievers operating in this space. The winners will be decided by a combination of jury selection and viewer’s choice via voting process. A distinguished panel known for their limitless contribution to the industry has evaluated and reviewed all entries from each category and the consumers have voted for their favourites to arrive at the winners.

The jury comprises of tastemakers who evaluated the entries based on their deep understanding and expertise of the industry. They have been responsible for carefully reviewing the entries and making a fair and unbiased decision to recognise ‘people and institutions’ for their excellence. The jury has a healthy mix of food and wine experts, writers, influencers, chefs, consultants and more. 

This esteemed jury panel includes industry connoisseurs like chef Ranveer Brar, food expert and chef Vinesh Johny, chef and restaurateur Anahita Dhondy, celebrity chef & TV presenter Kunal Kapur and Shipra Khanna, actor and TV presenter Maria Goretti, chefs and food historians Rakesh Raghunathan and Shri Bala, chefpreneur Ajay Chopra, actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi, eminent food columnists Anoothi Vishal, content creators Ashwin Rajagopalan and Indrajit Lahiri, entrepreneur Aneesh Bhasin, author & liquor baron Rocky Mohan, hotelier Diwan Gautam Anand, beverage expert Keshav Prakash. 

The top 5 nominations from each category were open to public voting on www.zeezest.com/unlimitawards from 10th to 24th February following by the jury deliberation at ITC Maratha on 28th February for winner selection of each category. The entries included top luxury hotels & resorts to fine-dining restaurants, best home-grown wines to best nightclubs, and key influential mavericks in food and travel space that are carving the path of this industry with innovation, inventiveness, and consistency.

The award function will be held on March 21st, 2023 at ITC Grand Central, in Mumbai and will be hosted by famed voice over artist and actress Simaran Kaur and actor Harman Singha. It will be an evening to remember with celebrations and felicitations honouring the grit, vision, and hard work of those who have set new benchmarks in their respective field.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Amit Nair, Chief Channel Officer, Zee Zest said, "UNLIMIT represents the pursuit of unbound opportunities, innovation and excellence by breaking constraints and taking risks. It's about being a visionary, leading by example, inspiring others to reach for the stars and to strive for excellence. It is a mindset that encourages individuals to live a life that is limitless in its potential and possibilities. It will be exciting to see the industry influencers come together and celebrate each other’s work and glory at this event.”  

The first edition of the ZEE ZEST UNLIMIT AWARDS Co-Presented by L’Oreal Paris– New (Hyaluron) Moisture will be telecast on 31st March on Zee Zest, Zee Zest HD, Zee Café and will be available to stream on zeezest.com

Dr. Vikram Kamat was honored as an "Iconic Personality in Hospitality" by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Honorable Governor of the state of Maharashtra

Kamats Restaurants  bags the best highway restaurant chain award by the Food Connoisseurs India Convention (West India Edition)

Mumbai, February 2023: Whether it be a planned road trip or a spontaneous getaway, restaurants on highways plays a crucial role in providing travelers with comfort food and washrooms to freshen up. With there being a plethora of options to choose from, one brand that has stood out for the last 80 years is 'Kamats Restaurant'. With a concept of an open kitchen, a variety of cuisine to hygienic washrooms, they have always been a companion in the pleasant journey experience of commuters traveling especially on either Maharashtra or Gujrat highways. To add a feather to the cap, The founder and chairman of the Vitskamats Group, Dr. Vikram Kamat was honored as an "Iconic Personality in Hospitality" by Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Honorable Governor of the state of Maharashtra, for his exemplary contribution to the hospitality industry. He has been recognized for his contribution towards the upliftment of social infrastructure and for successfully running the iconic brand Kamats across highways and Vits Hotels and Resorts across the country. This year was also special for Kamats Restaurant as the restaurant chain also bagged the 'Best highway restaurant chain of the year' awarded by the Food Connoisseurs India Convention (West India Edition).

When asked Dr. Vikraam Kamat, about how he feels after being honored by such a prestigious award, he humbly mentioned, "Being born in the F&B industry, I always have had an attachment with food, and since the very beginning I knew I wanted to give my 100 percent to this industry. It is indeed a fulfilling feeling to be honored by such a prestigious honor from the hands of Shri Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, Honorable Governor of the state of Maharashtra, for doing what I love the most. Also, winning the award for Kamats feels surreal. I am truly thankful to my family and also my team for helping me in embarking on this journey towards providing the best hospitality to my country and even abroad."

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani awarded INDIA PROUD BOOK OF RECORDS RECOGNITION FOR THE YEAR 2023.

Chef Kaviraj is a Mumbai based food and hospitality industry expert and with quality experience with hotels, airlines, educational institutions,media and more

since over 25 years now. he has not only won several national awards like the Bharat vidya ratan and golden peacock national award but also the man of excellence award for 2020, wow award for excellence in culinary and hospitality, Best Chef Asia award, most inspiring chef award and recently he also received the topmost hospitality icon award for 2023 by Asia food congress and awards held in Mumbai.

A passion and a zeal to achieve nothing but the best with complete commitment and dedication has ever since been his motto and principle in life. The journey of 25 years although has not been a very rosy one and it has had its own pros and cons. Chef Kaviraj started his journey with food at the age of seven and since then he learnt his basic cooking skills at home and moved on with them on a serious note to take this interest and hobby into a profession. his education in india and overseas certifications have moulded him in such a way that a complete 360 degree approach towards the hospitality industry can be worked upon and this has been a highly inspiring and motivating factor for thousands and lakhs of budding professionals who consider him as an iconic name in this field of expertise.

Glamour and fame always comes to those who work hard for it and who aspire and aim to dream beyond the horizons is one of his beliefs and factors behind achieving global recognition as well. Academics and experience go hand in hand and it is important to be a successful name in this field and to be able to set examples for people one needs to be constantly on the move and towards setting standards of performance and quality as well. His story of success is known across the globe today and his followers look up to his work and his list of achievements as well constantly and continuously. 

This recent award and recognition conferred upon Dr.Kaviraj is yet another example of setting records in the India proud book of outstanding contribution to the field of hospitality education and support extended towards students, fresh graduates and professionals who are a part of this industry. It is a matter of national pride on having received this prestigious place in the book of records and it will not only inspire others but also motivate him to set even higher and further records of excellence and his great work will surely be noticed hereafter as well. Our publication and team wishes Dr. Kaviraj Khialani all the very best in all his future and upcoming endeavours.

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani ( Celebrity Master Chef ) bags the prestigious Award and title of Top Most Hospitality Icons ( Chefs )

Presented by Asia Food Congress endorsed by the World federation of Hospitality Professionals.

This valentines day has truly been a memorable one for Chef Kaviraj since it not only was a special moment being awarded this special title and award for his very first love being cooking since the age of seven. Becoming a Chef was always his very focused goal and ambition since childhood and his perseverance and continued hard work- dedication and being creative has ever since kept him on top of the charts in his area of expertise and in the Hospitality Industry at large as well since over 25 years now.

Cooking and innovating with ingredients, trying out new and unusual combinations with home recipes and international classics as well has impressed a very huge audience and fan following in his case which makes him a class apart.

Having worked with some of the finest hotels and Hospitality companies in India and overseas which has made him not only learn his subject to the very best but has also helped him achieve milestones at a much younger age.

I always wanted to be different and stand out from the regulars through my work and my passion. There have been a number of instances and experiences during the journey which were not very pleasant as well but for me not getting distracted was the prime focus in life and through constant self motivation I work on my ambitions one by one and ensure they are achieved. In today's times and with the current generation of those who want success and popularity there needs to be a lot of mentorship and coaching sessions planned and executed so that experience of people like me are able to offer our best and help the young aspirants be more inclined with passion and not moving off track at any given point especially during the struggle phase.

The Hospitality industry is vast and there is a place for everyone as long as there are basics in place and a grounded attitude which wants to have an open mind and wishes to learn at the same time with a little patience and cool mind.

Asia food congress has always made me feel special and has honoured me third time in a row this year for which I'm truly humbled.

Awards and Recognitions are part of the journey where it keeps us pepped up and on the toes to continue doing our very best and offer our expertise in the best possible ways.