Pride Group of Hotels launches Pride Biznotel Manjusar, GIDC, Vadodara

Pride Group of Hotels launches Pride Biznotel Manjusar, GIDC, Vadodara

Pride Group of Hotels has launched Pride Biznotel Manjusar in GIDC, Vadodara in close proximity to the National highway. Located in Mukut Nagar, the hotel is well-connected by road to prominent commercial and leisure destinations around the city namely Manjusar GIDC, Halol GIDC, Statue of Unity, Champaner Fort, Pawagadh Temple and Sayaji Baug. Pride Biznotel brand is a moderately priced, upscale, full-service hotels that meet the discerning needs of a business traveler.

Announcing the launch, Atul Upadhyay, Vice President, Pride Group of Hotels, said “We are delighted to announce the launch of Pride Biznotel Manjusar, which is our 11th property in the State of Gujarat. We are buoyant on the industry's growth of Gujarat that has fuelled demand for upscale mid-market hotels in this region. We believe Pride Biznotel Manjusar with its strategic location, imposing décor, delectable food options, banqueting and host of hospitality services will appeal to business and leisure travellers in this region”

Pride Biznotel Manjusar boasts of elegantly designed rooms. All the rooms are fully air-conditioned and filled with modern amenities like LED television, ergonomic work table, tea/ coffee maker, iron and ironing board, wardrobes, high-speed internet connectivity and much more. The eclectic dining outlet comprises Café Pride – the multi cuisine restaurant that presents a variety of sumptuous cuisines and authentically prepared dishes. With an amalgamation of a vibrant and rich ambience, the restaurant takes pride in crafting delectable culinary voyages.

Pride BiznotelManjusar adds some zing to your business travel with state-of-the-art banquets and a sprawling lawn. The banquets are perfect to host private parties, social events and classified gatherings. The lush green lawn spans across 8,000 sq ft which is ideal for destination weddings, product launches, training sessions, team-building exercises and outdoor events. Guests can also enjoy a break at the Gym facilities within the hotel, like a re-energizing workout at the fitness centre.

FHRAI Pleads To The PM For Urgent Intervention, Requests For Sector Specific Special Relief Package

FHRAI Pleads To The PM For Urgent Intervention, Requests For Sector Specific Special Relief Package

India’s apex hospitality Association and the voice of the hospitality industry - Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has submitted a representation to the Hon’ble Prime Minister – Shri Narendra Modi requesting urgent attention towards the deteriorating situation of the hospitality and tourism sector. Flagged as the ‘Most Distressed Sector due to COVID-19’ in the country, the Association has pleaded the PM to immediately provision a sector specific special relief package to enable the sector in its fight for survival. With 30 per cent hotels and restaurants across the country permanently shut over the last two waves of the pandemic, the remaining operational establishments continue to run in losses even today. The hospitality industry has reported losses of a whopping sum of Rs.1.40 lakh crore with around 50 million jobs lost since the beginning of the pandemic.

“The third wave of COVID has ripped apart the hospitality industry. The recent restrictions came right in the middle of Christmas and New Year festivities and preceded the marriage season. The revenue loss incurred due to the cancellations of celebrations and bookings to the hospitality industry is conservatively estimated at Rs.200 crores. Half of the hospitality sector was on the ventilator caused by the ripple effect of the lockdowns and restrictions during the first and second COVID waves. The sector somehow tried to tide over the crisis by availing the credit facility provided by the Government and infusing own capital. But then, all of a sudden, the third wave came as a debilitating blow. FHRAI has knocked on the doors of all the concerned Ministries for bringing them up to speed on the existential crisis faced by sector. At present, the entire hospitality industry is hanging on by a thread and only a special relief package can reinvigorate the industry. We plead to the Hon’ble PM to offer a sector-specific special relief package for the survival of the Tourism and Hospitality sector,” says Mr Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice President, FHRAI.

The FHRAI has stated that the successive waves of the pandemic and disruptions caused by it have created a volatile economic environment in the sector. Being a highly capital-intensive industry, hospitality has to manage a lot of overhead expenses even while it is not functioning.

“After the second wave had subsided and restrictions partially withdrawn, in the beginning of the third quarter of FY 2021-22, hotel and restaurant businesses saw a marginal rise in occupancies and footfalls. By the middle of December 2021, occupancies in resorts and holiday destinations had reached 60 to 70 per cent, while in the city and corporate hotels it touched approximately 25 to 30 per cent. Likewise, restaurants had just started to return to normalcy as corporate offices and businesses had opened up. Although this was much lower than the pre-COVID levels, the signs were encouraging. But, things started changing for the worse by the end of December and since then there has been a drastic plummeting of rates and occupancies in hotels and footfalls in restaurants. City hotels are back to 10 to 15 per cent occupancy accompanied by low room rental rates and restaurants are deserted. Resorts and holiday destination hotels that were otherwise doing well have drastically fallen below 40 per cent,” adds Mr Kohli.

FHRAI has stated that the present restrictions imposed are almost equivalent to a lockdown. Business in hotels and restaurants is almost nil across all major locations in the country. The Association has pointed out that such restrictions compound to the existing crisis causing extensive damages to the sector. It has estimated nothing less than five years for the industry to return to the pre-pandemic levels.

“It is imperative for the hospitality industry to have an environment conducive for businesses to sustain. Frequent lockdowns and restrictions coupled with travel restrictions are anti-business especially, for the hospitality and tourism sectors. Every time the situation eases a bit and the industry receives a glimmer of hope a new hurdle presents itself. The cyclical ‘stop-start-stop’ arrangement hasn’t allowed the industry to do anything. Hotels and restaurants are in a state of suspended animation since 2020. The current situation also has a cascading impact on the employment in the sector. Apart from another round of lay-offs and pay cuts, the situation will pose another serious threat before the industry in the form of unavailability of trained manpower to work in the sector. The volatility in the sector and continued disruptions has dissuaded people to continue working in the sector and large numbers have moved to other sectors for viable employment opportunities. With another tourist and business season washed off, the sector has nothing to hope for now. It is staring at a dark future in the midst of increasing debt burden, obligations and statutory liabilities with no means to meet them. Under the present circumstances, without adequate support from the Government, many more hospitality establishments in the country would be compelled to shut shop,” concludes Mr Kohli.

Appointment | Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway elevates Gouse Shaik to Director of Human Resources

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway elevates Gouse Shaik to Director of Human Resources

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway has announced the elevation Gouse Shaik as its Director of Human Resources.

Possessing nearly 11 years of experience, Shaik is an expert in harnessing employee engagement and setting the foundation for great people and work culture at Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway.

Encompassing the values, visions, ideals, norms, and working language, he has a knack of bringing together professionals from various diverse cultures to collaborate in harmony in order to achieve the ultimate purpose and vision of the company.

Having previously worked at a range of well-known hotels, such as JW Marriott Mussoorie, Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Electronics City, Mövenpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore, and Hyatt Hotel Corporation (Ista Hotel, Hyderabad), Shaik believes that the Human Resource Department truly develops and manages a company’s culture.

“The human resources department serves no customers, books no business, yet it plays a very important role in the hotel’s efficient operation. Their role is certainly at the core of a company’s success and I am forever striving to be able to contribute more to strategic business outcomes,” says Gouse Shaik.

New Opening | Treehouse Hotels and Resorts launches three properties in Goa

The tally of properties under the brand now escalates to eight with the addition of new cottages, villas, and serviced apartments across north and south Goa.

Treehouse Hotels and Resorts announces the official opening of three new properties in Goa. Treehouse continues its growth momentum, the tally of properties under Treehouse Hotels and Resorts now escalates to 8 with the addition of new cottages, villas, and serviced apartments across North, and South Goa.

Treehouse MARS Beach Cottages, Calangute are sited 500 meters from the famous Calangute beach. It is in collaboration with Ailsinghani Hotels and offers splendour beach cottages to its guests. It has 12 premium and 8 pool facing cottages fitted with premium amenities to ensure a pleasant stay of the guests. Artistically embellished cottages with pastel shades intensify its ambience and catch the eyes of guests. The property has a pool for guests to enjoy.

Treehouse Blue Serviced Apartments, Majorda has 22 apartments. Of which, 5 are studio apartments of 350 square feet with a balcony and rest 16 are one-bedroom apartments spread across 750 square feet with 2 balconies. Property is pet friendly and comprises of a recreational area suitable for kids and a swimming pool.

Treehouse Blue Villas, Colva has 3 villas, each of 3 BHK with latest amenities. Capturing the ultra-modern design and, the common swimming pool will offer immersive guest experiences. This property is pet friendly. “While we continue our expansion journey and offer diverse category of hotels which can complement and accommodate and fit every kind of traveller. We invite you to Treehouse Sonnet, Anjuna and Treehouse MARS Beach Cottages are a perfect getaway for the celebrators. Treehouse Neptune Inn, Panjim best suited for casino lovers as the property has majority of Casinos located nearby the banks of river Mandovi. A wide window of options is available from Treehouse Nova, a boutique hotel at Cansaulim, Treehouse Silken Sands, a budget hotel at Benaulim, Treehouse Blue at Majorda offers apartments to Treehouse Blue Villas at Colva. We offer unmatched comfort and hospitality that comes with staying at a Treehouse Hotels and Resorts. The scale and diversity of The Treehouse family can meet guests’ needs whatever the occasion – whether a weekend getaway, a business trip, a family celebration, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Suman Ghosh, Chief Operating Officer of Treehouse Hotels and Resorts.

NEWS| Jit Bose - elected as a "Fellow of IIHM" and becomes member of the "IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows"

The IIHM (International Institute of Hotel Management) International College of Distinguished Fellows conferred the Fellow of IIHM to 28 global hospitality leaders for their exemplary contribution to their industry at a glitzy virtual event. Streamed over Zoom and YouTube on January 12, the convocation ceremony had Suborno Bose, CEO, International Institute of Hotel Management & CEO, International Hospitality Council, and Prof David Foskett, MBE, chairman - International Hospitality Council, London, coming together to confer the fellowship. 

The IIHM International College of Distinguished Fellows had elected 56 dedicated professionals to become Fellows of IIHM. All of them have greatly contributed to the international hospitality industry in one way or another. The list of distinguished industry stalwarts includes Ms. Camelia Punjabi ( Group Director – Masala World) , Mr. Vijay Thacker – Managing Director – HTL Howarth), Chef. Lepinoy Sebastien (3 Michelin Star Chef Les Amis Restaurant Singapore) to name a few.  

Speaking about the recognition Mr. Jit Bose, Area Director South India, IHG Hotels & Resorts and Director of Sales & Marketing Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park  said “ I look forward to working with IIHM towards contributing to the field of Hospitality Education & continue to excite people to join our industry which has so much to offer” 

Profile : 

Jit Bose is the Area Director of Sales & Marketing South India at InterContinental Hotels Group (South West Asia Region). He is currently based at Crowne Plaza Chennai Adyar Park. Jit has been with the hospitality industry for over two decades and has been with IHG Hotels & Resorts for the last four and a half years. He strongly believes that success comes from building strong teams.  

A strategic, outgoing, and performance-driven leader who provides exceptional leadership to his team resulting in commercial success. He has led many key projects towards successful improvements in customer experience, revenue maximization, market development & executed a number of highly successful campaigns. Proven experience in building highly successful and motivated teams. Recognized for strong business acumen & strategy implementation. Transformed many underperforming Hotels to commercial success through short-term tactical activities and building a long-term vision.

  

Jit is an alumnus of Calcutta University and has done his Post Graduation in Marketing & attended various workshops and Development Programmes conducted by Cornell University.   

He has vast experience in Commercial Strategy, Revenue Management with leading brands like Taj, Hyatt, Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels, Ritz Carlton International & IHG Hotels & Resorts. He has held various senior management positions in his previous assignments In India and Indonesia. His expertise also lies in Pre openings, brand conversions, digital marketing, content creation, and online marketing.  

He has successfully launched the hybrid weddings campaign for his hotel. This innovative product has been a huge commercial success & has generated a lot of media attention in India and abroad. He enjoys training and mentoring. Few of his mentees have already become successful commercial leaders. He is often invited by Hotel schools to share with the students his inspiring journey in Sales & Marketing.   

Jit was awarded "Commercial Leader of the Year in 2019 - India Middle East & Africa Region " by IHG Hotels & Resorts. Won the “ Man of Excellence Award ( Hospitality Industry )– 2021 from Indian Achievers Forum.  

An avid traveler he has visited 24 countries and loves photography. music and exploring new cultures and cuisines.    

Marriott Guests Can Now Seamlessly Purchase Travel Insurance When They Book Directly with Marriott

Unique Plans Provide Protection for Guests’ Entire Trip

Today, Marriott announced guests residing in the U.S. can seamlessly ensure their domestic and international travels with Allianz Partners when booking their hotel stay on Marriott.com and the iOS version of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app. Unlike typical travel insurance for individuals, Allianz Global Assistance plans developed for Marriott can cover everyone staying in the room(s) including friends or family and may provide reimbursement for pre-paid, non-refundable expenses like airfare, expenses incurred during covered travel delays and medical emergencies, and more – providing benefits for much more than just the cost of hotel stays.

Plans available to Marriott guests may include protection for eligible trip cancellation costs due to a covered illness, injury, and more, up to a maximum amount. They may also include benefits for unexpected expenses caused by covered travel delays and trip interruptions such as the cost of rebooking flights, booking an airport hotel room for the night, or paying for a taxi. Depending on the plan purchased, costs for covered emergency medical care during a trip and delayed or lost baggage or personal belongings may also be covered. In addition, the plans can cover other pre-paid, non-refundable trip expenses, such as tours, activities and entertainment and sports tickets.

“Taking care of our guests while they explore the world, has always been a core principle for our company and today’s less predictable travel environment, resulting from the pandemic, has made the need to protect travel decisions more urgent." said Peggy Roe, Global Officer, Customer Experience, Loyalty and New Ventures, Marriott International. “Together with Allianz Partners, we are designing new and innovative ways to provide guests with confidence and peace of mind when they travel. Our industry leading product provides protection for multiple travelers in the party and protects trip purchases beyond the hotel stay. Our new travel insurance product is another example of how we are transforming to provide more thoughtful benefits and value to travelers across their entire trip.”

“We’re delighted to offer Marriott’s valued guests the opportunity to conveniently purchase our award-winning travel insurance and assistance while booking their next stay on Marriott.com,” said Elena Edwards, CEO of Allianz Partners USA. “We’ve created new products just for Marriott customers, and we hope these products will provide travelers with the confidence they need to book their next memorable stay,” added Ricky Horwitz, Chief Sales Officer, Global Travel at Allianz Partners Group.

Other plan benefits include a 24/7 team of multilingual, trained experts to help guests with medical and other travel-related emergencies. Services can include providing destination information, arranging roadside assistance, and making transportation arrangements. Policyholders can also enjoy the benefit of concierge services and take advantage of personal assistance from a team of experts to help get the most out of their travels, like securing tickets to shows, making restaurant reservations and booking spa treatments or a round of golf.

With the launch of this collaboration with Allianz Partners, Marriott guests don’t have to spend valuable time researching and selecting travel insurance. Guests will be given the opportunity to purchase insurance for their trip when they select their preferred hotel on Marriott.com. To provide as much flexibility as possible, there are a range of Allianz Global Assistance policies that vary in price, coverage, and benefits.

When a guest chooses to purchase travel insurance, the cost is added to the total cost of their stay and is charged in a single transaction. Guests have the flexibility to cancel their insurance plan within 15 days of purchase (or more, depending on state and plan) if their travels have not begun. Plans from Allianz Partners on Marriott.com can be purchased upon booking or prior to departure and even include plans that accommodate reservations for a same day check-in. In addition to the seamless purchase experience available on Marriott.com and the iOS version of the Marriott Bonvoy mobile app, it will be available next year in the Android version of the app.

The hotel will be a part of the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort, to be opened by 2025

The hotel will be a part of the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort, to be opened by 2025

CHICAGO (January , 2022) – Keystone Group, a Hong Kong-based conglomerate focused on the development and management of high-quality premier projects in the Greater China region, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H), a leading global hospitality company, today announced plans for China’s first Hello Kitty Hotel in Sanya, Hainan. The hotel will be developed by the Keyestone Group and added to the JdV by Hyatt brand.  It is expected to open by 2025 as part of the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort – the first Hello Kitty theme park in Hainan Province.

A vibrant addition to the JdV by Hyatt collection of independent properties, the hotel will feature 221 rooms and villas adorned with Hello Kitty designs and other well-known and beloved Sanrio characters. Embracing the JdV by Hyatt brand, Sanya Hello Kitty Hotel will also be home to an exciting range of world-class amenities, including three signature restaurants and bar, a themed ballroom, a swimming pool and state-of-the-art spa and a fitness center, inviting guests to celebrate the joy of life while indulging in a truly special and whimsical  stay.

To be built within the 52-acre Sanya Hello Kitty Resort, the hotel will offer guests and visitors an  immersive and memorable experience intimately connected to and reflective of the theme park, enabling guests to  live in the moment. Guests are invited to embark on their very own Sanrio journey with enchanting interactive experiences, brought to life by innovative design and technology, and engaging story-telling elements that will appeal to Sanrio fans of all ages and cater to the growing demand for family-oriented tourism and hospitality offerings. The hotel will also offer seasonal events, activities and menus to celebrate key festivals with guests throughout the year.

Jeffery Pun, Chief Executive Officer of Keyestone Group, said, “As Keyestone Group continues to grow our hospitality portfolio across Greater China, we are excited to extend our collaboration with Hyatt. Sanya Hello Kitty Hotel will leverage our respective strengths in developing and managing world-class hospitality projects to offer guests a truly unique experience as they unwind and rejuvenate with their favourite Sanrio characters. We believe that the hotel and Sanya Hello Kitty Resort will become icons in Hainan’s tourism landscape and enable us to tap the growing demand for high-quality travel experiences in this region.”

Stephen Ho, president of Growth and Operations, Asia Pacific of Hyatt, said, “We are delighted to be working with Keyestone Group and are grateful to them for entrusting Hyatt with the first Hello Kitty-themed hotel in this fast-growing market and expand our brand portfolio in China. We look forward to bringing to life well-loved Sanrio characters in this exciting new project, which will retain a unique identity while providing the JdV by Hyatt brand’s signature guest experience that is inclusive, free-spirited and distinguished by heartfelt and joy-driven service.”

An intellectual property licensing agreement was signed between Keyestone Group and Sanrio (Shanghai) International Trade Co., Ltd. in July 2019, granting Keyestone Group access to more than 400 trademark Sanrio characters, many of whom will be featured in the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort and Hotel. Sanya Hello Kitty Hotel will be the second Hyatt-branded hotel located in Hainan that Keyestone Group has been involved in developing, alongside the award-winning Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa, which opened in 2016. This is in addition to several milestone projects by Keyestone Group that are contributing to Hainan’s vibrant tourism landscape and boosting its profile as a travel destination of choice.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one or more of its affiliates.

For further information:

About JdV by Hyatt

A community for the spirited, the light-hearted, the young-at-heart, JdV by Hyatt offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods we call home. Embracing our namesake (joie de vivre), JdV by Hyatt invites guests and locals alike to connect, live in the moment and celebrate the joy of life. Each hotel provides an experience that is inclusive in spirit and space, inviting all to make each stay yours truly. Follow @JDVHotels on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for news and updates. For more information, please visit www.jdvbyhyatt.com.

About Keyestone Group

Keyestone Group is a Hong Kong-based conglomerate, focused on the development and management of high-quality premier projects spanning the Greater China region, including large-scale residential, commercial mixed-use, service apartments, resorts and hotels, and cultural tourism landmarks.

The Group is established in 1970 by renowned entrepreneur Mr. Benson Pun, who is of Hainan descent. Keyestone Group has strong ties to the island province and has been operating there since 2005. The Group has developed Grand Hyatt Sanya Haitang Bay Resort & Spa in Sanya, Hainan in 2016. It is also leading the development of the Sanya Hello Kitty Resort, which will be the first theme park with an international cartoon character intellectual property in Sanya, to fulfil the growing demand for family-style tourism and entertainment in China.

Keyestone Group launched the Keyestone Charity Foundation in partnership with the Hainan Medical Salvation Foundation in 2020, with a key focus on charity missions and care projects for abandoned children in the province.

Keyestone Group began its foray into the world of business with Kent Knitters Limited, one of the largest knitwear manufacturers in Hong Kong, with a client list of over 70 global brands.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company guided by its purpose – to care for people so they can be their best. As of September 30, 2021, Hyatt’s portfolio included more than 1,000 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 69 countries across six continents, and the acquisition of Apple Leisure Group added 96 properties in 10 countries as of November 1, 2021. Hyatt’s offerings include the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by Hyatt™, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt Ziva™, Hyatt Zilara™, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by Hyatt™, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMR™ Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless® Resorts & Spas, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua® Hotels & Resorts, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Hyatt’s subsidiaries operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and the Trisept Solutions® travel technology platform. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Country Inn Hotels & Resorts introduces refreshed brand identity and plans expansion

New Delhi,  January, 2022: Country Inn Hotels & Resorts that own and operate mid-market hotels and resorts in well-established locations like Jim Corbett, Haridwar and Bhimtal, is all set to expand its footprint in more than 12 other locations in 2022, including Goa, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Varanasi and Vrindavan. The company recently launched a brand new logo and identity, and plan to have 20 hotels in the portfolio by the end of 2023. The most recent introduction to the portfolio was Country Inn Tarika Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett, brand’s second resort in the location.

The new logo representation with a lotus symbolizes warmth and hospitality which is the core ideology of the brand. Each Country Inn hotel display lush green nature in its unique backdrop and is set in natural junction flanked by great Himalayan Mountains, alongside tranquil lakes, in the midst of virgin forests or bordering wildlife sanctuaries to offer friendly experiences and for redefining family holidays. The new logo and identity also resonates with the brand’s vision of having hotels in serene destinations.

The brand’s recently launched Country Inn Tarika Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett is set in the natural surroundings, only 25 meters away from the Kosi River. With proximity to the forest and areas of interest, views of the scenic mountains, inspirational architecture and landscaped gardens, the resort offers a fusion of nature and adventure. It features an outdoor swimming pool, play area, a unique bonfire set-up and two dining outlets including The Courtyard, multi-cuisine restaurant and The Kebab Factory where one can relish an unlimited feast of the most celebrated Indian kebabs and curries.

Commenting on these developments for Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand, Akhil Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Espire Hospitality said “We are excited about our brand’s fresh vision, identity and the expansion plans. It’s a crucial time for the tourism industry and with the unwavering increase in domestic travel in last few years, we see an enormous potential for our Country Inn Hotels & Resorts brand. We plan to grow our portfolio exponentially, making it a leading mid-market resort brand known for its quality of service.”

About Country Inn Hotels & Resorts

Country Inn Hotels and Resorts brand is a part of Espire Group, the owning company of the recently opened Six Senses Fort Barwara in Ranthambore. The resorts are strategically located in destinations that are best suited for adventure, discovery, and at the places that inspire the soul. Each resort display lush green nature in its unique backdrop and is set in natural junction flanked by great Himalayan mountains, alongside tranquil lakes, in the midst of virgin forests or bordering wildlife sanctuaries to offer friendly experiences and for redefining family holidays.

About Espire Hospitality

Espire Hospitality is the owning company of India’s newest luxury resort ‘Six Senses Fort Barwara’, own and operate a mid-market resort chain ‘Country Inn Hotels and Resorts’ and are progressing towards the launch of a new brand which will be a confluence of luxury and top notch hospitality. There are 20 hotels and resorts in the pipeline, due to open in next 2 to 3 years.

Talabat & Dubai Restaurant Group launch Digital Growth Program

Talabat and Dubai Restaurant Group (DRG) have signed a memorandum of understanding to support 500 qualified DRG member applicants that meet set criteria with special talabat registration packages.

The collaboration represents a two-year commitment between the entities to support and strengthen the food and beverage sector in Dubai, and allows DRG members a unique opportunity to expand business visibility and reach through talabat’s customer database and logistics network. As part of the agreement, qualified DRG members are eligible for a specialized talabat commercial package, which includes reduced registration and commission fees.

Talabat’s revised fees and commission for those availing the Digital Growth Program are as follows: commission of 5.3 percent and AED 8.40 delivery fee per order, as well as 2 percent credit card fees or cash handling fees. There will also be a AED 2,324 registration fee for new partners joining talabat.

New Opening | The Hyatt Centric brand debuts in the Middle East

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai, marking the lifestyle brand’s debut in the Middle East.

The seven-story property is set to become a social hub in the La Mer district, featuring 173 guestrooms, including 27 suites.

“We are proud to introduce the 10th Hyatt branded hotel in Dubai and to bring the first Hyatt Centric hotel into the UAE,” said Britta Leick-Milde, hotel manager of Hyatt Centric Jumeirah Dubai.

The hotel brings a mix of F&B outlets and features multiple spaces for meetings, events and social gatherings with a boardroom that fits up to eight guests, large terraces ideal for social gatherings for up to 85 guests and the exclusive rooftop bar that can be used for small group celebrations.

Appointment | Mr. Anand Prakash Ravi elevated as the Director of Food and Beverage Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre,Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC

Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre (NHCC) & Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC): Mr. Anand Prakash Ravi, Food and Beverage Manager at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre has been elevated as the Director of Food and Beverage of the complex. Anand has been associated with Accor since 2013 and started his career at Accor with NHCC & HICC. His influential mastery at discharging services in Food and Beverage section has been widely applauded.

Anand has a proven track record of 18 years of rich & extensive experience managing restaurant, convention & banquet, hotel bar and lounge Food &Beverage (F&B) Operations in National & International hotel brands like Accor, Marriott and the ITC.

He is an expert at planning as well as implementing the quality parameters in F&B service in line with the national and international guidelines to improve service performance. He is proficient in managing menu planning, new food concept and theme-based cuisines, health & dietary preferences. He is a creative & open-minded person with the knack for innovation in the F&B space.

Speaking on the appointment Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre said “We are extremely delighted to announce the promotion of Anand Prakash Ravi, as the Director of Food and Beverage. His Proven abilities in delivering value-added customer service and achieving customer delight by providing customized products, will further boost up the guest experience at the property. His immediate task will be to take up the refurbishment project of one of the specialty outlets and re-launch.  

About Novotel-

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts offers destination hotels designed as comforting and energizing places where guests can ‘press pause’ and take time to enjoy the moments that really matter. The brand’s wide array of hotels, suites, and resorts offer a multitude of services for business and leisure guests alike, including spacious, modular rooms with natural and intuitive design; 24/7 catering with nutritious choices; dedicated meeting spaces; attentive and proactive staff; family zones for the youngest guests; multi-purpose lobbies; and accessible fitness centers. Novotel, which has over 530 locations in more than 60 countries is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,200 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

Offbeat Villas – The largest B2B provider of Villas and Residences worldwide partners with One Rep Global

Offbeat Villas – The largest B2B provider of Villas and Residences worldwide partners with One Rep Global

January 2022 – Offbeat Villas, a leading provider of custom technology for professional trip designers, is pleased to announce its partnership with One Rep Global. Offbeat Villas is a B2B booking portal connecting travel agencies in India and the Middle East with the world’s most unique private residences, villas, homes, and other one-of-a-kind accommodations. 

Available exclusively to the trade, Offbeat Villas offers travel professionals insider access to private retreats spanning a range of price points and global destinations, from beach villas and heritage estates to serviced apartments and ski chalets. In contrast to peer-to-peer home-share platforms, every property available through Offbeat Villas is professionally managed, with a dedicated local staff committed to delivering a higher standard of quality, service, and care.

Through the dedicated Offbeat Villas website, travel professionals can easily search and book residence-style inventory around the world. Trip designers also have access to a range of proprietary tools and services for personalizing stays, crafting custom client presentations, and tracking booking activity. 

“We are excited to grow our global presence in India and the Middle East with the launch of Offbeat Villas,” said Meg Partridge, Chief Product Officer of HVN Travel Group. “We look forward to working alongside professional trip designers in the region to bring this exciting new category of private havens to travelers seeking immersive one-of-a-kind stays worldwide.”

Speaking on this partnership, Hemant Mediratta, Founder of One Rep Global stated, “Offbeat Villas is backed by some great technology and can be a potential game-changer for booking alternate accommodation. Being a B2B only platform, it brings tremendous value to the travel trade with a choice of over 175,000 private residences and vacation homes worldwide. The next few years are likely to see a further surge in travelers booking alternate lodging experiences for a more immersive and experiential stay.” 

Access to Offbeat Villas is via a registration process which is currently being offered on a complimentary basis. For more information on how to create an agency account and book unique private getaways in thousands of destinations, travel professionals can visit www.offbeatvillas.com and contact mayank@onerepglobal.com for a personalized access code.

About Offbeat Villas 

Founded in 2018, Offbeat Villas by HVN Travel Group is a B2B technology company dedicated to empowering professional trip designers with everything they need to deliver authentic, experiential immersions in the world’s most incredible destinations. Specializing in short-term rental accommodations, HVN provides end-to-end software solutions to power a new category of stay – private ‘havens’ that bring together the best of hospitality and home. With a growing collection of havens at every price point around the globe, HVN is setting a new standard for residential stays that deliver the trusted quality, thoughtful design, and professional care required for the way we travel today.

FHRAI signs MoU with J&K government to support hospitality infrastructure development

The MoU was signed in the presence of the LG of J&K, Manoj Sinha, Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri, minister for housing and urban affairs; Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) has signed a memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the J&K government to help with the development of hospitality and related infrastructure. The MoU was signed at the Real Estate Summit that was jointly organized by the government of Jammu & Kashmir, the central ministry of housing and urban affairs (MoHUA), and the national real development council (NAREDCO) at the Jammu Convention Centre, recently.

This is the first time a hotel federation of the country is signing an MoU with any State government for hotel infrastructure development. The MoU was signed in the presence of the LG of J&K, Manoj Sinha, Union ministers, Hardeep Singh Puri, minister for housing and urban affairs; Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the PMO.

On signing the MoU with the J&K government, Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, vice-president, FHRAI said, “With this MoU, we look forward to strengthening further the public-private partnership in the region to leverage on the enormous potential the region has to offer for hospitality and tourism. We are hopeful that this will facilitate the J&K government providing land to FHRAI members for various projects and extending incentives and other benefits as per extant policies and rules. New developments in hospitality will give a strong push to economic growth through increased investments and will create more employment opportunities in the region.”

Kohli also represented the hospitality sector in the country at a forum on ‘Next Destination J&K: Tourism, Films & Entertainment, Logistics, Commercial, Warehousing’ organised as part of the Real Estate Summit.

Trends | Dineout Trends Report 2021 8,588 tables booking per hour using Dineout app

5 million Indians saved ₹1,360 crores while booking 8,588 tables per hour using Dineout in 2021, says the latest Dineout Trends Report 2021

• On the back of revenge, dining put average bill paid in 2021 went up by 40% vs. 2020

• Delhi emerges as the Dining Capital of India with 32% diners, Bangalore 2nd with 18%

New Delhi, January , 2022: After a period of lull due to Covid, Indians got back to dining out and that emerged as the most preferred activity in 2021 while accepting the new normal with fewer travel plans and frequent hang out rituals. More than 45 million Indians loved eating out at their favourite restaurants. 8,588 tables were booked per hour on the Dineout app with its users from across the country saving ₹1,360 crores via Dineout discounts and offers. 

According to the latest Dineout Trends Report 2021 India’s largest dining out and restaurant tech platform, Dineout, ₹ 2,670 was the average bill paid in 2021 as compared to ₹ 1,907 in 2020. The 40% increase in ATV is due to revenge eating phenomena and pent-up dining out demands as it was the only source of entertainment for people in between multiple travel restrictions. Further, Delhi bagged the title of “Dining Capital of India” for the 3rd time in a row accounting for 32% of the total diners in India followed by Bangalore at 18%. Not much to our surprise, Butter Chicken, Dal Makhni & Naan yet again won the league making North Indian food a hit among Indians at 38%, Chinese at 18% and Continental at 16%. The City of Lakes, Udaipur, is the new “City of Love” with 44% of its bookings under "Table for 2" whereas the cities of Agra and Ludhiana had the maximum “Table for 4” reservations. 

Interestingly, as much as India is a land of foodies, it boasts a significant number of drink enthusiasts. Bangalore consumed 50,000 litres of alcohol in the month of December alone making itself the Liquor capital of India in 2021. The report also throws light on the fact that dinner is the most preferred time to eat out by Indians. While the city of Agra loved to dine out during the night with 59.3% reservations made for the dinner, it was surprising to know that dinners in Chennai planned the most number of luncheons with 47% of table reservations done during lunch-time.

Diving deep in - the 2021 report, these were the most popular dining hubs across the country.

Talking about the dining trends of the year 2021, Ankit Mehrotra, Co-Founder & CEO - Dineout said, “It was another year sailing our boat in the new normal and we’re glad to be a part of every foodie’s journey where they were able to put an end to their cravings. In the year gone by, it was interesting to observe how revenge dining shot up the average bill by 40% but still diners made considerable savings. This is a testament to Dineout’s value for the diners. We also saw people getting cautious about their choices to dine out at luxury restaurants or places with 4+ reviews and ratings. A total of 73.5% of transactions were made pan India at 4+ rated restaurants. Mumbai stood out from the rest of the cities with a total of 85.2% of transactions done at the best restaurants in the city. Speaking of the overall restaurant revenue, modernizing technologies in restaurants did help us achieve an improved customer satisfaction, thereby boosting restaurant sales.”

Owing to the higher disposable income thanks to our WFH lifestyles, luxury dining across India has increased by as much as 120% & fine dining by 105%, and the average number of diners per booking has also risen.

Highlights from the report:

• Bangalore loved to chill on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with over 73% of reservations made over the weekends.

• 44% of the total reservations in Ludhiana were made on weekdays.

• Connaught Place, Delhi was the most popular dining hub in India.

• A diner Chinmay paid 238 times via Dineout Pay in 2021.

• Vikram, another diner, paid INR 7.15 Lacs- single highest bill at BrewDog MidTown, Mumbai.

• Diners saved INR 214 Crores using Dineout Passport Membership.

• 2021 saw a total of 1.6 million of Dineout Passport transactions.

• A Dineout Passport Member transacted 207 times in 2021 & saved a whopping amount of 2.41 lacs on fine dining.

About Dineout

Dineout is India’s largest dining out and restaurant tech solutions platform in B2C and with inresto in

the B2B front, processing more than 100M diners and $900M worth of transactions for its partner

restaurants across its network of 50,000 restaurants in 20 cities, providing a collective savings of more

than $100M on restaurant bills annually. Founded in 2012 by Ankit Mehrotra, Nikhil Bakshi, Sahil Jain,

and Vivek Kapoor, Dineout is a pioneer in Contactless Dining with the easiest way to discover the best

restaurants in the city, save time & hassle by booking a table in advance, get discounts, enjoy 1+1

privileges on Food, Drink & Buffets through Dineout Passport, as well as earn instant discounts on every

restaurant bill payment via Dineout Pay. For more information, please visit –

https://www.dineout.co.in/

NEW OPENING | Fairmont Jaipur introduces a brand-new barbeque restaurant ‘Zia’

Fairmont Jaipur introduces a brand-new barbeque restaurant ‘Zia’

Inspired by the grills of Mughal era and authentic American barbeque trails

Jaipur, January 2022: Fairmont Jaipur announced the opening of its brand-new barbeque restaurant Zia that translates to ‘light’ in Arabic. Taking inspiration from the grills of Mughal era as well as authentic American barbeque trails, Zia offers a unique culinary experience. Set amidst the lush citrus garden, the restaurant lights up magically when the gleaming moonlight shines above and creates a spectacular dining experience for guests, right under the stars. The tranquil ambience of Zia with warm table tops and live music adds to the delightful gastronomic journey, and makes the entire experience truly memorable.

Mr. Rajiv Kapoor, General Manager, Fairmont Jaipur shared, “At Zia, guests can spend whimsical evenings in the midst of serenading symphonies and immerse their senses in the sublime culmination of Jaipur’s finest live BBQ set up. We are committed to offer our guests a range of world-class dining experiences that are unique and unforgettable. With the opening of Zia, we aim to delight our guests with a plethora of delectable delicacies ranging from a wide variety of poultry and seafood to locally sourced, organic, vegetarian dishes.”

As the guests walk into the garden, a gentle breeze, the aromas of live barbeque grills and dim lighting welcomes them. The menu is thoughtfully curated by the Executive Chef, Gaurav Malhotra and it brings forth a confluence of characteristic tastes and global flavours. The restaurant offers a range of indulgent dishes such as Cajun Marinated Chicken, Grilled Fish with Chimichuri Sauce, Galangal rubbed Tofu and more, paired with bespoke cocktails to keep the spirits high.

At Fairmont Jaipur, you will experience the décor and hospitality that is inspired by the legends of two of India’s most celebrated dynasties – the Mughals and the Rajputs. 

 For a delightful gastronomic journey with moonshine, mellow lighting and the grills, Zia is an ideal destination to celebrate your special #FairmontMoments under the stars!

For reservations, email: jai.reservations@fairmont.com. 

For more information, visit www.fairmont.com/jaipur.

About Fairmont Jaipur  

Fairmont Jaipur is an ode to the pink city with its awe-inspiring architecture and decor, inspired by the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs of yore. Nestled amidst the majestic Aravalli hills, with elegantly appointed 245 rooms and suites, it reflects a perfect blend of traditional Rajasthani décor and modern amenities. Zoya, the bright and vibrant all-day dining outlet, Zarin, the fine dining outlet celebrating the royal cuisines of India, Anjum, the central tea lounge which is home to signature Fairmont tea culture and Aza, the colonial library bar serving a range of aperitifs and cocktails, form the food and beverage offerings of Fairmont Jaipur. Along with this, the expansive pillarless ballroom and complementary lawns and meeting rooms make it an ideal place to host social events, meetings and conferences. The property has amassed multiple awards in the different sectors that it caters to including, but not limited to, Top Mice Venue Of The Year (Domestic) 2019, Best Venue for Big Fat Indian Weddings and the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Award. 

About Fairmont

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is where occasions are celebrated and history is made. Landmark hotels with unrivalled presence, authentic experiences and unforgettable moments have attracted visitors to Fairmont and its destinations since 1907. The Plaza in New York City, The Savoy in London, Fairmont San Francisco, Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai are but a few of these iconic luxury hotels, forever linked to the special places where they reside. Famous for its engaging service, grand public spaces, locally inspired cuisine and celebrated bars and lounges, Fairmont promises a special brand of thoughtful luxury that will be remembered long after any visit. With a worldwide portfolio of more than 80 hotels, Fairmont also takes great pride in its deep community roots and leadership in sustainability. Fairmont is part of Accor, a world leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,000 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

ITC Grand Central now available through ITC App

ITC Grand Central now available through ITC App

Signature menu delights are now delivered to the doorsteps of our beloved guests through various delivery platforms available. To ensure the experience of our guests is put together with the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and speed; ITC hotels app is definitely one best choice to make.

Explore an epicurean Sojourn at home, showcasing exclusive delicacies through the ITC app. A variety of menu is available in the ITC app, to which one can decide picking from the option they want to treat their taste buds to. Few names to list from the widely loved dark kitchen options available in the ITC app are Gourmet Couch by ITC Grand Central, Biryani & Pulao collection by ITC hotels, Tiffin Tales~ South Indian Stories, Nutmeg ~ the gourmet shop and much more.

If one would love to tease their palates with wide varieties of Asian & Frontier flavours ‘Gourmet Couch’ can definitely be the right option, ‘Local love’ and ‘Indian cuisine classics’ are available in the Flavours curated by ITC Grand Central menu. As the name suggests the online restaurant ‘Biryani & Pulao collection by ITC hotels, flavourful options of vegetarian and chicken offerings in the signature biryanis are available. To name a few we have Bibi ka murgh pulao, Kale moti pulao, Nimona mirch pulao and much more.

Nutmeg is the gourmet shop available through the ITC app, which highlights cake collection, treats for one, nostalgic bakes, classic tea cakes and jars of indulgence. If you ae in a mood to take a bite of the delightfully handcrafted vanilla pistachio rolls, hazelnut and Dark chocolate cream rolls, lemon meringue tart. Tropical fruit pastry, gateau and much more, do not think twice; Nutmeg is the right go to option.

At ITC Grand Central we just don’t deliver food but, we bring signature experiences to ones’ doorsteps. Indulge in a gourmet food affair, right in the comfort of your home through the easy ITC app.
Download now and order from the ITC hotels app, and taste the finest culinary experiences put together with the highest standards of food safety.

NEWS | Atlantis, The Palm and Moët & Chandon break Guinness World Record

Atlantis, The Palm and Moët & Chandon break Guinness World Record

Atlantis, The Palm and Moët & Chandon broke the Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest drinking glass pyramid.

Officially verified on the night by Guinness World Record, guests watched as 54,740 glass coupes towering over 8.23 meters high were filled from a luminescent bottle of Moët & Chandon. Beating the previous Guinness World Records title of 50,116 glasses set in Madrid in 2017, a team of six from Dutch company Luuk Broos Events spent five days and over 55 man-hours meticulously stacking the tower of coupes ahead of the grand unveiling.

The record-breaking attempt was conceived as part of Moët & Chandon’s Effervescence celebrations, a series of soirées set to pop up in over 20 cities, including London, Hong Kong, Toronto, Madrid, Moscow, Johannesburg, and Mexico City throughout 2021/22.

Following the successful event, Timothy Kelly, executive vice president and managing director, Atlantis Resorts and Residences said: “Following what has been a challenging year for us all, it’s a pleasure to stand here today toasting to the dawn of 2022. Tonight, we join our valued partner and fellow masters of celebration, Moët & Chandon, in creating a moment in history, born from our mutual vision of celebrating togetherness. The champagne tower is traditionally a beacon of greatness and generosity, and we’d like to toast to a new year filled with both in abundance.”

Whilst Moët & Chandon did not invent the champagne pyramid, it’s a symbol that the brand has appropriated since the late 1950s with the house perfecting the art of creating ever-taller champagne pyramids, breaking records in the process.

Laurent Dominguez, general manager, Moët Hennessy Middle-East, said: “A symbol of celebration and generosity, Champagne Pyramids are deeply-rooted in Maison history and DNA. In 1983, to mark its 240th anniversary, Moët & Chandon established the first world record for the highest champagne pyramid with 2,757 crystal glasses. Almost 40 years later and alongside our valued partner and iconic destination resort, Atlantis, The Palm, we are thrilled to perpetuate this heritage and create a new milestone with this daring attempt.”

Pastry Chef of the Year makes New Year & Christmas special with his European blend

Pastry Chef of the Year makes New Year & Christmas special with his European blend  

New Delhi, January, 2022: The season of merriment is right here and no festive get-together is complete without a lavish spread of savoury and sweet things! So, as we begin 2022 with some scrumptious delicacies, look what has caught everybody’s attention.

Pastry Chef of the Year by IHE2021 and The Executive Pastry Chef at Le Meridien, Chef Vivek and his team have curated delightful New Years' and Christmas delicacies; from splendid Bread & Champagne Bottle showpiece, Traditional Plum Cake, Stollen Bread, Panettone Bread, Pandora bread, to Yule log Cake, Mince pie and many more satiating offerings to sparkle the festivities at Longitude pastry shop.

Guided by the passion to go beyond the stereotypical box of sweet creations, Chef Vivek has carved a niche for himself in the culinary world by artfully blending modern European and French classical pastry techniques to cater to the Indian palate. Christmas was no exception, his creations with interesting combinations of flavors, fascinating aesthetics, and impeccable traditional techniques of fruit mixing for at least two months in advance before Christmas have awakened the most magical and poetic side of holidays. 

With the festive spirit at the fun-filled events and absolutely appetizing recipes of irresistible cakes, 24th-25th December marked the tremendous gala night and the brunch for everyone, including food bloggers and prominent guests in the hotel. Christmas delicacies like mulled wine and warm gingerbread tempted the guests, and everything included sugar-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and eggless categories to cater to everybody’s needs. 

Sharing his thoughts on New Years' eve, Chef Vivek Chauhan said “I am elevated to receive the tremendous responses from my guests. I am happy that the hospitality industry has been proactive to engage and cheer up the people during these unprecedented times, wherein they get the chance to dwell into good food & a good mood with loved ones. Also, I want to give my heartiest thanks to my team and Shefali Singh (PR Manager) and my family for their constant support.” 

Chef Vivek's goal remains to continue the onward graph of the Indian Culinary scenario and the Pastry arts field in India to rise the greater heights on the world map and ensure that the present and future of India continue to define and redefine the world of Chocolates and Desserts. 

About Chef Vivek:

A patissier and chocolatier, Chef Vivek Chauhan is a highly accoladed Patisserie Chef with an illustrious experience of 22 years, currently associated with Le Meridien Hotel, New Delhi. An IHM, Gwalior graduate in Hotel Management, Chef Vivek's passion to learn beyond stereotypical creations and reinventions has allowed him to work with Michelin Star Chefs Allyn Williams and Chef Eric Chavot & others of International Reputees. His culinary experience includes his incredible years at various prestigious properties - Taj Mahal Hotel, One Aldwych, London, The Lancaster London, the Hilton London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, The Westbury Mayfair, London, and The Imperial, New Delhi. Chef Vivek is a recipient of multiple honours and awards; most notable among them is the most recent‘ Pastry Chef of the Year 2018' conferred upon by ICF. He has also hosted opulent dinners for the Association of Pastry Chefs and Craft Guild of Chefs in the UK.

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Increasing air bubble flight agreements with more countries will give much-needed impetus to business: TAAI

Increasing air bubble flight agreements with more countries will give much-needed impetus to business: TAAI

Soon after the Indian government signed yet another air bubble travel agreement with Australia, followed by signing the dotted lines with Saudi Arabia there are speculations and responses all around in the industry, mostly of which are positive, and the increasing agreements are being looked upon as some sigh of relief for Indian aviation fraternity. After the latest agreement, direct flights between India and Saudi Arabia will commence soon, as the agreement will come into effect from January 1, 2022.

Speaking on the development, Jyoti Mayal, President, Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) praised the government for taking a wise step in these times and expanding its air bubble flight agreement count for the betterment of travel and tourism sector and also the economy as a whole. “Such tough times call for an immediate action and I think this is the best that could be done to avoid travel difficulties to some extent,” she commented.

With this agreement India has now an air bubble agreement with 34 countries including Afghanistan, Australia, Bahrain Kenya, Kuwait, Oman, Russia and so on. Commenting on which Jay Bhatia, VP, TAAI said that this has come as a good sign, and it has not only expanded the horizons of international travel for Indian travellers but has also worked as an element strengthening bilateral bonds. “The government earlier had informed the Parliament that they have proposals from 10 countries to sign the air bubble agreements out of which Australia and Saudi Arabia have been accepted as of now and definitely more to follow,” he said.

“Scheduled international passenger flight operations will remain suspended in India till January 31 meanwhile agreements like these could work as a stepney in taking business forward which already has seen an avalanche of ups and downs during Covid crisis,” Bettaiah Lokesh, HSG, TAAI mentioned.

“Air Bubble agreements are one of the best solutions aimed at restarting commercial passenger services between the two countries when regular international flights are suspended due to Covid and the best part about these agreements is that they are reciprocative in nature which allows airlines from both the countries to enjoy similar benefits,” stated Shreeram Patel, Treasurer, TAAI.

McDonald’s India - North & East introduces new Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer Grilled Burgers, inspired by local Indian flavours

December 2021, New Delhi: Inspired by India’s popular casual dining dishes, McDonald’s India – North and East has added a makhani twist to the menu with the introduction of two new grilled burgers - Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer. These new burgers perfectly blend authentic Indian taste with international burger style that is sure to delight the hearts and tastebuds of customers across North and East India.

Both the burgers come with grilled patties oozing with deliciousness in every bite. The Butter chicken grilled burger is a sumptuous treat for chicken lovers. This burger comes with a premium, juicy grilled chicken patty topped with rich makhani sauce, layered with shredded onions and placed between freshly toasted premium buns with black and white sesame seeds.

The Butter paneer grilled burger has a mildly spiced grilled paneer patty topped with makhani sauce, sprinkled with shredded onions for the perfect crunch and placed between freshly toasted premium buns with black and white sesame seeds. The makhani sauce is made with butter, tomato, onion, garlic with a hint of fenugreek and a blend of carefully selected high quality, locally sourced ingredients, giving the burgers a truly makhani flavour.

“We have a proud legacy of bringing in authentic local flavours to meet the needs of our customers. Our new burger line-up is tastefully crafted, delicious culinary that will tickle the palates and provide gastronomic pleasure to our guests looking for authentic Butter Chicken and Butter Paneer tastes”, said Rajeev Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer, McDonald’s India – North and East.

Butter chicken grilled and butter paneer grilled burgers will be available across McDonald’s restaurants in North and East India* through dine-in, takeaway, drive-thru, McDonald’s app and through McDelivery (including Swiggy, Zomato and Magic Pin).

With Food safety and quality always at the core, all McDonald’s products go through comprehensive quality checks, from farm to table, so that the customers can enjoy safe and delicious food every time they choose McDonald’s. As a commitment to quality and safety in the current times, McDonald’s India – North and East has introduced the Global ‘Safety+’ program that includes nearly 50-plus process changes in the restaurant operations. Safety+ is a Global system of enhanced hygiene and safety practices that help ensure that every part of the McDonald’s experience is safe for its customers and employees. It builds on more than six decades of safety-first leadership in McDonald’s restaurants.

*Some locations in North and East India may not be serving the Butter Paneer and Butter Chicken grilled burgers due to some limitations. Please check with the restaurant staff for availability.

About McDonald’s India - North and East: McDonald’s restaurants in North and East of India are operated by Connaught Plaza Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. McDonald’s is committed to delivering the highest quality restaurant experience to its customers in India and serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients sourced locally. McDonald’s serves millions of customers annually at its 150 restaurants across North and East of India and provides direct employment to more than 5,000 people. With a customer-centric approach, McDonald’s operates through a variety of formats and brand extensions including standalone restaurants, Drive-thru’s, 24/7 restaurants, McDelivery for customer convenience and experience.