Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build and Re-coup” on 3rd - 5th March 2022 at Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management (BCHIMCT)

“Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build and Re-coup” on 3rd - 5th March 2022 at BCHIMCT

The Department of Hotel Management, BCIHMCT will organize the 12th India International Hotel, Travel

and Tourism Research Conference” from 3rd to 5th March 2022

India International Hotel, Travel, and Tourism Research Conference series has become the most

prominent International Conference in the field of Hotel, Travel, and Tourism. BCIHMCT has been

conducting the conference since 2009 involving the Tourism & Hospitality Industry. The upcoming 12th

edition of the conference in 2022 will focus on the theme “Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build and Re-coup”.

The conference will include formal presentations, workshops, panel discussions, technical tracks, awards

and also serve as an avenue for discussion on issues related to the industry. Apart from the regular

presentations, the conference will include keynote addresses by eminent speakers and experts from both

industry and academia.

Global pandemic, Covid-19 has shattered the world economy. Tourism, Travel & Hospitality industries

were among those that were severely affected. It presents before us the challenges that require us to

revolutionize, rejuvenate and revitalise our methodology and approach whereby we can address, discuss

and devise future strategies to re-think, re-build and re-coup. The aim of 12th India International Hotel,

Travel & Tourism Research Conference is to bring together a unique and international mix of experts,

researchers and decision makers both from academia and industry to exchange their knowledge,

experience and research innovations from this perspective.

The virtual conference would be attended by prominent authorities from the industry and academia and

will be hosted by Prof. R.K Bhandari, President –IIHTTRC and Dr. Arvind Kumar Saraswati, Convener -

IIHTTRC. This conference promises to bring together various stakeholders on a single platform to discuss

future tourism trends, ideas, implications and methodologies, underlying the theoretical and practical

approaches for innovation, renaissance, re-thinking, re-building and re–couping for the Tourism and

Hospitality sector.

For further information, please visit the website- https://www.bcihmct.ac.in/

Fortress Australia' welcomes tourists for first time under Covid from today

Australia has been gradually reopening since November, first allowing Australians to travel in and out, then admitting international students and some workers. From Monday, leisure travellers and more business travellers are expected to enter. Australia's opening to tourists is the clearest example yet of the government's shift from a strict zero-Covid approach to living with the virus and vaccinating the public to minimise deaths and severe illness

Australia will welcome international tourists on Monday after nearly two years of sealing its borders, relying on high Covid-19 vaccination rates to live with the pandemic as infections decline. "The wait is over," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a Sunday briefing at the Melbourne International Airport.

Australia's opening to tourists is the clearest example yet of the government's shift from a strict zero-Covid approach to living with the virus and vaccinating the public to minimize deaths and severe illness. Most of the country's 2.7 million coronavirus infections have occurred since the Omicron variant emerged in late November. But with one of the world's highest vaccination rates - more than 94 percent of people aged 16 and over are double-dosed - there have been just under 5,000 deaths, a fraction of the rates seen in many other developed countries.

On Sunday, the country recorded more than 16,600 coronavirus cases, before all areas had reported, and at least 33 deaths, mainly in the three most populous states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Whether travelers will flock back to the island continent, dubbed "fortress Australia" for its strict border controls, remains to be seen. The government hopes to boost a pre-pandemic growth sector - real tourism gross domestic product expanded 3.4 percent in 2018-2019, compared with overall GDP growth of 1.9 percent.

Australia has been gradually reopening since November, first allowing Australians to travel in and out, then admitting international students and some workers. From Monday, leisure travelers and more business travelers may enter.

"The reopening reinforces Australia's credentials as an open economy and will allow companies with international interests to more easily conduct business," said Steve Hughes, head of HSBC's commercial banking in Australia. "We expect that mid-sized firms which have reached the limits of their domestic growth will have renewed confidence to consider offshore expansion."

Fully vaccinated tourists will not need to quarantine, but those not double-dosed will require a travel exemption to enter the country and will be subject to state and territory quarantine requirements.

TAAI had Meeting with Mr Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Spice Jet

 Brief of Meeting had with Mr Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director, Spice Jet & TAAI

A virtual meeting with Mr Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet was convened at 1400 hrs on Friday, February 11th, 2022. The agenda of the meeting was to clarify the ambiguity around the airline’s future and that of the Indian aviation sector, SpiceJet’s plans for 2022, launch of new flights and destinations, the airline’s logistics arm SpiceXpress and other concerns raised by TAAI members.

We are glad to share that we had a very good and constructive meeting with Mr. Singh and SpiceJet Chief Commercial Officer, Ms. Shilpa Bhatia.

Mrs Jyoti Mayal, President, initiated the discussion and welcomed and thanked Mr Singh & Ms Bhatia for taking out time for the meeting. On behalf of members, she shared concerns on the continued challenges faced by the travel, tourism and aviation sectors, which have been the worst hit by the Covid pandemic. While many airlines across the globe had to unfortunately shutdown operations. Mrs Mayal said it was a relief that no such airline collapse was witnessed in India and it was a big achievement that our airlines had weathered the storm and were performing well. While some airlines in India were forced to retrench employees during the pandemic, Mrs Mayal noted with satisfaction and appreciated the fact that there was zero retrenchment in SpiceJet and the Company had done its best to take care of its employees.

She discussed the challenges that the sector was facing and sought clarity on the future plans of SpiceJet, its focus on commercial passenger operations and it’s fast growing logistics business, refunds, credits of TDS and incentives to members, if any, to members due to cancellations, and also a plan to further strengthen the relations between SpiceJet and TAAI and make it mutually beneficial. She also asked for inputs of the relevance of IATA for the Indian market as she had already had a meeting with the earlier Minister of Civil Aviation.

Responding & thanking Mrs. Mayal & TAAI for initiating this meeting, Mr Singh very candidly explained the challenges faced by Indian airlines & addressed all queries. Ms Shilpa Bhatia clarified that there were no pending refunds to any agent.

Mr Singh informed that under SpiceJet as the parent entity a new company has been incorporated in the name of SpiceXpress which will exclusively focus on Cargo. He went on to invite the TAAI members to come forward and leverage the opportunity by venturing into Cargo business bookings, for which mutually agreed commercial arrangements can be worked out.

Mr Singh said the pandemic had disrupted Indian aviation, tourism and travel sectors in ways no one could have anticipated. But challenges like this bring the best out of an airline like SpiceJet. SpiceJet has always looked for opportunities in the face of adversity, he said. SpiceJet built SpiceXpress during the pandemic and has grown that business from a $30-40 million a year to a $350 million a year business.

Mr Singh further clarified that with aviation coming back on track, especially the domestic operations, a window of opportunity is open to both airlines and travel agents to work in tandem and reap the attached benefits, which could be a stepping stone to revive fast. Had it not been for the recent Omicron scare, the recovery of the aviation sector and restoration of regular air travel would have started much earlier, Mr Singh said & hoped that this was a temporary setback.

He emphasised the need for having a domestic entity like IATA in place to have a more robust in-house management of issues and challenges. He suggested that Indian aviation and travel trade have its own issues and the way of handling them, and therefore having in place a domestic arrangement like such would be much helpful in dealing with the same, which was seconded by all present.

Mr Paras Lakhia, Chairman, Airline Council discussed various issues concerning agents, operational issues, changes in flight schedules etc.

TAAI representatives, Mr Shreeram Patel, Hon. Treasurer; Mr Sameer Karnani, Chairman – Western Region; Mr Amish Desai, Chairman (Karnataka Chapter), and Dr Himanshu Talwar, Executive Director all reemphasised the above issues, which were duly acknowledged by Mr Singh with an assurance of personally looking into the same and get it addressed on priority.

Mr Singh reemphasised the importance of travel agents & reiterated that SpiceJet would be happy to collaborate in revenue sharing of all ancillary products & also help to build a healthier & technology driven environment.

Mr Singh said the government realises the importance of the aviation sector and has taken many initiatives in the last five years to help the sector but much more needs to be done & it can we be achieved by working together.

In India, aviation fuel is taxed at the highest level in the world, airport charges are extremely high and there are all forms of other taxes and duties and regulatory complications which make us uncompetitive. These need to be resolved because India has this phenomenal potential of being an incredible aviation space given its geographic location, given the demand and the population that we have, he said.

He informed that at a post-budget interaction, on behalf of the civil aviation, travel, tourism and hospitality sectors, he had raised with the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Ms Nirmala Sitharaman the difficulties being faced by these sectors because of Covid. He had requested the Hon’ble FM to consider granting Infrastructure Status to these sectors to facilitate lending by banks and financial institutions. He has also requested the Hon’ble FM’s support for inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel under GST.

Mr Singh informed, the Hon. FM has promised to consider granting infrastructure/ industry status to help the sectors of aviation, travel, tourism and hospitality. She has also assured that she will take up the issue of inclusion of Aviation Turbine Fuel under GST at the next meeting of the GST Council.

Mr Singh updated that SpiceJet had successfully reintroduced Boeing 737 MAX aircraft into operations and 11 of its 737 Max were already operational. The return of the MAX will help SpiceJet add new routes and destinations and improve operational efficiency.

Mr Singh said he believed that the worst is behind us and the road ahead is full of opportunities and a bright future awaits our airlines, travel and tourism sectors.

Mrs Mayal also applauded SpiceJet for having operated hundreds of charter flights in the last two years at a time when scheduled international flights had been suspended and creating business opportunities for agents as well as helping hundreds of thousands of people to travel to and from India.

Appreciation was shared for Chief Commercial Officer, Ms Shilpa Bhatia for always immediately resolving issues for the trade and our membership.

The meeting ended with thanks from all present on assurance to each other for working towards the industry & to have regular quarterly meeting with Chairman & to have a physical meeting soon to take all talks forward by exploring new opportunities as discussed.

Swiss institute to get on board Goa’s new hotel management project

The plan of setting up a culinary training institute at Farmagudi was initiated about eight years ago, and the foundation stone for the same was also laid.

Goa Tourism will tie up with an internationally acclaimed institution to operate the institute of hotel management and catering technology that is coming up at Farmagudi. The Central government-funded project is likely to be completed in a year and a half.

A tourism official said they do not wish to operate the institute on their own for obvious challenges involved. “A Switzerland-based institute was suggested by tourism stakeholders, and since we wanted to have an institute of repute on board, we initiated talks with the foreign institute,” the tourism official said.

The agreement with the institute, the officer said, will probably be signed before the project is completed so that it can be commissioned without delay. Some of the conditions of the agreement will be that a certain number of seats be reserved for Goan students, concession in fees, and scholarships to local students, besides adding terms for revenue-sharing.

The institute, the officer said, offers scholarships to its students in Switzerland. The same is expected here if the talks fructify.

“We don’t want to make money out of the project. Our plan is that Goan students should benefit. The government wants an agency to run the institute as it does not want to incur recurring expenses to operate it,” he added.

The government will hand over the completed structure to the selected institute. It will be the responsibility of the institute to arrange all facilities, including the kitchen training, he said.

The project was sanctioned INR 30 crore under the Diamond Jubilee grant of INR 300 crore that the state received from the Centre. “The project work has been on track, and will be completed within 12 to 18 months,” he said.

The plan of setting up a culinary training institute at Farmagudi was initiated about eight years ago, and the foundation stone for the same was also laid.

The project was to receive funds from the Centre, but its progression was delayed on several counts, and finally, it was annulled. More than a year ago, the state government resurrected the project.

alliance air: Tourism ministry signs MoU with Alliance Air for promotion and marketing of domestic tourism

Tourism ministry signs MoU with Alliance Air for promotion and marketing of domestic tourism

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, signed the MoU on behalf of MOT with Vineet Sood, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Air, representing the airline. The specific elements of promotional efforts undertaken include advertising in the print and electronic media, participation in fairs and exhibitions, organising seminars, workshops, road shows and India evenings, printing of brochures and collaterals, brochure support/joint advertising, inviting the media and travel trade to visit the country under the hospitality program

In order to boost tourism throughout the country, the Union Ministry of Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with government-owned budget carrier Alliance Air in Delhi. The aim of this partnership is to promote and market domestic tourism and position Indian as a preferred tourism destination in the tourism generating markets. Alliance Air with its domestic network will work to promote tourism across India and synergise the activities with the Ministry.

According to a statement released by the ministry, Alliance Air has been the frontrunner in promoting the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the Government of India which is being promoted under the Prime Minister’s UDAN scheme. The objective of the MoU is to meet an integrated marketing and promotional strategy and a synergised campaign in association with Alliance Air.

The specific elements of promotional efforts undertaken include advertising in the print and electronic media, participation in fairs and exhibitions, organising seminars, workshops, road shows and India evenings, printing of brochures and collaterals, brochure support/joint advertising, inviting the media and travel trade to visit the country under the hospitality programme. “The ministry shall be bringing together the travel tourism stakeholders to benefit from this Memorandum of Understanding,” read the statement from the ministry.

Lift additional restrictions: FHRAI urges States & UTs

With the number of positive cases steadily tapering off, FHRAI appeals to all the State Chiefs to immediately lift all kinds of restrictions imposed on hotels and restaurants. Currently, in many states, 50 per cent capacity restriction is continuing to be imposed on restaurants along with restrictions on the closing timings. In addition to this, wedding and social gatherings also have capacity restrictions, due to which the MICE venues are under severe distress.

“Yesterday, basis the COVID case trajectory across the country showing a sustained downward trend, the Centre has asked States and UTs to do away with additional restrictions. This comes as a big breather for the industry and we too urge the States to remove all restrictions on hotels, restaurants and MICE venues,” says Mr Pradeep Shetty, Jt. Hon. Sec., FHRAI. Keeping in mind the upcoming summer season, which is also considered as the domestic travel season, he added, “It is the next best holiday season for the hospitality industry after Christmas and New Year. This is an opportune window for the States to allow the hospitality sector to make the most of it.”

Hilton Invests in New, Industry-leading Continuing Education Benefit for Team Members through Partnership with Guild Education

Pic Credit Hilton

In a first for the hospitality industry, Hilton team members will be able to earn a vast new variety of educational credentials at no cost to them

 In an industry first, Hilton has announced a new educational benefit designed to empower its team members to continue to learn, grow and thrive. Through a new partnership with Guild Education, Hilton will provide its team members with a best-in-class continuing education platform to help them pursue and attain their educational dreams. 

Beginning this spring, team members at Hilton’s U.S.-owned and managed properties and corporate locations will be able to earn a vast array of new educational credentials debt-free as they pursue their personal and professional goals.

“At Hilton, we’ve been on a life-long journey to build an inclusive culture of continuous learning for all. We want work at Hilton to be one of the best parts of our team members' lives, and that means creating opportunities for continuous professional growth and development,” said Laura Fuentes, Hilton executive vice president and chief human resources officer. “This partnership with Guild Education – a first of its kind in our industry – is yet another way we will be able to better meet our team members where they are right now on their educational journeys and help them achieve their career aspirations.” 

The new continuing education platform will offer a robust variety of learning offerings, debt-free for all team members. These options include everything from high school completion, English-language learning, digital literacy, professional certifications in high-demand career areas such as culinary, business, data analytics and technology, and college degrees. 

A continued focus on growth through education is key to attracting and retaining top talent, now more than ever, which is why Hilton sought out best-in-class partner Guild Education. Guild has partnerships with the nation’s top universities and learning providers for working adults, offering more than 2,200 programs and the expertise to guide all learners through their educational aspirations and journeys. 

“Hilton is enhancing its commitment to creating a top work environment and a workplace of growth with its new education program,” said Natalie McCullough, Guild Education president and chief commercial officer. “We’re proud to partner with Hilton to provide their team members with career mobility opportunities that will give them the skills needed for the jobs of today and the careers of tomorrow.”

Hilton has developed a strong reputation as a purpose-driven company with a great workplace culture, driven by its team members. Amid one of the most challenging times in the history of the hospitality industry, Hilton continues to be recognized for its exceptional and resilient workplace culture and team member benefits. Great Place to Work and Fortune named Hilton #1 on the 2021 Best Big Companies to Work For® list and #3 on the 2021 Best Companies to Work For® list in the U.S. Hilton is the highest ranked hospitality company to appear on both lists, especially notable given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the travel industry. DiversityInc also ranked Hilton #1 on its 2021 list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

“At Hilton, more than 40 percent of U.S. team members have been part of the Hilton family for 10 years or longer. We are thrilled to be partnering with Guild Education to expand our efforts to support our team members in building lifelong, fulfilling careers here at Hilton,” says Gretchen Stroud, Hilton’s senior vice president of talent and inclusion. 

Prior to adding these new educational opportunities, Hilton already offered more than 25,000 online professional development learning courses. In addition, Hilton offers a comprehensive benefits package including mental well-being offerings, paid personal and parental leave, sabbaticals and GoHilton travel discounts. 

Hilton is actively hiring. The company has nearly 2,900 hotel job openings available in the U.S., with levels spanning entry-level through general manager, at all of its 18 brands.

For more information on Hilton’s partnership with Guild Education, its award-winning workplace culture and the many kinds of jobs available, please visit jobs.hilton.com.

Visit Maldives | MMPRC BEGINS A DESTINATION ONLINE TRAINING TARGETING THE INDIAN MARKET

MMPRC (Visit Maldives) begins an Destination Online Training targeting the Indian Market with 2HUB. The program will be conducted from 16th February to 16th May 2022.

2HUB is an online B2B reseller platform that aggregates Asia's largest portfolio of travel experiences for Travel Agents to discover, compare and book tours around the world with offerings of 40,000+ tours in 60+ countries.

For the Destination Online Training conducted with MMPRC, 2HUB will create a dedicated online platform to provide the latest and up-to-date information about Maldives’ tourism sector to travel trade professionals working in the Indian market. The information related to the destination will be available for the members of 2HUB, including tour operators and travel agents, by logging in to the website. This e-learning platform is flexible and allows members to join in at any time, anywhere, to know more about Maldives and what it has to offer to tourists.

Through this program MMPRC aims to familiarize travel trade professionals working in the Indian market with the latest information on measures taken in our resorts, hotels, guesthouses and liveaboards, and the unique experiences available in Maldives for travellers from this market. This is a great platform to market the destination as a safe haven, promote the unique geographical formation of the scattered islands which allow natural social distancing for travelers.

Over 500 travel partners from India are expected to participate in the program during the three months of the campaign. These travel trade partners interact directly with 120,000+ high potential travelers, thus the campaign opens the opportunity to boost bookings and arrivals from this market to the Maldives. This campaign will help reinforce India as the fastest growing source market for the Maldives.

The Destination Online Training is conducted in line with the marketing strategy for the Indian market to strengthen Maldives brand in this region and create greater appeal to the travelers. It focuses on creating awareness about the activities that can be enjoyed by luxury travelers from India, including those traveling for romantic, honeymoon, family vacations as well as business purposes for MICE activities and events.

India is the top source market to the Maldives during 2021. 13,947 travellers arrived from India in 2022 so far. This places India as the 3rd largest market to Maldives tourism, with a market share of 8.1%. India was the largest market in 2021 with over 278,740 travellers and a market share of 22.6%. Similarly, India was the largest market in 2020 with an arrival figure of 62,960 and a market share of 11.3%. MMPRC has been participating in fairs and exhibitions and holding several activities for this market in order to maintain destination momentum and further increase arrivals from this market. This includes virtual and in-person activities such as major marketing campaigns with stakeholders, webinars, roadshows and familiarization trips

Want to work in maldives

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Sayaji Group of Hotels launches #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign in midst of the wavering pandemic

Sayaji Group of Hotels launches #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign in midst of the wavering pandemic

The five star luxury hospitality brand Sayaji Group of hotels recently launched its #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign. This campaign aims at highlighting the safety measures and the COVID protocols followed at properties across nation to ensure a delightful stay experience for its guests. The campaign also highlights the prompt idea of staycation and how the brand is prepared to cater its guests to have a healthy vacation in home away from home. Sayaji Parivaar since inception is known for its ‘Your’s Truly’ hospitality that is unmatched and is beyond serving just experience.

Brand along with its sister concerns Effotel and Enrise are gaming up to expand swiftly and very rapidly across the nation and #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign is just a step towards ensuring the country the level of responsibility brand is coming up in the nearing times. Sayaji hails its origin from Vadodra back in 1980’s when Mr. Sajid Dhanani launched this dream brand with customer satisfaction as its only motive, a true ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ attitude that has been incorporated in the brand from day one of its inception

Commenting on the launch of this #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign, Mr. Raoof Dhanani, Managing Director, Sayaji Group of Hotels said; “We have made visibility in due course of time running a slow and steady race. Customer experience and satisfaction is our only motto and we at all times thrive to achieve that alone. With #SurakshitWithSayaji campaign we have tried to achieve one more milestone to ensure our guests that the brand would never compromise on their hygiene and safety facilities and will keep their well-being above all priorities. Looking forward to cater more and more new guests always, Your’s truly, Sayaji.”

VITSKamats Group launches VITS White House Boutique Residences Vadodara

VITS Hotels have strengthened its presence in Gujarat with the launch of VITS White House Boutique Residences Vadodara. This unique 49-apartment luxurious property is situated on Vasna-Bhayli Road, Vadodara's posh residential locality. It’s in close proximity to the major highways, airport, and railway station and hence patrons can conveniently access the property through various modes of transport. Based on a European Architectural theme, the building's entrance facade replicates that of The White House.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Abhijit De, Vice President, Vitizen Hotels Limited said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of VITS White House Boutique Residences in Vadodara the cultural capital of Gujarat. This is our fifth VITS property in the State with other hotels located at Dwarka, Ankleshwar, Somnath and Morbi. Vadodara with its vibrant culture attracts a large slice of tourists for both business and leisure. VITS White House Boutique Residences with its strategic location, striking décor, and contemporary amenities is ideal for guests looking for comfort and extended stays in the city”.

Bill Marriott steps down as chairman of Marriott International

His son, David Marriott, will replace him in the role, which Bill had managed for almost 37 years

J.W. “Bill” Marriott, Jr. is stepping down as chairman of Marriott International after 37 years with his son David replacing him in the role. Bill Marriott also previously served as CEO before stepping down in 2012. He will shift to a new role of chairman emeritus.

David Marriott joined the company in 1999 and was elected as a director in 2021. The change will come into effect immediately after the company’s upcoming 2022 annual meeting.

The Marriott board also announced it had elected Bella Goren, the former chief financial officer of American Airlines as an independent director of the company, effective March 1, 2022.

“On behalf of the board and the hundreds of thousands of people who wear a Marriott name badge around the world, I’d like to thank Mr Marriott for his outstanding leadership throughout his tenure with the company. He is truly an industry icon,” said Tony Capuano, CEO of Marriott International. “I’d also like to congratulate David Marriott on being elected Chairman of the Board. Not only does he have tremendous operational experience from his career at Marriott, but hospitality is in his DNA. I look forward to working alongside him for years to come.”

Marriott News | Marriott International Reports Fourth Quarter 2021 Results

Fourth quarter 2021 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR increased 124.5 percent worldwide, 143.6 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 83.3 percent in international markets, compared to the 2020 fourth quarter;

• Fourth quarter 2021 comparable systemwide constant dollar RevPAR declined 19.0 percent worldwide, 15.3 percent in the U.S. & Canada, and 28.2 percent in international markets, compared to the 2019 fourth quarter;

• Fourth quarter reported diluted EPS totaled $1.42, compared to reported diluted loss per share of $0.50 in the year-ago quarter. Fourth quarter adjusted diluted EPS totaled $1.30, compared to fourth quarter 2020 adjusted diluted EPS of $0.12;

• Fourth quarter reported net income totaled $468 million, compared to reported net loss of $164 million in the year-ago quarter. Fourth quarter adjusted net income totaled $430 million, compared to fourth quarter 2020 adjusted net income of $39 million;

• Adjusted EBITDA totaled $741 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to fourth quarter 2020 adjusted EBITDA of $317 million;

• The company added more than 86,000 rooms globally during 2021, including approximately 43,000 rooms in international markets and a total of over 18,000 conversion rooms. Net rooms grew 3.9 percent from year-end 2020;

• At year end, Marriott’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 2,831 properties and roughly 485,000 rooms, including approximately 19,000 rooms approved, but not yet subject to signed contracts. More than 202,000 rooms in the pipeline were under construction as of the end of 2021.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today reported fourth quarter 2021 results.

Anthony Capuano, Chief Executive Officer, said, “The 2021 fourth quarter capped off a year that showed the incredible resilience of people’s desire to travel and the appeal of our broad portfolio of 30 global brands. We experienced significant progress in global RevPAR[1] recovery in 2021 despite the emergence of new variants and ongoing headwinds from the global pandemic. By the fourth quarter, global RevPAR was 19 percent below 2019 levels, a 40-percentage point improvement from the decline in the first quarter of the year. Global average daily rate (ADR) nearly recovered to pre-pandemic levels in the 2021 fourth quarter, while occupancy came in at 58 percent, down 12 percentage points versus 2019. Leisure demand continued to shine in the fourth quarter, with slower, yet continued improvement in business transient and group demand.

“Each of our regions saw meaningful continued RevPAR recovery in the fourth quarter compared to the third quarter, with the exception of Greater China, where recovery stalled due to their zero COVID policy. In the U.S. & Canada, RevPAR declined 15 percent compared to fourth quarter 2019 levels versus a 20 percent decline in the third quarter compared to 2019. Compared to 2019 levels, our international hotels posted a 28-percent RevPAR decline in the fourth quarter, a 12-percentage point improvement from the third quarter. While Omicron caused a temporary setback in global demand recovery in January, especially for business transient and group travel, new bookings across customer segments have rebounded to pre-Omicron levels. We are optimistic that the global recovery will progress meaningfully throughout 2022.

“Our development team had a strong 2021, signing approximately 92,000 rooms, of which more than 50,000 were in international markets and more than 40 percent were in the upper upscale and luxury tiers. During the year, we added more than 86,000 gross rooms to our distribution, a new annual record, 21 percent of which were conversions. We were pleased to post 3.9 percent net rooms growth for 2021, exceeding our previous expectations. With our momentum around conversions and our industry-leading pipeline, we are bullish about our ability to increase our footprint over the next several years. For 2022, we expect gross rooms growth approaching 5 percent and deletions of 1 to 1.5 percent, resulting in anticipated net rooms growth of 3.5 to 4 percent.

“While we are keeping an eye on the continued impact from Omicron, we look forward to the day when we reach a new normal where the impact from COVID-19 on travel has essentially disappeared. In the meantime, we continue to focus on driving revenues, controlling costs, maximizing cash flow, and improving our credit metrics. Assuming no meaningful setback in the global recovery, we could begin returning cash to shareholders later in 2022.

“As I finish my first year as CEO, I could not be prouder of how our associates have managed through this crisis. They have worked tirelessly to serve our guests, support our owners and franchisees, and assist each other. I am incredibly optimistic about Marriott’s future and look forward to continued recovery in 2022 and the prospects for meaningful growth in the coming years.”

Fourth Quarter 2021 Results
Marriott’s reported operating income totaled $635 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to 2020 fourth quarter reported operating loss of $128 million. Reported net income totaled $468 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to 2020 fourth quarter reported net loss of $164 million. Reported diluted earnings per share (EPS) totaled $1.42 in the quarter, compared to reported diluted loss per share of $0.50 in the year-ago quarter.

Adjusted operating income in the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $578 million, compared to 2020 fourth quarter adjusted operating income of $148 million. Adjusted operating income in the 2020 fourth quarter excluded impairment charges of $44 million.

Fourth quarter 2021 adjusted net income totaled $430 million, compared to 2020 fourth quarter adjusted net income of $39 million. Adjusted diluted EPS in the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $1.30, compared to adjusted diluted EPS of $0.12 in the year-ago quarter. The 2020 fourth quarter adjusted results excluded income tax benefits of $74 million ($0.23 per share), impairment charges of $88 million after-tax ($0.27 per share), and loss on asset sales of $4 million after-tax ($0.01 per share).

Adjusted results also excluded restructuring and merger-related charges, cost reimbursement revenue, and reimbursed expenses. These items totaled $38 million of after-tax profits ($0.12 per share) in the 2021 fourth quarter and an after-tax loss of $185 million ($0.57 per share) in the 2020 fourth quarter. See pages A-3 and A-13 for the calculation of adjusted results and the manner in which the adjusted measures are determined in this press release.

Base management and franchise fees totaled $737 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to base management and franchise fees of $379 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase in these fees is primarily attributable to RevPAR increases due to the ongoing recovery in lodging demand. Other non-RevPAR related franchise fees in the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $186 million, compared to $133 million in the year-ago quarter, aided by higher credit card and residential branding fees.

Incentive management fees totaled $94 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to $44 million in the 2020 fourth quarter. The year-over-year increase was split evenly between the International and U. S. & Canada segments.

Contract investment amortization for the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $19 million, compared to $38 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year change largely reflects impairments of investments in management and franchise contracts recorded in the 2020 fourth quarter.

Owned, leased, and other revenue, net of direct expenses, totaled a profit of $33 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to a $27 million loss in the year-ago quarter, and reflects the ongoing recovery in lodging demand.

Depreciation, amortization, and other expenses for the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $54 million, compared to $71 million in the year-ago quarter. Expenses in the 2020 fourth quarter included $22 million of impairment charges.

General, administrative, and other expenses for the 2021 fourth quarter totaled $213 million, compared to $183 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year increase primarily reflects higher compensation and legal costs.

Interest expense, net, totaled $91 million in the fourth quarter compared to $105 million in the year-ago quarter. The year-over-year decrease is largely due to lower debt balances.

Equity in losses were $0 million, an improvement of $87 million year over year, largely reflecting impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) totaled $741 million in the 2021 fourth quarter, compared to fourth quarter 2020 adjusted EBITDA of $317 million. See page A-12 for the adjusted EBITDA calculation.

Selected Performance Information
The company added 120 properties (20,440 rooms) to its worldwide lodging portfolio during the 2021 fourth quarter, including over 3,500 conversion rooms and approximately 10,000 rooms in international markets. Twenty-three properties (4,955 rooms) exited the system during the quarter. At year end, Marriott’s global lodging system totaled 7,989 properties, with more than 1,479,000 rooms.

At year end, the company’s worldwide development pipeline totaled 2,831 properties with roughly 485,000 rooms, including 1,008 properties with more than 202,000 rooms under construction and 98 properties with approximately 19,000 rooms approved for development, but not yet subject to signed contracts.

In the 2021 fourth quarter, worldwide RevPAR increased 124.5 percent (a 124.9 percent increase using actual dollars) compared to the 2020 fourth quarter. RevPAR in the U.S. & Canada increased 143.6 percent (a 143.9 percent increase using actual dollars), and RevPAR in international markets increased 83.3 percent (an 84 percent increase using actual dollars).

Balance Sheet and Liquidity
At year-end 2021, Marriott’s net debt was $8.7 billion, representing total debt of $10.1 billion less cash and equivalents of $1.4 billion. At year-end 2020, the company’s net debt was $9.5 billion, representing total debt of $10.4 billion less cash and equivalents of $0.9 billion.

Investment Spending
Marriott anticipates that full year 2022 investment spending will total $600 million to $700 million. Total investment spending includes capital and technology expenditures, loan advances, contract acquisition costs, and other investing activities

Absolute Hotel Services India Expands Its Footprints With 550 Keys Hotel In Lucknow

Sameer Dharkar - MD Absolute Hotel Services &  Prawal Choudhary MD Atharva Hotel Superfluities India Pvt Ltd

Lucknow, known as the City of Nawabs, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh and respected for its deep-rooted culture, illustrious heritage, and delectable cuisine, is in the current headlines due to the impending elections. Absolute Hotel Services is supplementing by bringing to the city a hotel which likewise, will create ripples and be seen as an address to be in.

Strategically located and a destination by itself, the property would interest discerning travelers, both Corporate and leisure through its multitude of offerings ranging from a plethora of room options, all-day multicuisine restaurant, contemporary bar, and a microbrewery, fitness center, spa, swimming pool and huge banquets. Be it conferencing, wedding, social occasions or individual stays, every experience will be curated to distinct palates and preferences. Property is surrounded by a hub of imperative developments like IT City, International Cricket Stadium, Medanta Multispecialty Hospital, Police Headquarter, Cancer Institute to name a few.

A jubilant Sameer Dharkar, Managing Director, Absolute Hotel Services –South Asia & Middle East region is ecstatic to have this deal inked with Prawal Choudhary, Managing Director, Atharva Hotel Superfluities India Pvt Ltd . “While we have been associated in developing and managing mid-sized projects, this endeavour heralds us into the league of scale and magnitude. Sensing an enormous opportunity, this project has the confluence of two Brands, Eastin Hotel and Eastin Easy, expanding diversity in offerings, both product and services, thus substantiating our brand essence of providing value and quality. The pandemic has ushered every business into the new normal, we took this period to introspect, adapt and reinvent, this development is a measure of our outlook moving forward. We are extremely proud to showcase this property in the revered City of Nawabs, and we will, through our established inclusive management, provide genuine hospitality to every guest”. 

An equally thrilled Prawal Choudhary, Managing Director, Atharva Hotel Superfluities added, “we see this partnership with Absolute hotels Services as the foundation of a new era in our aspiration to make headway in the hospitality arena.  We have been on the lookout to collaborate with a right affiliate, Absolute Hotel Services, one of the fastest Hotel Management Company from Southeast Asia, gives us the precise competitive advantage that we have been eagerly seeking. It’s a win- win situation for us, while we bring in the strategic expansion expertise, they pull in the world-class hotel operations capabilities.”  

Cunard sees strongest bookings in a decade with Summer 2023 Voyage Program

The luxury travel brand saw a phenomenal response in the first two days of trading

VALENCIA, Calif.,FEB, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Cunard's Summer 2023 itineraries, which unveiled over 150 new, international voyages, has seen a record-breaking first two days of trading, with demand especially strong for Princess and Queens Grills Suites.

"We are thrilled by the robust response to our recently announced Summer 2023 voyage program, which has surpassed our record-breaking sales in 2021 when Queen Elizabeth's summer at sea sailings became available to book," said Jamie Paiko, vice president of Sales for Cunard North America. "Cunard's two strongest booking periods in more than a decade have happened in the last 12 months, which is a true reflection of Cunard's global appeal, and our guests' enthusiasm to re-join our luxury ocean travel experience."

Cunard's Summer 2023 schedule includes 150 voyages calling at 120 unique ports in 35 countries, with 23 late evening departures and 15 overnight stays with voyages between two nights and 37 nights in duration.

The World Awaits 2023 New Voyages - Key Itineraries

The Canary Islands (V312)
The volcanic terrain of Tenerife's Teide National Park and Sintra's Moorish palaces (tours from Lisbon) are among the UNESCO World Heritage sites awaiting discovery on this 12-night voyage of Spain and Portugal. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on April 27, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

North Cape Discovery (V315)
Immerse in a land of forest and water, where ancient wooden houses decorate the streets, waterfalls spill from verdant gullies, and soaring mountains reflect in mirror-like fjords. Queen Victoria departs Southampton on June 6, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,399 per person.

Transatlantic Crossing, New England and Canada (M329H)
Sailing roundtrip from Southampton, you'll travel to New York via Transatlantic Crossing, before embarking on an exploration of New England and Canada that includes three days in Quebec. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton September 22, 2023. Inside staterooms from $4,999 per person.

Mediterranean Highlights (M316)
Pisa's UNESCO World Heritage listed leaning tower, the Sistine Chapel in Rome, and Gaudi's architectural legacy, the Sagrada Familia, are all within reach on this 14-night voyage sailing from Southampton. Queen Mary 2 departs Southampton June 9, 2023. Inside staterooms from $2,899 per person.

Alaska (Q320)
Guests will be charmed by Ketchikan's colourful totem poles, as they keep a watchful eye for humpback whales, and absorb the splendour of skyscraper-tall glaciers, on a voyage to Alaska's icy fjords. Queen Elizabeth departs Vancouver June 8, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,799 per person.

Western Mediterranean (Q330B)
The sparking azure waters of the French Riviera, Pisa's UNESCO-listed leaning tower and Ibiza's captivating old town, Dalt Vila, await discovery on this 7-night Mediterranean voyage from Barcelona. Queen Elizabeth departs Barcelona September 25, 2023. Inside staterooms from $1,249 per person.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll-free at 1-800-528-6273.

Cunard
Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

ibis Vikhroli partners with Magenta for EV charging facilities

ibis, a smart economy hospitality brand and a joint venture from Accor Hotels and InterGlobe Enterprises has tied up with Magenta. The latter will install electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS) at ibis Vikhroli, which is strategically located in Mumbai’s corporate hub.

With the increasing popularity of EVs in the country, this initiative will further fuel the growth of the EV segment and help in reducing the carbon footprint. Magenta shall install, operate, and manage DC fast chargers initially at ibis Vikhroli followed by other properties across the country.

These charging solutions are mobile-enabled applications (OCCP based) and come with many other consumer-friendly features. These chargers can be accessed by EV users using the ChargeGrid system. The ChargeGrid app provides seamless information from acquiring a charger to completing an online charging session.

Commenting on this tie-up, JB Singh, President and CEO, Interglobe Hotels said, “We’re delighted to cater for the need of our young and modern audience, at a time when we are seeing them gradually shifting towards EVs. This partnership will also provide us with the opportunity to promote environment-friendly options for our target customer segment and meet sustainability goals.”

All charging channels to be used under this partnership will be managed and operated with the Charge Grid internal Magenta software which will enable EV customers to continuously monitor electricity consumption and track the deduction of the wallet value during charging.

CELEBRATE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ITC GRAND CENTRAL

 CELEBRATE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY AT ITC GRAND CENTRAL

Mumbai, Feb, 2022 -   ITC Grand Central, the finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveler in Central Mumbai, would offer a special Valentine’s Day Menu at its three eateries - Hornby’s Pavilion, all day dining restaurant, Shanghai Club, fine dining Chinese restaurant and Kebabs & Kurries, specialty Indian restaurant during dinner hours (7:30 pm to 11:45 pm) on February 14, 2022

Celebrate your romance with delicious dinner coupled with a glass of finest sparkling wine and chocolate cake give away for all the lovely couples visiting the hotel. Our Chef has himself hand picked the mouth-watering menu for this extraordinary day. We would make sure that the service would be efficient and discreet!

For queries call ITC Grand Central call on Kebabs & Kurries - 022-67045110/ 022-67045109 & Shanghai Club - 022-67045110/ 022-67045109

About ITC Grand Central 

ITC Grand Central is the first and finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveler in Central Mumbai. 

Reflecting the rich heritage of the colonial past, ITC Grand Central has 242 tastefully appointed guest rooms, a well-equipped 24-hour business center and an exclusive ‘Wellness Centre’ complimented with an experience of warm Indian hospitality. Furthermore, ITC’s latest brand of Indian restaurant, Kebabs & Kurries, showcasing delicious heritage cuisine, fine-tuned through years of research by the celebrated chefs of Welcomgroup is located here. Multiple dining options are available with the presence of Hornby’s Pavilion, Frederick’s Lounge, Shanghai Club, Dublin and the premium rooftop lounge called ‘Point of View’.

J&K government, OYO launch homestays project with 75 villages

Encouraging startup entrepreneurship under the 'Crown of Incredible India' project, it has planned 200 homestays planned in a year in the state

Aiming to uplift the lives of local communities and help the youths of the state become startup entrepreneurs, OYO has partnered with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to launch a state-wide initiative – ‘Crown of Incredible India’. Under this collaborative approach, OYO will partner with the government’s ‘Mission Youth’ programme to open homestays across 75 villages to promote entrepreneurship and create self-employment opportunities.

The Mission Youth initiative of the J&K Government provides a platform to local youth under multiple schemes. It offers financial assistance, last-mile infrastructure and accessibility to promote sustainable livelihood.

This initiative includes supporting the provision of Livelihood Generation, Skill Development, Education, Counseling and Rehabilitation, Sports and Recreation etc. In its efforts to promote rural tourism, the ‘Tourist village network’ includes 75 villages identified on scenic beauty, landscape, cultural diversity, and heritage parameters. OYO will provide its tech platform to onboard homestays and boost the local economy. J&K Govt under Mission Youth will support 500 youth for establishing homestay, and INR 50,000 financial assistance per homestay will be provided for refurbishment. The venture will help build a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, inaugurated the ‘Crown of Incredible India’ project. It aims to operationalise upto 200 home stays in Udhampur, Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Doda and other underpenetrated districts in the next year. The company will expand its network across 75 villages under ‘Mission Youth’. OYO will assist in the training of existing and potential homeowners on responsible hosting, hospitality standards, hygiene and basic amenities. OYO will provide a constant stream of guests to these home stays by listing and promoting them on OYO’s customer app.

In addition, the homestays will also be listed on OYO’s website and multiple Online Travel Agent (OTA) platforms. The homestays owners will also be able to use OYO’s technology to run the operations and customer service through the company’s simple to use homeowner facing Co-OYO app. This partnership is a part of OYO’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism across India and empower underserved communities in the process.

The homestay owners in Jammu & Kashmir are primarily engaged in agricultural activities, making it a key source of their income. This includes apple, saffron, corn and walnut cultivation, which are the mainstays of Jammu & Kashmir’s economy. In a background where many migrated to towns, OYO’s rural-home-stay initiative will provide a valuable opportunity for these households to generate more income with minimum additional investment.

The concerted efforts made by the government of Jammu and Kashmir have already started showing results, with many private players from India already investing in the Union Territory. The government regularly organises summer and winter festivals, exhibitions showcasing local handicrafts, handloom, cuisine, sanctions for ropeway projects,  and efforts for new cable car projects at Pahalgam, Shiv Khori and Gulmarg are supporting the local economy.

Manoj Sinha, Honourable Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, said, “Rural homestays in MP, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra have started to rival conventional tourism. This partnership marks the start of a new chapter. OYO has made a great start to onboard J&K’s rural homestays on their platform. Our Mission Youth department has identified 75 villages under the Tourist Village Network, each with its distinct identity. They will partner with OYO, not just to generate jobs, but to improve the local economy and infrastructure. I am announcing that for those youth in this program, who want to start their homestays, we will support them through an incentive of INR 50,000 each.”

He further added, “Under PM Narendra Modi’s guidance, J&K is today the 6th largest tourist destination in India in terms of tourist influx. It has created both jobs and revenue. In Aug-Nov 2021, the state witnessed 52 lakh tourists, growing by the day. With this project, OYO plans to start with 20 homestays, of which ten are already live. I am hoping, as committed, Ritesh will ensure that 200 of our homestays are on their platform by December. This will provide both national and international tourists with the opportunity to experience and live the culture and tradition of JK. We will be able to create the most well developed rural tourism circuit.”

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder and Group CEO, OYO, said, “We, at OYO, are thrilled to be a part of the unique tourism opportunities in Jammu & Kashmir, and are excited to welcome travellers visiting the state for unique stay experience at these homestays. We are proud to extend our partnership with the Jammu & Kashmir Government to generate economic and employment opportunities in the district. The ‘Crown of Incredible India’ will enable socio-economic development, helping people become Atmanirbhar.”

Since entering Jammu & Kashmir in 2015, OYO has hosted thousands of guests at the hotels on its platform while ensuring higher earnings for 140+ hotels and homeowners. The company has further created direct and indirect economic opportunities for 500+ people. Many such patrons have started multiple hotels since joining the OYO family. According to OYO Travelopedia, a travel trend report, in 2022, 61% of Indians would prefer to go local and explore domestic destinations surrounded by nature which is reassuring to boost rural tourism in India. With revenge travel picking up, especially among millennials and Gen Z, Jammu & Kashmir is among the favorite destinations in the North. The affordable tariffs for rooms at OYO rural homestays will cater to experiential and immersive travelers. These come with all basic room amenities, great views, and an opportunity for travelers to experience Kashmiri life in its truest form. These homestay kitchens and dining spaces are stocked with Kashmiri food, including traditional bread – Khambir, local fruits and Kahwa.

Visit Maldives | Julien Royer’s Three Michelin-starred Odette Arrives at Soneva Fushi

Julien Royer’s Three Michelin-starred Odette Arrives at Soneva Fushi

Singapore’s famed three Michelin-starred restaurants Odette has arrived at Soneva Fushi for an exclusive 10-week residency at Flying Sauces. Reflecting the Odette experience, Julien Royer’s evolving multi-course menu showcases produce at its seasonal peak with an emphasis on native ingredients. 

Across 10 weeks, Odette’s Singaporean Chef de Cuisine, Naka Xiong, will bring his reverence for nature and affinity with seafood to realize a gastronomic experience infused with vibrant tropical flavors and an ingenious Southeast Asian identity, befitting Soneva Fushi’s idyllic island setting. 

“It is Odette’s greatest pleasure to share our experience with our friends at Soneva. We’re delighted to take the heart of Maldives’ terroir to greater heights, with the show-stopping creativity of our Chef de Cuisine, Xiong,” said Julien Royer, Chef-Owner of Odette 

“This menu showcases the nostalgic Southeast Asian flavors that I’m familiar with. Surrounded by fresh produce from Maldivian waters and cooking among the lush treetops of Soneva is a dream come true for me,” said Naka Xiong Chef de Cuisine, Odette 

Taking fine dining to exhilarating new heights 

Flying Sauces is the world’s first fine dining zipline experience. Glide along the 200-metre zipline route through the leafy jungle to the island's treetop table and open kitchen – at 12 metres above the ground, it has exceptional views across the sparkling ocean. The menu is expertly paired with a selection of wines from its extensive cellars, which house the largest collection of wines and Champagnes in the Indian Ocean. During the 10-week Odette residency, Flying Sauces will be serving its usual breakfast menu, while the Flying Sauces Featuring Odette’s Julien Royer menu will be served for dinner. 

An experience to remember… 

The Flying Sauces zipline takes a scenic route through the forest at a height of 5 to 10 metres – with towering platforms and rope bridges along the way, it ends at an elevated dining tower, raised 12 metres above the ground with exceptional views over the ocean. Operating during daylight hours only, the zipline takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes; the Flying Sauces dining experiences take an additional 1 hour for breakfast and high tea, and 2 to 3 hours for dinner. Each Flying Sauces experience is suitable for a maximum 10 to 12 guests aged 8 and above, divided into 2 groups of 6 guests. 

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with variety of Mooncakes at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with variety of Mooncakes at Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre  

Hyderabad: February 2022: Celebrate the auspicious lunar New Year with our classic flavours of mooncakes selected from premium ingredients and created by specialty chefs… Moon cake symbolizes family reunions and is a must during festival seasons. This dessert is given to people while greeting them and is considered to bring good luck.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Manish Dayya, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre, said, “We are happy to announce the MOONCAKE FESTIVAL at Le Cafe’ to celebrate the New Year. Lunar New Year is the most important festival as it it symbolizes a time for families to sit together, share their blessings, and also celebrate the new beginning. Mooncake is a dessert that is essentially served with tea or coffee while family greets each other during the festival period. 2022 is the year of the Tiger which symbolizes a year of power, confidence, and strengths and will bring in good luck and fortune for everyone. We are sure that the specially curated moon cakes will bring in a lot of happiness and joy to your family and loved ones’ 

NHCC has created 5 flavourful varieties for you to choose from White Lotus Seed, Black Sesame, Fruit & Nuts, Durian, and Custard while each flavour has its meaning for your beloved one.    The Mooncakes are available from 1st -28th February 2022 at LeCafe Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre

Appointment | Binayak Tamang appointed executive chef at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center

He will extensively plan the menu, buffets, executing policies, procedures and maintaining quality

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center has recently appointed Binayak Tamang as the Executive Chef. He has over 17 years of experience in the culinary industry.

Chef Tamang will bring his expertise in F&B and culinary operations to his new role and introduce new trends. He has extensive knowledge of Italian, French and Asian cuisines, which can be witnessed in his creative recipes.

Over the years, Chef Tamang has developed his own standard of cuisine with deep commitment to hospitality. From customizing and catering every palate, to understanding the nitty-gritties of various techniques, he expresses his love for food by playing with ingredients from around the world. He excels in the culinary domain and would be responsible for spearheading restaurant operations, kitchen management, banquet event operations and ensuring high quality services to achieve customer satisfaction. He will extensively plan the menu, buffets, executing policies, procedures and maintaining quality.

Chef Tamang holds a bachelor degree in hotel management and has graduated from IHM Bhubaneswar. His last assignment was at The Leela Palace Chennai.

Prior to The Leela Hotels and Resorts, he worked as a chef de cuisine for the signature gourmet award-winning restaurant; Dolce Vita and Italian fine dine restaurant; Melt café at the Mandarin Oriental, Singapore. In his previous roles, he has worked at Taj Lands End Mumbai, The Oberoi New Delhi and The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur.