CELEBRATIONS | Cookery sessions, laughter and feasting marked Women’s Day celebration at Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre

Cookery sessions, laughter and feasting marked Women’s Day celebration at Holiday Inn  Jaipur City Centre 

Let Culinary Skills Conquer This Women’s Day 

The largest city centre hotel in the Pink City, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre hosted the young and influencing  ladies of Jaipur on this women’s day marking some laughter, cooking sessions at the most favorite Chinese Bistro,  Chao and feasting on some delectable Tex-Mex treats at their casual Restobar Roadhouse Bar & Grill. The  workshop included the art of unique culinary, bringing alive the Pan-Asian flavors by Executive Chef, Raj Kumar  along with the team of experts at Roadhouse craftfully showcasing the intriguing process to some amazing  artisanal beverages to sip on. 

The culinary affair and tipsy Mocktail Making Session was followed by a lavish lunching experience with the most  fascinating and authentic Tex-Mex cuisine curated with love and care at Roadhouse Bar & Grill. These beautifully  orchestrated workshops were the perfect way to celebrate Women's Day while embracing all the pretty ladies  in the city. "The special Women's Day workshop included authentic Chinese & Japanese dishes like Assorted  Sushi & Dim sums, Hand at the Wok, Classic Mocktails and got a chance to try their hands on oriental cooking  techniques and mixology skills which were learned by the ones present throughout the Workshop," said Vidhi  Jain , Marketing Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre. 

Mr. Imit Arora, General Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre said, "The workshop was a success, as we had  planned to bring together the women of the city on the occasion of International Women's Day and had an  amazing dining experience while enjoying the exquisite Tex-Mex cuisine and artisanal beverages" 

CHAO's ambiance with its open setting offers family-style seating. The restaurant offers an exciting immersion  in irresistible Pan - Asian cuisine, prepared on the spot with an emphasis on simplicity and flavor. It is fascinating to watch the woks fly up while master chefs are stir-frying and tossing the delicacies at the dumpling & noodle station finally, dishing out savory, made-to-order bowls. It gives guests the chance to indulge in an array of uncomplicated yet authentic dishes that offer a modern spin on traditional recipes from China's popular culinary destinations. 

On the other hand, The Roadhouse Bar & Grill, a casual Restobar conceptualized to encapsulate tantalizing Tex Mex flavors along with hand-crafted drinks in an ambiance that exudes elegance and style. Roadhouse offers  Entertainment, small plates, live music, and exclusive cocktails on the go. The food and drinks have been  carefully handpicked from across the Tex- Mex region to mirror the newer trends in the changing tastes of young  clientele. Large sofas with a dining setup, bar stools, and cocktail tables as well around the bar; One can chill out  with scintillating cocktails and the rhythm of Roadhouse’s music from DJ or Live Band on Weekends. This casual  restobar serves as the perfect spot to indulge in some quality time with friends and family. 

One Rep Global to Represent Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India

One Rep Global to Represent Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India

New Delhi, March 2022: One Rep Global, led by seasoned luxury hotelier Hemant Mediratta, has been appointed as the exclusive India representation partner for Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA). One Rep Global will be responsible for driving holistic sales, trade marketing and PR strategies in India for the popular destination.

The announcement comes at an opportune time as the international travel restrictions are being eased and more Indians are expected to travel overseas in 2022. “As one of our biggest source markets, India continues to hold a lot of appeal in the new normal of travel,” said Iyad Rasbey, Executive Director, Destination Tourism Development & MICE, adding, “the charm of the northernmost emirate is undeniable with spectacular natural landscapes, global hospitality brands and large-scale meeting venues perfect for destination weddings, including the region’s only convention center located by the beach.”  

Commenting on the partnership, Hemant Mediratta, Founder – One Rep Global said, ‘We are delighted to be representing Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) in India and are looking forward to working closely with the tourism authority to position Ras Al Khaimah as an attractive leisure destination for Indian travelers. The emirate has something to offer for travelers of all age groups and is also an attractive choice for the large-scale‘ big fat’ destination weddings from India. MICE is another crucial segment that we will target for Ras Al Khaimah from India.”

The UAE's northernmost Emirate offers a wealth of diversions between its miles of white sandy beaches and turquoise sea, majestic Hajar Mountains, and magnificent desert sand dunes. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital in 2020 and 2021, much of Ras Al Khaimah’s popularity comes from the increasing ease of accessibility. Located a few short hours by flight from India, the emirate is just a 45-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Ras Al Khaimah has also reinforced confidence in the destination being certified as the first safe city worldwide by Bureau Veritas SafeGuard Label and the Safe Travels Stamp from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

About One Rep Global I https://www.onerepglobal.com/

One Rep Global is a leading sales and marketing organization in India that offers a 360-degree approach and bespoke solutions to luxury hotels, travel, luxury lifestyle, and wellness brands. We are a one-stop solution across multiple disciplines offering sales representation, creative studio services, digital marketing, public relations, and consultancy services.

The services are tailored to each individual client’s unique requirements, helping them expand reach, enhance visibility and acquire profitable market share. Founded by seasoned luxury hotelier Hemant Mediratta and driven by an experienced team of professionals, we integrate innovation, creativity and technology, ensuring deliverance of measurable results. At One Rep Global, our primary goal is to give our clients the most credible voice and help them build a powerful presence in India and the Middle East.

About Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA)

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) was established in May 2011 under the government of Ras Al Khaimah. RAKTDA aims to develop the Emirate’s tourism infrastructure and establish Ras Al Khaimah as a world-class destination for leisure and business travel, creating sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for its residents. In order to achieve its goals, the Authority has a government mandate to license, regulate and monitor the Emirate’s tourism and hospitality industry.

New Opening | Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel has been rebranded to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake

Westin Mumbai Powai Lake opens in India

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel has been rebranded to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake

Westin Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 hotel brands, continues to propel its footprint in India with the opening of The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake embracing the brand’s six pillars of well-being – sleep well, eat well, move well, feel well, work well, and play well.

Set on the shore of lake Powai in Mumbai, the hotel has 600 guestrooms with views of the Hiranandani skyline overlooking the lake. The design philosophy takes inspiration from the concept of Biophilia, which posits that people have an innate need to connect with nature and that our link to the natural world affects our well-being.

“We are excited to bring the second Westin hotel to Mumbai. With an increasing demand for wellness travel, the opening of The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake will further expand our portfolio in South Asia, offering industry-leading well-being experiences designed to empower a better you.” said Jennie Toh, Vice President, Brand Marketing and Brand Management, Marriott International Asia Pacific. “The hotel is committed to delivering the wellness promise that the brand is known for, giving travelers and locals new ways to experience this destination.”

The Westin workout fitness studio overlooks the views of Powai Lake. The outdoor pool offers view to guests’ workout routines. To translate the ‘move well’ concept on the ground, the hotel has a 2km scenic track across 15 acres of greenery around the Powai lake.

“We are delighted to launch our Powai hotel in its new avatar of wellness and wellbeing, The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake. The team at the hotel looks forward to welcoming back our guests the old loyalist as well as new adventurist to this upgraded hotel in Powai Mumbai. My best wishes to our colleagues at the hotel for the exciting times ahead,” said Sanjay Sethi, CEO, and MD, Chalet Hotels Ltd.

Guests can indulge in the brand’s eat well offerings at four dining venues with culinary experiences created by Chef Gautam Mehrishi.

The hotel has a 102,325 sq. ft. meeting and events space. Fully equipped with advanced audio-visual capabilities, the grand ballroom can accommodate up to 1,800 persons.

The resort also has 15 versatile indoor and outdoor venues that are ideal for large-scale conferences or intimate social events. The hotel’s outdoor event space overlooks the Powai lake, making it a popular choice to host weddings and social functions.

“We at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre are delighted to embark on a new journey as we rebrand ourselves to The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake, becoming part of the globally acclaimed Westin Hotels & Resorts,” said Nagesh Chawla, Cluster General Manager. The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake and Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai, Marriott Executive Apartments. “Located on the scenic shore of the Powai Lake, our hotel offers a sense of relaxation and escape for every type of traveler thanks to Westin’s signature approach to Eating Well, sleeping Well and Moving Well. We look forward to providing our guests a new way to experience the city.” 

Initiative | Alila Diwa Goa installs a water bottling plant in partner with Boon

The “Zero Mile Water” program is an automated in-house system wash, sterilizes, and fills glass bottles to eliminate carbon emissions.

Alila Diwa Goa, a lifestyle Hyatt Resort in South Goa is proud to be the first hotel in Goa to install an automated sustainable drinking water bottling plant at its property, in partnership with Boon (Formerly known as Swajal WaterCube).

The hotel supports sustainable tourism and reduced carbon footprint by using biodegradable materials. It also takes care in minimizing its environmental impact by using primarily local materials.

In the “Zero Mile Water” program, an automated in-house system wash sterilizes and fills glass bottles to eliminate the carbon emission involved in transporting the bottles to the hotel from a plant. It also eliminates the use of new plastic bottles in the property.

Boon’s proprietary Clairvoyant IoT platform monitors the quality of each drop of drinking water. Guests can scan a unique QR code to get insights into the drinking water quality and impact in real-time.

“Goa is a unique place in India, and sustainable tourism is the only way forward to improve the area’s tourism based economy while preserving nature that makes the destination such a unique place. Single use plastics can damage beaches and the beauty of nature. Replacing single use plastic bottles with glass bottles is a small step in that direction, but it is a giant leap in thinking about our environment,” said Dr. Vibha Tripathi, CEO of Boon.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa Debuts In India's Beautiful and Historic Nandi Hills Region

The Spectacular Luxury Resort Is a Haven of Breathtaking Design and Mindful Experiences

JW Marriott, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. The luxury resort is nestled within the tranquil Nandi Hills region of Bengaluru, once an ancient hill fortress and the summer retreat of Indian royalty. Within this idyllic setting, the new resort aims to fulfill the JW Marriott brand promise to allow guests to focus on feeling whole – present in mind, nourished in body and revitalized in spirit.

“We are thrilled to debut JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa in this stunning region of India, with its breathtaking views, historic sites and exhilarating activities for outdoor enthusiasts,” said Bruce Rohr, Vice President and Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. "Our brand principles of mindfulness and connection have found the perfect setting in the resort's nature-inspired surroundings and design, thoughtful service and holistic guest experiences.”

Inspired Design
The 301-room resort is nestled in the rolling greens of the 275-acre, award-winning Prestige Golfshire course and luxury residential development, and within a 20-minute drive from Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Conceptualized by Bengaluru-based architectural firm Thomas and Associates, its sleek, modern architecture is inspired by the beauty of the region’s silk. The resort’s exceptional interiors were led by world-leading hospitality design firm Hirsch Bedner Associates of Singapore, and feature a lobby with panoramic views of Nandi Hills, stunning landscaping, as well as sophisticated guest rooms and villas with private swimming pools and lawns.

Immersive Culinary Experiences
Overlooking the golf course and with indoor and alfresco seating in the pleasant climate of Nandi Hills, JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa features six dining options for guests and locals. Aviary is the resort's all-day-dining restaurant with a chic, minimalist aesthetic, and interactive live kitchens, serving Indian, Western and Asian cuisines in both buffet and a la carte styles. East, an Asian specialty restaurant with Japanese, Korean and Chinese menu items, features the finest and most nourishing produce, while Aaleeshaan, meaning 'grandeur' in the local dialect, offers North-Western Frontier Indian cuisine in a palatial interior with magnificent views of the nearby hills. In the lobby, Vista Lounge transitions from a tea lounge during the day to a gin bar at night, showcasing a variety of specialty teas from around the world and an extensive beverage list of handcrafted cocktails. Patisserie Truffle & Co serves gourmet coffees to complement its array of freshly baked delicacies, sandwiches, savories, and healthy, customized salads. Set around the resort's azure swimming pool, Flamingo Bar & Pool is an open-air dining space with a sunset terrace, featuring a swim-up bar serving delicious cocktails and fresh juices.

Replenished Spirits, Meaningful Connections
The resort’s 20,000-square-feet Spa by JW® is an exclusive private sanctuary that promises a complete revitalization of the mind, body, and spirit, and offers seven luxurious therapy rooms, including two couples' rooms, an Ayurveda room as well as a manicure and pedicure suite. Skilled therapists present an indulgent menu of signature spa treatments featuring locally sourced herbs and oils to expertly soothe, relax and invigorate tired bodies and minds.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa also features a modern, fully equipped fitness center, two outdoor pools, a lap pool, and a temperature-controlled lagoon pool with a relaxing jacuzzi. The resort’s wide range of activities, including yoga and meditation sessions, cycling expeditions to explore the beautiful surroundings of Nandi Hills, as well as pleasant morning walks through the hotel's JW Garden, encourage guests to be truly present and experience the destination to the fullest,

The JW Garden is a signature of the JW Marriott experience and features a calming space for guests to connect with nature, as well as fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables that guests can harvest and enjoy as part of their culinary journey on property. To further complement the resort’s commitment to healthy, fresh dining, a starter packet of seeds housed in sustainable packaging is gifted to all guests.

Around the resort, guests can relax and unwind amidst acres of calm greenery and serene landscaped gardens. Private nooks and secluded spaces intuitively located around the grounds, invite quiet moments of contemplation and reflection. The banks of the resort’s lake serve as an ideal spot to linger, while brief mindfulness rituals such as guided meditation sessions leave guests feeling deeply nourished and revitalized in body and soul.

For families traveling with children, the brand’s Family by JW™ program is designed to bring families together and reconnect over shared, meaningful experiences. An exclusive Kids’ Club offers a full schedule of family-friendly programming, including sessions with a local magician, an afternoon of creative fun with art, as well as music and sightseeing tours on and off the resort.

12th India International Hotel Travel & Tourism Research Conference March 3rd – 5th 2022

Vaccine Certifications and Rethinking Tourism will Re-Energize Hospitality Sector

Today, on the second day of our International Conference (IIHTTRC) organized by Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, the keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kevser Çınar, Necmettin Erbakan University, Turkey. 

She spoke on the subject of “Vaccine Certificate and Hotel Manager’s Views: The Case of Konya.” She spoke at length about vaccine certification in the post-pandemic times and the positive and negative aspects surrounding Covid 19 vaccine certificate for travel, visa, and passport. She was worried about more than seventy percent of the world’s job sector was affected by Covid, especially from the tourism and the hospitality sector.

Her research centered on different COVID CERTIFICATIONS like COWIN, DIGITAL HEALTH PASS, IATA TRAVEL PASS AND VACCINATION CREDENTIAL INITIATIVE. She explained how these certificates have become mandatory the world over. The significance of these certifications are more relevant today as government and organizations are ensuring security to the hotels and travelers by making it mandatory for all.

She concluded by suggesting that it is important to safeguard personal and health data, establish legal guidelines, and engage/consult with different communities to be credible, thereby ensuring transparency.

Our Second International Keynote Speaker, Dr. L.ucilia Cardoso, Researcher of CITUR - Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Portugal, deliberated on the much relevant topic of "'Re-think and Re-build Tourism and Hospitality through Neuro-tourism Research"

She began her keynote by the concept of rethinking of tourism. This concept has been around since 2017 for sustainable and socially inclusive growth. She emphasized that in 2021, the UN Chief said “This is the time to rethink, transform and safely restart tourism.”

Her research paper proposed an idea for neuroscience and tourism to work together by understanding people’s decision-making processes. She mentioned the Butterfly Effect, which influences people’s theoretical mind and perception from the surroundings and typically affects the ideal image of a travel destination.

Dr. Cardoso stressed on the factor of implementing the vision of an ideal tourist destination into the minds of the tourists and the locals. According to her, the travel cycle can be divided into four stages being: Need Stage, Motivation Stage, Action Stage, and the Satisfaction Need Stage. Neuroscience can be applied from the first stage which can then be followed to the end.

In her research, she has concluded that the image of the ideal destination lasts for about 7 seconds in our minds. This takes place through many factors from our surroundings and can affect the memory or image which then turns into long-term memory and generates a need for a travel destination. 

In her view, neuro-marketing can be applied to tourism and used to stimulate cognitive load and visual attention to generate motivation and arousal towards the destination. The tourism sector and its understanding is in the need of a new discipline and Neuro Tourism is one of those disciplines that can enhance the tourism sector

Radisson Hotel Group adds nine new hotel signings across South Asia in 2021

Radisson Hotel Group further strengthened its portfolio in India with the signing of nine new hotels across five brands in 2021. Located in key gateway cities and emerging destinations, these new hotels will collectively add over 1,000 rooms to its domestic network in the next three to five years. In 2021, the Group grew its presence in India with the opening of 12 new hotels and introducing two new brands, including Radisson Individuals and Radisson RED.

The group announced four hotel signings in the first half of 2021 despite pandemic challenges. These included Classic Grande Imphal, a member of Radisson Individuals, The Elite Narsapura, a member of Radisson Individuals, Park Inn by Radisson Vadodara and Park Inn by Radisson Vellore. These were followed by five additional signings towards the second half of the year – Radisson Resort Kumbhalgarh, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, New Gurugram, Park Inn by Radisson Deoghar, Radisson Hotel Jamshedpur, and Park Inn by Radisson AhmedabadDaslana.

“2021 marks a significant milestone for us at Radisson Hotel Group as we opened our 100th hotel in India. We continued our foray towards our ambitious five-year expansion plan with nine signings in 2021 and are working towards replicating this performance in 2022. India remains a key part of the Group’s global strategy, and we intend to invest across all parts of our operations. Our next phase of growth would be driven by strategic, brand-defining hotel signings and openings that will provide a major uplift to our hotel portfolio and broaden our offerings for guests and owners,” said Zubin Saxena, managing director and vice president, operations, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Currently, with 105 operating hotels in India, Radisson Hotel Group added 1,161 rooms to its network in 2021 with 12 hotel openings. Its diverse portfolio recorded the addition of hotels and resorts across Dharamshala, Nashik, Lonavala, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Chandigarh, Vizag and Imphal amongst other leisure destinations. With an increasing demand for domestic and experiential travel, Radisson Hotel Group stands ready to deliver memorable experiences to guests with its countrywide network of hotels.

The full list of 2021 hotel signings are: Classic Grande Imphal, a member of Radisson Individuals, a 171-room property, currently fully operational; Park Inn by Radisson Vellore expected to open in 2023; The Elite Narasapura, a member of Radisson Individuals, a 160-room, upscale hotel expected to be operational by 2023; Park Inn by Radisson Vadodara a 112-room business hotel expected to open in 2025; Radisson Resort Kumbhalgarh expected to open in 2024; Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, New Gurugram, a 150-room property expected to open in 2026; Park Inn by Radisson Deoghar, a 110-room hotel expected to open in 2024; Radisson Hotel Jamshedpur a 100-room hotel expected to open in 2026; and Park Inn by Radisson Ahmedabad Daslana a 100-room hotel expected to open in 2026.

12th India International Hotel Travel & Tourism Research Conference March 3rd – 5th 2022

12th India International Hotel Travel & Tourism Research Conference March 3rd – 5th 2022

India International Hotel Travel and Tourism Research Conference, organized by Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology from 3rd to 5th March 2022 was seen as the first-ever time to be conducted in a Virtual mode in lieu of the pandemic and global crisis. However, the crisis didn’t halt or seize the opportunity for researchers and speakers across the globe to gather in a virtual teams room to present their works and delegations in this year’s theme of IIHTTRC: Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup" which aimed at absorbing the best practices adopted by the active players in the hospitality & tourism sector around the world. The conference provided a distinctive opportunity to converse and share the knowledge with the experts and focus on revised strategies in the tourism and hospitality field with a global perspective.  

Commencing with the mega event, Mr. Sidharth, faculty, BCIHMCT greeted and welcomed everyone to this special event where all the researchers with their industrial experience and intellectual minds were to present their ideas and views on this year’s theme, taking in mind the pandemic effects on the tourism and hospitality sector. It was followed by the auspicious blessings from Lord Ganesha through the  Ganesh Vandhana performance enacted by Nivedita, student, BCIHMCT.

Dr. Arvind Saraswati then shared with the audience this year's theme ‘Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup’ in order to suffice the excitement and wait amongst the researchers/speakers. He elaborated that the theme was based on the idea of The Renaissance, referring to a ‘fervent period of European cultural, artistic, political and economic “rebirth” following the Middle Ages, from 14th century to 17th century. Furthermore, he elaborated that how it promoted the rediscovery and recovery of classical philosophy, literature, and art to the present day. Relating to this, it was just like in the case of hospitality as seen during and after the Corona Virus Pandemic, and that it the stage for recovery and rebirth for this industry.

Mr. R.K Bhandari, Principal, BCIHMCT then warmly welcomed the gathering including all the special addresses’ speakers and keynote speakers. And to extend to the purpose of the IIHTTRC 2022 Conference, he enlivened the atmosphere by justifying the purpose which was to provide education to the young students in this industry, to develop them into responsible hospitality personnel with quality expertise and indicating that this conference is a way of connecting them to the experts in the hospitality sector that will broaden their knowledge and competences. Professionals, academicians and researchers from various countries were invited to share  their unique idea and research on this  timely, crucial and challenging issue, the hospitality and tourism sector is facing after the covid recession. 

Dr. Swarup Sinha, Principal, ITC Hospitality Management Institute at ITC LIMITED,

Hotels Division in his special address shared his experience and learning and believed that these two processes can happen every second and every minute of life, quoting  ‘There are decades when nothing happened and weeks where decade passed’. He injected the audience with the lesson that one can learn with experience and even while working which is more fruitful than reading books. Continuing with his motivational stories, he expressed that learning  is ‘When as a leader you are  the one to take the blame whenever failure happens, and whenever success occurs, you reward the right person who helped you.’ He took the recent lockdown for an example that it has opened the window to lots of innovation and ideas which will definitely benefit to decades to come. He emphasized on this scenario that currently, sanitation and hygiene protocol has become the top priority in the hospitality industry and all hotels are showing commitment towards health and hygiene amongst employees and to all the guests. This is the benefit that pandemic has brought us, he believes.

Coming to possessing the skills of a hotelier, he shed light on the subject of presentation and its importance such as to : Be Spontaneous, Know your Subject very well, Capacity to hold your audience for at least 20 minutes, Learn to deliver without presentation, Engage the audience, If you want to engage the people then you need to know a lot, reading is knowledge and a leader is a reader.

And coming back to the subject of crisis and dealing with it, he exclaimed on the question thar what the previous disaster has taught us is that these things will happen from now and then  whether it is a tsunami, 26/11 or COVID, He believed that there are 3 stages we should focus on: Survive, revive and thrive! We have to learn to co-exist with these situations. As a youngster, you need to have knowledge but more importantly, a  well-formed mind that can use that knowledge for actual benefits. Just as the real skill of the pilot is tested at the turbulence in the same way your real skill is tested in the time of pressure and crisis like this pandemic.

Prof. Shunsaku Hashimoto, Full Professor and Associate Dean, Faculty of Global and

Regional Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Japan, in his Keynote Speech,  presented the  ‘features of a hotel that still continues to grow even alongside with covid 19’ Through his presentation, he took the audience to the subject of Japan and its crisis. He elaborated that because of pandemic, the foreign tourists in Japan decreased by 87.1% and the domestic trips decreased by 48.4%. The room occupancy rates are now at a 34.6% decrease and even more than  40%  on average. Moving on, he elaborated that despite the recession in the hotel industry across various parts of Japan and all over the world, there still remains one hotel that continued to grow in this crisis, which is the  Hoshino Resorts. By presenting his fine example on the same, he further explained that on April and May 2020, Hoshino resorts’ occupancy rates plummeted to less than 30% across the board. However, in the coming July 2020 the occupancy rates of major hotels in Hoshino resorts returned to over 80% and went as high as 90% until the state of emergency was reissued in the third wave of Covid 19.

Coming to the question cum solution that how were they able to have such high occupancy even in the pandemic, he presented 3 features: Excellence in employees, placement of devices to raise the satisfaction level of experimental consumption means if the guest comes to Nasu so as to enjoy and experience Nasu culture, inferring to hotels having to place management devices that make the stay enjoyable and makes guests feel that way. And finally, promoting of micro tourism through media. Micro tourism is the locals’  trip to their hometowns. Above all, the biggest feature considered by Dr. Hashimoto is human resources.  Going by the concept of micro tourism and raising guest satisfaction, the whole responsibility falls to the employees. The employee is the one who interacts with the guest; they have to produce the content of their area which can increase the experience of the guests. This cultural concept is based on ‘Treating employees as customers’.  Its a core Internal marketing concept introduced by Berry and Parasuraman (1991). The same can be achieved by : Career support, Mental support and a Dialogue environment. The reform is to empower positivity in employees and motivate them by having them act on their own discretion. The concept of ‘Treating employees as customers’ has been deeply penetrated in the organization of Hoshino Resorts which he believes to be the reason for their high room occupancy rate even in the post-pandemic era.

BCIHMCT hosting its 12th India International Hotel, Travel and Tourism Research Conference

Training and Skilling Employees – the only way to win customer loyalty

“Human Resource Department has a tough task at hand. The post-pandemic era needs a lot of trained, skilled and motivated employees to bring back the loyalty of customers for the hospitality sector.” In the 12th India International Hotel, Travel & Tourism Research Conference, which is currently being organized, from March 03, 2022 to March 05, 2022 by Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, many such issues were raised and discussed by the academic fraternity.

The theme for this year is "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup" which is aimed at absorbing the best practices adopted by the active players in the hospitality & tourism sector around the world. The HR department should develop managers who have to be great at time management, context switching, and problem solving.

Through methodical and modern methods of training, a manager can handle various situations like unhappy guests, analyzing guest needs and of course emergency scenarios like last minute changes at a function or banquet operations.

HR should strategize their policy in such a manner so as to improve operations in all departments, allowing the team to be more efficient and even assess if they are happy at work. This will definitely bring back loyal customers and help the revenues to soar as high as possible.

During the Conference, researchers discussed and deliberated on pertinent issues related to the HR department of a hotel and how to revive and thrive guest experiences by training and skilling employees. The conference also shed the light on enhancing knowledge of creating and managing demand, and maximizing returns in the near future for all future managers. After all, “A hotel is only as good as its employees.”

The major part of our IIHTTRC conference also focused on implementing programs to properly train employees that help close the skills gap, which also continues to be one of the biggest HR challenges in the hospitality industry. 

In addition all the factors discussed so far, HR Managers in the hospitality sector often face challenges related to the motivation of their employees. Most jobs in this sector are highly stressful needing constant vigilance and attention on the employees and hence, there is a high burnout rate in the sector. To avoid high attrition due to stress and demoralized employees due to fatigue, HR Managers in the sector must come up with innovative and inventive policies to ensure that employees remain motivated. 

That’s why there is a need of skilled employees, who provide exceptional customer service at all times. An Effective HR team can revive the morale of the employees and thus make the customers happy and loyal, by training and skilling all manpower of the hotel sector.

HR professionals at hospitality companies also face a unique set of challenges that they have to tackle daily. Hence, there is a need to keep the spirits of the employees high and towards this cause. HR Managers can ensure that they align the rewards with the performance in a manner that brings out the best in each of their employees.

Through this theme, an effort is being made in the conference to include constructive deliberations on the aforesaid issues prevailing worldwide in HR due to the current pandemic situation and to address, discuss and devise future strategies for “Managing Hotel Operations and Human Resource Issue”.

Appointment | Vinodh Ramamurthy is General Manager of Hilton Jaipur

His last assignment was as General Manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, a position he was managing since 2018

Vinodh Ramamurthy has been appointed as General Manager of Hilton Jaipur. He has over 22 years of experience in hospitality.

In his last assignment, he was General Manager for DoubleTree by Hilton Agra, which he managed since 2018. Under his leadership, the hotel saw heightened growth in revenue as well as team and guest satisfaction scores.

Ramamurthy has had a stellar career at Hilton spanning over 10 years from when he joined in 2012. He is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys taking long trips on his bike.

NEWS | Lemon Tree Hotels signs new hotel in Mukteshwar

The property is owned by The Alpine Chalet Resort and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels, a subsidiary and management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited announced its latest hotel signing – Lemon Tree Hotel, Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand. This hotel is expected to open in July 2022. The property is owned by The Alpine Chalet Resort and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a subsidiary and management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd.

Nestled amidst the majestic hills and lush greenery, Mukteshwar is a hill station suburb of Nainital. It derives its name from the 350-year-old temple, Mukteshwar Dham, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva. Mukteshwar is also a wonderful trekking location with fruit orchards, coniferous forests, lush green pathways, and narrow lanes, it is a nature lover’s paradise that attracts throngs of tourists all year round.

One side of the destination is covered by dense forests and the other side features a stunning view of the enchanting valleys. Located in the Nainital district, this property will feature 41 well-appointed rooms and suites, complemented by a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar. It will also have a conference room, and a swimming pool, spa and a fitness center for recreation.

Speaking on the occasion, Vikramjit Singh, President – Lemon Tree Hotels Limited commented, “We are delighted to expand our reach in Uttarakhand with our valued partner The Alpine Chalet Resort. This state holds immense business and tourism potential and is a preferred destination for travellers. With our widespread reach, we feel that this hotel will add value to our customers.”

Marriott International Debuts Its 8,000th Property with the Newly Opened Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott

Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) today celebrated the opening of its 8,000th property – Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ, a 12-story stylish retreat adjacent to Marriott International’s soon-to-open new global headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. The hotel opening signifies both a growth milestone for the company, as well as a remarkable moment in the Marriott story, as the company celebrates its 95th year. Marriott’s first lodging property, the Twin Bridges Marriott, opened in 1957 and was a four-story motor hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

“From the nine-seat root beer stand that my grandparents started nearly 95 years ago in downtown Washington, to the milestone opening of our 8,000th property, we have been fortunate to call this area our home,” said David Marriott, Director and incoming Chairman, Marriott International Board of Directors. “Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ reflects the continued transformation of the Marriott Hotels brand, and we are thrilled to embark on a new era of inspired travel and design with the opening of this hotel.”

Marriott Bethesda Downtown, part of the Marriott Hotels brand – the signature flag of Marriott Bonvoy’s 30 extraordinary brands – brings enriching, locally-influenced experiences to the global hospitality company’s home state. The hotel, owned by The Bernstein Companies and managed by Marriott International, is a gateway to the greater Washington, D.C. area and a destination in and of itself, featuring three innovative culinary concepts, including Bethesda’s first high-rise rooftop bar.

BUILT UPON INNOVATION
Exemplifying Marriott Hotels’ continued brand evolution, Marriott Bethesda Downtown sparks inspiration at every corner, with a modern, residential design and tailored solutions with locally-inspired accents. The hotel’s contemporary interiors illustrate a curated palette of materials inspired by the region’s natural attributes. Stone and tiles reminiscent of local Bethesda bluestone quarries greet guests at the hotel entrance leading to a grand staircase – the centerpiece of the glass-enclosed lobby brimming with natural light.

Faceted mirrors and floor-to-ceiling windows ripple throughout the hotel, infusing an abundance of natural light while also resembling reflections of the Potomac River.

Reimagined guest rooms and suites – with tailored, modern touches that inspire and nurture the needs of today’s traveler – feature multi-functional furniture, technology-enabled work surfaces with built-in universal adapters and UCS cords, and rose gold tinted mirrors. Hotel features include a spacious fitness center with Peloton bikes, a second-floor library highlighting local authors, and a curated art collection from the region’s emerging talent that is showcased throughout guest rooms and public spaces. A large-scale mural by multi-media artist Liz Collins, known globally for her abstract patterns, is an exclusively commissioned highlight.

Constructed to be LEED Gold certified with custom and sustainable design, the hotel features five expansive rooftop green spaces growing select ingredients for hotel menus and is designed to reduce pollution, save energy, and manage storm water.

Hyatt Announces Plans for the World's First FILA-Branded Lifestyle Hotel in Shanghai

A unique expression of life and vitality, FILA HOUSE Shanghai to join the JdV by Hyatt portfolio

Hyatt Announces Plans for the World's First FILA-Branded Lifestyle Hotel in Shanghai

CHICAGO  Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) and ANTA Sports Products Co., Ltd. (ANTA Group) announced plans for the first-of-its-kind FILA-branded hotel in Shanghai – FILA HOUSE Shanghai. The hotel will make its mark on the global stage as the inaugural FILA-branded hotel in the world and by joining the JdV by Hyatt brand, FILA HOUSE Shanghai will bring a vibrant new experience to the local hotel scene.

FILA, a global sports brand with a strong lifestyle appeal with more than 100 years of history, has gained recognition among high-end consumers for its unique fusion of fitness and fashion that is both sporty and stylish. In China, the Italian brand is owned and managed by ANTA, one of the country’s leading global sportswear companies, which has successfully positioned FILA at the premium end of sports fashion with a brand concept of “Live Your Elegance,” combining elegance with vitality.

The development of FILA HOUSE Shanghai marks the first time FILA China is extending its brand into the lifestyle hotel space, as FILA’s vision for this hotel aligns with the JdV by Hyatt brand’s ethos. Embracing the brand’s namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of independent properties that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods they call home, inviting guests and locals alike to connect and celebrate the joy of life while unwinding in spaces designed with distinctive personality. This, together with the FILA brand’s free-spirited attitude and legacy of style designed for life in motion, will create a one-of-a-kind experience that appeals to today’s young travelers seeking to live in the moment.  

Stephen Ho, president of growth and operations, Asia Pacific for Hyatt, said, “We are thrilled to be working with ANTA Group and FILA China to develop the first FILA HOUSE hotel in the world. We look forward to welcoming guests, locals and a new generation of FILA fans with the JdV by Hyatt brand’s inclusive, heartfelt and joy-driven service.”

Brian Yiu, CEO of FILA China, said, “We are excited to be collaborating with Hyatt on the world’s first FILA-branded lifestyle hotel. Not only will the hotel be a unique expression of FILA’s history, culture, products and fashion trends, we believe that the young-at-heart JdV by Hyatt brand experience will be a fitting reflection of FILA’s spirit of vitality.”

FILA HOUSE Shanghai will be developed as part of the new Shanghai headquarters of ANTA Group in Shanghai’s West Hongqiao Business District, an area that is fast establishing itself as a center of Shanghai international trade, with excellent transportation links and a vibrant community of business and industry. Located across five independent buildings, housing headquarter office, shops, food and beverage outlets, the unique eco-friendly headquarters complex is envisioned to be a destination for sports retail as well as a space to showcase the latest trends in sports apparel. The complex, including FILA HOUSE Shanghai, is expected to open by 2024.

For more information about the JdV by Hyatt portfolio, please visit hyatt.com/brands/jdv-by-hyatt.

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, the JdV by Hyatt brand offers a collection of vibrant, independent hotels that are true reflections of the urban neighborhoods we call home. Embracing its namesake (joie de vivre), the JdV by Hyatt brand 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 FILA

International sportswear giant Fila was established in Biella, Italy in 1911, nestled among the foothills of the Italian Alps. Fila gained global attention for its instantly recognisable tennis apparel in the 1970s, and has since expanded their design portfolio to include sporting apparel across a wide range of codes including golf, training, running and compression wear. While their technical processes are at the forefront of sporting design, the brand remains true to its time-honoured European aesthetic and outfits professional artists and athletes from around the world. From small northern Italian town beginnings over 100 years ago, Fila has evolved into one of the world’s most reliable sports lifestyle brands. Our legacy of style earns us admiration to this day. Whether you perform for the challenge of adventure, the rigor of competition, or simply the pleasure and well-being of an active life. Fila understands that the beauty of sport is that, of a life in motion. A worldwide leader in sporting and lifestyle shoes and apparel, Fila champions its heritage Italian design DNA while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of modern performance wear.

About ANTA Sports Products Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1991, ANTA Sports is an integrated sportswear group, principally engaged in the design, manufacture, sales and operation of sportswear including footwear, apparel and accessories. After 30 years of development, ANTA has grown from a traditional private company into an internationally competitive listed corporation with modern governance standards. In 2021, ANTA Group determined the development strategy of "Single-Focus, Multi-Brand and Globalization". The Group owns many well-known Chinese and international sports brands such as ANTA (China), FILA (Italy), DESCENTE (Japan), KOLON (Korea), and SPRANDI (UK), as well as sub-brand series such as ANTA KIDS, FILA KIDS, FILA FUSION and FILA ATHLETICS.

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 December 31, 2021, the Company’s portfolio included more than 1,150 hotel and all-inclusive properties in 70 countries across six continents. The Company's offering includes the Park Hyatt®, Miraval®, Grand Hyatt®, Alila®, Andaz®, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt®, Destination by HyattTM, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Hyatt ZivaTM, Hyatt ZilaraTM, Thompson Hotels®, Hyatt Centric®, Caption by Hyatt, JdV by HyattTM, Hyatt House®, Hyatt Place®, UrCove, and Hyatt Residence Club® brands, as well as resort and hotel brands under the AMRTM Collection, including Secrets® Resorts & Spas, Dreams® Resorts & Spas, Breathless Resorts & Spas®, Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts, Alua Hotels & Resorts®, and Sunscape® Resorts & Spas. Subsidiaries of the Company operate the World of Hyatt® loyalty program, ALG Vacations®, Unlimited Vacation Club®, Amstar DMC destination management services, and Trisept Solutions® technology services. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

BCIHMCT International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference: "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup”

BCIHMCT International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference: "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup”

Encouraged by the resounding success of the previous editions, BCIHMCT is hosting its 12th edition of the International Hotel, Travel and Research Conference from 03rd to 05th March 2022 themed "Renaissance 2.0: Re-think, Re-build & Re-coup” focusing on the hospitality and tourism sector through the application of theory and practices viewed from the perspective of issues prevailing worldwide due to the current pandemic situation. The aim of the conference is to evolve constructive deliberations on, and to discuss and devise future strategies to re-think, re-build and re-coup tourism, travel and hospitality sector. 

The objective of this three-day conference is to bring together stakeholders for the purpose of creating a platform for sharing, discussing and synergizing various hospitality and tourism strategies, practices and also measures to mitigate the economic  and other losses the hospitality and tourism industry has suffered.

The importance of this conference is to come to conclusions that enable the industry to bounce back in the post-pandemic scenario. Also, to bring together prominent names from the tourism and hospitality sectors to express an opinion on the trends being witnessed globally in the form of steps being taken to recover and revive the tourism business.

The conference seeks to discuss the erosion caused by the pandemic on the hospitality sector as an industry. The measures that are necessary to be adopted to bridge the gap and take the hospitality sector back to the pre-pandemic levels are an intrinsic component of the discourse initiated under the aegis of the conference. 

IIHTTRC will include formal presentations, workshops, and academic-industry interaction through industry-related forum. Apart from the regular presentations, the conference will include keynote addresses by eminent speakers and experts from both industry and academia along with approximately 400 participants. The previous conferences held at BCIHMCT, were well attended by national and international delegates. 

Some of the International speakers and resource persons who would be enlightening the august audience during IIHTTR Conference 2022 are:

• Prof. Shunsaku Hashimoto, Full Professor and Associate Dean, Faculty of Global and Regional Studies, University of the Ryukyus, Japan

• Prof Ian Yeoman, Associate Professor of Tourism Futures, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand, visiting Professors - European Tourism Futures Institute and Ulster University. Co-editor, Journal of Tourism Futures

• Dr. Lucília Cardoso, Researcher of CITUR – Centre for Tourism Research, Development and Innovation, Portugal, Assembly President- Portuguese Graduates Association in Switzerland (AGRAPS) and General Secretary-Swiss Chapter of the International Federation for IT and Travel & Tourism (IFITT) 

• Dr Kevser Çınar, Necmettin Erbakan University, Turkey, Vice President of Euro Asia Tourism Studies Association & Editor-in-chief, Euro-Asia Tourism Studies Journal (EATSJ) 

• Highlighting the issues, IIHTRC 2022 will further have a workshop on research on the topic “Research Problem Identification” by Dr. Rajnish Ratna, Associate Professor, Gedu College of Business Studies, Royal University of Bhutan apart from presentation of various research papers.

Original articles, research papers and case studies that highlight the issues related to the theme in different aspects from academicians, practitioners and policy makers are invited. Selected quality papers shall be published in the annual Hospitality Management Journal indexed in India Citation Index (ICI), “Indian Journal of Applied Hospitality & Tourisms Research”. Selected papers from the conference will also be published in an ISBN Edited Book. 

UAE restaurants can return to pre-covid-19 conditions with 100 percent capacity

The UAE has eased capacity and social distance restrictions that were imposed on restaurants and venues across the country.

In line with the decision of the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management, the capacity restrictions on food establishments have now been removed. Restaurants can return to pre-covid-19 conditions with 100 percent capacity.

Restaurant employees and customers need to still wear a facemask. Moreover, disinfection protocols remain unchanged.

Shisha cafes can return to 100 percent capacity with strict adherence to the standards of the Federal Tobacco Control Law, which states that two square meters per person in the smoking area. 

As of Friday, February 25, the UAE reported 696 Covid-19 cases, 1,916 recoveries, 1 death.

The New boutique lifestyle Hub in Aqaba “Ayla” and Kerten Hospitality extend partnership with one-of-a-kind Hospitality offering

The New boutique lifestyle Hub in Aqaba “Ayla” and Kerten Hospitality extend partnership with one-of-a-kind Hospitality offering

DUBAI: February , 2022: Following the success of the “Cloud 7 Residences Ayla Aqaba” which has been operating since July 2020, "Ayla " and Kerten Hospitality agreed to manage another one-of-a-kind Hospitality Hub to further diversify the hospitality offering and continue to increase the footfall.

“The Pulse", a Cloud 7 Boutique Hotel, consists of 75 rooms located at the Marina Village, the heart of Ayla - a real estate leisure hub with the potential to be a second home destination. It is a tailored destination seeking to attract wanderlusters and exploration lovers and seeking to become an attractive Business Hub suited for short and extended stays that will constantly evolve throughout the seasons, attracting a diverse audience for a variety of immersive experiences along with dedicated workspaces for ‘bleisure’ travelers, guests, music and art lovers.

Ayla’s Managing Director, Sahl Dudin, said: “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with "Kerten Hospitality" following their great success in managing the " Cloud 7 Residences" and we entrust the Group with the management of "The Pulse Hotel" whilst seeking to expand our hotel accommodation and entertainment offerings in Jordan in addition to the real estate development projects. Since its launch, Ayla has taken the initiative to work on promoting and diversifying the tourism offers in Aqaba. Our commitment to grow the hospitality and real estate facilities would not have been possible without the right partners.”

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality said: “Our vision and efforts have always been exerted to create local collaborations and bring projects to life with depth and purpose that allow to bring communities together. Our relationship with Ayla has developed where we share and motivate new ideas for development; we are truly looking forward to bring this next project to life.”

This vibrant unique Boutique Hotel is aligned with Kerten Hospitality’s DNA to transcend spaces into locations for art and design lovers, and entrepreneurs who seek impactful collaborations, meaningful connections and a place to attend and host creative workshops and entrepreneurial networking events. The facilities, interior design and communal spaces have all been tailored to fit this unique environment.

Omaxe on-boards Eastin Hotel and Eastin Easy

It will operate 540 service apartments of both brands in Lucknow

Real estate company, Omaxe Ltd, has on-boarded Eastin Hotel and Eastin Easy, the 4-star and 3-star brands of hotels by Absolute Hotel Services (AHS), to manage and operate 540 serviced apartments in its project Omaxe Hazratganj in Lucknow.

This is the first foray of AHS, a hospitality management company, in the emerging North Indian market. The company operates 11 properties across West and East India. Atharva Hotel Superfluities is a Bridge company that has brought together AHS and Omaxe.

Spread across 4.13 Lakh sq. ft., the G+12 storeyed Omaxe Hazratganj in Gomti Nagar extension will have space for retail, food court, multiplex and serviced apartments. The serviced apartments would be operated as international hotels, the largest one in Lucknow, making it a destination in itself.

Commenting on the development, Jatin Goel, Director, Omaxe Ltd said, “This association with Absolute Hotel Services is another step in our endeavor to provide to our patrons the best-in-class international services. Lucknow is one of the most visited cities in North India for purposes ranging from business to healthcare, tourism, education, etc., and Omaxe Hazratganj, located in an emerging commercial and institutional hub, will cater to all kinds of consuming class.”

Prawal Choudhary, Director-Business Development, AHS India, said, “This association with Omaxe heralds us into the league of scale and magnitude. Sensing an enormous opportunity, Omaxe Hazratganj 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 for all occasions’ and quality.”

A multitude of offerings, ranging from a plethora of room options, all-day multi-cuisine restaurant, contemporary bar and a microbrewery, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool and huge banquets along with Club Membership will be provided to the patrons.

Omaxe Hazratganj is a part of an integrated township in Gomti Nagar Extension, an upcoming hotspot in Lucknow. The project is located along Shaheed Path Road, the semi-circular road around main Lucknow – connecting Kanpur Road with Raebareli Road, Sultanpur Road and Faizabad Road thereby enabling the smooth movement of people and goods; and also, with the International Airport. Aided and supported by corporates in IT/BFSI, healthcare and education sectors and the Government’s infrastructure developments like CG City, cancer Hospital, Cricket Stadium, Police Headquarters etc., the region is becoming the latest attraction for commercial, residential, malls and hospitality activities in Lucknow.

Culinary Culture announces FoodSuperstars, India’s first and only Awards platform celebrating Chefs

Culinary Culture announces FoodSuperstars, India’s first and only Awards platform celebrating Chefs

~ India’s leading culinary platform, Culinary Culture, will reveal the first edition of their annual Chef ranking recognising the country’s greatest Chefs on 19th March 2022

India, February, 2022: With an aim to recognize and reward India’s most talented chefs, Culinary Culture announces FoodSuperstars, a first of its kind annual ranking of the top 30 Chefs from across India.

Culinary Culture, the foremost culinary platform in the country, was Co-founded by Vir Sanghvi, India’s most respected food critic and Sameer Sain, Co-founder and CEO of the Everstone Group. It was established to transform the perception of India’s culinary culture globally. It is all set to now reward Chefs as the true heroes of the Indian Food & Beverage industry.

FoodSuperstars will release its much-awaited list of India’s top 30 chefs ranked in order from one to thirty. Each chef will receive an award and a plaque as a badge of honor and in the event the chef leaves their current restaurant/ hotel they can take the award and plaque with them.

FoodSuperstars followed a detailed selection process with nominations put forward by Culinary Culture’s seasoned community of FoodHunters consisting of over 40 food connoisseurs from across the country. Each nomination was submitted along with an explanation of why a particular chef deserves a place on the list. The process included a physical session to debate the nominations, where the FoodHunters were made to defend their choices. The final list of nominated chefs was then shared with Culinary Culture’s Secret Jury consisting of India’s topmost culinary experts and biggest foodies. The Jury further culled the list to arrive at the TOP 30 and the process was overseen by Vir Sanghvi. The final list will only be disclosed on the night of the awards ceremony and is not shared with the FoodHunters.

These are the only food rankings in India with no form of outside influence or commercial consideration. No restaurant or hotel advertisements are accepted. Along with the ranking of the Top 30, each edition will also feature special awards that will be bestowed on Chefs for exceptional achievements through the year. These will include awards for Social Activism, Sustainable Cooking Practices and an award to a Food Legend. After a very challenging two years of the pandemic, India’s F&B Industry finally has something to look forward to and celebrate.

Speaking about the launch of the new Awards platform, Vir Sanghvi, Chairman, Culinary Culture said, “While many platforms recognize restaurants, FoodSuperstars is the first platform that has been created to shine the spotlight on Chefs’ endeavors, to remind us of the real heroes who work with their hands to create the food that brings us so much joy.”

The first edition of FoodSuperstars will be launched at an invitation-only high-profile Awards ceremony at The Leela Palace, New Delhi on 19th March, 2022. The event will have in attendance, prominent chefs from over the country who will fly in for the evening as well as leaders from the food & beverage industry.

About Culinary Culture

Culinary Culture is India’s definitive voice in food. Co-founded by Vir Sanghvi, and Sameer Sain it is a movement that encompasses all aspects of the food space in India. It is the country’s only authoritative, independent rating organization, awarding stars to restaurants and recognizing and rewarding India’s best chefs and street food vendors. It organizes global culinary exchanges, bringing the world’s greatest chefs to cook in India and sends Indian chefs to cook at the best restaurants in the world. Culinary Culture creates engaging culinary content and has a large and dedicated community of followers on social media. In 2020, Culinary Culture organized events in India with Chef Mauro Colagreco of Mirazur in France, the three Michelin starred restaurant, rated as World no.1. Culinary Culture has an academy of FoodHunters, consisting of 40+ of India’s top food experts based around the country. Culinary Culture’s various popular IPs include FoodSuperstars, Culinary Conversations, StreetFoodSuperstars, Culinary X Change and Plate of Love amongst many others.

Instagram: @CulinaryCultureCo

New Opening | IHCL expands its presence in Uttarakhand with a new SeleQtions resort

The 24-room resort is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) today announced the signing of a new SeleQtions resort in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. The formerly operating resort will be rebranded as Anand Kashi, an IHCL SeleQtions resort post-renovation.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, executive vice-president – real estate and development, IHCL, said, “IHCL remains committed to the vast tourism potential of Uttarakhand. This will be our second hotel in Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the world. This exciting new addition to our portfolio will offer travelers yet another breath-taking location to explore the beauty and myriad experiences the state offers. We are delighted to partner with Mira Kulkarni on this project.”

The 24-room resort is located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the Tehri Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Nestled on the banks of the river Ganges, amidst lush green forests, the resort offers stunning scenic views. The hotel will have an all-day diner, bar, meeting rooms as well as banqueting facilities for social gatherings. It will also offer leisure experiences such as a swimming pool, gymnasium and wellness areas including a spa. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have seven hotels across brands including three under development in Uttarakhand.

Hilton India and Sakurafresh join hands to introduce a range of zero alcohol beverages in India

The partnership has been forged to develop a comprehensive beverage program catering to consumers who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.

Hilton India announced a strategic beverage partnership program with Sakurafresh Beverage and Food. The collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind partnership, to drive innovation, sustainability and healthy beverage offering across all participating Hilton properties in India, showcasing Sakurafresh’s zero alcohol liqueurs, spirits and cocktail bitters.

According to Prashant Kulkarni, director F&B, India-Hilton, this collaboration will enable an elevated on-property beverage experience that will meet the evolving needs of today’s guests who choose to be sober yet socially engage with family, friends or business associates with healthier options.

As part of the strategic partnership, the Sober Soirée series of Zero Alcohol Cocktail Menus will be launched in all participating properties across India in February 2022.

The sober curiosity movement, for instance, with low-to-no ABV alcoholic beverages, is gaining momentum around the world with more people mindful of their health and drinking habits. According to Social Standards’ July 2020 COVID-19 Insights: Food & Beverage Report, the “non[1]alcoholic [category] grew 22 percent year-over-year (comparing May-Jul 2019 to May-Jul 2020).