Scoot Attains International Air Transport Association (IATA) Membership

• Joins Community of 300 IATA Members Across 120 Countries

• Accreditation that Scoot meets the highest standards for airline safety

• Greater opportunities to drive industry priorities and key initiatives

Singapore – Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines Group, has attained full International Air

Transport Association (IATA) membership. Only airlines that meet IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)

standards for safety in airline operations are eligible for IATA’s membership.

Mr. Leslie Thng, Scoot’s Chief Executive Officer, said “We are honored to become an IATA member. This

international recognition affirms our dedication to upholding safety for our passengers. Through the decade, we

have continued to enhance our operational resilience and improve our customers’ experience. Looking ahead,

we hope to continue to pave the way in redefining and elevating value-travel in our industry.”

”We are delighted to welcome Scoot as an IATA member. Having Scoot, a low-cost carrier, as a member will

further enhance the diversity of views we have in the Association. We look forward to working with the Scoot

team towards the sustainable growth of the industry as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19,” said Philip

Goh, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Asia Pacific.

The IATA membership is only open to airlines operating scheduled and non-scheduled air services. Maintaining

an IOSA registration, and complying with the IOSA program, an internationally recognised and accepted

evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline, is a

condition of IATA membership.

As part of the IATA membership, Scoot will have the opportunity to help drive priorities within the aviation

industry and participate in member conferences that bring together representatives from leading international

airlines. Being a member also gives Scoot access to IATA training in major fields such as aviation safety and

security, operational efficiency and excellence, sustainability, as well as programmes that help strengthen the

capabilities of aviation industry professionals.

PURATOS TEGRAL SATIN PLUM CAKE EGG-FREE OFFERS A ONE-STOP SOLUTION TO BAKERS AND ARTISANS THIS CHRISTMAS

When it comes to Christmas, there is nothing that can replace the rich plum cake. It has remained an inseparable part of the traditional treats for Christmas festivities. With the growing demand for plum cakes during the season, bakers and artisans are working round the clock to offer the best and newest variations to their customers. While it is one of the must-have products in the artisan assortment, the procurement of raw ingredients for plum cake preparation is quite laborious. Puratos Tegral Satin Plum cake egg-free offers a one-stop hassle-free solution that perfectly fits into the artisan scheme of things. 

Mr. Ashish Seth, Managing Director, Puratos Food Ingredients India Pvt. Ltd., said “The delicious plum cakes have remained the quintessential treat during the Christmas season that helps bakers boost their sales. Puratos Tegral Satin Plum cake egg-free offers the perfect solution for bakers to be innovative with their cake preparations that the consumers will love and patronize. It relieves them from the cumbersome task of procurement and keeping all the key ingredients in the store required for plum cake preparation. While plum cakes are prepared using eggs, Tegral Satin Plum cake is egg-free, keeping in mind the taste profile of customers in India.”

 

Tegral Satin Plum Cake Egg Free Mix which is a perfect blend of spices gives rich dark colour and good volume to your bar cakes, cupcakes, and round cakes. With loads of fruits, and nuts and infused with a rich taste it will enliven the finished product and differentiate it through taste and innovation. Puratos global presence, long history of expertise, and R&D capabilities in India have enabled them to tailor products to match Indian preferences, value, and functionality.

Six Senses Fort Barwara Crafts Special Holiday Experiences This Season

Experience the holiday season, the Six Senses way

With the winter chill in the air, expansive views of the Aravali, and the warmth of the delicious Rajasthani cuisine the secret location of the Six Senses Fort Barwara makes for the perfect winter holiday destination. Six Senses Fort Barwara has lined up a series of out-of-the-ordinary events for you, and your loved ones. It is a perfect choice to celebrate with the whole family, and enjoy family-friendly activities, cocktails at sundowners, spa and wellness programs, and delightful culinary experiences, all specially crafted to enchant the senses.

Situated away from the city hustle, the beautiful 14th-century fort has been sensitively converted to become a destination for history lovers, adventure seekers, and wellness enthusiasts. The culinary journey offers a creative approach to regional Rajasthani and pan-Indian cuisine with a sprinkle of international influences while embracing the Eat with Six Senses philosophy of local, fresh and seasonal produce.

 

The dining experiences at Fort Barwara are spread across The Cortile, the all-day diner; and Rani Bagh- an all-day bar by the pool surrounded by the tall fort walls. In the evening, the colors of Rani Bagh and live music brings the fort to life and its glory. Aside from the restaurants, there’s Shikar Burj for a dine-under-the-stars experience.

Six Senses Integrated Wellness plays a pivotal role at all Six Senses resorts and spas, and at Fort Barwara, guests can also discover a menu of signature massages, Ayurvedic treatments, nurturing facials, mindfulness practices, and personalized wellness programs based on the preventative principles of Eastern medicine and result-oriented Western influences.

Christmas & New Year's Offers: 

Guests can make the most of their holiday getaway with an exciting festive calendar that kicks off on December 22 leading up to New Year’s celebrations. Engage in various activities such as Christmas tree decoration, pop-up bars planned at surprise locations, Christmas treats baking sessions, movie nights at the Viewing Gallery and more. Enjoy a scrumptious lunch and dinner at The Cortile, an all-day dining restaurant located by a leafy 14th- century courtyard, along with an offering of Destination Dining where they can choose their spot to celebrate special moments under the blanket of stars.

During their stay, guests can opt for Hatha Yoga, Yin & Yan Yoga, and various other yoga activities at locations that offer panoramic views. From foot massage workshops for couples and body balance sessions to fitness consultations with the expert and visiting practitioner Christiaan, one can experience the most amazing wellness treatments. One can also spend a DIY afternoon at the signature Six Senses Earth Lab facilities to learn the art of upcycling wax, blending oils, and other sustainability workshops.

Another of the resort’s festive highlights is The Gala dinner at Zenana lawns. Appearing for one day only on December 31, the New Year’s Eve will be complete with DJ sets followed by a Live band and an afterparty at Zenana lawns.

By day, the GEM can arrange a private tiger safari or heritage walk through the ramparts of the fort, or have a go at learning local cooking methods in earthenware pots with one of our chefs. Six Senses Fort Barwara combines and customizes activities to suit energetic guests and those who prefer to simply sit back and relax, taking in all the dazzling attractions that Rajasthan has to offer.

 

About Six Senses Fort Barwara

Situated in the culturally rich province of Rajasthan, a beautiful 14th-century fort has been sensitively restored to become Six Senses Fort Barwara. This significant conservation effort reinterprets the gracious and regal ambiance of a bygone era. The resort includes two palaces, two original temples, and 48 beautifully appointed suites within the fort walls. Three restaurants offer innovative menus emphasizing locally sourced ingredients, while the impressive Six Senses Spa provides a peaceful sanctuary for the mind, body, and soul. Outside the fort, the property faces the charming village of Barwara to the west and a forested expanse to the east. The famous tigers of Ranthambore National Park are only a short drive away.

Nature’s Basket unveils new flagship at Nepean Sea Road, South Mumbai

Mumbai, November 2022: Strategically located & tastefully designed, the store reflects the brand promise of ‘Taste the World’. With this, Nature’s Basket now operates 35 stores across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Pune.

Nature’s Basket (NB), India’s foremost retail destination for fine foods from around the world, and part of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG), launched its brand new flagship store in Nepean Sea Road, South Mumbai. The new Nepean sea road store is a reflection of the brand’s promise of being the go-to place for the customer’s Gourmet needs. Located on the premises of the famous Infinity Towers compound at Narayan Dabholkar Road (off Nepeansea road), the store is a much-awaited destination to cater to the Gourmet needs of residents in the Malabar Hill and Nepean sea road area.

The store, which is approximately 4700 sq. ft., will offer a wide range of gourmet products, fresh produce, bakery, and dairy items. The new Nature’s Basket store will operate between 8 am to 10 pm on seven days. Nature’s Basket had also invited food and lifestyle influencers from Mumbai to attend the launch event and get the first-hand experience of shopping at the store and a sneak peek at its inventory. The bloggers have showcased the offerings of the store on their social media handles.

Speaking on the occasion, Devendra Chawla, CEO, of Nature’s Basket and Spencer’s Retail shared “Mumbai is our foremost market and we continue to deepen our presence in this city. The addition of this store right in the heart of South Mumbai will delight our customers, especially given the catchments profile consisting of well-traveled and extremely discerning customers.

Speaking on the occasion, Shashwat Goenka, Sector Head - Retail & FMCG, RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group added, “Nature’s Basket as a Brand is uniquely positioned to cater to the Gourmet needs of our customers. The addition of our Nepean Sea Road reaffirms the group’s belief in India’s increasing Gourmet appetite and we are pleased that through Nature’s Basket, our customers can “Taste the World” right here at a store near them.

Nature’s Basket is an omnichannel Gourmet retailer operating 35 stores across Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Kolkata, and Pune. Besides physical stores, the brand also has a strong online presence and customers can order online at https://www.naturesbasket.co.in/ or download the Nature’s Basket app from Play Store / App store

Cake Mixing with a Difference at The St. Regis Goa Resort

In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.

Goa, Nov 2022: Christmas season is a time to spread joy and cheer. The St. Regis Goa Resort chose to do it differently. In keeping with the spirit of giving, the newly opened The St. Regis Goa Resort celebrated the traditional cake-mixing ceremony along with children of Valentina’s Heaven Orphanage at its property in Cavelossim. Children across age groups spent a wonderful evening along with guests and employees of the resort.

The event was held as part of Global Customer Appreciation Week, a Marriott International initiative. The St Regis Goa Resort will share 100% proceeds from the revenue made through the sale of Christmas cakes with the orphanage.

“Guided by the Marriott International 2025 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we commit to creating positive and sustainable impact wherever we do business. We believe in making the communities in which we operate better places to live, work and visit. Spreading the joy of Christmas with the children of the orphanage is our way of bringing the community together during the festive season,” explained Satish Kumar, GM, The St Regis Goa Resort.

Children played games, and spent an evening where joy and laughter rang through the evening. The little guests participated in the cake mixing ceremony which used fresh juices instead of spirits and enjoyed a lavish spread of sweet treats, tasty bites and eats which was curated by the chefs at The St Regis Goa Resort.

The cake mixing ceremony is part of an age-old Christmas tradition which is enjoyed with friends, family and relatives, the world over.

Catch the live screening of FIFA World Cup 2022 at Geoffrey’s - Marine Plaza

Every four years, millions of fans ardently foresee the world’s biggest sporting event - FIFA World Cup! Many of us may not get a chance to see our favourite players and teams on the pitch, but watching the live screening at a pub or a sports bar with our friends definitely brings us a little closer to the World cup atmosphere.

For fans wondering where to watch Football’s most prestigious spectacle, which will be held in Qatar, and kick off this Sunday, Geoffrey’s Pub at Hotel Marine Plaza is a perfect place to have a stellar viewing experience.

It’s a quaint old English pub housed inside the Marine Plaza and makes for a fitting drinking out place. With its pub-esque decor bedecked with wood-panel floors, soothing hues and colonial touches at the bar – Geoffrey’s offers the old-world English charm. Known for its location, music and decor, it has a perfect ambience to enjoy the FIFA World Cup with your mates and unwind over a few drinks. 

Indulge in their English savouries and choose from an enviable range of spirits. At  Geoffrey's, The Pub, you don't need an occasion to savour their fiery concoctions, just head here and watch the moment turn into a special occasion!

Average Cost:

₹2,400 for two people (approx.) with alcohol

For more information:

https://www.instagram.com/geoffreysmumbai/

RENI PANI JUNGLE LODGE INTRODUCES HORSEBACK SAFARIS IN SATPURA NATIONAL PARK

New Delhi, November 2022: Located in the pristine forest on the periphery of the Satpura National Park, the conservation and wildlife-focused Reni Pani Jungle Lodge has recently introduced horseback safaris that will be operational between the months of October and June. These riding safaris on the royal family's thoroughbreds and Marwari horses are the first of their kind in Madhya Pradesh. Guided by experts, they offer guests a choice of two identified, distinct trails.

Widely popular and respected within the wildlife circuit, Reni Pani is quite a pioneer in the responsible wildlife tourism landscape in the region. The lodge was the first in Satpura to successfully introduce non-motorized safaris on land and water. Besides being eco-friendly, these activities allow a more immersive experience of the forest and all its elements. A unit of Jehan Numa Wilderness and the Jehan Group of Hotels, the property is run by the descendants of the royal family of Bhopal and is a translation of the family's deep connection with nature and the Satpura forests.

“The first trail runs through the forest around Reni Pani where you can immerse in Satpura’s flourishing flora as well as sightings of birds and some herbivores like nilgai, wild boar, spotted deer, Indian Gazelle, and if lucky the sloth bear too. The other trail passes along the local villages in the area - a really fabulous way to catch the rural sights up close. These rides will allow our guests to cover and explore more of the landscape in an excitingly new format. Both our trails end with a lovely picnic in the forest or a sundowner for that special, personalized touch – an essential requisite for all Jehan Numa experiences”, said Aly Rashid, Director & CEO of Jehan Numa Wilderness.

Reni Pani Jungle Lodge, a 3.5-hour drive from Bhopal, comprises earthy cottages and luxury tents in the midst of spectacular nature. Many birds have made the lodge their home - Grey Hornbills, Malabar Pied Hornbills, Black Shouldered Kites, Tree Pies, Shikra, and many others can be spotted around the lodge itself. Besides safaris and nature excursions into the buffer zones and Park, the lodge's expert naturalists are happy to guide and regale guests with spotting the wilderness within the premise at any time.

ABOUT RENI PANI JUNGLE LODGE

 The conservation and wildlife-focused Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is located close to the Satpura Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh. Spread across 30 acres of striking forest cover, the lodge is exquisitely designed and features impeccable cottages and luxury tents that seamlessly blend into the magnificent wilderness around. In addition to all modern comforts, the lodge offers carefully curated activities, excursions, and safaris with in-house naturalists and experts for immersive experiences of the surrounding nature and wildlife. The lodge also focuses on non-motorized eco-alternatives to explore the landscape through walks, canoeing, cycling, and camping safaris. A unit of Jehan Numa Wilderness, Reni Pani Jungle Lodge is deeply committed to conserving India’s wildlife heritage and providing local communities with alternate livelihoods that preserves the natural environment. 

ABOUT JEHAN NUMA HOTELS

 Owned and managed by the founding family of Bhopal, the Jehan Numa Group of Hotels consists of four distinctive boutique luxury hotels: the Jehan Numa Palace and Jehan Numa Retreat in Bhopal, the critically acclaimed Reni Pani Jungle Lodge in Satpura and the recently launched Bori Safari Lodge set next to the Bori Wildlife Sanctuary. Known for their subtle sophistication and conscious hospitality, the hotels offer guests unique experiences and tastes of this region, that draws the attention of history, culture and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The group also provides wildlife expeditions in the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Singalila National Park under its Jehan Numa Expeditions division. Carrying forward a legacy to work towards community welfare and caring for the environment, the Rashid family is dedicated to Conservation and Sustainability.

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait announces new general manager

Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya has announced a new general manager. Hiring from within, former hotel manager Martin Kipping steps into the GM role.

With more than 25 years of experience, Kipping has worked at the hotel since last year. One of his earliest directorial posts was as F&B director at Four Seasons Costa Rica, later moving to Las Vegas for the same role with Four Seasons.

In 2010, he began a seven-year career with Viceroy, first in F&B again in the West Indies, and later becoming a general manager in Mexico from 2013 to 2017. Following a brief role outside of Viceroy, he returned in 2017 as GM of its Mexico hotel for another two years.

GM’s plans for Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait

“Kuwait has such a sense of proud heritage,” commented Kipping. “From the old souks to the Grand Mosque, great museums to an impressive amount of contemporary art, there are so many fascinating cultural components to explore. I’m privileged to lead a prodigiously talented team committed to sharing our destination’s stories through personalized touches of thoughtfulness and care.”

Sustainability is also key to Kipping’s leadership. The hotel is on track to make its guest rooms plastic-free by the end of the year, while further initiatives – including enhanced support of local producers and an onsite water processing site – are in the pipeline.

Underpinning it all is Kipping’s skilled and respectful management of the Hotel’s 400-strong team. “We have more than 43 nationalities here so it’s key for me to create an environment where people feel connected as part of the Four Seasons family,” he reflected. “From this strong foundation, we aim to offer guests a truly outstanding experience that cements Four Seasons as the leader in its field, shaping a new vision at the forefront of the luxury hospitality industry.”

Booking.com Celebrates One Year of Travel Sustainable with New Product Features for Accommodations, Rental Cars, and Flights

• Three levels are being introduced to the Travel Sustainable program for accommodations, in addition to special badging to highlight properties with third-party certifications

• 400,000+ accommodations globally are now being recognized for their efforts to operate more sustainably

• India is among the top 10 countries with the highest numbers of accommodations receiving a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com

• Search filter for fully electric and hybrid rental cars is now live across the Booking.com app and website, with hybrid options and electric vehicles available in 60 countries

NOVEMBER, 2022 – Leading digital travel platform Booking.com today announced an array of new product features in celebration of the one-year anniversary of its Travel Sustainable program, introduced in 2021 to provide travelers with transparent and credible information to make more mindful choices for their trips. With the ongoing aim to recognize the efforts of a wide range of property types to operate more sustainably and to provide travelers with consistent and easy-to-understand information, the company is introducing three distinct badge levels to the Travel Sustainable program.

Aligned to the principle that reputable, third-party certification remains the gold standard in the industry, the new levels to the Travel Sustainable program provide even better visibility and recognition for currently uncertified properties that are taking steps to operate more responsibly with regards to their impact on the environment and their local community. The levels help illustrate a clearer pathway for accommodations to work towards eventual certification, especially for those that might be at an earlier stage in their sustainability journey. The aim is to also help encourage and incentivize more accommodations to continue making progress towards that goal.

For travellers, the new badge levels being introduced to Booking.com’s Travel Sustainable program have been designed to more clearly demonstrate a broader spectrum of where different accommodations are at on their individual sustainability journeys, as well as the specific measures they are implementing. The aim of the enhanced structure is to also more clearly highlight those accommodations that have made outstanding commitments and investments on this front to achieve one of more than 40 recognized ecolabels and certifications.

The new badge levels for Travel Sustainable are as follows:

• Level 1: This new entry-level designation for the Travel Sustainable badge indicates that a property has implemented some impactful sustainability practices. This Level 1 badge will soon show up with one leaf and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.

• Level 2: Accommodations receiving the Level 2 version of the Travel Sustainable badge have made considerable investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices. The Level 2 badge will soon show up with two leaves and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.

• Level 3: The Level 3 Travel Sustainable badge is reserved for those accommodations that have made large investments and efforts to implement impactful sustainability practices but have not yet achieved an official third-party certification yet. The Level 3 badge will soon show up with three leaves and includes a full display of all practices that have been implemented.

Certified properties: Accommodations that have made huge commitments towards sustainability, including the additional effort and investment to achieve one of 40+ credible third-party certifications, receive the highest level of recognition as part of the Travel Sustainable program. These accommodations are recognized with a certified badge, including the name of their certification.

With the introduction of these new levels, 400,000+ accommodations on Booking.com are now being recognized for their efforts to operate more sustainably. India is among the top 10 countries with the highest number of accommodations receiving a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com.  The countries leading the way are Italy (46,365) followed by France (27,677), Germany (24,038), Spain (23,650), United States (19,396), Brazil (19,160), India (15,743), United Kingdom (15,366), Greece (12,442) and Poland (10,745).

New filters for hybrid and fully electric rental cars

A new search filter for fully electric and hybrid rental cars is now live across the Booking.com app and website, making it easier for travelers to find more sustainable ground transport options for their next road trip, with hybrid vehicles and fully electric options available in 60 countries.

Carbon emissions information for accommodations and flights

As part of Booking.com’s new partnership with climate tech company CHOOOSE, carbon emissions data for accommodation bookings in Europe will be displayed for the first time on the platform in an effort to both understand where and how to present this information so it is useful for customers in their decision-making process. The new features will first go live for accommodation options in Europe, with the intent to expand globally. Similarly, together with CHOOSE and in line with the aviation framework developed together with the Travalyst Coalition, Booking.com will also start providing information about the carbon emissions associated with flight options on the platform. The option to sort flight searches based on this carbon emissions data will be introduced in 2023.

“As we optimize and develop our Travel Sustainable program further, our ambition is to continue making it easier for everyone to make more sustainable choices for their next trip,” said Danielle D’Silva, Head of Sustainability at Booking.com. “We’re examining every part of the trip on our platform and actively looking for ways to provide more information to travelers in a credible and trusted way. Whether it’s an apartment for a weekend getaway, an electric car for their upcoming road trip or carbon emissions data about a flight, our aim is to nudge our customers and partners towards these more responsible options and do our part to ensure a healthier future for our planet and industry.”

Wedding season sees demand for banquet halls jump by 68% and that for jewellers by 43%: Justdial Consumer Insights

-India sees a 30% jump in demand for wedding services

-Tier-I cities witness a 22% rise in demand and Tier-II by 48%

-Wedding jewellers, banquet halls, decorators, photographers, & caterers top-5 most searched wedding services

Mumbai, Nov 15: After two years of low-key celebrations due to COVID restrictions, this year’s wedding season sees a rise in demand (YOY) for a wide range of wedding services with searches for banquet halls being up by 83%, caterers by 57%, and wedding jewellers by 44%, reports the latest Justdial Consumer Insights report.

Overall demand on Justdial for wedding services, comprising of banquet halls, caterers, decorators, DJs, event organisers, wedding jewellers, tailors, Mehendi artists, pandits, photographers, matrimonial bureaus, and wedding bands, saw a 30% jump across India’s 1000 towns and cities. This demand was primarily accentuated by Tier-II cities that saw a 48% rise in demand, and in Tier-I cities, it was 22%. 

Commenting on the consumer trends during this wedding season, Mr. Prasun Kumar, CMO, Justdial said: “We are witnessing a surge in demand during this wedding season as India reportedly will see 32 lakh weddings in a period of next 30 days. The last two years have been difficult for wedding services due to restrictions on marriages due to COVID. Weddings have been a big driver for India’s gig economy, and it is encouraging to witness that demand is rising fast in Tier-II cities. Demand for wedding services in Tier-II cities is now 2X vis-à-vis Tier-I and it augurs well for the economy at large. It also reflects the fact that businesses of all hues even in Tier-II towns and cities are now getting online to maximise their reach and enhance their business.”

Amongst wedding services, jewellers, banquet halls, decorators, photographers, and caterers, were the top-5 services that saw maximum demand and contributed to almost 60% of the searches related to wedding services on the platform.  

For wedding jewellers, Mumbai topped the demand across the country followed by Delhi and Hyderabad. Searches in Tier-I cities rose by 29%, while Tier-II cities witnessed a jump of 44%. Among Tier-II cities, Jaipur led the demand race followed by Surat, Rajkot, Chandigarh, and Coimbatore.

Demand (YOY) rise for banquet halls was the highest across all wedding services as it saw a 68% rise in searches in India. Among Tier-II cities this demand rose by 83%, and in Tier-I cities by 46%. Mumbai topped the searches for banquet halls and contributed to almost 27% of the demand in Tier-I cities followed by Delhi and Chennai in the second and third place respectively. Coimbatore, Surat, Nagpur, Lucknow, and Patna were the top-5 Tier-II cities that saw maximum demand for banquet halls.

Searches for decorators jumped by 31% with Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru driving maximum demand among Tier-I cities. The demand in Tier-II cities was up by 43% with cities like Chandigarh, Indore, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Surat driving maximum traction.

Demand for wedding photographers rose by 23% in the country with searches in Tier-II cities being 2.3X of that in Tier-I cities. Mumbai and Delhi contributed to almost 50% of the demand generated by Tier-I cities. Chandigarh, Lucknow, Patna, Rajkot, and Coimbatore were the top-5 Tier-II cities with maximum demand for wedding photographers.   

Searches for caterers went up by 31% with Tier-II cities outstripping Tier-I cities in terms of demand. Tier-II cities saw the demand going up by 31% and Tier-I cities by 57%. Bengaluru, topping the list, had the highest demand for caterers followed by Mumbai and Delhi among Tier-I cities. Among Tier-II cities Jaipur, Lucknow, Coimbatore, Chandigarh, and Ernakulam were the top-5 with maximum demand for caterers.

About Just Dial Limited

Just Dial Limited provides local search related services to users in India through multiple platforms such as Desktop/PC website (https://www.justdial.com), mobile site (https://t.justdial.com), mobile apps (Android & iOS), over the telephone (Voice, pan India number 88888-88888) and text (SMS). Justdial’s latest version of JD App, is an All-in-One App, replete with features like Map-aided Search, Live TV, Videos, Stock quotes, etc. to make the life of the consumer infinitely smoother & more engaging.

The Company has recently launched its B2B marketplace platform, JD Mart. JD Mart platform, available at https://www.jdmart.com and via apps on Play Store and App Store, is aimed at enabling millions of India’s manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers to become internet-ready in post-COVID era, get new customers and sell their products online. The platform offers digital product catalogues to businesses and aims at digitalising India’s businesses, especially MSMEs, across categories. Buyers can discover quality vendors offering a wide selection of products to choose from, spread across millions of categories to suit all B2B needs.

Justdial has also initiated transaction-oriented services for its users. These services aim at making several day-to-day tasks conveniently actionable and accessible to users from one App. With this step, Justdial is transitioning from being purely a provider of local search and related information to being a direct/ indirect enabler of such transactions. Justdial has also recently launched an end-to-end business management solution for SMEs, through which it intends to transition thousands of SMEs to efficiently run business online and have their adequate online presence via their own website, mobile site. Apart from this, Justdial has also launched JD Pay, a unique solution for quick digital payments for its users and vendors.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts launches Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa in Jambughoda, Gujarat

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, has opened its newest luxury resort, Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa in Jambughoda in Gujarat. This is the company’s 23rd operational hotel in the State. 

Speaking of the launch, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, CEO, of Concept Hospitality-The Fern Hotels & Resorts said, “The Fern Hotels & Resorts are the biggest hospitality players in Gujarat, with hotels in all the major cities and in resort destinations covering beaches, temple towns, historical monuments, jungle safaris, forest resorts and wildlife sanctuaries in the State. Our hotels are well known for their environmentally sensitive and eco-friendly facilities, services, and operations.”

Bhanu The Fern Forest Resort & Spa, Jambughoda is an upscale resort near the Jambughoda Forest in Gujarat, surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary, lakes, and captivating views of lush greenery. The resort offers 108 luxurious well-appointed rooms, suites, and villas, ranging from 344 sq ft to over 800 sq ft. Foresta is an all-day restaurant with alfresco and indoor dining options. The resort also has two banquet halls accommodating 300 persons, 12,000 sq ft lawns, and a swimming pool. The Health Club and Spa will be operational shortly.  

In addition to the local attractions, Pavagadh Hills and the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are in close proximity to the resort. The Statue of Unity is also within driving distance from the resort.  

Location: The resort is 70 km from Vadodara Airport and 6 km from Bodeli Bus Stand. Pavagadh and Champaner are only 30 km from the resort. The Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar (Kevadia) is 69 km away, a 90-minute drive.

Address: Plot No 164, Khakharia, Jambughoda 389 390, Dist. Panchmahal, Gujarat

Moustache Escapes announces the second edition of its Forsyth Trail Run

~ Certified by the International Trail Running Association (ITRA) and organized in association with Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB) ~

National, November 2022: Moustache Escapes, leading experiential travel company, is all geared up for its ‘Forsyth Trail Run 2.0’ to be held from 21st to 22nd January 2023. A perfect opportunity for athletes as well as fitness fanatics to explore the incredible landscapes of Madhya Pradesh by enrolling themselves for this experience. The event is classified into three stretches, including a 9kms Road Run, 24kms Forest trail and 6kms Uphill Forest trail.

While the ITRA has certified this event, they are also offering a minimum of 2 points and maximum of 3 points to be added to participants’ profile post completing the 42kms run. This trail run shall begin with a 10kms road run from Matkuli village to archaeological site Satdhara, moving into a 24kms forest trail to Kanjighat and preceded by an uphill ghat pathway for 6kms until Pachmarhi Naka, which will finally culminate into a 3kms road run from the Naka to the finish line at Bison Lodge. The maximum elevation gain for this thrilling run is approximately 850ft.

Commenting on the second edition of the run, Deepak Agarwal, Director at Moustache Escapes, “Following the success of the first marathon held earlier this year, we have curated its second edition for all adventure enthusiasts and with the uplifting of most covid protocols, we look forward to receiving maximum participants for the upcoming run.”

Sharing his views, Mr. Yuvraj Padole, Deputy Director (Adventure, Film, Events & Marketing Tourism) , Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, “We are glad to collaborate with Moustache Escapes, that is bringing out the beauty of our state through the organization of such trail runs. We wish to highlight the untapped magnificence present in different corners of Madhya Pradesh and anticipate the success of this marathon. At Moustache Escapes, we aim at curating innovative experiences for our patrons, and we will continue to do that.” 

Registrations for the Forsyth Trail Run 2.0 are now open to all those thrill seekers that are keen on reconnecting with the wonders of nature while traversing through jungles, streams, tribal villages, and other confluences of rivers in the wilderness.

The entry fee for the trail runs (without stay) are as follows: Rs. 1499/- for 10kms, Rs. 1999/- for 21kms, and Rs. 2999/- for the 42kms run.

Additional charges for triple sharing stay are applicable: Tent stay @1200/per person/N + 12% GST and Cottage stay @4000/per person/N + 12% GST. These rates are inclusive of breakfast and dinner.

Link for participation-

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfypFTKkNbJjdFnKqoVIu1XQBpgw-YCh9lFICGguva8kO7oTA/viewform

Lemon Tree Hotels signs a new hotel in Tezpur, Assam

New Delhi, November 2022: Lemon Tree Hotels announced its latest signing–Lemon Tree Hotel, Tezpur, Assam. The property is expected to be operational by March 2025 and shall be managed by Carnation Hotels Private Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary and the management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels Limited. 

Lying on the northern banks of Brahmaputra, Tezpur is known as the ‘Cultural Capital of Assam’ and is the oldest city in the most populated North-Eastern state. With picturesque landscapes, snow-clad Himalayan ranges all around and beautiful green tea gardens on hill slopes, Tezpur is a favoured destination for travellers. The city is famous for tourist attractions including places of historical and religious significance besides the ones which are naturally beautiful like Nameri National Park, Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Bamuni hills, Agnigarh and more. 

This property will feature 42 well-appointed rooms, complemented by a multi-cuisine restaurant, a bar, a meeting room, a fitness center and banquets along with other public areas.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mahesh Aiyer, CEO – Carnation Hotels Private Limited – commented, “We are delighted to expand our portfolio to Tezpur, the land of blue hills and red rivers, in Assam. Lemon Tree Hotels has always been passionate about identifying the hidden gems of India. The quaint city of Tezpur is developing fast while offering a rich cultural heritage, bountiful nature and wildlife. With this addition, we will have 7 hotels in the enchanting North-Eastern region including 3 which are coming up.”

ABOUT LEMON TREE HOTELS LIMITED

Lemon Tree Hotels Limited is India’s largest hotel chain in the mid-priced sector, and the third largest overall, on the basis of controlling interest in owned and leased rooms, as of June 30, 2017, according to the Horwath Report. We operate in the upscale segment and in the mid-market sector, consisting of the upper-midscale, midscale and economy segments. We deliver differentiated yet superior service offerings, with a value-for-money proposition.

LTHL opened its first hotel with 49 rooms in May 2004 and currently operates ~8,400 rooms in 87 hotels across 52 destinations, in India and abroad, under its various brands viz. Aurika Hotels & Resorts, Lemon Tree Premier, Lemon Tree Hotels, Red Fox Hotels, Keys Prima, Keys Select and Keys Lite. As the current pipeline becomes operational, ~11100 rooms in 119 hotels across 74 destinations, in India and abroad shall be operated under the LTHL brands.

Celebi India – First ground handler to Introduce 100% Electric Air-Conditioned Tarmac Coaches for Passenger Transportation in India at the Delhi International Airport.

Aligned with the Indian aviation ministry’s aim to decarbonize the aviation segment by 2030, Celebi India has taken another major step by introducing the first ever 100% Electric Air-Conditioned Tarmac Coaches for Passenger Transportation in India at the Delhi International Airport.

ECO-LIFE, a Made in India Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), is an aesthetically designed tarmac coach for air passengers. Powered by fast plug-in charging lithium-ion batteries, these buses run on highly efficient PSPM electric motors offering a silent and seamless ride for the passengers. Built with high-strength monocoque structures, the buses have long durability and best-in-class comfort.

Speaking on occasion, Mr. Murali Ramachandran, CEO, Celebi India, said, “We are a responsible organisation with a strong focus to build sustainability as the main pillar of our operation. We welcome the government’s decision of reducing carbon emission in the aviation sector. Under this vision of sustainable aviation, we have already implemented solutions like Taxi bots and Bridge-mounted equipment in the past. Now with the addition of 12 Made in India 100% Electric Air-Conditioned Tarmac Coaches, we are committing our support through accelerated efficiency measures, energy transition, and innovation across the aviation sector and in sync with the government across the country.”

Mr. Ramachandran added, “These newly inducted low entry ECOLIFE buses facilitate ease of boarding and de-boarding and are equipped with a wheel-chair ramp for the specially-abled, old & people who are unwell with a designated space for docking the wheelchair. The buses are equipped with all modern features like Intelligent Transportation System, CCTV cameras, mobile charging USB sockets, Emergency safe stop buttons, etc., keeping safety as an important prime factor.”

Marriott International Introduces Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, Responding To Growing Consumer Demand As Travelers Increasingly Blend Work And Leisure

New offering expected to spur development opportunities globally

India – (November 2022) – Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) today announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options. 

Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the U.S. and Canada.  

“Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends, while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.”  

Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, and retail. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is anticipated to offer developers flexibility to build new properties or convert existing properties, with a design approach similar to the company’s successful Autograph Collection and Tribute Portfolio lodging brands, which offer consumers independent, uniquely distinguished hotel experiences. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will be backed by Marriott’s powerful reservations engine and Marriott Bonvoy, the company’s award-winning travel program with 173 million members.      

Among travel consumers and Marriott Bonvoy members, there is a growing desire for premium accommodations that provide home-like amenities as travelers combine work and leisure trips to reconnect with family and friends. According to Phocuswright research, three of the top five reasons for selecting an apartment-style rental are more room or space, access to a full kitchen and laundry, and home-like feel.1 

Out Of The Blue launches a Limited Edition Pumpkin Menu just in time for Thanksgiving!

To keep with the Thanksgiving theme and the arrival of winter, Out of The Blue has created a pumpkin-inspired menu to get you in the mood for the holidays. The selection features something hot, something cold, and something sweet. There is truly something for everyone to make them feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.

On offer are OOTB's Pumpkin Spiced Latte, a Boozy Pumpkin Delight and a special Pumpkin Pie.

OOTB's Pumpkin Spiced Latte

Out of the Blue's version of the pumpkin-spiced latte includes pumpkin-spiced infused milk, freshly brewed espresso, and whipped cream on top. This toasty delight is a simple, classic, and elevated take on your standard latte order.

Priced at INR. 255/- + applicable taxes

OOTB's Boozy Pumpkin Delight

The Boozy Pumpkin Delight is a dessert in a glass, with a pumpkin-infused vodka base and baileys finished with sugar and cinnamon. It's delicious, flavorful, and will leave you wanting more.

Priced at INR. 450/- + applicable taxes

OOTB's Pumpkin Pie

The Pumpkin Pie is a sweet treat for all pumpkin lovers, the Spiced Pumpkin Pie Crust perfectly coordinates with the dense, sweet custard pumpkin filling spiked with all of your favourite winter spices, including nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, and paprika, making it a sweet treat for all pumpkin lovers.

Priced at INR. 250/- + applicable taxes

The menu is live at the outlet in Khar and will be available until the end of this month.

Availability:

Date: Until 30th November 2022

Venue: Out Of The Blue, 14, Union Park Rd Number 4, Khar, Union Park, W, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052

For reservations: 093248 39393

Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management hosted a Fruit Mixing Event

Pune November 2022: Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management organised a Fruit Mixing Event, also known as the Cake Mixing Event. The institute celebrated the occasion with all the members of the Lexicon IHM family.

Traditionally, the purpose of the occasion was to celebrate the onset of the festive season with everyone. Fruits, nuts and spices which were used to make festive goodies were mixed with local alcohol for preservation and flavor. Every family brought in their ingredients and after the mixing they were shared equally amongst all households. This assured that the poorest of poor in the community too had their share of fruits and spices to celebrate. This age-old Christmas tradition also marks the arrival of the harvest season.

Mr. Nasir Shaikh, Group CEO, The Lexicon Group of Institutes, MultiFit and EduCrack, also joined the students and the hospitality veterans to celebrate the occasion. While talking about the event Mr. Nasir said, “We aim to create an environment full of exposure and industrial knowledge which will help the students to become the professionals of tomorrow and grow better in the hospitality world.”

Lexicon IHM celebrated the event with their students and teachers and also with some veterans from the Hospitality Industry. The event was attended by Mr. Ryan D’silva, General Manager, Hyatt Place Pune, Chef Bhushan Ganorkar, Executive Chef at Courtyard by Marriott, Navi Mumbai, and Mr. Ashok Shetty, Assistant General Manager, Hyatt Place Pune.

“Our curriculum is created in response to the needs of the industry, this course is designed to help students, deliver a memorable experience. The teaching team puts the student, at the heart of our ethos and we work hard to ensure that they are successful in the practical world too” added Mr Gladvin Rego Principal, Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management.

Signing of Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal

Sonipat, November 2022 – M/S Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited, a real estate and hotel development company based out of Delhi, today announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts for a new hotel development in Sonipat, Haryana under the Wyndham Garden brand. 

Sonipat is a city and a municipal council in the state of Haryana, India. Sonipat is a major industrial area with an Industrial Model Township(IMT) being promoted by the Haryana Government.It is a hub for the top educational institutions including Ashoka University, O.P Jindal Global University, and SRM University. Sonipat is also famous for its monsoon-time sweet dish Ghevar, which has its roots of origin in the region.

Expected to open in 2023, Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal will be located on National Highway 44, connecting Delhi to the North India states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Kashmir. The location of this new property will offer guests great accessibility and connectivity. The hotel will have a modern façade and will feature 81 contemporary rooms including six suites, a lobby lounge, an all-day dining restaurant and bar, meeting and event spaces, a business center, refreshing wellness areas, and an outdoor swimming pool. 

“We are delighted to franchise our upcoming hotel with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under their popular Wyndham Garden brand and become part of its rapidly expanding hotel portfolio in India and particularly in the state of Haryana. We are working closely with Wyndham to build the hotel to high international standards and look forward to welcoming guests to our hotel,” said Mr. Mihir Gupta, Director, M/s Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Wyndham Garden in Sonipat, Haryana, further strengthening our upper mid-scale presence. This signing reaffirms our commitment to continue to grow in this important market. We look forward to our partnership with M/s Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited and to bringing another international standard hotel to the city of Sonipat,” said Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Once operational, the hotel will generate direct employment for more than 100 people in the city of Sonipat.

Chef Fabrizio Aceti will be acing dining experiences at Sorrento, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

Super Chef Aceti Will Be Acing Dining Experiences

At Sorrento, Shangri-La Eros New Delhi

 

New Delhi, November 2022:  Chef Fabrizio Aceti, known in the industry as the Fashion Superchef, is taking over Sorrento, the hotel’s award-winning Italian restaurant from November 4 until November 13. Chef Aceti will demonstrate his innovative skills and precision technique as he puts together a specially curated degustation menu that is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

Growing up in Piedmont, Northern Italy and with 25 years of experience in the F&B industry, Chef Aceti has worked in some of the most renowned restaurants and hotels spanning eight countries across Europe and Asia.

Never before seen in Delhi, Chef Fabrizio Aceti's menu will take guests on a multi-sensory journey through a series of elegant courses. Each course will be expertly paired with a selection of award-winning Italian wines selected by the hotel sommelier.

The signature collection includes Marinated Yellow Tail Fish with Fresh Orange & Fennel Salad, Pumpkin Truffle Ravioli with Parmesan Sauce & Crispy Pancetta, Black Cod Cooked with Milk, Potato, Asparagus & Almonds, Pan Fried Lamb Loin with Baby Fennel, and Eggplant Timbale with Porcini Mushrooms & Parmesan Sauce.

“My passion for good food and the constant desire to create innovative ideas with it started as far back as I can remember. All my life, I have enjoyed the food and loved cooking. Traveling and learning about the different cuisines of the world is thus essential to my personal journey. I realized that my true passion is creating out-of-the-box food concepts for top clients in various industries, including fashion." says the superchef.

Chef Fabrizio Aceti's special set menu is available for lunch and dinner at INR 5,500 plus taxes per person, and INR 8,500 plus taxes per person paired with wines. Guests can also savour his signature dishes from the a la carte menu.

One of South East Asia's leading osteopaths Neil Hands visits Ayurma at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

November , 2022: AyurMa’s heartfelt health haven – the evolution of 15+ years of wellbeing innovation at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru – offers unique individual and shared experiences spanning Ayurveda, Yoga Therapy, Wellness and Planetary Wellbeing, designed to cultivate care for ourselves, others, the oceans and the entire planet.

As part of its offerings, AyurMa’s Visiting Masters program connects guests to industry-leading wellness practitioners specialising in areas ranging from Pranic Healing to Elemental Acupuncture.

From November 1 to 20, 2022, AyurMa will be hosting visiting master Neil Hands, one of South East Asia’s leading Osteopaths with more than 20 years of complementary therapeutic experience. Working on the principle that the body always strives towards health, Neil’s comprehensive approach is deeply attuned to individual needs.

Employing a comprehensive osteopathic approach and using a vast array of rhythmic articulations – from spinal manipulations to finger pivots – Neil rebalances the "onion layers" of body issues amassed by life experience.

Rates

- Initial Diagnosis and Osteopathy Treatment – USD 375++ (90 minutes)

-Follow-up Osteopathy Treatment – USD 325++ (60 minutes)

- Shoulders & Above Treatment – USD 325++ (60 minutes)

*Prices are subject to service charge and GST.

- To book a transformative experience with Neil Hands, visit reserve online, email: reservations.mal@fourseasons.com