Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks kickstarts the festive season with an enchanting Tree Lighting ceremony
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Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks kick starts the season of festivities with an enchanting Tree Lighting Ceremony at The Lobby on December 2, 2022, from 5:30 pm onwards. Adorned with thousands of red, green, and white lights, the Christmas tree will illuminate Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks spreading the festivity spirit hoping and wishing for world peace.
Wrapped in Christmas decorations with baubles, bells, and stars, the property will be serving high tea with small bites for the guests to experience a celebratory and yuletide spirit. The glint of gold and red Christmas colors adds a special touch to every nook and corner of the beautiful setup space. Experience the traditional Tree lighting ceremony at Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks and celebrate this merry month!
What: Tree lighting Ceremony
Where: Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks
When: 2nd December 2022
Time: 5:30 pm onwards
PRIDE HOTEL GROUP SIGNS ‘PRIDE HOTEL GREATER NOIDA’
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Pride Hotel Group has announced the signing of "Pride Hotel Greater Noida". The hotel, prominently situated 30 kilometers to the southeast of the nation's capital, New Delhi, is easily accessible to places of business, leisure, educational institutions, hospitals, and entertainment venues. It will feature 80 guest rooms, an 8000 sq ft banqueting space, a 24-hour coffee shop, a gym, and a patisserie shop. The hotel will also boast of a rooftop pool with a restaurant and bar. It is expected to welcome guests by mid-2023.
Announcing the signing, Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, of Pride Hotel Group said, “Greater Noida is a bustling commercial destination that hosts leading technology companies, manufacturers, and corporate establishments. It has transformed itself into a major economic corridor that witnesses a steady inflow of business travelers from across the globe. However, there is an acute shortage of upscale hotel brands to cater to the demands of the customers. Our group has serviced to more than 53 global national citizens since 1987. We are delighted to bridge this gap with the signing of "Pride Hotel Greater Noida” which will predominantly appeal to corporate travelers to the region”.
“We are thrilled to further scale up operations in North India with the signing of "Pride Hotel Greater Noida” in the New Capital Region (NCR). Once operational, the new hotel will ensure optimum business traveler comfort with its strategic location, imposing décor, delectable food options, banqueting, and host of hospitality services. Pride Hotel Group is a trusted brand since 36 years. We look forward to serving the large slice of domestic and international travelers alike here and continue to expand our footprints across prominent destinations in the region.” said Shoeb Mohammad, AVP North India, Pride Hotel Group.
Pride Hotel Group has a presence in around 51 great locations with 5,075 rooms, 102 restaurants, 134 banquets, lawns, and conference halls. Currently, Pride Hotels Ltd operates and manages a chain of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, “Pride Hotel” which are conveniently centrally located business hotels, “Pride Resorts” at mesmerizing destinations, Mid-Market segment hotels for every business “Pride Biznotels” and a fresh concept of Premium luxury serviced apartment stays “Pride Suites”. Current locations are New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Somnath, Bhopal and Haldwani. Upcoming locations are Rishikesh, Agra, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Daman, Aatapi, Haldwani, Surendranagar, Dwaraka, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Halol, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rudraprayag, Kanpur, Bangalore and Greater Noida among others.
MUMBAI AIRPORT UNVEILS THE NEWLY RENOVATED GENERAL AVIATION TERMINAL FACILITY FOR PRIVATE JETS
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~An ode to a Luxurious Travel Experience~
Mumbai: In the continued endeavour of pioneering efforts that supports and boosts the aviation industry of the country, starting 1st November, 2022, Mumbai International Airport has launched the all-new, renovated General Aviation terminal facility, exclusively for private jets.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) introduces its all-new, revamped General Aviation (GA) terminal offering luxury and convenience at its best to its travellers. The GA terminal is all set to welcome passengers with luxurious interiors accentuated with height, light and space. Guests are warmly welcomed at the resplendent reception area by attentive and friendly staff on call 24 X 7, the terminal offers expansive lounges with butler service all complemented with a curated menu of super-food lite bites, a stylish bar to global cuisine served via a buffet and as per an a la carté menu.
Guests can reserve the meeting and conference room facilities with state-of-the-art audio and video aids in advance. From essential business requests to indulging when on leisure travel, CSMIA’s GA terminal, spread over 753.26sq. mt redefines luxury. The terminal has been built with an aim to support the movement and processing of passengers flying through chartered flights from the airport. The all-new GA terminal at Mumbai Airport is a modern and stellar space that prioritizes the safety, security and well-being of passengers at all times. The terminal offers efficient processing area with Customs and Immigration and immediate access to private jet aircraft stands from the Terminal. Besides, having access control system, Wi-Fi enabled services, IT system integrated systems, passengers are efficiently processed through all interaction points such as enabling the boarding pass, dedicated porter service, check in and hand baggage processing, with minimum waiting period. In addition, the terminal is fully accessible to our passengers with special needs and passengers with reduced mobility.
The Terminal can handle over 50 passengers every hour, thus ensuring that passengers board their flights on time, every time. With the GA Terminal and the newly developed General Aviation Aircraft Parking stands being co-located, passengers will find it more convenient to travel to and from the aircraft for boarding or de-boarding in no time.
Regal Residence at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI’s ‘Royal RESERVE’
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If you are looking for a vacation spot that can give you privacy and grandeur at the same time, the ROYAL RESERVE, a 3-bedroom extravagant villa category at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is your calling. The expansive residence comes with an all-inclusive main sanctuary (1 villa) and two guest villas [1 bedroom (King Villa) & 2 bedroom (Twin Villa)] all giving dramatic and serene views of the Indian Ocean from almost every corner.
With an area size of 3,000m2 and a capacity for up to 7 adults, privacy is at its peak as the RESERVE offers a private beach and in-house facilities like open-air jacuzzi, gym, pool, outdoor and indoor living areas, an overwater bar, 10 seater dining pavilion as well as a fully-stocked professional kitchen with a wine cellar. Not to forget, the hosts will have a personal hiyani (butler) at their assistance 24x7 supported by an exclusive service team consisting of a chef, waiter, chauffeur, and spa therapist.
Find the holiday home that transports you to a world of timeless luxury and refined elegance, curated thoughtfully by the dedicated staff of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI for an ever-lasting experience.
Tata Group to consolidate Air India & Vistara
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Mumbai, India,November 2022: The Tata Group today announced the consolidation of its airlines, Vistara and Air India. With this consolidation, Air India shall be India’s leading domestic and international carrier with a combined fleet of 218 aircraft, making it India’s largest international carrier and second-largest domestic carrier.
Air India, an airline fully owned by Tata Sons, has been the flag carrier of India. Tata Sons, via its fully owned subsidiary, Talace Private Limited (“Talace)”, had acquired 100% stake in Air India on 27th January 2022.
Vistara, a 51:49 Joint Venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines Limited (“SIA”) was established in 2013 and is India’s leading full-service carrier with international operations in Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Vistara shall be merged with Air India post receipt of requisite approvals. As part of the merger transaction, SIA shall also invest Rs 2,059 crore in Air India. Post the consolidation, SIA shall hold 25.1% shareholding in Air India.
The transaction is estimated to be completed by March 2024.
On this occasion, Mr. N Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons said: "The merger of Vistara and Air India is an important milestone in our journey to make Air India a truly world-class airline. We are transforming Air India, with the aim of providing great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance. We are excited with the opportunity of creating a strong Air India which would offer both full-service and low-cost service across domestic and international routes. We would like to thank Singapore Airlines for their continued partnership.”
Mr. Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Tata Sons is one of the most established and respected names in India. Our collaboration to set up Vistara in 2013 resulted in a market-leading full-service carrier, which has won many global accolades in a short time. With this merger, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Tata and participate directly in an exciting new growth phase in India’s aviation market. We will work together to support Air India’s transformation program, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage.”
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About the Tata group
Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata Group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising 30 companies across ten verticals. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust’.
Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of Tata companies. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture.
In 2021-22, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was US $128 billion (INR 9.6 trillion). These companies collectively employ over 935,000 people.
Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own board of directors. There are 29 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalisation of $311 billion (INR 23.6 trillion) as on March 31, 2022. Tata Group Companies include Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Tata Consumer Products, Titan, Tata Capital, Tata Power, Indian Hotels, Tata Communications, Tata Electronics, Air India and Tata Digital.
About Air India
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India’s aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has an extensive domestic network and has spread its wings beyond to become a major international airline with a network across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, SouthEast Asia, Australia and the Gulf. Air India is a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium.
After 69 years as a Government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. The present management at Air India is driving the five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI to establish itself as a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.
Vihaan.AI is Air India’s transformational roadmap over five years with clear milestones. It will be focusing on dramatically growing both its network and fleet, developing a completely revamped customer proposition, improving reliability and on-time performance. The airline will also be taking a leadership position in technology, sustainability, and innovation, while aggressively investing in the best industry talent. Vihaan.AI is aimed at putting Air India on a path to sustained growth, profitability and market leadership.
About Vistara (TATA SIA Airlines Limited)
TATA SIA Airlines Limited, known by the brand name Vistara, is a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons Private Limited and Singapore Airlines Limited (SIA). Vistara brings together Tata’s and SIA’s legendary hospitality and renowned service excellence to offer the finest full-service flying experience in India. Vistara commenced its commercial operations on January 9, 2015, with an aim to set new standards in the aviation industry in India and it today connects destinations across India and abroad.
The airline has a fleet of 53 aircraft, including 41 Airbus A320, five Airbus A321neo, five Boeing 737-800NG and two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft and has flown more than 35 million customers since starting operations.
Social Media and PR Mandate for Ummed Hotels & Resorts The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa, and The Ummed Ahmedabad added to the portfolio of Khyathi Marketing Solutions.
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Jaipur, November 2022: The Ummed Hotels which consists of its flagship property in Jodhpur and Ahmedabad namely, The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa in the heart of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, renowned for its pristine and stunning ambiance, luxury accommodations amidst the haven of nature, and The Ummed Ahmedabad hotel has given its digital and social media marketing and PR mandate to the new age marketing solutions company Khyathi, by hospitality mavens.
The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa is a majestic tribute to the deep-rooted culture and heritage of Marwar. The resort is renowned for its excellent service standards along with the plethora of plush activities. And finally, The Ummed Ahmedabad is the pioneer luxury hotel of Gujarat that blends the heritage of the Walled City with modern efficacies seamlessly. With these luxury hotels, the team at Khyathi shall strive to provide integrated marketing communication and solutions and bring much-deserved fame to the name.” – quoted Ms. Anubha Srivastava, Founder of Khyathi Solutions.
Founded as a 360-degree integrated marketing solutions company, Khyathi provides a host of possibilities for its clients in keeping with the needs for enhanced sales and marketing in today’s date including digital and social media marketing, campaign strategizing, visual content creation, revenue maximization, content marketing, and strategy and brand management amongst the others. Khyathi further works to propagate its clients toward brand building and management while ensuring a loyal customer base for them and assisting in their incremental revenues.
The Ummed Jodhpur Palace Resort and Spa is a part of the famed Ummed Hotels across the country, which has over the decade come to be recognized as a haven of luxury, comfort, and scenic vistas. The resort architected by one of the most celebrated architects of India is spread across an expanse of 28 acres and takes pride in 80 luxuriously designed and 8 grand suites which seamlessly blend the vintage beauty of Marwar
culture and colonial royalty with modern conveniences.
The Ummed Ahmedabad is Gujarat’s first luxury hotel, near the airport, that showcases fine Indian aesthetics and contemporary elements, thereby offering an urban retreat to the guests. With its 91 well-appointed and discerning palatial rooms, The Ummed Ahmedabad takes pride in a plethora of conveniences including delectable restaurants, revered venue options, and a myriad of activities.
With each of its new propositions, Khyathi strives to break through the mold and do the new. One can reach the company for the business association through : khyathi.in or call at 91-8003995275
About Khyathi
Khyathi is an innovative agency that provides sales and marketing solutions to its clients as per their demands. We empower our clients to understand and promote their vision of growth and success. Our invaluable expertise works round the clock with the best business solutions to promote your organization in the competitive market.
The first of its kind in the world of outsourcing sales and marketing agencies in the country that caters especially to hotels, Khyathi serves the brand, irrespective of the location.
About Founders
The names behind the entire concept – Anubha Srivastava and Varun Mehrotra, Founders of Khyathi, are hospitality industry veterans themselves and have been associated with many renowned brands over the years. Having worked with brands like Fairmont Jaipur and Hyatt, Varun has garnered an immaculate sense of market perception and sought to utilize the same to come up with a start-up that seeks to provide sales solutions to the hotels. However, the idea that was born over a cup of steaming hot tea at home quickly morphed to become something much more magnanimous and unique as they sought to introduce Khyathi as a brand that not only augments the revenue figures but also provides out-of-the-box sales and marketing solutions for the hotels including digital marketing, and automates the resources for the clients as per their expectations.
Karnataka hosts an exclusive “Karnataka Tourism Roadshow” at Panaji, Mumbai & Pune
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Bengaluru, November 2022: Department of Tourism, Government of Karnataka in a bid to promote the State as the most sought out tourist destination in the Country Hosted a series of Roadshows at Panaji, Mumbai & Pune on 21st November 2022, 23rd November 2022 & 24th November 2022 respectively. These series of roadshows are organized along with Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (KSTDC) is aimed to increase domestic footfalls into the State from Goa & Maharashtra.
The Roadshow held in Mumbai was inaugurated by Sri. Kapil Mohan, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka along with Mr. Sudhir Patil, NKCCA & Ms. Ishrat Patel, ADTOI. Similarly, the roadshow at Panaji was inaugurated by Mr. H.P. Janardhana, Joint Director (Promotion & Publicity), Department of Tourism, Govt. of Karnataka, Mrs. Indiramma, General Manager-Finance, KSTDC along with Mr. Sainath Krishna Prabhu, Chairman - TAAI (Goa Chapter), Mr. Martin Joseph, Chairman - IATO (Goa Chapter), Mr. Nilesh Shah, President, TTAG & Mr. Ishrat Alam, India Tourism. Pune roadshow was inaugurated by Mr. Mehboob Shaikh, Chairman, TAAI, Mr. Amit Gupta, Director, TAAP, Mr. Deepak Pujari, President, TAAP, Mr. Santosh Khawale, Chairman, ETAA - Pune Chapter.
A performance of 'Veeragase Kunitha’, an ancient art form of Karnataka was organised to showcase the vibrant cultural heritage that Karnataka is known for. The roadshow brought together different aspects of Karnataka tourism such as nature, wildlife, adventure, pilgrimage, heritage, and many more.
Mr. Devaraj A, Director, Department of Tourism said, “Karnataka is home to a large and exciting portfolio of globally acclaimed tourist attractions like UNESCO World Heritage sites, splendid wildlife and resplendent nature, virgin beaches etc. It is an around the year tourist destination. The roadshow series will provide impetus to domestic inbound travel and would enhance the marketing efforts of Karnataka Tourism to promote the state's destinations to prospective tourists and the travel trade of Goa and Maharashtra."
With a vast range of tourism landscapes such as archaeology, religion, ecotourism, wildlife etc to offer the State offers innumerable experience to vivid travelers. Through these one-day roadshows. The main objective behind the event was to Promoting the state as a tourist attraction for leisure tourism, MICE - meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions, adventure and wildlife tourism and as a wedding destination.
Mr. G. Jagadeesha, IAS, Managing Director, Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation said, “Karnataka with its diverse range of tourism products is fast emerging as one of the most interesting and productive states for both leisure and business travel. Domestic tourism being the backbone of the tourism economy has a lot of potential which needs to be tapped. Post-pandemic, these roadshow activities will be an excellent occasion for our stakeholders to renew contacts with the travel-trade as well as tourists'.”
The roadshow had B2B interactions and presentations that showcased the destination and also opened up new avenues to showcase Karnataka in a new light to the travel and trade community. Some of the stakeholders, who exhibited at the roadshow included Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation, Jungle Lodges & Resorts, Intersight Tours & Travels Pvt Ltd, TGI Hotels & Resorts, Mysuru Taxiwala, Birchwood Retreat, Mysore International Travels, Whistling Woodzs Jungle Resort, Gamyam Classical Ayurveda & Yoga Retreat, Travel India Company, AB Travels, Royal Orchid Hotels & many more. This exclusive B2B Roadshow had over 20 stakeholders from Karnataka and many discerning trade partners at each city.
About Karnataka: Karnataka – One State, Many Worlds, is well known for silk, milk, coffee, honey and more is home to several forts, architectural marvels and is blessed with a rich cultural heritage. Other diverse visitor attractions include pilgrim sites, coastal landscapes and wildlife/national parks. The state offers a variety of tourism attractions that cater to the demand from different visitor segments, such as eco-tourism, wellness tourism and adventure tourism. Over the years Karnataka has emerged as one of the most sought after tourism destinations in the country, and also created a space for itself, in the international tourism circuit. As of 2019, the State was ranked as the third preferred destination among domestic tourists for 3 consecutive years.
The Creative Reimagination of Travel: Booking.com reveals its 7 predictions for 2023
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In 2023, nothing will be off-limits and everything is on the menu as everyone seeks to find the right balance in a world of contradictions
Key Highlights:
Preppers in Paradise: 64% of Indian travellers are looking for ‘off grid’ style vacations to escape from reality and user travel as an opportunity to learn survival skills or even prepare for an apocalypse.
Virtual Voyagers: 70% of Indian travellers are keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience as virtual vacations enter the Metaverse.
Delight in the discomfort zone: 71% of Indian travellers are looking forward to experiencing ‘out of comfort zone’ travel that pushes them to the limits.
Glamorising the Good ol’ Days: Nostalgic getaways that provide the thrill of reliving the glory days and harken back to simpler times are top of the travel wishlist for almost 95% Indian travellers.
Peace and Pleasure Pilgrimages: 63% of Indian travellers will be taking a less conventional approach to wellness by seeking serenity at a silent retreat
From Daily Grind to Great Company Escape: 68% of the Indian workforce is looking forward to their employer planning a ‘real life’ work trip to bring people together and build team camaraderie away from the office.
Saving to Splurge: While investing in a vacation remains a top priority for Indians, being budget conscious is key, with 75% of Indian travellers seeking more bang for their buck.
Mumbai, November 23, 2022 – People around the world are feeling overwhelmingly more optimistic about travelling in 2023 compared to 2022 and, despite some current instability felt globally, nearly 72% report that travelling will always be worth it. The mood is shifting from one of hopeful uncertainty to bold adaptability. If 2022 was about the triumphant return of travel, 2023 will be about creatively reimagining it amidst the chaos. Nothing will be off limits and everything is on the menu as everyone seeks to find the right balance in a world of contradictions.
To understand how travel will be reimagined in 2023, Booking.com commissioned extensive research with more than 24,000 travellers across 32 countries and territories including India, combining it with its insights as a leading digital travel platform to reveal seven emerging travel predictions.
At a time of general upheaval, where war, increased societal polarisation, rising inflation and urgent concerns about climate change are all continuing to radically change the world, people are finding themselves in a multi-directional tug-of-war, working to reconcile what is important to them with the demands of everyday life. The 2023 travel predictions reflect this sentiment, revealing that the needs of travellers are moving in a lot of different directions to adapt to changing times.
Preppers in Paradise: Camouflaged cabins, campfire cuisine and compasses; going off-grid will never be more sought after than in 2023. 64% of Indian travellers want their travelling experiences to have a more back-to-basics feel and are constantly looking for ‘off-grid’ style vacations to escape from reality, and switch off and experience life with only the bare necessities. 73% Indian travellers are also keen to use travel in 2023 as an opportunity to learn survival skills. Expect to see more eco-friendly, earthly stays springing up to accommodate burnt-out city dwellers searching for simplicity, as well as accommodations offering guidance for Indian travellers on how to be more self-sufficient. ‘Off-grid’ in 2023 won’t necessarily mean roughing it though. There is a common perception that this means giving up luxuries (67% of Indian travellers believe that), however there is a strong desire to combine the two with 65% only considering travelling ‘off-grid’ if it can be at a more indulgent stay.
Virtual Voyagers: With 70% of Indian travellers reporting that they will be turning to virtual reality next year to inspire their vacation choices, travel will enter the ever-evolving 3D virtual space of the Metaverse in 2023. With 61% of Indians keen to embark on a multi-day VR travel experience, the Metaverse will be more than ‘try before you buy’; it will educate people, opening the door for infinite adventure. Travelers will become bolder in their real-life trip choices, after being able to visit them in the Metaverse first via their online avatar. While the Metaverse will offer a new way to experience travel in the year ahead, it still won’t stop people from booking a ticket to their next destination.
Delight in the Discomfort Zone: Whether it’s bottled-up energy, a new lease on life, the world is ready to dive into other cultures and new experiences head first. 71% Indian travellers want to experience complete culture shock in 2023 – be it travelling somewhere with completely different cultural experiences and languages 63% or exploring lesser-known cities with hidden gems that aren’t already on the radar 27%. Forget the usual favourites, in 2023 Indian travellers will be seeking unique vacations that shock, surprise and delight. 96% of Indian travellers are looking forward to experiencing ‘out of comfort zone’ travel that pushes them to the limits, there will be an influx of niche experiences encouraging people to push their travel escapades to the extreme. Unsurprisingly, this ‘culture shook’ Indian traveller is also partial to throwing caution to the wind, with 46% wanting to buy a one way ticket in 2023 and follow their instinct wherever it takes them.
Glamorising the Good ol’ Days: Amid the desire for escapism, people intend to carve out travel experiences that harken back to simpler times, with nostalgic getaways 95% that provide the thrill of reliving the glory days top of the wishlist in 2023. There’s a desire – even for millennials and Gen-Zs who never lived it – to disappear into the romanticism of a pre-digital era, with 28% of Indian travellers chasing experiences that evoke (faux) emotive memories of days gone past, such as visiting landmarks or attractions featured in iconic retro films or opting for a bus as a primary mode of transport to live the group spirit of school trips.
Travellers are no longer forfeiting play in favour of rest and relaxation, with 76% Indians increasingly seeking the adrenaline rush of theme parks , and drawing on the imagination with activities such as escape rooms, scavenger hunts and building fortresses with giant building blocks. Millennial travellers will be first to book emerging era-themed accommodation that transport them back to a time they hold close to their hearts, and will likely be doing so with family by their side 54% with ‘family reunion’ multi-generational trips top of the travel agenda in 2023.
Peace and Pleasure Pilgrimages: Travel is set to take ‘mind, body and soul’ wellness to the next level in 2023 – a fully immersive, no-holds-barred approach to attaining peace and pleasure including less conventional ways to feel bliss. Seeking to recenter the mind, meditation and mindfulness getaways are ever popular with 70% Indian travelers while 63% aim to find peace at a silent retreat and 59% are keen to go on a health hiatus that focuses on mental health, transformative health or that helps with life milestones such as menopause or pregnancy.
For those seeking enhanced spiritual experiences to stir the soul, alternative substances such as cannabis or plant-based psychedelics like ayahuasca or mushrooms will become a more mainstream offering, with 64% keen to try this kind of experimental wellness experience as part of their 2023 travels.
From Daily Grind to Great Company Escape: A step change from the ‘work from anywhere’ policy that are now almost as commonplace as annual leave, employees are increasingly keen to preserve vacation time for complete escapism. 75% Indians want their trips to be strictly work free in 2023, and while 64% are not interested in working while away, they would consider clocking in for a company retreat or trip. As such, travelling for business will be back in 2023.
2023 will see a rise in destination business retreats where the focus will be on strengthening relationships and corporate recreation rather than work. In fact, 68% of the Indian workforce is looking forward to their employer planning a ‘real life’ work trip to bring people together and 69% would like to see their employer use the money saved from the shift to remote/hybrid working models spent on corporate travel or retreats. In response, Businesses stand to see benefits, too – 76% of Indians believe exploring new places will inspire them to be more productive at work.
Saving to Splurge: Indian travellers in 2023 will continue to prioritise travel but will be more mindful over how to make the most of their travel budget and what takes precedence. 69% of Indian travellers will invest in a vacation as it remains a top priority for them, but being budget conscious is key, with nearly 75% Indians continuing to spotlight travel while seeking more bang for their buck.
2023 will see financially-savvy itinerary curation at its finest, with people planning travel budgets more tightly by taking advantage of deals, hacks and smartly-timed travel and prioritising value for money with discounts and loyalty programs. 69% Indians will look to save money by considering off-season destinations or longer routes on the journey, while 72% will be planning travel more in advance in the hope to secure a better deal. 71% believe the best use of their budget is to opt for one or two longer vacations instead of several short breaks.
Within this context, Indian travellers are also surprisingly prepared to dial up their spend – and even splurge – on the components of their trip that mean the most to them. 70% admit that they plan to be more indulgent in their spending habits while on vacation to make up for the lack of travel during the last couple of years, while 67% plan to spend lavishly to ensure they maximise their trip and every experience is worth it.’
Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com comments, “The years of pandemic gave us a chance to reminisce and acknowledge that travel should not be taken for granted. Our Travel predictions 2023 research demonstrates a desire for travel to be a way to seek unapologetic moments of happiness and escapism to counteract the heavy realities of our news feeds. At Booking.com our aim will continue to be to make it easier for everyone to seek their unique travel bliss in a more personalised and connected way in the year ahead and beyond.”
Scoot Attains International Air Transport Association (IATA) Membership
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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-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
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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
