COSTA SERENA RESTARTS IN ASIA: COSTA IS THE FIRST COMPANY TO RESUME OUTBOUND CRUISES DEDICATED TO SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN

After two cruises out of Thailand, from June to October 2023 Costa Serena will sail on a total of thirty-five cruises from South Korea and Taiwan to Japan, featuring Italian style experiences.

Costa Cruises announces that Costa Serena returned to service in Asia.  After two cruises between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Costa Serena departed today from the port of Busan, in South Korea, heading to Nagasaki and Yatsushiro, in Japan.  It is the first outbound cruise to resume in South Korea after the end of cruise travel restrictions.

"With the departure of Costa Serena from Busan, we celebrate a historic event for cruises in Asia. We are, in fact, the first company to resume outbound cruises dedicated to South Korea, and soon also to Taiwan, after the pause due to travel restrictions caused by the pandemic. It’s a very important moment for the recovery of the cruise industry in Asia. We achieved this significant result thanks to our historic presence in Asia and established relationship with local partners and institutions" - said Mario Zanetti, President of Costa Cruises.

From June to October 2023, Costa Serena will be operating a program of “charter” cruises in Asia, in cooperation with local travel partners. The total number of cruises is thirty-five. Eight cruises, in June and October 2023, will be dedicated to the South Korean market; from July to October 2023 another twenty-seven cruises are planned for the Taiwan market.

IHCL Expands Its Presence In Uttarakhand, Signs A Seleqtions Hotel In Naukuchiatal

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a resort in Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand. This is a conversion and will be rebranded an IHCL – SeleQtions hotel after extensive renovations and expansion.

L To R: Suma Venkatesh and Puneet Chhatwal (MD&CEO) of IHCL, Mukund Prasad and Vibhas Prasad of Leisure Hotels Group

Commenting on the signing, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “The signing of this hotel is in line with IHCL’s vision of expanding its presence in the leisure destinations. Naukuchiatal is a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand’s lake district. Nestled amidst the Kumaon Himalayas it provides easy access to other popular hill stations in the state. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Leisure Hotels Group for our fifth hotel together.”

The 88-room resort, sprawled over 4 acres elegantly borders the famous Naukuchiatal Lake, offering panoramic views of the water and the scenic splendor of the Himalayan foothills. It will boast of a range of dining options, including an all-day diner, a bar, and a specialty restaurant on the decks overlooking the shimmering lake. The property also offers a swimming pool, spa, gymnasium, and spacious indoor and outdoor venues for social gatherings and corporate events. 

Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL for our fifth property. The company with its pioneering efforts has put many destinations on the global tourist map. This will bring Kumaon in Uttarakhand on the tourism circuit while fostering invaluable support to the local community. We believe it will transform the hospitality landscape in the region.”  

With the addition of this, IHCL has nine hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Uttarakhand including four under development

IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces Effortless Wi-Fi Connection for Guests Worldwide

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), a leading hotel company with a global presence, is thrilled to announce the launch of a new mobile product feature – IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect. A first-of-its-kind innovation available at scale in hotels, this feature is now available exclusively in the IHG One Rewards mobile app for both iOS and Android users and will automatically connect IHG One Rewards members to Wi-Fi upon arrival at more than 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide – no separate passwords or logins needed!

IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect is enabled by the newly redesigned IHG app and IHG’s proprietary internet solution, IHG One Rewards Wi-Fi. Globally, the company logs more than 5.3 million monthly Wi-Fi logins. With this new solution, guests who opt-in via their mobile devices will join the internet upon entering a hotel without having to worry about separate login codes or passwords, saving time and enjoying a better user experience. A one-time set-up is required via the app where the member user can enable auto connection via settings. The functionality empowers guests visiting a hotel for a meeting, overnight stay or dining at a restaurant in a hotel.

“We know that our guests expect seamless instant connectivity and convenience, especially when it comes to Wi-Fi. At IHG, we are constantly looking for ways to enhance the guest experience, and IHG Wi-Fi Auto Connect is just one example of how we’re doing that,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President, Global Guest Experience, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “The solution will deliver IHG One Rewards members with even better connectivity and a seamless experience across 5,000+ hotels around the world.”

Motivated to improve the guest experience for loyalty members, the company continues to innovate and prioritize technology, comfort, and convenience. In addition to the improved Wi-Fi experience, the app has new enhancements designed for speed and convenience, including a new lock screen widget feature on iOS. Widgets allow guests to see their points balance and upcoming stays from the lock screen of their device, and to quickly launch the app. The app has also recently launched booking features allowing guests to select room enhancements during booking, including rooms with specific views or more space.

TravClan Expands Global Reach through Strategic Partnerships with Middle East Government Bodies and Tourism Boards

May 2023, New Delhi: TravClan, a global B2B Travel Tech Platform, has entered into strategic partnerships with the government bodies and tourism boards of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to continue to reshape the way travel agents sell and deliver exceptional travel experiences worldwide.

Expected to attract over 2 lakh new consumers to the Middle East, these alliances stand to generate a potential 20% revenue growth in the next 3 years for 15,000+ travel agents who would get a chance to learn more about offerings of the region.

"Our partnerships are critical in achieving our mission to boost tourism in the Middle East," said Chirag Agrawal, Co-founder of TravClan. "They underline our commitment to showcase the region's incredible offerings and foster trust and confidence among travelers worldwide.” Through the partnerships, TravClan, aims to increase awareness amongst travel professionals regarding the vast choice of on-ground travel services and unique experiences these destinations have to offer.TravClan, in recent collaborations with tourism boards, has organized exclusive events, fostering networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing among over 1000 travel industry professionals. These initiatives align with TravClan’s broader vision to empower SMBs in the travel sector globally, enabling their business growth and success.

One such successful collaboration has been with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), resulting in a series of joint marketing activities promoting Saudi Arabia. These campaigns, centered around the FIFA World Cup and the ongoing IPL, significantly boosted awareness among the travel agent community and travelers, resulting in a surge in traffic with over 3000 passengers choosing Saudi Arabia as their preferred destination.

"Saudi is a new, unique leisure destination that is untapped and unexplored," said Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority. “As the true home of Arabia, Saudi offers rich cultural and heritage sites, pristine nature, and diverse landscapes, ideal for the curious, adventurous Indian traveler. Our partnership with TravClan is critical to unlocking opportunities for growth and position Saudi as a must-visit destination."

Joint marketing campaigns with Dubai and Abu Dhabi also yielded remarkable results, with a surge in traffic of over 20,000 passengers in the last 4 months. This success can be attributed to TravClan's ability to leverage technology to offer superior travel services at affordable prices, coupled with the commitment shown by the Dubai and Abu Dhabi government to create unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

TravClan, recognized as a leading tech-enabled global destination management company, boasts a local on-ground presence in over 18 destinations worldwide, ensuring delightful experiences at every step of the journey. As the summer season unfolds, travelers can look forward to exciting adventures, cherished family moments, and awe-inspiring experiences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

About TravClan:

TravClan is a global B2B Travel Tech Platform that is reshaping the way travel agents sell and deliver exceptional travel experiences worldwide. With a strong focus on cutting-edge technology and seamless customer experiences, TravClan empowers 15,000+ travel agents to sell travel online while providing comprehensive end-to-end on-ground travel services with local on-ground presence in over 18 destinations worldwide.

SAYAJI HOTELS EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN MAHARASHTRA WITH THE LAUNCH OF ‘EFFOTEL SAROLA’

Sayaji Hotels, synonymous with luxury and excellence is now proud to unveil its newest addition in Pune, ‘Effotel Sarola’. Centrally located on the Pune-Bangalore highway, the hotel is well-connected to prominent commercial and industrial zones including the Sarola,Shiwal, Khandala &Faltan MIDC, and Pune IT Park. Mr. Ajit Dada Pawar, Former DCM & Opposition Leader of Maharashtra officially unveiled Effotel Sarola in the presence of prominent dignitaries.

Announcing the launch, Mr. Jameel Sayed, Director – of Business Development, Sayaji Hotels Ltd. said, “We are delighted to expand our presence in Maharashtra with the launch of Effotel Sarola, our sixth property in the State. The hotel perfectly epitomizes the brand’s core values of offering immaculate service and impeccable hospitality. We currently operate 22 properties nationally and have embarked on an ambitious expansion plan to establish our footprints in Gir, Panchgini, Udaipur, Lonavala, Khandala, Harda, and Satara in the coming years. The group overall plans to have 50 operational hotels nationally in the next 2 years. We are buoyant on the industry's growth in the Pune district that has fuelled demand for upscale mid-market hotels in this region. With the launch of Effotel Sarola, we move a step forward to establish our presence across prominent destinations nationally.”

Mr. Bhalchandra Jagtap, Founder, of Maee Hotels and Hospitalities Private Limited, said, “We are extremely overwhelmed by the owner-centric strategy adopted by Sayaji Hotels across all the properties they operate. This association enables us to benefit from Effotel’s premium brand image, smart technology, enhanced customer network, and professional expertise. Effotel Sarola with its strategic location, refined elegance, exquisite dining options, well-equipped conference facilities, and other contemporary amenities will perfectly complement the needs of discerning domestic and corporate travelers. We are thrilled to welcome our guests by offering them the signature Sayaji Hospitality experience and look forward to making their stay memorable”.

Effotel Sarola offers 54 well-appointed guest rooms comprising of 42 Premium Rooms, 10 Executive Rooms, and 2 Suites that blend contemporary design with unmatched comfort. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with tea-coffee makers, Wardrobes, Wi-Fi connectivity, LED TVs, and safety lockers. The facilities at the hotel include 24-hour room service, well-equipped with 2 conference rooms, a specialty restaurant, a board room, a banquet hall, Gym & a huge lawn – a perfect place for destination weddings. Guests can enjoy a magnificent culinary journey that spans diverse gastronomic experiences with a blend of multiple flavors and Indian hospitality. The banquet is an ideal venue to host private parties, weddings, and memorable events, while the board room is best suited for corporate meetings and training programs.

Sayaji Hotels is India’s premier upscale lifestyle hospitality brand, renowned for its bespoke experiences, signature hospitality, and ushering in new standards of opulence in the 4-star and 5-star hotels category. It has been at the forefront of the Hospitality Industry for the past 3 decades. The group presently operates 22 properties across India under the brand names Sayaji Hotels, Effotel by Sayaji, and Enrise by Sayaji. Each of the properties boasts luxurious rooms with a host of banqueting and F&B facilities.

Pride Hotels Group announces the launch of Pride Biznotel at Whitefield, Bengaluru

Pride Hotels Group is proud to announce the launch of Pride Biznotel at Whitefield’, Bengaluru. Located in the vibrant Whitefield area of Bengaluru, Pride Biznotel offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience for business travelers. With its strategic location near major business hubs, IT parks, and entertainment centers, the hotel caters to the needs of modern professionals.

Announcing the launch Satyen Jain, CEO of Pride Hotels said, “Expanding our Pride Biznotel brand to multiple locations is a testament to our commitment to meeting the discerning needs of business travelers. With the launch of Pride Biznotel Bengaluru at Whitefield, we are strategically catering to the thriving business community in the IT hub of the city. We look forward to creating memorable experiences for our guests at Pride Biznotel Bengaluru”.

“We are delighted to launch Pride Biznotel at Whitefield, Bengaluru. This will be our second property in the city, with our flagship Pride Hotel Bengaluru located at Richmond Road. Bengaluru has earned the reputation of being the "Silicon Valley of India" due to its thriving IT industry and being home to numerous multinational companies, technology parks, and research institutions. With its strategic location, impressive decor, delectable food options, exceptional banqueting facilities, and a host of hospitality services, we are confident that the hotel will resonate with guests seeking a memorable and comfortable stay” said Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, Pride Hotels Group.

Pride Biznotel at Whitefield, Bengaluru will encompass 65 spacious rooms, a banquet hall, Imperial with capacity of approximately 200 people that includes a board room, Chowki, an Indian cuisine restaurant to cater 150 people, and live kitchen, and a spa, a fitness centre & Cafe Pride a rooftop restobar coming soon. Rooms are equipped with LED TV, mini bar, tea/ coffee maker, Wi-Fi, heater, individual air conditioning, and comfortable beds. 

Pride Hotels Group has a presence in around 56 great locations with 5,390 rooms, 109 restaurants, 152 banquets, lawns, and conference halls. The group 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 Resort” at mesmerizing destinations, Mid-Market segment hotels for every business “Pride Biznotel” and a fresh concept of Premium luxury serviced apartment stays “Pride Suites”. All brands are well appreciated and frequented by celebrities, corporate, and domestic & foreign tourists. 

Current locations are New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Somnath, Bhopal, Haldwani, Ranakpur, Rishikesh, Digha & Rudraprayag. Upcoming locations are Daman, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Agra, Dwaraka, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Bharuch, Haldwani, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rajkot, Kanpur, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Aurangabad, Halol, Yawatmal, Bengaluru, Greater Noida, Motera (Ahmedabad), Lonavala, Ambaji, Veraval, Amritsar among others. 

The Fern Hotels & Resorts opens The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India's leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the opening of its newest property, The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska. Located in the heart of Alwar, Rajasthan, the hotel promises to offer guests a unique and sustainable hospitality experience. This is the company’s 11th operational hotel in Rajasthan, with the other hotels present in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore), and Ajmer. 

"We are thrilled to open our newest property in Alwar, Rajasthan," said Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts. "At The Fern, we are committed to sustainability and environmental conservation and are delighted to bring this ethos to Alwar with our new hotel. Our guests can enjoy a unique and sustainable hospitality experience while contributing to the preservation of the environment."

Mr. Mohit Sharad, Associate Vice President-Sales & Marketing (North & East India) added, "We are confident that The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska, will be a popular choice for guests seeking to host luxurious destination weddings, corporate offsites, and other events in the area, and we promise them exceptional services and memorable experiences."  

Speaking on the Launch Mr. Dinesh Chand Sharma, Managing Director & Mr. Dikshant Sharma, Director, The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska added “We are thrilled to be associated with The Fern Hotels and Resorts. We are confident that our hotel will surely be appealing to the guests looking for a unique and relaxing stay. We are looking forward to this incredible journey.” 

The Fern-An Ecotel Hotel, Alwar-Sariska, is located in the charming and historic city of Alwar in Rajasthan. Offering 57 luxuriously appointed rooms featuring all modern amenities, the hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers. The hotel also offers a range of dining options, including a multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar, serving an array of delicacies and beverages. The hotel’s banquet hall and conference room can accommodate up to 1000 people and its lawns can accommodate up to 4000 guests, making it an ideal choice for weddings, conference meetings and events. Guests can indulge in various leisure activities, including a swimming pool, fitness center and spa. The hotel's prime location also allows guests to explore nearby attractions, including the Sariska Tiger Reserve, the Bala Quila Fort and the Alwar City Palace.

WITH A PORTFOLIO OF 42 HOTELS IN SAUDI ARABIA AND 56 MORE UNDERWAY, ACCOR EXPECTS TO DOUBLE ITS PRESENCE IN THE KINGDOM BY 2027

Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, is pleased to provide an update on its ambitious expansion plans throughout Saudi Arabia, in keeping with the company’s commitment to support Saudi Arabia Vision 2030. Pivotal to these plans, are three recently announced signings with key strategic owning partners for exciting new hospitality projects: The Rua Al Madinah project, in Madinah; a master-planned development project in Riyadh; and, a multi-city, master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality.

“The future of Saudi Arabia is extremely bright and Accor is accelerating expansion plans to meet the growing demand for modern, multi-faceted experiences – for guests, locals, homeowners, and our investment partners,” said Sébastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO, Accor. “As the largest hotel operator in the Kingdom, we are boldly redefining the way hospitality is delivered throughout Saudi Arabia – bringing together multiple brands, mixing hotels with residences, introducing new food and drink concepts, partnering with acclaimed restaurateurs, and taking hotel-level experiences to new heights. Most importantly, we are leading the industry toward positive hospitality – supporting communities and our environmental and social commitments, in full alignment with the goals of Vision 2030.”

With a 30-year history of operating in the Kingdom, Accor ccontinues to play a key role in the development of tourism throughout Saudi Arabia, through its many existing and upcoming projects in key locations. Accor currently operates 42 properties (16,334 keys) in Saudi Arabia, with a pipeline of 56 properties (10,000+ keys) in development. The new multi-faceted projects will mix hotels with residences and local attractions, while adhering to Accor’s ethical, social, and governing principles that will contribute to a healthier environment and deliver value to its stakeholders, including guests and surrounding communities.

The Rua Al Madinah project, in Madinah, includes a 142-key Fairmont hotel and 120 Fairmont branded residences, in addition to a 466-key Swissôtel and a 328-key Novotel, all set to open over the next several years. In partnership with Rua Al Madinah (RAM) Holding Company, the project will add over 1.5 million square meters of space to the Al Masjid Al Nabawi, known as the Prophet's Mosque. The new properties will be divided among 10 districts and superblocks, featuring the latest technology and smart infrastructure to ensure the operational sustainability of the project and strengthen the position of Madinah as a prestigious religious destination.

Meanwhile, in the city of Riyadh, a new master planned development project will create a luxury hospitality community encompassing a 230-key Raffles hotel, a 250-key Sofitel Serviced Residence, and a 60-villa MGallery resort, all set to open by 2027. In partnership with Erth Real Estate Company, Accor will develop the multi-faceted community, which will also include office towers, residential towers, and retail & commercial space, all built around a centrally located garden area.

Finally, a recently signed master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality will see the development and franchising of 18 Accor hotels in multiple cities across Saudi Arabia, such as Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, over the next ten years. Together, Accor and Amsa will develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets.

“Saudi Arabia presents a burgeoning hospitality sector which offers a host of opportunities to leverage Accor’s diverse ecosystem of hospitality brands, and we are confident the Group will double its presence in the Kingdom over the next five years,” said Jean-Jacques Morin, Group Deputy CEO and Premium, Midscale & Economy Division CEO. “While many of our luxury and lifestyle brands are already well-known throughout the Kingdom, we look forward to establishing a larger presence with our premium, midscale, and economy brands in the country’s fast-growing, second tier cities – particularly in up-and-coming neighborhoods where we can mix hotels, restaurants, workspaces, and entertainment experiences that are as compelling to locals as they are to travelers.”

Over the next year, Accor is expected to open the much-anticipated Raffles Jeddah, along with Fairmont Ramla Serviced Residences Riyadh, Sofitel Riyadh, and Movenpick Waad Al Shamal-Turaif.

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Marriott Bonvoy Collaborates with Dutch Electronic Duo Parallelle to Uncover The Power of Travel Through Sound

Singapore, May 2023 – Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary hotel brands and award-winning travel program, has collaborated with Amsterdam-based multi-instrumentalists and electronic music composers, Parallelle, to inspire travelers in embracing the power of travel through sound. The result is a distinctive five-part music video series inspired by the sounds of places, cultures, and local communities at some of the most sought-after destinations in the Asia Pacific, taking viewers on a melodic journey through picturesque Java, Fiji, Osaka, Bangkok, and Bengaluru.

Heavily inspired by diverse cultures worldwide, the five-part music videos are part of Parallelle’s ongoing film series, ‘A Day In’, where they travel across the globe capturing day-to-day sounds in local communities to unfold rich stories through music. Reputed for his ability to tell rich authentic visual stories, the music videos’ vivid colors, and cinematography are brought to life by the keen eyes and artistic expression of French Cinematographer Arnaud Moro.

“We believe experiencing a destination goes beyond just seeing the sights. It’s about connecting with the local community and immersing yourself in their way of life. Our collaboration with Parallelle does exactly that, allowing travelers to reimagine travel through sound and forge stronger emotional bonds to their favorite destinations. The collaboration not only elevates travel experiences but also showcases the unique beauty and culture of each community we visit. We can't wait to inspire travelers to tap into the power of travel through sound and gain a renewed perspective on what it truly means to explore the world,” shares John Toomey, Vice President,

Sales and Marketing, Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International.

TRAVEL WITH YOUR EARS

From the bustling traffic of Bangkok to the torrential thunderstorms of Java, tootle of traditional South Indian flute Nadaswaram, the acapella choirs of Fiji, and the laughter of shop vendors in Osaka, these characteristic sounds of Asia Pacific showcase the region’s melting pot of diverse cultures. No matter where members travel, they can uncover the signature rhythms that define each destination through videos and music compositions.

With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties across exciting destinations in Asia Pacific, the film series features a handful of exciting properties, including The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Jakarta and Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort & Spa in Indonesia; Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort and Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay in Fiji; W Osaka in Japan; W Bangkok in Thailand; and JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa and JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru in India.

"There is so much more to travel than meets the eye. Through sound, we can experience places and cultures like nothing you’ve ever known,” elaborated Parallelle, Thomas and Julien De Bie. “Our music transcends borders and infuses the richness of destinations, and traditional music and from time to time, spotlights local musicians.  We hope that our music can inspire people to

explore new destinations and cultures."

BRINGING THE POWER OF TRAVEL THROUGH SOUND TO LIFE

As part of the collaboration, Marriott Bonvoy and Parallelle also curated a one-of-a-kind music-focused Marriott Bonvoy Moments, where members had the opportunity to learn how to produce music inspired by the sounds of world culture, mix their own music track at the W Sound Suite at W Bali - Seminyak, before ending the night with VIP access at the iconic Dissolve Weekend festival headlined by the music duo, and including DJ sets by W Bali Seminyak's Damian Saint and Bali-based DJs, DBRA and PAPÜ.

Hyatt to Further Strengthen Position in Luxury with Plans to Acquire Mr & Mrs Smith

Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Mr & Mrs Smith today announced an agreement for a Hyatt affiliate to acquire London-based Mr & Mrs Smith, a platform offering direct booking access to a carefully curated and growing collection of over 1,500 boutique and luxury properties in some of the world’s most desirable locations. Hyatt will acquire 100 percent of the asset-light Mr & Mrs Smith platform for an enterprise value of £53.0 million in cash consideration.

Kamats restaurant installs Sanitary Napkin Vending Machines

Hygienic and clean washrooms have been a prominent issue in the rural parts of our country. When we travel on the highways from one city to another, the one problem every woman and child faces is finding a hygienic washroom in between their journey. There are many public washrooms that we pass through, but hygiene is something that we cannot count on. To eradicate this problem once and for all, Kamats Restaurants, being a highway restaurant brand made it a mission to become a pit-stop with having a clean washroom, changing rooms, and pocket-friendly fresh food, keeping the quality of food persistent.

When asked Dr. Vikram Kamat about his thoughts on the same, he said, "Kamats has always been serving fresh and hygienic food to all its customers but when I joined the business, the first thing I tried focusing on, was the hygiene factor of our washrooms. A lot of road travelers in our country choose internationally famous brands for using their washrooms while they crave eating hot and fresh Indian meals. This made me think about the importance of clean washrooms for Indian road travelers along with great food. Therefore trying to bridge this gap we have ventured into making all Kamats provide not only hygienic food but also clean washrooms so that our guests can eat and freshen up in comfort at the same pit stop.”

He further added saying, “Along with clean washrooms, beginning from Kamats Karad, we have also started installing sanitary napkin vending machines at our women's washrooms. This will not only help our business but also improve us as a community and make Indian highway restaurants a preferred option too. This initiative is also aimed at our country's overall mission towards good hygiene and promoting local businesses and Kamats being an iconic brand it only makes us proud to contribute towards our own country and society.”

The Westin Resort & Spa Himalayas partners with The Plus Initiative supported by THSC to provide skill training to the youth in Uttarakhand

National, May 2023 - The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas has announced a partnership with The Plus Initiative, a joint project between The Job Plus and Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, to empower the youth and create a skilled workforce for the hospitality industry. Under this program, individuals are recruited and trained as per the standard operating procedures of the hotel they will eventually join thereby deploying them at those hotels on successful completion of the course.

The pilot project launched with The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, is aimed at providing training and skill development to the youth from the state of Uttarakhand. This initiative is a fine example of Marriott International's core value of ‘Spirit to Serve’ and takes forward Marriott’s long-standing commitment to take care of the communities where they operate.

"With our partnership with The Plus Initiative, we aim to provide skill development opportunities for the youth in Uttarakhand to help them turn their dreams into reality. We have a responsibility and an opportunity to be a force for good, and we are excited to be a part of their success story in this industry. With this initiative we mark a step forward in our commitment to continuously evolve and adopt progressive career programs” said Mr. Amardeep Singh, General Manager of The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas is committed to empowering individuals, creating opportunities for them, and helping them reach their full potential. With this partnership, the resort aims to provide a platform for the youth of Uttarakhand to receive industry-ready training and develop the necessary skills required to excel in the hospitality sector. The program focuses on training and developing various skill sets such as culinary arts, food and beverage, front office, and housekeeping. Currently, 30 students are working with the hotel after the successful completion of the 3-month program.

The Plus Initiative is a unique concept that will enable the deployment of a ready workforce in the hospitality sector. The project concentrates on generating employment for a pool of qualified candidates, using the Recruit, Train & Deploy Model with the assistance of training partners, in accordance with the employer’s requirements. The program aims to train the youth from local communities to excel in their roles and contribute to the growth of the industry.

The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas, and The Plus Initiative are committed to creating a positive impact on the youth of Uttarakhand and the hospitality industry. With this partnership, they aim to create pathways to careers in the industry that is all set to continue growing in years to come. 

The Anam Mui Ne Recognised Among World’s Top Boutique Independent Resorts

The Anam Mui Ne, a remarkable resort with a design inspired by the Indochine era, has joined an exclusive selection of the globe’s leading boutique independent luxury properties – the Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) portfolio.

The resort, which opened in January this year on the Mui Ne beach, is the first Vietnamese property to join SLH, deemed the most desirable community of independently minded travelers and independently spirited hotels in the world. 

Hotels must undergo a stringent vetting process and conform to the highest standards of luxury and guest well-being before being accepted into the SLH’s characterful collection of intimate spaces in unusual places

Headquartered in London with offices worldwide, SLH represents 520 hotels in more than 90 countries that are anti-chain and anti-same and offer secluded, discrete options. Benefits for SLH’s traveling members include discounts on bookings, early check-in, and late check-out, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, and more.

The Anam Mui Ne’s founder and owner Pham Van Hien said he and the resort’s team were thrilled to be recognized by such a prestigious group that shared his passion for an intimate, classic, and distinctly Vietnamese hotel brand that is a welcome counterpoint to the industrialized hotel chains.  

“It is an absolute honor to join SLH and for The Anam Mui Ne, crafted by age-old artisans from across Vietnam, to be recognized as the collection’s first Vietnamese property,” said Mr Hien. 

The appointment of The Anam Group’s group general manager Laurent Myter as a member of the International Advisory Board of Hoteliers for SLH’s APAC region marks the first time that a representative from Vietnam has had a seat on the advisory board.  He was previously an executive director and the president of SLH’s International Advisory Board of Hoteliers for three years and two years respectively.

Perched on 1.2 hectares of spectacular oceanfront, the independently owned and operated resort is blazing new ground in Mui Ne, a popular beach town within an easy commute from Ho Chi Minh City.  With 127 elegant rooms and suites, two restaurants and a bar, a five-treatment-room spa, two spacious swimming pools - one fresh water and the other saltwater – a ballroom, conference rooms, water sports center, fitness center, yoga room, kid’s club, gift shop and more, The Anam Mui Ne is redefining the benchmarks of an upscale experience at Mui Ne.

Borrowing deeply from the templates of architecture inspired by the grand old French villas in Hanoi and the garden homes of Central Vietnam, the resort pays homage to both colonial-era and classic Vietnamese aesthetics. To wit, the customized encaustic mosaic tiles, Cham decorative vases and statues on plinths, teak furniture crafted from sustainable forests, stone from Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, and authentic thatched roofs from Binh Thuan. 

The Anam Mui Ne has a ban on single-use plastics and has implemented an array of measures to reduce its carbon footprint ranging from solar power and locally sourced ingredients. Laundry water is recycled to water the gardens. Straws, bags, and bathroom amenities are biodegradable. The resort’s eco-friendly key cards are also made of wood that’s been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

The Anam Mui Ne is preceded by the 2017 launch of The Anam Cam Ranh, that’s been lauded by some of the industry’s highest accolades.

All eyes on Italy as IHG Hotels & Resorts hails six new luxury and lifestyle hotels

IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies, more than doubles its luxury and lifestyle presence in Italy, cementing its presence in this key growth market.

The six new hotels are a result of IHG’s commitment to sustainable growth across Europe, and they include highly anticipated openings for Six Senses and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts in the capital city of Rome, and four further signings, a Vignette Collection property in Rome, and Hotel Indigo hotels in Florence, Turin and Trieste.

Eric Viale, Managing Director, Southern Europe, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “The addition of these hotels across our luxury and lifestyle portfolio is a meaningful contribution to IHG’s growth in Italy, which is a key market for us. It is also a reflection of the confidence our owners have in the success of our brands, as well as the trust our guests have in the experience they deliver.

“From our upper luxury Six Senses offering and glamour of the InterContinental life, right through to the originality of our Vignette Collection brand and the boutique neighbourhood charm of Hotel Indigo, our differentiated brands are well-positioned in a country like Italy; a market where we are seeing much investment from our partners in luxury and lifestyle projects - making the most of growing consumer appetite for refined travel and stay experiences. To support that, we are proud to have increased our local development infrastructure, with the appointment of Fabrizio Piolanti, Director Development, Italy.”

While the new Six Senses and Vignette Collection properties mark brand debuts in Italy, the three new Hotel Indigo properties join a strong existing footprint in Verona, Venice, Rome and Milan:

• NOW OPEN: Six Senses Rome – Opened on 16 March, the hotel offers 12 different room types across its 96 keys, with options including secluded rooms with courtyard views and suites facing the bustling Via del Corso and neighbouring San Marcello al Corso Church. Guests can indulge in the Eat With Six Senses ethos, from all-day dining BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar or up high on NOTOS Rooftop. Read more about this hotel’s opening here.

• NOW OPEN: InterContinental Rome Ambasciatori Palace has opened on the legendary Via Veneto. Featuring 160 rooms and luxury suites, the hotel embodies both charm and historical splendour. Multiple culinary options will be available, Scarpetta NYC, serving elevated Italian and American cuisine, Charlie's Rooftop and Anita’s Bar and Lounge. Charlie's Rooftop will be the only roof top venue in the city open all year round. Read more about this hotel’s opening here.

• OPEN SOON: Hotel Indigo Florence will open its doors in the second half of 2023 in the heart of the city, walking distance to major historic monuments and exclusive shopping areas. Opening together with Grape Hospitality following a full conversion and renovation, the hotel will offer 160 guest rooms and mark IHG’s return to the city.

• IN THE PIPELINE: Hotel Alexandra, Vignette Collection – Signed together with Molo Hotel Group and expected to open in the first half of 2025, Hotel Alexandra will enjoy its location on the established Via Veneto, just minutes from the Spanish steps and Trevi Fountain. Offering 81 guest rooms, a restaurant on Via Veneto and gym the hotel will become IHG’s first Vignette Collection property in Italy. 

• IN THE PIPELINE: Hotel Indigo Turin – This 50-room hotel will open in the coming months together with partners Gruppo CHC. To be located in the historic heart of Turin close to the Piazza Castello, Royal Theatre and Gardens, will benefit from leisure guests, business travellers and event goers to the local Pala Olimpico. 

• IN THE PIPELINE: Hotel Indigo Trieste - Palazzo Kalister, – Partnering once again with Gruppo CHC, this conversion project will see an historical palace built in the 19th century transformed to a Hotel Indigo hotel set to open in late 2025. This hotel will enjoy the growing local area, whose Italian/ Slovenian border location has recently seen strong investment due to its local port, increase in cruise ship tourism and opening of a convention centre. 

IHG has 27 hotels* operating under six* brands in Italy including Crowne Plaza, Hotel Indigo, voco Hotels, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. There are a further seven* properties in the pipeline, all but one of which are in the luxury and lifestyle space.

*Numbers as at 31 March 2023

The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023 selection has been revealed

With 3 new one MICHELIN Star restaurants and one new

two Starred, the 2023 edition of the MICHELIN Guide Dubai confirms the appeal of this culinary hotspot

• The MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023 selection has been revealed, highlighting 3 new one MICHELIN Star restaurants, 1 new two MICHELIN Stars restaurant and 2 new MICHELIN Green Star restaurants

• Last week, 17 Bib Gourmand restaurants were announced, including 3 new ones

• This selection features 90 restaurants in total, and 23 different types of cuisine

Michelin revealed, at the Atlantis The Royal hotel, its new selection of restaurants in the MICHELIN Guide Dubai 2023. A total of 90 restaurants, covering 23 different types of cuisine, have caught the attention of the famously anonymous MICHELIN inspectors.

For this second edition, the MICHELIN Guide Dubai recognizes three new one MICHELIN Star restaurants, and one new two MICHELIN Stars restaurant, as well as 17 Bib Gourmands which were unveiled on May 16th.

“We never had any doubt about Dubai’s culinary potential, and this year this fascinating destination confirms its gastronomic appeal” says Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides, “From international visitors and professionals to local gourmets, everyone wants to be part of Dubai’s very unique energy. Dubai boasts many diverse culinary concepts, from Peruvian to Emirati, modern French, traditional British to contemporary Japanese, ensuring that everyone feels at home here. We’re so pleased to witness its gastronomic growth on an international scale.”

One new restaurant awarded two MICHELIN Stars

Trèsind Studio receives two MICHELIN Stars after being awarded its first MICHELIN Star last year. Its cuisine has continued to evolve in such an impressive way; its dishes are highly original, precise and at times intriguing and make dining here a truly unforgettable experience. The inspectors are pleased to reward this commitment to culinary excellence with two MICHELIN Stars.

Il Ristorante - Niko Romito and STAY by Yannick Alléno, both awarded two MICHELIN Stars in 2022, retain their distinction this year.

3 restaurants newly awarded one MICHELIN Star

Dubai adds 3 new one MICHELIN Star restaurants to its constellation.

avatāra, under talented chef Rahul Rana and his team, elevates vegetarian cuisine to the next level. Their beautiful dishes feature exquisite combinations of flavours and textures, resulting in accomplished Indian cuisine that amazed the famously anonymous inspectors.

Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, located on the first floor of the Atlantis The Royal hotel, is a restaurant that delights diners with its on-view kitchen. Sister to the original in London and offering British dishes from across the centuries, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal arrives in the selection with one MICHELIN Star.

Last year, Chef Solemann Haddad received the MICHELIN Young Chef Award 2022, but this year, his restaurant, moonrise, confirmed its potential and is awarded one MICHELIN Star. Dinner here features 10 dishes, each with their own story, where Middle Eastern ingredients are prepared using Japanese techniques, for a result as original as it is stimulating.

All the restaurants awarded one MICHELIN Star in the 2022 selection maintain their distinction this year.

17 restaurants receive a Bib Gourmand

Last week, the MICHELIN Guide unveiled its Bib Gourmand selection for 2023, with 3 new additions: 21 Grams, 3Fils and Aamara; giving a total of 17 restaurants.

All the 2022 Bib Gourmand maintained their distinction this year.

2 restaurants receive a MICHELIN Green Star for their commitment to more sustainable gastronomy

Launched in 2020, the MICHELIN Green Star highlights those restaurants at the forefront of sustainable practices, offering gastronomic experiences while adopting an environmentally inspiring approach.

Two restaurants receive a MICHELIN Green Star in this 2023 Dubai selection:

Boca, a new addition to the Guide, offers joyful and sunny Mediterranean cuisine while following an impressive sustainable ethos that includes using local produce, proactive and conscious waste management, valuing resources, and using renewable energy.

Teible is a cool eatery whose menus showcase seasonal, local ingredients combined with innovation and simplicity to enhance their potential. The tasty cooking illustrates a sustainable approach focusing on seasonality and integrity.

IHCL SIGNS ITS THIRD HOTEL IN INDORE, MADHYA PRADESH

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the signing of a SeleQtions branded hotel in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The currently operational property will be rebranded SeleQtions.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “The signing of this hotel further strengthens our presence in the strategically important state of Madhya Pradesh. Indore, its financial capital lies in proximity to major industrial hubs and is home to several large IT parks. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have three of its brands in the city, which is in line with its commercial potential. The hotel is slated to open this fiscal after the quick conversion. We are delighted to partner with Winway Group for this project.”

The 125-keys hotel is situated in the heart of Indore’s commercial hub. Guests can enjoy a variety of global and local cuisines at the all-day dining restaurant, bar, and specialty restaurant. Recreational facilities will include a swimming pool and gym. The hotel will also offer state-of-the-art banqueting spaces spread over 6,400 square feet.

Mr. Sahil Wadhwani and Mr. Vansh Wadhwani, Partners,, Winway Group said, “We are delighted to bring the SeleQtions brand to Indore in partnership with IHCL. We believe this will transform the hospitality landscape in the city.”

Indore, on the banks of Kanh and Saraswati rivers is the most populous city in Madhya Pradesh. It has been consistently declared as India’s cleanest city. It is a major transit point for pilgrimage to Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain.

With this addition, IHCL has ten hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Madhya Pradesh including three under development.

About Winway Group

The Winway Group has interests in Real Estate, Residential, Corporate and Hospitality Projects in Indore. Promoted by the Wadhwani family, Winway Group has completed multiple projects such as WOW Hotel, Winway Hotel, real estate developments such as Winway World Offices, The Ambiance by Winway, The Winway Centre and Heaven Homes to name a few.

IHG to open 12 ‘ Next Generation’ Holiday Inn Express hotels across Saudi Arabia under MDA with Tashyid for Hotel Operations

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, across 18 distinct brands, has signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Tashyid for Hotel Operations, which will see the development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. . With Ministry of Tourism encouraging such investments in the Kingdom, the signing took place in the presence Mr. Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister for Destination Enablement.

The agreement will allow IHG to expand and diversify its mainstream offering across Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand being created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.

As a world-renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by providing a launch pad for guests to make their connection and is highly suitable and well-positioned for new-age smart travellers visiting Saudi Arabia across business, leisure, and meetings segments, including Saudi’s biggest and growing demographic of millennials and Generation Z travellers.

As part of the agreement, IHG has also signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel with Tashyid for Hotels Operations Limited which will debut the brand in Jeddah by June 2025. Marking a key milestone for the brand in the Kingdom, the 300-room hotel will be located on Al Madinah Road, one of the busiest areas in the city. Providing a best-in-class experience, guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Jeddah will feature amenities such as high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, premium bedding, and pillow options to ensure guests have a restful stay. The hotel will also offer signature complimentary ‘Express Start Breakfast’, speedy check-in, and power showers to ensure guests are recharged for the day.

Known for its success in the upper-midscale segment and understanding of the ‘Next Gen Smart traveller’, Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi Arabia will debut reimagined public spaces and guest rooms that blend trendy and efficient design with local aesthetic. Modelled on market specific research focused on the Millennial and Gen Z Saudi traveller, the hotels will offer guest experience reflecting their lifestyle and needs. The public spaces will serve as lively and engaging spaces featuring a revamped F&B offering, while the guest rooms will offer a balance of home comforts with smart design giving guests flexibility to better support their routine. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: "As we continue to expand our presence and diversify our offering, in line with Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy, we are delighted to announce a partnership with Tashyid for Hotel Operations to further grow our Holiday Inn Express offering in the Kingdom for domestic and international travellers alike.

He added: Saudi Vision 2030 has created tremendous opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry, and we see an increasing demand for our brands across segments. Holiday Inn Express is a great offering for smart travellers who seek a hassle free and efficient stay experience, and we are looking forward to providing this experience to guests across a country, in the coming years.

Falih Motasim Hajaj, Chief Executive Officer of Tashyid added: “ We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to enable our rapid expansion within Saudi Arabia, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030. With the Kingdom marking its presence on a global tourism map, working with leading industry partners such as IHG is key to helping set new standards of hospitality, embrace innovation and ultimately achieve a diversified economy.”

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s fastest growing brand with currently over 3000 operating hotels, globally.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 39 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 30 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.

Marriott Bonvoy expands India presence of its Extended Stay Brand, opens its third property Marriott Executive Apartments in Navi Mumbai

Marriott Executive Apartments, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 30 leading brands, is delighted to announce the launch of its apartment-style accommodations with Marriott Executive Apartments, Navi Mumbai. Curated for the ambitious and adventurous minded traveller, seeking a premium and trusted stay experience, defined by tailored services and sophisticated style, Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai offers spacious and modern living, where travellers can combine work and leisure trips to connect with family and friends.

“We are pleased to announce the opening of our second Marriott Executive Apartments in Mumbai, catering to the new segment of ‘bleisure’ travellers looking to mix business and leisure travel by creating a ‘home from home’ feeling for their longer stays,” said Ranju Alex – Area Vice President- South Asia, Marriott International. The Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai enhances our extended stay and serviced apartments offering and underlines our commitment to providing a full range of accommodation options with the highest quality and standards of service”.

Located within 45 minutes from the Mumbai International Airport, the 129 modern residential apartments include standard rooms, studios, junior suites, one-bedroom apartments and a presidential suite overlooking the Navi Mumbai skyline on one side and the pristine Parsik Hills on the other. At Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai guests can enjoy the convenience of a five-star, full- service hotel with the space, ambience, and privacy of residential living. Each apartment and junior suite are equipped with a kitchenette, coffeemaker, microwave, walk-in wardrobe, and a dedicated workspace with complimentary wi-fi so guests can live comfortably, and thrive during their stay.

The Marriott Executive Apartments houses two distinct dining venues. Hill View Café, the all-day dining venue seats 202 covers and is paired with breath-taking hill views. The buffet is an indulgent spread comprising of local and international favourites, topped with wood-fired oven pizzas and homemade fresh pastas. The Lobby Lounge provides a bright, vibrant space where guests can relax, socialise, or work while enjoying freshly baked pastries, healthy salads, and wraps — the ideal meal for business travellers while on the go.

Conveniently located in the central business district of Navi Mumbai, the hotel’s wide range of meeting and events spaces extends over 2236 square metres, and includes two sophisticated boardrooms, and two versatile ballrooms with an attached terrace. Each of the meeting spaces comes with prefixed LCD screens for ease of business along with customised themed breaks.

Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai also offers exemplary leisure facilities with the likes of a hillside panoramic outdoor pool, a fully equipped fitness centre, a rejuvenating spa, and a kid’s playroom.

“We are thrilled to announce the opening of Marriott Executive Apartments Navi Mumbai, a hotel that draws inspiration from its locale, surrounded with breath-taking views of the ocean, hills, and cityscapes captured from its rooms and dining venues. Our aim is to provide the luxury of space with home-like amenities, and experiences for independent travellers and families seeking extended stays” said Siddharth Sathe, General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments, Navi Mumbai

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Open InterContinental Sapporo in late 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced an agreement with AXA Life Insurance Company to open InterContinental Sapporo in late 2025. InterContinental Sapporo will be IHG’s fifth hotel in Hokkaido, its first luxury hotel In Sapporo and its eleventh InterContinental-branded hotel in Japan.

InterContinental Sapporo will debut on the upper floors (9th to 14th floors) of a new building in the "AXA Sapporo Nakajima Park Project", which was announced today by AXA. Alongside the hotel’s two dining venues, lounge, bar, function room, indoor pool and gym, the hotel will feature 149 spacious guest rooms that range from a spacious 42 square metre lead-in room all the way up to a 159 square metre suite.

The hotel will feature a high-end, residence-like offering, with color coordination reminiscent of the nature of Hokkaido. With floor-to-ceiling windows that afford views of Nakajima Park and Toyohira River, guests will experience the rich nature of Sapporo from the comfort of their room.

The hotel’s public space will include areas that bring different natural expressions to life: the front lobby with a water feature, the library lounge with a fireplace, and the lounge area surrounded by lush greenery.