Preferred Hotels & Resorts Welcomes 26 New Member Hotels

Key Take Away

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has welcomed 26 new member hotels across 14 destinations in the past four months, from January 1 and April 30, 2020, with the new additions ranging from the iconic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida, to the soon-to-open Montage Healdsburg in Sonoma County, California.

Preferred Hotels & Resorts continues to position itself as the brand of choice for independent hotels because we offer our member hotels the freedom to compete on their own terms – not just when it’s convenient for us – while inviting them to tap into Preferred’s global reach as a rich complement to their individual efforts.”

All 26 new member hotels are bookable via PreferredHotels.com, and travel advisors can book stays for their clients via the GDS with Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ “PH” and “PV” chain codes.

For More Information Click below:

www.PreferredHotels.com. 

 www.PreferredHotels.com/Freedom.

preferredhotels.com/bulletin/preferred-hotels-resorts-welcomes-26-new-member-hotels

NRAI launches New Chapter in Chandigarh, appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head

Key Take Away

National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) represents the interests of 500000+ restaurants across India. The Indian Restaurant Industry’s leading Association India launches New Chapter in Chandigarh and appoints Sunveer Sondhi as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter

Commenting on his new role as Head of NRAI’s Chandigarh Chapter, He said, “It is my honour to take up the responsibility as the Head of NRAI Chandigarh Chapter. “

For More Information Click Below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/NRAI-launches-New-Chapter-in-Chandigarh-appoints-Sunveer-Sondhi-as-the-Head-/03-06-2020-194118/

Asif Iqbal joins as Executive Chef at Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway

Key Take Away

Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway appoints Chef Asif Iqbal as their Executive Chef. Armed with over 14 years of culinary experience, He brings a dynamic and innovative energy to Holiday Inn Chennai’s diverse culinary scene.

By joining Holiday Inn Chennai OMR IT Expressway as an Executive Chef, it would be his second innings with the IHG Brand.

He firmly believes, “‘Respect for food’ has always been significant value in my family and my inspiration to pick up this profession is my ‘Mother’.  Food is the harmony of life and kitchen is the cradle where I want to spend the rest of my breaths.”

For More Information click below:

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Asif-Iqbal-joins-as-Executive-Chef-at-Holiday-Inn-Chennai-OMR-IT-Expressway/05-06-2020-194286/

Sri Lanka to open Borders for Tourists on 1st August with 100$ Visa Fee, Minimum 5 Days Stay and COVID Test on Arrival

Key Take Away

From August 1, 2020, the following airports; Bandaranaike International Airport [BIA], Colombo Ratmalana Airport [RMA], and Mattala Rajapaksa Hambantota Airport [MRIA] will resume operations to greet tourist arrivals.

According to visa procedures, all travelers will require a valid visa; this will be issued for 30 days and extendable for up to 6 months after arrival. Tourists are required to stay a minimum of 5-nights in Sri Lanka. Travelers staying for more than 10 days will be required to take a third test during their stay. 

For More Information Click Below :

theislandchief.com/post/?id=52165#.Xt0aIGLQHlU.linkedin

Kolkata restaurants to reopen from June 8 with new innovative measures to ensure social distancing

Key Take Away

The nationwide lockdown has led to various restrictions being lifted in many parts of the country, restaurants in Kolkata are also set to function from June 08 .In this regard, they have come up with various innovative measures to ensure social distancing as well as smooth functioning .

There are quite a few interesting measures which include: glass partitions between tables, an option to place an order on phone from the table, virtual instruction cards to inform guests about the new guidelines, a marked waiting area for those queuing up at the entrance door.

For More Information Click Below :

www.timesnownews.com/kolkata/article/kolkata-restaurants-to-reopen-from-june-8-with-new-innovative-measures-to-ensure-social-distancing/602755

Hospitality sector alarmed by orders from state authorities, not getting paid for services rendered

Key Take Away

The hospitality industry has raised concerns about 'high-handed' state government orders to requisition hotels as quarantine or treatment centers, and hoteliers not being compensated for the services offered through the lockdown.
On May 29, the Delhi government requisitioned five hotels through an order to convert them into extended Covid-19 hospitals, a move that took hoteliers by surprise.

The court directed the government to appoint an expert committee to examine the issue and to deal with the petitioner's representation. The matter stands adjourned to June 9.

The head of a hotel chain said his entire hotel has been taken over by state authorities in Madhya Pradesh and he had not been paid.

For More Information click below:

economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/services/hotels-/-restaurants/hotels-as-quarantine-facilities-for-coronavirus-patients-hospitality-sector-alarmed-by-state-orders/articleshow/76202953.cms

Fleming joins Culinary Chefs in NZ’s First ‘Virtual’ Cook-Off

Key Take Away

Cricketing legend and Chennai Super Kings Coach, Stephen Fleming is putting his support behind what is believed to be the first ‘Virtual’ Chef competition involving New Zealand products in India.

Fleming, who along with Brendon McCullum and Daniel Vettori, is a shareholder and ambassador of the Indian based import company, QualityNZ Imports. 

The 2020 QualityNZ Culinary Cup is supported by the ‘South Indian Culinary Association’, the ‘Indian Culinary Forum’, and the ‘Western India Culinary Association’

The competition requires the Chefs to prepare and cook two dishes from the QualityNZ range available here in India, in their home kitchens, and film the experience! 

"The competition aims to make the videos available through our social media channels to all the ‘home’ Chefs across India who have an interest in cooking and to show them some of the Chef’s secrets to producing those extra special meals," he added.

For More Information

bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/Fleming-joins-Culinary-Chefs-in-NZ-s-First-Virtual-Cook-Off/06-06-2020-194432/

‘My Shimla Hotel Is Ghosted, No Respite For Industry in Unlock 1’

Key Take Away

The Himachal government has asked hotels to open from 8 June but only for locals within Himachal state business travel. No tourists are allowed to enter Himachal Pradesh or be entertained in hotels.

Children below 10 and people above 65 will not be allowed into the state. The cost of compliance with the new SOP norms by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is huge.

 The unified representation of 18 hotel associations of Himachal Pradesh has conveyed to the state government that they will not open till end-August or September.

For More Information click below:

www.thequint.com/my-report/coronavirus-impact-tourism-industry-losses-shimla-himachal-pradesh

Spain’s Hospitality Industry Watches How Belgium Swaps ‘Happy Hour’ for ‘Helpy Hour’ to Avoid Going Under

Key Take Away

‘HELPY hour’ – which replaces happy hour – was launched by Belgium’s Federation of Cafes to help stop its hospitality establishments from going under.

So instead of getting two drinks for one – as is the case in ‘happy hour’ – ‘helpy hour’ allows punters to pay double for a drink, which is basically the reverse of happy hour. The initiative has been launched to save struggling bars and cafes amid the lockdown.

For More Information click below:

www.euroweeklynews.com/2020/06/06/spains-hospitality-industry-watches-how-belgium-swaps-happy-hour-for-helpy-hour-to-avoid-going-under/

Ready to serve: more than three quarters of hospitality businesses say they can reopen by 4 July

Key Take Away

More than three-quarters of restaurants, bars, and pubs will be ready to reopen by 4 July, according to the latest weekly Hospitality Leaders Poll by MCA Insight/HIM.

Only 16% of hospitality businesses think it will take longer than the four weeks between now and 4 July.

For More Information click below :

www.bighospitality.co.uk/Article/2020/06/05/Ready-to-serve-more-than-three-quarters-of-hospitality-businesses-say-they-can-reopen-by-4-July?utm_source=copyright&utm_medium=OnSite&utm_campaign=copyright

Optimism rising for hospitality industry despite canceled events, concerts

Key Take Away

Thousands would be flocking to the area this weekend for the 2020 WIAA State Track & Field Meet at UW-La Crosse, but due to COVID-19, organizers were forced to cancel the event.

The meet has an annual economic impact of over $2 million to the area according to the La Crosse County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The effects of COVID-19 have been devastating for the hospitality industry. In April, hotels in La Crosse County were seeing single digits.

For More Information click below:

wxow.com/2020/06/05/optimism-rising-for-hospitality-industry-despite-canceled-events-concerts/

Leisure and Hospitality drive jobs number higher

Key Take Away

The employment rate decreased slightly and job numbers rose for the first time since the coronavirus crisis began.

The May jobs numbers showed an unexpected jump in payrolls as certain sectors like leisure and hospitality made a comeback that dramatically beat estimates and surprised economists and market observers.

Non-farm payrolls jumped 2.509 million in May, compared to an expected loss of 7.5 million. Leisure and hospitality sectors, which had been hit sharply by the coronavirus’s shutdowns, added 1.239 million jobs, the largest rebound. Food services and drinking places employment grew by 22%.

The challenge for restaurants reopening is that they must do so with some measure of social distancing in place; being restricted to lower capacities could pose a threat to many more hospitality jobs coming back.

For More Information Click below :

money.yahoo.com/leisure-and-hospitality-drive-jobs-numbers-higher-142522323.html

Payroll gains were broad-based in the May 2020 jobs report.money.yahoo.com/leisure-and-hospitality-drive-jobs-numbers-higher-142522323.html

Japan hotels, restaurants seek new revenue streams

Key Take Away

Japan’s hospitality sector is adapting its offerings to include daily room use and takeaway services to bring in much-needed revenue during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

High-end hotels have rolled out campaigns inviting businesses to use their spacious, WiFi-equipped rooms for telecommuting.

In Tokyo, the ANA InterContinental offers half-day (three hours) and full-day (nine hours) plans for one or two people to use its twin or double rooms for remote working.

The Hotel Granvia Osaka is also offering daily plans (nine hours) for remote working.

For More Information

www.ttgasia.com/2020/06/05/japan-hotels-restaurants-seek-new-revenue-streams/

New study calculates cost of post-pandemic housekeeping

Key Take Away

Hotel operations platform Optii Solutions has been working with hotel partners to calculate the cost of implementing the new cleaning requirements

Before the pandemic, a standard leisure room took an average of 39.3 minutes to clean and cost $9.42 in terms of staff time, based on a guestroom accommodating one or two people.

According to Optii, incorporating the new cleaning protocols will push the cleaning time for a standard leisure room up to 42.3 minutes at a cost of $10.12. The cost increases when children stay in the room (45.2 minutes at a cost of $10.80 per room), and decreases for business travelers (31.8 minutes to clean at a cost of $7.60 per room.) 

For More Information

www.hotelmanagement.net/housekeeping/new-study-calculates-cost-post-pandemic-housekeeping

New safety rules announced for UAE hotels

Key Take Away

Hotels across the UAE have new guidelines to follow to ensure they operate safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Guidelines were issued by The National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority and apply to all hotels across the emirates, according to state news agency Wam

There are 21 main points covered in the hotel guidelines, which advice on policies for physical distancing measures, cleaning and sanitizing of guest rooms, health checks for staff and guests, as well as hygiene protocols for restaurants, cafes, swimming pools, beaches, and health clubs.

Under the new guidelines, hotels must test staff for COVID-19 before reopening. Tests must then be repeated every 15 days.

For More Information

www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/travel/new-safety-rules-announced-for-uae-hotels-1.1029270

Hampton Inn & Suites Keller Town Center

Key Take Away

TI Group, Inc. and Hotel Equities announced the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton- Keller Town Center and welcomed local dignitaries and VIPs, including Hon. Pat McGrail, Mayor of Keller, Mark Hafner, Keller City Manager, and long-time Keller developer Douglas Gilliland with TI Group, Inc. along with many other dignitaries to celebrate the property's grand opening.

Located at 200 Town Center Lane, Keller TX 76248, the hotel is uniquely positioned in the heart of the city. The property is owned by TI Group, Inc. and managed by Hotel Equities

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/announcement/41004739.html

Top Dining-Out Trends for a Post-Pandemic Society

Florida International University's Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management projects five dining-out trends affecting restaurants, bars, and consumers that are emerging in a post-pandemic world. The trends were presented by Michael Cheng, dean of the Chaplin School.

Top Dining-Out Trends in a post-pandemic society:

• Dining-Out Trend #1 Transparency and Communication

• Dining-Out Trend #2 Innovation and Creativity

• Dining-Out Trend #3 Contactless Technology and Virtual Presence

• Dining-Out Trend #4 A Collaborative Community

• Dining-Out Trend #5 Reset!

"While these are signs that we see today, the next 12 months will give us better clarity of the way forward," said Cheng.

The summer season begins - Accor is working hard to provide a wide variety of flexible and safe destinations

Key Take Away

Accor anticipates that more than 70% of its global network will reopen by the start of July. Accor has also seen renewed interest in travel demand, with hotel reservations doubling.

Guests who have booked a non-flexible rate directly on the ALL.com reservation site for a stay until June 30, 2020, can change their reservation to a future date (within the next 18 months) at the same hotel or receive a voucher for the full value of their stay for later use.

Business Plus and ibis Business cards will be extended by six months from the expiry date.

For More Information

www.hospitalitynet.org/news/4099036.html

Marriott opens all hotels in China, sees steady US recovery

Marriott International has reopened all its hotels in China and is seeing a steady recovery in the United States, its biggest market, Chief Executive Officer Arne Sorenson said

In the United States, Marriott's hotels that remained open crossed the 20 percent occupancy threshold and continue to see an improvement

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) Announces New Signing - To open InterContinental in Rome

Key Take Away

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG®) announces the signing of a franchise agreement with Westmont Hospitality Group and funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. (“Oaktree”), for a captivating property in the heart of Rome.

The project is held by a newly established real estate investment fund managed by Milan-based Castello SGR, one of Italy’s premier real estate management companies