Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang Opens its Doors in Vietnam

Guests can expect Hilton Garden Inn’s signature Brighthearted service, elevated amenities and spacious guestrooms at Hilton’s first beachfront property in the coastal city

Da Nang, VIETNAM JUNE, 2023: Leading global hospitality company Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, the perfect getaway for leisure and business travelers alike. Conveniently situated just four kilometers from the city center and located along the renowned My Khe beach, all 234 rooms at Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang come with cerulean beach views, promising a warm and inviting stay for guests to unwind, relax, and rejuvenate.  

“Vietnam continues to be one of the most dynamic travel destinations in Asia. To cater to the needs of the growing midscale segment seeking comfort and value, we are delighted to open the doors of Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang and welcome guests to Hilton’s first beachfront property in the coastal city. This opening speaks to our strong growth momentum in South East Asia and contributes to our ambition to double our footprint within the region in the coming years,” said Alexandra Murray, area vice president and head of South East Asia, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang is conveniently located just seven kilometres, or a 15-minute car drive, from Da Nang International Airport and five kilometres from Da Nang Railway Station. Travelers can also enjoy easy access to the UNESCO-recognized Hoi An Ancient Town, the historical Hue city, and the rich nature of the Son Tra Peninsula.

Bright and airy spaces and contemporary design touches characterise the 28-storey hotel. Each of the hotel’s guest rooms features warm oak tones and custom-designed furniture. With seven room types, ranging from 26-square-meter layouts that can accommodate up to three guests, to a 60-square-meter junior suite with two balconies, guests can expect spacious, purposeful and highly-functional retreats designed for working and relaxing. Each room comes equipped with premium Peter Thomas Roth amenities and complimentary WiFi access. 

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang brings the brand’s innovative all-day dining concept, Together & Co., to South East Asia. Guests can enjoy an engaging social dining experience over thoughtfully curated local specialities and international favourites. For a delightful afternoon, guests can head to the T&Co. Lobby Lounge for sustainably and locally-sourced Vietnamese speciality coffee that pairs perfectly with freshly-baked pastries and light snacks.  

Come evening, guests can enjoy beautiful sunsets with refreshing cocktails or local craft beers at the hotel’s rooftop bar, T&Co. Rooftop. Located on level 27, the bar offers panoramic views of My Khe beach and Son Tra peninsula’s spectacular landscape. To ensure guests have everything they need during their stay, the hotel also features a 24/7, grab-and-go retail space offering an array of fresh foods, snacks and beverages. 

For those who wish to upkeep their fitness regime, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang also offers guests the choice of working out at its fitness center and yoga terrace, as well as relaxing swims at the rooftop infinity pool, both of which offer breath-taking and unobstructed ocean views.

“Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang’s opening marks a significant milestone for the brand’s growth across Asia Pacific, underscoring its appeal and popularity with travelers across the world. As we expand, we remain committed to extending great value to our guests through the brand’s subtly elevated accommodation and thoughtful amenities, as well as its signature Brighthearted hospitality,” said Jenny Milos, vice president, Brand Management, Suites & Focused Service, Asia Pacific, Hilton.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang’s multi-functional event spaces are also ideal for hosting a range of corporate and social events, designed for fostering collaboration and encouraging guests to linger. The pillar-less ballroom, measuring 183 square meters, can accommodate up to 150 people and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the ocean and Son Tra peninsula. Meeting organizers looking for more flexible spaces also have the option of holding business meetings, trainings, or dinners at the hotel’s 35 square meter meeting space on level 2. The space can also be repurposed into a pre-function area for cocktail receptions and coffee breaks. 

“We are excited to welcome guests to Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, where they can revel in the natural beauty that Da Nang has to offer. We seek to make every guest’s stay better and brighter and take their travel experience to the next level,” said Nick Boyd, General Manager, Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang.

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang, which is owned by Hai An Investment Trading and Import Export Joint Stock Company, joins a portfolio of 12 trading and pipeline Hilton hotels in Vietnam. This year, Hilton is poised to also welcome Hilton Saigon an La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, which marks the lifestyle brand’s entry into Vietnam. 

Hilton Garden Inn Da Nang is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 19 world-class brands. Members who book directly through the preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Hilton Honors Points and money to book a stay, free standard Wi-Fi and an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else. Members also enjoy popular digital tools available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app where Hilton Honors members can choose their rooms and check-in digitally.

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. 

AISATS and YIAPL Sign Concession Agreement to build Multi-Modal Cargo Hub at Noida International Airport

Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a leading airport services company in India

Noida, May 2023: Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS), a leading airport services company in India, and Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a special purpose vehicle formed by Noida Airport concessionaire Zurich AG, have signed a concession agreement to build a state-of-the-art Multi-Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH) at Noida International Airport. Sanjay Gupta, CEO of AISATS, and Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of YIAPL, signed the agreement at a ceremony held on May 30, 2023, in Noida.

The MMCH, spanning 87 acres, will be a pioneering facility in India that comprises an Integrated Cargo Terminal (ICT) and an Integrated Warehousing & Logistics Zone (IWLZ). The strategic location of this first-of-its-kind cargo hub will seamlessly connect multiple modes of transportation with consolidated ancillary and value-added services, establishing a highly efficient route for cargo throughput across India and abroad. AISATS has been entrusted with the responsibility of designing, building, financing and operating the MMCH, further emphasizing its significance in transforming the logistics and cargo industry. Through this facility, AISATS aims to provide India’s logistics sector with a world-beating cargo processing and transportation grid that will help reduce logistics costs significantly, streamline processes for seamless coordination, and bring speed and transparency to the country’s supply chain.

Nipun Aggarwal, Chairman of AISATS, said, “Air India sees tremendous growth opportunities in Uttar Pradesh and is keen to provide seamless cargo connectivity within the state to power this growth. The AISATS MMCH at Noida will play an integral part in providing just-in-time cargo facilities for the North India region and will support in levelling up the Indian logistics and air cargo sectors with state-of-the-art infrastructure, value-added services and improved cost efficiency. We have no doubt it will have a knock-on effect and help increase India’s trade, provide employment opportunities and ease the movement of goods across the country.”

Sanjay Gupta, CEO of AISATS, said, “We are excited about our partnership with YIAPL and the tremendous potential of Noida International Airport as a world-class cargo hub. As a leading cargo solutions provider, AISATS is committed to establishing unparalleled multi-modal logistics infrastructure that will connect Uttar Pradesh's rapidly growing industrial clusters with the rest of the world. Our goal is to enhance the state's supply chain efficiency and make Noida a strategic cargo gateway to North India and beyond. Through our collaboration with YIAPL, we aim to deliver a seamless and best-in-class cargo experience for all stakeholders and position Noida International Airport as a key player in the global cargo industry."

Bob Chi, CEO of SATS Gateway Services, said, “India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies with huge opportunities for growth in the air cargo logistics space. Establishing

an integrated logistics gateway in Noida through our AISATS joint venture with Tata Group's Air India will help develop the region into a strategic air cargo and export hub. Such a development also accelerates the expansion of our global air cargo hub handling capabilities as part of SATS’ twin-engine growth strategy.”

AISATS is a 50:50 JV between Air India Ltd (a Tata Group entity) and SATS Ltd (a leading provider of food and gateway services in Asia) and has been a foremost provider of hassle-free and comprehensive ground and cargo handling services to its airline customers in India. With the MMCH, AISATS aims to provide airlines and players within the trade and logistics sector with facilities such as separate domestic and international cargo terminal zones and dedicated courier terminals to handle express courier shipments. It will also provide a Coolport for handling temperature-sensitive cargo such as perishables and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the MMCH will house a BUP facility for integrators and global forwarders, a consolidation centre for freight forwarders and agents, a customs-controlled warehouse, a logistics park for e-commerce players and 3PL warehouses, and a trucking centre with world-class parking amenities.  

All stakeholders will also benefit from AISATS’ technology-driven solutions at the MMCH, such as a cloud-based Cargo Management System (CMS) for end-to-end cargo tracking, reporting and network connectivity, a Single Window Cargo Community System to enable more efficient communications and a Smart Warehouse with technologies such as automated dimension scanners, conveyors, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID) trackers, autonomous vehicles, video analytics-based monitoring etc. 

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.

---

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.

Ingredient Ideology | MATTAR KI PESHGI: Versatile & Vibrant By: Celebrity Master Chef – Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Calm, composed, versatile superfood great in its nutritive offering is how it has been defined by many foodies and gourmet lovers. Also called garden peas, they are small spherical seeds that come from pods. One of the most adored and used ingredients in many kitchens from our all-time favorite aloo mattar, pea pulao, Mattar aur pyaaz ki Kachories, parathas with green pea filling, mattar paneer korma, and more.

Green peas or mattar are one such ingredient which is a naturally sweet legume rich in a number of our daily dietary requirements. The composition of this small yet wonderful ingredient is the pod and the pea within. The pods are rich in fiber and some of the softer varieties are consumed as well like the snow peas etc.

They are low in calories and good for our system and ease digestion as well to an extent,100 gms of green peas have around 81 calories approx. and its varied preparations from soups, salads, dips, stir fries and curries make them all the more interesting to involve them in our diet plans.

Health benefits of Green Peas/ Mattar:

*Green peas are considered as heart-healthy food and their consumption in our diet in a number of healthy ways can add to the value of our system.

* Good for our skin, they contain fair amounts of fiber and anti-oxidants which protect us in many ways.

* Peas are also a good source of all the essential vitamins and minerals we need in our body like folate, iron, phosphorus and more.

* Green peas are considered one of the best sources of plant-based proteins for us and they increase the levels of certain proteins in our body which reduce the number of calories consumed in a day as well.

*They are relatively low in glycemic index which is a measure known to check how quickly our blood sugar rises after eating food.

Uses of Green Peas or Mattar in our Kitchen:

• One of my all-time favorites with green peas is a bhuna mattar aur makai ka shorba, peas and corn roasted and then tempered to a nice light soup, besides the Pudina mattar broth, cream of green peas soup, pea and lentil puree soup.

• Green peas are popular in Indian and both western cuisines as well from the fresh pea mash with fried fish, pea quenelles in sun-dried tomato sauce, pasta with pea pesto and basil, green pea soup with bacon and sunflower seeds, pea and potato croquettes, mashed potatoes with smoked peas, pea roesti and hash browns stuffed with minted pea mixture.

• Indian recipes like mattar filling inside the famous Kachories, cooked mashed spiced peas filling inside parathas, in doughs for puries, also try adding dehydrated pea flour/powder into your dough for making parathas etc it is tasty as well and the list gets even bigger looking at the way we add it to our subzis.

• Mattar paneer, mattar aloo, Gobi mattar ki subzi, makhana mattar korma, pea pulao, mattar ka kofta in mildly spiced Indian gravies. while most of us love the winter fresh green peas, cleaning them is fun and storing them in our freezer keeps a bit of stock in hand as well,but we do have frozen options as well with green peas.

• I also tried using green peas in a puree form converting it into gravies as well with the addition of a little spinach puree and cashew paste and coconut milk, turned out nice with chicken and cheese koftas & also with soy chunks and mushrooms.

• Green peas with rice also has a great connect from the basic ones to the layered ones, try peas with brown rice in a pulao form by flavoring with cinnamon and add a few chopped dates into it and give it a dum for few mins.

• From the stir fry concepts, to adding them to dips and spreads green peas are handy, helpful, tasty and easy to include in almost every dish we wish to add content color and value.

Here are a few Simple & Tasty Recipes using Green Peas or Mattar:

Recipe-1] HARE MATTAR KA DILKHUSH SHORBA

Ingredients

Green peas- 2 cups fresh/frozen.

Olive oil/ oil/ butter- 1 tbsp.

Bayleaf- 1 no

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Herbs- fresh or dried as per choice

Chili flakes- 1 tsp.

Potato-1 med sized peeled and cubed.

Roasted crushed jeera-1/2 tsp

Garam masala powder-1/4 tsp.

Water/vegetable stock-4- 5 cups

Flax seeds/ melon seeds/ pumpkin seeds- 2 tsp for garnish

Low fat cream/fresh cream/almond cream- 1 tsp garnish

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the Bayleaf, onions, garlic and saute for a few seconds.

3. Add in the green peas, potato, salt and all spices, flavorings, herbs etc and mix well for 30 seconds.

4. now add in the liquid and bring to a boil, simmer for 10-15 mins and cool, puree and strain the soup well.

5. bring it back to a boil, check for seasonings, adjust the texture and serve hot.

Chefs Variations: 

For Veg: to make it more nutritious try adding ginger, green chili, soy chunks/ tofu as an option.

For added green color we can also add spinach leaves, fresh basil leaves, broccoli etc as well.

For Non-Veg: can use chicken stock as well to make the soup and later add boiled chopped chicken in the soup and bring to a boil.

Recipe- 2] MATTAR GASHTI WALA PESTO PASTA

Ingredients:

For the Mattar Pesto:

Green peas- 1 cup boiled

Green chili- 1 tsp chopped

Fresh coriander leaves- ½ cup

Fresh mint leaves- ¼ cup

Fresh basil leaves- 1/2cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Oil/olive oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Chilled water- 2-3 tbsp.

Cashews/ almonds/ peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

For the Pasta:

Use any choice of pasta as desired- penne/fusilli/macaroni etc to be boiled until just cooked and refreshed with cold water, a little sprinkle of olive oil and kept aside.

To Assemble the Dish:

Sliced saute mushrooms/ Babycorn/ blanched broccoli/ zucchini cubes/ roasted or grilled brinjal slices/ cooked sliced tandoori chicken/ saute masala prawns/ sliced grilled fish/scrambled eggs/ shredded double fried eggs/sun-dried tomatoes/canned tuna fish etc can all be a choice of additional ingredients which we can add to our pasta dish.

Elements of Garnish: 

Parmesan cheese shavings- ¼ cup or any cheese of your choice can be used. 

Cherry tomatoes- 4-5 cut 1 x2

Black olives/ green olives- 4-5 sliced

Fresh herbs like parsley/basil/coriander/mint etc.

Method:

1. Prepare the mattar pesto dressing and keep chilled in the fridge.

2. Work on the boiled pasta and keep it chilled as well.

3. In a mixing bowl combine together the sauce and pasta and choose from the add-on list and incorporate that as well here and toss the salad well.

4. Arrange the dressed pasta on a salad/serving plate and choose from the garnishes and serve immediately.

Recipe-3] KHUSHNUMA HARE MATTAR KA DIP

Ingredients

Green peas- 1 and a half cup boiled.

Blanched spinach leaves- 1 cup

Fresh coriander and mint-1 cup mix

Green chili-2 no cut

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Celery- ¼ cup stem part cut

Olive oil/oil- 3-4 tbsp.

Salt and pepper to taste

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tbsp.

Chilled water-3-4 tbsp.

Method:

1.Prepare all the ingredients for the dip.

2. Using a grinder jar, we shall combine all these ingredients and blend it into a coarsely smooth texture, chilled water will help us to get the desired texture without discoloring it.

3. Add lime/rock salt/ chaat masala as per taste/add any seeds like sunflower/ roasted sesame seeds/pomegranate seeds etc for a crunch as well.

4. Chill the dip until being served, drizzle a little olive oil/sesame oil etc on top and serve with crackers/sticks of veggies/lavash/ toasted garlic bread/grilled or baked potatoes/chicken on skewers, etc. I also tried adding tofu/cream cheese/grated cheese/grated paneer into the same dip as well for variety.

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. 

Fairfield by Marriott launches in one of India’s most historic cities, Agra -home to the ‘Taj Mahal

India, May,2023 – Fairfield by Marriott, part of Marriott International’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands, announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Agra, marking the brand's entry into a city steeped in the legacy of a historic past and a culturally rich heritage that makes it one of the oldest cities in India. The Fairfield brand celebrates the beauty of simplicity with an effortless hotel experience focused on offering a comfortable hotel experience for a great night's sleep.

Located at a convenient 30-minute drive from the Agra International Airport the property is situated in the heart of the city and offers guests easy access to iconic tourist attractions and flamboyant markets bustling with beautiful artwork, mouth-watering cuisines, and magnificent architecture. The rich legacy of the Mughal empire is captured in the timeless and iconic beauty of the Taj Mahal located at just 6km from the hotel. This global wonder is one of the three places in Agra that has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status along with the majestic Agra Fort, located at a 15 minute easy walk from the property and the luxurious palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri, sitting at  38 kms from the city centre, together make a superb trio of marquee addresses to visit, when in Agra.

"We are thrilled to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand to the historic city of Agra said Ranju Alex- Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International Inc. This opening marks the brands 24th hotel within the growing Marriott Bonvoy portfolio across the country. Fairfield by Marriott Agra, underlines our commitment to bringing a diversified portfolio of brands, suited to the needs of travel cohorts across the leisure and business segments. We look forward to expanding our portfolio further across India to offer new accommodations in attractive destinations.”

The hotel features 98 well-appointed guestrooms and suites. Guests can expect a harmonious balance of functionality, comfort, and enriching décor, with the use of natural materials, and carefully selected amenities. Each guestroom will feature comfortable beds, a shower and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms open up to unfettered views of the city skyline and the mesmerizing Taj Mahal. The hotel’s public areas serve as flexible social spaces to share and connect with other travelers, or simply to relax.

The hotel features Cosmos Cafe & Bar, the all-day dining restaurant offering a wide variety of Indian and international fare with a lavish buffet and sizzling live counters. Enhancing the dining experience is the bright, open layout of the restaurant, and views of the grand Taj Mahal. The restaurant is paired with a bar that makes for the perfect venue to wrap up the day. Spacious, comfortable seating shares space with an assorted menu of cocktails and fine malts to be enjoyed over artisanal pours and candid conversations.

Fairfield by Marriott Agra offers slick and effective business facilities, with a total of 3261 sq. feet of flexible banqueting space, making it the ideal venue for social gatherings and private celebrations. Helping guests maintain their fitness regimes is a well-equipped 24x7 fitness centre and The Market, a grab and go service counter stocked with smart utilities, fresh juices and healthy salads.

"Agra holds an important place on the tourism map of India, given the city’s popularity among both domestic and international travellers,” said Rakessh Barot- Hotel Manager, Fairfield by Marriott Agra. “In this respect, the Fairfield by Marriott brand is known for its great value and its simple, warm hospitality. With the Fairfield by Marriot Agra, we are committed to delivering a seamless stress-free hotel experience and are delighted to bring the reliability and consistency of the Fairfield brand to the land of the Taj.”

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.

SUBA GROUP OF HOTELS LAUNCHES ‘CLICK HOTEL’ AND ‘CLICK WHITE HOUSE RESIDENCY’, VADODARA

Suba Group of Hotels has marked yet another milestones in India’s city of arts and culture – Vadodara with the launch of two properties, Click Hotel, Sayajigunj and Click White House Residency, Vasna Bhayi Road. Both the Hotels are easily accessible by Road, Rail, and by Air via Vadodara International Airport, and Express Highway to Ahmedabad & Mumbai. Click Hotels are considered as best affordable luxury segment exemplifying 3-star facilities for Corporate & Leisure Travelers visiting across India. Some of the prominent tourist destinations including Malls, Laxmi Vilas Palace, EME Temple, and Sayaji Gardens are located in close proximity to the hotels. Additionally, located 76km from the hotels is the famous Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue.

Announcing the opening, Mansur Mehta, Managing Director, Suba Group of Hotels, said, “We are delighted to launch Click Hotel & Click White House Residency in the cultural capital of Gujarat – Vadodara. We started our Suba Hotel in Vadodara in 2014 and now with these two hotels, our association grows to 4 operational hotels in the city. We are grateful to Vadodara corporates and residents for their continuous support and we will ensure to provide quality stays & luxury banquet facilities according to the guest’s preferences.”

“We are happy to expand our footprints pan India especially in Vadodara, Gujarat. With the launch of Click Hotel & Click White House Residency in Vadodara, we look forward to serving Automobile companies, Banks & Financial Institutions as well as Pharma & FMCG Companies. Our elegant banquets are the ideal location for guests hosting social gatherings and wedding events, where we organise memorable wedding events and gatherings” said, Mubeen Mehta, CEO, Suba Group of Hotels.

“Click Hotels is a modern and affordable luxury segment Hotel brand. With the launch of two properties in Vadodara, Gujarat, we wish to offer a quality Click Hotel’s Stay Experience for our guests. These modern, full-service hotels are perfect for business and leisure guests as well as group travelers.” said Abinash Ashok, Vice President, Suba Group of Hotels.

“It is our endeavor to continue to penetrate our reach across popular destinations across the country & offering Standard Stay & Conference facilities,” said Chandrakant Shetty, COO, of Suba Group of Hotels.

Click Hotel, Sayajigunj, Vadodara, is an addition to the rapidly growing Click Hotels by Suba, one of the Smart Hotels. The hotel features contemporary yet modern accommodation via 33 smartly furnished rooms, 26 Executive Rooms & 7 Premium Rooms, an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant, Cinnamon, In-Room Dining for dining options, efficient service, and a comprehensive range of guest facilities to ensure a pleasant stay for the guests.

Click White House Residency, Vasna Bhayli Road, Vadodara is yet another addition to Click Hotels from the Suba Hotels portfolio. Click White House Residency is a very unique addition as the hotel offers Rooms and Apartments in a Smart Stay concept. It’s an elegant option for hosting weddings and NRI travelers. The hotel features 49 smartly furnished rooms, Mini Bar, WIFI, Room Service, LED TV, 24x7 Power Backup, In Room Safe, 24X7 Guest Assistance Doctor on Call and Cinnamon, In House multi-cuisine restaurant. Each Apartment & Duplex unit at Click Hotel White House, Vadodara has been designed by people who appreciate design, space, service standard & attention, keeping in mind the Frequent Corporate Travellers and Long Staying Corporate Guests, Leisure, Wedding Guest’s requirements & comforts.

Madhuban Restaurant: Heaven for vegetarians in and around Mulund opens its doors from 23rd May

Madhuban, the divine Spread is a one-of-a-kind restaurant that transports you to the world of divinity and where tradition meets modernity—the restaurant will be serving the legendary Chappan Bhog - a sumptuous feast comprising 56 delectable vegetarian food items in modern buffet arrangements. Creative and passionate brains behind Madhuban have reimagined the concept of Chappan Bhog to create an exceptional dining experience by infusing the ambiance and food with traditional yet modern elements.

Madhuban Restaurant is conceptualized by Pratiesh Ambekar who is the Director of iLeaf Banquets which is now considered one of the most sought-after destinations for organizing wedding and corporate events.

Pratiesh has changed the face of the Banquet industry with his exceptional ability to connect with people and build meaningful relationships. He has created a strong brand and consistently provides clients from around the world with unforgettable experiences. Under the able guidance of Pratiesh, ileaf Banquets has achieved new heights and has been considered one of the most sought-after destinations for organizing wedding and corporate events. A self-made man and a true visionary, Pratiesh has consistently demonstrated his ability to identify new businesses and lead them on the path of success and Madhuban is definitely a feather on his cap. 

Pratiesh's understanding of catering and buffets at iLeaf Banquets proved invaluable, inspiring him to open Madhuban: the divine spread’ a new restaurant offering an unforgettable dining experience through the Pure Vegetarian Chappan Bhog Buffet. With a keen eye for business opportunities, Pratiesh was able to leverage his skills and turn this vision into a reality. 

"Madhuban is designed to provide diners with a satisfying and soulful culinary experience. Our restaurant seamlessly blends traditional and classical elements with a modern flair, creating an inviting, divine, and refreshing ambiance.," says Pratiesh Ambekar. 

With the beautiful paintings covering the walls of Madhuban, and divinity in every food item, Madhuban is a spread to look out for. The buffet has been crafted for those with refined taste buds, presenting a variety of delectable dishes that will delight your senses and leave you craving more. For vegetarians, this is going to be an exceptional dining experience! And every customer will walk out of the restaurant with a heartful and soulful experience.