Sustainable travel in Dubai: A guide to eco-conscious travellers

Dubai is at forefront of the global travel industry and continues to lead the way by creating unforgettable memories for travellers across the globe. The city has successfully positioned itself as a pioneer of international trends in the travel industry across key areas like sustainability to gastronomy, wellness, culture and more.

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL

As a leading global destination, Dubai is embracing sustainable practices to preserve its unique ecosystem and reduce carbon footprint. Travellers can enjoy eco-friendly accommodations, such as hotels with green certifications and energy-efficient features. Dubai's sustainable travel initiatives go beyond conservation, extending to the promotion of local culture and heritage and creating a green, clean responsible tourism experience. This allows travellers to indulge in luxury while remaining environmentally conscious.

From eco-friendly eateries to off-beat stay options, Dubai knows the art of sustainability and giving it back to our bountiful planet.

BOCA

BOCA pioneers’ sustainable gastronomy, showcasing its commitment to environmental responsibility. Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre, this modern European restaurant draws influence from Spanish cuisine while prioritising sustainability. Guests can explore the restaurant's sustainability journey and read their recently published Sustainability Manifesto. As a homegrown, multi-award-winning establishment, BOCA offers patrons a vibrant and laidback dining experience, exuding an atmosphere of fresh and funky sophistication. Notably, BOCA has been awarded a coveted Green MICHELIN star, as well as been recognised as a 50Best Discovery restaurant and has been honoured with the prestigious Gault&Millau 2023 UAE award for "Sustainable Kitchen of the Year," cementing its position as a leader in sustainable dining practices.

Arcadia at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Arcadia restaurant at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray is at the forefront of sustainable travel trends, offering a unique and immersive experience that embraces responsible food sourcing. Nestled amidst vibrant greenery and organic herb garden beds, Arcadia introduces an urban hydroponic farm, reflecting the resort's commitment to a greener approach to local food production. Guests can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences, ranging from healthy salads to sizzling barbecue grills, all prepared using fresh produce sourced directly from the hydroponic farm. Arcadia's urban hydroponic farm spans 55 square meters and yields a harvest of 250 kg per month, including over 30 varieties of leafy greens and herbs.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR)

Nature enthusiasts travelling to Dubai can head to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). A protected area, the DDCR showcases the natural beauty of Dubai's desert landscape and its diverse wildlife. Visitors can engage in eco-friendly activities such as guided wildlife tours, camel riding, and stargazing, all while learning about the importance of preserving this unique ecosystem.

LOWE

LOWE is known for its contemporary and experimental dining experience as well as its commitment to sustainability. Embracing a homegrown ideology, LOWE showcases seasonal produce that is cooked naturally by fire, utilising a charcoal grill, rotisserie, and wood-fired oven in an open kitchen. By prioritising rustic and approachable food, LOWE aims to create a connection between diners and the dish ingredients. Moreover, the venue is a recipient of the Green MICHELIN Star, celebrating LOWE’s innovative approach to sustainable gastronomy.

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

For travellers looking for a luxurious and sustainable destination, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort is the perfect choice. This resort places great emphasis on sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. From energy-efficient measures to waste management programs and water conservation efforts.

Rove Hotels

When it comes to sustainable hotels within the city, Rove Hotels are leading the way. These hotels prioritise eco-friendly practices and provide accommodations that cater to environmentally conscious travellers. With a strong focus on energy conservation, waste management, and sustainable design, Rove Hotels offer a comfortable and eco-conscious experience, ensuring that travellers can enjoy their stay while minimising their impact on the environment.

JA The Resort

Those seeking sustainable travel alternatives can opt for JA The Resort. This family friendly property takes pride in its commitment to sustainability and offers a range of eco-friendly activities and amenities. From harnessing solar power to implementing recycling programs, JA The Resort aims to minimise its ecological impact while providing guests with an enjoyable and responsible travel experience.

The Innovation Centre - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park

The Innovation Centre - Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park exemplifies Dubai's commitment to renewable energy and sustainable technology. Visitors can learn about solar power generation, energy efficiency, and the latest advancements in sustainable practices. Serving as an educational hub, the center inspires visitors to embrace clean energy solutions and contribute to a greener future, making it an enlightening and forward-thinking experience

Ingredient Ideology | CULINARY DELIGHTS FROM THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS BY: DR. KAVIRAJ KHIALANI- CELEBRITY MASTER CHEF

A Versatile- Varied & Wow Cuisine

A Basic Introduction: It is said that around the 16th century, Chinese traders & immigrants landed up in the Philippines not only with their silks and ceramics but also bringing their Cantonese specialties & Chinese cooking traditions like stir-frying and steaming methods of cooking and since then it has been having a very close connection with the influence of its adaptations into Filipino cooking. Besides this it has also been linked to Spanish and a bit of American flavors which have been slowly incorporated and seen this cuisine develop over the years. The Filipinos are very jovial, sociable people who love to enjoy life, party and their food is often at the center of attention at many celebrations & moments to cherish.

My personal connect with this cuisine goes back to the late 1970s when I saw myself living in the Philippines for a few years, also undergoing my schooling years there I recall having eaten this food ever since and the very first thing that comes to my mind is a steamed bun called siopao- a classic vow some Filipino recipe using a fermented steamed bun stuffed with a nice soy based chicken/pork filling served with dipping sauces! Memories take me back to then and learning this cuisine in my home kitchen over the years has been very interesting and dear to my heart, having done a study on this cuisine with over 120 plus recipes altering them to suit our Indian palate in one of authored cookery book collections is just mesmerising and a great guide to those who wish to explore this versatile and tasty cuisine further! 

One of the reasons why Filipino Food also called Pinoy Food is so popular the reason being it draws inspiration from several influences and one can definitely taste a blend of Spanish, Chinese, Asian and western influences in a well-designed & crafted to a perfect formula in most of the recipes in this cuisine.

The Basic Filipino Diet:

Philippines comprises of around 7000 islands and with so much water around it is no wonder that abundance of seafood is a main source of protein and their staple diet which is fish and rice. Besides this they also consume pork, mutton, lamb, prawns, chicken, luncheon meat, sausages, ham, bacon, eggs etc. this cuisine is well defined as a balance of salt, sweet, sour flavors in a perfect melange!

They normally have three meals a day including breakfast [almusal or agahan] lunch [tanghalian] and dinner[hapunan]plus an afternoon snack called meryenda.

A traditional breakfast usually includes pandesal these are small bread rolls to go along with the other dishes like eggs, ham, cheese, salami etc.

Leftover Rice is usually tossed with garlic to make a dish called Sinan gag, which is usually served at breakfast with egg preparations and cured meats, cold cuts etc.

Some basic condiments and flavors in this cuisine:

Soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, cream style shrimp paste, variety of herbs, garlic, Bayleaf, peppercorns, onions, tomato, cilantro and not to forget the lime called as Kalamansi, these bring out the basic taste in these foods to level next. A variety of dipping sauces go along with the meals as well especially with roast dishes etc.

SEAFOOD: some of the popular varieties include tilapia, catfish also called hito, milk fish also called bangus, grouper fish also called lapu lapu, prawns, mackerels, mussels, large and small crabs, tuna fish- fresh and canned. The most common way of having fish here is to lightly salt it and prepare it pan fried or deep fried and then eaten as a simple meal along with steamed rice and some veggies. Fish is also cooked in a light gravy with tomato or tamarind as well at times prepared with veggies and vinegar. Dried fish is also popular here adding them to egg omelettes as well.

Let’s take a note of a few popular Filipino Favorites:

Lechon- whole roasted pork a speciality during festivities and celebrations.

Tortas- made with pork/chicken mince with egg into mini bites or patties. 

Lumpia- these are fresh or fried spring rolls with veg/non-veg fillings with chicken/meat/sprouts/spring onions etc served with dipping sauces.

Pancit- noodles which are basically the rice variety type thin and translucent, cooked with soy, chicken or pork, colorful veggies, and served hot with steamed rice and a dash of tabasco.

Adobo- one of the most popular dish from this cuisine made with chicken or pork braised in garlic, vinegar, oil and soy sauce, well cooked and served on a bed of steamed rice.

Kaldereta- is a popular Filipino meat stew in tomato based gravy with assorted veggies and mildly spiced, served with rice.

Toyo Chicken- a popular chicken recipe in soy based marination with cloves of garlic, joints of curry cuts simmered and thickened up with corn-starch, served with garlic egg fried rice.

Hotcakes: these are also similar to pancakes made with a base of all purpose flour, eggs, vanilla essence, milk, butter and baking powder, allowed to rest for some time, spooned into a pan, cooked both sides, topping of honey and melted butter tastes yum!

Bola Bola- these are basically meat ball concepts which are made using minced pork/mutton/chicken or even fish and seafood, with eggs, cream, bread crumbs for binding they are usually fried and tossed in a sauce and eaten with rice.

Chow Mein- yet another favorite Filipino version influenced from Chinese cooking the Chow Mein uses boiled noodles, lightly pan fried at times and topped with a white color gravy thickened with corn starch with colorful vegetables, boiled shredded or cubes of chicken and spring onion greens enjoyed as a meal in itself.

Kababayan- popularly known as Filipino muffins, small gong shaped baked goodies which is moist in texture enjoyed with tea/coffee.

Leche flan: it is similar to caramel custard made with eggs and milk and is one of the most popular dessert here in the Philippines. It is made very much the same way like the French style of crème caramel, served cold.

Buko pie- is a nice sweet dish made with a filling of young tender coconut flesh and dairy including milk powder, condensed milk etc.

Sinipit- these are sweet pastries covered with a crunchy sugar glaze which looks like a length of rope. We also have churros here from the Spanish influence and served fried with variety of dipping sauces including chocolate.

Buko Salad: is a classic Filipino tropical fruit salad using canned fruit cocktail, cherries, pineapple dressed up in an immensely sweet condensed milk-based coconut cream and tender coconut shreds as a part of this served chilled.

Here are a few popular Filipino recipes worth trying in our kitchens and enjoying their aromas and flavors:

Recipe-1] Chicken Adobo with Rice

Ingredients:

Chicken legs/thighs/drumsticks- 500gms, cut into medium pieces.

For the marination:

Garlic cloves- 4-5 minced

Soy sauce- 2-3 tbsp.

White vinegar- 2 tbsp.

Bay leaves- 2-3 nos.

Peppercorns- 10-12nos.

For Cooking:

Oil- 1 tbsp.+ 1 tbsp.

Garlic minced- 2 tsp.

Onion- 1 medium sized chopped

Water/stock- 500- 700ml

Sugar/brown sugar-1 tsp

Black pepper powder-1/2tsp

Method:

1. Marinate chicken for around 30 mins.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the chicken pieces and place in the pan, fry them both sides until lightly browned, remove and keep aside.

3.Heat some more oil in the same pan, add garlic and onions, saute for a minute add in the marination, water, sugar, pepper and water or stock. Bring to a boil, simmer add in the chicken pieces let them cook well around 20 mins.

4. The sauce needs to reduce to a semi-thick texture while the chicken is cooking, add a little corn-starch if desired to thicken up and serve this on a bed of white rice or stir fried rice, serve hot.

Recipe-2] Filipino Pancit Noodles

Ingredients

Pancit noodles/rice/glass noodles- 1 packet

Oil- 2 tbsp.

Garlic cloves- 8-10 no.

Sliced spring onions- 3-4 no.

Shredded carrots- ½ cup

Shredded capsicum- 1 no

Shredded cabbage- ½ cup

Sliced French beans- 8-10 no.

Salt and pepper to taste

Hot water/stock- 500ml

Soy sauce- 2-3 tbsp.

White vinegar- 1 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Tabasco sauce- 1 tsp or as desired.

Spring onion greens- ¼ cup garnish.

For Non-Veg- add cooked chicken/roast meat/pork chops etc.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the Pancit noodles.

2. Heat oil in a pan, add in the sliced or whole peeled cloves of garlic, add in the onions saute for 1 min.

3. Add in the vegetables and saute salt, pepper, and the cut glass noodles, mix well, add in hot water or stock and little soy sauce and allow to simmer, cover and cook on a low flame for 10-12 mins, stir and check for moisture.

4. Add in the vinegar, lime, greens, non-veg etc towards the end once the noodles are cooked. Serve hot.

Recipe-3] Lumpia- Filipino style spring rolls

Ingredients

Spring roll wrappers- 10-12 nos.

For the filling:

Authentically they use pork mince with soy, egg, cabbage and seasonings, ginger, garlic. Here we are using chicken mince.

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion- 1 small chopped

Chicken mince- 1 cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Spring onion greens- 2 tbsp. chop

Soy sauce- 1 tbsp.

Ginger- 1 tsp chopped

Vinegar- 1 tsp

Boiled mashed potato if desired for binding the mince- ¼ cup

Shredded white cabbage-1/4 cup- optional

Scrambled eggs-2 no. optional.

Oil to deep fry

Dipping Sauces- soy, chili vinegar, tomato sauce, sweet chili dip.

Method:

1. Heat oil in a pan, add in the ginger, garlic, onions and saute for a minute, add in the chicken mince, salt, pepper saute on a medium flame for 2 mins.

2. Add a little water or stock and allow the mince to cook on a low flame for 12-15 mins, dry up the water content, add in the soy, vinegar, greens, potato, cabbage/egg if desired mix well turn off the flame allow the filling to cool down.

3. Arrange the wrappers on a work table, portion the filling evenly on all the wrappers, apply little maida-water paste on the edges and roll it up like a spring roll concept ensure the sides are well secured.

4. Heat oil for deep frying and fry the lumpia until golden browned on all sides, remove on a kitchen paper, and then arrange on a serving platter with dips and serve hot as a starter.

Recipe- 4] Filipino Sweet-N-Sour Fish

Ingredients

Boneless round fleshy fish of your choice- 500 gms cut into medium sized cubes.

For the Marination of the Fish:

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Chopped garlic- 1 tsp or garlic paste

Salt and pepper to taste

White wine- 2 tbsp. optional

White vinegar- 1 tsp

Sugar-1/2 tsp

Soy sauce- 1 tbsp.

Lime juice- 2 tbsp.

Add egg- 1 no + maida + cornflour as needed into the marinated fish and drop it in hot oil and deep fry until light golden remove and keep aside.

For the Sweet- N-Sour Sauce mix:

Water or stock- 2 cups

White vinegar- 1 tbsp.

Tomato ketchup- 2-3 tbsp.

Honey- 1 tbsp.

Sugar-1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

Corn-flour and water to thicken the sauce- 2-3 tbsp.

To cook the sauce:

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Garlic-1 tsp chopped

Celery- 1 tbsp. chopped

Onion- 1 small cubes

Capsicums- 1 small cubes

Pineapple cubes- ½ cup-fresh or tinned.

Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Prepare the fish, fry and keep aside.

2. Prepare the sauce mix in a bowl and keep ready

3. Heat oil and saute the ingredients for a minute add in the sauce mix and bring to a boil, simmer for 2-3 mins and once the gravy starts getting thick add in the fried fish cubes into the sauce and cook for a minute, add pineapple cubes if desired and serve hot garnish with spring onion greens, serve with steamed white rice.

Recipe-5] Filipino Chicken Salad

Ingredients

For the base of the salad- iceberg lettuce- 1 small bunch

For the body of the salad- boiled chicken cubes- 1 cup

Hard boiled eggs- 2 no cubes

Pineapple- ½ cup cubes

Boiled potato-1 no cubes

Boiled macaroni- ½ cup

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime juice-1 tsp

For the dressing of the salad- mayonnaise sauce

For the garnish of the salad- parsley/cherry tomatoes.

Method:

1. Prepare all the parts of the salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the body and dressing and mix well.

3. Prepare the base of the salad on a serving plate or bowl.

4. Portion the salad, garnish and serve chilled, add a dash of tabasco sauce before eating it.

Recipe- 6] Buko Salad – Filipino Coconut- Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

Fresh coconut flesh- ¼ cup shredded

Coconut cream- ½ cup or sweet cream-1/2 cup

Condensed milk- ½ cup

Litchi crush- 2 tbsp. optional.

Assorted fruit cocktail tin- 1 cup tinned fruits

Fresh tropical/citrus fruits- strawberry/kiwi/lychees- ½ cup

Cherries- ½ cup

Pineapple cubes- ½ cup

Pomegranate/cherries/mint for garnish

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the coconut fruit salad.

2. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing of the salad, mix well and add in the tinned and fresh fruits, mix and chill.

3. Serve the chilled salad on a bed of crushed ice in a coconut shell and garnish as desired.

On a Concluding Note: Filipino Cooking is one which anyone of us can easily try and indulge into and the results are bound to be positive for the simple fact that a little bit of awareness, ease of preparation, and sharing of concepts and information can go a long way making this food well accepted by us. An attempt to impart the outline and basic structure of this cuisine can help many students of culinary arts & foodies to add this to their favorite lists and it gives me a sense of contentment doing this little bit from my end!

Happy Cooking!

Barista Coffee Company Opens First Café in Ahmedabad

June, 2023 — Barista Coffee Company, a renowned name in the Indian café industry, is happy to announce the opening of its first café in Ahmedabad. This milestone marks the company's 365th store, further strengthening Barista's position as a leading player in the country's coffee culture.

The brand-new Barista café, which is situated in the center of Ahmedabad, provides a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts by combining a lively atmosphere with a wide spread of beverages both coffee & smoothies coupled with complementing food options. The café hopes to establish itself as a preferred gathering place for city residents with its elegant decor and plush seating areas by developing a sense of neighborhood and offering a place for leisure.

“Barista Café at Bodakdev, Ahmedabad marks our presence in the city and this is our 3rd café in the state of Gujarat. Ahmedabad has always been a strategic market for us and we are sure to make an impact with our offerings which are suited to the palate type. We are aiming to build the network further in the state of Gujarat and our first store at Ahmedabad would help to push this agenda further” says Rajat Agrawal, CEO of Barista Coffee.  

The diverse menu at Barista offers a wide selection of coffees made from 100% Arabica beans brewed to perfection by our Baristas. Food menu is well spread to cater to all day parts with large varieties of Sandwiches, Wraps and Desserts. 

Opening of the Ahmedabad café highlights Barista's dedication to growing its presence throughout India and presenting the company's distinctive products to coffee enthusiasts in new and intriguing locations. Barista Coffee Company is committed to quality, creativity, and customer happiness and is constantly redefining what it means to visit a café in India.

About Barista Coffee Company:

Incepted in 2000, under the name Barista Coffee Company Limited, started with an objective to deliver a truly international coffee experience to its customers with a warm, sociable and peaceful environment. The ideology was to change the scenario in the Indian palate of people bonding over coffee with heartfelt conversations. One of the leading chains of espresso bars and cafés in India, Barista thrives to provide an international experience in terms of cafés and coffee culture. 

Barista not only provides several types of coffee but also has diversified their menu with mouth-watering eatables. Adding to their portfolio, they also cater to their guests with products such as Chocolates, Instant Coffee and Cookies through their outlets and General Trade stores across pan India. 

Adapting to changing guests preferences for wellness by Tanu Singh, Associate Director - Marketing & PR, Signum Hotels & Resorts

The wellness industry is experiencing rapid growth, prompting hotels to respond by meeting the health and wellness needs of their guests. This entails reimagining spaces, modifying menus, and actively seeking guest feedback. Health and wellness tourism is steadily increasing, with revenue surging by 22% from 2021 to 2023—more than double the overall expenditures of the tourism industry. According to a recent survey, nearly 40% of all travelers prioritize wellness, yet up to 17 million of them struggle to maintain an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits while on the go. A hotel that prioritizes health and wellness can also encourage guests to unwind, disconnect, and prioritize self-care. 

In response to the growing demand for wellness, the sector has implemented several strategies to enhance guest experiences. Some of these steps include:

• Healthier Meal Options

• Upgrading Workout Equipment

• Using Sleep Science

• Encouraging Unplugging

• Light and Air

1. Healthier Meal Options

Many hotels are reworking their menus to include these options, recognising that many customers may have allergies, food restrictions, or preferences, such as gluten-free, vegan, and low-sodium. Some hotels have attempted to provide visitors with meals that are more similar to what they would eat at home. Overall, better food options are one of the most important ways hotels attend to their visitors' health and fitness.

2. Upgrading Workout Equipment

Hotels are doing more than just redesigning these rooms. According to Forbes, several hotel chains are offering the option to rent a room with gym equipment, including yoga mats in rooms and providing visitors with a 5-pound kettlebell and other equipment upon request. Some hotels even provide visitors with the option of watching fitness DVDs in their rooms.

3. Using Sleep Science

In general, guests' expectations have risen as high-quality mattresses for the house have become more inexpensive. Hypoallergenic bedding, cooling gels, memory foam, and smart mattresses that alter based on the sleeper's habits are some of the techniques hotels have taken.

4. Encouraging Unplugging

While most customers are unwilling to hand over their phones or forego internet access, hotels may encourage people to disconnect more by creating calming environments and offering services that are incompatible with remaining online, such as yoga and meditation sessions. Another method hotels tend to their customer's health and wellness is by allowing them to disengage and unwind.

5. Light and Air

In addition to the measures mentioned above, hotels are looking at other adjustments they may make to cater to their customers' health and wellness. To make the space feel quieter and more calming, some people choose neutral hues and natural materials. Lighting may play a crucial role in ensuring that guests sleep well and feel comfortable. 

Lighting in certain hotels is set to adapt to the individual. Hotels are increasingly incorporating air filters in their rooms. Others are incorporating elements such as vitamin C showers and self-care goods such as colouring books and bubble baths.

The hotel sector is shifting away from overindulgence and towards excellent health. As more hotels care about their customer's health and fitness, travellers may anticipate more healthier alternatives when they travel.

Today's visitors want hotels to be aware of and responsive to this trend, as well as to provide adequate services to guarantee they can keep their habits while away from home. Hotels that meet this expectation establish an enduring attraction for their customers, which may help them stand out from the pack.

Furthermore, clients are growing more interested in hospitality firms that prioritise sustainability and environmental concern. This includes environmentally responsible measures including decreasing plastic waste, using renewable energy, and obtaining locally sourced food. The hotel sector is responding to shifting guest preferences by providing more alternatives and experiences that prioritise health and well-being. By accommodating the needs and desires of health-conscious travellers, hospitality firms can remain competitive and align with evolving industry trends.

Vistara Scores a Hat-trick: Awarded ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’

Vistara Scores a Hat-trick: Awarded ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ for Third Consecutive Year; Named 16th Best Airline Globally at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax 

• ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia for the fifth consecutive year

• Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia for the third time in a row

• Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia for the second consecutive year

Gurugram, June 20, 2023: Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has been ranked 16th worldwide, moving four places up from last year, at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. This makes Vistara the only Indian carrier to feature in the list of World’s Top 20 Airlines for the second time in a row. Additionally, the airline also won several prestigious awards including 'Best Airline in India and South Asia' for the third consecutive year, ‘Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia’ for the fifth time in a row, ‘Best Cabin Crew in India and South Asia’ for the third consecutive year and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India and South Asia’ for the second time. The award ceremony took place amidst the grandeur of the Paris Air Show 2023 at the iconic Musée de l'air et de l'espace. 

Vistara also secured the 8th position, moving up by one rank from last year, amongst the ‘Best Airlines in Asia 2023’. The airline ranked 20th amongst ‘World's Best Airline Cabin Crew 2023’ and 19th in the category of the ‘World’s Best Inflight Entertainment 2023’. 

Vistara was voted for by travellers globally (from over 100 nationalities), as the World Airline Awards are based on the world’s largest airline passenger satisfaction survey of more than 20.23 million travellers for the period between September 2022 and May 2023.  

(Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara (second from left) and Rashmi Soni, VP & Head – Corporate Communications, Vistara (extreme right) receiving the awards along with Vistara team at the World Airline Awards 2023 by Skytrax)

Vinod Kannan, Chief Executive Officer, Vistara said, “We are overjoyed to have done it again! It is extremely gratifying for all of us at Vistara to be awarded the Best Airline in India and South Asia for the third time, and Best Airline Staff in India and South Asia for the fifth time. We are also ranked 16th amongst the world’s best airlines along with winning these stellar accolades at 2023 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. These awards are a strong endorsement of our customers’ trust in our thoughtful service, consistent operational excellence and constant innovations, all aimed at elevating their travel experience. These awards are also a recognition of the hard work put in by our employees, especially the frontline teams, who have given their all to Vistara throughout our eight years of existence. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Skytrax for these coveted awards which strengthen our resolve to delight our customers at every touchpoint and on every journey.”

Congratulating Vistara and commenting on the awards, Edward Plaisted, CEO, Skytrax said, "We congratulate Vistara on the fantastic achievement of winning this award as the Best Airline in India & South Asia. The double success of scooping the award for the Best Airline Staff in India & South Asia for the fifth time is an unprecedented achievement in this region.”

Vistara is India’s highest-rated airline on multiple industry forums and has also been the winner of several ‘Best Airline’ awards. In a short span of over eight years since starting operations, Vistara has raised the bar for operations and service standards in the Indian aviation industry. 

The Fern Hotels & Resorts launches Blue Ocean The Fern Resort & Spa, Ganpatipule

The Fern Hotels and Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, is pleased to announce the rebranded launch of its luxury resort, Blue Ocean The Fern Resort & Spa at Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. This is the company’s 27th hotel in Maharashtra. The resort is located on scenic Malgund Beach, famous for its rich heritage, historical forts, marine life and natural greenery.  The prime location allows guests to explore nearby attractions, including the Ganpatipule Beach, Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, Malgund, Pawas, Jaigad Lighthouse and many more.

Blue Ocean The Fern Resort & Spa has 55 tastefully appointed rooms, suites and villas with panoramic sea views. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with tea/coffee makers, wardrobes, ergonomic work tables, Wi-Fi connectivity, LED TVs, hair dryer, in-room dining, eco-friendly lighting and eco-friendly bathroom amenities. The resort facilities include a swimming pool, a spa, children's play area, all-day dining restaurant, and a top-notch banquet. Additionally, the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant Atlantic offers a delicious buffet , a la carte options, and indoor and outdoor seating for guests to indulge in an outstanding culinary experience.

Expressing his pleasure at the opening, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “We are thrilled to launch Blue Ocean The Fern Resort & Spa in the picturesque town of Ganpatipule. The mesmerizing destination, renowned for its spectacular white sand beaches, monolith Ganesha temple, and famous historical places attracts a large slice of leisure travelers and pilgrims throughout the year. The resort with a perfect blend of contemporary amenities and rooted in customary elegance will present a one of a kind experience for travelers to the region. With this launch, we move a step forward to expand our footprints across popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra”.

Announcing the opening, Noshir A Marfatia, Senior Vice President - Sales & Marketing, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, said, “Blue Ocean The Fern Resort & Spa offers a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and breathtaking natural beauty. The resort is ideal for quick getaway weekends, weddings, social events, and corporate off-sites. Being an environmentally friendly resort guests can enjoy sustainable hospitality experiences while contributing to specific green best practices”.

Speaking on the launch Mr. Sunil Rane, Chairman and Managing Director, Omkar Properties Pvt. Ltd added “We are delighted to be associated with The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain. Our resort will undoubtedly provide guests with wonderful experiences, especially tourists trying to unwind over the weekend or travelers seeking a luxurious stay and exceptional hospitality”.

LOCATION: The hotel is 41 km from Ratnagiri Railway Station and 4 km from Ganpatipule Bus Stand.

ADDRESS: S. No. 127, Malgund, Ganpatipule 415 612, Dist. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India

Domino’s Will Deliver, Without An Address

• Domino’s Pizza is rolling out a new technology nationwide that allows customers to receive a delivery almost anywhere, ranging from parks and baseball fields to beaches.

• The Pinpoint Delivery rollout will make the feature available for the first time in U.S. markets.

• Domino’s said a soft launch for Pinpoint Delivery received positive feedback from customers and delivery drivers.

“No address? No problem,” said Christopher Thomas-Moore, Domino’s senior vice president and chief digital officer. “Domino’s is proud to be the first quick-service restaurant brand in the U.S. to deliver food to customers with the drop of a pin.”

The company said a soft launch for Pinpoint Delivery last week across all Domino’s stores nationwide received positive feedback from customers and delivery drivers.

“A pop-up window on the app lets customers know they have four minutes to meet their driver and retrieve their order at the designated pickup spot” near where they placed the order, Domino’s spokesperson Danielle Bulger told CNBC.

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Delhi-NCR gets its first Hilton-branded hotel

Slated to open in 2026, Hilton Sohna Resort & Spa will be suited for leisure, bleisure and MICE travellers

Delhi, India June 2023 – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) today announced the signing of Hilton Sohna Resort & Spa, marking the debut of its flagship brand in the Delhi-NCR region. This marks Hilton’s second hotel and management agreement with the Dangayach Group, following the recent landmark signing of the country’s first Waldorf Astoria in Jaipur. The Sohna property will also add the third full-service brand to Hilton’s current footprint in the Delhi / NCR region besides the DoubleTree by Hilton Baani Square and DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugon.  

"We are excited to bring Hilton's flagship brand to Delhi-NCR and celebrate our deepening partnership with Dangayach Group,” said Navjit Ahluwalia, senior vice president and country head, India, Hilton. “As Hilton strategically expands across India, we look forward to welcoming more guests with our signature hospitality and delivering best-in-class performance and returns to our owners.”

"We are pleased to expand our partnership with renowned hospitality company Hilton, and leverage its strong global reputation and brand equity,” said Atul Dangayach, managing director, Dangayach Group. "With its proximity to business centres, good connectivity and planned infrastructure upgrades, Sohna is fast evolving as a popular MICE and leisure destination, and we take great pride in partnering Hilton to set the benchmark for hospitality with the opening of the first Hilton Hotels and Resorts property in Delhi / NCR.”
Spread across 9.3 acres, the expansive 165-key resort will feature 105 Palace Rooms and 60 Villas and offer captivating vistas of Aravalli Hills. With 7,500 sqm of indoor and outdoor space dedicated to meetings and social events, the resort is ideal for weekend getaways, destination weddings and corporate events. It will also feature multiple dining outlets, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a designated spa zone. Located in close proximity to the recently opened Delhi Mumbai Expressway, Hilton Sohna Resort & Spa will offer easy access for travellers from both Delhi and Gurgaon. 

Leisure Hotels Group signs a new upscale business hotel in Dehradun

New Delhi, June 2023: Leisure Hotels Group (LHG) an experiential luxury resort chain in North India and the largest across the state of Uttarakhand announces the signing of an up-coming boutique business hotel in the capital city of Dehradun.  

 Speaking on the occasion, Mukund Prasad, Director of Leisure Hotels Group, said, "We are excited to collaborate with Auradoon Resorts and leverage our existing foothold in Uttarakhand. Our latest addition, a business hotel, marks our twentieth venture in the state. Our vision is to become the preferred choice for discerning travelers in Uttarakhand, all the while preserving the authenticity and cultural heritage of the state through sustainable practices. This milestone brings us closer to fulfilling our vision." 

We adopt a three-pronged strategy for business development. Firstly, we focus on building our own properties. Secondly, we engage in a model where the group builds and partners with prominent hospitality companies, as part of an “asset-right” model. Lastly, we pursue management contracts for third-party properties located strategically. Our expansion in Dehradun will leverage on our existing market presence and further build the brand equity in the region.”

Located on Rajpur Road, the 60-keys hotel will offer a myriad of facilities for the business traveler. The well-appointed rooms and suites are meticulously designed to provide utmost comfort. They will be equipped with the latest amenities and ergonomic workspaces, ensuring a seamless guest experience. Guests can unwind in the restaurant, take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, or meet with associates at the rooftop bar while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Mussoorie hills. The hotel also boasts private meeting rooms for business engagements and indoor banqueting facilities ideal for conferences and other social gatherings. 

Strategically positioned 35 km away from the Jolly Grant Airport and a convenient 5km from the railway station, the hotel will offer accessibility to the city’s major tourist attractions and business hubs. This property is LHG’s third in the business segment, adding to their growing portfolio of 26 hotels and resorts across North India. 

Dehradun, known for its prestigious Indian Military Academy, renowned educational institutions, and prominent research academies, is emerging as Uttarakhand's most vibrant city. Drawing tourists and business travelers from all corners of the country, this bustling region also serves as a gateway to popular tourist hotspots such as Mussoorie, Landour and Kanatal. Moreover, Dehradun offers easy access to spiritual and tourist havens like Paonta Sahib, Haridwar and Rishikesh, enhancing its appeal as a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers. 

This greenfield project is currently scheduled to open its doors in 2024, promising an exquisite experience that blends comfort with the captivating beauty of Uttarakhand. 

Yatra Online, Inc. joins hands with Sakha Cabs to provide safe travel

Yatra Online, Inc. joins hands with Sakha Cabs to provide safe travel offerings to corporate customer~ Strengthens position as India's Leading Corporate Travel Services Provider~

New Delhi | June 2023: Yatra Online, Inc. (NASDAQ: YTRA), through its Indian subsidiary Yatra Online Limited (“Yatra”), India’s leading corporate travel services provider and one of India’s leading online travel companies, has announced a partnership with Sakha Ki Women With Wheels, a social enterprise that provides safe and reliable transportation options by women drivers while also empowering them through employment in the transportation sector. With this tie-up, Yatra’s corporate clientele can avail and hire services of Sakha Cabs 24*7 for in city travel, airport, railway and bus station pick and drop, and long-distance travel in Delhi, Kolkata, Indore, and Jaipur. 

As India’s leading corporate travel service provider, Yatra is committed to providing a safe and hassle-free travel experience for its corporate customers who often face safety concerns while traveling alone. Through this partnership, Yatra can offer its corporate clients professional and experienced women drivers, always guaranteeing a secure and comfortable journey.

The services offered by Sakha Cabs is one of the services provided by Sakha KI Women With Wheels. They also provide ‘Sakha Chauffeur Placement’, where women chauffeurs are placed with companies, and institutions under annual contracts across Delhi, Kolkata, Indore, and Jaipur. Corporate customers can also book ‘Sakha Chauffeur on Call’, where women chauffeur services are available on an hourly basis for short-term purposes.

Speaking on the partnership, Sabina Chopra, COO, Corporate Travel & Head of Industry Relations, Yatra said, "At Yatra, the safety of our customers is of utmost importance to us. As part of this, we are offering an additional differentiated offering to our corporate customer base with the introduction of Sakha Cabs. This will ensure our customers are safe at all points in their journey and have access to reliable transportation with just a call away.”  

Sharing her viewpoint, Ipshita Kamra - City Chief - Delhi - Sakha Consulting Wings Pvt. Ltd. also commented, “The partnership between Yatra and Sakha Cabs is a significant step in supporting women's empowerment in the transportation sector while providing a safe and secure travel option for corporate customers.”

The partnership between Yatra and Sakha Cabs is a significant step in supporting women's empowerment in the transportation sector while providing a safe and secure travel option for corporate customers.

About Yatra Online, Inc. 

Yatra Online, Inc. is the ultimate parent company of Yatra Online Limited (Formerly known as Yatra Online Private Limited) whose corporate office is based in Gurugram, India and is India's leading corporate travel services provider with over 770 large corporate customers and one of India's leading online travel companies and operates the website https://www.yatra.com/. The company provides information, pricing, availability, and booking facility for domestic and international air travel, domestic and international hotel bookings, holiday packages, buses, trains, in city activities, inter-city and point-to-point cabs, homestays and cruises. With over 103,000 hotels and homestays contracted in approximately 1,400 cities across India as well as more than 2 million hotels around the world, the company is India's largest platform for domestic hotels. The company recently launched a freight forwarding business called Yatra Freight to further expand its corporate service offerings. Yatra India also launched a freight forwarding business in late 2020 called Yatra Freight to further expand its corporate service offerings.

Donna Deli Launches a Delectable New Menu to Delight Your Tastebuds

Mumbai, June: The warm and welcoming environment of Donna Deli, which is in the central Bandra neighbourhood, has come to be associated with the best of classic Italian cuisine with a hint of Asian flavour. To deliver an exceptional dining experience that pleases every palate, their team of culinary experts has put their hearts and souls into creating a new menu.

Dhaval Udeshi, the co-founder of Donna Deli, stated, “We as a company constantly try to Innovate and curate new experiences for our guests all-round the year to keep the interests of the guests alive!  As a part of this imagination, Donna Deli is launching an Italian menu for people to savour within the French European ambience. Hoping to take people on a culinary journey of the bustling towns of Italy!"

Co-Founder Aditya Wanwari continued, “Experience the magic of Italy right here in our restaurant as we proudly present our upcoming Italian menu, personally curated by me. From the delicate artistry of handmade pasta to the tantalizing aromas of slow-simmered sauces, every dish has been thoughtfully crafted to capture the essence of Italian gastronomy. Prepare to be enchanted by a culinary voyage that will transport you to the sun-kissed vineyards and bustling trattorias of Italy. Join us and savor the flavors that will ignite your senses and leave an everlasting impression on your palate."

Now, guests may choose from a wide selection of dishes that are well-made and cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Start with the alluring Pizza Bruschetta, which consists of a sourdough baguette topped with creamy stracciatella, spicy Pomodoro salsa, and pickled onions and drizzled with flavorful basil oil. Enjoy the combination of flavours in the Caponata Burrata, a dish that combines Sicilian caponata, crisp mesclun, and opulent Burrata. With tomato carpaccio, heirloom cherry tomatoes, basil, creamy Burrata, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, the Caprese Salad adds a light twist. Share the joy of sour cream, feta, and tangy salsa roja paired with crispy Patatas Bravas. With the melty Queso Flameado and tostadas abundantly topped with refried beans, pico de gallo, and guacamole, you may discover the flavours of Mexican cuisine. Enjoy the delicate Honey Chamomile Panna Cotta, which is infused with chamomile, acacia honey, almond crumble, and honeycomb, the decadent Creme Brulee French Toast, which is stuffed with vanilla pastry cream and bruleed to perfection. You are invited to savour every second of this exceptional eating experience by Donna Deli.

The new menu guarantees diners an outstanding dining experience, whether they are there for a casual lunch, a cosy dinner, or a gathering with friends. Come to Donna Deli today and enjoy the mouthwatering delicacies that are prepared.

About Donna Deli: Donna Deli is your go-to destination for comfort food, crafted cocktails, and aromatic coffee. This charming all-day eatery and bar are designed to be a one-of-a-kind space where guests can seamlessly transition from coffee and co-working in the morning to indulging in delightful cocktails and dinner in the evening.

Address – Ground floor, Manorama chambers, Swami Vivekananda Rd, Bandra West,
Maharashtra 400050

Six Senses Kanuhura: Maldivian Island Life, Reborn

Iconic Maldivian resort reimagined with bold design and multi-bedroom retreats on an incredible natural island

BANGKOK – June 2023 – Six Senses Kanuhura is now open for bookings for stays from September 1 onwards. Home to one of the largest and most iconic natural beaches in the Maldives, the resort encompasses another two white-sand private islands, one for intimate desert island dining and the other for the ultimate castaway escape. Days are lived adrift, sun-soaked and sandy, surrounded by luminous waters. Time well spent under a gently swaying palm tree is interrupted only by the lure of food, fun, “me time” in the spa, or “we time” with loved ones or a passing turtle.

Six Senses has intentionally opted to reinvent a Maldivian icon, reimagining the existing resort and resources while continuing to protect the natural beauty of the island. What stays has been enhanced, from the Drift and Bottega dining outlets to the organic gardens, where a microgreens nursery mingles with the beauty of wild orchids. The 91 beachfront and overwater villas include 12 new Beach Retreats. These offer one to three bedrooms and private pools just steps from the ocean, spot on for families or larger groups.

Bryce Seator, General Manager, says: “Watching the island transform in the past few months has been an exciting journey, and we all look forward to revealing the new Six Senses Kanuhura. Following its long history, the island has been reborn, and the overall experience has been reinvented to bring the brand’s sustainability and wellness ethos to a new corner in the Maldives.”

Tropical island sophistication

Whether staying on the shore or perched on stilts over the tranquil lagoon, all accommodations offer a sophisticated yet charming style to combine elegance with feet-up comfort. Inspired by turquoise lagoon waters and lush tropical nature, the interior color palette includes marine hues and down-to-earth tones that fully blend with the natural environment. The design is purposely bold, polished over rustic, and resolutely eco-friendly: everything is crafted from local and sustainable materials. The villas and retreats feature large windows allowing natural light to enter throughout the day and draw the eye to the island’s lagoon and the Indian Ocean. The outdoor rain showers give a sense of bathing in nature under the expansive starlit sky.

The reinvented experience

Adventures and stories begin at Six Senses Kanuhura. Suitable for families, couples, or friends traveling together, there is an array of activities, on land, on the waves, and underwater, for everyone to enjoy. Younger guests from three to 11 years old can discover their creativity or more of the island and marine life at the Grow With Six Senses kids club, which offers fun and educational activities, such as treasure hunts, kids’ yoga, crafts, and upcycling. Families can opt for family cooking classes, watersports lessons, or private beach dining, spending quality time together. The Island Hideout is a place for teenagers to sit back, relax and enjoy games with their peers, in a space specially designed for them. Couples can enjoy romantic and intimate moments gazing at Lhaviyani’s famous sunsets at the new multi-deck Point restaurant and bar, or an “I do” moment during a private dinner on the beach under the stars.

This island escape will fit so snugly around everyone’s vacation hopes that there’s no need to escape each other after all.
Getting there

Six Senses Kanuhura is located in one of the most pristine corners of the Lhaviyani Atoll, 150 kilometers north of Male, a short 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport (MLE).

The Six Senses Kanuhura team is excited to welcome its friends, old and new, and celebrate the latest addition to the Six Senses family. 

Airbnb signs an MoU with the Ministry of Tourism to showcase India’s heritage stays and promote cultural tourism

• Airbnb to partner with the Ministry in its vision to promote inbound tourism as a part of its Visit India 2023 initiative

• Under the MoU, Airbnb will launch a dedicated 'Soul of India' microsite for the global audience showcasing India’s rich culture and built heritage

• Other areas of partnership under the MoU include destination promotion, sharing travel and tourism insights, Host recognition, and capacity building

June 2023: Airbnb today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, to promote India as a most sought-after high-potential tourism destination and shine a spotlight on its rich cultural heritage.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Tourism Minister, Government of India, Ms. V. Vidyavathi, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Shri Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, and Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, aims to underscore the cultural significance of India's heritage properties and encourage travelers to embark on immersive journeys through the country's diverse heritage.

At the heart of this partnership lies the launch of the exclusive ‘Soul of India’ microsite that showcases an array of heritage stays across the country. These heritage properties, steeped in history and architectural brilliance, offer an authentic glimpse into India’s rich cultural tapestry. Additionally, Airbnb will also offer support to Hosts in untapped tourist areas, assist them in promoting their homestays, build host capacity, and foster a culture of responsible hosting.

This year-long partnership symbolizes the shared commitment of both Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism to enhance India's standing in the global tourism market through promotional strategies and campaigns.

Key elements of the MoU include:

• Destination Promotion - The Ministry of Tourism and Airbnb will work together on positioning India as a sought-after destination for cultural and heritage tourism, leveraging targeted domestic and international campaigns that showcase the distinctive heritage stays available throughout the country.

• ‘Soul of India’ Microsite - Airbnb will launch a dedicated ‘Soul of India’ microsite to promote heritage homes across India and share captivating stories behind the heritage properties and the destinations, with a goal to inspire visitors to embark on unique cultural adventures and immerse themselves in the unparalleled essence of India.

• Capacity Building and Insights - Airbnb will endeavor to train hospitality micro-entrepreneurs in emerging destinations that are part of the Ministry's flagship scheme. Airbnb will also share travel and homestay insights with the Ministry of Tourism for informed responsible tourism policies and training requirements.

Highlighting the importance of promoting cultural tourism and preserving heritage sites, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Tourism Minister, Government of India, said, “India’s age-old dictum “Atithi Devo Bhava” equates guests to God, and what better way to extend hospitality to guests than by making them stay in homes with local communities? Homestay accommodations offer travelers a personalized, immersive, and rooted-in-culture travel experience. We are delighted to partner with Airbnb, whose global reach will provide enhanced visibility to India’s unique and varied accommodation offerings and enable travelers an opportunity to experience our rich heritage first-hand. This partnership will contribute to the growth of inbound tourism, create economic opportunities for local communities, and position India uniquely on the global tourism map.”

Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan at Airbnb, said, “We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Tourism to celebrate the Soul of India. This MoU represents an important collaboration towards unlocking new economic and social opportunities through tourism in India while bolstering the Incredible India brand and bringing the richness of what India has to offer to even more international travellers. Airbnb has consistently placed Hosts and their empowerment at its core and is pleased to see the G20 countries, led by India, sharing the same commitment to equipping communities with the adequate skills and fostering responsible tourism practices.”

With the signing of this MoU, Airbnb and the Ministry of Tourism set the stage for an exciting journey that will not only promote India's cultural heritage but also create transformative experiences for travelers, foster economic growth, and celebrate the vibrant diversity that defines India's soul.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 4 million Hosts who have welcomed 1.4 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, Hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

HRAWI Hails Maha Govt.’s New Initiatives To Give Boost To Tourism In The State

HRAWI Hails Maha Govt.’s New Initiatives To Give Boost To Tourism In The State Requests State To Offer Special Subsidies To Encourage Development of More Hotels

Mumbai, June:The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), in a letter addressed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister (CM) - Shri Eknath Sambhaji Shinde, Hon'ble Deputy Chief Minister - Shri. Devendra G. Fadnavis and Hon’ble Tourism Minister – Shri Mangal Prabhat Lodha has hailed the Government for expediting approvals on various projects across the State that are expected to boost the tourism potential in Maharashtra. The State recently announced a collaboration of upcoming 30 plus properties by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), the Water tourism project at Gosekhurd in Bhandara, MICE centre and Chanakya centre for excellence at Karla near Lonavala, among others.

“HRAWI applauds the initiatives taken by the Government and is optimistic about the opportunities the new projects will bring to the tourism and hospitality sector in the State. The Government's forward-thinking and innovative ideas coupled with proactive promotional efforts, are poised to ignite a tourism boom, both domestically and internationally. These soon to be developed destinations will undoubtedly enthral travellers from around the world and as we embark on making Maharashtra a global tourist destination, it is imperative that we also create top-notch infrastructure to support the tourist inflow. To complement the projects in the pipeline, HRAWI requests the Government for introducing special subsidies to encourage the development of more hotels in the State. This will boost tourism by making it viable for more tourists to access the destinations and also lead to generating revenue for the State,” says Mr Pradeep Shetty, President, HRAWI.

HRAWI has acknowledged the valuable suggestions put forth for the development of Ambhora Temple, establishment of a Scuba Diving Centre in Koyna Bamnoli. The beautification projects for Sonegaon Lake in Nagpur and Gajba Devi Temple in Sindhudurg too have received much praise.

“We are excited about the upcoming projects and initiatives aimed at boosting tourism in Maharashtra. This boost to tourism will translate to an increasing number of tourists, and it is crucial to enhance the room capacity to meet the rising demand. Maharashtra has around 3,40,000 rooms and with the number of projects in the pipeline, we will require at least double the capacity of hotel rooms. Subsidy for establishing hotels at specified tourist locations, along with incentives for eco-friendly hotels and electricity subsidies, will provide the necessary impetus for the growth of the hospitality sector. Moreover, the tourism and hospitality sector is a major contributor to employment generation in India. According to the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA), the sector accounted for 79.86 million direct and indirect jobs which is a significant 15.34 per cent share of employment generation in 2019-2020. With these new projects, we anticipate a further surge in employment opportunities, benefiting both the industry and the workforce,” adds Mr Chetan Mehta, Vice President, HRAWI.

The Association has commended the MTDC for their proactive approach in organizing the Maharashtra Tourism Stakeholder Video Conference on May 26, 2023, which focused on the Expression of Interests for the Operations & Maintenance of the newly constructed resorts at Nawegaon Bandh in Gondia and Chandpur in Bhandara.

“The Hon’ble Tourism Minister’s unwavering dedication and visionary approach in harnessing the tourism potential in Maharashtra have been truly commendable. His tireless efforts to give boost to the tourism industry have paved the way for economic growth of the State. The initiatives taken under his leadership have opened the doors to a vibrant future, where tourists from all corners of the globe will be captivated by the enchanting wonders of Maharashtra, making it a must-visit destination and, the hospitality industry is grateful for his contributions,” concludes Mr Shetty.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)

The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 72 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include Restaurants and Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. With membership base spread across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr J.R.D. Tata. 

Ingredient Ideology | MONSOON SPECIAL: TEMPTING DELICACIES USING CORN By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef

Corn is one of those interesting ingredients to involve in our day-to-day cooking in a variety of ways since it not only adds a touch and look of freshness to the dish it is added but also adds a nice bite and crunch as a texture too. The versatility of corn in today’s times has really gone up a lot since not only regular dishes, classic varieties but also contemporary and creative cuisines have incorporated corn in amazing ways!

Do try few recipes using corn adapted with a twist of taste!

Recipe-1] Desi Makkai ka Videshi Chaat

Ingredients:

2 cups sweet corn, boiled.

2 tsp olive oil

1 tsp garlic, chopped

1 tsp green chili, chopped

2-3 spring onions, chopped

½ green capsicum, small dices

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ cup mayonnaise/hung curd/greek yogurt.

2 tsp peanut butter mixed with 1 tsp tomato ketchup

¼ tsp chili flakes

¼ tsp fresh herbs

½ tsp chaat masala powder

2 tsp coriander leaves/basil leaves

2 tbsp. spring onion greens, chopped.

2 tbsp. peanuts, roasted & crushed.

For non-veg options: ¼ cup boiled, diced chicken or 2 hardboiled eggs, diced or 2-3 chicken sausages, sliced.

Method: Prepare all the ingredients as per the recipe for veg/non-veg options. In a mixing bowl combine together the ingredients for the dressing and mix them well. In a pan take 2 tsp olive oil and saute the garlic, chilies, onions, capsicums along with the boiled sweet corn for 2-3 mins and remove. allow it to cool completely and then add it into the prepared dressing and give it all a nice mix-n-toss. Portion the fusion chaat recipe into a serving bowl and garnish with greens and a little dusting of chaat masala, add a slice of lime and serve chilled.

Recipe-2] Creamy Spiced Corn & Celery Soup

Ingredients:

2 cups sweet corn, boiled

1 tsp oil

1 tsp butter

1 tsp garlic, chopped

½ onion, chopped

1 tsp green chili chopped

1/2 cup milk / soy milk

2 tsp maida

Salt and pepper to taste

½ tsp chili flakes

½ tsp mixed herbs

2 tbsp. cheese, grated.

2 tsp parsley/coriander, chopped.

2 tsp cream

2 tsp cashew paste/almond paste

1 pinch of cinnamon powder.

2 stalks celery, chopped.

2-3 cups water/vegetable stock.

For non-veg: use boiled chopped/shredded chicken pieces as a garnish in the soup, saute prawns and add it as well if desired for a variation, in that case avoid the milk and use only cream.

Method: prepare all the ingredients for the creamy corn soup and heat oil in a pan add in the oil and saute the garlic, chilies and onions for a minute. Add in the boiled sweet corn and chopped celery, add in the butter and refined flour and saute it for a minute. Add in milk, water/veg stock, salt, pepper, herbs, and a dash of chili flakes and mix well. Allow the soup to come to a boil and simmer for 12-15 mins. Cool, puree the soup and strain it. Bring it back to a boil, add in the cashew paste, cream, and mix well. Check for seasonings and portion out the soup into soup bowls, garnish with cheese, a dash of cinnamon powder, chili flakes, and some fresh herbs, and serve hot.

Recipe-3] CORN SALSA TOSSED RICE

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet corn, boiled

2 cups white/brown rice, boiled and cooked.

2 tsp oil/olive oil/butter

1 tsp garlic, chopped.

1 small onion, chopped

2 tsp green chilies, sliced

2-3 jalapeno pepper, sliced optional

4-5 black/green olives, sliced

½ cup assorted capsicums, small cubes

1 cup red ripe tomatoes, chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

½ tsp mixed herbs

½ tsp chili flakes

2 tbsp. tomato ketchup

2 tsp red chili sauce

2 tbsp. parsley/coriander, chopped

1 cup crispy nacho chips

2-3 tbsp. grated cheese.

For non-veg options: cooked shredded/chopped chicken, sliced chicken salami, tuna fish, boiled/scrambled eggs.

Method: Prepare all the ingredients for the yummy rice recipe. Heat oil/butter in a pan add in the garlic, chilies, and onions and saute for 30 seconds. Add in the capsicums and boiled corn/non-veg to be added at this stage if being used, along with all seasonings and flavorings, tomatoes and mix well, cook covered on a medium flame for 3-4 mins, add in the tomato ketchup, chili sauce and a few tbsp. of water if needed to adjust the texture. Now add in the cooked rice, fresh herbs like parsley/coriander/mint/basil and mix well. Cook for another 4- 5 mins on a medium flame add in the olives, jalapenos, grated cheese as well if desired and serve hot with a bowl of crispy nachos and some extra salsa sauce.

Recipe-4] PESTO TOSSED CORN TARTS

Ingredients

10-12 readymade tart shells.

1 and a half cup sweet corn, boiled.

For the Pesto dressing sauce:

1 cup basil leaves

¼ cup coriander leaves

1 tsp garlic, chopped

2 tsp nuts- almonds/pinenuts/cashews.

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. cold water

2 tsp lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Other ingredients to add into the filling for the corn tarts:

¼ cup assorted bell peppers, cut into small cubes

3-4 sliced olives, black or green

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp. cheese, grated

For non-veg: use assorted cold cuts-sausages/salami/bacon.

Grilled chicken/roast chicken/ tandoori prawn’s/ chicken tikka can also be added in as variations with corn.

Method: Prepare all the ingredients for the corn tarts. Using a chutney grinder jar combine all ingredients for the pesto dressing and churn it well, remove into a bowl and keep chilled until used. In a mixing bowl combine together the other ingredients for the filling, add seasonings to taste, add in the pesto and toss it well. Arrange the tart shells on a serving platter/plate and spoon in the prepared filling, garnish with assorted ingredients like olives/cheese/chili flakes/jalapenos/ micro-greens/ cherry tomatoes etc and serve.

Recipe-5] Mini Savoury Corn Cakes

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet corn, boiled and coarsely crushed.

Oil for shallow frying

1 tsp garlic, chopped

1 tsp green chilies, chopped

½ onion, finely chopped

¼ cup red/yellow/green capsicums, small cubes.

Salt and pepper to taste

¼ tsp garam masala powder

¼ tsp chaat masala powder

1 potato medium sized, boiled, peeled and grated. 

2 tsp coriander leaves, chopped.

2 tbsp. cheese, grated.

Maida /corn flour –as needed for binding

1 egg

Method: assemble all the ingredients for the savoury corn cakes. In a mixing bowl combine together the coarsely crushed cooked corn along with grated potato also add in the capsicums and all other ingredients including seasonings, flavorings and mix well. Add in little maida or corn flour to get them all together and add in the cheese and beaten egg for the moisture in the mixture. Heat up a non-stick tava, lightly grease it with oil and spoon this mixture onto the tava and cook on a medium to low heat for 4-5 mins or until nicely set and golden browned. Remove and serve as a snack with assorted dips/sauces/chutneys/flavoured mayonnaise etc.

Recipe-6] CUSTARD CORN –N- CINNAMON PUDDING

Ingredients:

1 cup sweet corn, boiled and semi-crushed.

1 cup vanilla flavoured custard.

¼ tsp cinnamon powder.

2 tbsp. dates, chopped

2 tsp assorted nuts- almonds/pista/cashews.

1 cup bread crumbs, freshly made.

½ tsp vanilla essence

2 tsp butter

2 tsp honey

2 tbsp. sugar/brown sugar/ condenses milk/ jaggery.

Method:

Assemble all the ingredients for this easy to make tasty pudding recipe. In a saucepan combine together butter, dates, corn along with the sweetener of your choice and honey. Cook them all together on a medium flame for 2-3 mins. Add in the nuts, bread crumbs, a pinch of cinnamon powder and mix it well. Finally add in the prepared custard sauce and vanilla essence and cook for another 4-5 mins until it all gets together and leaves the sides of the pan.  Dish out the corn pudding into serving bowls, it can be served warm or chilled as well. We can further bake the pudding as well in the oven with a topping of brown sugar a little dusting of cinnamon powder and serve it with assorted cut fresh fruits

Celebrate World Martini Day with Belvedere Vodka

BELVEDERE CLASSIC MARTINI

An iconic combination of Belvedere Vodka and French Fortified Wine, with a fresh pink grapefruit twist.

60ml – Belvedere Vodka

7ml - French Fortified Wine

Garnish – Pink Grapefruit Twist

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass and stir over ice until very cold. Strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a pink grapefruit twist.

BELVEDERE ESPRESSO MARTINI 

45ml/1.5oz Belvedere Vodka

20ml/0.75oz Coffee Liqueur

1 Shot Fresh Espresso

5ml/1⁄6oz Sugar Syrup

Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker and shake over cubed ice. Fine strain into chilled martini glass.

BELVEDERE SUNSET ROSE MARTINI

45 ml - Belvedere Lake Bartezek

7.5 ml Lillete Rose

1 Dash Crème de Peche

Garnish – Lemon Coin

Add all ingredients to mixing glass over cubed ice and stir. Fine strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish.

Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management X Hyatt Hotels Corporation: A Powerful Partnership for Future Hospitality Leaders

Pune, June 2023: Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management is the first of its kind hotel school, ‘By The Hoteliers, For The Hoteliers’. From the curation of the curriculum to the design of the infrastructure, Lexicon IHM is the result of eminent industry leaders coming together to nurture future hospitality leaders. At Lexicon IHM, the focus is on providing a comprehensive hospitality education that goes beyond just textbook knowledge. The institute aims to create a learning environment that simulates real-world situations and enables students to develop the skills and competencies required to excel in the industry.

Lexicon IHM gladly announces entering into an MOU with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, a prominent worldwide hospitality corporation with 26 distinctive brands and more than 1,100 sites throughout the world, with the goal of offering a full hospitality education. It is an element of a novel effort by Lexicon IHM to forge a strong partnership between the sector and hospitality education. A comprehensive ecosystem for aspiring hospitality professionals has been developed by Lexicon IHM in partnership with a renowned hospitality chain like Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a world-renowned hospitality company with a long-standing reputation for providing exceptional service to its guests. This partnership presents an excellent opportunity for students at Lexicon Institute to gain valuable industry experience and knowledge from a global leader in the hospitality industry.

“As a leading hospitality corporation, we recognize the importance of supporting the development of a skilled workforce in the industry. This partnership between Lexicon Institute of Hotel Management and Hyatt Hotels Corporation is a significant step towards achieving that goal. By working together, we can provide students with hands-on experience and exposure to contemporary industry practices, preparing them for long-term success in their careers. We are excited to share our expertise and knowledge with the students and believe that this collaboration will not only benefit the students but also contribute to the growth and sustainability of the hospitality industry in India and beyond.", says Mr. Arif Khan, Regional VP of Human Resources - India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt India Consultancy.

A unique feature of this collaboration is the launch of India’s First Hyatt Classroom at the Lexicon IHM. Here, students will learn from the experiences of Hyatt industry experts, who will conduct Guest Lectures and Master Classes to share valuable insights and introduce them to contemporary industry practices. Further, the students will be assisted in projects where they can gain exposure to real-life hotel challenges. This will open internship and placement opportunities for the students to be exposed to a practical working environment.

The focus of this relationship is also to introduce future hospitality leaders to Hyatt as a brand and understand the Hyatt Brand Ethos and Core Values. A "Brand Advocate," appointed by Lexicon IHM, will collaborate with the Hyatt India team to project and inculcate an awareness of the different brands that fall within the Hyatt umbrella and culture.

“For the first time, Hyatt Hotels Corporation known for its exceptional service and customer experience, has partnered with a hotel school - Lexicon IHM, reflecting the company's commitment to providing authentic hospitality education. This collaboration extends our efforts to bridge the gap between industry and academics in order to create a healthy and sustainable environment for aspiring hoteliers. By working together, we can provide our students and desiring hospitality leaders with rewarding opportunities when they enter the field as ‘Day Zero Professionals’ and position them for long-term success.”, says Mr. Nasir Shaikh - Group CEO of The Lexicon Group of Institutes, MultiFit, EduCrack & EasyRecruit+.

Through this partnership, the organizations have worked together to develop a new generation of leaders in the global hospitality industry and provide them with the necessary tools to succeed in an industry that is constantly evolving. This will equip future hospitality leaders and benefit them in the long haul to become ‘Day Zero Professionals’.

Hilton India ranked No 1 company in “India’s Best companies to work for

Hilton India ranked No 1 company in “India’s Best Companies to work for” and the “Best in Industry: Hotels and Resorts” Category 2023

Recognized by Great Place To Work® India among India's Best Companies To Work For™, Hilton India stood tall on having created and sustained a High-Trust, High-Performance Culture

Mumbai, India – June 16, 2023 – Hilton (NYSE: HLT), Hilton India has been recognized among India's No 1 company to work for by ‘Great Place to Work’, the global research and consulting firm. In 2022, Great Place to Work® surveyed more than 1300 companies, out of which, the top 100 were awarded, representing more than 4.5 lakh employees in India. Its Trust Index© Survey assessed employees' perceptions of leadership, organizational culture, and trust, and is critical to a company being selected for the list of Best Workplaces in the country. Top-scoring questions from Hilton cited team members for their recognition of diversity and equity in the workplace, trust in the leadership team, and pride of the company's value and vision. This is the first time a hospitality brand was accorded this a top honor. The award ceremony was held in Mumbai last night and was attended by the top suite of India’s leading organizations.

Every year, Great Place to Work® identifies India's top 100 ‘Best Companies to Work’ For through an objective and rigorous workplace culture assessment process. In 2022, Hilton was recognized for its exceptional workplace culture and named one of the World’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work. Hilton ranked #2 of the top 25 companies and remains the only hospitality company on the list. Since first earning this recognition in 2016, Hilton has continued to build upon its strong workplace culture through an unwavering focus on creating an environment that’s inclusive, offers growth opportunities, is driven by purpose and allows team members to bring their best, most authentic selves to work.  

Navjit Ahluwalia, Country Head, India, Hilton said “We are deeply honored to be recognized as the No 1 company among India's Best Companies to Work for 2023 and the Best in the Hotels & Resorts industry. This prestigious award comes at a timely moment as we mark Hilton’s annual Team Member Appreciation Week, where we celebrate the remarkable contributions of our dedicated team. This award is attributed to them and reflects our unwavering commitment to our industry-leading practices and purpose-led culture.”

Sabu Raghavan, Vice President, Human Resources, India, Hilton said, “We are extremely grateful to our 4,000 Team Members in India for embodying and living the brand values of Hilton. Our Team Members are at the heart of our business and always go above and beyond to deliver the most reliable and friendly stays to our guests, spreading the light and warmth of hospitality everywhere they go. Receiving this accolade is a true testament to the exceptional culture that we have built for our Team Members in Hilton.”

Hilton’s initiatives in India include:

• Thrive@Hilton, Hilton’s employer value proposition that cultivates meaningful opportunities and a workplace culture where all team members can thrive regardless of background, role and location.

• Lead@Hilton, an industry-leading learning platform that offers a suite of learning resources on management and leadership, including a Leadership Unscripted video series where senior leaders share career advice and virtual development programs created in partnership with Harvard.

• Careers@Hilton, which provides guidance and highlights opportunities for young people in the hospitality industry through annual awareness campaigns. Paused during the pandemic, the program will restart in 2023.

• Go Hilton, Hilton’s popular team member travel program which offers discounted travel benefits.

• Care for All, is a new industry-leading caregiving initiative designed to support team members on their caregiving journeys. The Care for All platform is an expansion of Hilton’s mental wellness hub, which it aims to support team members in caring not only for themselves but also for those closest to them. 

• Team Appreciation Week: Hilton’s global initiative is a week-long global recognition event celebrating all of team members around the world and their commitment to Hilton’s purpose to spread the light and warmth of hospitality. The ninth annual Team Member Appreciation Week was held between June 11 – 17, 2023 which coincides with the recognition of Hilton India’s Great Place to Work honor. 

To be certified as a Great Place to Work, companies must meet the minimum quantitative threshold on the Great Place to Work Trust Index™ Employee Survey, which gathers feedback from employees on how credibility, respect, fairness, camaraderie and pride are expressed in the workplace. With the requirements met, companies are certified as a Great Place to Work in the countries for one year. This accolade signifies Hilton India’s unwavering commitment to be the employer of choice for nearly 4,000 team members in India, guided by its purpose-driven culture in creating an inclusive environment where team members are able to bring their most authentic selves to work, realize their potential and enable their growth.

For more information about Hilton, please visit stories.hilton.com.

Fortune Hotels opens a new property in Khajjiar

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group is delighted to announce the opening of its newest hotel in the scenic town of Khajjiar. Nestled amidst breath-taking landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, this addition to the Fortune Hotels portfolio promises an extraordinary experience for travellers.

Set in the heart of the ‘Mini Switzerland’ of India, Fortune Khajjiar blends warm hospitality and a mystical charm in its pristine surroundings. The property offers guests an enchanting retreat surrounded by towering pine trees, snow-capped mountains, and lush green meadows. The property’s idyllic setting provides a perfect escape from bustling city life, allowing guests to immerse themselves in nature’s splendour.

Situated just an hour’s drive from the tourist hot spot Dalhousie, the hotel offers easy access to numerous popular tourist attractions in the region, making it a perfect choice for leisure travellers looking to explore the natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh.

The well-appointed rooms and suites with magnificent views are a highlight; along with the all-day diner, a chic bar, a modern banquet hall, a swimming pool, kids play area, and soon to open gymnasium and a restful spa, making the hotel apt for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

Additionally, the town attracts adventure seekers as well, hosting multiple adventure sports like paragliding, horse riding, trekking, and zorbing which are constant attractions here.

Announcing the hotel opening, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said, “Khajjiar is a mesmerising location, relatively untouched and undiscovered by a majority of travellers. It is sure to appeal to holiday-goers looking to travel to unique locations. As a business, we recognize our strength in running successful hill hotels and our team hopes to recreate the same magic in Khajjiar as well. This is our 5th hotel in Himachal Pradesh and with it, we reiterate Fortune Hotel’s dedication to delivering memorable experiences and impeccable service across our 49th location in India.”

With a spacious and fully- equipped banquet hall and outdoors, Fortune Khajjiar lays special focus on hosting events and intimate celebrations too, making it a perfect venue for small weddings, corporate and social gatherings.

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Sayaji Group Launches Its First Hotel in Udaipur, Unveiling Enrise by Sayaji

Sayaji Hotels, a renowned name in the hospitality industry, is delighted to announce the grand opening of its first hotel in Rajasthan. Enrise by Sayaji offers an unparalleled experience of luxury, comfort, and warm hospitality that will redefine the hospitality landscape of Udaipur.

Located in the close proximity to Sajjangarah Fort at Jadhol Road, 45 minutes from Airport and 24 minutes from Udaipur Junction, Enrise by Sayaji, Udaipur, boasts 50 well-equipped rooms that provide guests with stunning views, an exquisite sunset, and an escape from the bustling city noise. Situated amidst serene surroundings, the hotel offers a tranquil environment where guests can rejuvenate their senses and immerse themselves in a truly unforgettable stay.

Enrise by Sayaji is its expansive sprawling lawns of 25000 sq.ft & 45000 sq.ft, splendid ball-room of 5000 sq.ft. which is perfect for hosting grand events and weddings and the hotel features a multi-cuisine restaurant that promises to delight guests' taste buds with a wide range of delectable dishes. From delicious local Rajasthani delicacies to international culinary masterpieces, the restaurant at Enrise by Sayaji offers an array of flavours to satiate every palate.To further enhance the overall well-being and relaxation of guests, the hotel includes a spa that provides an oasis of tranquillity. Offering a range of rejuvenating treatments and therapies, a refreshing dip or simply wishing to bask in the sun, the hotel boasts a captivating swimming pool, allowing guests to unwind and soak up the essence of relaxation.

For those seeking a sense of adventure and a connection with nature, they can explore an exciting horse riding experience the picturesque surroundings of Udaipur on horseback, immersing themselves in the beauty of the landscape and creating unforgettable memories. Whether it's a leisurely ride through the countryside or a guided tour of local attractions, horse riding at Enrise by Sayaji offers a unique and exhilarating way to discover the wonders of Udaipur.

Raoof Dhanani, Managing Director of Sayaji Hotels, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, saying, "We extend a warm welcome to all guests to experience an extraordinary staycation away from the city and indulge in our exceptional dining experience. Udaipur is a city known for its rich culture, heritage, and scenic beauty, and we are thrilled to provide a world-class hospitality experience that complements the charm of this magnificent city."

Enrise by Sayaji, Udaipur, upholds this legacy by offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and personalized care, ensuring that each guest's stay is nothing short of extraordinary.

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