September 2012
magazine A MONTHLY ON HOSPITALITY TRADE
Vol 12 Issue 9 Pages 72 `50 By DDP Publications
Relations Relations with with international international associations associations FHRAI FHRAIsigns signsMoUs MoUswith with IH&RA, IH&RA, HFTP, AHLA HFTP,and AHLA AAHOA and AAHOA
Encapsulating Encapsulating Synergy Synergy in in Hospitality Hospitality 47 47ththAnnual AnnualFHRAI FHRAIConvention Conventionwitnesses witnesses global globalcooperation cooperationininhospitality hospitality
September 2012 Cover Story
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Converging Thoughts & Thoughtful Actions F or the first time in the history of FHRAI, its
Annual Convention has been able to achieve strong foothold internationally by reaching out to the key global hospitality associations.
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contents
THIS MONTH
President’s Message FHRAI Desk News Updates Movements Products & Services Events
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FEATURES
44 Etcetera: A palatable journey
46 Concept: Philanthropic dining
Interview: Changing perception about tourism RH Khwaja, Union Secretary for 36 Tourism, Government of India, shares his thoughts on tourism facets Etcetera: A palatable journey The newly launched recipe book – 44 chakh le India – takes one through a culinary journey of India Concept: Philanthropic dining StreetSmart India brings an 46 opportunity for generous diners to contribute through eateries
48 Design: Approaching design differently
Design: Approaching design differently Shades of India aims to 48 bring unique elements through innovative fabric work
Chairman Publications Sub-committee Vijai Pande Editor Deepa Sethi - deepa@ddppl.com Assistant Editor Sanjeev Bhar - sanjeev@ddppl.com Desk Editor Neelam Singh - neelam@ddppl.com Sub-Editor Ramya J.S. D’Rozario Advertising Gunjan Sabikhi - gunjan@ddppl.com Delhi Prateek Sahay - prateek@ddppl.com (+919650911388) Shovan Kanungo - shovan@ddppl.com Shradha Kapoor - Shradha@ddppl.com Mumbai Harshal Ashar - harshal@ddppl.com (+919619499167)
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creative Design Alpana Khare Neeraj Aggarwal FHRAI - Marketing S.P. Joshi Production Manager Anil Kharbanda FHRAI B-82, 8th Floor, Himalaya House Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi 110001 Tel: 91-11-40780780, Fax: +91-11-40780777 Email: fhrai@vsnl.com
ITtalk: MobilITy Mobile apps are delivering 52 tangible value to hoteliers and hotel guests alike Online: Procurement using social media 68 Events Purchase department 53 needs to explore myriad dimensions of social media Education: Whose concern is it? The yawning gap between hotel 54 management graduates’ and hoteliers’ expectations should be reduced to a bare minimum Bar Show: Evolving bar culture Gurgaon gets ready to play host to 58 the 1st edition of The India Bar Show during October 26-27, 2012 Beverages: Savouring Black Dog Black Dog Scotch Whisky 60 has a unique offering for those who care for taste
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FHRAI Magazine is published, edited and printed monthly by DDP Publication Pvt. Ltd. On behalf of Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India and published from DDP Publications Pvt. Ltd. 72 Todarmal Road New Delhi 110001 Email: fhraimag@ddppl.com Tel : 91-11-23731971 Fax: 91-11-23351503 Printed at Cirrus Graphics Pvt. Ltd. B 62/14, Phase-II, Naraina Industrial Area New Delhi 110028 This issue of FHRAI Magazine contains 80+4 pages cover All information in the FHRAI Magazine is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regrets that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by FHRAI Magazine or DDP. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. No part of FHRAI Magazine or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publication in writing. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from another publication. An exemption is hereby granted for the extracts used for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent to us for our records. Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission could face legal action. The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged. This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian and International Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear.
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Ambitions. Commitment. Efforts. My Dear Co-members, As a learned man said, “I keep revising my Vision. Only when you Dream it, you can do it. Think Big, think Fast, think Ahead. Ideas are no one’s monopoly. Our Dreams have to be Bigger. Our Ambitions Higher. Our Commitment Deeper. And Our Efforts Greater.”As your President of FHRAI, I put in all my efforts to realise my dream of serving FHRAI and it members as their President and also bringing the world over to meet you, at our 2012 Annual Convention. Last year at the beginning of December, I shared my ambition for my term with each one of you, and the same was also published in this magazine, as well as to the world through our website. So to reflect, did the world come to our Convention, did my vision get accomplished? The greatest acknowledgment about accomplishment of this dream came for our organisation, from the 833 registered delegates, at this just concluded 47th FHRAI convention. This was the highest number we have had since the past 55 years of FHRAI’s existence, and in fact, we had to turn down several requests in the last week, given that the inauguration hall could only accommodate half of the registered delegates. Your innovative convention team streamed live proceedings of every convention business session throughout the three-day period in another ballroom using big screens, and also hooked the video feed to the Leela Goa’s 180odd guest room TVs and leveraged Internet video to manage in dispersing the crowd. The convention was inaugurated by our Union Tourism Minister. The Union Secretary Tourism gave the valedictory address, His Excellency, the Governor of Goa, Tourism Minister of Puducherry, Tourism Minister of Maharashtra, Tourism Minister of Goa, Tourism Minister of Kerala, Principal Secretary Tourism of Goa, Secretary Tourism of Kerala, Tourism Secretary of Madhya Pradesh, Principal Secretary Tourism of Gujarat, Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism, and Secretary of CM’s office of Maharashtra, also spoke at the convention. But this wasn’t the ‘Whole World’, and therefore, as you may have read in my previous note of the FHRAI magazine, my dream of getting all International Association Presidents and Chairmen, from the grandiose global Associations like HFTP, AH&LA, AAHOA, WTTC-II and last but not the least, IH&RA, as well as FAITH to come over to India, attend
and speak at the FHRAI convention, in Goa, came true. Many of you heard Dr Ghassan AIDI, IH&RA President, Jordi Bisquets, IH&RA Board member representing Argentina, Casimir Platzer, IH&RA Board member representing GastroSuisse, Jean Daniel Martz representing Switzerland GastroSuisse, Mohamed Najia IH&RA Board member representing Kuwait, Johannes Lenz-Hawliczek, IH&RA Board member representing DOT HOTEL, Amelia Tomasevic, IH&RA Board member representing Croatia, Rong Gang IH&RA Board member representing China Hotels Association and Xu Jin, IH&RA guest speaker, Frederic Pierret, Deputy Secretary General UNWTO and Patrick Donato and LudovicCoupez from Reservation Dothotel, participated in deliberations. Raman. P. Rama, the incoming President of HFTP, Frank Wolfe, the CEO at HFTP, Joseph McInerney, the President of AH&LA, Alkesh Patel, the Chairman of AAHOA, Vikram Madhok representing WTTC were all splendid speakers at business sessions. And all of them did travel by making their arrangements from their own individual budgets, unlike our previous conventions. Now that is what I call the ‘World’! In the past, I accompanied my seniors (Presidents) who would ask delegates during their tenure’s convention, whether they were taken care of. I tried doing the same at my convention in Goa, for the first day, but from the second day onwards, forthcoming delegates would relay me forward with a long complimenting chat, about how nice and seamless the convention was, breaking all previous records, at times, even from delegates I wouldn’t have recognised, attending our convention for the first time. More than a dozen contented media persons attended this convention, too. But all this didn’t happen on autopilot; each and every organising committee of the Convention worked diligently and meticulously, spent innumerable man hours, over intricately planning all arrangements to ensure the tremendous success of this Convention. For instance, the Smartphone messages relayed over a group chat within this group kept the communication channels discreetly live. Such as, which VIP was at which location and when he needed to be escorted by a team member on the stage, at which moment. I am not listing their names here for brevity, but well thought out processes, such as these contributed to the raging success of an amazing show of teamwork at play.
The SMS flew continuously to each registered cell number and brought semblance to the stress we were going through in the organisation. You might witness some part of this on our faces at - https://picasaweb.google. com/109509514416911172647 The historic signing of the MoUs with HFTP, AH&LA, AAHOA, IH&RA and FHRAI are all over the media. Even with just a curtailed nine months tenure, this team was able to deliver not just one, but many offspring viz., FAITH, Cornell, MOT’s HRACC, International Associations at Goa, Copyright Action Stay, TDSAT, Harmonized Infrastructure Status, NTAC core committee, Income Tax 35 AD, Paperless office, HDPBCenter & States, FIHM management, Bimonthly Executive Committee meetings, Restaurant classification revised, Exim Foreign Trade Policy revisions, 24 hours Secretariat reply, effective Sub-committees like Legal, Government, Convention, FAITH, Pre-budget, Seminars, Copyright, FSSAI, Sustainable Development, MOT, Office-Website, Brain Stormer’s, Public Relations, Publications, FIHM, Restaurants, HDPB, PCI-DSS and 5 year plan (starting with PR in my term to HR-CSR-Policy-Revenue to follow for the coming four years). While writing this for you, I never realised that this is my last communication to you as your President for this term. I feel humbled and honoured to have had this privilege and I thank each and every one of you for your support and contribution to this great organisation that is so close to my heart. Let’s celebrate this ending, because it precedes a new beginning. With Best Wishes,
Kamlesh Barot President FHRAI
kamleshbarot@revivalhotel.com (facebook.com/kamlesh.barot; twitter: @KamleshBarot)
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Creating
cross-culture relations Vijai Pande Chairman Publications Sub-committee FHRAI vijaipandit@yahoo.co.in
Goa! The word in itself gives us a sense of holiday and reminds us of Convention a unique history. This state brings together the best of both worlds. Here the western culture, due to the Portuguese occupation for long, meets with that of the Indian ethos and brings about a dimension that is quite hard to explain in few words. This is one of the myriad things about India. I am happy to share that the 47th Annual FHRAI Convention has been able to achieve the same feeling by bringing international associations together with FHRAI. Now, all of us can synergise to make our present large and well dispersed. The FHRAI Convention has brought that uniqueness to the fore and I am extremely proud to share that it has been attained with the grit determination of our President, Shri Kamlesh Barot. He has been instrumental in making some of the drastic changes in the Federation allowing it to become one of the most sought after body for the hospitality industry. The formation of various Sub-committees & Chairman Shri Vivek Nair, Co-Chairman Shri Sunit Kothari & his team have enabled the Federation to work in synergy and attain various goals that the present team set out to achieve last year. We should carry forward it. I had to miss this convention due to the demise of my Father-in law. But, that did not deter me to be left out completely, thanks to the amazing initiative taken by the Convention Committee. The Convention Committee ensured that FHRAI members from across the country can follow it online, session by session. I also happen to watch the same online that allowed me find out the key initiatives various states are taking to promote tourism.We are planning to provide the links of the same in the FHRAI Website soon.
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It is heartening to see that our Honourable Minister of Tourism, Shri Subodh Kant Sahai ji appreciated our efforts for choosing an interesting topic for our Convention. This is where FHRAI has been a thought provoking association which has always raised issues that are pertinent for the industry betterment. I am happy that Shri RH Khwaja, Secretary Tourism has also brought to table an open discussion after his Valedictory Address during the Convention, where members got the opportunity to ask him key questions and he responded in an open manner. After attending the National Convention our responsibilities has increased whether we are Government officer or we are in Tourism business. We need to modify the decisions taken in Conventions & ideas of speakers into work structure then only we will be able to achieve Goal. Next Convention will be held in South; there we will meet with new growth strategies & vision. I am also very happy to share that our magazine has been appreciated a lot during the convention and many members informed me on phone. I am delighted to share that we have always projected key issues of our industry and will continue to do so with the efforts of the members. As you are aware that the Food Safety & Standard Act 2006 is imposed and August 5, 2012 was the registration deadline for the same. We have requested the department to postpone the Act for one year & to educate the industry and government staff. With our effort FSSAI department has postponed the registration date for six months. Now on our request, FSSAI is organising a meeting on September 28, 2012 in Delhi for discussion. FHRAI office is mailing you some details on Food Safety & Standard Act & Fire fighting which should be of help to you all. Please go through it and send in your suggestions so that we can take forward your grievances in consideration during our meetings.
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HRANI
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Looking back at growth S M Shervani President, HRANI
It has been a proud privilege and honour for me to lead our Association for the last two years. I look back at my tenure with immense satisfaction. We have been able to achieve many ‘firsts’. This happened only due to the cooperation and guidance of the Managing Committee members and Past Presidents. It was indeed a special moment for me and my team when we inaugurated the first ever convention in Amritsar. Our special thanks to the Organising Committee members and Amritsar and Punjab Hotel Associations. We also held a seminar on the Food Safety & Standards Act – 2006, in association with our parent association FHRAI and National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). It was for the first time that the three Associations got together. Keeping in view the success of the Delhi seminar, some more seminars on the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, were also held in north Indian states like Uttarakhand, Chandigarh and Uttar Pradesh. HRANI actively participated in initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism to bridge the huge skill gap which exists in the tourism sector through Hunar Se Rozgar Tak Yozna. To enhance the skill of unskilled employees, the Association helped the National Council Affiliated Institutes of Hotel Management to train the unskilled employees from the member hotels. The six-day programme consisted of a training session in food and beverage production and service. A total of 276 working employees from member hotels took the training. The course was meant for existing employees of hotels and restaurants and the training was conducted at IHM, Pusa, New Delhi. I would like to express gratitude to all dignitaries and various Government functionaries who have been kind enough to encourage, guide and support us. Our Association also represented to the Chief Minister of Delhi against increasing the quantum of Luxury tax, and bringing hotel rooms (with tariff above Rs 750) banquet halls, spas, health club (with an annual turnover of Rs 5 lakh) under the ambit of Luxury tax. Unfortunately, we have not met with much success, but our efforts in this direction would continue.
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HRANI has also taken up the issue to allow restaurants to operate till 3 am especially on weekends. Our view is that this would allow the operators to function legally and contribute to make it a safe and drug-free place. If one or two establishments are indulging in illegal trade then why should others be denied a chance to operate legally. This is the only way that the unsavoury practices on both sides can be curtailed. I am also glad to share with you that your association has been successful in getting following reliefs: • VAT on sale of Liquor has been reduced from 26.25 per cent to 15.75 per cent by Haryana Government as per the Excise Policy of the year. • After vigorous follow-up with the Railway Ministry, the Shatabdi train has been started four days a week connecting Anand Vihar-Kathgodam. Due to our constant follow-up and with the co-operation of Secretariat and state representatives, we have managed to update the list of members, and more importantly their authorised nominees. Today, out of 1,588 members, we have a detailed record of 1,413 members. I must thank everyone for their cooperation in enabling us to do this and especially the Secretariat for its constant follow-up and sincere effort. Throughout the past year, we have continued to strive to keep our members posted of our progress and accomplishments through frequent communications – Magazine, Mailers and website. HRANI Hospitality, the Northern Region Magazine, has always been instrumental in highlighting the issues of importance and worked as a conduit between members and the Association. In order to improve the quality, content and shelf value of the same, we tied up with Sampan Media to bring out the magazine so that its members may benefit from its updated content. HRANI has continued to be extremely proactive in engaging with the Government and the top policy makers, both at Central & State level on an entire gamut of issues concerning the Indian hospitality and tourism industry. We have successfully represented the industry’s perspective at all continued on page 16...
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FHRAI reaffirms its support for MOT Campaigns M D Kapoor Secretary General, FHRAI
Hunar Se Rozgar Tak Yojna, Clean India Campaign and Safe & Honourable Tourism
In recent years, the Ministry of Tourism has taken the laudable initiative to launch multi-stakeholder Key Issues partnerships in three core areas – fostering skill development, improving cleanliness and hygiene at all major tourist centres and promoting socially responsible tourism in the country. Each of these programmes is designed to synergise the complimentary strengths, competencies and resources of the government as well as the private and social sectors to proactively confront complex and seemingly intractable sectoral challenges. These are guided by long-term goals to build a robust and sustainable base to achieve the ambitious growth trajectory envisioned by the ‘Working Group on Tourism’ for the 12th Five-Year Plan. With the active support and cooperation from our members nationwide, FHRAI has been at the forefront in supporting these initiatives and remains deeply committed to assist in steadily adding to their scale, scope and geographical depth across the country.
Hunar Se Rozgar Yojna This initiative, fully funded by the Ministry of Tourism, aims at creation of employable skills amongst the youth in the age group of 18 to 28 years with a minimum qualification of passing Class 8 and provides free of cost training in short duration programmes ranging from 6 to 8 weeks. It covers diverse areas such as Food and Beverage service, Food Production, Housekeeping, Bakery and Patisserie, Driving, Golf Caddies and Tourist Facilitation. This scheme has been recognised as a key central initiative for skill development and is proving to be a vital mechanism to help the hospitality and tourism sector bridge its widening demand-supply gap in availability of trained manpower. Launched in 2009, HSR has consistently exceeded its planned target in terms of the number of youth trained. Building on this exceptional initial success, the Ministry of Tourism and key stakeholders such as FHRAI are now diligently working towards expanding the coverage in terms of the number of beneficiaries as well as the courses being offered. FHRAI strongly believes that since this unique programme is particularly
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focusing on the youth from economically weaker and other marginalised sections of our society, it will be instrumental in leveraging the tourism sector’s inherent potential to generate sustainable livelihoods and catalyse inclusive and equitable economic growth.
Clean India Campaign Our industry and the Ministry of Tourism believes that one aspect which has adversely impacted tourism in our country, both international and domestic, relates to unsatisfactory hygiene and cleanliness at important tourist destinations. To alleviate this major road-block, the Ministry of Tourism has taken the lead to put in place a comprehensive strategy to effect cleanliness, hygiene and sanitation as well as augment basic public amenities at tourist destinations under the campaign “Clean India”. The campaign will employ a balance of persuasion, education, sensitisation, training, demonstration and regulation for achieving its goal and will be implemented in collaboration with Central and State Governments, the corporate sector, travel trade, NGOs, educational institutions and media. The campaign was launched by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism, Subodh Kant Sahai with a pilot project at the Qutub Minar, New Delhi, in June 2012. FHRAI was represented by its President at this high-profile event, wherein the President also took a pledge, on behalf of all our members, to offer unstinting support and assistance for the success of this participatory initiative. The President also offered that FHRAI will actively liaise with the Ministry of Tourism, ASI and other corporate members to facilitate voluntary adoption of monuments and heritage sites as part of the campaign.
Safe & Honourable Tourism On September 27, 2010, on the occasion of World Tourism Day, FHRAI became a key signatory to the pledge for commitment towards Safe & Honourable Tourism. We believe that the central principle enshrined in our philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ is to ensure that every tourist in India is physically invigorated, mentally rejuvenated, culturally enriched and spiritually elevated. As part of this noble goal, and to strengthen India’s continued on page 16...
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Resolutions adopted at the 47th Annual FHRAI Convention As the convention drew to a close, the Secretary General of FHRAI MD Kapoor presented following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted. These resolutions represent collective expectations, concerns as well as commitment of our fraternity on key contemporary issues. 1. The hospitality industry reiterates our vigorous support for the Ministry of Tourism’s pioneering Hunar Se Rozgar Tak and the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s National Skill Development Mission, as part of our steadfast commitment to expand economic opportunities and social empowerment for our youth and rural communities, so that India’s future growth is built on a sustainable, equitable and inclusive foundation. 2. FHRAI proudly endorses the visionary roadmap for our sector envisaged in the landmark report of the Working Group for the 12th Five Year Plan, particularly the ambitious target of increasing India’s share in world tourist arrivals to at least 1 per cent by 2016 and placing a renewed focus on promoting pro-poor tourism. 3. The industry pledges its enthusiastic cooperation and assistance for success of the Tourism Ministry’s innovative “Clean India Campaign”. FHRAI and our members will actively work with the government and other stakeholders
for sensitization and concrete action on the vital issues of cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene at all our major tourist centers. 4. FHRAI is deeply committed to continue its assiduous efforts to facilitate the effective implementation of the Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism, both in letter and spirit. 5. To provide the Indian hospitality industry with a level-playing field to effectively compete with our global peers, it is imperative to rationalise the industry’s complex multiple taxation structure by withdrawing the service tax imposed on hotels and restaurants and introducing a uniform rate of luxury tax across the country, applicable only on actual and not published tariff. 6. FHRAI urges the union government to accord ‘Infrastructure status to the hospitality and tourism sector as a whole, to enable our industry to viably undertake the massive capital investment which is necessary to alleviate the projected shortfall in the availability of hotel rooms in the country. 7. FHRAI calls on all state governments to recognise tourism’s intrinsic potential as a catalyst for large-scale employment generation and extend their support for
the growth of this sector by facilitating a progressive policy framework including granting ‘industry’ status so that hotels can avail industrial rates on inputs such as power and water as opposed to paying commercial tariff and constituting an effective state-level Hospitality Development Promotion Board (HDPB), under the chairmanship of their Chief Secretary. 8. The Association will further strengthen its constructive engagement with FSSAI and continue to contribute technical inputs as well as robustly represent the industry’s views and apprehensions on this key regulatory issue. 9. FHRAI stays committed to continue to agitate on the issue of unreasonable Tariff imposed by Broadcasters by taking all legal recourse therein. FHRAI shall further make all attempts to rationalise the Tariffs in consultation with the Broadcasters before contemplating other measures. 10. We welcome the formation of Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality (FAITH) as an umbrella industry body, which will serve as a powerful and unified voice for shared concer ns and aspirations of our industry and strive to create value for all stakeholders.
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available platforms and remained dedicated to safeguard the interest of all our members. Elections for the 3rd time under the new Constitution are on the way and I am sure it will be smoothly held enabling the new President along with his team to continue in the best interest of our industry. I am sure he and his team will receive the same cooperation and support from you as I did. I have always felt that the association can only be successful if its members are active. We have a long way to go and have to fight many battles mainly with the mindset of our policy makers which takes us to be their favourite ‘cashcow’, always ready to tax us when they are in need of money.
When we fail to make them see our point of view, the only relief possible to us is from the Court as in the case of service tax. FHRAI has gone to the Court against the double taxation of both the State and the Centre. The court will take its time but I am sure we will get some relief. Please accept my heartfelt gratitude for the affection, respect and support you have extended to me during my tenure as the President of HRANI. I wish you the best in your businesses in the coming years. (The writer is also the Vice President of FHRAI.)
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positioning as a responsible global tourism brand, the Ministry of Tourism, fully supported by FHRAI and other stakeholders such as leading NGOs, has formulated a Code for Safe & Honourable Tourism. This code is consistent with international standards and best practices and integrates the basic tenets of dignity, safety and freedom from exploitation of both tourists and local residents and communities. Thus, it encompasses anyone who may either be involved in or impacted by tourism and its related activities. The code is designed to be universally applicable to all segments and constituents of the hospitality, travel and tourism industry, including suppliers and service providers. In 2011, the code was also incorporated in the ‘Guidelines for classification/reclassification of Hotels’ in various star categories, wherein applicants are mandated to publicly
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affirm their pledge and undertaking of commitment towards ‘Safe & Honourable Tourism’, in addition to institutionalising in-house procedures for robust compliance with the code and providing adequate training and orientation to all employees in this regard. FHRAI has been working assiduously to create awareness among our members on this issue and facilitating enforcement of both the letter and spirit of the code. FHRAI values the opportunity provided by its 47th Annual Convention, to reiterate our unstinting support for all such visionary collaborative initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism which can help unlock the sector’s capacity to serve as a pivotal engine of socio-economic growth and development in the country.
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INDUSTRY EXPECTATIONS FHRAI Convention
Central Government
1. Inclusion of Hotels of 3-star and above in the Harmonized List of Infrastructure to be extended to 2-star and above category of Hotels and above throughout India and not just in cities subsectors with population of 10 million or more as per the present notification. Once this is granted, Hotels would be able to avail of financial assistance as extended to other Infrastructure projects like Airports, Ports, etc. This would entitle hotels to have a tenor of financial assistance of up to 15 years, avail of External Currency Borrowings (ECBs) of US $ 500 Million through the Automatic Route of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and take RBI’s prior approval. This would enable projects to be funded at much lower rates of interest, avail of financial assistance from Infrastructure Lending Institutions such as: IFDC and IIFL Ltd., which are, at present, not permitted to lend to the Hotel sector. Also, existing Rupee loans at high rates of interest can be replaced by Foreign Currency Loan up to 75 per cent of the average of Foreign Exchange Earnings in the last three years of hotels. This would enable hotels to reduce their interest cost to a substantial extent, especially in cases where they earn in Foreign Currency. 2. Service tax on rooms and on restaurants which are airconditioned needs to be removed as various states already levy Luxury tax and VAT on food. This amounts to double taxation on the same item. 3. Benefits under Section 35AD of the Income Tax Act for the Hotels of 2-star and above category throughout the country should be applicable not only to Hotels which are owned and operated by companies but also to companies which own these hotels but are operated by Management companies. Also, heritage hotels to be included in this section. 4. The recommendation of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012-2017) increasing the Plan outlay by three times giving priority to tourism after the Presentation made to the Prime Minister by the Union Tourism Minister on 23rd June 2011 and the setting up of the Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. Pulok Chatterji, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, to address the various issues which would help increase the Foreign Tourists Arrivals (FTAs) from 6.2 Million to 12 Million by the year 2017, i.e., in the 12th FiveYear Plan. The 5-year Plan has thus assessed the total requirement of funds for various Infrastructures and development of tourism during the 12th Five Year Plan which would be Rs. 1618 crores. This would amount to a tripling of the amount allocated during the previous 5-yar plan. It would, therefore, be vitally more that if proper development of the tourism and infrastructure is to take place, as planned, this entire amount in the Plan outlay should be allocated by the Planning Commission, if the employment generation is to be increased from the present level of about 53 Million to about 80 Million in the 2012-2017 period. For this, an additional requirement of 180,000 classified guest-rooms to the present availability of the classified rooms of 130,000 is required to be met for which capital investment is estimated to be of the order of about Rs. 72,000 crores. Hence, for this to be achieved, the various expectations of the Industry from the Central and State Government is outlined and must be fulfilled. 5. Under Section 32 of the Income Tax Act, the rate of depreciation must be restored to 20 per cent from 10 per cent as the high wear and tear of plant and machinery and renovation/refurbishment cycle of 7-8 years due to 24x7 operations of hotels.
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6. The Ministry of Environment and Forests should adopt the recommendations of the Committee Report set up and chaired by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan to rationalise the determination of the High Tide Line in India which at present is 200 mtrs. The Committee had recommended the practice used worldwide to determine the distance from the High-Tide-Line followed by various countries of the world, for setting up of beach resorts. The Committee recommended that 7 parameters be taken into account for mapping the vulnerability of the coast, i.e., elevation, geology, geomorphology, sea level trends, horizontal shoreline displacement (erosion/accretion), tidal ranges and wave heights. The different parameters specified in the report are as given below. For the purpose of mapping, the vulnerability of the coast, seven parameters are taken into account: elevation, geology, geomorphology, sea level trends, horizontal shoreline displacement (erosion/accretion), tidal ranges and wave heights. Based on these criteria the new High Tide Line can be demarcated by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. This could lead to the immediate setting up of additional guestrooms in the existing resorts. Also due to the acute demand for guestrooms in beach resorts, a fast track approval process should be set up both at the level of the State Governments such as Kerala, Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra so that within a maximum period of three months from the date of filing of the application with the State Government, the final approval could be received from the Ministry of Environment and Forests to start construction on the project. At present, the approval process entails a wait of nothing less than 1.5 to 2 years. At present, due to unsettled conditions in some major beach destination in the Middle East, there is a demand for more than 1 million Foreign Tourists to come to aforesaid coastal states but because of the lack of accommodation in the winter months, their demand cannot be met. It is, therefore, imperative that this fast track approval process be set up so that in a short period of 24 months, additional rooms in coastal resorts could be set up following all the rules and regulations of the Coastal Regulation Zone Act of 2011. 7. Implementation of the GST Scheme: The above scheme is necessary so that Hotels are not charged more than 8 per cent totally for various taxes being paid by it. Even this figure of 8 per cent is more than what is charged by China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Thailand where the taxes are 5, 5, 6, 7, Nil (Hong Kong) and 7 per cent, respectively. This is necessary to make India as a Competing Tourism Destination. 8. Rationalisation of the excise duty and Bar timings and the number of dry-days and Entertainment tax levied on bar and lounges which have performance by bands, musicians, etc., are some of the other points which need to be changed. 9. Visa-on-Arrival: To be allowed at airports besides four existing metros of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to other tourists destinations such as, Goa, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Mangalore, Hyderabad and also for enlargening the list of eligible nations to cover Shengen States like, Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Poland and Australia. 10. Heritage Hotels to be included under the ambit of Section 35AD of Income Tax Act.
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11. AICTE norms for approval of catering colleges need relaxation.
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12. National Tourism Policy needs to be revised.
clearance scheme under the Chairmanship of the Secretary Tourism of the State would be effective in obtaining quick approvals for the setting up of Hotels.
13. Luxury Tax on actual tariff to be levied and not on published tariff as in some states.
From State Governments
14. CRZ relaxation required for 500 meters high tide line. 15. FSI/ FAR required alike Shanghai to increase the supply of hotel rooms in India. 16. FHRAI suggestions on the Food Safety & Standard Act (FSSA) to be considered so that the Act can be effectively implemented. 17. Increase in Budget on Tourism Expenditure 18. Uniformity in Laws required Pan India for licensing & taxation. 19. Bar & Lounges to be allowed to operate 24x7. 20. Availability of Finance from Banks & TFCI to be eased. 21. Subsidies required for procurement of Cold Storage equipments. 22. Reduce number of dry days. Implementation of Hospitality Promotion Development Board (HPDB) At present, about 128 Licences are required for setting up of a Hotel and for operating it after it is completed. An effective single-window
1. L uxury Tax should be levied on actual tariff charged to guests and not on published tariff as the practice followed in Delhi, Tamil Nadu, etc. Also, FSI/ FAR should be increased at least by 300 per cent of the normal permissible FSI/FAR as permitted in the city of Mumbai so as to reduce the heavy cost of land in metros and to make the hotels economically viable. Also, states permitting additional FSI/ FAR should charge 25 per cent of the rates as per the ready reckoner of the WARD/Zone where the hotel plot is located so as not to impose a very heavy burden whilst granting the additional FAR. This practice has been followed by the Government of Maharashtra and Municipal Corporation for the last three decades. 2. G rant of Industrial rates on Electricity instead of Commercial rates. The Government of Goa has confirmed this benefit since 1990 but other states like Maharashtra have yet to actually confer the benefit though Notification Granting Industry Status for water, power and electricity was issued on 7th April 1999. Central Government and State Governments In the High Court of Kochi in a petition filed by one of the Hotels in Kerala, as directed by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) in its order, should file an affidavit as to why the Service Tax applied on rooms and restaurants which are air-conditioned, should not be stated.
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47th Annual FHRAI Convention, goa
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47th Annual FHRAI Convention, goa
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47th Annual FHRAI Convention, goa
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for the Convention Committee Dear Mr. Barot I think that FHRAI took India’s Tourism Campaign to heart when they planned the Convention in Goa. The event was not only Incredible India, but also, Incredible FHRAI! Mr. Kamlesh Barot, and his Convention team, are to be exhaulted for their tremendous efforts on such a successful event. I walked away from the event with a tremendous amount of excitement and knowledge that were both provided by the education sessions. The evening activities were definitely a hit out of bounds, a six in Cricket for sports fans!!! The spicy food was FANTASTIC!!! I enjoyed the dinners. It was so very kind of you to spend time with us and host such a lovely event.. Frank Wolfe CEO, HFTP
All our team of IH&RA and Board members were impressed with the great and excellent organisation of your convention in Goa. In addition to the excellent work, the management and employees of Leela Hotel were sincerely at their best. I do congratulate you as well as Mr. Vivek Nair and all other employees and management of FHRAI on a job well done.
Mr. President
Joseph A. McInerney President and CEO AH&LA
Dear Kamlesh bhai
Mr. President
Dr. Ghassan AIDI President, IH&RA
Thank you very much for all the hospitality you extended to me at the FHRAI convention. I learned a lot about the hotel and restaurant business in India. I greatly appreciated the opportunity to be part of the programme. It would be AH&LA’s pleasure to support FHRAI in its future endeavours.
I want to personally thank you for having AAHOA as a part of the FHRAI Convention. I am looking forward to work with you. I have got done with our legislative meeting so next week I am going to have staff work on the MoU that has been signed between AAHOA and FHRAI. Alkesh Patel Chairman AAHOA
Thank you Mr. Kamlesh Barot and FHRAI Regional Presidents and officers for extending a hand of friendship. This is a very big step in history for both organisations which has been formalised in good faith through an MoU that both membership organisations are coming together in mutual agreement for its members’ benefits.
It was a pleasure to meet you in Goa in the framework of your great and professional congress. Thank you so much for inviting us to session on the IH&RA Board in Goa. This has allowed us to know your country a bit more and to get familiar with your business challenges. Best wishes to FHRAI.
Mr. Frank Wolfe, CEO of HFTP, is world-renowned for his involvement globally and all Regional Presidents of FHRAI are also very resourceful. With mutual agreements that are being planned today, both membership groups will benefit in enhancing their mutual resources for common benefit of its members, and in turn, benefit the hospitality industry at large. We hope that this is just a beginning for more to come as we share our resources with everyone globally. HFTP is a non-profit organisation and its main sole purpose is to be a source and resource to the hospitality industry globally. We are open to any discussion that you may have.
Jordi Busquets Asesor de Fehgra IH&RA
FHRAI Convention has been a great conference and thanks to the Organising Committee for putting up a good conference. Best wishes. Raman P Rama Incoming President, HFTP
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Converging Thoughts & Thoughtful Actions For the first time in the history of FHRAI, its Annual Convention has been able to achieve strong foothold internationally by reaching out to the key global hospitality associations. The international participation at the 47th Annual FHRAI Convention in Goa during September 6-8, 2012, brought about synergy of thoughts which the various associations expect to address in spirit too. sanjeev bhar
O
n the last day of the 47th Annual FHRAI Convention, which was held at The Leela Goa from September 6-8, 2012, as people gathered for the final gala dinner of the event, I crossed Frank Wolfe, CEO of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) who was selectively picking up some Naan on his plate. We had earlier exchanged cards, and therefore, I casually asked him if he liked Indian food. His answer was in an affirmative and that too with a big smile on his face. I again asked whether it seems strange to him that Indians need not be too rigid on following courses in a serial manner. He said, “That’s what we do at home, isn’t it?” That answer left me with some thought. I felt as if he aptly summarised the entire Convention with a simple thought. Truly, this Convention too brought various international associations together on a single platform. All came forth to be with FHRAI emanating new thoughts and plans for
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a joint journey in order to make hospitality and tourism take newer strides through the journey of cooperation.
Inaugural Session The fact that over 825 delegates had registered, including international participation, made this Convention quite a historical event. On the opening day, the keynote address by Dr Ghassan AIDI, President, International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA) opened a plethora of ideas for consideration in order to take the Indian hospitality forward. He evoked a feeling that despite the economic and financial crisis, India managed its economy well. “Since 2008, H1N1 flu, Mad Cow disease, volcano eruption in Europe, natural disasters of various kinds have affected our industry. These are serious threats for our industry. But today, we stand together with a single voice. We need to have a strategic plan for overall benefit of us and our customers.”
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Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister of Tourism (MOT), Government of India, inaugurated the 47th Annual FHRAI Convention by lighting the lamp and thereafter, brought his thoughts to the floor. He said, “I have come to know that many associations have come to attend this Convention and this is an honour for Goa.” According to him, on the tourism front, the ministry never had any target. But the foreign offices have been in existence even before India’s Independence and yet, managing just over six million foreign tourists in a year. He asked how the travel trade fraternity could double the figures and make India a 365-day destination.
He remarked, “I am extremely happy to know that the Convention has taken the theme of employment. We, as the
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FHRAI has raised a critical issue of employment in the Convention
He highlighted that the coastal regions of Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra can actually attract 5 million tourists. “But are we really ready to receive them,” he questioned. Sahai raised the issue of cleanliness and talked in detail about the mission – ‘Clean India Campaign’ that has been undertaken by the MOT. “We wish to clean all tourist destinations across India by covering them under this campaign. Goa is the best example in this regard and could be seen as a role model by other states. Only then, it would be possible to make people stay for long in other parts of the country as well as they do in Goa,” he added.
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ministry, have been discussing so many ideas for creating jobs. But only this association has chosen such a critical topic.”
Subodh Kant Sahai Union Minister of Tourism Government of India
The minister further said that “After a long time, “I have succeeded to bring tourism at a stage when the Planning Commission is finally recognising that tourism can address poverty alleviation, as it creates employment. Hence, special packages are being announced for the growth of the industry, whereas earlier there was no such mention about it in the plan.We are contributing a sizable chunk in the economic growth.We have to go for a very aggressive marketing campaign to highlight the facets of this country.This could be in the form of cultural evenings and dinners for which we must have a structured plan. I am taking this issue with concerned stakeholders,” he said. He also told the representatives of the hotel and restaurant sector that he would push for the much desired ‘infrastructure industry status’. According to him, he has taken the matter with the infrastructure committee of the Finance Ministry. There are anomalies in the current status that is given to the hospitality industry which he promised to look into to give a holistic benefit to this industry.
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He talked about issues that make the hospitality industry a leader in many sense. Be it employment, career development, creating customer excellence, poverty alleviation, skill developments and so on. “Ten new hotels open every day across the world, which helps our community by attracting capital investments and produces less than 2.5 per cent of total CO2 emission worldwide. We just need to carry on by thinking creatively for a competitive edge to address present crisis.” He enlightened the packed house about the way countries like Serbia and Cyprus have reduced their VAT from high double digit to single digit that resulted in proliferation of hospitality. He added that the aim should remain on meeting the bottomline and as an industry, hospitality has never lost its hope and remains a survivor. At the beginning, Chairman for the Convention Committee, Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman & MD, Leela Group of Hotels, emphasised on the speedier approval process for construction of hotels which takes two years highlighting the fact that around 50,000 rooms are needed in the coastal belt of states in the south. He added a point for the need of building a golf course in the state of Goa.
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Entertainment Tax/Duty exclusion At the FHRAI Convention in Goa, Chhagan Bhujbal, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, announced that the musicians performing at hotels and restaurants will be reconsidered to be brought out of the ambit of Entertainment Tax and Entertainment Duty, and corrective measures will be taken immediately. This announcement came about following the demands of FHRAI to reconsider the archaic laws and amendments pertaining to the Entertainment Tax and Entertainment Duty of 1923 in Maharashtra on the second day of the Convention. Kamlesh Barot, President of FHRAI, pointed out an example of a pianist at the Oberoi Hotel’s lobby in Mumbai who had to lose his job as the hotel was asked to pay Rs 2.5 lakh per month as the Entertainment Tax. He said that the hotel had no option but to relieve him from his job because of the high costs involved. Following this, Bhujbal reacted by announcing that his government will act upon it immediately.
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Further, Barot raised the issue of the Food Safety and Security Act of India (FSSAI) that is in place with the Central Government to monitor and set standards of hygiene and sanitation in hotels and restaurants. At the same time, the municipal or civic authorities also have similar rules and regulations. He suggested that there is duplication of the regulation and hence, the issue should be addressed in a manner where the newer and central regulation presides over local regulation, by hierarchy. Adding on, Nair said that there was also a need for an international scale Convention Centre in Mumbai like the one in Hyderabad and the Ministry of Tourism can incentivise private participation. At the occasion, the chief guest for the evening, Governor of Goa, Bharat Vir Vanchoo, said, the convention theme is appropriate as employment generation is vital for the country’s economy and comes as a priority for states. Samuel Matthew, Principal Secretary Tourism, Goa, talking about
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tourism developments, mentioned that the growth has to be sustainable. “We also have to take care of environmental issues and local population. They have to be protected. Tourism is a multidimensional industry and many inter-departmental procedures are to be followed,” he added. On the demand of FHRAI pertaining to the taxation, he said that broadly, taxes need to be rationalised across the board. “Double taxation should be avoided and every State has different priorities. In Goa also, there are issues related to the land acquisition, casinos, etc., which we are looking into,” Matthew said. The session also witnessed speech from Anil Kumar, Kerala Tourism Minister -and P Rajavelu, Puducherry Tourism Minister, giving their
Let’s make India credible, then incredible As RH Khwaja made his 1st visit to Goa as Tourism Secretary, he took the opportunity to share his thoughts on India and tourism vision of the ministry. He drew a comparative picture by citing an example of Barack Obama, President of the US. He said, “On January 19, 2012, Obama issued an executive order for setting up a task force for tourism sector. But he talked about the same two days after the order was issued.” He articulated that the tourism industry has to first work on its action and then substantiate it with expression of speech. Khwaja emphasised on the carrying capacity and sustainability while talking about tourism. He said, “Safety and honour are pivotal for the success of tourism. First, we have to strive to be credible and then strive to become incredible.” He elucidated about the federal structure of the constitution. He made everyone understand how the tourism ministry functions and has limitations having no legislative powers. Nonetheless, the ministry constantly identifies areas where it can bring about development in tourism.
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He touched upon the scheme of Hunar Se Rozgar Tak, which started RH Khwaja three years back. Secretary, Ministry of In the first year, Tourism Government of India we covered over 1,600 people under this scheme in training them. It further increased to over 13,600 last year. This year we hope to surpass 24,000-25,000 numbers. “Our aim is to train people where they earn while they learn. There are skill certification programmes too in place. Though HSRT applies to classified hotels, of the total numbers of rooms in India, only 2 per cent are classified,” he informed. Therefore, more hotels should voluntarily make themselves avail of this scheme. “We need more skilled manpower and 100 per cent subsidy is given for training manpower. ITDC has a target to train 10,000 people under HSRT,” he added. Later, he responded to various queries from the audience.
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for Gujarat, said that tourism is a multi-disciplinary, multi-department framework. “We need to cooperate to move the state tourism further and At the FHRAI Convention in Goa, The government of Goa is on the lookout Gujarat has been doing well.” Gujarat for international consultancies for is expected to add 65,000 hotel rooms turning Goa into a world-class tourism from the current number of 45,000 destination, informed Samuel Mathew, within the next three years, and about Principal Secretary Tourism, Government of Goa, at the 47th Annual FHRAI 1,00,000 rooms by the next five years. Convention. He added, “Gujarat witnessed 1.75 Mathew said, “Goa has been doing crore tourists two years ago and now it beach tourism for over 40 years now has gone up to 2.23 crore. Gujarat is and monotony sets in. We are looking for probably the only state which spends a international agencies which can provide high amount on promotion of tourism, us with consultancy services. Goa is a major international tourist destination about Rs 100 crore. The promotional but the next step required is to make Goa campaign, with Amitabh Bachchan as a destination of international class. We brand ambassador for the state, has are planning to look at the possibilities of made a difference.” He pointed out developing beach shacks, water sports, The business session on ‘Response of the Industry’s that governments need to ease out the etc.” Expectations from the Central & State Governments’ procedures for the private sector and made a strong impact on the second day of the a single window chaired by Tourism convention. Moderating the session, Vivek Nair Secretary of each state is a good talked about the importance of the hospitality sector to bring forth suggestion which we can try to emulate. On the other hand, Samuel FOREX and the present climate of initiatives various states are taking Matthew, Principal Secretary Tourism, Goa said, “Broadly speaking, to increase tourism’s share. He also touched upon some aspects taxes need to be rationalised. We should avoid double taxation but that can make hotels financially more viable. each state is guided by their individual policies. We are diversifying the scope of tourism with an eye on its carrying capacity keeping the Starting the discussion, Vipul Mittra, Principal Secretary Tourism eco-sensitivity approach.” overview on the roadmap for hospitality and tourism in their respective states. The session ended with FHRAI Awards and a holistic presentation by Kamlesh Barot, President of FHRAI on the way Indian hospitality industry was performing and subtlety with which this industry is critical to the economy by dissecting its significant aspects with microscopic lens.
Industry Expectations: from States & Centre
Goa towards world class tourism destination
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Ashish Kumar Singh, Secretary, CM’s Office, Government of Maharashtra, remembered attending the FHRAI Convention years back. He emphasised that there should be competition of thoughts as the usual demands are of reduction of taxes and increase expenditure. He compared the scenario with Kerala which has the highest taxes, highest VAT on ATF, high Luxury Tax, Excise and so on, but still manages to draw tourists. He touched upon the education aspect and comparative study by taking Europe and UK as examples. He elucidated on various initiatives that the state government has taken for tourism development. Later, Raghavendra Kumar Singh, MD, MP Tourism, gave an overview of the state tourism through a presentation.
Business Sessions The theme of the convention was – ‘Employment Generation: Engine of Inclusive Growth’. Various sessions lined up for the three-day event pointed towards this area of concern. There was a session on ‘Use of Social Media in Hotel Marketing and the vital role of Hotels, Loyalty/Recognition Programme’. In this session, Nikhil Ganju of TripAdvisor gave a detailed presentation on the present state of online usage by customers and how it reflects on the repeat customers’ marketing need of hotels. He was joined by Riya Dey of Hyatt Hotels and Kriti Budhia of Accor Hotels who discussed in length about the
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MP Government to create single window clearance for tourism projects At the FHRAI Convention in Goa, The government of Madhya Pradesh is moving towards single window clearance for various tourism projects in the state, announced Raghavendra Kumar Singh, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism, at the FHRAI Convention. He said, “We are determined to reduce the bureaucratic hassles for setting up tourism projects in the state. We have successfully implemented Public Seva Guarantee and we are keen to meet investors who are interested in tourism ventures in MP. By next year, the entire state will have undisrupted electricity supply.” “We are moving towards single window clearance system for tourism projects and our State offers great potential for the same. On Transferable Development Rights (TDR) basis, we have made it possible to buy FSI in the cities like, Indore and Bhopal and other districts,” Singh said. Reacting to the demand of FHRAI on rationalisation of electricity tariffs, he said that there is a negligible gap between electricity tariffs for industry and commercial establishments. This provides a conducive environment for business and there would be exemptions on Stamp Duty and other taxes in near future.
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vital need of social media as part of the marketing plan. On the other hand, business sessions on ‘Sustainable Development Practices in Hotels & Restaurants and the necessity of LEED certification of Hotels’ ensured people come to know about the methods they could adopt for greener hotels in future. There was also a session dedicated for understanding of increasing the profits through online methods. The session, ‘Maximising Profit through Online Bookings’, highlighted that aspect through a well-rounded discussion. The business session, ‘In the Hot Seat: Emerging Young Turks’, brought the perspective of young hoteliers who are shaping the hospitality space with their innovative thoughts. The session outlined the scope of new developments with an eye on how the young Indian entrepreneurs look at the Indian market for hospitality growth. Other sessions like ‘New Trends in Hotel & Restaurant Designs’, ‘Trends in International Hotels’, ‘Investment opportunities/deterrents for development of Hotels & Coastal Resorts in India’, and ‘Global Hospitality Accounting Standards Projects & Future Trends in Hotel Technology’ were appreciated with a lot of audience participating and asking questions to the panelists.
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technology expertise could be utilised, and therefore, the HFTP India Chapter was formed in HiTEC show on June 28, 2012. It will work as a networking platform for At the FHRAI Convention in Goa, FHRAI has proposed to the Government of professionals.” Dr Ghassan AIDI, President, Maharashtra, to make Mumbai’s nightlife IH&RA raised the need for all international vibrant and safer by putting up a proposal associations to work in synergy. To that, before the Government on creating Joe McInerney, President, AHLA said, “In In a business session dedicated to ‘Perspective Special Tourism Zones in Mumbai. US, we collaborate with various other of Tourism growth by International Associations’, In the presence of Chhagan Bhujbal, Maharashtra’s Tourism Minister, FHRAI associations and work well together and it became evident that there is always a light proposed that Kala Ghoda, Link Road and this can be achieved with FHRAI as well.” at the end of the tunnel. This is the first time Juhu can be turned into special tourism Alkesh Patel, Chairman, AAHOA, remarked, that the FHRAI Convention saw international zones. FHRAI had proposed this to the “Running an association is not easy. There participation of this stature. The session Prithviraj Chavan, CM of Maharashtra, and has to be a committed intention and likereceived participation from International Hotel he showed interest in the same. FHRAI President told the minister that such zones minded associations need to be together & Restaurant Association (IH&RA), American can be turned into no traffic zones and where we can find out the global hospitality Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), Hospitality tourists can move more freely till late hours. industry outlook and exchange our ideas.” Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Each one of the panelist shared their vision Asian American Hotel Owners Association about cooperation with other associations and pledged to align with (AAHOA), World Travel & Tourism Council India Initiative (WTTCII) and FHRAI for future deliberations related to hospitality and tourism. United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
Special Tourism Zones for Mumbai
FHRAI President, Kamlesh Barot moderated the session and brought about a consensus among the panelists to come on to one platform and accord a synergy to move forward for a mutual development of the hospitality industry. Each of the panelists talked on their association, membership base, needs & challenges of associations, etc. Raman P Rama, incoming President of HFTP, said, “Our Executive Committee and Board of Directors thought that our financial resources and
The discussions were further taken in form of four MoUs being signed by FHRAI with IH&RA, AHLA, HFTP and AAHOA. These MoUs brought into focus the synergy and togetherness that these associations will bring to table in order to proliferate hospitality to the next level of excellence. All exuded confidence in each other and brought about a thought provoking change through international cooperation that the Convention set out to achieve.
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“There is a change in perception about tourism” The Group of Twenty Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (popularly referred to as G-20) have passed a resolution acknowledging tourism as ‘the critical sector’ in the economic development and employment generation-globally. In a conversation with FHRAI Magazine, RH Khwaja, Union Secretary for Tourism, Government of India, shared his opinion on various facets that need to be pondered on in order to develop and simultaneously sustain India’s tourism in the long-run. VIVEK SETHI & SANJEEV BHAR
Q. The recent interim ban on tiger tourism imposed by the Supreme Court of India has put the travel fraternity in fear of losing the opportunity to create wildlife tour experience for wildlife enthusiasts. They are praying for a relief in the final verdict. What is your viewpoint on the issue? I would like to highlight the importance of a harmonious relationship between man and mothernature. The tiger tourism matter is in the Supreme Court, which has not given its final order. So far the matter is in the apex court, I’ll not comment. However, I can share my opinion on the larger issue. I have always said that the paradigm today can be easily summed as – Jahaan Hai To Jaan Hai, unlike earlier when people used to say- Jaan hai to Jahaan Hai. Or in others words - Woh Shaakh Hi Na Rahi, Jo Thi Ashiyaan Kabhi. Our ministry’s view is that tourism should be regulated in the protected areas and be permitted with appropriate safeguards and regulations. Now, it’s on the Court to decide on the appropriate regulations.
Q. Do you think there is a disconnect between the ways travel trade and government machineries look at wildlife tourism? Let me share some facts. Our country has 16 different types of forests and 10 different bio-geographical zones. We are the 8th richest country in terms of biodiversity. Hence, we are called a mega bio-diversity country. We have 2.4 per cent of the world’s habitable landmass, wherein
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we support about 17 per cent of the world’s population. We are roughly emitting about six per cent of global green house gases. Now, this year, we are facing failure of the monsoon. Here it’s important to ponder over the reasons that lead to the failure of rains. What is the concept of EL Nino and La Nino? One needs to realise the importance of forests, as it’s not only trees that constitute an eco system, rather an eco system has hundreds of constituents. If the forests and wildlife disappear and the biodiversity fades away, the human race suffers adversely. In this century, the cellular and molecular biology is very important. Coming to the tourism aspect of your question, a tourist goes to the forest to see beautiful trees, rivers, lakes and wildlife. If a wildlife enthusiast wishes to experience nature and wildlife, he should first learn to respect them. The forests and wildlife must be protected. At the same time, people who are genuinely interested in wildlife and forests should get an opportunity to visit the forests and experience the wildlife. Regarding regulations, obviously
Let us find answers… We should ask: What is environment? Then we should come to sub issues and ask: What is the importance of forests? What is wildlife? What is the interface between human species and the other species of nature? RH Khwaja, MOT Secretary, Government of India
there should be a carrying capacity analysis, sustainability and people going in forests should not, in any form, harm the environment. They should also not indulge in any activity that leaves carbon footprints like throwing of garbage, teasing of animals or setting fires.
Q. Our Tourism Minister Subodh Kant Sahai has always stressed on doubling foreign tourist arrivals during the 12th Five Year Plan. According to you, will the present growth that we are registering enable us to achieve that benchmark? The significance of creating a target is to give ourselves a roadmap. We are certainly trying our best in terms of devising policy interventions, bringing all states on board, facilitating development of mega circuits, improving facilities for tourists, rationalising taxes and promoting seamless travel. However, the realisation of the target is dependent on many external and internal factors. We have no control over external factors like the events in Greece, the Euro Zone and other such regions. But, whatever happens to them impacts us, as we are part of this globe. We however certainly have control over internal situations. But, as the tourism ministry, we don’t have control over some of the issues that impact tourism, such as law and order problems. For instance, due to recent the law and order situation in some parts of the country, some countries had issued advisories against visiting India. Apart from that, there are so many aviation issues like Kingfisher curtailing its services and so on. Also, often the railway services
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are not up to the mark in terms of cleanliness. Similarly, many of our destinations are not termed as ‘clean’. We are certainly taking up these issues with concerned ministries. In fact, to address the issues of cleanliness and hygiene, we had recently launched the nationwide ‘Clean India Campaign’. In this campaign, we require support from all the stakeholders of tourism.
Q. How important is the role of the inter-ministerial Co-ordination Committee to facilitate growth in the tourism sector?
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Overall, there is a change in perception of tourism with G-20 passing a resolution acknowledging the role of tourism in economic development and employment generation, globally
We have an inter-ministerial Co-ordination Committee chaired by the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister. This Committee had already met twice in January and August 2012 and some key decisions have been taken. It’s an
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important platform, where all secretaries in different ministries are involved. They come together to understand various issues and find solutions to move forward.
Q. G-20 has passed a resolution highlighting the importance of tourism. How important is this stand and will it help in projecting the benefits of tourism?
Overall, there is a change in the perception of tourism with G-20 passing a resolution acknowledging the role of tourism in economic development and employment generation, globally. In line with such global trends, there is an increasing realisation of the employment creation and economic development role that tourism plays in
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an economy. The PM’s National Skill Development Council and the Planning Commission among many other key institutions have recognised the potential of tourism. In the coming years, all states in India will come on board and there will be a much greater focus on tourism. Many of them have already started becoming proactive.
Q. The travel trade keeps a close eye on potential directives for countries that could be brought under the ambit of ‘Visa on Arrival’. What would be your message to them? On the ‘Visa on Arrival’ aspect, the scheme is presently valid for 11 countries. It is a very powerful tool to encourage more numbers of people to visit us. We are interested in extending it to many more countries. Initially, it may get extended to ten additional countries, which can later be followed up by another ten countries based on the advice of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs depending on bilateral arrangements and other factors. We should remain hopeful.
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Govt. may exempt hotels from ‘no construction’ within 10 km of protected forests stipulation At the inauguration of ‘The Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar 2012’ organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) on August 24, 2012, Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Tourism, hinted on government’s favour to hoteliers in relation to concerns regarding tiger tourism. The government is in favour of exempting hotel construction from the stipulation that no construction can be carried out within a 10 km radius of protected forests. “The Tourism Secretary is trying hard to correct the anomaly as it encompasses the hotel industry. Adherence to the stipulation would keep tourists away from such destinations because of problems of commuting long distances,” he said. According to him, the tourism industry needs to motivate the domestic travellers to extend their stays and explore places beyond their chosen destination. The Minister urged FICCI to sensitise and motivate states to build budget hotels on properties owned by the government and bring tourism development on their political and economic agenda.The Federation, he said, should advise the states that growth of domestic travel will boost revenues and create jobs and have a multiplier effect on the economy. He also released the FICCI-Yes Bank Knowledge Paper on ‘Domestic Tourism - Evolution, Trends and Growth’.
Picture Credit: Simran Kaur
RH Khwaja, Secretary Tourism, Government of India, underlined the need to focus on creating hygienic lodging facilities and other tourismrelated infrastructure to attract tourists and called for focussing on education at an early level of benefits that accrue from developing
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sustainable tourism products. He asked the state tourism department representatives attending the Tourism Bazaar to ensure that inter-state partnerships are taken up on priority, particularly in pilgrim circuits, to motivate the travellers to spend additional nights for visits around the chosen destination in other states. “We now need to walk the talk, it is time to get into a serious business mode,” he said. Naina Lal Kidwai, Senior Vice President, FICCI, stated “Domestic Tourism has always offered us the stability during challenging times of an economic downturn. It has given a support structure to the tourism industry. Besides the huge potential of domestic tourism, it also leads to national integration, cultural exchange and growth in the domestic consumption.” She said that apart from the two well appointed-interactive panel discussions to follow with the policy makers and the private sector on the domestic tourism mix, The Great Domestic Tourism Bazaar is unique in itself as it organises structured, pre-scheduled B2B meetings between the sellers and buyers of tourism products. Over 3,000 structured B2B meetings have been pre-scheduled. The inaugural session was also addressed by Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson, FICCI Tourism Committee; Dipak Deva, CoChairman, FICCI Tourism Committee; Subhash Verma, President, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI); and SanJeet, Co-Chairman, FICCI Tourism Committee.
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Howard Johnson Picture Credit: Simran Kaur
brand to debut in Bengaluru in 2013 Sanjoy Pasricha
International hospitality major, Wyndham Hotel Group has entered into a partnership with Ahmedabad-based Unique Mercantile to develop 35 hotels in India under the Howard Johnson brand in the next five years. This partnership will mark the entry of the Howard Johnson brand into India from Wyndham’s global portfolio. Talking about this recent development, Sanjoy Pasricha, CEO, Unique Global-Hospitality Division, says, “In January this year, Unique Mercantile tied up with Wyndham to build 35 Howard Johnson hotels in India, managed and operated by Unique Global.”
Scouting for properties in • Goa • Ahmedabad • Surat •N CR - including Noida and Ghaziabad • Mysore • Hoobli • Patna
Unique Global-Hospitality Division is a vertical of Unique Mercantile, an insurance company in Gujarat. As per the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) rules, 51 per cent of the revenues of insurance firms need to be from non-insurance segments. “Thus,” informed Pasricha, “the company had combined insurance policies along with time-share concept in hotels. They would buy and block bulk rooms from small hotels and then package it with insurance policies. They are also into real estate in Ahmedabad. One of their key partners is the company that built the Marriott in Ahmedabad.” According to Pasricha, Wyndham has been a late entrant in the Indian hospitality market and has had a chequered growth till now. Thus, the group is now looking to bring about standardisation in its new product. “When Unique Mercantile tied up with Wyndham this year, the idea was to get some standardisation of experience. Howard Johnson itself is a mixed brand. In the US, it operates as a budget brand whereas in China, it is a five-star level category. But the opportunity in India lies in the mid-market segment. Mid market is a wide segment, and therefore, within this is a big division. There is an upscale mid expand market, upper mid market and a budget mid market. Into the upscale mid market comes the
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Marriott Courtyard. Into the middle mid market come brands like Aloft, Lemon Tree and Hilton Garden Inn. Thus, there is a great opportunity in the upscale mid market which is just a notch below five star hotels. Thus, you give five-star facilities for prices that are lesser than five-star. At what price you build these hotels is of utmost importance.”
The group is betting big on emerging markets and thus, it will have a slew of openings in tier-II and tier-III cities. The first Howard Johnson will be unveiled in Bengaluru next year which will be a 130-key property behind the Manyata Tech Park. “The trick of a mid-market hotel is the cost of land. Going forward, we have identified 15 cities where the brand would be present. The confirmed regions include Hyderabad, Shirdi, Lucknow, Bhubaneshwar, Mumbai, Mangalore and Tirupati. Most of these hotels will come up by 2015. Further, we are scouting for more and have identified locations in some other cities,” he confirms. Unique Global has also taken over the erstwhile Monsoon Palace Hotel in Udaipur. It is being rebranded as the Ramada Udaipur Resort and Spa. “This is the only non-Howard Johnson property in our portfolio. We have spent Rs 15 crore for the upgradation of this 72-room hotel. It will be relaunched in this October,” he concludes.
Howard Johnson brand characteristics in India
•P ositioning - upscale mid market category in India •P artnership - built under partnership with other developers •R oom size - each room would be of 32 sqmt •S ervices - every hotel in the brand would include all-day dining, minimum 100 rooms, speciality restaurant, bar, meeting and board rooms, pool and gymnasium •S pa – could be a possibility depending on the location and positioning
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Keys Hotels continues expansion with six new properties Keys Hotels has signed six new management contracts in the last five months, taking the combined group strength to a total of 27 properties, with 13 owned and 14 managed hotels across India. As of August 2012, the mid-market brand of Berggruen Hotels has now roped Sanjay Sethi in properties in Mumbai, Pune, Amritsar, Goa, Alibaug and Noida and is actively pursuing more opportunities across the country. The six new Keys hotels that have been added to the Keys’ portfolio are Keys Hotel Rosewood – Mumbai, Keys Hotel Cypress – Pune, Keys Hotel City Park – Amritsar, Keys Resort Ronil – Goa, Keys Resort Albertsville, Alibaug and Keys Hotel Ajnara – Noida. On expanding the presence of the brand, Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director and CEO, Berggruen Hotels said, “We are proud to announce the addition of six new properties to the Keys’ portfolio. We will continue to tap into a growing market of savvy travellers seeking good value for money and stylish surrounds, delivered by a strong management team who is experienced and at the leading edge of thinking in the hospitality market.” He expects to leverage the strong domain knowledge, widely appreciated and efficient product concept, distribution channels, reservation systems and group’s robust employee talent pool to create and develop value for owners that entrust their hotels in our able hands, he further adds. The Keys Hotel brand is quickly establishing itself as a hotel of choice for today’s traveller and is an exciting hotel concept. The hotels, resorts and service apartments have been designed based on customers’ feedback. Even before the first brick was laid, Keys hotels carried out a survey across the country, taking a feedback from travellers regarding their needs. This research was then given as a brief to the architect and the operations team to design the hotel. Every brand standard, product design and operating process has been designed to create value for the customer and ensure comfort, convenience and efficiency. The decades of experience in the hospitality industry has helped the senior management imbibe and practice high quality customer focus. This focus is filtered down to the youngest of colleagues and manifests itself in high quality hospitality extended to all guests. The company has recently upped its target of hotels by 2015-16 to 50 from the earlier target of 42 hotels.
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FOOD SAFETY
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FSSAI lays emphasis on self regulation
FSSAI has been established under the Food Safety & Standards Act, 2006, which consolidates various acts and orders that have hitherto handled food related issues in various Ministries & Departments. FSSAI has been created for laying down scientific and logical standards for articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, storage, distribution and sale to ensure availability of safe and healthy food for human consumption across the nation.
all food business operators to acquire license under this Act either before the expiry of their existing license or by August 5, 2012, whichever is earlier. Statutory advisory on extending time period for seeking conversion/renewal of existing licenses/registrations has been granted under the repealed orders by FBO.
The new regulation lays emphasis on ensuring corrective action through self regulation. Premises where public is admitted for repose or for consumption of any food and drink or any place where cooked food is sold or prepared for sale come under the gamut of this Act.
The Food Safety & Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a statutory advisory dated July 25, 2012 whereby the time period granted to food business operators for seeking conversion/renewal of licenses under the Food Safety & Standards Act (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses Regulation, 2011) has been extended by six months with effect from August 5, 2012.
FSSA has been implemented on August 5, 2011 and with the implementation of this Act, it was made obligatory on
A copy of this statutory advisory may be viewed on FSSAI’s website at http://www.fssai.gov.in
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IHG opens its second property in Kochi
Terry Austen
By adding another hotel in the city of Kochi after Holiday Inn, InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) is aiming at making a strong statement through Crowne Plaza Kochi. Talking about the perspective of the new hotel, the General Manager of the property, Terry Austen, said, “We are expecting this property to open in the festive season, i.e., between September and November. For the last 14 months that I have spent here, the city has gone through a rapid developmental change and our hotel will add another infrastructure facet to position the city ahead.” The hotel has realised Kochi’s potential to deliver far more in hospitality and travel space. “The state government is investing heavily on infrastructure projects to transform the city and our hotel is going to add to that charm to the leisure market by delivering all the authentic experience to its travellers,” he added. From being just a connectivity point to rest of Kerala, the city of Kochi is changing its demeanour. As the second property of IHG, Crowne Plaza Kochi is adding up to city’s cause by gearing up to open its doors to the leisure as well as MICE travellers’ needs. The 269-room hotel, connecting with places of vivid interests within 45 minutes, will be captalising on the demand of the leisure as well as MICE traffic that the city is attracting. “Our hotel will offer the largest twin inventory to the city with the scope for organising meeting and social events with a capacity to accommodate 1000 pax and 1500 pax, respectively,” Austen informed. The hotel will have 14 meeting rooms in variable sizes and would make use of the in-house garden for social events. On the leisure front, the hotel boasts 2 swimming pools, health club and an exclusive spa complex spread across 6,000 sqft to open early next year. Next to the hotel, the largest convention centre of Kochi has a capacity of holding up to 5000 people. “Due to this convention centre, we will have a captive audience where our 6th Crowne Plaza property of South West Asia would command a strong reputation in the market. Clubbing two properties of Kochi, IHG would command a healthy inventory of 481 rooms. We, therefore, new hotel would be using joint activities to raise awareness about this new Crowne Plaza property scheduled to open soon offering a fair and competitive pricing, making Kochi an affordable destination for large scale groups and meetings.
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Food Journey
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A Palatable journey Food not only connects people but it also connects destinations with myriad small variations. The newly launched recipe book – the chakh le india cookbook – takes one through the journey of India with simple food that, within its limitations, showcases India’s vibrant ethnic palate.
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ecently, the popular face in the TV world for his cookery show - ‘chakh le india’, chef Aditya Bal launched his book aptly titled the same. Regarding what made him write the book, Bal says, “I am basically guided by a desire to experience and understand the food of a particular place. Discovering new ingredients particular to a certain area, how it is used and why it came to be used in many cases make for some truly memorable experiences.”
What the author has to say…? Uncertainty Cues The feeling of being out on the open road, not really knowing what we will find made the show on television interesting. There is a sense of adventure and new discovery, of seeing new things and tasting new flavours, learning from some of the master cooks of the country, simply having a conversation with someone whom you have so little, yet so much in common with.
TIMES DTV GOOD Pic Credit: N
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Challenges The shooting of ‘chakh le india’ posed many challenges that were unique and the entire team was amazing in its focussed effort to support the ethos of the show. Choosing the recipes was not a difficult task for the book. I have put in recipes from the first two seasons of the show and we wanted to give the reader a balanced selection of simple recipes to cook and enjoy.
Knowing More about Food Well, I didn’t cook much Indian food before the show, as most of my experience till then had been in continental cuisine. There were several aspects that came to light in the case of our cuisine. I picked up books and began trying to understand fundamental techniques of Indian cookery.
Pic Credit: ND TV GOODTI MES
My Favourites in the Book
•E asy Fish Cutlets •D oi Macchh with Steamed Rice •A loo Posto •H omemade Coconut Ladoos
Understanding Spices I began to understand the importance of cooking spices properly. As I started travelling, I was amazed by the complexity and sophistication in which spices, ingredients and produce are used to achieve an almost endless array of flavour profiles and tastes. It would be safe to say that understanding the vast and varied cuisines of India would take a person a long time and even after 3 to 4 years, I’m now beginning to get to the root of some cuisines.
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Philanthropic Dining After countries like UK, USA, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland, StreetSmart marks its seventh presence in India with StreetSmart India. It aims at a philanthropic approach to the act of dining where generous diners can contribute through eateries, food outlets and restaurants which can percolate down to NGOs contributing towards the needful section of the society. SANJEEV BHAR
The fact is that no system should stay isolated as information holds the key to success in today’s dynamic environment.We help companies to integrate by providing vital interface
A
t a time when people enjoy dining out most and spend a lot of money during Christmas in the West and Diwali in India, it is also 31, 2012, when India is a time when people are happy and drenched in festivities. ready to contribute to the society. Identifying that a relationship of FHRAI Magazine spoke philanthropy could be brought into to Aditya Malhotra, the picture during festive seasons, co-Founder & Managing StreetSmart was set up in London Trustee and Alan in 1998 where its partner viz. D’Mello, co-Founder of restaurants would collect any StreetSmart India to get monetary donations from generous Aditya Malhotra a perspective on making diners and pass it on to NGOs who this fund raising activity a success. required funds. StreetSmart India is also a fundraising charity where every Rupee raised by it is donated to high impact, smaller NGOs working in the field of education, welfare and employment. As part of its first such fundraising activity in India, this celebration has been lined up for the period of November 1 to December
Q. How many hotels and restaurants have joined hands with StreetSmart India for this unique concept of philanthropy? Till date, 25 hotels (1,600 rooms) and 37 restaurants (2,500 covers) are part of the StreetSmart India family. Our targets are
modest this year and we are on course to add 30-40 per cent more before closing hotel and restaurant sign-ups.
Q. Can hotels and restaurants and allied industries related to hospitality contribute to the cause apart from just becoming the medium of contribution? Sure they can. The primary role of hotels, restaurants and cafes is to become our channel partners. We would love them to spread the word to their guests and within their networks. We are also asking the allied industries to spread the word, and in a few cases, Alan D’Mello
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What does StreeSmart India do? • We use the power of crowd sourcing to raise funds. Guests donate a small amount after a meal, sometimes as low as Rs 5 only • Hotel, restaurant and cafe partners do not bear any cost. They help by being a channel to raise funds • Our operating expenses are paid for separately by corporate donations and volunteer services • There are no tax and P/L implications for our hotel restaurant and café partners • We use a Fixed fund-raising window. In India, it will be from Diwali to New Year • High decibel publicity generates goodwill for our partners if they can contribute by way of materials (uniforms, T-shirts, collateral, etc). Most hotel IT companies too have joined us to ensure our system integrates seamlessly with those of their clients. www.thestreetsmart.org.in is to be launched soon for India. The final beta testing is underway. Our social media presence is already active; Twitter (@ StSmrtIn) and FaceBook (StreetSmart India). YouTube, Flickr and Pintrest will be activated in October 2012.
Q. Are you looking at bringing all the partners (food outlets) on this Indiacentric website platform to market the concept better? In the long-term, it is definitely going to be so. For now, our target for this launch year (2012) is modest - 30 hotels and 50 restaurants. The Indian model is a little different from those of StreetSmart in the other five countries. Also, we are trying a handful of new things. So, our learning curve will be steep this year.
Media engagements with trade and general publications showing interest in our work are next on the cards. The audit and selection process of NGOs is on our priority list.
Reach out to StreetSmart India Website: www.thestreetsmart.org.in Twitter: @StSmrtIn Facebook: /StreetSmart India
Numbers Speak One can become the part of the movement by becoming a Service Sponsor. Further, the noble work is getting recognition pan India and hospitality is taking pride by aggressively becoming a part of this initiative.
25 37
hotels (1,600 rooms)
restaurants (2,500 covers)
are part of the StreetSmart India family as of September 1st week.
Pic: StreetSmart Australia
Q. What would be your next step to augment this participation?
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Approaching
design differently Unique and subtle variation in interiors is the order of the Indian hospitality requirements as customers demand rooms which offer comfort in feel yet soothing to the eye. Shades of India aims to bring those elements through innovative fabric work. SANJEEV BHAR
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n the last three years, Shades of India Craft has made inroads into innovative design in the furnishing segment for the Indian hospitality market. Mandeep Nagi, Director (Design) of the company, who is also a textile designer says, “We have been active in hospitality and high-end retail overseas for soft furnishing products. The focus has been on the international market for over 15 years. We have established our space internationally for the creative and innovative approach, but now the concentration is on the domestic front.”
Going the India Way
There was a time when hospitality would look for quality furnishing, which would come from India, even though the industry was still to flourish
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in a big way. In the world of furnishing, Shades of India, with a strong background of having a resource base in fabrics and techniques, has realised the scope in the Indian hospitality segment. Nagi says, “We are a fashion-oriented company and understand textile usage in the international scene. Our approach is to offer a service where the look and feel of a place can be unique yet subtle, contributing something that does not exist in the market.” The company is targeting mid- to highend hotels and restaurants in India. “We offer a range of products from curtains, upholstery, bed linen, runners and
In the world of furnishing, Shades of India, with a strong background of having a resource base in fabrics and techniques, has realised the scope in the Indian hospitality segment
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Product categories • Top of the bed and decorative cushions • Fabrics for upholstery and curtains
• Bed linen • Table linen • Spa and boutique attire • Textile art
decorative throws to cushions,” she adds. “We have our own designs, a sampling and fabrication unit in Noida so that we can custom-make and ensure quality in finishing.” So far in the domestic front the company, by addressing niche choices in hospitality, has notched up a 40 per cent year-on-year growth in sales. The company projects to have in-house designers. According to Nagi, majority of interior designers do not possess an intricate knowledge of textiles. “The lack of it poses a big challenge for us to explain our stand. They usually understand the aspects related to flooring, wood, etc. But when it comes to fabrics, the understanding appears to be limited,” she remarks.
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everyone has to be in sync to ensure that the desired product is achieved. “But when it comes to textiles, the knowledge is not diverse among each of these key players of a project. Here, we impart our expertise having the knowledge of this segment in conjunction with interior designers,” he adds.
Contributing Differently
Gautam Maheshwari
India is a major market for good textiles internationally. In fact, it is believed that majority of furnishing work is done in India and is marketed by international furnishing design houses abroad. Maheshwari explains, “In many cases, when people are buying furnishing material from abroad the chances are that they are buying Indian products and paying double for it. For so many years, we have been supplying our products to international hotel chains and marketing through high-end retails.” Now, with international chains in India, the scope in the domestic market has increased manifold for a company like Shades of India. According to David Housego, former UK journalist settled in India, who launched the company says, “Hospitality in India has seen a tremendous shift in the last decade or so. Lots of people are now involved in making this industry a part of their success. This, in a way, gives us an opportunity to offer them what was earlier sourced from outside. Now, furnishing needs can be addressed by us right here in India, giving them a pricing advantage.” In the coming years, simplicity is going to become the new luxury. “Our approach is providing natural fabrics with simplistic designs that can evoke emotions. The look and feel element is very important,” says Nagi. The hospitality industry is the one which has adopted design and styling at the slowest pace, but people in this industry have changed and are still changing with time, she remarks.
In Hospitality
It is because of the sheer experience of having worked with interior designers and architects to propose and make designer curtains, upholstery fabrics, bed linens and decorative elements for houses and apartments, that this company has been able to market its niche even in hospitality. “In Mandeep Nagi India, we have already done work for some 20 hotels. We have set up a separate marketing team especially for the hospitality industry and have addressed the needs of brands like Starwood Hotels, IHG, Hilton, The Park, Hyatt, Carlson Hotels, etc.,” says Gautam Maheshwari, Director (Marketing) of the firm. Any project is a unification of ideas from different parties involved. In such a project, the owner, architect, project manager, interior designer,
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Our approach is providing natural fabrics with simplistic designs that can evoke emotions. The look and feel element is very important
Retail Option
In fact, the company has an ambitious plan with its first flagship store (shop-inshops concept) in India, in New Delhi. “In Delhi, we have Shades of India spaces on the first floor of Good Earth in Khan Market and at Raghuvanshi Mills in Mumbai,” informs Nagi.
Based on performance evaluation, we would expand our concept store in other parts of India,” Housego adds. Earlier, the company’s business was based on exports, i.e. 97 per cent of its total revenue. “Now the domestic share is 40 per cent, rising from 3 per cent. Margins were low for this market which has propelled attaining a good share, giving us a commanding position. Indian hospitality and the retail sector is demanding quality products and we can fulfill that requirement,” he sums up.
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MobilITy Mobile apps are delivering tangible value to hoteliers and hotel guests alike. FHRAI Magazine reviews this fast growing segment of hotel software. Cheaper and smarter mobile devices are changing our personal lives. ON THE Apart from communications, such MOVE devices are allowing us to perform a wide variety of tasks from anywhere. We can book tickets, make payments, watch live video, Google and do much more… while on the move.
Hotel employees can use mobile apps to enquire about reservations and check-in guests from anywhere – in the hotel lobby or even at the airport. They can register guest service requests, enquire into guest profiles, update housekeeping status, approve purchase requisitions, look up details of an account and much more. For practical reasons like the screen size on mobile devices, such apps are limited to functions that do not require a large amount of data to be displayed or processed. Managers and owners can check the Daily Flash report, look up a list of VIPs inhouse, read a business forecast and receive alerts about specific events such as a large payment received or paid … even when they are travelling. Guest self-service apps enable guests to make a booking at the hotel, amend the booking if required, perform a self check-in against an online payment, look up guest services, submit feedback, look up and redeem loyalty earnings or even download copies of their folio from past stays. Apps on mobile devices provide tangible return on investment to hotels through improved guest services and greater efficiency.
ITtalk Q
You Ask,
A We Reply
Q. How to recover the data from the crashed operating system (Windows server 2008 STD edition) when the operating system is installed on “C” drive and all the data are on C Drive from SAS SATA HDD..?? (RAID Configured on RAID 5) Raghuram Medam, Assistant Manager - IT, Best Western Premier La Marvella
Raghuram Medam
‘
Amlan Ghose, MD, Prologic First, says... RAID 5 is fault tolerant but is not fault-proof. However, in many cases, data can be recovered from a RAID 5 system by Amlan Ghose
use of recovery software.
The cases where data can be recovered and the exact process of doing so cannot be detailed here. I hope that you will find the information at the web link http://www.easeus.com/resource/recoverdata-from-raid.htm useful.
Mobile apps enable guest self-service and allow hotel staff and managers to perform their tasks while on the move
‘
Mobile devices first made their appearance in hospitality in the form of handheld order taking devices for F&B. Now, more and more applications (widely referred in the mobility world as apps) are appearing – in two genres. One each for apps that will be used by hotel staff & managers to manage hotel operations and another set of apps that guests may use as self-service devices.
Readers can send us any ‘Hospitality IT’ related question to find its answer. We can be reached at - fhraimag@ddppl.com
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Procurement Using Social Media Social Media
While other hospitality departments have traded using online platform for a wider reach, the ‘Purchase’ as a department in hospitality is yet to explore the myriad dimensions of social media that can work in its favour.
Alan D’Mello Hoteliers actually use social media & a lot of points in this presentation! • Hotel guests use social media • Hotel vendors use social media • Even you use social media Just Not ‘Only’ For Procurement The Internet – ‘Old’ The internet, our main connection to the larger world, is old because it is – • Uni-dimensional • Lagging • Expensive
Social Media – ‘New’ An avatar of the internet, the youngest creation • Multi-dimensional • Instant • Free & fast • People love to share Right Mix of Old & New Social media ‘HAS’ to be used together with the Internet, because • A better perspective – producer & users • Honest – Too many voices to control • Evolving – Matches guests changing trends • A Surprise – Things combine with others to create new ideas
Where To Start • Facebook • LinkedIn • Twitter What To Look For • Images • Guest comments • 3rd party references • Numbers: Followers, shares, comments, references • Trends (The writer is the Associate Director, Marketing & Communication, Daman Hospitality. The views expressed by the author are personal.)
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Whose concern is it? The career opportunity in hotel management has gone through a lot of changes over the last decade.Yet, it is difficult for the youth to get a clear answer on who are the right people to go to, in order to seek guidance when they want to make hospitality their career. RAJENDRA KELSHIKAR
T
he main question faced by a parent or an aspiring student wishing to take up hotel management as a career is: Is it going to be worth it? In truth, should this student’s dilemma be a matter of worry for the industry as well?
The Hidden Truth
Generally, students opt for a career in hotels as they are enticed by its glamour. ‘Hotel studies’, somehow, are also considered by students as an easy exit from the pressure academics in other fields. So the student joins a hotel management institute, regardless of its merit or competency to impart the requisite knowledge.
The industry needs to consider the following: • I t has been observed that the number of students opting for a career in the hotel industry has and continues to decline. The number of students appearing for CET/ Eventually, when the student graduates from MET for hotel management has come an institution, the industry brands him as a down to around 15,000 from 30,000 non-employable candidate in the managerial during the past few years. category. Whereas, a student all along • T here has also been a drop in the quality the management course lives under the of students willing to join the industry. impression that he will enter By quality, we mean the the industry as a manager. student’s economic or academic background. •A further 40 per cent drop out Parents observe rate is seen in the first three that their years of joining the industry. child is getting • T here is also the industry overworked, voice that says that the The real metamorphosis of a uninterested and quality of graduates do not student’s mind starts while unhappy and may match with the expectations the student is in college and start exploring an of the industry. alternate career is sent for an internship in for the student the industry. During this time, Since the hospitality industry his perception towards the is a part of the graduation industry changes completely. process by virtue of the fact
Moulding young minds
that it offers internships, therefore, the industry must accept responsibility for the situation and face the reality without any pretence. Let’s ponder on some of the facts.
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The quality of experience that a student gets during internship becomes the turning point for his possible career. That’s when he may lose self-respect and
get disillusioned. Well, the possible reasons are known to all in the industry. Let’s look at a few for ready reference.
Plight of students
In all probability, most hotels treat students as contract labourers. During this time, they are either paid a menial sum or no money at all. Very often, they are used as fillers for the absent regular hotel staff. That leads to odd working hours with shortest possible notice. Long working hours go without saying. They are also largely made to work overtime. Tragically some establishments even deduct meal charges from the intern’s meager stipend. The intern gets no decent resting place during break times and has no transport facility after work at late hours as provided to other regular staff. Discrimination becomes evident between regular staff and interns. It is also noticed that an intern gets no consideration for a case of ill-health or sickness. In the event of possible injuries, the intern is at a loss as he is not covered under medical insurance and is sent home and marked absent from work. Abusive language used by the hotel staff is a revelation of HR practices. It dawns upon the 18 - 20-year-old that the industry works 24x7 and 365 days. Although, students are aware that they are there for training in cleaning, cooking and serving, they feel
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demoralised and degraded as they are made to do just a single job repetitively for the entire internship. The student learns that low wages compared to work put in is the hallmark of the industry.
When the student graduates from an institution, the industry brands him as a non-employable candidate in the managerial category
Apart from these, there are many more reasons why a hotel management student falls out of love with the industry. These realisations make a student feel cheated, leading to disappointment and de-motivation.
Industry’s responsibility
The industry’s role during the internship, ideally, should be that of a guru or a mentor, to mould fresh minds, share vision and wisdom, and guide the student
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through the internship. Students should be treated with respect and without discrimination. They must feel welcomed.
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Need of the hour
Everyone is aware of the hotel industry’s growth potential, especially in India, and consequently the need for enormous quality manpower to successfully run it.
Under these circumstances, our industry has no option but to formulate certain internship norms that will maintain the dignity and feeling of involvement of an intern who is potentially an upcoming future hotelier. Otherwise, it is the entire industry that will lose out on skilled manpower, managers, reputation and goodwill in future.
Similarly, it is also known to the industry that the educational institutions would hesitate to express their views on the internship issue, as they need the industry to offer the internships to their students.
These are serious issues and need introspection by the industry. FHRAI and regional HRA offices should step in and frame some rules and regulations for internships. The industry owes this to its own future.
We must realise that the time has changed. There are many more career options for students these days. It’s not the same as master and subservient labour situation that existed before.
(The writer is the Director of Innvenue Hospitality Management, Pune. The views expressed by the author are personal.)
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The Evolving
Bar Culture
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As Gurgaon gets ready to play host to the 1st edition of The India Bar Show in October 26-27, 2012, it would also open up an opportunity for the Beverage companies and service suppliers to showcase their offerings to tap the evolving bar and pub segment.
between industry experts and brands from different countries. FHRAI Magazine spoke to Douglas Ankrah to know about the present state of the trend, growth of India’s drinking habits and its direct effect, and scope of the alcohol beverage segment business:
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lobally well known for being a common platform to showcase powerful food, beverage and hotel brands, the 1st edition of The India Bar Show is aiming at capturing the spirit of the bar culture and evolve it into a profitable proposition. To be held on October 26 and 27, at the Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, the show is expected to be a culmination of the finest products and services from across the world. The show has been customised to India’s growing modern hospitality sector and seeks to bridge the market further by building trade links and unifying the sector. The show would offer attendees an extraordinary platform to take part in tasting sessions, demonstrations and discussions as well as interacting with leading international brands in the global drinks industry, which include names like Pantha energy drinks, Bong Vodka, Chase Vodka, etc. The show will serve as a source for attendees to engage with some of the finest bartenders, mixologists, sommeliers and industry experts from India and around the world. Douglas Ankrah, the creator of The India Bar
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Show, says, “The Indian market has shown tremendous growth in the last few years and consumers here are open to redefine their consumption styles. The first edition of the show seeks to provide the leading market players, hoteliers, bartenders and suppliers an exciting opportunity to explore new tastes, techniques and methods in an already receptive market. After LAB in Soho and Chelsea’s Townhouse, this is my dream project in India. This show is a gesture of my dedication to the audience of bar professionals in the country. I am very excited and honoured to bring this concept to India and hope that the Indian market will appreciate it too.” The platform will engage the participants with new products and innovations, established brands, products and services for industry professionals, educational programmes, seminars, conferences and much more. According to him, The India Bar Show will enable an exchange of ideas and best industry practices
Q. How would you compare the Indian perception vis-à-vis rest of the world in the consumption style of wine/alcohol? People in UK have a well defined bar culture going back centuries, whereas the Indian bar culture is just evolving. India has an established brown spirits (whisky and dark rum) market. Many households in India often consume their local Indian spirits. At present, younger people are drinking more white spirits, like vodka. India is one of the world’s largest emerging markets. The spirit sector in India is historically dominated by whisky
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but this is about to change. The younger generation, which is driving the growth of bar culture, is placing new emphasis on a greater choice of spirits to create new flavours for their clientele. The launch of The India Bar Show gives drinks companies and service suppliers a platform to promote new products to an already receptive market, hungry for new tastes, techniques and styles. Also, a new class of successful urban Indians is emerging for whom drinking was not a tradition in the family but they are keen to learn more about alcohol. Indians are well travelled and are now ready to explore the different types of alcohol. These are some of the major growth factors. Internationally the market has already developed, for example, you have either a scotch drinker or a vodka drinker or someone who drinks only rum. These people have their favourite brands and would usually explore within variants.
Q. In India, bartending has picked up lately, but it has failed to achieve greater heights like elsewhere in the world. What could be the reason? If one chooses a career path in hospitality, education in this sector is of utmost importance. Career in F&B sector is mostly taken up by youngsters in Europe and the United States as a stop gap when they don’t know what to do in life. It is same in India. But now, people have started taking this as a serious career option.
Most bartenders nowadays own bars, restaurants and even hotels. Setting up of organised institutes will definitely be a stepping stone for the bar industry in India and will lead to a large number of talented individual within this trade.
Q. There are a few bartending competitions taking place in India of late. How will this differentiate itself from others?
Competitions are a great way of recognising talent and exposure. The more bartenders compete, the better it will be for the industry. Good institutes will develop the trade and soon we will see a lot of talented people competing against each other. This will help in boosting the trade. Competing and winning at international and national levels will
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The India Bar Show Benefits
• will give beverage companies and service suppliers a platform to promote new products to an already receptive market, hungry for new tastes, techniques and styles • will create a meeting place for the Indian bar sector where professionals can contact, exchange ideas and learn from the experts. • will reach out to sommeliers and F&B managers, venue owners and management with a packed schedule of talks and presentations encourage more people to take up bartending as a career and not just a hobby or a gap year profession.
Q. Which are the future trends you feel would make an impact in India, as its consumption volume is rising each year?
I think craft boutique beers are penetrating the market of late. Also, interesting spirits from around the globe are slowly making their way into India and South Asia. A show of this kind will only increase awareness.
I am sure more international brands are heading to India. The consumers here are willing to explore and there is enough room for these brands to co-exist and grow within the Indian market. I foresee a lot of international players setting high stakes in the Indian market. Shows like The India Bar Show, will create a meeting place for the Indian bar sector where professionals can make contact, exchange ideas and learn from experts. As seen in many international cities like London, Amsterdam, New Orleans and Berlin, the growth of a bar community breeds ideas and inspiration, which, in turn, will promote the bar culture to a much wider audience within the country.
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new faces
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within the hospitality trade Rudrojit Deb
Kanika Hasrat
Director of Food and Beverage Pullman Gurgaon Central Park
General Manager Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon
Rudrojit Deb has been appointed as the Director of Food & Beverage at Pullman Gurgaon Central Park. His previous assignments include stints with Hyatt Hotels & Resorts at Mumbai and Kolkata, the Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Leela Hotels at Goa and Mumbai.
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A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Deb started his career with Choice Hotels in Chennai and brings with him over 16 years of experience in the Indian food & beverage industry. He believes in pushing the envelope of dining experience for his customers, and firmly believes that the Indian diner is far more adventurous than given credit. His personal interests include photography and travelling.
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Swami Nandan Executive Chef Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Banjara Hills Hyderabad, managed by the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, announced the appointment of Swami Nandan as the Executive Chef for this recently launched property in Hyderabad. In this new role, he will oversee culinary operations of the hotel, including the restaurants and bars, in-room dining and banqueting.
i Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon, has appointed Kanika Hasrat as its new GM. Hasrat joins Marriott with an experience of about 16 years in the hospitality industry. She will lead the team in developing the hotel’s vision and strategy, as well as oversee the total operations. She will also play a vital role in employee training and development, while driving performance across various aspects including financial success, brand value, guest satisfaction and engagement as well as service quality.
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Hasrat held various challenging positions such as Director of Services, Front Office Manager and Director of Rooms at JW Marriott – Mumbai and Director of Services at Marriott Amsterdam. Most recently, she served as GM of Trident, Jaipur.
His experience in numerous cultures brings in a dynamic and powerful perspective to his cooking style. He has around 10 years experience during which he worked in India and UK in hotels like The ITC Hotel Maurya Sheraton - New Delhi, ITC Hotel Grand Central & Towers Mumbai, ITC Hotel Kakatiya Sheraton - Hyderabad, ITC Sheraton Chola Chennai, a Michelin Star Restaurant, Benares Restaurant and Bar, Mayfair - Berkeley Square, Vatika Restaurant, Wickham Vineyard - Southampton and Marcus Wareing - Hyde Park.
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Mohit Kanwal
Mangesh Sangpal
Venkatesh Bhat
Pastry Chef Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai
CEO Accord Metropolitan
Director of Sales The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Mangesh Sangpal joined Courtyard by Marriott, Chennai, as the Pastry Chef. He brings with him a rich experience of over 10 years, having worked with eminent brands like Le Royal Meridien, The Orchid and The Grand.
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Accord Metropolitan in Chennai has appointed Venkatesh Bhat as Chief Executive Officer. Bhat studied catering at Asan Memorial and has a graduation degree from Cornell University through Nanyang University, Singapore, where he majored in General Management.
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Prior to joining the Courtyard Chennai, he was with Courtyard Marriott Pune. Chef Sangpal is a specialist in baking decorative cakes, chocolate carving, margarine carving and baking muffins. As Pastry Chef, he will be in-charge of Muffin Tree, the deli at the property.
He started his career at Chola Sheraton and then moved to Taj Group of Hotels as a management trainee in hotel operations and kitchen management. He later held corporate position with the Leela Group before venturing out on his own. He started a restaurant chain, Billion Smiles, which runs brands like South Indies, Bon South, Up South, etc.
Mohit Kanwal has been appointed as the Director of Sales at The Westin Mumbai Garden City. With over eight years of experience, Kanwal’s prior assignment was with Trident BKC as a Sales Manager. He also worked as Sales Manager at The Oberoi Mumbai and Trident Nariman Point. With photography as a passion, Kanwal completed his IHM from Mumbai and Post Graduation in Business Administration from SIES College of Management Studies.
Douglas Martell
Runeep Sangha
Vice President Operations for South West Asia InterContinental Hotels Group
Executive Director PATA India Chapter
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) appointed Douglas Martell to the role of VP Operations, South West Asia, effective from mid-September 2012. Martell will be responsible for the overall operations of the company across India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
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Runeep Sangha has been appointed as the new Executive Director of PATA India Chapter.
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He has been with IHG since 2001, during which time he held various operational roles across Australia, Japan and Greater China. His most recent role has been VP F&B and Operations for the company’s Greater China region, based in Shanghai.
Sangha, with 35 years of experience, has built relevant experience in the travel and financial services industry, having worked at Indtravels (Carlson Wagonlit), Mercury Travels, Citibank and American Express. His last assignment was with American Express, New Delhi, where he pioneered the set-up of a franchise network of travel agents across the Indian subcontinent and managed key airline and industry relationships. His task is to augment tourism initiatives and strengthen our networking platform to deliver enhanced value to our members.
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DLS Property Management System With more than six years of experience in delivering critical and scalable IT solutions to the hospitality industry, DLS offers hoteliers an advanced suite of IT and distribution solutions. www.dlsurl.com is a pioneer web hosted tool which connects your desktop/handheld device with single/multiple properties live. With this web channel you can keep yourself connected with access to all key information dynamically. DLS Cres server could be interfaced with any third party hotel reservation websites and provides integration into DLS PMS. The CRM extensions keep track of guest welcome messaging, bill information, tracking birthdays, anniversaries and more. DLS LMS is an automised lock management tool for DLS Locks exclusively, but can also provide automisation for any type of locks.
PCP Terra Motor Home Paracoat Products Limited is the first company in India to launch ready-to-use Motor Home cum Office - PCP Terra. It is based on a standard pick-up vehicle, the base vehicle being currently Mahindra Genio. With a fibre glass frame (FRP) resistant to road worthy conditions, it is thermally insulated and also electricity proof. It has a double acrylic window with a vacuum system and 3 style nets (clear, opaque and mosquito net). The price for PCP Terra ranges from Rs 31 - 37 lakh. It is suitable for a family or a group of 7 (including driver). The living/meeting area can be adjusted into a bedroom with a capacity for 5. It is fitted with all the required facilities like air conditioner, heater, refrigerator, microwave, wash room, shower, shelves, stereo, TV, multimedia system, etc.
Modular Sensor Lighting Vighnaharta Security has introduced energy saving light, LS-82 designed specially for staircases, balconies, terraces, etc., where the light switches on automatically based on the amount of ambient light. The company claims to have perfected the product for switching on the lights when it detects motion in the area as well. LS-82 is a modular sensor light switch with CFL. The product saves energy with auto switch on, switch off application. It has some features like Adjustable Detection Distance, which switches on lights on motion near the area, turns off lights after the set time or after motion stops. Delay time can be adjusted to turn off lights. For further enquiries contact Realty Automation & Security Systems or visit www.vighnaharta.in
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Lufthansa opens a lounge in Delhi Airport The German carrier Lufthansa officially inaugurated its brand new lounge at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Designed according to the airline’s new global design concept which marks a major new investment benefiting passengers departing from India, this is Lufthansa’s second lounge in India. The first Lufthansa Lounge was introduced at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai in 2009. It spreads across 3,767 sqft and seats 131 travellers. It is conveniently situated near the boarding gates in the main atrium of Terminal 3. Lufthansa’s new lounge concept includes enhanced design elements like poster walls and comforting accessories. Specially manufactured designer furniture includes ergonomically designed lounging chairs in an exclusive area. Workstations and Wi-Fi facilities create a comfortable work environment for those who want to catch up with their business before take-off.
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American Express Online Campaign
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa introduces fitness transformation programme
American Express has recently rolled out an online campaign called the ‘Online Exclusives’ for online shopping and travel transactions. One can book on British Airways and avail a discount of up to 7 per cent on the base fare and earn 10x and 5x Membership Reward points for domestic and international booking from MakeMyTrip.com. Besides this, they have tie-ups with Emirates and Ezeego1.com and its card members can also choose from over 600 plus redemption options in travel and lodging from the Membership Rewards catalogue.
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa has introduced its signature Fitness Transformation Programme, a one-of-a-kind intensive wellness regime designed to transform one’s existing fitness level. The key components of the programme are structured exercise, relaxation therapy and a balanced sport nutrition meal plan, all customised to a client’s requirements and potential for an overall improvement in one’s lifestyle patterns. The programme can be tailored to suit one’s requirements for any duration between 5 to 30 days or even more.
Dutch Grape Bootz Brandy Kyndal India, a leading Alcobev Company which imports, manufactures and distributes some of the world’s most exclusive liquor brands in India, has announced the launch of Bootz Authentic Dutch Grape brandy in South India. It will be made available to consumers through select outlets in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This will be followed by a pan India launch in the coming years. The Bootz brandy is priced attractively in different states. Bootz Authentic Dutch Grape brandy is prepared from the finest grapes and is pot distilled, ensuring only the purest spirit is collected and then matured in oak casks.
Rich’s Premium Choco Rich Graviss has launched Rich’s Premium Choco in a range of premium chocolate compounds. Confectioners, bakers and pastry chefs will now have more options to meet growing consumer demand. At the same time, Rich’s Premium Choco provides great taste, flavour and workability. Packaged in sizes of 500 gm, Rich’s Premium Choco are available in dark, milk and white, made from the finest cocoa beans from Ghana and Malaysia. They are great for making chocolate truffle icing, moulded chocolates, chocolate-based desserts, garnishes, chocolate cakes, mousse cakes, cheese cakes, fondues and many more.
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New look of the Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore Since it welcomed its first guest in 1990, The Gateway Hotel Residency Road Bangalore has consistently offered the highest standards of quality, service and style. With its newly-renovated contemporary lobby, Sphyre – the new lounge bar and the restoration of the iconic Karavalli, the hotel has been re-designed with a ‘green’ theme, keeping the urban nomad in mind. Albert Rebello, General Manager of the hotel added, “Gateway Bangalore is the preferred choice for business in Bengaluru. The recently completed renovation with a new lobby and Deli at Gateway, bar and a renewed and refreshed Karavalli ensures that we, once again, stake our claim as the preeminent address of the garden city.” Commenting on the re-launch, PK Mohankumar, Chief Operating Officer, The Gateway Hotels & Resorts, said, “We offer a relaxed, refreshing and contemporary experience to deliver the brand promise. We are flexible, on the move, and instantly responsive.”
Musical Nights at Bar Zen In mid-August, the Courtyard by Marriott unveiled their live band at Bar Zen. From light crisp whiskies to dark ones, from frothy beers to deliciously eye appealing martinis and cosmopolitans; variations are also available here. Rajneesh Kumar, F&B Manager at Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon, says, “As a business hotel we have created an opportunity for our guests to meet, mingle and have fun.” Bar Zen offers a unique experience with a variety of music from Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Country, Rock ‘n’ Roll to Jive and Boogie Breaks. Bar Zen’s new band creates an absolute evening to enjoy pre-dinner drinks or a late evening nightcap. One can groove to the foot tapping songs, have smacking food in a great ambience enjoy music and have fun at the bar. Bringing to life the splendid soulful Indian and international music, the band will play a lush blend of funky jazz, classic R&B’s and urban blues and perform with an exuberant air to captivate the audience.
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The Oktoberfest by 7° Brauhaus The authentic German micro brewery, 7° Brauhaus, brings traditional Oktoberfest in the most authentic way to India directly from Munich in Bavaria, Germany. The 16day fiesta, from September 22 to October 7, aims to mesmerise its diners with the Ferris wheel, magnificently decked chestnut trees and authentic German cuisine. For all those who can’t make it to Germany, there’s no reason to miss out on all the food, fun or beer. Venue: 7° Brauhaus, South Point Mall, Sector 53, Golf Course road, Gurgaon (Corrigendum: In the ‘Dine Out’ section of the August issue, Sanjay Mathur, MD, 7° Brauhaus was inadvertently mentioned as Sunil Mathur. The error is regretted.)
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Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair honoured with Louis XIII Recently, a customised Louis XIII miniature was presented to Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair, Chairman, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. It was presented by Vincent Géré, Director of Remy Martin Estates and Oenology as a token of gratitude for his consistent support and cooperation. Speaking on the occasion, Géré said, “It’s an honour to present Louis XIII to the doyen of the hospitality industry. Capt. Nair’s Leela Group of Hotels is synonymous to ultimate luxury and so is Louis XIII. We would like to thank The Leela Group for its continuous support.” Rukn Luthra, Managing Director, Remy Cointreau - Indian subcontinent and Gulf said, “We are proud of our partnership with The Leela Group of Hotels. The Leela Group has been a strong support for Remy Martin in India and we look forward to our association to grow many folds in future.” Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, The Leela Group; Aishwarya Nair, Corporate Food & Wine Consultant, The Leela Group; Rukn Luthra, Managing Director, Remy Cointreau - Indian sub-continent and Gulf and Vincent Cleme, Louis XIII Brand Ambassador - India, were also present on the occasion.
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Six Senses Spa launched at Jaypee Greens Six Senses launched its 28th spa in India at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, recently. Spread across 90,000 sqft, this is the biggest spa in India offering over 140 spa treatments in 15 sub-categories. The spa offers Ayurveda treatment, Asian therapies including Thai Massage, Tuina, Shiatsu, India Head Massage and Foot Acupressure. Specialist therapies like Reflexology, Reiki and Chinese Cupping is also on offer in addition to signature massages, facials, scrubs and wraps. The spa offers four single treatment rooms, changing facilities with steam, sauna, experience shower, ice fountain and private pools, a private nap room and relation areas on the ground floor of this three-storied structure. Basement – active floor – has a fitness centre, changing room, a juice bar, yoga studio and aerobics pool surrounded by a herbal garden. The first floor includes male and female Hammams, a meditation cave, single and double treatments rooms, a ladies club and golfer’s treatment area.
Ozone launches Display-cum-Training Centre Ozone launched its Display-cum-Training Centre - The Ozone Hub at Kirti Nagar, Furniture Market, New Delhi, on September 3, 2012. This centre will act as a vital point for all architects, builders or anyone who are engaged in construction or renovation activities. The centre comprises live display and working models of glass fittings, shower enclosures, stainless steel railings, automatic doors, along with hardware for wooden doors, furniture, shower cubicles and accessories, and even electronic safes. Alok Aggarwal, Managing Director, Ozone, said, “Today’s consumer wants to be well informed about techniques, functionality and usage of a product they intend to buy. Understanding this zeal of our customers, we have come up with Ozone Hub in Delhi which offers a platform to an architect, builder and consumer to take an informed decision on his/her selection of any product as per the need and requirement. This is in line with Ozone’s promise of offering Complete Architectural Hardware Solution.” The centre boasts of a live demo of more than 20 types of glass and wooden doors using different hardware derivatives which work on sliding or swing mechanism, and can be operated manually, automatically or with remote control.
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RNI No. DELENG/2000/1230 Posting Date 15-21/08-2011 Postal Reg. No. DL-(C)-01/1294/2012-2014 at MBC-1 Date of Publication 12-09-2012