INDUSTRY BUZZ

AIDEN VAGATOR GOA BAGS THE ‘MOST PROMISING NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL’ AT THE INCREDIBLE GOA AWARD 2022 CEREMONY!

All reasons to rejoice for Aiden Vagator Goa as it was awarded the prestigious Incredible Goa Award in the Most Promising New Boutique Hotel category on the 15th of December 2022. The award ceremony was graced by the presence of the Honorable Governor of Goa Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai and many other dignitaries, celebrities, socialites and industry people. Incredible Goa Awards is one of the most prestigious awards IP created by Goa ’ s first and only society magazine by the same name. The awards were started in the year 2018 with the aim of providing a recognition platform to the Incredible People of Goa from various walks of life. In the past 4 years, Incredible Goa has honoured and given the platform to more than 100 people and appreciated the work of thousands of Incredible Goans through its print and digital platforms. Aiden Vagator Goa recently opened its doors to the public. It’ s a boutique property nestled in the bylanes of Goa ’ s most happening location, Vagator. Situated just 950 meters away from the Vagator beach and minutes walking distance from the main market road, Aiden is one of the first Aiden by Best Western group of hotels in India. Bringing a touch of global hospitality to Goa, Aiden Vagator combines luxury, comfort, thoughtfulness and service like no other.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL’S ANNUAL CHARITY RUN

Marriott International returned with the 8th edition of the flagship charity run – Run to Give with a more inclusive and reformed avatar as Road to Give 2022, with an aim to encourage participants from across its South Asia portfolio of hotels to embrace all forms of movement beyond just running vis. walking, cycling, swimming and others. Goa Marriott Resort and Spa, Fairfield by Marriott, Goa Anjuna, Fairfield by Marriott, Goa Calangute all a part of Marriott International, came together and organized the charity run on 26th November 2022. This annual charity run is an integral part of the Marriott South Asia calendar and is a testament to the company ’ s commitment to cultivate a people-first environment that promotes the associates ’ well-being and drives its people to care for the communities where they do business. This year, Road to Give 2022 had committed to lend support across 143 hotels from Marriott International hotels and resorts in South Asia who will come together to raise funds to support RISING STAR OUTREACH OF INDIA- (https://risingstaroutreach.org/), a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and Their families to rise above the stigma associated with leprosy and to live healthy, productive lives through quality education, medical care, and community development. Road to Give 2022 is essentially a step

towards creating a space for inclusion in our bid towards making tangible a contribution towards the upliftment of the communities around us. The annual run is an opportunity for Marriott International associates, along with family and guests to come together and make a move, this year in all possible ways, in the direction of a more diverse and accommodative future which holds space for individuals from across the spectrum. The idea is to make the event larger and cohesive each year by taking participants closer to our TakeCare philosophies by adding new facets and elements to the annual run ” said Ranju Alex –Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. With an aim to incorporate participation from across the country, the run was open to Marriott associates, partners as well as families, friends and guests who could join the event, lend support, take some time to reflect, care for their bodies and minds and most importantly to be part of a larger, purposeful initiative that aims at us helping build a more cohesive and responsible society. The run held in Goa was a 6 KM run, where participants ran along the banks of the Mandovi River. The participants were entitled to t-shirts, breakfast, and completion certificates after the marathon. The marathon concluded with a jubilant celebration along with the prize distribution to the winners of the event, Men Category: Sohel Madar and

Women ’ s Category: Helna Thottan Apte.

IHCL, GOA HERALDS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH A GREATER PURPOSE

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), Goa

’ s largest hospitality operator and leader in the tourism sector rings in the festive cheer with a greater purpose of giving back to the society this holiday season. Under Paathya, IHCL’ s framework of sustainability and social impact measures, various initiatives have been implemented at the hotels to give guests a truly Goan holiday experience, which will benefit the local community and aid in preserving Goa ’ s rich heritage. In the true spirit of the festive season, guests and associates will engage in meaningful actions of touching someone ’ s life in an impactful manner. Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Vincent Ramos, Senior Vice President – Goa for IHCL said, “Inclusion and business responsibility is embedded in our DNA. Taking ahead IHCL’ s

over a century old legacy, we strive for the local communities to share in the benefits of our presence by serving the needs of the underprivileged communities and leaving a positive impact towards reshaping our common future for a better tomorrow. In the merriment of the festive season, we are delighted to extend an opportunity to our guests and associates to make a difference. ” Carecations, a series of curated travel itineraries by IHCL will help guests to volunteer and support local communities on their travels. From learning about Azulejos - once an almost forgotten art of hand-painted ceramic tiles to discovering another side of Goa in the hinterlands, to revisiting Goa ’ s legendary past with Fado - the iconic music genre introduced to Goa by the Portuguese, the holiday itineraries and activities enable direct interaction between guests and the beneficiaries, allowing both to discover a rich bank of knowledge and stories. In line with the ethos and values of the Tata Group, IHCL, Goa has also collaborated with various social welfare groups and philanthropic bodies across the state to amplify their reach in the community. The hotels will be showcasing traditional Goan Christmas sweets prepared by local women as part of the festive gift hamper collection. Moreover, the annual cake mixing ceremonies held at the hotels witnessed the use of locally procured fruits, nuts, spices and spirits. Over 2000 employees of IHCL, Goa will be participating in various donation drives and other social works in service of the community throughout the festive season.

CELEBRATE A JOLLY HOLLYDAY AT ALILA DIWA GOA

Alila Diwa Goa, a lifestyle Hyatt resort in Majorda, South Goa is all set to celebrate Christmas and New Years with an array of unique experiences and festivities for the whole family. The fun and frolic in this season of joy multiplies when in Goa because the city comes alive, and Alila Diwa Goa will ensure that you have the best Christmas ever. The splendour of the lawns, the magnificent infinity pool by the Edge Bar, the exciting family fair, and a delightful gastronomic journey at various restaurants at Alila promises that you bring in Christmas and New Years in style. Starting from 22nd December to 1st January 23, every event and experience is specially curated to make it ‘ surprisingly different’ and leave you mesmerized and joyful into the New Year. Christmas Family Fair Join us with your little champs for an evening of exciting games, activities, music, dance, unlimited food & drinks, and lots of fun. While the kids keep Santa & his elves occupied, all the mommies and daddies can indulge in the unlimited barbecue & beer and catch up with friends. There is a lot more to look out for. A Tropical Christmas Eve Celebrate a tropical Christmas Eve by our Infinity Pool with a specially curated 5-course festive dinner coupled with a glass of sparkling wine and live music Christmas Vivo La Brunch Immerse in the spirit of the season with a lively Brunch, best cherished with family and friends. Enjoy access to our Infinity Pool and indulge in an unforgettable feast of yuletide specialities coupled with live festive music, themed activities, and lots more. New Year ’ s Eve Gala Dinner Bring in 2023 in style with our family-friendly New Year ’ s Eve Gala Dinner. Spread across multiple venues, bid adieu to 2022 with a

lavish dinner of global cuisine, pouring premium drinks, sensational Live Band, DJ, and a host of other activities to keep you engaged and excited right through. New Year Vivo La Brunch Celebrate new beginnings and beat the NYE hangover with a specially curated Brunch with unlimited food, drinks, live music, fun games & activities, live food counters, pottery, movie screening and lots more to enjoy with your family & friends Date: Sunday, 1st January 2023 Timing: 12.30 to 4 pm Venue: Vivo & Vivo Lawns Entry Charges: INR 999++ (6 to 11) | INR 1,799++ (non-alcohol) | INR 2,399++ (alcohol). Free entry for kids below 6 years. For more details, bookings and passes connect with us on +91 9049997530 / 9049990498 or visit the Festivity Desk at Alila Diwa Goa

AIRASIA INDIA PARTNERS WITH SUGARBOX TO LAUNCH ‘AIRFLIX’

AirAsia India announced a partnership with Hyperlocal Cloud platform Sugarbox, to launch a first-of-its-kind in-flight experience hub, ‘AirFlix ’ . An innovative solution for digital access in the skies, ‘AirFlix ’ is available across the airline ’ s fleet. Offering a value proposition unique to Indian skies, ‘AirFlix ’ provides over 6,000 hours of high-resolution content, enabling access to 1,000+ International and Indian movies, short movies and 1,500+ web series episodes, enabling guests to stream buffer-free content from OTT Apps. ‘AirFlix ’ is powered by the patented Cloud Fragment technology developed by Sugarbox, to provide fliers with digital access mimicking the internet experience, even without in-flight connectivity. ‘AirFlix ’ is integrated and operates in sync with AirAsia India ’ s in-flight ancillary platform, enabling customers to browse the menu and place orders using their personal devices. With a speed of up to 1Gbps and storage capacity of 8TB, ‘AirFlix ’ offers a host of customised options, including Games, Ed-tech content, News articles, Music, Ecommerce, and much more. Talking about the launch, Siddhartha Butalia, Chief Marketing Officer, AirAsia India, said, "We ’ re excited to introduce the ‘AirFlix ’ experience hub for fliers and to partner with Sugarbox on their pioneering technology platform, offering a wider and more diverse range of captivating content and a literally elevated user experience. We ’ re looking forward to leveraging the potential of this platform, introducing innovative features and technological integrations even beyond inflight dining, entertainment, and shopping, and enabling personalised experiences that provide a distinct, differentiated flying experience in a hyper-competitive market.

DARU DOCTOR MOHAN KRISHNA BAGS "BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD"

India is racing as one of the most exciting countries to make Single Malts. India has what experts may call a new “terroir ” a unique warm, climate with a high angel share. Whisky in India ages around "four " times faster, a 10year-old aged Single malt whisky would be similar to a 30 to 40-year old Scotch whisky. The Three Monkeys Indian Single malt whisky will blow your mind, which is from the stable of Goa based Cheers group founded by Dr Mohan Krishna and his wife Anuradha in 2009. The world' s first liquor marketing Doctorate Dr Mohan Krishna has bagged "Businessman of the Year award" for excellence in Indian Single malt whisky distiller at Goa ’ s most prestigious awards ceremony The Incredible Goa Awards 2022 held at Planet Hollywood Beach Resorts, Goa on 15th December 2022. Indian single malts are a huge hit in the international market. Many homegrown whisky brands, today, are even competing against whiskies from top whiskey producing countries in the world including from Scotland and Japan. Crafted in Goa by Imperial Distillers and Vintners (Cheers group), flagship brand: Three Monkeys Indian Single Malt Whisky is an internationally award-winning single-malt, matured leisurely in new-American Oak and ex-bourbon barrels before bottling. The tasting notes include hints of orange citrus, cocoa and a smooth toffee. You can almost smell the rocky, sea-salted riddled turf of the Pristine beaches of Goa in its top notes, which when followed by its sweet finish, make for a delightfully layered dram. "From traditional distillation, ageing to selecting the right casks and finally bottling a delicious pour of single-malt whisky is an art" says Dr Krishna, and adds that he is delighted to receive the Incredible award and thanked the jury for the honor. “Balivada Single malt is perfect when you want a little more flavour and spice in your dram. It really lends itself well to adding a bit of complexity that goes perfectly just with some ice that opens the spirit up beautifully ” says Ashwin Balivada, Executive Director, Cheers group.