11 minute read
INDUSTRY BUZZ
GOA’S FIRST LUXURY BEACH RESORT FELICITATED
By FNH TEAM Images: IHCL
On the occasion of the 35th Goa Statehood Day, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa was felicitated for its outstanding contribution to the economic and social development of the tourism sector in the state at a celebratory event organized by the Department of Information & Publicity at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula. Taj, India ’ s Strongest Brand across sectors, is the hallmark of Indian hospitality from the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) with a legacy spanning over 118 years.
The key accomplishments of the resort recognized include active involvement with the state authorities to achieve benchmark standards for tourism in Goa; establishing transformative growth over the years leading to greater profitability and market leadership; nurturing a culture of responsibility and care towards the planet with sustainable tourism practices; inclusive and collaborative approach towards helping improve the quality of life and giving back to the local communities. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vincent Ramos, Senior Vice President – IHCL, Goa said, “We are honored and humbled to have played a role in being of service to the state. IHCL has always been synonymous with Goa since its inception with the introduction of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa and will continue to contribute to the development of the tourism industry in the state. Under the recently announced Ahvaan 2025 –IHCL’ s three-pronged strategy to grow profitably in the coming years, the local communities will share in the benefits of our presence with maximized local employment and new avenues for potential business opportunities. ” Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa was the first luxury beach resort in the country to open its doors in 1974, to welcome the world to India ’ s sunshine state. It was the host hotel for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 1983. Thus, IHCL became a pioneer in establishing Goa as a leisure destination on the international tourism map. With a footprint of 21 unique destinations and over 1500 rooms across a wide spectrum of brands, IHCL continues to define the changing landscape of tourism in Goa as the largest hospitality operator and leader in the tourism sector. *Brand Finance India 100 Report 2022
IHCL CELEBRATES WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY
The IHCL did it once again! After taking forward its journey towards a sustainable future last month they have conducted the plantation and distribution drive of 4000+ saplings across its various properties in Goa. On the occasion of the world environment day, the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), one of
Goa ’ s largest hospitality players has continued its journey towards sustainable social impact initiatives under the ESG framework “Paathya ” based on this year ’ s theme “Only One Earth” . The company has distributed more than 4000 saplings in its various properties spread across the state of Goa. Speaking on the occasion of the world environment day Mr. Vincent Ramos, Senior vice president – of IHCL Goa spoke on the need for implementation of such an initiative. “It is crucial for each of us to work towards every aspect of the triple planetary emergency in order to maintain the balance with nature, ” he said adding that IHCL’ s social and business responsibility is in their DNA. “Under the Paathya initiative “ , IHCL will continue to lead its journey towards sustainable practices in a pursuit to create excellence and benchmark in the tourism industry of Goa. ” The IHCL has also undertaken the tangible measures under Paathya ’ s six key pillars, I.e. Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, Excellence in Governance, Preserving Heritage, Value Chain Transformation, and Sustainable Growth and they have set the goal for a long-term and short-term basis to fulfill the same by 2030. Under the Paathya, IHCL will continue its journey towards creating a better tomorrow with multiple initiatives including Earth Check Certification, Waste Management, Green Footprint, EV Charging, Energy Conservation, Livelihood Impact, and Heritage. The term Paathya (पय) has been derived from a Sanskrit term, inferring a path, that aims to lead positive change guided by IHCL’ s core values of Trust of all stakeholders, Awareness around the needs of our ecosystem, and Joy at heart.
Mr. Gavin Dias, General Manager (Hotels, Marketing & I.T) GTDC has received the IHC Hospitality Influencer Award on the International Hospitality Day for outstanding achievement in the field of Hospitality. The International Hospitality Council in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management organises this prestigious event annually and its main objectives are to Celebrate Hospitality, Promote Hospitality and Educate Hospitality. Mr Dias, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution in the field of Hospitality & the Institute has respectfully awarded him with the International Hospitality Council' s "Outstanding Hospitality Influencer
" award on the occasion of the 7th International Hospitality Day, 2022. He is a seasoned hospitality professional, and has an illustrious career spanning over two decades with an exceptional network in the industry. He has worked at various properties spread across Europe, Middle East & India having exposure in both the leisure and business segment. He is an alumni of the Institute of Hotel Management Goa, Fellow Seoul National University, South Korea and currently pursuing his doctoral studies at NIMS University Jaipur.
YOUR FOREVER PROMISE BEGINS AT GOA MARRIOTT RESORT AND SPA
By FNH TEAM Images: Marriott Goa
A beautiful evening of cocktails on the beach, or perhaps the exchanging of vows against a gorgeous sunset. Isn ’t that the description of your dream wedding too? Centrally located in Panaji, the capital city of Goa, Goa Marriott Resort and Spa lets you choose the perfect stage for every ceremony and ritual, be it the intimacy of indoor halls or the magic that the sands, beach and a starry night sky can create. From sangeet to Mehendi, engagement, bachelorette, reception, cocktail parties to a beach wedding or traditional big fat wedding, they have got you covered. The sprawling beach, lush gardens and the luxurious pool deck, overlooking the mesmerizing horizon, truly makes it the jewel of Miramar, Goa. When two souls come together, so do two families. And its endeavour to make every special moment memorable for everyone involved. Their venues are designed to give these beautiful memories the perfect stage to unfold. Spread over 8 acres, Marriott’ s indoor and outdoor convention spaces, banquet halls and ballroom will provide the perfect venue for any celebration of your choice, tailored to your needs.
From the moment you entrust them to make your special day come alive, their wedding specialists will be by your side crafting every experience to perfection. They ensure that you face no glitches with your communication, while their extensive list of wedding planners and vendors makes them your one-stop-shop. With 182 rooms and 8 suites specially designed with relaxing views of the bay and gardens, your guests will enjoy perfect peaceful moments amidst the revelry. The way to a happy guest' s blessing is through their stomach. From the staunchest of vegetarians to the heartiest of meat lovers, their spread will have no stone (no plate) unturned to impress you and your guests. An off-course each of their delightful platter is as authentic as it can get. From relaxing hair spas, manicures, and pedicures to special facials, from styling the bride ’ s hair to perfection, to some beard and hair grooming for the groom, you ’ll be at peace the whole time. While the sea flirts with your senses, throughout your stay, you ’ll wonder if the whole experience wasn ’t in fact specially crafted for you and your loved ones. The safety of guests is a top priority at Marriott and they take utmost care in maintaining social distancing and hygiene protocols are followed under Marriott’ s Commitment to Clean initiative. Goa Marriott Resort and Spa is a one-stop beach destination, be it for a romantic weekend, a family getaway, a corporate meeting or a dream wedding. To speak to their Shaadi by Marriott Bonvoy event specialist, please call us on +91 832 246 3333, +91 9730032281 or visit www.goamarriottresort.com
GOA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IS BOOMING WITH 70% OCCUPANCY DURING OFF SEASON
By FNH TEAM Images:Andrea Piacquadio
Giving it a very positive start at the beginning of the off-season in Goa, which begins in June, the stared hotels across the state have registered a whopping seventy percent occupancy rate which is the highest of all time for the non-peak season. Monsoon did not seem to have affected the tourism industry of Goa this time and hotels are showing a very positive trend in occupancy. Especially the stared hotels are doing exceptionally good with an occupancy rate of 70 to 80% at the beginning of the June month. Post pandemic scenario in this tiny state surprised everyone with the highest ever occupancy rates with the highest tariffs in the history of the hospitality industry in Goa. The room that was normally sold between 10 thousand to 15 thousand have shot up to 25 to 30 thousand per night but despite of the spike in tariff, the spirit of the vacationers did not dilute down. Goa did exceptionally well after the life came back to normal in the state following the lifting of all sorts of bans as the cases kept going
down and even the monsoon did not seems to have affected the hospitality sector. According to the reports, after receiving a very positive response in the month of June the prospects for the coming months look very bright. Normally the hotel booking rates go down below 50% percent during the offseason but this time trend appears to have changed as the footfalls have started increasing instead of the other way around. The stakeholder of the hospitality industry is feeling very positive about the future since this trend was nonexistent even during the prepandemic period. “The occupancy rate was never so good even during the pre-pandemic period, ” said the GCCI president Ralph De Souza adding, that bookings have been very encouraging this time. “Bookings have broken all the previous records and the 70% occupancy during the monsoon is very good. ” According to Mr. Ralph, The summer hasn ’t been over yet in northern parts of India and people still prefer to travel to Goa. “The offseason room tariff is probably encouraging the tourists to visit Goa. The other reason for Goa witnessing a rise in footfalls is because Southeast destinations – where Indian tourists are known to flock – are yet to fully open up for travelers.Goa was the only state that was opened up even during the covid time and after the Covid cases have gone down substantially, this tiny state has become the most preferred destination as other states in India have not yet opened their boundaries for the tourists.
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL YOGA DAY 2022 AT GWALIOR FORT
By FNH TEAM Images:PTI
Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M Scindia inaugurated a massive demonstration of Yoga by more than 2000 people at the Gwalior Fort. The event was organised by the ministry of civil aviation on the international day of Yoga. As this year the International Day of Yoga falls under the “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav ” , the Ministry of Ayush has planned to observe the International Day of Yoga extensively at 75 of India ’ s iconic locations which will put ‘Brand India ’ on the global map. The theme for this year is
“Yoga for Humanity ” as it highlights the multiple benefits it gave in alleviating the sufferings during the peak of Covid-19 and emerged as a cause of bringing people across the globe closer by sheer compassion, kindness and togetherness at such a testing period. Myriad activities were taken up at these various events held all over to raise awareness amongst one and all.
TOURISTS ARE NOT TO PLAN THEIR STAY NEAR PANGONG LAKE WITHOUT PRIOR BOOKING, LADAKH TOURIST DEPARTMENT.
By FNH TEAM Images:Wikimedia
It is no surprise for tourists from all parts of the country travel to Ladakh to beat the heat. Ladakh Tourist Department for the ease of travellers has issued an advisory for all travellers coming to Ladakh to make prior bookings, especially when visiting Pangong Lake, to avoid confusion, chaos and overcrowding. As per the advisory, those planning to travel to higher altitudes like Khardung La, Chang La Pangong Lake, Pensi La and Tso Moriri need 48 hours for acclimatisation before venturing higher up. Please make sure you make all proper bookings before going to Ladakh. These advisories are there to help you plan a pleasant stay in Ladakh. Pangong Lake as most travellers are aware is a very important site as 1/3 of the lakeside belongs to India while the remaining 2/3 lies with China, hence it is a very sensitive place.
