INDUSTRY BUZZ

IHCL PROMOTES VINCENT RAMOS TO THE POSITION OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

By FNH TEAM Image by IHCL

After serving as an Area Director for almost five years and generating outstanding results in his domain Mr. Vincent Ramos was elevated to the position of Senior Vice President – Goa by IHCL Management. His promotion creates a landmark in Goa ’ s Hospitality industry being the first Goan to have been bestowed with such a prestigious position by India ’ s top Hospitality player.

Known as a perfectionist in the hospitality industry of Goa, Mr. Ramos bears a management experience of over a decade and he has been instrumental in the expansion of IHCL comprising of a group of brands – Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, amã Stays & Trails, Qmin, and TajSats. across the state of

Goa. Under the able guidance of Mr. Ramos, IHCL, Goa witnessed transformative growth leading to greater profitability and market leadership in each of the relative market segments. 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. Some of the iconic properties in the IHCL, Goa portfolio include Taj Resort & Convention Centre, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, and Cidade de Goa. The sheer leadership qualities of Mr. Ramos helped in maintaining and elevating the positioning of the IHCL group in Goa even during the challenging business circumstances posed by the pandemic. Under his able guidance properties across Goa had carried out various initiatives in aid of those who were deeply affected across the state and in support of the healthcare workers, migrant laborers, and Covid Care Centres during these unprecedented times. He has not only effectively represented IHCL but has also been the voice of the industry as a whole, within the geography. The optimization of costs and enhancement in revenue in Goa over the past two years is testimony to Mr. Ramos ’ s drive towards excellence. Moreover, he has been actively involved with the local state authorities to achieve benchmark standards for tourism in Goa. He is appointed as Mentor for the Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) Committee – Tourism vertical and is a part of the Managing Committee of the Travel & Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG) as an Executive Member as well as the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Goa. Hailing from the beautiful island of Chorao in Goa, Mr. Ramos completed his schooling at Monte de Guirim School and later graduated from the Institute of Hotel Management, Goa. He attained his Master ’ s in Business Administration from S. P. Jain Institute of Management and Research, Mumbai. Furthermore, he has achieved prestigious academic certifications from IIM Ahmedabad, Cornell University, and Nanyang University Singapore. He has been previously awarded the

‘Unsung Hero of the Hospitality Industry ’ in 2017 and ‘Most Admired General Manager of the Decade ’ in 2018. Known for turnaround loss-making hotels, Mr. Ramos has brought numerous accolades to India including winning the coveted ‘Best Hotel of the World Award’ by TripAdvisor in 2016 during his stint leading the legendary Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur where he made both Indians and Goans proud. The most recent recognition includes IHCL, Goa achieving the Best Team Achievement Award for business performance through innovation at the Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2021 in Paris. Delighted to execute his new role, Mr. Ramos is humbled to be in service of the state as the Senior Vice President – Goa and looks forward to IHCL’ s growth in the region, thus contributing towards the state ’ s tourism growth story by generating job opportunities and other potential prospects for the Government and Goans.

TAJ NORTH GOA’S HANDSON APPROACH TO HYGIENE

5th May, 2022, Goa: The past two years have made us all re-think and re-align our daily habits as hygiene and sanitization take precedence. This is especially true for those who have returned to traveling with contactless services being at the forefront of the service industry. Known to most domestic and foreign travelers as the go-to for family vacations, party goers and destination weddings, Goa has become more popular than ever before. As remote working became the new normal, the susegaad state is now on the top of visitors ’ lists for ‘ staycations ’ and ‘ workcations ’ . Being at the hub of tourist attractions in Candolim, Taj, North Goa recognized the importance of maintaining new normal standards. Re-assuring patrons of exemplary services with the promise of safety, the associates of Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa participated in the Hotelier ’ s Association of India ’ s “Hand Hygiene Day ” over 2 days on 4th & 5th May, 2022. Commencing with a session on the importance of frequent sanitization, chauffeurs of hotel cars were advised on the correct steps to hand washing by experts from Diversey Hygiene Solutions. During the insightful session, professionals shared tips on maintaining hygiene considering the various points of contact in a vehicle. Associates were also engaged in poster and slogan making competitions, with winners ’ posters being displayed across employee welfare areas.

WORLD’S LARGEST IGLOO CAFÉ IN GULMARG

By Sunil Malhotra Images: PTI, Google

An Igloo Cafe which claims to be the largest in the world has opened its doors to Tourists in Gulmarg, J&K. Syed Wasim Shah, a hotelier, the creator of this café claimed that tab 37.5 ft high with a diameter f 44.5ft it was the world’ s largest beating one in Switzerland at 33,8 ft high and 42.4 in diameter. The place created in two steps with a staircase can seat 40 people at a time. With a wall 5ft thick Shah hopes it stands till midMarch after which it will be closed to the public. The Café in itself has become a centre of attraction for the locals as well as tourists.

GUJARAT GETS ITS FIRST AEROPLANE RESTAURANT

At the cost of 1.40 per car, this Airbus 320 was bought from a company and converted into a restaurant. You get a scintillating experience of being in a real aircraft at this restaurant. The restaurant is located on Intersil bypass in the city of Vadodara. The restaurant can seat 102 people at a time and enhance the feeling of being in an aircraft the waiters and waitresses are dressed as air hostesses and stewards with intermittent announcements taking place. The place offers you an array of dishes comprising of multi cuisines.

SELECTED AS MEGHALAYA’S BEST TOURISM VILLAGE KONGTHONG

The Village has been selected by the Ministry of Tourism, Meghalaya, also known as the Whistling Village, as its official entry to UNWTO(The World Tourist Organisation for the category of “Best Tourism Village ” alongside 2 more from the country. The Villagers here have a unique way of calling each other by a unique tune for generations. the villagers traditionally call this tune the Jingrwai Lawbei meaning the mother ’ s love song. The villagers usually have 2 names, the longer formal one and a shorter tune used at home. Some years back it was suggested for an UNESCORTED tag too.

INDIAN RAILWAYS LAUNCHES “BABY BERTHS” FOR TRAVELLING WITH INFANTS

A new significantly beneficial step, especially for those travelling with infants has been taken by Indian Railways keeping their convenience and comfort in mind. The national transporter for a start has fitted 2 foldable baby berths aligned with the lower berth and secured with a stopper for infant passengers in the three-tier AC coach of Lucknow Mail on a trial basis. This laudable move will be expanded once they get a positive response from the passengers. The project is still in its nascent stage and will take time to get the full effect.

GOLDEN CHARIOT LUXURY TRAIN FROM BENGALURU, BACK ON TRACK

The Golden Chariot Luxury Train is a very convenient way to see some of the tourist destinations and heritage sites of South India. Also called ‘The Pride Of Karnataka ’ it will cover Bandipur National Park, Mysuru, Halebidu, Chikkamagaluru and Goa as well in six days and seven nights in its first round trip after operations came to a halt in 2017. Back on Track again this Sunday it is a golden opportunity for discerning travellers fr an enjoyable and enlightening experience.