Travel and Hospitality (TnH) - October 2019 by Prem Sagar

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FROM THE EDITOR

A much-needed boost

Publisher & Editor Srishti Rai Director Bharat S. Rai Managing Editor Prem Kumar GM - Marketing Prem Sagar premsagar@tnhindia.com (M) +91 99106 81111 Art Director Sunny Singh Correspondent (Kolkata) Swaati Chaudhury Accounts Chander Shakher Balodi Administration Executive Sarwat Jahan

For any query, write to us at: info@tnhindia.com

www.tnhglobal.com Printed, published and owned by Srishti Rai. Printed at Naveen Printers, F-11 B, Okhla Industrial Area, Ph-1, New Delhi-110020, and published at C-4, 2nd Floor, Community Center, Safdarjung Development Area, Opp Main IIT Gate, New Delhi-110016; Editor: SRISHTIâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;RAI

Post the Union Budget 2019 presented in July, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has made a series of announcements to shore up the sluggish economy. The latest one is the announcement by the FM to cut corporate tax rates. The much-needed measure is one of the bold economic reforms undertaken by the Government in the recent past. The government has effectively cut corporate tax to 25.17 per cent inclusive of all cess and surcharges for domestic companies. The new tax rate is applicable from 1st April 2019. As far as corporate tax is concerned, now India is as much competitive as any country in South East Asia, therefore becoming a more attractive destination for investors. In another move, the GST Council headed by the Finance Minister also announced reductions in GST rates

applicable to hotels. Both measures are expected to boost the economy as well as the travel and hospitality sector. India's travel and tourism industry has profusely welcomed these measures. They had been demanding the rationalization of GST rates, which finally has been done to a large extent by the GST Council. Experts say that the current economic slowdown has been triggered by both structural as well as cyclic issues The new measures are expected to address both issues. Now the ball is in the court of India Inc. to flare up economic activities. For more read, our cover story on page 18: 'Tourism Industry welcomes cut in the corporate tax, GST'. It would have been better had the finance minister announced these measures in her budget presentation in July. But we must congratulate the Finance Minister for these bold measures that will help make India a favourite destination for investors and boost the country's growth. Enjoy reading!

Srishti Rai Editor

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OCTOBER 2019

NEWS 08

N EWS

Lithuania visa services now available in India through VFS Global

Bengal on a new high 17

N EWS

VISTARA NAMED A FIVESTAR AIRLINE BY APEX

N EWS

IATA Launches Gender Diversity Campaign

N EWS

MP's places of historical importance you must visit

NEWS

Lot Polish Airlines launches flights between New Delhi and Warsaw 42

NEWS

SATTE: Changing for better 39

NEWS

Stressing on experiential tourism 31

NEWS

Singapore eyes Indian market for cruise tourism

HIGHLIGHTS 18

18 COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Tourism Industry welcomes cut in corporate tax, GST 24

FE ATURE

Dubai – A Desert Oasis for Family Fun 32

NEWS

Sharjah’s Unmissable Attractions! 34

BITE CORNER

People behind exotic foods 36

FE ATURE

Demand grows for Mumbai as venue for business events

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NEWS

news HOTELS | AIRLINES | TRADE | MORE

IHCL EXPANDS PRESENCE IN KARNATAKA

The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) announced the signing of a Vivanta hotel in Manipal, Udupi, Karnataka. This hotel is a management contract with Harinath Builders & Developers Pvt. Ltd., a sister concern of Ballal Developers Ltd.

GOAIR ADDS 12 FLIGHTS TO ITS EVER-GROWING NETWORK GoAir has added 12 flights to its ever-growing network, taking the tally to 325+ daily flights. GoAir today announced new flights between Delhi -Chandigarh (two flights), LucknowAhmedabad (two flights) and Kolkata-Lucknow (two flights). Besides, GoAir has increased frequency between its existing routes KolkataGuwahati (four flights) and Ahmedabad -Chandigarh (two flights). GoAir has added 16 aircraft to the fleet in the

last 11 months (ever since the airline went international) resulting in 90 new flights. GoAir has added 8 new airports to its network – Phuket, Male, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Dubai, Bangkok, }Kannur and Kuwait. GoAir flight G8 184 will depart from Delhi at 09:50 hours and will arrive in Chandigarh at 11:10 hours. Flight G8 164 will depart from Chandigarh at 22:50 and arrive in Delhi at 00:20 hours. by TNH DESK

Sarovar strengthens Delhi-NCR foothold Sarovar Hotels and Resorts has expanded its presence in Delhi NCR with the opening of Sarovar Portico in Surajkund, Faridabad. This will be Sarovar’s 3rd hotel in Haryana after Gurugram and Faridabad. Sarovar Portico, a mid- scale hotel located in Surajkund-Faridabad, is an ideal destination for business travellers and tourist. The hotel has 60 well-appointed spacious rooms including suites with all contemporary amenities. State-of-the-art conference rooms and banqueting facilities for upto 600 guests, effortlessly meet any business

or social needs. Dining experiences include Panaromic-an allday dining offering authentic & innovative preparations. A lounge bar-On the rocks which offers premium range of international spirits, cocktails and mocktails. Other facilities includea Spa, Free Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Travel desk. Key attractions of Surajkund are the annual, “Surajkund International Craft Mela” which attracts visitors from all over India and overseas every year; Surajkund Lake, and Baba Farid’s Tomb.

Commenting on the signing, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL said, “The signing of Vivanta Manipal is aligned to Aspiration 2022 with its focus on aggressive domestic growth. We are delighted to have partnered with Ballal Developers for this hotel and through this association provide a contemporary suite of offerings to both business and leisure travellers.”

by TNH DESK

Commenting on the development, Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels says “We are delighted to expand our business and boundaries further in Delhi NCR. This is our 3rd hotel in the state of Haryana. by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

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NEWS

HILTON JAIPUR HOSTED ‘SAGAI SE SHEHNAI 3.0’ Hilton Jaipur hosted the season of its bespoke wedding extravaganza with the Royal edition of ‘Sagai se Shehnai 3.0’ at the property on September 11. The event witnessed leading wedding specialists from around the country who shared their expertise and thoughts on the advent of Jaipur emerging as one of the preferred destinations for weddings in India. The affair was aimed at extending a complete view of weddingready facilities and services in collaboration with experts in décor, clothing, makeup, and rituals, among others. The event also showcased a spread of sumptuous Rajasthani and global indulgences curated by the

talented culinarians at Hilton Jaipur. The bridal showcase resonating with Jaipur’s heritage was hosted at Turquoise, hotel’s grand ballroom, and presented Royal wedding theme set-up. The day-long event housed interactive sessions with industry professionals where preeminent insights on the latest wedding trends were shared around the sanctity of eco-friendly décor among others. This was followed by an array of enthralling activities such as live entertainment by stand-up comedians Deepak Raja and Banwari Lal Jholand mesmerizing singing performance by Bollywood Singer Dhrriti Saharan Reddy. by T NH DESK

NIJHAWAN GROUP NOW REPRESENTS TROPICAL ESCAPE RESORT HOMES IN INDIA

Nijhawan Group has been appointed as the representative of Tropical Escape Resort Homes in India to reach the right target audience and broaden trade and media initiatives. Nijhawan Group will be responsible for developing Sales and Marketing strategy for India and strengthen relationships with trade partners. Matthew Daniel, CEO, Tropical Escape Resort Homes said, “India market is Priyanka Nijhawan Director- Representations becoming a huge Nijhawan Group source market for Florida as the number of visitor arrivals are exponentially increasing. strategy would be to strengthen sales channels We are excited at the opporand tap the growing outtunity of presenting unique bound traffic from small and luxury vacation home stays large families. With our exto our key Indian visitors.” cellent track record in hanPriyanka Nijhawan, Direcdling luxury hospitality tor- Representations, Niclients, this representation jhawan Group said, “We are further establishes our delighted to represent Tropistrength and proficiency in cal Escape Resort Homes the travel domain.” and drive Indian traffic to the by TNH DESK luxury vacation homes. Our

GINGER SIGNS A NEW HOTEL IN CANDOLIM, GOA Ginger is delighted to announce the signing of a new hotel in Candolim, Goa; thus taking the brand’s presence to four hotels in Goa. The brand is already present in Panaji, Dona Paula and Margao. Deepika Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ginger said, “We are happy to partner with Calvin Trade and Developers Pvt. Ltd. and expand our presence in Goa. Ginger Candolim is located amidst the most happening beaches and popular tourist spots in north Goa.”

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

The new lean luxe hotel will have 125 state of the art rooms, an all-day diner with a bar and will include a meeting room, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. This hotel is on a fully fitted lease and is slated to commence operations in early 2022. Candolim, a small town in the western Indian state of Goa, is located close to popular beaches such as Candolim, Calangute, Sinquerim, Baga and tourist attractions like Fort Aguada, Chapel of St. Lawrence and the Candolim church. From serene locations to adven-

turous water sports, this destination offers a unique experience for everyone. With the signing of this hotel, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) will increase its portfolio to 13 by T NH DESK hotels in Goa.

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NEWS

AIR ARABIA’S INAUGURAL FLIGHT LANDS AT VIENNA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT INDIA’S FIRST PREMIUM CRUISE SHIP KARNIKA RETURNS TO MUMBAI FOR NEW AND MAIDEN CRUISE DESTINATIONS Air Arabia now offers direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna. The non-stop six-hour flight to Vienna, will operate four times a week, on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and will be expanded to daily flight service as of mid-December. Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia and Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airportofficially inaugurated the new route today at a press briefing in Vienna. Commenting on the inaugural launch of the route, Adel Ali Ali said: “We are pleased to start our direct flights connecting Sharjah and Vienna. This new service will provide our customers in the UAE and Austria with a great opportunity to discover the beauty of both countries while enjoying Air Arabia value-formoney offers. We thank Vienna International Airport for their support and we look forward to a long-term partnership.” From immersive museums, magnificent castlesand palaces toart galleries and festivals for all senses – one can experience the diversity of Austrian culture in Vienna. by TNH DESK

Karnika, India’s first premium cruise ship by Jalesh Cruises is arriving back in Mumbai on September 19 to sail to new and unexplored Indian cruise destinationsGanpatipule in Maharashtra and Diu. Jalesh Cruises, India’s first multi-destination cruise line is celebrating the homecoming of the ship with a 15 per cent discount to guests for Diwali, Christmas and New Year vacations. The 70, 285 ton, 14 deck white beauty will take to the blue Indian waters from September 20 with its first itinerary to Goa. Karnika will become the first domestic cruise ship to take guests to Ganpatipule in Maharashtra in October and Diu in November. Jurgen Bailom, President & CEO, Jalesh Cruises said, “Being India’s first premium cruise line, we are focused on offering our guests the best of the country’s vast coastline.” by TNH DESK

Preferred Hotels adds The Londoner to its collection Preferred Hotels & Resorts has included The Londoner as the newest experience within the brand’s esteemed Legend Collection.With The Londoner set to launch in spring 2020 as the UK’s most anticipated opening of the year, this new partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to welcoming independent

hotels that go beyond well-appointed guestrooms and best-inclass facilities by offering one-of-a-kind, immersive experiences that are reflective of local culture. Located in the heart of London’s West End in the world-famous Leicester Square, The Londoner is set to create a new standard for contemporary luxury hotels due to its

reflection of life in the city, green building credentials, commitment to sustainability, and its appreciation for local culture, all of which are demonstrated through the hotel’s architecture and interior design, food and beverage outlets, deluxe facilities, and guest services. Home to 350 guestrooms and 35 suites. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

LITHUANIA VISA SERVICES NOW AVAILABLE IN INDIA THROUGH VFS GLOBAL Lithuania's Visa Application Centre launched in New Delhi India among 71 countries in which VFS Global now offers Lithuania visa services Key features of the Visa Application Centre Premium Lounge Walk in without an appointment Prime Time service Form Filling Assistance Video conferencing Internet kiosk Travel medical insurance Courier return of passport and documents Courier assurance Automated SMS updates and call back Hold at Location

VFS Global has rolled out Lithuania visa services in New Delhi, India, to cater to travellers from India visiting the European country. H.E. Mr. Julius Pranevičius, Ambassador of Lithuania to India and Mr. Giedrius Kazakevičius, Director of the Consular Department of the Lithuania Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally inaugurated the new Lithuania Visa Application Centre in the capital today. VFS Global has been serving the Ministry of Foreign Aﬀairs of the Republic of Lithuania since 2013, with visa operations in eight countries. On 10 June 2019, the contract was extended, mandating VFS Global to serve customers in 71 countries in all, including India, owing to Lithuania’s growing popularity among travellers globally. In the months between January to August 2019 alone, centres across Armenia, Azer-baijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Nigeria,

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

P.R. China, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and Uzbekistan pro-cessed about 150,000 visas to Lithuania. e Visa Application Centre is equipped to accept all categories of Schengen visas for Lithuania, as well as biometric enrolment for the same. Customers will have access to a range of optional services available to assist with the visa application process. is includes video conferencing facilities, form ﬁlling assistance, Prime Time appointments for application submission and passport collection outside of business hours, Hold at Location enabling a change in the mode of passport return aer submitting the application, and much more. Customers can also choose to apply for their visas from the Premium Lounge, and enjoy end-to-end personalised assistance throughout the visa application submission. H.E. Mr. Julius Pranevičius, Ambassa-

dor of Lithuania to India added, “e newly opened Visa Centres in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru will facilitate the process by bringing the service closer to customer, contribute to building stronger people-to-people contacts, as well as strengthening bilateral relations between Lithuania and India through tourism, trade and culture. We are looking forward to productive cooperation between the Embassy of Lithuania and VFS Global.” Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO - South Asia, Middle East and China, VFS Global said, "Globally, we have had a long and fruitful association with the Republic of Lithuania, having served the Embassies and Consulates in multiple other countries since 2013. We are extremely pleased that Lithuania has extended its reach to include one of the fastest growing outbound markets India." VAC Address in New Delhi: Shivaji Stadium Metro Station, Mezzanine Level, Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi- 110001

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

CYGNETT HOTELS OPENS ITS LATEST PROPERTY IN JODHPUR Cygnett Hotels has launched Cygnett Style Mantra in Jodhpur, the second largest city in Rajasthan also known as the 'Gateway to Thar' and is famous for mighty Mehrangarh Fort, its blue houses, temples, sweets and snacks. This is group's sixth property to have opened this year. Strategically located at the city centre and at a 20 minutes’ drive from the Mehrangarh Fort, Cygnett Style Mantra is a newly built property which is just 6km from the railway station and 8km from the city airport. Speaking about the new property in

GURBAXISH SINGH KOHLI RE-ELECTED HRAWI PRESIDENT Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Director, Pritam Hotels has been re-elected as the President of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) at its 69th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai. Kohli has been serving in the oﬃce as its PresiGurbaxish Singh Kohli dent for the year 2018–19 and President, HRAWI will now continue to serve in the same capacity. He is also the VP of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI). Sherry Bhatia will serve as the Sr. Vice President along with Mr. Pradeep Shetty as the VP. Nirav Gandhi has been appointed as the Honorary Secretary and Chetan Mehta will act as the Joint Honorary Secretary. Dilip Kothari will continue in the oﬃce as the Honorary Treasurer and Aspi Nallaseth as Secretary General. Kohli is the owner of Dadar’s famous Pritam restaurant, the iconic Pritam da Dhaba and the four-star Hotel Midtown Pritam in the 80s. by TNH DESK

Cygnett’s bouquet of offerings, Sarbendra Sarkar, Managing Director of the Cygnett Group, said, 'Cygnett's latest addition in Cygnett Style Mantra promises to offer stay experience that one would associate with quality experience. In the second-largest city of Rajasthan, the hotel is perfectly suited for both leisure and business travellers, owing to its proximity to city centre and business houses." Cygnett Style Mantra offers several stylish and elegant rooms, dressed in vibrant colours designed for blissful relaxing stay

in Jodhpur. The rooms are divided into club rooms, superior rooms and suite rooms. The rooms have been arranged tastefully, offering high speed wi-fi connection, telephone with global dialing, LED screen with DTH services, mini bar and all other premium modern amenities. In addition, the hotel guests can enjoy a multi-cuisine restaurant named Cygnett Pavilion with authentic recipes. The restaurant has gone for eclectically selected local dishes that would bring forth the authenticity of the cuisine of by TNH DESK the state.

Zone by The Park Hotels launches ‘Zone Palace’ in Jaipur

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd’s upscale social catalyst brand, Zone by e Park has launched its newest propertyZone Palace in Jaipur, Rajasthan. isis the brand’s second hotel in Jaipur, and the tenth in India. Popularly known as the ‘Pink City’, Jaipur is a popular tourist destination, known for its magniﬁcent heritage and rich ‘Rajputana’ culture. With state-of-the-art architecture inspired by the golden era of Mughals and Rajputs, Zone Palace perfectly pays tribute to the royal capital of Rajasthan. It seamlessly blends traditional Rajasthani décor with contemporary amenities. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

TRAVEL TOURS LAUNCHES SPECIAL PACKAGES FOR THE UPCOMING FESTIVE Travel Tours, the flagship leisure-travel brand of FCM Travel Solutions – Indian subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group, Australia – is offering a galore of destinations at special rates specifically for the upcoming festive Anand Menon season and extended Brand Leader, Travel Tours, Leisure Travel Brand of FCM weekends. Anand Travel Solutions Menon, Brand Leader, Travel Tours, Leisure Travel Brand of FCM Travel Solutions said, “At Travel Tours we have seen a 20% spike in bookings for domestic destinations in recent months with Prime Minister Modi’s message encouraging citizens to travel across the country and is expected to grow further. Popular destinations include, Delhi, Chandigarh, Kerala, Mumbai, Madurai Orissa and Himachal Pradesh.” by TNH DESK

GoAir successfully tests TaxiBot GoAir has successfully tested TaxiBot a semi-robotic pilotoperated tow vehicle at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. us GoAir has joined the global league of airlines that are planning to use TaxiBots to reduce fuel combustion as well as noise pollution. Rather than the conventional system where the GoAir pilot switches on the engine to take the plane from parking bay to the runway, in future, the pilots will use TaxiBots to transport GoAir aircra to the runway without switching the engine on. Besides, TaxiBots will also ensure faster turnaround and result in better on-time-performance. Mr. Jeh Wadia, Managing Director, GoAir, said: “GoAir has always been at the forefront of using technology for the benefit of passengers, environment and the airline’s business. In 2016, GoAir doubled its order for Airbus A320neo (new engine option) to 144 – these aircra offer approximately 20% better fuel efficiency. Now, it is the time for TaxiBots – GoAir plans to deploy TaxiBots at all the major airports within the next few quarters.” by TNH DESK

Sobit Sarovar Portico Goa now open Sobit Sarovar Portico is the latest player in the Goan market that promises a tranquil escape from the buzz of the city down by Palolem beach. The property, launched by Amit Prabhu, Owner of Prabhu Realtors, and Ajay Bakaya, MD, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, is one of 78 hotels across India and Africa managed by Sarovar Hotels and Resorts. The hotel designing is done by architect Mr. KundanPrabhu, with interiors by Mr. RohanTimple and Mr. Sameer Reddies, and landscapes by architect Ms. AbhaSapre. Sobit Sarovar Portico has 48 well-appointed deluxe rooms encased beautifully by quaint architecture that reflects Goa’s history and culture. Intricate woodwork, hand-selected art and sleek lines showcase a blend of Goan and Indo-Portuguese styles. Throughout the hotel, paintings by PravinSolanke and other art narrate the tale of Goa’s heritage, culture, landscapes, events and daily life. As the ideal destination for leisure and business travellers, Palolem offers romantic escapes, surreal villages and an enlivened air of magic and mystery through the year. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

INDIGO'S DAILY FLIGHT CONNECTING AMRITSAR AND SHARJAH In-line with Its vision of increasing point-topoint connectivity, IndiGo, India’s leading airline, today announced its daily direct flight between Amritsar and Sharjah, effective October 01, 2019.With the launch of this flight, IndiGo will be the first airline to provide direct connectivity between Amritsar and Sharjah. This is IndiGo’s second flight from Amritsar connecting a destination in UAE, after the launch of flight to Dubai last year. William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to announce the first direct connection between Amritsar and Sharjah, which will also be our second non-stop flight from Punjab to UAE. As Punjab government

works towards increasing industrialization and investment in the state, the direct connections with UAE will not only enhance mobility but also promote trade opportunities between the two regions. by TNH DESK

VISTARA NAMED A FIVE-STAR AIRLINE BY APEX Vistara has been rated a ‘Five Star Airline’ by passengers in the 2020 Oﬃcial Airline Ratings™ by APEX (the Airline Passenger Experience Association). e award was presented at the ongoing Annual APEX Expo in Los Angeles, United States. Vistara, which won this award in the category of Major Airlines, is the only Indian airline to

have won the honour among leading airlines from around the world. is recognition is based on more than one million ﬂights for the Oﬃcial Airline Ratings, rated by passengers across nearly 600 airlines worldwide between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019.

IHG SIGNS A HOLIDAY INN HOTEL IN DEHRADUN InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Devatva for Holiday Inn Dehradun Mussoorie Diversion Road. Located on the main road that leads to Mussoorie, one of the most popularhill station in northern India, the hotel will open its doors and welcome guests in 2023. Popularly known as the gateway city of Uttarakhand, Dehradunis home to some of the most prestigious education institutions in India and is a popular tourist destination attracting domestic travellers for holidays. e city has grown in popularity as a destination for MICE, attracting business from both corporate and social events segments.Additionally, setting up of small to medium scale industries in the state, in the last ﬁve to six years has boosted corporate travel into Dehradun and neighbouring regions. Adding to the convenience of the guests, the new Holiday Inn hotel will be located at a 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre and only a 50 minutes’ drive away from the nearest airport. Given the strategic location, the hotel will be well positioned tocater to the demands from both leisure and corporate travelers visiting Dehradun. by TNH DESK

by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

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NEWS

'FOUR POINTS MAHABS EXPRESS' FOR EXPLORING HISTORICAL PLACES Four Points by Sheraton, Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre introduces 'Four Points Mahabs Express' to explore historical places . Four Points by Sheraton Mahabalipuram Resort and Convention Centre introduces “Four Points Mahabs Express” - a shuttle service to discover the true beauty of Mahabalipuram and its beautiful beach, exclusively for the in-house guests. Located on the East Coast Road (ECR), the hotel is close to the seaside and historical monuments of the town, the Four Points is now on 4 wheels that connects 4 exotic and historical places of Mahabalipuram capturing 4 fun elements such as

good food, water rides and shopping experiences. Mahabalipuram is a must visit destination for people who visit Chennai as it is known for its marvelous ancient architectural Temples, Caves, Beach and the City in itself. The vibrant and comfortable shuttle service starts at 9:30 am from Four Points Mahabalipuram in the morning and covers places like - The Five Rathas, which is the rock-cut temples shaped in different styles; The Shore Temple that overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal; Krishna’s Butter Ball - a huge boulder near the Ganesha Ratha is popularly known as Krishna's butterball. by TNH DESK

WYNDHAM UNVEILS NEWS PLANS FOR FRANCHISEES Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has outlined plans to advance its position as the world’s leading provider of select-service hotel brands before thousands of its franchisees at its first global conference as an independent hotel company. With a focus on enhancing returns for its nearly 6,000 franchisees, the Company unveiled several initiatives designed to elevate its brands, deliver incremental resources to its owners, grow its presence and meet the needs of today’s travellers. “As the world’s largest hotel franchisor, our commitment to making hotel travel possible for all starts with our franchisees,” said Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together, we are elevating our family of iconic brands through innovation in quality and design, operational efficiency, strategic growth and guest experience to shape not only the future of Wyndham but the legacy of our owners around the world.” Wyndham continues to democratise travel by elevating the economy segment with distinct,

Geoff Ballotti President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

meaningful experiences for guests – at an affordable price point – for some of its most iconic brands. Dawn of a New Days Inn:With its 50th anniversary approaching in 2020, Days Inn– one of the largest brands in the economy segment –unveiled a new interior design package for its 1,400 hotels in the U.S. The new design, aptly named Dawn, takes inspiration from the sun with bright and airy rooms and sun-centric art celebrating the brand’s roots with a modern flair. The brand expects to implement the design standard across its U.S. portfolio in several phases.

IATA Launches Gender Diversity Campaign The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today launched the 25by2025Campaign—an airline industry initiative to advance gender diversity in the airline industry by 2025. The 25by2025 Campaign is a voluntary commitment by participating IATA member airlines. Key among the commitments of airlines participating in the 25by2025 Campaign are: Increasing the number of women in senior positions (to be defined by

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

the member airlines) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to minimum representation of 25% by 2025; Increasing the number of women in under-represented jobs (e.g. pilots and operations) by either 25% against currently reported metrics or to a minimum representation of 25% by 2025; and Reporting annually on key diversity metrics. IATA member airlines who have already signed up to the 25by2025 Campaign include China Eastern,

Lufthansa Group and Qatar Airways. There is currently no comprehensive airline industry-wide gender diversity statistical report. But, with women representing around 5% (1) of the global pilot population and 3% (2) of CEOs, the gender imbalance in the industry is clear. “Aviation is the business of freedom. An example of that is the freedom for 2.7 million women and men to develop exciting careers within this industry.” by TNH DESK

by TNH DESK

Alexandre de Juniac IATA’s Director General and CEO

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NEWS

TIRUN announces the launch of Celebrity Apex from Celebrity Cruises Promises the best European experience on board a cuttingEDGE ship. TIRUN recently announced the launch of the latest ship in Celebrity Cruises’ innovative Edge series, Celebrity Apex. e latest ship follows in line the legacy established by its iconic sister ship Celebrity Edge, which was just named amongst 2019 TIME Magazine’s World’sGreatest Places. Celebrity Apex features an innovative outward-facing design and transformational accommodations that oﬀer guests the best experience to experience the vastness of the ocean to by TNH DESK the fullest.

MICE ONLINE LAUNCHED AS ONE-STOP PLATFORM FOR MICE NEEDS MOL (MICE ONLINE), an online platform for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) & Events bookings, was launched recently in New Delhi. The platform is hosting 100 hotels on their platform with names like Marriott Group, Accor & Shangri-La in the mix. Tanuja Pandey having over 2 decades of experience in the travel and hospitality industry is the Founder & Director of the platform. She is currently an Advisor in the National Tourism Advisory Council of India, MoT. The concept and idea of MICEONLINE was selected as a winner by a panel of judges, in a nationwide hunt for ideas from women entrepreneurs by IIT DELHI, WEE Foundation (Women Entrepreneurship and Empowerment) and DST (Department of Science and Technology, GOI).

SAROVAR HOTELS OPENS BELLEVUE SAROVAR PORTICO, JUNAGADH Sarovar Hotels has opened Bellevue Sarovar Portico, Junagadh, marking the group’s further foray into Gujarat. Currently the brand operates in Ahmedabad, Gandhidham, Bhavnagar and Rajkot. Junagadh will be the 5th hotel in the state of Gujarat. Bellevue Sarovar Portico is an upscale contemporary hotel located in the heart of the city. With 81 elegantly built guest rooms and suites, the hotel welcomes traveller from Business, tourists and pilgrims etc. with warm personalized services. The hotel offers three banquets halls-Grand Crystal, Emerald and Opal for business meets or social gathering for up to 250 guests. For dining and entertainment, it offers Flavours9, a multi cuisine restaurant and Girnar Sky Lounge, the city’s first and only rooftop restaurant with an amazing view of Junagadh. Other facilities are well-equipped fitness center, 24 hours In-room dining, free hi-speed Wi-Fi and Spa.

The city is situated at the foothills of Girnar Hills, an ancient and pilgrim destination. Tourist can excursion to Gir National Park and Sanctuary, Uperkot Fort, Mahabot Maqbara to Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden etc. Commenting on the development, Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd. says “After covering the important cities of the state, we are delighted to open our hotel in the heart of Junagadh. Bellevue Sarovar Portico is well connected and centrally located and will appeal to the business as well as leisure travellers”. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

Red Velvet takes to the skies on its first commercial service to New York City

Frasers Hospitality launches Holiday Extravaganza 2019 Best deals await with up to 30% off stays between 1 November 2019 and 10 February 2020 across Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. Enjoy the finest in hospitality in new and exciting locations this year with Frasers Hospitality’s annual Holiday Extravaganza promotion, which is offering up to 30 per cent off stays at more than 90 properties across over 70 cities. Ideal for travellers accompanied by family or friends, the spacious and stylish apartments at the various Fraser properties come with fully furnished living, dining and kitchen areas along by TNH DESK with a luxurious suite of amenities.

Azerbaijan Tourism holds a three-city roadshow in India Three-city roadshow was held in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai from 9-13 September bringing together key travel industry leaders to build valuable connections between the countries. Ashraf Shikhaliyev, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to India, Officials from the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, led by CEO, Florian

Sengstschmid and Nazim Samadov, Deputy Director Executive of Azerbaijan Airlines / Buta Airways Director attended the roadshow. With a direct flight from Delhi and a simplified electronic visa procedure for Indian passport holders, tourism from India to Azerbaijan increased by 80% in 2019.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

by TNH DESK

Virgin Atlantic’s first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, G-VLUX, Red Velvet takes to the skies tomorrow (10th September) for the very first time, flying customers from London Heathrow to New York JFK on the VS153 and the VS138 on the return. With a totally redesigned Upper Class cabin complete with Loft area as well as tailcam and new in-seat ordering feature, this new aircraft is revolutionizing travel. Read on to find out what’s new on Virgin Atlantic’s A3501000 fleet. What’s new on the A350-1000: Five new “Flying Icons” will adorn the fuselage of the brand new A3501000 fleet. A first for Virgin Atlantic - the new tailcam offers every customer the best view of outside. Customers will be able see their surroundings as if they were sitting on the tail of our fabulous A350. by TNH DESK

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F E AT U R E

MP's places of historical importance you must visit Rajput chief Rudra Pratap Singh sometime in 16th Century as his seat of power. Rudra Pratap Singh was the ﬁrst King of Orchha, who built the Fort of Orchha. Among the tourist attractions in Orchha are Chhatris, Lakshmi Temple, Hardaul ki Baithak memorial, the Raja Mahal, the Ram Raja Temple, the Jahangir Mahal and the Uth Khana. Orchha is well-connected by road, rail and air. Madhya Pradesh as a tourist destination boasts of its uniqueness, beauty and diversity. Besides its natural treasure such as forest, wildlife, mountains and rivers, the state is home to many historical places, having their own stories to tell. Here are three places of historical importance in the state you must visit: Gwalior A major city in Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is home to famous Gwalior Fort and many other historical sites. Gwalior was ruled by several dynasties throughout the centuries, such as Tomars, the Mughal, the Scindia, which was the last dynasty of the kingdom. Besides the Gwalior Fort, the main tourist attractions in the city include: the Jain Sculptures, Chaturbhuj Temple and the Man Mandir Palace, Scindia palace, Gopachal Parvat, Vivsvaan Mandir (the Sun Temple), Tomb of Tansen, Sarod Ghar (Museum of Music), Rani Lakshmibai's tomb, Gujari Mahal and SasBahu Temple and many other attractions. e city is easily accessible by roads, rail and air.

Chanderi A historical town located in Ashoknagar district of MP, Chanderi is famous for its ancient Jain Temples, medieval monuments. Nestled amid hills, lakes and forests, Chanderi is also treasured for its natural beauty. e town is home to several monuments of the Bundela Rajputs and Malwa sultans. With its history dating back to the 11th century, the town provided trade routes of Central India. e town, also mentioned in Mahabharata, was captured by Sher Shah Suri in 1540 and later controlled by the Mughal. In 1586, the town was captured by the Bundela Rajputs. For tourists, there are many interesting places to visit in the town, such as Shri Choubisi Bada Mandir, Shri Khandargiri Jain temple, Shri obon Ji Jain temple, Shri Chan-

draprabha Digambar Jain temple, Bawari masjid, Jami Masjid, Chanderi and many more places of interest. Easily accessible by roads, the town is 40 km from Lalitpur located on the Bhopal-Jhansi railway route. by T NH DESK

Orchha Located on the Betwa River in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh, Orchha is a fascinating historical place popular among tourists. Not far away from the popular tourist destination Khajuraho, Orchha was established by the Bundela

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NEWS

Bengal

Gautam Deb Minister-in-Charge, Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal

We are looking for the participation of private sector in the tourism scenario of Bengal.

By Swaati Chaudhury

e Indian state that runs from the ocean to the sky and has a plethora of diversity is West Bengal and this seems to be the latest mantra of the state tourism department. ere is the Sundarbans, the home to the Royalty, the world-famous Darjeeling tea, the riverine plains and the cruises that form the arteries of the state. Inaugurating the 35th IATO Annual Convention in Kolkata, Gautam Deb, Minister-in-Charge, Department of Tourism, Government of West Bengal stated, “It is a matter of pride for the state to have Biswa Bangla Convention Centre that stands as one of the best convention centres in South-East Asia. e state government is relentlessly working to develop the tourism sector that has tremendous potential to provide job options. We are accentuating on to develop rural tourism through home-

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

on a new high

The state is all out to provide the experience of tourism diversity to travellers.

stay facilities and there are more than 3,000 homestay options in Dooars and Kalimpong. Quite recently, we have concluded Capacity Building Training at Malbazaar in Dooars and Kalimpong in the hills. We intend to rope the homestay players into the Website of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation.” e department of tourism, West Bengal is into running 34 accommodation options all over the state. e tourism minister said, “Bengal is diverse in heritage, lifestyle, food and culture. ere is the mighty Himalayas, the Sandakphu trek in Darjeeling Hills, Jaldapara National Park and Chilapata forest in Dooars, the Sundarbans in South Bengal and there are signiﬁcant points of historical interest like Gour Banga, Plassey, Murshidabad and Malda in North Bengal. We are looking for the

participation of private sector in the tourism scenario of Bengal. e largest integrated tourism hub has been set up close to Siliguri known as Bhorer Alo at Gajoldoba Wetlands. Bhorer Alo, Jharkhali in the Sundarbans and Sabuj Dweep in the district of Hooghly are some of the prized projects of the West Bengal government. We have sound domestic and global airports including Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Bagdogra Airport and Andal airport near Durgapur.” e minister also pointed out that the state maintains safe drinking water and sanitation. Tourism forms one of the major component industries. e minister added, “It’s been past 7½ years that we are trying to create an atmosphere in order to make Bengal one of the most preferred destinations. Tourists visit Bengal during monsoon and winter. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

STRESSING ON EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM The latest IATO Convention emphasized on the need to have robust connectivity and participation of private sector in tourism. By Swaati Chaudhury

The 35th IATO Annual Convention themed “Is Tourism Thriving: Challenges and Opportunities” was hosted in Kolkata from September 14 to 15. Supported by Incredible India, the convention provided glimpses of the overall growth in the Indian tourism sector, the current issues plaguing the tourism industry and the role of private sector in taking the tourism industry forward. The convention had nearly 1,600 delegates participating and there were interesting sessions on Impediments in Traditional Business, Digital Marketing, Cruise and River Tourism, Tourism through the eyes of young professionals, Experiential Tourism, Reinventing East and Creating Circuits beyond the Border. Speaking on the theme of the convention, Pronab Sarkar, President, IATO and Chairman of the convention said, “Tourism has a profound impact on the economy of the country and generates around 9.2 per cent of GDP. It has created 42.7 million job options in India. Boosting the economy of the nation and facilitating job options are the two major advantages of tourism that cannot prosper without the government sector joining hands with the private sector. Both the government and private sectors are involved in sprucing up the infrastructure, bringing global travellers and bolstering the safety and security of the country.” The Union Ministry of Tourism is striving to co-ordinate with tourism entities like TAAI, TAFI, FICCI and ASSOCHAM for decision-making.

Anil Chadha, Vice-PresidentOperations, ITC Hotels commented, “Tourism has to be an economic activity and everybody has a role to play. The road ahead is challenging and challenges will emerge as opportunities. India is an incredible land and we do understand the challenges. Looking at the Indian hospitality sector and its efficiency, there lies a plethora of opportunities for ITC and our growth rate has not been as robust as a hospitality group. In today’s times, trends are changing, tourists are looking for experiential tourism and MICE tourism has a big opportunity.” Some of the major impediments prevailing in the travel industry are low economy, low revenue and business, bad debts, long credit period and low marketing reach. Meenakshi Sharma, Director-General, Union Ministry of Tourism stated, “The core strength of India is tourism and we have crossed a growth mark of 10 million. The numbers say that India

earns more than other global countries but there are certain challenges like taxation is an issue. The Union Ministry of Tourism is offering full support to the industry as far as GDP is concerned. Tourism is a vertical where tourists spend more. Visa fee has been relaxed for a month at a marginal rate and this provides a chance to develop India into a 365º destination. The Indian diaspora comprises sizeable population and they visit India on the occasion of weddings. We urge the Indian diaspora to visit India as tourists and spend more. We have come up with an initiative- Adopt a Holiday with public-private partnership (PPP) mode. We have lots to flaunt to the world and travellers have the right to experience the fascinating destinations. Our hospitality industry is more women-centric. We need to look at inbound and domestic tourism from the same angle.” There has to be some sort of symmetry between our expectations and possessions.

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COVER STORY

TOURISM INDUSTRY WELCOMES CUT IN CORPORATE TAX, GST

In a bold move to accelerate the economyice growth, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has slashed the corporate tax rates to 25.75% from earlier 30%. GST levied on hotel rooms has also been cut.

Nirmala Sitharaman Finance Minister By Prem Kumar

e move will have a long-term eﬀect on all sectors including travel and tourism. In another move, GST Council headed by the Finance Minister met in Goa and slashed GST rates on some categories of hotels, providing big relief to the travel and hospitality industry, which has welcomed both the announcements. "We truly welcome the announcement of the Finance Minister on the government’s planned amendments in the Income-tax Act. is move will certainly see an infusion of positive sentiment in the industry at large, more so in the current environment," said Madhavan Menon, CMD, omas Cook (India). He added, "With the overarching intent of catalysing growth and investment, we anticipate positive impact for the Travel & Tourism sector, and with it a boost to our Corporate and MICE travel segments as well. e reduced corporate tax makes it one of the lowest in Asia and brings with it a much-desired impetus to investments in the country, also a boost to demand-consumption and hence augurs well as an overall economic stimulus. e multiplier impact on

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Madhavan Menon CMD, Thomas Cook (India)

employment generation is equally significant." Welcoming cuts in GST rates, Menon said that the much anticipated reduction in GST for the hospitality industry is a shot in the arm for the sector in creating a competitive playing field versus destinations in the Asian region and hence cascading positive impact to Inbound, domestic, business travel and MICE segments. On the GST cuts, JB Singh, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels said, “It is a great sign for the hotel industry and it shows that the government is listening and taking steps to help boost the hospitality sector. However, the mid-market and economy hotel segment which drives volumes and consumption has seen no corrections and will not benefit from this amendment," said JB Singh, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels. He added, "e GST rate in hotels is still high and that coupled with the need for better tourism infrastructure and experiences continue to make the neighbouring tourism destination more attractive. Growing connectivity to these aggressive markets will continue to dilute the intraIndia leisure demand. Whilst these initiatives will provide a temporary boost to

JB Singh President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels

certain segments, it is equally important that the development of tourism infrastructure be given a lot of attention. With the introduction of GST, hotel development costs have gone up by 8-10 pct making it more expensive to develop hotels, who cannot take input credit efficiently," said Singh, therefore, it is very important for us to revisit the framework around taxation on development to give impetus to sustained growth. Welcoming GST rate cuts, Dipak Deva, Managing Director, TCI (Travel Corporation India): "is is one of the best moves to make India competitive. Combined with the visa fees reduction, we are in a very sweet spot. Now it is time that the industry delivers their promise of increasing numbers. e government has done all that they were asked." Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) and the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) have also welcomed the GST Council’s decision to reduce the slab-wise GST rates on hotel room tariffs. e Council has replaced 28% GST with 18% on room tariffs of Rs 7500/- and above. Rooms tariffs between Rs 1000/- to Rs 7500/- will now

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COVER STORY

Vishal Suri Managing Director, SOTC Travel

attract 12% GST. “is is a welcome relief for the hospitality industry. We are glad that our voice has finally been heard. e reduction in the GST rate will make India an attractive tourism destination to foreign as well as domestic tourists who presently choose to vacation in the neighbouring countries on account of price competitiveness,” says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, VP, FHRAI & President, HRAWI. According to Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel, ahead of the peak holiday season, the revised GST rates for hotels will go a long way in strengthening the Leisure, MICE and Corporate Travel businesses and will further contribute to the growth of the Tourism sector. "With the lowering of corporate tax rates from 30 to 22 per cent, we are now at par with South Asian countries. e reforms undertaken by the Government will help businesses with higher post-tax profits and hence incentivize investments into the country, reviving the current economic growth rate. We are hopeful to witness a rise in demand and bookings,” added Suri. Sharat Dhall, COO(B2C) of Yatra.com said, "e government's decision to slash GST on hotel tariffs is a welcome step and will give a boost to the hospitality sector and domestic tourism ahead of the festive season. Furthermore, the decision to not levy GST on rooms with a tariff less than INR1000 will make budget accommodation more affordable and the preferred option for frequent travellers." While the 10 per cent reduction in GST rates is definitely a step in the right direction, the sector still needs some

Dipak Deva Managing Director, Travel Corporation India

We anticipate a positive impact on the Travel & Tourism sector. It will also boost our corporate and MICE travel segments. The reduced corporate tax makes it one of the lowest in Asia and brings with it a much-desired impetus to investments in the country. - Madhavan Menon, CMD, Thomas Cook (India)

long-term policy changes. Welcoming the GST Council’s decision to reduce the GST rates across segments for the hospitality industry, Vivek Bhalla, Regional VP, IHG, SWA, said, "It is a positive move which should help improve the market’s sentiment overall. With the festive and holiday season around the corner, the timing could not have been better.” According to Varun Kapur, Executive Director, Travel Food Services, ''e relaxing corporate tax rate is a bold move by the government which will accelerate industrial activity and bolster investment across all sectors. It is bound to increase capital formation in the country, leading to business expansion and job creation." is will offer a twofold benefit to the end consumer: 1) Allowing companies such as ourselves to accelerate expansion plans coupled with job creation. 2) e trickle-down effect from the increased

Sharat Dhall COO(B2C), Yatra.com

consumer confidence and spending power of the Indian consumer will provide an impetus to growth. e vigour that will be introduced with these measures will kick start the economy and put it back on the rapid trajectory that we as a country have got accustomed to.' e reforms undertaken by the Government will help businesses with higher post-tax profits hence incentivizing investments into the country and will boost the current economic growth rate. As per Anuj Puri, Chairman – ANAROCK Property Consultants, "In another bold step to help revive the economy from its slumber, the FM has slashed the corporate tax rates to 25.75% from earlier 30%. is big-bang move will have a rippling impact on all sectors including real estate as it will encourage foreign institutional investors to invest in the country. In terms of taxation, India will now be at par with many of its Asian peers and hence a major draw for foreign investors who shied away from entering India due to high taxes." In this relation, Vineet Verma, CEO and Executive Director of Brigade Hospitality Services, said, "e muchawaited reduction in GST rates applicable to hotels is bound to provide the much-needed impetus to the hospitality & tourism sectors. Companies that work on contracted or RFP rates and Individual travellers including tourists, who pay from their own pockets, are bound to also welcome this move. e proposal to reduce GST on Outdoor catering by hotels, from the present 18% to 5% is also commendable, though I do wish the benefit of ITC had been retained.”

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NEWS

TAKING BEACH TOURISM A STEP FURTHER With Shammukha mega project readying in Puri, Odisha will ride a new dimension in beach tourism. The eastern most state of India that stands tall with 482 km long coastline is undoubtedly Odisha that has some of the most fascinating and popular sea beaches. The state is high in beach tourism and is get setting for International Sand Art Festival to be held at Chandrabhaga sea beach, Konark sometime from December 1 to 5, this year. Jyoti Prakash Panigrahi, Tourism Minister, Odisha informed, “The state has some

of the best sea beaches like the sun-kissed Chandrabhaga sea beach, Talsari in the district of Balasore, Paradeep and Gopalpur-on-Sea. The Buddhist circuit is another major area of significance. We are earnestly working to encourage water-based tourism. Our Satkosia project has bolstered the state on the eco-tourism map of India. Our most cherished project is the Shammukha mega project coming up in the pilgrim re-

sort of Puri. The state needs the support of IATO to explore the unknown facets of the land. The 20-year-old young state spearheaded by Naveen Patnaik government is ready to provide all kinds of support to host the IATO convention in future. Both West Bengal and Odisha can work in close association to develop the best tourism circuits in the eastern region of India.” Odisha Tourism has received the best tourism website. by TNH DESK

CLARKS INN ENTERS RAEBARELI, UP, WITH 32-KEY PROPERTY Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, India’s fastest growing hotel company, announces its entry to the burgeoning town of Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of 32 key Om Clarks Inn. An upscale hotel, the property boasts of city-centre location in close proximity of Raebareli Railway Station and is located in the city’s commercial hub along the Civil Lines. The hotel opened the door on September 30, with a grand ceremony, attended by city’s who’s who and corporates, announcing the launch of the property. As a Clarks Inn property, the hotel offers the latest in amenities and world-class guest services along with spacious and well-appointed rooms. There are 30 Deluxe category rooms along with 2 Executive suites to cater to the demands of discerning guests. The property also boasts of wellplanned event space for corporates and for social occasions, along with F&B outlet and more. Commenting on the latest addition,

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

SN Srivastava, President & Co-founder, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, said, “We are absolutely thrilled at the launch of Om Clarks Inn at Raebareli, our newest addition to the fast-growing portfolio of properties in our chain. Raebareli is a growing town with a growing demand for travel and business opportunities. Besides, the town also is today more prosperous than what it used to be and is looking for quality hospitality experience, a void that we are keen to fill in this historical town. We are confident that this property will be the most sought-after hospitality address of Raebareli in no time.” Furthermore, he informed that Clarks Inn Group of Hotels has made giant strides as a hospitality chain and has emerged as one of the most admired and fastest-growing hotel companies in the South Asia region. “Today, we have established our presence in 22 states of India and Nepal with a slew of other developments to unfold in various parts of the country as well as overseas.”

by TNH DESK

SN Srivastava President & Co-founder, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels

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INTERVIEW

READY TO TAKE THE NEXT BIG LEAP

The Aananda Imperial has transformed from old-school exploration into artificial intelligence and is all set to foray into a virtual world brimming with data. Q. How do you view the hospitality scene in Chhattisgarh? Contrary to the misconception, Chhattisgarh is one of the most peaceful states in India. Both the state government and the private hospitality groups are eager to carve a pride of place for the state. We are working in close association with the state government to place the state on the tourism radar. e setting up of highway and planned airport in Bilaspur will herald a big leap on the path of development.

By Swaati Chaudhury

e hospitality segment in Chhattisgarh is passing through an interesting phase and a string of developments is on the horizon. Rajib Roy Choudhury, General Manager of e Aananda Imperial, talks to TnH about the latest developments occurring in the hospitality scene, and key initiatives undertaken by his property. Q. What are your strategies to attract leisure and MICE tourists to your hotel? e hospitality industry is a crucial stakeholder in the travel world. With the expansion of the global tourism market, the share of the hospitality sector is expected to grow. Our property is taking cohesive steps to bring better frequency in terms of leisure and MICE tourists. We have a few concepts with an effort to draw our guests like branding, reaching out, educational facilities and presence in popular online travel agencies. We have a clear-cut branding strategy to impart the much-needed boost since consistent branding is highly essential in distinguishing our property. We run geospecific campaigns to lure more traffic. Our hospitality group is connected with the Global Distribution System that helps in receiving bookings from offline travel companies. Q. What are your plans for expansion? We have an array of augmentation plans that encompass asset-light mode expansion in North-eastern states, West Bengal and some of the prominent cities in the Central India. We are in the process of forming tieups with IRCTC and Indian Railways along with leading players including Railrestro and Zoop. We intend to serve an elaborate set of meals and an e-catering app will be made available. Our inventive dishes, outstanding presentation and sound service have enabled us in creating a seamless match in the state. We are into industrial catering all across Chhattisgarh and Bihar. We look aer boutique restaurants at multiple destinations.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

Rajib Roy Choudhury General Manager, The Aananda Imperial

Q. Where does your property figure in the hospitality scene of Central India? Arguably, ours is the best in the state hospitality sector in terms of revenue, tourist footfalls and guest satisfaction. We have pioneered in grooming budding entrepreneurs with a view to foster professional education training speciﬁc to the tourism and hospitality industry since the time of undivided Madhya Pradesh. We are imparting specialized training in the sphere of hospitality management for job options in the state tourism sector.

Q. Where do you see the hospitality scene in the state heading in the coming years? e state government is making conscious efforts to boost investments in the travel industry. 100% foreign direct investment is allowed in the hospitality and travel segments through the automatic route. A five-year tax holiday has been offered for star-category hotels lying around the heritage sites. e land offers a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products and will soon emerge as an extensive tourism market. e government has rolled out a number of branding initiatives like 'Atithi Devo Bhava' that has offered an impetus to focused growth.

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NEWS

SOTC REVEALS HOW THE INDIAN TRAVELLER HAS EVOLVED The SOTC Holiday Report identifies 6 unique traveller archetypes: the budget friendly traveller, the convenience-seeker, the family memory builder, the explorer, mellow vacationer & senior citizen.

In this the digital age, social sharing, the increase of disposable income and the braggable rights of travel is power- driving the entire holiday ecosystem - whether outbound or domestic tourism. e Indian traveller has come of age and travel is no longer a luxury, but rather a non-negotiable necessity. e SOTC India Holiday Report was first introduced in 2015 and has been tracing the evolution of the Indian traveller over the years. SOTC Travel’s recently released India Holiday Report 2019reveals insightful data to deep dive into the Indian leisure traveller psyche, their preferences and travel behaviours. e SOTC India Holiday Report 2019 was conducted with over 1100 respondents belonging to four distinct age groups: 25 years and below, 26-35 years, 36-55 years and 56 years and above. e findings of SOTC India Holiday Report 2019 are classified into three key categories: Holiday Preferences, Holiday Research & Booking and Holiday Finance. Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel said “ I am proud to launch the 3rd edition of the SOTC Holiday Report 2019, that keeps a finger on the pulse of India’s rapidly evolving, digital native demographic. is is the first time we have undertaken a completely online survey for our report. e findings reinforce the undeniable fact that everyone aspires to travel and that travel has become a non-negotiable element in the In-

dian traveller calendar. Whether it is bespoke adventures, solo or escorted tours, Indians are travelling far more than they have ever before and while they will continue to be quintessential value seekers, their passions like adventure or cuisine play a critical factor. e digital divide is almost non-existent with technology being a great enabler across age groups. As against the single annual vacation, Indians are displaying increasing appetite for multiple short holiday breaks. He concluded with, “At SOTC, in our quest for customer excellence, the report plays a key role, giving us valuable insights for product and service to better serve the next generation of Indian travellers.” e India Holiday Report 2019 has also identiﬁed the primary archetypes of travellers that stood out in India over the last ﬁve years: e Budget Friendly Traveller- ey usually take at least one international vacation every year, and travel with the spouse, or with family and kids. ey look for a meticulously planned tour to cover as many sites as possible within the available time and budget. e Convenience-seeker- is traveller wants everything to be planned and simple, valuing convenience, ease, and transparency, above all, in travel planning. ey are even willing to outsource decision-making to a trusted party to avoid having to go through

extensive research themselves. e Family Memory Builder- ey aim to build family memories and strengthen the bonds between its members, seeking a combination of both sightseeing and ﬂexibility. is segment largely comprises couples aged 35-45 years, with young children less than 18 years of age, and potentially senior citizens. e Explorer-With a hunger for authenticity, this traveller is extremely particular about having a ﬂexible itinerary comprising a wide range of unique local experiences. ey like to keep a minimum-viable-plan for their trips, as they prefer to discover the rest, onthe-go. Mellow Vacationer- is segment predominantly comprises couples in the age range of 25-35 or 45-60.ey choose to go on vacation without children, looking to unwind, relax, and enjoy the journey as well as the destination. eir expectations consist of low-key experiences at a relaxing pace, and dislike itineraries, with no desire to attempt anything unusual or new. Senior Citizen- ese travellers are generally older, retired couples aged 55 years and above, with above average income. With considerably more free time on their hands, they are quite eager to travel, with an ideal vacation entailing relaxing at a serene location with the opportunity to enjoy the company of others, and spend time with their loved ones. by TNH DESK

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F E AT U R E

Smurf Village Express at Motiongate Dubai

DUBAI – A DESERT OASIS FOR FAMILY FUN By Mandira Rai

In the maximum city known for its excesses, excessive family fun sits smackbang on top of the many, many excesses to be had. Dubai, the Middle-East’s poster child for sun, sea, sand and a lot of family-fun, never ceases to amaze all its guests – the tiny and the not so tiny. For those who thought that the Atlantis and dolphins (in the desert – yes, really!) were all that the city had to oﬀer families, you were wrong would be putting it mildly.

City of Thrills

Children (aka theme park junkies) never had it better, for the city boasts of a whole bevy of theme parks. Legoland, with its many Lego-themed attractions, is always a runaway hit with families, es-

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pecially those with smaller children. It is also perhaps the only place in the city where you can ogle at the Burj Khalifa, except the one here is made entirely out of Lego. e attraction Build and Test deserves special mention, for as the name suggests, it will have your kids building and testing their own Lego vehicles, never wanting to leave its multihued confines. Not too far away sits Motiongate Dubai, the region’s largest Hollywoodinspired theme park where you can, amongst other thrills, bop up and down on the Smurf Village Express, blast off, quite literally, in the Zombieland Blast Off or give yourself that adrenaline rush in the Capitol Bullet Train. Hunger Games fans can tour Panem like never

before on a 4D hovercra motion simulator. Dri a tad further into the sandy shores of Abu Dhabi, to the home of all things Ferrari (and perhaps Italian) at Ferrari World, a must-see for any car aﬁcionado or even a child visiting the Emirates. While ﬂying aces will have you zipping through the world’s highest rollercoaster loop, the must-experience Bell Italia will have your pint-sized driver cruising through pint-sized Italy, in a Ferrari 250 California, of course. e fact that Formula Rossa is the world’s fastest rollercoaster doesn’t hurt either. At a stone’s throw away, sits the world's largest indoor theme park – Warner Bros World. e fact that an es-

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F E AT U R E

Batman at Warner Bros World

timated (and whopping!) billion dollars have been spent on building the park is unmistakingly evident – it is stunning! In a clever feat of engineering, the entire park is indoors, making it usable around the year. e Riddler Revolution, a clear winner with many, will have you strapped around the edge of a large disk and spinning round and round, back and fourth as well side to side – all at the same time! e Tom and Jerry Swiss Cheese Spin is meant to be experienced as much as it is meant to be marveled at, for it is one of the most visually stunning rides, accessible by a most unassuming enterance. Might I dare add, that this was also one of the very few theme parks where the food is almost as good as the rides themselves, unlike other theme parks that have become synonyms with unhealthy, tasteless grub. Joining the indoor theme park bandwagon is IMG World of Adventure, broken up into diﬀerent adventure zones. Here, the or under Spin, Predator and e Powerpuﬀ Girls will easily qualify as some of the most exhilarating rides you are likely to experience in the UAE. Last but by no means the least, no family holiday to Dubai is complete

without a visit to Dubai’s first permanent show - La Perle by Dragone. e brainchild of renowned Franco Dragone who is responsible for some of the most spectacular Las Vegas shows, La Perle is nothing less. Featuring human dragons, acrobats, motorcycles, one very large, gold puppet and a lot of water - including an on-stage swimming pool – this show was designed to wow. Yes, it delivers. And for those quick enough to write off the city as one big mall crawl, not just yet. Aventura Parks, set amidst a ghaf forest in the city will have you zip lining over tops of trees, tippy-toing across ropes, balancing on logs and working your way out of giant webs. Designed for all age groups, an aernoon here requires no skill and all heart! Speaking of heart, if there is such a thing as falling in love with an indoor play area, then OliOli it has to be. Spread over two floors and doused in natural light, here your cherubs and you can wash a car, play ‘catch me if you can’ in Toshi’s Nets (a giant crochet net that weighs 800 kg), experience a hurricane or watch your latest creation on paper come to life on a digital wall. Any way you look at it, OliOli – ‘joy’ in Hawai-

Palestinian Falafels - Frying Pan Adventures

ian – is like no other indoor play space you would have seen before. Pure joy!

Food and Fables

Family of foodies? Frying Pan Adventures celebrates the unsung heroes of Dubai’s renowned culinary scene and in all likelihood, shall be the piece de resistance of any family holiday to Dubai. Accepting children aged 8 and upwards, Arva Ahmed and her crew will have you marching right through the bustling

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F E AT U R E

Platinum Heritage Desert Safaris

streets of old Dubai, her childhood home. Here she will have you chowing down Iraqi cuisine to Syrian, Yemeni to Indian and everything in between. And yes, every dish is served with a side of stories.

Sand Seekers

No holiday to Dubai, family or otherwise, is complete without a desert safari. Step in Arabian Nights Tours, with their fun desert safaris, peppered with camel riding, belly dancing, sand boarding and lots of dune bashing. For a Bedouin experience out of the ordinary, however, Platinum Heritage

has a few aces up its sleeve. Sensitive to the desert ecosystem, they do not advocate dune bashing; instead you glide through the desert, gawking at its indigenous wildlife. Colored head scarves, falconry, camel rides to private cabanas structured around an oasis on a royal family member’s private desert and six course meals - their Platinum Desert Safari is truly the stuﬀ dreams are made of. And if you still haven’t had enough of the sand between your toes, head 45minutes south of the city to yet another tribute to Bedouin life – Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa. With its many

pools, camel rides, archery, eight restaurants, kids’ club and so much more, this resort is a virtual stomping ground for families. If strapped for time, it would be worth the drive for a night out at their famed Al Hadheerah restaurant. is restaurant is an ode to all things Emirati, right from the many live cooking stations to the entertainment featuring horses, belly dancers, Tonura dancing and more. True to its reputation, Dubai is a destination that leaves even the most jaded traveller inspired. And where there is the holy trinity of the sun, sea and sand, families shall ﬂock.

ITDC ANNOUNCES 21% DIVIDEND TO THE SHAREHOLDERS India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) recently conducted its 54thAnnual General Meeting at the Group’s flagship hotel property, The Ashok, New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Piyush Tiwari, Chairman& Managing Director& Director (Commercial & Marketing) of India Tourism Development Corporation. The Board of Directors present at the meeting were Piyush Tiwari, Chairman & Managing Director & Director (Commercial

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& Marketing) ITDC; Pradip Kumar Das, Director (Finance) & CFO, ITDC; RK Chaturvedi, IAS, F&A and Government Nominee Director; Meenakshi Mehta, DDG, Ministry of Tourism; Paragbhai M. Sheth, Independent Director, K Padmakumar, Independent Director and P.C Agiwal, Statutory Auditor. The Corporation closed the year once again with the remarkable performance. The turnover of the corporation during the Financial Year 2018-19 stood at

`371.72crore as against `366.42 crore in the Previous Year 2017-18. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

OSC Malaysia launches its renovated Delhi Centre OSC Malaysia recently inaugurated its newly renovated Delhi Centre that gives a comprehensive reflection of what Malaysia has to offer to tourists. By Prem Kumar

e One Stop Centre Malaysia, together with the Malaysian Government, has unfailingly offered efficient services to Indians applying for Malaysian Visa. e newly renovated OSC Malaysia, New Delhi Centre has been designed to provide the best visa application experiences to travellers before their journey to Malaysia. Aer completing three impressive years in India, the OSC Malaysia's Delhi Centre has undergone a significant faceli that will charm visa applicants with glimpses of the attractions awaiting them in Malaysia. is faceli signifies a major milestone for the OSC. Commenting on the renovated Centre, H.E. Mr Dato’ Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India said, "e OSC will encourage Indians in large number to visit Malaysia. We have renovated our OSC Delhi as part of our efforts to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination in India. e idea behind

the faceli is that when tourists visit the centre to apply for visas, they also get the ﬁrst impression of Malaysia as a destination. ey get here the feel of Malaysian ways of life, cultures, arts, traditions and much more things." His Excellency has throughout been passionate and persistent for his very valuable, thoughtful guidance towards maintaining the OSC service standards. His Excellency and his team have greatly contributed valuable time and ideas to the centre’s renovation project which portrays Malaysia’s warmth and hospitality. e new interior grandly displays Malaysia's tourist destinations and its wonders. erefore, a glance inside OSC’s new look simply captivates the visa applicants of their seemingly inspiring journey to Malaysia. Alok Singhal, Regional Head North & East India, VFS Global said, "As you know, Malaysia is a wonderful tourist destination. e OSC oﬀers the most excellent facilities for applicants of Malaysian visa. e newly decorated OSC will give a comprehensive picture of what

Malaysia has to offer as a tourist destination. e OSC is wellequipped and streamlined to offer Malaysian visa to applicants and agents in a very easy and efficient manner." From January to August 2019, the OSC has received more than 70,000 visa applications, and these numbers are expected to consistently grow in the coming months and years. e OSC will continue to play its part to promote Malaysia as an attractive tourist destination with the objective to achieve the country’s goal of 30 million international tourists. Malaysia has recently launched its Visit Malaysia 2020 campaign. In addition to playing a crucial part in expediting visa processing in India through the years, the OSC is poised for many exciting ventures in promoting the various business opportunities and tourist attractions. It works closely with the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi and Consulate Generals in Mumbai and Chennai, not only for visa services but also to promote greater bilateral cooperation between the two countries. OSC Malaysia Delhi Shivaji Stadium, Mezzanine Level 1, Baba Kharak Singh Road, New Delhi- 110001

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NEWS

TRAFALGAR ADDS COLOMBIA TO 2020 LATIN AMERICAN DESTINATIONS Trafalgar has announced a new 'Colombia Rediscovered' trip with the latest release of its 2020 Latin America trips, now featuring 13 itineraries across 8 countries. e Colombia itinerary offers travellers an insider look of Colombia, one of the world’s hottest emerging destinations, where guests will see the iconic attractions of the country, and learn about its indigenous people through a unique “Be My Guest” opportunity to meet one of Colombia’s leading anthropologist, Dr. Santiago Giraldo and some members from one of the country’s local indigenous mountain tribes. Trafalgar, the global leader in guided holidays, has made a name for itself through its innovative and immersive trips and experiences that let guests truly connect to the people and places in the destinations they visit. e latest trip is an example of how the brand continues to innovate with this immersive itinerary of Colombia. Julian Guerrero, Minister of Tourism for Colombia shares, “e beneﬁt of booking with Trafalgar is that there has been extensive work done to really understand our country and show the very best of it. e best local suppliers have been selected, the ideal itinerary, top hotels and immersive experiences. Visitors can rely on great service while they experience the destination with components that are very unique and local. If someone were to do this trip on their own it would probably take longer, it would cost more, and they would miss out on the extraordinary.” For travellers concerned about their safety in Colombia, Minister Gurrero said, “Colombia is a mega diverse destination where one will fall in love with the warmth of its people. e food, the culture, the landscapes vary so much from place to place, from the Andes

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Mountains, to the Caribbean and into the Coffee Region. e negative perception of Colombia is mostly regarding what happened three decades ago. Colombia has changed dramatically, and the continuous growth in tourism for the past 15 years in double digits will hopefully reassure anyone considering to visit that Colombia is now a top destination.” On this 13-day trip around Colombia, guests will start from the colourful capital city of Bogota where they are offered a choice of included sightseeing with a 'Local Specialist' to visit an emerald workshop located off the tourist track, a visit to the Botero Museum, or a guided visit to Montserrate, ascending over 10,000 feet above sea level via funicular.

In the evening, guests will be able to 'Dive into Culture' for a Regional Dinner at a favourite haunt of the Bogotá locals. A trip highlight that will impress is a visit to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaguirá, a stunning cathedral built inside the depths of a salt mine. Gain insights about Colombia's famed Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its “centennial tradition of coffee growing” producing the best coffee in the world. Enjoy a scenic jeep drive into the lush countryside to a coffee plantation, joining the owner's family for lunch. ere will be an opportunity to savour the complex flavours of with Juan Pablo Echeverry at his hacienda and historic farm for a memorable Colombian "coffee baptism" experience against the backdrop of the area's vast coffee fields. Equally impressive is the opportunity to stay at Casa San Carlos Lodge, a unique 'Stays with Story' lodge that is primarily built with bamboo, providing views across well-kept gardens and open farmland. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

SHANGRI-LA'S PACKAGE FOR AN EXOTIC HONEYMOON IN MALDIVES Sprinkling some magic dust to the beginning of newly wedded couples, Shangri-La invites honeymooners, for some romantic Maldivian affairs, with an exclusive ‘Honeymoon in Maldives’ offer. Prepping up for the nearing honeymoon season already, Shangri La Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives rolls out customised offers for the new romantics at special rates, starting from USD 600 per night, per couple. ShangriLa’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives offers the most exotic experiences for couples that make for some cherishing moments on the island. The brightest gem in the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, Villingili Island is located in the heart-shaped Addu Atoll, a true haven for those seeking romance. by TNH DESK

SRILANKAN AIRLINES RECOGNIZED FOR EFFORTS TO REBUILD COUNTRY’S TOURISM SriLankan Airlines’ intensive efforts to drive the recovery of the island’s tourism industry in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attack were honoured with a global accolade - the ‘Best Marketing Innovation’ award from the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).The Airline also managed to secure Four-Star rating in the major airlines category, for the 3rd consecutive year. Vipula Gunatilleka, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are delighted to win this prestigious award, which we consider to be anaccolade for our country at a time when our tourism industry is recovering from a disastrous situation. Credit goes to the hundreds of members of our staff who volunteered for this innovative marketing campaign that reached an audience of millions of people in a large number of countries.” SriLankan’s marketing effort was chosen the winner over entries by Qatar Airways and Virgin Atlantic that were alsoshortlisted nominees in this category. APEX (www.apex.aero) is the world’s only non-profit membership trade association, a network of the airline industry’s leading airlines, airline suppliers and related companies that is dedicated to improving the entire airline passenger experience. by TNH DESK

THOMAS COOK INDIA OBSERVES 21% GROWTH IN DEMAND IN DURGA PUJA

Rajeev Kale President & Country Head _ Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

Thomas Cook (India) has observed a significant 21% growth in demand for the Durga Puja festive break, from travellers in West Bengal and surrounding source markets. Thomas Cook India’s internal data reveals the strong and growing Festival Holiday trend of Indians preferring to travel

rather than stay at home, during festivals. Over the last 5 years, the company has witnessed the Durga Puja seasonbeing leveraged by Bengalis to plan a smart mini-vacation/break that coincides with school holidays, and maximise the opportunity to rejuvenate and recharge, as well as bond with their families.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “Our West Bengal customers are maximising festive breaks to transform them into multiple mini-vacations, as opposed to just one long vacation per year.” by TNH DESK

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NEWS

Redefining the

culture of Rajasthan Pratap Mahal IHCL SELEQTIONS, Ajmer, located on Pushkar bypass, is just the perfect escape surrounded by nature. Experiences deﬁne luxury and it depends on people how they want to enjoy it. ere are hotels which gives their customers luxury which is cultural. What is luxurious for one may not be the same for the other. But then, there are some experiences that make you feel precious, the ones that make you feel closer to a life that is known only through their architecture, culture and food. e reminiscing, the wonder and the curiosity to know more of the bygone era has given birth to multiple palace hotels in India which redeﬁne the traditional heritage of India. When we talk about Palace Hotels, one should not move further without mentioning Rajasthan. e epitome of luxury, class, culture and ‘Raj’. From the ‘Sacred City’ to ‘Lake City’, the beauty of ‘Pink City’ to the amazement of ‘Blue City’, Rajasthan has been a home to many architectural marvels. Ajmer, Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Chittorgarh, when we think about these cities, there is a picture we paint in our head. A picture that speaks volumes of a rich culture, the

high-class lifestyle, and the beautiful architecture amidst the nature. We love it and there’s always a wish to experience it. Pratap Mahal IHCL SeleQtions, Ajmer which is venture of TATA Group based in Pushkar. Ajmer is a city known & loved for its architecture & sacred places. It’s an accessible travel destination and it is always in the hands of the traveler to make it a once in a lifetime experience. Pratap Mahal is situated just 25 minutes away from Kishangarh Airport. Located on Pushkar bypass, it is just the perfect escape surrounded by nature. is gigantic masterpiece will soothe your eyes at the ﬁrst glance. ings to experience in Pratap Mahal IHCL SeleQtions, Ajmer: • Best Destination for Weddings: Marriage is a milestone moment to mark your forever story and it deserves to have a beﬁtting celebration. When Pratap Mahal plays the host, you will get nothing but a dazzling tale of a wedding. Rooted in the rustic charm of Rajasthani culture, the property is the

perfect blend of true tranquility and the busy bustle. Let your forever vows be exchanged on multiple lush green gardens while listening to the cacophony of prancing peacocks. With 90 grand rooms and suites waiting to house the families of the bride and the groom, together embarking the beautiful new chapter of life. • Wilderness Experience in Aravali: Pratap Mahal also offers special wilderness dinner experiences followed by tracking on Aravali hills. You head out to a secluded wilderness camp to experience the lust dishes among the Aravali hills. In the quiet lap of nature, savor the taste of multiple cuisines prepared by India’s greatest chefs. When fairy lights meet the sweet melody of Rajasthani folk music, paired with satisfaction of delicious dishes sums up rejuvenation that lies deep in the soul. • Every night is a Sufi Night: When we talk about Rajasthan and its culture, its harmonious and melodic folk music fills our heart with pleasure. Every evening, Pratap Mahal organizes special Sufi night for their guests by inviting local folk and Sufi artists which takes you to a pleasant and blissful environment. e sweet melody blended with the fresh air of Aravali hills soothes your mind, body and soul and bestows salvation. • Spiritual Walk: To explore the heart of Ajmer and Pushkar, the hotel takes you for a spiritual walk which when accompanied by your friends and family, lead to an experience full of laughter and bonding. It is the little things like these that make all the by TNH DESK difference.

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NEWS

SATTE: CHANGING FOR BETTER The show’s readying for its biggest showcase under Informa Markets in India By Shayan Mallick

Globally, international tourist arrival was recorded at 1.4 billion and the tourism receipt generated from international tourism reached a staggering USD 1.7 trillion in 2018. South Asia’s contribution to this growth has been robust and growing year on year. And SATTE, as the year’s first major international tourism event, has played a critical role in the region’s growth as both, inbound tourism destination and source market for destinations all over the world. However, the role gets a much stronger fillip amidst some new changes that are at play to unveil a stronger and more powerful SATTE in its 27th edition come January 2020. The integration of the Informa Markets and UBM has been completed this year. Informa Markets in India, the new identity of the company, will bring out its first SATTE early next year amidst

new synergy and direction that’s bound to further raise SATTE’s profile as one of the premier international tourism shows. Informa’s presence is spread over nearly 40 countries with more than 500 plus exhibitions and a market cap of around 11 billion pounds. Commenting on the acquisition of UBM by Informa and its impact on SATTE, Yogesh Mudras, Managing Director for Informa Markets in India, said, “The combination of UBM and Informa makes it a larger organisation, with a potential for tremendous reach, and therefore I see a lot of synergies happening. This pertains not only to exhibitions but also knowledge sharing, networking, business intelligence, technology and academic publishing, among others. So what we are trying to bring in is a holistic solution to a customer which will also open lots of new avenues and initiatives for them. And this will be amply evident

at SATTE 2020.” Furthermore, commenting on the change of the venue last year, Mudras acknowledged that it was a bold decision to shift the venue of 25 years necessitated by the renovation that Pragati Maidan is currently undergoing. However, he pointed out that the change of venue not only brought together an event that was hailed as truly international but was also much appreciated by the suppliers and exhibitors alike. Mudras, said, “With the magnitude of a show like SATTE wherein we have international participation from close to 60 countries and every single Indian state and Union Territory, we wanted to cater to the convenience of our industry by moving the show to the worldclass venue at the India Expo in Greater Noida. Our stakeholders were a part of the decisionmaking process and this shift in venue was well received by the

Yogesh Mudras Managing Director of Informa Markets in India

industry too. The show looked grandeur under one roof giving it an international feel. He further added, “This year too we thank our stakeholders from the Government and the Travel and Hospitality industry that includes associations, Indian and International exhibitors and regular and potential visitors for their unstinted support to our forthcoming show due on January 8-10, 2020. We are putting together a show which will be by far the biggest ever.”

THE LUXEPASS PARTNERS WITH THE OBEROI GURGAON

The LuxePass, India’s firstof-its-kind lifestyle app that provides non-resident guests with the luxury to access hotel amenities at affordable rates, recently announced its partnership with The Oberoi Gurgaon, Trident Hotel BKC Mumbai, Trident Hotel Nariman Point, Mumbai and Eros Hotel New Delhi. Building on the steady growth

FLYDUBAI INTRODUCES SPLIT SCIMITAR WINGLETS

Dubai-based flydubai has announced the completion of the first Split Scimitar Winglets installation on its fleet of Next-Generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft, becoming the first airline in Middle East to invest in this fuel saving technology. On Friday 27 September, flydubai flight FZ 144 from Amman to Dubai was operated

of the app over the last few months, The LuxePass is taking its success to the next level with this partnership. One of the main objectives of the app is helping partner hotels utilize their idle inventory such as spa, salon, gym and pool, the cost of which has already been incurred by these hotels, to their maximum capacity. by TNH DESK

by A6-FEC; the first aircraft in the airline’s fleet to be retrofitted with the new winglets. The retrofit programme will see up to 30 Next-Generation Boeing 737800 aircraft fitted with the new Split Scimitar Winglets between September 2019 and October 2020. by TNH DESK

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Sharjahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Unmissable Attractions!

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

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NEWS

Sharjah’s unique appeal lies in its celebration of heritage and traditional Emirati culture. Today, the emirate has made clever use of its landscapes and history to oﬀer a wide variety of activities and attractions that meld together the historical and the contemporary. Here are top 8 picks, which you should not miss when in Sharjah: Rain Room: Aer being launched in London then visiting New York, Los Angeles and Shanghai, the Rain Room, an immersive art installation created by Random International is now permanently housed at the Sharjah Art Foundation. When visitors enter the Rain Room, they are directed to navigate intuitively and carefully through the dark underground space in order to protect themselves from a downpour of rain. As they continue to walk through the art space, which uses 1,200 liters of self-cleaning, recycled water, their movements trigger motion sensors that pauses the rainfall when detecting movement. Eye of Emirates: One of Sharjah's most instantly recognizable landmarks situated at Al Montazah Park, provides tourists supreme panoramas over the city's major attractions and famous markets such as the Central Souq, Al JubailSouq, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khalid Lagoon, e Flag Island, Al Noor Island and Al Noor Mosque. Sharjah Center for Astronomy & Space Sciences: e center aims at developing and promoting education about astronomy and space sciences in the Arab World in general and the UAE in particular in order to be a destination for science, research, heritage, education

and tourism for students and university students, researchers and families of all ages. Al Majaz Waterfront: A perfect family destination with a huge range of world-inspired cuisines, the Al Majaz Waterfront has changed the face of dining and leisure in the emirate. ere are old favourites interspersed with more unusual hangouts for visitors who would like to try new flavours in the world-class restaurants and cafes. Sit in any of the appealing waterfront restaurants and enjoy the lagoon view and the Sharjah Fountain show. In addition, the Al Majaz Waterfront offers a sculpture park and children’s park as well as a recycled tyre jogging track and mini golf. Al Qasba: A more sophisticated foodie vibe can be found at Al Qasba which has become a premier tourism, cultural, business, and entertainment landmark. Reminiscent of a Venetian canal, Al Qasba’s unique architectural design includes pedestrian bridges across the canal and boats to take visitors onto the adjoining Khalid and Al Khan lagoons. Visitors will find many independent restaurants supported by well-known culinary franchises. Here Lebanese cuisine rubs shoulders with American brands and cafes, encouraging you to enjoy relaxing by the water. Al Noor Mosque: With its stunning location, overlooking Khalid Lagoon, Al Noor is one of Sharjah’s most beautiful mosques and was the first to welcome non-Muslim visitors. Designed in classic Ottoman style, Al Noor’s cascade of domes and two soaring minarets

embellish the skyline of Sharjah. e interior is just as spectacular, with calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Qur’an and intricately decorated domes, arches and pillars. Visits to the mosque are free of charge and guided tours are hosted every Monday with private tours available by appointment. Al Noor Island: Surrounded by azure waters just off the coast from Sharjah’s bustling downtown, Al Noor Island offers visitors the perfect antidote to the city with multiple attractions that meld nature, art and entertainment in 45,470 sq. metres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Amid stunning art and sculpture, a plant-covered butterfly haven houses around 500 captivating exotic butterflies while the Literature Pavilion provides book lovers with a serene spot to relax and read. e island also hosts a spacious children’s playground, a pontoon and boat docking area that allows easy access for visitors to and from Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba and e Heart of Sharjah. Sharjah Classic Cars Museum: is museum is an ideal destination for classic cars lovers. It draws tourists and visitors from all around the world. It is a one of a kind museum in the region, as it displays more than 100 vintage classic cars of different brands dating back to the 20th century, in addition to classic motorcycles and bicycles. e oldest car showcased in the museum dates back to 1915. Here, visitors will be able to get an up close look at classic car models and their specifications including Rolls Royce, Ford, Mercedes, Chevrolet, by TNH DESK Bentley and many others.

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BITE CORNER

People behind exotic food By Pradeep Chamaria

Over the past few years, there has been a revolution in the culinary circles with ever-increasing numbers of chefs at new restaurants, on reality shows on TV featuring chefs and also at the masterclasses by celebrity chefs. Serving tasty n exotic food is a challenging task for a chef who uses his years of training and experience to fulfil his guests’ demands. He works hard in the kitchen using all of his expertise to create new dishes for us. Our team visited a number of eateries in luxury hotels, food markets, and normal restaurants to find out what goes at work for an expert chef and also about their personal preferences and lives, and was pleased to find out that most of the chefs were happy serving their guests with their innovative and tasty food.

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Cooking is a passion for all the chefs in the industry today and they try to be creative every time they launch a new dish. Almost everyone agreed that the life of a chef involves more than just cooking as they have to play an integral role in the inventory, preparation and management of high-end restaurants. Here we try to present a few of the best professionals in the culinary ﬁeld – Exec Chef Anuj Kapoor, Chief Exec Chef Arvind Rai, Chef Pawan Bisht and Chef Shurbir Singh. Chef Anuj Kapoor heads the team at e Grand New Delhi, a luxury hotel in South Delhi. Under his skilled guidance, the hotel oﬀers mouth-watering delicacies from the menu of Indian, Italian, Continental, etc. at the in-house

8 dining destinations. Chef Anuj is a multi-faceted chef and is one of the most humble and respectable chefs in the industry today. He likes creating new dishes using fresh veggies from the in-house garden that he has developed, and also with seasonal and local ingredients. A graduate from Hotel Management School (IHM, Lucknow) in 1996, he started out as Management Trainee at e Park Group of Hotels. Over the years, Chef Kapoor has worked with a wide spectrum of Food & Beverage business ranging from Five Star Deluxe properties, Fine Dining restaurants, Hospitals, Bistros and Casual Diners in India and abroad, and worked with many well-renowned Chefs. He has launched & operated some of the most reputed F&B brands in India and abroad such as Olive Bar & Kitchen, Olive Beach, S’etz (Zest), Manré, Café Amor, Cha Shi, Café E, Kebab Khan, Zazen and Kink to name a few. In addition to having a rich background of exemplary culinary experience, he likes to nurture budding talent and has created several programs & has mentored numerous aspiring chefs. We love to eat healthy food sans hygiene concerns, which is tasty and convenient to order at workplaces and

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BITE CORNER

parties. And that’s where Chef Pawan Bisht’s association with “Nutrition port” comes in the picture, where his focus is on healthy and nutritious food. A graduate from IHM Mumbai, he started his career from Olive bar and kitchen, Mehrauli and currently, he is with Verandah, Mango bar, kitchen and One8 by ViratKohli as corporate chef. He was a part of the team of three chefs who represented India at the Hans Bueschkens world junior chef challenge, Hong Kong, 2011, and also was a part of the Indian delegation of chefs at Food and Hotels Asia, Singapore in April 2012. In 2013 Chef Pawan assisted with the opening of Soda bottle openerwala and in 2105 he was instrumental in launching Junglee Billee serving food from Mumbai, Konkan, and Gujrat. He loves to experiment with new cuisines. European cuisine is his strength but his heart lies in regional cuisines. Chef Pawan’ signature dish is Appam with diﬀerent toppings across the globe and he loves to make Bhat kichurkani (regional daal from Uttrakhand also known as black soy) and steamed rice when in a hurry. We also crave for our own desi food served in big thalis. We have seen mushrooming of restaurants in Delhi serving giant thalis having multiple dishes which are enough for a group of 46 people at a time. Kutumb restaurant in west Delhi is one such restaurant famous for serving a 14kg thali having more than

Working as a chef seems like a glamorous career. There are many wonderful things about the culinary industry, but a chef's life involves much more than the culinary arts. Being a chef today is very different from a decade ago. Today Chefs are the reason to go to a restaurant, they are celebrated like rock-stars and they've even become household names.

45 dishes. With Chef Shurbir Singh managing the kitchen, Kutumb is known for serving the ﬂavours of India with global ingredients and techniques. Chef Shurvir is in the industry from more than two decades and is a graduate in Hotel Management. He started with Moti Mahal Deluxe Hotel and has been associated with Hotel Falcon, Solan Pvt. Ltd. etc. Smokey Handi Dum Biryani and Dal Bhukhara using secret special masalas are his signature dishes. Khada masalas are his favourite ingredients and he is proud of curating the specially designed Kutumb Sampoorna ali, which he claims to be India’s largest thali so far. When we talk of desi food, how we can leave Awadhi culinary, and the chefs specialising in it. Chef Arvind Rai- Chief

Executive Chef, e Ashok, Delhi (A flagship property of ITDC) is a graduate in Hotel Management from IHM, New Delhi and over the years, he has specialised in Awadhi Cuisine and loves to treat his guests with delicacies like Tohfa-e-noor, Lauki Nazakat, Muzzaffar etc. at e Oudh restaurant. Chef Arvind Rai has worked with e Ashok Group of Hotels, Kovalam Ashok Beach Resort and also headed the kitchen at Khajuraho Ashok before joining e Ashok, ITDC. His signature dish is Murgh Fatmi, which showcases a full platter of tandoor roasted chicken, and he tells us that the secret to the recipe is the addition of just the right amount of Khoya and Indian spices into the gravy. In the vegetarian section, he loves to make Hari Moong Dal ki Khichdi with tadka of Desi Ghee. Cinnamon is one of his favourite spices that he likes because of its amazing flavours and its health benefits. He uses this ingredient in his soups, starters, desserts and coffees. He fondly remembers the moment when his team planned and executed the lunch for Barack Obama, then president of the USA. Recipient of National Tourism Award in the category "Best Chef – 5 Star Deluxe Category" by Ministry of Tourism, Govt of India, he loves to make Pathar Kebab - a well marinated, mildly spiced and grilled lamb steak served with pudina chutney for his wife when cooking at home.

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F E AT U R E

DEMAND GROWS FOR MUMBAI AS VENUE FOR BUSINESS EVENTS

umbai, the financial capital of India, has always been one of preferred destinations for domestic as well as inbound business events including for meetings, conferences and social events. In terms of infrastructure and facilities for MICE activities, the city has seen significant growth in the last one and half decades. With its world-class infrastructure, the city is well-placed to cater to the requirements of the meeting planners. Many international hotel brands set up their hotels in the city with huge meeting facilities equipped with state of the art technology. These developments along with the fact the city is well connected to major cities of the world are further increasing the demand for Mumbai as the MICE destination, hosting increasing number of international business events and corporate meetings. Being the financial capital of the country also offers additional competitive edge to the city, which is also home to Hindi-language film industry, communally referred to as Bollywood. Organisations doing MICE business

in Mumbai has been growing substantially over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have observed considerable growth in the MICE segment recently and this year it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been any different. Compliance, cost and travel time are all top drivers whereas personalization, flexibility and value for money, better space formats

along with themed oriented packages do play an important role. Medical, pharma, auto and tourism are the industry verticals that are leading the demand for international business events and meetings in Mumbai,â&#x20AC;? said Rohit Walter - Brand Leader, FCM Incoming. Mumbai has very a wide and varied range of venue options to host events. A host of executive business hotels and venues are very well equipped to host conventions of global standards. Excellent connectivity by air, rail and sea from most of the locations is another advantage that Mumbai offers. Hotels are key to hosting events, providing both accommodation and venue facilities for any kind of events. Hotels in Mumbai are witnessing substantial increase in queries and demands for hosting international business events. According to senior executives of the city-based hotels, business segments

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F E AT U R E

such as manufacturing, banking, information technology and supply chain & logistics are propelling the current demand for international MICE events in Mumbai. While Mumbai is witnessing increased demand for international business events, it is unfortunate that the city still lacks large convention venues present in other Indian cities like New Delhi and Hyderabad. “Mumbai attracts international MICE business as it is the business and financial capital of India, and has good connectivity and presence of different industry verticals and vast business opportunities. Unlike cities such as New Delhi and Hyderabad, Mumbai lacks large convention centers that is its disadvantage as

MICE destination,” said Monal Prabhu, Associate Director - Magnifique Meetings, Sofitel Mumbai BKC. The hotels are attracting international MICE business by delivering high service standards, besides engaging with PCOs and participating in MICEcentric international trade shows. “Flexibility and customization are key factors to attract MICE business," says Ketan Salvi, Director, Sales and Marketing, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport, adding, "We try to bring our hotel offerings as closer as possible, to our guests’ expectations and needs. Moreover, we maintain our brand standards and deliver exceptional service to take on the competition. Other than the usual sales and market-

ing activities, we as a hotel believe in the art of storytelling; to promote our destination, we share our stories and experiences to attract international and corporate events.” As the government of Maharashtra focuses on developing cruise tourism in Mumbai, this will help diversify product offerings of the state capital and boost the demand for inbound MICE. Recently, Jalesh Cruises began operating on the Mumbai-Goa route. According to Swadesh Kumar, Founder, Shikhar Group of Companies, the development in cruise tourism has added a new dimension in the value of the city as an inbound MICE destination. International corporate looking to host their business events in Mumbai can organise some of their social gathering on a cruise ship. "With more cruise liners choosing the city as port of call, it will further add value to companies looking to promote the city as a MICE destination in the international markets,” added Kumar. Even the country's prolonged General elections that took place this year failed to dent the demand for international business events in the city. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

ATLANTIS, THE PALM WITH ADDMIND TO LAUNCH WHITE BEACH Atlantis, The Palm and leading hospitality powerhouse Addmind have joined forces to bring the second WHITE venue to the city, with the launch of the hottest new beach club destination WHITE Beach. Located on the shores of the iconic entertainment resort, this new hotspot will launch in November 2019. Boasting majestic and uninterrupted views of Dubai, WHITE Beach will encompass multiple beach areas, a live event space, a restaurant with an open-air terrace as well as a shore-side infinity pool. The venue will offer a day to night experience, creating an escape from the traditional and ex-

pected. Be it the location for a chilled gathering with friends or an evening of high-energy hedonism, WHITE Beach will offer laidback lounging set to an eclectic soulful soundtrack, setting a new standard of service and entertainment within Dubai and beyond. By day, WHITE Beach will be a dreamy slice of paradise with an in-tune-with-nature ambience. Exuding rustic simplicity and luxury, guests can take in the Mediterranean design mixed with rural charm as they relax on day beds by the pool or underneath a beach-side pergola. A stylish Mediterranean restaurant will overlook the beach via an open-

air terrace, thoughtfully furnished with large, communal tables, offering a simple yet refined menu. By night, WHITE Beach will host a collective of international and local artists at weekly events and sunset sessions. A resident DJ will also soundtrack the sunset every day with relaxed and vibrant sounds. Tony Habre, Founder and CEO

BLUEMONT BEACON OPENS AT KAPASHERA, NEW DELHI The Fern Hotels & Resorts opened Bluemont Beacon Hotel at Kapashera, New Delhi taking the tally to 14 hotels managed under the Beacon brand by the company. Over all this is the 67th hotel managed by the company. Commenting on the overall growth of the company, the CEO of the company, Suhail Kannampilly said, "It is a matter of great satisfaction that all our brands, be it The Fern, The Fern Residency and Beacon Hotels, have all been well received by our guests. We are looking forward to serve our clien-

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

tele in New Delhi with this hotel.” Bluemont Beacon Hotel is a smart and efficient 45-room hotel offering contemporary accommodations, a finely-designed multi-cuisine restaurant and 3 state-of-art banquet halls and meeting rooms. The rooms are equipped with all the modern amenities required for a nice and relaxed stay. The hotel is well located in Kapashera, with an easy access to public transport and the major commercial hubs and sightseeing attractions in by TNH DESK town.

of Addmind Hospitality comments “We are delighted by the local and international recognition that WHITE has acquired in the past decade. To see this brand now join forces with one of the world’s most important business and leisure destinations, is nothing short of promising for the strategic development of WHITE into a global lifestyle brand." by TNH DESK

EURAIL'S OFF-SEASON OFFERS ON PASSES Summer may be over, but fall landscapes and winter wonderlands make shoulder season a perfect time for Indian travellers to explore Europe with fewer tourists, shorter lines, cheaper airfares and hotel rates. Plus, Eurail is making it even more affordable for Indian travellers to immerse themselves in the pleasant atmospheres of this season in Europe with 10% off on all Eurail Global Passes. The latest discount will be on top of the existing permanently reduced prices for Eurail passes, including up to 37% off Global Passes, making it even cheaper for customers to travel around Europe. Discounted fares will be available for purchase through 10 October 2019 and valid for traveller sending their Eurail adventure before December 15. With just one rail pass, travellers of all ages can travel in and through up to 31 different European countries, and access extra benefits and discounts along their journey. A complete list of Pass benefits for each country is available via the free Eurail Rail Planner App. And with the Rail Planner App, travellers can easily plan their journey like a local, hopping on and off trains and discovering by TNH DESK more of Europe.

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NEWS

LOT POLISH AIRLINES LAUNCHES FLIGHTS BETWEEN NEW DELHI AND WARSAW LOT Polish Airlines, the fastest growing airline in Europe and Star Alliance Member, has launched regular flights between New Delhi and Warsaw on 12 September 2019. From now on Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircra (B787-8 and B787-9) will be operating this route five times a week. "Today we had a pleasure to welcome the first Indian guests aboard our Dreamliner operating between New Delhi and Warsaw. LOT not only provides the shortest and most convenient way of travel to Warsaw but also developed a perfect gateway to all passengers travelling from the Delhi catchment area to Europe. LOT is the leading legacy carrier in Central and Eastern Europe - the fastest growing region of the continent. ere is a huge potential of air travels - almost 9.5M passengers travelled between India and Europe and 3.3M between Delhi and Europe during the last 12 months. Our convenient schedule, including an overnight eastbound flight, a comfortable on-board product and seamless connectivity via Warsaw, will certainly increase the flow of business and leisure travellers coming to and from India,” says Rafał Milczarski, CEO of LOT Polish Airlines. LOT will be the first carrier from Central

and Eastern Europe to connect India with so many European cities, connecting the home town airports of Star Alliance member carriers: LOT Polish Airlines and Air India. e new route launch features excellent onward connectivity via Warsaw, starting from just 40 minutes transit time for example to London City Airport, Paris, Brussels, Kraków, Geneva, Amsterdam, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Hanover, Oslo, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Billund, Prague and Budapest. For passengers travelling on the WarsawNew Delhi long-haul route, LOT Polish Airlines features Indian meals in all three cabins (LOT Business Class, LOT Premium Economy Class, LOT Economy Class), complimentary beverages including alcoholic drinks as well as inﬂight entertainment system including the latest Bollywood releases in Hindi. Furthermore, to provide the best possible onboard experience, there will always be a Hindi-speaking crew member on board. New Delhi was chosen not without reason as the next LOT destination in Asia. Aer Singapore, India is the second largest direct investment market in Asia for Polish businesses. For India, Poland is an important in-

Rafal Milczarski CEO, LOT Polish Airlines

vestment market i.e. in the IT sector and a gateway to all countries within the European Union. e new LOT ﬂight is a key element in strengthening economic ties and developing business relations between the two countries. Poland is one of the best performing European economies, the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. Since its transformation in the early 1990s it is on the path of continuous and dynamic growth. Poland was the only European country that avoided recession during GFC. With a population of 38.5 million citizens, Poland is very well known for its hospitality, developed infrastructure, as well as safety and security. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

VFS GLOBAL NOW OFFERS ICELAND VISA SERVICES IN INDIA

Visa Application Centres rolled out in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru e Embassy of Iceland, New Delhi has appointed VFS Global to process Iceland visa applications for Indian travellers. H.E. Mr. Gudmundur Arni Stefansson, Ambassador, Embassy of Iceland and Mr. Alok Singhal, Regional Head North & East India, VFS

Global signed the contract in New Delhi on 19 September 2019. Iceland has been gaining popularity among Indian travellers, with a growth of over 30% recorded in 2017. To ensure greater access to the Iceland visa process for travellers across India, VFS Global now oﬀers Iceland visa services at three locations in India – Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.

Prior to this, customers had to submit their applications through the Embassy of Denmark in New Delhi. VFS Global also oﬀers its optional Premium Lounge to Iceland visa applicants, providing end-to-end personalised service throughout the visa application process. e Premium Lounge is just one of several optional services applicants can avail, including Prime Time for application submission and passport collection on weekends, and pick-up services within each city, among others. H.E. Mr. Guðmundur Árni Stefansson, Ambassador of Iceland said, “e Icelandic Embassy is looking forward to take over the visa processing services in cooperation with VFS Global and other relevant parties. e Consular section of the Embassy, under the capable lead of Mrs. Kristin Eva Sigurdar-dottir the Deputy Head of the

CWT Solutions Group expands successful outsourcing offer CWT Solutions Group, the consulting arm of CWT, the B2B4E travel management platform, is expanding its travel services outsourcing oﬀering, following the positive reception from its ﬁrst 26 clients

across a variety of industries. “In a fast-paced environment, getting a grip on travel management is not always easy, that is why outsourcing is gaining traction,” said Christophe Renard, Vice President,

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

CWT Solutions Group. “In fact, according to an online survey we ran in June this year among our top global clients, 30% said they were planning to outsource more parts of their travel program.” by TNH DESK

Embassy, will do its utmost to provide the best service possible in accordance with rules and regulations.“ Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO – South Asia, Middle East and China, VFS Global said, “We are truly honoured by the Embassy of Iceland’s faith in our services, and excited to bring the visa service closer to home for residents in India. Iceland has long been gaining momentum as a destination amongst travellers, and we are happy to provide a seamless visa application experience.” VFS Global has been associated with the Embassy of Iceland since 2013, oﬀering visa services on its be-half in Australia, Canada, Ghana, Indonesia, P.R. China, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, ailand, Turkey, UK, Ukraine and Vietnam, and has processed over 40,000 Iceland visa applications through the years. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

TIME HOTELS EXPANDS WELLNESS OFFERINGS ACROSS UAE PROPERTIES UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels, has launched a new health and wellness initiative - ‘Healthy You. Healthy World’ – across all of its properties in line with its Tomorrow’s World Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. As part of the initiative, TIME Hotels has expanded its offering of fitness and wellness activities, introduced a new health conscious menu and participated in a wide variety of activities to help promote healthy lifestyles for both employees and in-house guests. At TIME Oak Hotel & Suites, an aqua fitness programme for female senior citizens has been introduced, taking place daily from 7am to 9am; while at TIME Ruby Hotel Apartments boxing classes are taking place twice a week for

Mohamed Awadalla CEO, TIME Hotels

members and in-house guests; and at TIME Grand Plaza swimming lessons are available for both adults and children – taking place seven days a week between 8am and 9am. Mohamed Awadalla, CEO,

TIME Hotels, said: “Every year TIME Hotels participates in a range of activities to raise awareness of several important regional and global initiatives while also taking the opportunity to support the health and wellness of both our employees and of course our guests. “Everything we do is focused on having a positive impact and creating a legacy which generations will be able to learn from for many years to come.” Adding to this, Mugs & Munch, a relaxed pastry café and lobby lounge, has created a new healthy menu with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Featuring a variety of healthy munch bowls, freshly baked flat bread sandwiches and delicious pastries as well as an extensive tea and

coffee menu, fresh fruit smoothies, mocktails and cold soft beverages. Located in the lobby of TIME Oak Hotel & Suites, Mugs & Munch is the perfect venue for those looking for a quick coffee and an on-the-go nutritious snack, a relaxed catch-up with a friend or an informal business meeting. Awadalla said: “Creating a menu which offers interesting and healthy food options, with a focus on fresh and local ingredients, is incredibly important to us as we continuously work to broaden our F&B offerings at TIME Oak Hotel & Suites. “The idea behind the Mugs & Munch menu is to deliver fresh and delicious dishes for those who don’t want to compromise on taste – but still want to be healthy.” TIME Hotels has also strengthened the positive impact it is making on both employees and guests’ fitness and wellness through an impressive calendar of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. by TNH DESK

ENJOY GAMING AND FOOD UNDER ONE ROOF AT SMAAASH SPORTS BAR Entertainment is incomplete without a great array of food. To give the customers the best of both worlds SMAAASH has launched the SMAAASH Sports BAR at its R-City center. SMAAASH Sports Bar is a one of its kind with a widespread food variety and multiple choices on drinks. This menu is specially curated to give you an experience with games and unlimited access to great food. The chef curated menu includes dishes like Reddy 65, a chicken starter with a twist, wings with unique dips like Butter Makhani and Chettinad. If that’s not all enjoy our very own SMAAASH Pizza as you binge with your friends. If you love your Indian roots try a Chopper Bowl which has some mouthwatering Biryani. If you are a connoisseur of drinks, the SMAAASH Botanical Mixology is the place for you. Try some magical

drinks like Winter Botanical, Vesper GTT, Smaaash O Tini, Picket Fence and Woodchip Smoked Hibiscus. You can go all old school and try your bar favorites or take your group for a shot trail and enjoy an exciting offer of buy 6 to get 3 free or buy 10 to get 3 free. Commenting on this interesting expansion, DallasRodrigues, West RegionBusiness Head, SMAAASH said, “At SMAAASH we are always looking for new avenues to prove our expertise. SMAAASH Sports Bar is a very unique property that offers the best that we can give our customers in terms of food and one of the finest drinks too. We would like to expand our expertise in this segment while we keep entertaining our customers with varied games. With this launch SMAAASH gives the audience a perfect place to have a great time with by TNH DESK your loved ones.”

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NEWS

SINGAPORE EYES INDIAN MARKET FOR CRUISE TOURISM By Pradeep Chamaria

Over the past decade, Cruise tourism is growing rapidly. e cruise ship industry is booming, ships are getting bigger, better and more exciting. In 2019, 30 million passengers are expected to cruise, up from 17.8 million a decade earlier. In Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, the cruise industry is experiencing double-digit growth as cruise lines set their sights on the neighboring destinations including India. Indian tourists form a big chunk of visitors to Singapore, thus a promising source market for cruise ship deployments. During a meeting organized to promote cruise tourism among Indian travellers, GB Srithar, Regional Director –

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India, Middle East and South Asia, Singapore Tourism Board along with other briefed media on the STB’s approach towards developing Cruise Tourism among Indian travellers: Explaining why Indians should start their cruise journey from Singapore, Srithar said, "Singapore is located strategically in Southeast Asia, where its excellent air connectivity and world-class port infrastructure make it an ideal hub for cruising in the region. Every year, we welcome new cruise brands and ships to our shores, adding to our vibrant pipeline of deployments." As for their strategies for Indian travellers, Srithar informed, "We are adopting a two-

pronged marketing strategy for the Indian outbound cruise market: firstly, to raise awareness and promote cruising as a hasslefree holiday option to the Indian travellers; and secondly, to establish Singapore as their favourite cruise holiday destination, including presenting Singapore’s varied tourism offerings for pre and post-cruise experiences in the city. Cruising holidays can appeal to diverse Indian travel segments like families, working millennial, weddings, MICE and those gathering for celebrations." India continued to be the top source market for visitors’ arrival in the cruise segment for Singapore. Around 1,60,000 cruise passengers from India sailed out of Singapore’s shores in 2018 with a year-onyear increase of 27 per cent in 2017. An interesting highlight was the average age of an Indian cruiser 37 compared to 46.7 years for a global cruiser and 45.4 years for an Asian cruiser. Also, the average stay that an Indian tourist logged was 2.9 days. e future of cruise tourism for both Singapore and India tourists is bright. e significant development is the rising demand from India’s Tier 2 cities travellers along with a growth in travellers seeking for premium and luxury services. To popularize cruise tourism in India, STB organised a Cruise Forum with the theme 'Growing Cruise Connections, Achieving Together' in New Delhi recently. "We are trying to build a healthy relationship between our travel trade partners, cruise line operators and cruise professionals," said Srithar, adding, that STB is also looking forward to partner with more Indian travel agents to provide them with the essential training, resources and support to sell more cruise holidays in India.

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NEWS

ST. PETERSBURG STARTS WELCOMING FREE E-VISA ARRIVALS FROM INDIA Prashant Chaudhary MD, Salvia Promoters Russian cultural capital St. Petersburg is now accessible to Indian tourists through free Evisa from October 1, 2019. Indian visitors can now avail single-entry tourist, business and humanitarian visa from the comfort of their office or home.

The online application for free E-visa takes four days to process and should be applied for 20 days before the date of travel. The E-visa will be valid for a period of 30 days and allows visitors to stay for a period of eight days.This Visa is valid only for Leningrad region, home to Russia’s most sought after tourism hotspot St. Petersburg. Citizens of 53 countries, including India, can avail free E-visa starting October 1.The move is expected to give a boost to Indian arrivals to Russia, and particularly to St. Petersburg.

Commenting on the introduction of free E-visa for the Indian travelers planning to visit St. Petersburg, Visit St. Petersburg’s official partner in India and Managing Director of Salvia Promoters, Prashant Chaudhary, said, “Making available E-visa facility for the Indian travelers keen to explore Russia’s cultural capital St. Petersburg and that too free of cost is a testimony to the region’s commitment to improve bilateral tourism ties. This new initiative is particularly targeted at markets like India that has mas-

sive untapped potential for St. Petersburg and its surrounding. The city is one of the finest tourism destinations in the whole of Europe.” India and Russia are currently connected by Aeroflot’s double-daily operation between Delhi and Moscow that limits the scope of free E-visa as Moscow is currently not on the list of E-visa entry points and it has to be St. Petersburg as point of entry for the Indian travelers planning a trip to St. Petersburg. by TNH DESK

LINKIN REPS WINS REP MANDATE FOR SOCHI TOURISM IN INDIA Komal Seth Director, Linkin Reps

Timur Rasulev Culture & Tourism Counsellor, Sochi Tourism Office in India

Adding one more feather to its cap, Linkin Repsrecently bagged the PR marketing & Media representation account for Sochi Tourism in India. A leading travel representation company in India, through this association, Linkin Reps, through a well thought strategy and year long plan will work towards highlighting Sochi as a destination for Indian travellers and create awareness about the destination in India market. Sochi is oen called the unoﬃcial 'Summer Capital' of Russia, or the Black Sea Pearl. is is the country's biggest and busiest summer sea resort, attracting

more than four million visitors annually with its amazing mountainous coastline, endless shingle beaches, warm sunny days, and bustling nightlife. From May to September Sochi's population at least doubles with tourists, including celebrities and the political elite of the country. Timur Rasulev, Culture & Tourism Counsellor, Sochi Tourism Oﬃce in India, said, “Sochi is a beautiful sea side town and is very popular amongst domestic tourists. However, despite of winter Olympics being held in 2014, Sochi hasn’t received its due share of visibility from global travellers and International

tourists. e International tourist arrival to Sochiisvery less despite of it being an idylic tourist destination. Our partnership with Linkin Repsis to ensure that we have visibility in India market and have Indian travellers visit Sochi to experience its rich culture and beauty” Commenting on the appointment, Komal Seth, Director, Linkin Reps said, “Sochi is an unexplored destination for Indian travellers and we aim to derive greater awareness & engagement for the destination through PR partnerships and working closely with the media as well as Travel Trade in India.” by TNH DESK

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AROUND THE WORLD

POPULAR FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD TO LOOK FOR IN NOVEMBER 2019

PURI BEACH FESTIVAL November, 2019 Location: Puri Beach, Odisha

Hosted by Hotel and Restaurant Association of Odisha along with Odisha government and the Central government, the festival is a seven-day extravaganza that took off back in 1993. Some of the highpoints of the festival are handloom, handicraft and sand art exhibition. There are fashion shows and rock concerts. The traditional sports are Mallakhamb, Kabaddi and beach volleyball that are played during the festival. Yacht and Regatta boat races are some added attractions.

MAJULI FESTIVAL November 21- 24, 2019 Location: Majuli, Assam

The festival is observed in Majuli on the banks of river Brahmaputra that forms the largest river island across the world. The fulcrum of celebration occurs at Garmur, the central point of Majuli Island that is around 20 km away from the town of Jorhat. Majuli also happens to be the seat of Vaishnavite culture since 16th century. The festival has a plethora of cultural events that offer glimpses of the tradition and culture of the island. There is also a food festival that churns out local delights of the aborigines of the island and of Assam.

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AROUND THE WORLD

BUNDI FESTIVAL November 6-8, 2019 Location: Bundi, Rajasthan

The three-day cultural festival imparts new life to the town of Bundi that displays extravagant customs, traditions and ageold art forms of the town and the state. The major attractions are the traditional folk music and dance. During festive times, every household gets involved in crafting the traditional handicrafts. There are joyful events like turban-binding and moustache competitions. Lighting of clay lamps and fireworks form part of the festival celebration at night.

Ka Pomblang Nongkrem

November 4-8, 2019 Location: Shillong, Meghalaya

International Yoga and Music Festival November 1-7, 2019 Location: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

The most significant festival of the Khasi tribe, Ka Pomblang Nongkrem is a five-day grand celebration with sacrifices and performances on the outskirts of Shillong. The Khasi tribe dress up in traditional attire with indigenous jewellery stuff and perform the famed Nongkrem dance. The performers along with the entire community pray for peace and wellbeing of the tribe. Goat sacrifice forms one of the significant rituals of the festival that is offered to the administrative head of the Khasis.

The festival has been the brainchild of Nad Yoga Trust, a voluntary outfit. It provides an opportunity to the participants to kick-off their spiritual practise and bolster their body through yoga. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only patients afflicted with disease that needs to practise yoga but is open for all. There is live Indian classical music and dance put up by dance exponents.

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NEWS

Embrace true luxury with Marriott Bonvoy points at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, the plush hotel located in the posh locale of Vittal Malaya Road overlooking the majestic 300 acre Cubbon Park is a sight to behold. It also offers a coveted combination of incredible views, architectural splendor and warm hospitality that could be experienced only at a JW Marriott. This splendid luxury property

offers guests an unforgettable experience of contemporary and approachable luxury with spacious guestrooms, stylish lounges, world-class restaurants and a wellness center that includes state-of-the-art fitness facility and a spa that spells luxury from all quarters. Marriott International in the month of January 2019, rebranded their iconic loyalty program Marriott Rewards to Marriott Bonvoy, enabling the members with access to the largest collection of lifestyle and luxury properties all across the globe. “Made To Celebrate” and “Meet & Be Rewarded” are two of the signature Bonvoy offerings that caters to the exclusive members with redeemable benefits. Made To Celebrate is a catering

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

offer that enables members and to-be members to earn and redeem benefits for personal and professional bookings with a 5000 signing bonus points for every qualifying meeting or event booked. The guestsget to choose one out of five value added bonus for every event, which is registered between 1st September 2019 to 31stMay 2020 for

events scheduled on or before 31st May 2020. On the other hand, Meet & Be Rewarded is a group offer for members and to-be members of Marriott Bonvoy that provides all three value added bonuses and 5000 signing bonus points for every qualifying meeting or event booked. The booking window to register events is between 16thSeptember

2019 to 31stDecember 2019.The guestscan choose from an array of exciting offers such as 5% off on master billed rooms, complementary drinks & rooms and double points. Reuben Kataria, General Manager, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru shared his views after introducing these exciting offers “We’re very glad to be one of the participating hotels in the Made To Celebrate and Meet & Be Rewarded programs. These two signature offers are most beneficial for the Marriot Bonvoy members and to-be members with several value added services and signing bonus points. We look forward to hosting great meetings and events for our valued customers”. Marriott Bonvoy has curated these offers to provide the best in class services to pamper its guests with the most exclusive benefitsat JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru along with several other premium properties from across the globe who are part of the program. The offers can be redeemed on F&B, stay and various other amenities available at the hotel. by TNH DESK

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NEWS

ETIHAD AIRWAYS MARKS 15 YEARS OF FLYING TO INDIA Etihad Airways has completed 15 years of service to India. Celebrating this feat, the airline marked its anniversary in the country by hosting a blood donation drive at its airport office in Mumbai, in association with a charitable trust hospital, e Holy Spirit Hospital. To mark this occasion, the airline also distributed sweets to all guests flying in and out of Mumbai via its four daily services to the city. Mumbai was the first Indian city to be served by Etihad Airways with the launch of daily flights in September 2004.ree months later, flights were also launched between Abu Dhabi and New Delhi. Today, Etihad Airways offers 159 weekly flights spread across 10 gateway cities of Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Cochin, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Mumbai and iruvananthapuram. by TNH DESK

Discover new dolphin experiences at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis, The Palm e word is out. Atlantis, e Palm has launched two new marine mammal interactions – Dolphin Trek and Dolphin Snorkel at Dolphin Bay, making them the hottest underwater adventures this season. Dolphin Bay delivers fun, interactive experiences that engage and educate guests about Indo-pacific Bottlenose dolphins. e programmes are up-close and personal with these majestic animals in deep and shallow water. Every programme aims to enhance understanding, impart skills and empower people to increase ocean protection efforts. Dolphin interactions are thoroughly immersive and, with five different programmes on offer at Atlantis, a visit to Dolphin Bay is ideal for anyone who wishes to see these animals from the underwater perspective – from standing in shallow water to swimming or Scuba diving alongside these intelligent marine mammals. Discover the wonders of swimming alongside these unique creatures by taking part in the newly launched dolphin experiences and dive into the magical underwater world of Dolphin Bay. by TNH DESK

Second Series of Visit California Luxury Forum confirmed for March 2020 Following the success of the first event which took place earlier this year in Santa Monica, Connections, the international private community for senior executives in high-end travel, is once again set to showcase its award-winning networking formula to the luxury travel industry in California. The second series is confirmed to take place in March 2020, at the five-star, Five Diamond Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, southern Orange County. The event will run in partnership with Visit California and will be supported by leading sponsors, including Visit Dana Point, Monarch Beach

Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel and Marriott Laguna Cliffs. Caroline Beteta, president & CEO of Visit California, said: “Connections’ unique networking model is very much in line with our marketing strategy for California as the Golden State of Luxury. This year’s event successfully showcased the best of Californian luxury travel to key clients from across the globe. Connections will bring a hand-picked selection of luxury agencies representing California’s key and emerging source markets to meet with the region’s finest suppliers. The

immersive event will also welcome distinguished CEOs from Californian destination management companies, providing a strategic platform for them to engage with. Dana Point is famous for being Southern California’s original surf town, and, more recently, for being the “Dolphin and Whale Watching Capital of the World”. by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

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MOVING ON

APPOINTMENTS OF THE MONTH

1 2 NIKHIL SHARMA

Area Director, Eurasia Region Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has appointed Nikhil Sharma to the role of Area Director for the Eurasia region as of 9th September 2019.Nikhil will have a full management remit encompassing franchise operations support, regional sales, revenue management services.

SUDHIR SINHA

Chief Operating Officer G6 Hotels, India Auromatrix Hotels Pvt Ltd has appointed Sudhir Sinha as Chief Operating Officer, India, for the development of G6 Hospitality Inc, known for its iconic Hotel brands, Motel6 (M6), Hotel6 (H6) & Studio6 (S6) in the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. G6 has over 1400 hotels worldwide.

3 4 GIRISH SEHGAL

General Manager JW Marriott Pune JW Marriott Pune has appointed Girish Sehgal as its new GM. A passionate hotelier and an entrepreneur, Girish joins the team with an extensive international experience of over 23 years across global hospitality, healthcare and service industries.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

SAURABH BHARARA

General Manager Marriott Suites Pune Saurabh Bharara has been appointed as the General Manager of Marriott Suites Pune, a five star all-suite hotel in Koregaon Park, Pune. Saurabh has an extensive experience of more than twenty years in the hospitality industry.

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MOVING ON

ANIKET KULKARNI

Hotel Manager Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi Fairfield by Marriott Pune Kharadi has appointed Aniket Kulkarni as their Hotel Manager. Kulkarni has experience in the luxury and upscale hotel segment. Kulkarni has been with Marriott International for the last 14 years and is adept and well-acquainted in the industrial know-how.

GM - Business Development Clarks Inn Group of Hotels Clarks Inn Group of Hotels has recently appointed Suneel Rawat as its General Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Business Development. A seasoned hotelier, Rawat will be responsible for the portfolio development and form part of the core group to oversee the next phase of growth of the Group. He will be based at the Corporate Office in Noida.

7 8 ABHINANDAN SHARMA

AGM-Finance Clarks Inn Group of Hotels Clarks Inn Group of Hotels has promoted Abhinandan Sharma, one of the longest-serving employees in the company, as its Assistant General Manager â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Finance. With an enormous understanding of the complex hospitality business, Sharma has made an invaluable contribution to the growth of the company since his joining the company in April 2007.

SUNEEL RAWAT

MARTHA COLLETT

Dean, Indian School of Hospitality The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), a hospitality college that has set out to transform the educational landscape within the country, has appointed Martha Collett as the new Dean of the institute. Collett, was the Regional Manager of CATHSSETA (Culture, Art, Hospitality, Travel and Tourism, Sport, Sectoral Education.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

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NEWS

GOAIR JUDGED MOST PUNCTUAL AIRLINE FOR 12 MONTHS IN A ROW According to data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) GoAir – India’s fastest growing airline – has emerged as the most punctual airline in August 2019, thereby creating history in the Indian aviation sector. is is the 12th month in a row that

IBIS HYDERABAD RECOGNIZED AS ‘BEST 3 STAR HOTEL InterGlobe Hotels has been awarded with prestigious awards. Its hotel ibis Hyderabad was awarded ‘Best 3 Star Hotel’ at the esteemed ‘FICCI Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards 2019’. FICCI Travel & Tourism Excellence Awards 2019 are designed to promote the industry that serves as a major source of income, employment, private sector growth and infrastructure development. The award for ‘Best 3 Star Hotel’ is judged on various parameters such as performance of the hotel in comparison to the previous year, CSR activities, employee engagement, hotel’s contribution to the environment along with online reputation performance scores by the guests. ibis Hyderabad located in HITEC City, won this award in the ‘Accommodation Facility’ category. ibis Hyderabad HITEC City has also recorded remarkable revenue numbers with a consistent hotel demand in garnering strong footfalls in approximately 3 years of its opening. by TNH DESK

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | OCTOBER 2019

GoAir has achieved the distinction of being on top of on-time-performance (OTP) charts. As per the data released yesterday, GoAir registered 85.1% OTP, the highest among scheduled domestic airlines in August 2019. During the month of August 2019, GoAir ﬂew 13.91 lakh passengers with barely 0.85% cancellations as against an industry average of 1.61% for scheduled domestic airlines in the month of Aug 2019. by TNH DESK

JW MARRIOTT PUNE WINS NIGHTLIFE CONVENTION & AWARDS JW Marriott Pune has been awarded with the India Nightlife Convention & Awards in multiple categories for their rooop restaurant & lounge; Paasha. Winning the hearts of the people with its scenic view of the Pune skyline, Paasha received the INCA Bar For wines 2019, INCA Bar in a Hotel 2019, INCA Lounge of the year, INCA Open Air Bar of the year and City Level Winner for the 4th Edition of India Nightlife Convention & Awards – Pune. by TNH DESK

V RESORTS BAGS THE PRESTIGIOUS UNWTO AWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM V Resorts, a boutique Indian leisure travel & hospitality brand, bagged the prestigious World Tourism Award (UNWTO) 2018-19 held at St Petersburg, Russia, recently. V Resorts has been felicitated by the coveted award in the Enterprises category, for its “Community Impact by V Resorts”, an initiative of the brand under the aegis of Bliss Inns Ltd India. V Resorts competed with global enterprises from Canada, Colombia, India, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and the Philippines. The list of finalists for the 2019 UNWTO Awards ranged from communitybased tourism development and innovation-driven nature conservation to heritage tourism and promotion of accessible tourism. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Awards recognize inspirational projects that make an invaluable contribution towards advancing sustainable tourism. Elated on the felicitation, Aditi Balbir, Founder and CEO, V Resorts said, “I would like to thank UNWTO for this prestigious award and for recognizing our efforts for community friendly initiates at V Resorts. We have been identified for contributing to advancement of the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This is a proud moment for an Indian company in the Tourism sector.” For the 15th UNWTO Awards, a total of 190 applications from 71 countries were received in the three categories - Public Policy and Governance, Enterprises, and Non-Governmental Organizations. by TNH DESK

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DL (ND)-11/6167/2017-18-19 | DATE OF POSTING: 5-6 OF MONTH | RNI NO.: DELENG/2010/33723 | DATE OF PUBLISHING: 4 th OF THE MONTH