AIR MILES

Business Traveller India speaks to Karan Nohria - Founder of Silly, Mumbai and one of the youngest restaurateurs in India.

What was the biggest challenge you faced as a young entrepreneur?

I would say my biggest challenge was my lack of experience. Since I started o at a young age, people never took me seriously because they felt I didn’t have the required experience to work and handle certain projects. However, I can see a world of a di erence in the way people perceive me now after creating a brand such as Silly as compared to how I was perceived during my initial days.

How did you begin your journey in the world of hospitality?

I started o by hosting events for other clubs along with having two of my own delivery kitchens. It just felt like the right time to expand into having my own restaurant when the space I wanted was available (Silly’s current location).

What are a few things that we would always find in your carry-on luggage?

The things that one will always find in my luggage bag are my airpods, my phones (personal and business), the current novel that I am reading and a pair of sneakers!

What’s your favourite travel destination?

Dubai, without a doubt! I genuinely believe it is one of the most advanced countries in terms of technology, infrastructure, food, fashion and my favourite- cars!

Silly as a restaurant is a space that o ers more than F&B, what was

Mumbai To Host Its First Ever Indian

your inspiration to create such a space?

Coming from a Punjabi family, I have grown up with food being of the utmost importance! From this grew a fascination and curiosity about the food and beverage sector as a whole. This curiosity then transpired into a desire to work in a field that motivates me every day. A resto-bar does that! After that, inspiration and ideas for opening my own restaurant began to flow. However, I wanted to start something that makes people happy. Hence, I wanted to develop a concept that no one had ever seen before. I had decided on the concept of Silly from the very beginning, even before I decided on the name. I knew the space I wanted to create. My aim was to create a mix of Goa, Morocco, and all things bohemian with a lot of greenery around!

CHOCOLATE HAS EVOLVED for many from being an indulgence to art that unveils the intricacies of cacao beans. e Indian Cacao and Cra Chocolate Festival pay an ode to the humble cacao bean and cra chocolate by bringing together the cra chocolate industry through a two-day festival. A er a successful launch in Bengaluru last year, e Indian Cacao and Cra Chocolate Festival took place in Mumbai on February 18-19, 2023. e festival is the brainchild of Patricia Cosma a bean-to-bar chocolate connoisseur and Ketaki Churi a chocolatier from Mumbai who will bring together cacao farmers, bean-to-bar chocolate makers, pastry chefs, and chocolatiers from across India. With a vision to raise awareness around Indian-origin chocolate, the event will bring the farmers and chocolate makers closer to their consumers through exhibitors, workshops and conferences.

THE LEELA PALACE, BENGALURU

Situated on the busy old airport road, e Leela Palace, Bengaluru is an ode to the opulence of the Vijayanagara empire. It is less than an hour from Bengaluru International airport and the railway station. e luxurious décor of the hotel exudes peace and opulence. Views of its curated waterfalls and lush gardens transport guests to a natural haven. Gourmands can dine on delicious French, Italian, Indian, and Japanese cuisine, and sip on colourful cocktails at the hotel's varied choice of restaurants. e hotel’s spacious and well-equipped event spaces and ballrooms provide a seamless meeting experience. True to its name, e Leela Palace, Bengaluru is ideal for relaxing in the lap of luxury, whilst conveniently being connected to the bustle of the city. theleela.com

16 Bhutanese Hotels And Tour Operators To Participate In The South Asia Travel And Tourism Exchange Exhibition 2023

BHUTAN’S DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM has con rmed that a total of 16 Bhutanese tourism brands participated at South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE) 2023, taking place in Delhi. Furthermore, Bhutan Airlines extended special promotional fares during the show, as well as o ered a lucky draw prize for anyone who visits the DoT stand, to win one of three return economy ights from Delhi, Kolkata or Guwahati to Paro. SATTE is Asia’s leading tourism exhibition that o ers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. Bhutan, a sovereign nation throughout its history is shrouded in an enigmatic aura of mystery, mysticism, and spirituality.

TURKISH AIRLINES AND INDIGO AIRLINES' DELHIISTANBUL FLIGHT ROUTE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED

WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK of the warm relations between Türkiye and India, Turkish Airlines and Indigo Airlines decided to expand their existing cooperation and signed a wet lease agreement. Within the scope of this leasing agreement signed by Türkiye’s ag carrier Turkish Airlines with Indigo to meet the increasing travel demands in India, Indigo has added a Boeing 777 aircra to its operation. Joining this rst TK 4650 ight departing from New Delhi Pieter Elbers, CEO of Indigo Airlines, and his accompanying delegation were welcomed by Turkish Airlines General Manager Bilal Ekşi and his executive team with a special ceremony on their arrival at Istanbul airport. Within the scope of the agreement in which Turkish Airlines leased the B777 type aircra to Indigo Airlines on a wet lease basis, the lease process is planned to start on February 1, 2023, and last for one year. turkishairlines.com

Saudi Reinforces Commitment To The Indian Market

WITH AN AIM to maintain strong visibility in India, Saudi has announced an exciting lineup of trade engagements, including roadshows in major Indian cities and participation in prominent trade events. e strategy follows Saudi Tourism Authority’s ongoing e orts to increase awareness about Saudi as a unique, diverse, authentic tourism destination and ultimately, drive visits, as one of the key priority source markets for the country. Saudi Arabia took part in One World Travel Market (OTM) from February 2-4, 2023 at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. Saudi also marked its presence at the 30th edition of South Asian Travel and Tourism Exchange (SATTE), held from 9th -11th February 2023 at the India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, DelhiNCR. visitsaudi.com