Travel and Hospitality (TnH) - November 2019

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FROM THE EDITOR

Leverage tourism to boost growth

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: SRISHTI RAI

Indicators from almost all sides suggest that the Indian economy is not in good health. International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently cut its GDP forecast for India to 6.1% for the current fiscal from its earlier estimate of 7%, citing weaker domestic demand. IMF also attributed the current slowdown to issues such as regulatory uncertainty and the prolonged crisis in the nonbanking financial sector.

Earlier the World Bank has slashed its growth forecast for India for FY19-20 to 6%. IMF underlined that not only India but the world economy at large is slowing down, owing to factors such as rising trade barriers and geopolitical tensions.

In India, both consumer and business sentiments are at a low level. In recent months, the government of India announced a series of measures, including slashing corporate tax, to encourage investment and boost the economy, but the economy is yet to see any green shoots.

India's economy has structurally been over-dependent on sectors like manufacturing, but the manufacturing sector is not competitive enough to attract investment and boost the country's exports. Institutions like NITI Aayog has emphasized the need to focus on the services sector. In order to ease pressure on sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, and to

create more economic opportunities, service sector like tourism should be given priority considering its immense potential and labour-intensive nature.

There have been some steps in recent years to boost tourism, but challenges remain. India as a tourist destination is ranked (34th) low in the global tourism competitiveness index. As per the government estimate, foreign tourists arrivals in India grew by 5.2% in 2018.

10.55 million foreign tourists had visited the country last year as against 10.03 million in 2017. To gauge where we stand, compare these figures with a small country like Thailand, which had welcomed 38.3 million foreign tourists in 2018.

As the inbound tourism season kicks in, we spoke to some experts in the tourism industry for our cover story (page 18) to know their expectations from the season.

Besides, our November issue is packed with many informative and interesting features and news. For instance, we have a destination piece on Poland. I strongly feel that Indians should come out of their obsession with western Europe and think of other parts of Europe as their next destinations. Poland perfectly fits the bill if you are looking for new, unique experiences.

Finally, I extend my Season's Greetings' to all of you. Hope you have a great time ahead.

Enjoy reading!

Srishti Rai Editor

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NEWS 06

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The Postcard Hotel goes international 08

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VFS Global brings Belarus visa services to India with centres in five cities 09

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North-East India is the preferred destination for holiday goers: Survey 16

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2020 will be Year of IndiaChina Cultural and People to People Exchanges

NOVEMBER 2019 20

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Far East Hospitality rethinks luxury with the launch of the Clan Hotel 21

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MICE gaining momentum in Kolkata 22

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Manipur Tourism readying to bring the eco-tourism experience in the state 26

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Pioneering the concept of wellness 42

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Adopt passenger first approach: IATA

HIGHLIGHTS 18

18 COVER STORY

COVER STORY

Inbound Season: Tourism Industry keeps fingers crossed 24

FE ATURE

Poland: a destination with intriguing diversity 32

Turning The Grills on in Chattisgarh 34

32

FE ATURE

BITE CORNER

34

Culinary cauldron at Tiffany Blues 44

AROUND THE WORLD

Popular Festivals around the world in December 2019

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NEWS

news HOTELS | AIRLINES | TRADE | MORE TRAVEL TOURS EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN SOUTH INDIA Travel Tours, the leisure travel brand of FCM Travel Solutions - Indian subsidiary of Flight Centre Travel Group Australia, has launched their first ever store in Mangaluru to increase their presence in the south markets. is store will be Travel Tours’40th such store in India and 6th in Karnataka. e store was inaugurated by the chief guest M Ravalnath Prabhu.

Travel Tours aims to ensure their customers receive life-defining experiences every time they choose to travel with them. As such, the stores are designed to give consumers a convenient access to the best tour packages and options with unbeatable pricing and quality services in leisure Travel. e store at Bejai Road, Mangaluru offers a wide range of services such as Domestic and International Flights, Customized and Group Holidays, Hotels, Car Transfers, Visa, Cruise vacations, Honeymoon packages, Adventure hol-

Zone by The Park signs its first resort in Dimapur

idays and more.

Speaking about the store launch, Anand Menon, Brand Leader, Travel Tours, Leisure Travel Brand of FCM Travel Solutions, said, “Focusing on high potential markets like Mangaluru has proven to be a growth driver for Travel Tours. Mangaluru has a unique advantage of being a Tier-II city with a massive tourism potential, especially with its very own international airport.

by T NH DESK

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd’s upscale social catalyst brand, Zone by e Park has signed its newest property – Zone by e Park Dimapur, Nagaland. It is the eleventh property of Zone by e Park and the very first one in the North-Eastern part of the country.

Situated amidst the land of historical monuments of great archaeological value, Dimapur is a prominent tourist destination in North East. e newest addition by Zone by e Park is strategically located 6km away from the Dimapur Airport to ensure hassle-free commute option for business as well as leisure travellers. Zone by e Park, Dimapur will have 71 rooms including one Presidential Villa and two Indeby TNH DESK pendent Villas.

Airbnb partners with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation Airbnb has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF). Through the partnership, Airbnb and the PDKF will work together to help the members of PDKF become Airbnb hosts by sharing their homes or their passions with travelers from around the world, thereby creating economic empowerment opportunities for women in rural parts of Rajasthan that don’t typically benefit from such opportunities.

PDKF and Airbnb will also partner to create social impact experiences to promote local culture and unique handicrafts made by local

women in Rajasthan.

Today’s announcement highlights Airbnb’s ongoing efforts to boost tourism across India and empower underserved communities through tourism. The partnership builds on Airbnb’s existing efforts in India to promote healthy tourism and provide economic empowerment opportunities to communities in rural areas, including with the Self-Employed Women’s Association of India and North East Tourism Development Council. Airbnb will donate all profits accrued from the two social impact experiences to the PDKF to further empower rural Rajasthani women through the

organization’s initiatives.

“Rajasthan has a legacy of strong women who have overcome societal biases to prove their mettle right from the medieval times. It is only fitting, in this context, for us to develop a program, which will help our women become

by T NH DESK entrepreneurs.

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NEWS

The PosTcard hoTel goes inTernaTional On track to open 50 hotels in 5 years in experiential destinations across the world, the company has forayed into Sri Lanka and Bhutan.

Kapil Chopra Founder & CEO, The Postcard Hotel

The latest entrant in the Indian luxury hotel space, The Postcard Hotel, is all set to receive guests in Sri Lanka and Bhutan this November.

After a successful start of three hotels in Goa, the brand’s first international venture will be the stunning mountain setting of Bhutan and the historic town of Galle in Sri Lanka.

Globally no luxury brand has expanded this fast with international openings in its first year of operations.

With over Rs 1,000 crores of assets under management today and projects underway across South Asia, The Postcard Hotel is looking at owning or managing over USD 1 Billion (Rs 7,000 crores) of assets in 5 years. The Postcard Hotel is on track to open 50 hotels in 5 years in experiential destinations across the world. The investment will be an intelligent mix of buying off the asset, taking a long term lease on the asset or managing it as a management company. On an operational level,

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the hotels in Goa have been profitable since inception in December 2018, due to a strong focus on consumer preferences and highly personalised service.

The Postcard Dewa, will be the perfect base from which one can explore the magnificent landscape and culture of Bhutan. The newly built hotel with 15 suites, located with a spectacular hilltop view of the Thimphu valley and surrounding forests, aims to provide a sense of splendid seclusion, while being just a 20 minute drive from the city’s sights and sounds. The hotel is a comfortable 40 minute drive from the Paro international airport. As the only carbon negative country in the world, 72% of Bhutan is forest covered, and the landscapes provide constant opportunities for photography.

Bhutan actively promotes the idea of wellbeing and you feel it from the minute you arrive in this picturesque and serene country. From witnessing one of the world’s highest Buddha

statues, hiking up to sacred and ancient monasteries, or strolling around the national Chorten– you will feel blessed at every turn. The spectacular textiles and art of Bhutan are incomparable. In Thimphu, you could watch traditional thangkha painting – a fantastic mix of technique and divinity.

The Postcard Galle, positioned above a beautiful lagoon, offers 180 degree vistas of the Indian Ocean.

Inspired by the city that surrounds the hotel, this Postcard has 10 intimate suites offering the view and the sound of the ocean along with true Sri Lankan hospitality by passionate local experts.

The city of Galle is extraordinarily diverse. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Galle Fort; the vast range of beaches that cater to exciting water sports, including surfing, snorkelling, kayaking, or scuba diving; lively bars or complete relaxation on tranquil beaches.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

ANANTARA JOINS HANDS WITH VERITA HEALTHCARE GROUP Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has entered into a joint venture with Verita Healthcare Group to collaborate on a global network of integrated, propertybased health centres.

A Singapore based multinational company, Verita joins Anantara in signalling growing confidence in medical tourism within Thailand and beyond. The project recognises increasing demand for personalised innovative travel and wellness offerings that go beyond traditional fitness and spa services.

Following the initial collaboration in Bangkok, joint projects will be launched in Thailand and through-

out Asia Pacific.

Anantara’s first foray into healthcare, the Verita Health facility is currently in development at Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort and is scheduled to open in Q1 2020.

Staying true to Verita’s signature design the Health facility shall feature an inspiring Alpine aesthetic which effortlessly fuses with the tropical landscape of Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort. The

centre’s 677 sqm of modern luxury will feature dark IV infusion rooms with sleep-promoting light therapy, streamlined VIP suites, a meditative garden and ergonomically-designed private consultations pods.

William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, owning company of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, commented on the joint venture, “This partnership represents the coming to-

gether of one of the world’s largest and fastest growing luxury hotel brands with the world’s largest and fastest growing Next Generation Healthcare group. With the increasing demand for luxury tailored travel and wellness offerings, added to the fact that international wellness tourism on its own is expected to grow to USD1 Trillion by 2022 – we think the timing is perby TNH DESK fect”.

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NEWS

VFS GLOBAL BRINGS BELARUS VISA SERVICES TO INDIA WITH CENTRES IN FIVE CITIES Launched Visa Application Centres in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata V I N AY MALHOTRA R E G I O NAL GROUP COO, SOUTH ASIA, M I D D L E EAST AND CHINA, VFS GLOBAL

VFS Global has commenced Belarus visa services for the residents of India through centres in five cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata. is is the first time the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outsourced their visa services. e centres accept applications for Tourist, Business, and Private Visit visas across all these locations.

Prior to this, customers in India had to visit the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in New Delhi to apply for their Belarus visas.

Customers applying through VFS Global can access a range of optional ser-vices for a seamless visa application experience.

H.E. Andrei Rzheussky, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to India said, “Starting cooperation with VFS Global on visa issues in India is an important step of Belarus

in tourism development strategy in South Asia region. New approach of Belarus in this cooperation is reflecting the gradual tendency of travels facilitation between India and Belarus which is crucial for developing fruitful bilateral relations between our friendly countries.”

Vinay Malhotra, Regional Group COO – South Asia, Middle East and China, VFS Global said, “It is always exciting to commence our visa services for a new country and bring our travellers the best application experience we can offer. Footfall to Belarus has been growing in recent years, and we are looking forward to serving customers for Belarus in India.”

Belarus has recorded a steady increase in the number of Indians travelling to the desti-

VAC's key features:

Photo booth & photocopy facilities Internet kiosk Automated SMS & voice updates Hold-at-Location for flexibility of passport collection Courier return service Courier Assurance

nation in recent years, with an average of 1,200 applications being submitted annually.

by TNH DESK

ETIHAD UPGRADES ITS ABU DHABI-BEIRUT FLIGHTS Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner replaces Airbus A321 service from 27 October, 2019.

Etihad Airways has increased its capacity between Abu Dhabi and Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, by upgrading the current daily Airbus A321 service to a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner from 27 October, 2019. The step up from narrow body to wide body aircraft follows the announcement by the UAE

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the immediate removal of a travel ban to Lebanon for UAE citizens. Lifting this restriction, imposed in February 2016, is expected to spur a significant increase in demand for travel between the two capitals.

Etihad's upgraded flights are two-class Boeing 787-9s, the newest aircraft type in the airline’s fleet. These jets are configured to

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

seat 299 passengers in a mix of 28 Business Studios and 271 Economy Smart Seats, and feature product including the acclaimed E-Box entertainment system. The 787s will also provide a significant increase in cargo capacity.

Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “Lebanon is a critically important market for the UAE and for

its national airline, Etihad Airways.

When Etihad was launched in November 2003, Beirut was our first very first scheduled destination.”

by T NH DESK

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NEWS

NORTH-EAST INDIA IS THE PREFERRED DESTINATION FOR HOLIDAY GOERS: SURVEY Yatra.com its annual festive survey highlighting travel trends being followed by Indians across regions, this festive season. The survey results from 5000 respondents reveals that over 25% individuals are keen on exploring the north eastern states of India when compared to famous destinations such as Goa, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, to break away from the conventional monotony of city life this festive season.

There is always an uptick in demand for travel during festive season as individuals from different locations look forward to a budget friendly trip to domestic and international destinations or even visit their hometowns to spend time with their loved ones. This time, the survey reveals a growing demand for short haul trip to domestic destinations as a preferred choice for over 40% of individuals when asked to choose between international, religious destinations or hometowns.

Led by airline flash sales, the trend of booking in advance continues to be on rise with a whopping 52% respondents booking at least 1-3monthsin advance from their travel date.Over 30% respondents said choose 3-4-star hotels as accommodations over budget hotels, a rise in demand post government announcement for relaxation on GST rates. There has also been an in-

Sharat Dhall COO (B2C), Yatra.com

crease in the number of travelers willing to go for homestays and cottages as compared to data received in the survey conducted last year. While choosing accommodation, about 36.8% of them look for cleanliness of rooms and hotel hygiene, while 25.3% of them consider customer service to be an important element.

Another key observation derived out of the survey is that about 52% individuals prefer traveling with their families while 34% opt for their partners/spouses while booking their travel during festive season.

Commenting on the findings from the survey, Sharat Dhall, COO (B2C),

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

This festive season, 61% individuals are planning to take up a vacation 42% choose Indigo as their preferred domestic airline Facebook is the most popular social media platform amongst the travellers Over 80% of individuals do not opt for packages while making bookings for their travel

Yatra.com, “Over the last couple of years, we have witnessed a good mix of travellers choosing to visit their hometown or opting for a short trip to various destinations during festive breaks. The trend for short trips of 3-5 days has picked up, wherein travellers look for a budget trip, inclusive of activities such as sightseeing and shopping. We also see an increase in demand for accommodation with proximity to key tourist spots, showing a rise in experiential travel. Most of the airlines and hotels announce sales and offer festive discounts a few weeks prior to the festive season to tap into this growth in demand and this year has seen the same trend continue.”

The data from festive survey suggests that about 45% of people, go for the recommendations suggested by their friends while making their travel plans and about 43.8% go for online reviews of their preferred destinations.

Also, interestingly for over 35% of individuals, Kaju Barfi is the favoured variety of sweet during this festive

by T NH DESK season.

IHG SIGNS HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS BENGALURU BOMMASANDRA

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a management agreement with Thanishq Grande Hotels & Resorts Private Limited for Holiday Inn Express Bengaluru Bommasandra. The new-built hotel will feature

170 keys and is expected to be operational by Q4 2022. IHG currently operates three Holiday Inn Express hotels in Bengaluru, and the recent signing will further strengthen the brand’s presence in the city. The Holiday Inn Express

brand has recently gained significant momentum in the country with the opening of 10 hotels, across key cities, positioning IHG as a leading hospitality players in the midscale segby T NH DESK ment in India.

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NEWS

ORIENTAL SPICE REOPENS WITH EXCITING NEW MENU

EASEMYTRIP JOINS HANDS WITH MALAYSIA TOURISM TO PROMOTE THE DESTINATION

Oriental Spice, the Pan-Asian specialty restaurant at Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi has re-launched with an enriched new menu, elegantly appointed interiors and live kitchen. The new menu offersmouthwatering Pan-Asiandelicacies with a choice of Thai and Chinese. The fine dinewhich is open only for dinner has a live kitchen wherein guests can enjoy their meals cooked to perfection by master chefs. Under the supervision of Executive Chef Vikas Pant, Chef Bam Bahadur heads kitchen with a menu that features Dim Sum, Salads, Appetizers, Soups, Rice & Noodles, Mains and Desserts. by TNH DESK

TV ACTRESS ADAA KHAN JOINED THE TEAM FOR PROMOTING MALAYSIA TEaseMyTrip.com (EMT) has joined hands with Malaysia Tourism Board to promote the destination amongst Indian tourists and offer customized tour packages for Malaysia at attractive rates.

For promoting tourism in Malaysia, renowned TV actress Adaa Khan of Naagin series fame joined EaseMyTrip’s team.

Sulaiman Bin Suip, Director, Tourism Malaysia, New Delhi said, “It is indeed a great opportunity to associate with EaseMyTrip with an aim to boost tourism in an unexplored destination like Sabah through popular TV actress Ms. Adaa khan. Sabah is one of the most beautiful destinations in Malaysia. White sand, beautiful scenic view, crystal clear water along with mesmerizing marine life makes Sabah, an ultimate destination for perfect leisure time in Malaysia. is initiative would definitely help us to showcase a different side of Malaysia to the potential travelers.”

by TNH DESK

THE RITZ-CARLTON DEBUTS IN PUNE

THE RITZ-CARLTON, PUNE IS THE SECOND HOTEL OF THE CHAIN IN INDIA.

e Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C has announced the opening of e Ritz-Carlton, Pune, the second hotel in India from the iconic luxury hotel brand.

Situated in the heart of Pune’s captivating

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downtown and across from the prestigious Poona Club Golf Course, the hotel is ideally located for travelers seeking to take in the sights and unique experiences of this dynamic metropolis. With a rich storied history, Pune is commonly referred to as the Oxford of the East and is considered the epicenter of academia in the country. It’s carefully designed gardens, grand architecture and renowned museums, in addition to a diverse culinary scene and emerging start-up community, have increasingly made it a destination for regional and international travelers alike.

“We are extremely pleased to debut e Ritz-Carlton Pune in this city. is will be our 2nd ‘Ritz-Carlton’ branded opening in the country aer Bengaluru” said Neeraj Govil, Senior Vice President,

South Asia at Marriott International.

Set to elevate luxury in Pune, the hotel’s design reflects a seamless union of classical grandeur and timeless sophistication, offering both traditional and modern points of view. Small details such as design motifs inspired by Indian silhouettes and classic chandeliers gracefully evoke a sense of place. Celebrating the history and spirit of the city, guests will be invited every evening to raise a toast to the golden hour at Aasma, the hotel’s rooop lounge, where they can learn the meaning behind the venue’s name as they enjoy skyline views. e hotel features 198 elegantly appointed guestrooms, including 35plush suites, designed to be refined and relaxing sanctuaries that are also the largest in the city.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

AMAURY ENTHRALLS BENGALURU WITH HIS PASTRY ART AT WHITECAPS Bengaluru witnessed French pastry Chef Amaury Guichon, earlier this week at the Whitecaps International School of Pastry, where he displayed his art work in pastry. He was here to conduct a Masterclass on seven of his signature Petit Gateaux. Since 2017, Chef Amaury branched out on his own, traveling the world, teaching his Masterclasses in the finest Pastry Academies. He eventually became the most followed Pastry Chef on Social Media in the world, with almost a million followers on Facebook, and close to two million followers on Instagram.

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Chef Amaury Guichon started his culinary training at an early age. In 2005, at 14 years old, Amaury moved to France to

begin working in savory (BEP) at the Ecole Hoteliere Savoie Leman, where he trained for two years. The savory sector did not satisfy his passion for the culinary arts. Hence, he moved back to Switzerland to pursue training in pastry. Amaury completed and quickly succeeded 2 years of pastry (CAP) at Wolsberg College from 2007-2009. During those two years he was awarded 1st Place in the Apprentice Chocolate Showpiece Contest.

Discovering his love for working with chocolate, he moved to Paris to complete and excel in the last portion of his pastry education (BTM), at Lenotre. During these two years he won the gold medal of “Best Apprentice of France� ill de France.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is the cleanest hotel in SDMC’s Central Zone Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla has been ranked first amongst all the South Delhi Municipal Corporation’s Central Zone hotels. SDMC had conducted a zone-wise Swachh Sarvekshan for all the hotels falling under its jurisdiction with an objective of inculcating a spirit of healthy competition among them to become Delhi's cleanest hotel, in order to give impetus to Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

A survey team in every zone was constituted comprising the DHO, license inspector, sanitary

inspector and a junior engineer to evaluate the hotels on various parameters such as: waste segregation within the premises, waste processing facility like composting, basic cleanliness and sanitation in rooms, and separate toilet facilities for men, women and differently-abled citizens.

Ranjan Banerjee, GM, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla said, “Our team at Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla is extremely delighted to receive this acknowledgement from South Delhi Municipal Corporation.” by T NH DESK

Ranjan Banerjee GM, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla

INSIGHT VACATIONS CELEBRATES NEW 2020 EUROPE AND BRITAIN COLLECTION

GINGER PARTNERS WITH INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT, AURANGABAD Gingerhas announced its partnership with the Institute of Hotel Management-Aurangabad (IHM-A), one of the country’s top hotel management institutions, to launch the ‘Ginger Leadership Program’ that will enable IHM-Aurangabad students to achieve Hotel Manager positions, akin to General Manager positions, in a short span of five years.

Speaking about the program, Deepika Rao, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ginger said,“The Ginger Leadership Program has been created specifically to meet the career aspirations of young talent in hospitality. Our partnership with IHMAurangabad underlines our commitment to build a strong talent pool of hospitality professionals in the country, who will be valuable assets to Ginger”.

Through the program, within a period of two years, a potential candidate will progress in the job to the level of Assistant Hotel Manager with leadership inputs, eventually leading to the position of Hotel Manager by the end of the fifth year. The pre-selection process for this program has been digitally enabled in partnership with Global Gyan Academy of Manby TNH DESK agement Education.

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Insight Vacations is excited to get clients up close and personal with the launch of their new 2020 Europe and Britain collection with 100+ magical journeys including 5 brand new trips.

Also, new for 2020 is Insight Choice, where guests can choose their own adventures. On the majority of this year’s European guided journeys, Insight’s Travel Directors will offer clients the choice of two included experiences. Guests can choose experiences reflecting their varied interests from art, fashion, food, local traditions and nature excursions.

New for 2020 is an exclusive Insight Experiencein Spain, a visit to the Cristina Heeren Foundation in Seville, a private flamenco school and beneficiary of a TreadRight Foundation grant which provides scholarships to deserving students. by TNH DESK

Vi st a ra l a u n c h e s d aily flights to T h i r u va n a n t h a p u ra m Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier, today announced the addition of Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) to its rapidly expanding network with daily direct flights to and from the National capital, Delhi, starting 9 November 2019. Thiruvananthapuram becomes Vistara’s second destination in Kerala after Kochi and the 33rd destination in its network. The airline announced introductory, all-inclusive, one-way Economy fares starting INR 5,299 and INR 21,999 for Business Class.

Vinod Kannan, Chief Strategy Officer, Vistara, said, “Kerala continues to witness exponential growth in business, industries and tourism and it has now also emerged as one of India’s top start-up destinations too. We are delighted to further strengthen our presence in Kerala with operations in Thiruvananthapuram, another important gateway to the state. This is also in alignment with our network strategy given the strong demand for both

by TNH DESK business as well as leisure travel.”

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NEWS

FHRAI AND OTHER ASSOCIATIONS JOIN NRAI IN THE #LOGOUT MOVEMENT

#Logout movement is a protest against deep discounting and other predatory policies employed by the food service aggregators.

e Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Association of India (FHRAI), the apex body of the Hotel Industry in India, comprising of HRANI, HRAWI, SIHRA & HRAEI, has extended its whole-hearted support to the #Logout movement initiated by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) in August, 2019. Along with FHRAI, several other associations such as AHAR, ane Hotel Association, Pune Restaurants & Hotel Association (PRAHA), NHRA, Vadodara Food Entrepre-

neurs (VFE) have also unitedly joined the #Logout movement.

NRAI and FHRAI are two national representative bodies of the Industry and their coming together as a group is a very significant development meant to send out a strong message to the FSAs about their highly-detrimental and predatory trade practices. “e group recognizes the need for a peaceful co-existence of the Hotel and Restaurant Industry with ecommerce aggregators, but is also very clear that the terms of engagement between the two sides have to be equal at all times, that no one can usurp the role of the other, and aggregators cannot dom-

JustMyRoots

LAUNCHED

Gurbxish Singh Kohli, President HRAWI & VP, FHRAI

inate the Industry or conduct its business in a manner that is detrimental or negatively impacts the Industry’s growth or profits,” says Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, President, HRAWI & Vice President,

by TNH DESK FHRAI.

Vistara switches to steVia-based tata NX zero sugar for calorie aNd sugar-coNscious traVellers

In its pursuit of offering products most sought aer by customers, Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier and a Tata Sons - Singapore Airlines JV, announced that it has replaced a sucralose-based sweetener with Tata Nx Zero Sugar, which is Stevia-based and made from 100% natural ingredients and does not contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame.

Tata Nx Zero Sugar is made from Stevia herb extract and lactose. Stevia is a non-nutritive sweetener which is derived from the leaves of a plant named Stevia rebaudiana thus making is

by TNH DESK a naturally occurring sweetener.

INDIA’S FIRST INTERSTATE PERISHABLE FOOD DELIVERY FOR CONSUMERS JustMyRoots.com is the first Food tech platform in the country that connects people back to their roots through food. Once you are away from home, withJustmyroots.com you can still browse for food that comes directly from your home or home town.

Justmyroots.com is a pioneer in Interstate Perishable Food Delivery. ey use patented packaging solution to keep the food chilled and fresh with no preservatives. With their unique packaging, the food is maintained between 5 to 8 degree Centigrade. With ambitions to become pan India and international player, their service is currently in cities Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Jaipur, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad and Chandigarh.

Samiran Sengupta, CEO & Founder, Justmyroots.com says, “With Justmyroots.com you are never away from either your favourite restaurant or your nostalgic dish cooked by your mom, we have perfected the art of interstate perishable food delivery without adding preservatives or freezing

by TNH DESK the food.”

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RCI INDIA LAUNCHES THE ‘ALL SET’ CAMPAIGN IN INDIA On the occasion of World Tourism Day, the global leader in holiday exchange and part of the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands announced the launch of new brand campaign – ‘ALL SET’. The campaign is in line with RCI’s core values of keeping customer in the center and providing informed choices to customers towards fulfilled holidays.

RCI’s objective behind the campaign is to engage with existing and prospective travelers, communicating RCI’s key offerings and delivering on providing world-class vacation to travelers.

The digital campaign will be on for three months on the official RCI website and across high-impact social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, building awareness and to create engagement. The All-Set campaign is born out of Customer Insights on vacation exchange providing the best options for families. In order to have a funfilled and relaxed vacation, families look for resorts which needs minimal planning at scenic locations inclusive of great amenities and activities galore.

Holidaying with RCI resorts give families a spacious and safe environment with a feel of a second home and choosing a lifetime of vacations where everything is already ‘set’ for the families.

With the campaign, RCI also revealed top 10 destinations that are increasingly seeing tractions from travelers – Within India - Goa, Coorg, Andaman, Munnar and Ooty and also international destinations such Malaga (Spain), Dubai (UAE), Maldives, Las Vegas (United States of America)

by TNH DESK and Sri Lanka.

MakeMyTrip with TripAdvisor offers global experiences to outbound Indian travellers MakeMyTrip has announced an agreement with TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, to integrate international experiences that Indian travellers can book across 100 overseas markets. Indian travellers looking to discover the world will now have over 250,000 bookable tours and activities from TripAdvisor to choose from when they visit MakeMyTrip’s ‘Experiences and Activities’ section. Currently live on mobile app, this new offering allows consumers to have greater flexibility and price transparency when making travel decisions across a wide range of activities to enrich their travel. ese include traditional sightseeing, food tours, day trips, and other local experiences. e number of Indians travelling overseas is expected to grow twofold, making India one of the fastest growing outbound travel markets globally. rough this partnership, MakeMyTrip aims to maximise its reach to the 25 million Indian travellers going overseas, and help enhance their overall journey with a wide selection of in-destination experiences. Aside from choice and convenience, travellers will also benefit from paying in their home currency, removing the hassle of navigating exchange

by TNH DESK rates.

VISTARA INAUGURATES SERVICE TO UDAIPUR Vistara has inaugurated its daily direct service between Mumbai and Udaipur, marking its entry into Rajasthan. The airline will also start flying on the Delhi-Udaipur route from 29 October 2019. The airline celebrated the occasion with customers and other stakeholders.

Customers from Udaipur can take convenient one-stop connections via Mumbai and Delhi to destinations across India as well as

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to cities abroad that the airline flies to.

Vistara’s Chief Strategy Officer Vinod Kannan, said on the occasion, “We are delighted to bring the world-class flying experience of Vistara to Udaipur, the city of lakes that draws people from around the globe. We are confident that our service to Udaipur from Mumbai and Delhi will fuel the tourism growth in the city and our international operations will complement this even further.”

Earlier this week, Vistara announced the addition of Patna and Khajuraho to its network, and it started flying international from August 2019 with daily flights to Singapore,

by TNH DESK Dubai and Bangkok.

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GoAir's non-stop flights to Singapore from Bengaluru, Kolkata Also introduces non-stop flights to Aizawl GoAir is launching its non-stop flights to Singapore from Bengaluru and Kolkata. Starting 18th October 2019, GoAir will operate Bengaluru – Singapore – Bengaluru flights four days in a week and effective 19th October 2019, GoAir will operate the Kolkata – Singapore – Kolkata flights three days in a week. Apart from the new international destination, GoAir also announced daily flights to its 25th domestic destination- Aizawl in Mizoram.

GoAir’s inaugural flight G8 27 on 18th October 2019 from Bengaluru to Singapore will take-off from Kempegowda International Airport at 19:45 hours and reach Singapore on 19th October 2019 at 03:20 hours. e return flight G8 28 will depart from Singapore's Changi Airport on 19th October 2019 at 04:50 hrs and will arby TNH DESK rive in Bengaluru at 07:35 hrs.

ETIHAD UNVEILS MANCHESTER CITY FC LIVERY ON NEW DREAMLINER Etihad Airways marked the arrival of its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with unveiling a special livery design honouring its prestigious partnership with Manchester City Football Club.

The aircraft was delivered to Etihad in Abu Dhabi on 18 October 2019, ahead of its inaugural flight to Manchester Airport. On arrival, the flight and its passengers were met by Omar Berrada, Chief Operating Officer for Manchester City, City legend Joleon Lescott, Karen Bardsley and mascots for a welcome ceremony to mark the historic occasion. Guests travelling on the inaugural flight were given City branded merchandise on arrival.

In the coming months, the specially painted City Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner will also be scheduled to fly in and out of destinations including Manchester, Jordan, Spain, Indonesia and China.

TRAVEL MONEY OFFERS AFFORDABLE REMITTANCE TO INDIAN STUDENTS Travel Money, the foreign exchange brand of FCM Travel Solutions is introducing their affordable student remittance service for Indian students going abroad for higher education.

Student wanting to go overseas can remit money via Travel Money’s Student Remittance service and receive more affordable rates than the ones offered anywhere else. Travel Money has witnessed an almost 41% growth in their educational remittance business in the last year and are committed towards advancing this segment further with their remittance scheme.

Gagan Malhotra, Brand Leader, Travel Money, Foreign Exchange Brand of FCM Travel Solutions, said, “We have seen a surge in the Student Remittance business in the last 3-4 years. Growing at a healthy rate, the business is expected to continue to flourish. The primary drivers for this have been better employment oppor-

Gagan Malhotra Brand Leader, Travel Money, Foreign Exchange brand of FCM Travel Solutions

tunities, rise in income levels, easy access to educational loans as well as proactive push from foreign countries to attract Indian students. Our student remittance program focuses on helping parents and students transfer funds smoothly and at reasonable rates.

by T NH DESK

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2020 WILL BE YEAR OF INDIA-CHINA CULTURAL AND PEOPLE TO PEOPLE EXCHANGES India has liberalised its e-visa policy for Chinese nationals, enabling them to apply for e-Tourist visa of a 5-year validity with multiple entries.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping held their Second Informal Summit in Chennai, on 11-12 October 2019, where they had an indepth exchange of views on the issues of bilateral, global and regional importance. ey discussed how India-China bilateral interaction can be deepened to reflect the growing role of both countries on the global stage. Underlining that both countries are important contemporary civilizations with great traditions, both Leaders agreed to enhance dialogue in order to foster cultural understanding between the people of the two nations. e two leaders discussed the age-old commercial linkages and people-to-people contacts between India and China in the past two millennia. PM Modi and President Jinping also decided to establish sister-state relations between Tamil Nadu and Fujian Province. T 2020: Year of India-China Cultural Exchanges Both leaders have decided to designate 2020 as Year of India-China Cultural and People to People Exchanges. ey have agreed that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of India-China relations in 2020 will be fully utilized to

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deepen exchanges at all levels including between their respective legislatures, political parties, cultural and youth organizations and militaries. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations the two countries will organize 70 activities including a conference on a ship

voyage that will trace the historical connection between the two civilizations.

E-visa liberalized for Chinese nationals A day before the Second Informal Summit of the two leaders, the Indian Embassy in Beijing announced the Government of India's decision to liberalise its e-visa policy for Chinese nationals.

Now, Chinese nationals can apply for an e-Tourist visa (e-TV) of a 5-year validity with multiple entries. e visa fee for this 5-year multiple entry e-TV will be US$ 80.

Besides, it has also been decided that prospective tourists can avail single entry 30-day validity e-TV at a reduced visa fee of US$ 25. For a 30 day e-TV during the months of April to June, the visa fee will be only US$ 10. e oneyear multiple-entry e-TV will continue to be offered but at a reduced visa fee of

by T NH DESK US$ 40.

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INBOUND SEASON

COVER STORY

TOURISM INDUSTRY KEEPS FINGERS CROSSED

India's Inbound Tourism is going through a challenging phase. As the industry gears up for the new inbound season, it hopes that the recent government measures will help boost inbound arrivals.

SN Srivastava Clarks Inn Group of Hotels

Aditi Balbir Founder and CEO, V Resorts

Anil Kumar Prasnna CEO, AxisRooms

By Prem Kumar

e winter in India is traditionally regarded as the peak season for the country's Inbound tourism. For foreign nationals, the season is the best time to visit the country as the weather in most places is pretty cool and pleasant. With the onset of the winter season, the country's travel and hospitality industry is all set to welcome the expected seasonal influx of foreign visitors. Some are also betting on the certain recent steps by the government such as a cut in GST rate for hotels and visa liberalization to give a fillip to tourist arrivals in India. But there are challenges, the biggest one probably is the state of the global economy, which is witnessing a slowdown, then is the conundrum of the Brexit affecting businesses from the UK, therefore, not everyone is upbeat about the inbound season.

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As the Inbound tourism sets in, TnH spoke to experts and entrepreneurs in the travel and tourism to know their expectations from the season and gauge the impact of the government's recent steps to promote tourism. At the outset, we spoke to SN Srivastava, President & Co-Founder of Clarks Inn Group of Hotels. Recounting the tourism story of the last decade, Srivastava said, "e last financial crisis over a decade ago had put a stop to the great juggernaut India tourism had witnessed during 20032007 period in inbound arrivals. With a state of recession already looming large, I don’t see the inbound season to be much promising."

Anil Kumar Prasanna, CEO of AxisRooms also shares a similar sentiment. "ings are not quite well at present for inbound tourism, most of the chartered

tour companies are not doing well. e collapse of omas Cook UK is also affecting our business from the UK. e recent measure to encourage tourists from China and easing visa norms for Chinese travellers is a good counterstrategy but we still need to see how much this measure would boost the inbound arrivals. e addition of the new overseas routes by airlines may help the industry to focus on new markets."

According to Visha Khosla, General Manager, Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia, the Tourism industry in India has become the latest victim of the global economic slowdown. "e slowdown in India, Brexit in the UK, fears of recessions in Europe and the US have are discouraging people to travel. Flexible and lowpriced VISA offered by destinations like ailand, Sri Lanka and Vietnam and

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COVER STORY

their better infrastructure and hygiene, coupled with economical accommodations give them a competitive edge over India, making our country less attractive," said Khosla. However, he noted that recent VISA reforms and cut in GST rate are good steps to encourage inbound tourists and will benefit Goa and his hotel in a big way.

A few like Aditi Balbir, Founder and CEO of V Resorts, is optimistic about the new inbound season. According to her, the friendly and liberal visa initiatives by the government will boost demand and foreign tourist arrivals in the new season.

Robust market plan needed Noting that there is immense potential in the tourism sector for investment,

growth and employment generation, Srivastava emphasized that there is a need for a stronger enabling environment that will help propel this sector.

"We have definitely witnessed an uptick in the sector. However, a lot more can be achieved, from growing the overall travel and hospitality market. Whether domestic or inbound, I think we still have some way to go in areas like taxation, brand and image management, and aggressive destination marketing, among others," stated the Co-founder of Clarks Inn Group, adding further, "What we need is a robust market development plan for not just the newer source markets but also for our key existing inbound markets because even in these markets, we are only scratching the surface. Our numbers from countries like Russia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Malaysia etc. can be grown considerably, even more from China that has emerged

as the world’s biggest tourism source market with around 150 million overseas travellers but contributes just about 250,000 visitors to India’s FTAs!" The GST cut Besides cuts in corporate tax, the GST Council recently provided reliefs to some segments of hotels by slashing the GST rate, which have been welcomed by the industry. Commenting on these measures, Srivastava said, "We do appreciate the government’s decision to reduce the GST tax slab for over Rs 7500/- tariff from 28% to 18%. is is a step in the right direction. But it needs to be in the lowest slab if the government’s objective is to grow tourism." He termed the reduction in corporate tax as significant, timely and a step in the right direction. "It is doing a world of good to the corporates and their spending sentiments. Now they have extra cash and do not need to be austere," Srivastava added.

Anil Kumar Prasanna of AxisRooms is of the view that the GST relief has come a bit late but added that this will have some uptake on the hotel occupancy.

Welcoming the cut in the GST rate for hotels, Aditi Balbir said, "is step will boost tourism. Companies like ours will pass on a percentage of the benefit to the travel partners and the rest can be utilized to improve the guest experience." Visha Khosla also welcomed the announcement of the GST cut, saying, "It has come at an opportune time and will definitely boost tourism. Hotels are already seeing better traction and I am optimistic that this trend will continue."

According to the MoT, India received 6,882,940 foreign tourists in JanuaryAugust 2019 as compared to 6,743,819 in the same period in 2018, growing by 2.1%. FTAs had grown by 5.2% in 2018.

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FAR EAST HOSPITALITY RETHINKS LUXURY WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE CLAN HOTEL

Ms Clairie Chian, Mr Arthur Kiong, Ms Christina Lee, Mr Gill Ishwinder Singh

Slated to be launched in Q2 2020, The Clan Hotel’s first property in Singapore is a modern luxury hotel with a nostalgic story to tell.

Far East Hospitality, Singapore’s leading operator of hotels and serviced residences, today held a press conference at ITB Asia 2019, where Arthur Kiong, Chief Executive Officer, Far East Hospitality, introduced upcoming modern luxury hotel – The Clan Hotel Singapore. The latest brand to be added to Far East Hospitality’s portfolio, The Clan Hotel anchors the group’s vision in rethinking what luxury means for a new generation of travellers.

Travellers aged between 25 and 44 years old make up an average 41% of international visitor arrivals recorded over the last 6 months1. This is an upand-coming generation with 57% 2

placing travelling and seeing the world at the top of their list of aspirations. “Discerning and savvy, they are willing to pay Wooden beer barrels wheeled in at press conference reasonably more to enjoy unique or memorable experiences. This new generation of of place— staying true to our custravellers defines luxury beyond the tomer-centric approach of Singaporetraditional sense,” said Kiong. inspired hospitality.”

He added, “To meet the growing Slated to open in Q2 2020, The Clan momentum of experience-driven Hotel Singapore is the first property to travel, we challenged ourselves to inlaunch under the new brand. A modern troduce a new perspective on luxury luxury hotel, The Clan Hotel Singawith The Clan Hotel. Through carepore draws inspiration from a bygone fully curated touchpoints, we want to era and the pioneering spirit of hope, connect more travellers to unique exaspiration and comradeship that preperiences that deliver both a deeper vailed and built this nation. Every ascultural connection and a strong sense pect of the hotel is designed with authentic touches to evoke a sense of kinship and community—where guests are treated as insiders, and part of a club with like-minded people.

The 324-room property has an inventory comprising four room types: Superior Room, Deluxe Room, as well as the Premier and Grand Premier Room, which are part of the hotel’s MASTER Series rooms that offer highly customised services to inspire a sense of belonging at every step of the guest’s travel journey.

The Clan Keeper Aik Beng Chia's photos of The Clan Hotel Singapore and its surrounding human stories

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

by TNH DESK

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MICE gaining momentum in Kolkata

West Bengal tourism is showcasing the unique cultural delights of the state to hard-sell the state as a popular tourist destination.

Atri Bhattacharya Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism

By Swaati Chaudhury

West Bengal, the only state in the country to run from the ocean to the sky, has a plethora of tourism diversity including culture, heritage, natural beauty and wildlife. In contemporary times, the capital city of the state has the finest convention centre in South-East Asia that will beckon MICE tourists umpteen number of times.

Speaking at the recently held annual convention of IATO in Kolkata, Atri Bhattacharya, Principal Secretary, West Bengal Tourism, said, “MICE tourism has gained momentum in Kolkata and there are 46 bookings

for the next year. e growth rate of tourism in the state has not slowed down as compared to other states of India. Tourists visiting Kolkata get to have a glimpse of the changing face of the city. With the spurt in domestic tourists, tourism is thriving in Bengal.

e tourist getaways like Ayodhya, Purulia, Bankura, Malda, Murshidabad andVishnupur are all accessible by road.

Bengal needs air connectivity to the Western world. e state has the worldrenowned Darjeeling tea, the riverine plains, the Sundarbans – the home to Royal Bengal tiger and there are cruises that form our arteries.” e state government runs 32 properties across the state and plans are on to add 600 more rooms by the year-end.

Bhattacharya said, “We are developing the historical circuit and apart from the tribal culture, the state possesses cultural diversity like BasantUtsav in Shantiniketan, SangeetMela and Vishnupur Classical Music Festival. Chinese New Year is observed with great fervour in China Town. Some of the one-of-a-kind cultural delights include Vishnu RaasManch. ere is also MishtiHaat that displays the sweet delicacies of Bengal from popular houses like Banchharam and KC Das. e best street cuisine in India is undoubtedly in Bengal.” e pristine beauty of Dooars is alluring and there are reserve forests and wildlife sanctuaries. Bhattacharya further said, “We are going slowly in developing wildlife tourism in Dooars owing to human-animal conflict. e state has 58 trekking routes forming Himalayan trails.”

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MANIPUR TOURISM READYING TO BRING THE ECO-TOURISM EXPERIENCE IN THE STATE

Manipur Sangai Festival and Shirui Lily Festival are some out-of-the-box ecotourism festivals in contemporary India.

By Swaati Chaudhury

For wannabe travellers who would like to experience something new, the mountain destination of Manipur has some big surprise. The department of tourism, Manipur is going all out to host Manipur Sangai Festival sometime from November 24 to 30, this year.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 35th IATO Annual General Convention,Dr. YumnamSuraj Singh, Deputy Secretary, Government of Manipur and Deputy Director, Manipur

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

Dr. YumnamSuraj Singh, Deputy Secretary, Government of Manipur and Deputy Director, Manipur Tourism

Tourism explained, “We intend to provide info to travel groups about the kind of adventure tourism on offer at Manipur Sangai Festival.During the festive days, we organize International Polo Festival at Imphaland there will be around five global polo companies participating in the festival this year. Apart from these, we have roped in Muay Thai- the national sports of Thailand.”

The festival receives a plethora of global and domestic travellers as well. Singh said, “There has been around 158 per cent jump in global tourists in Manipur over past one year. On the contrary, the growth of domestic travellers has been about 31 per cent over past five years.”

Besides, for the first time, the department of tourism is promoting Shirui Lily Festival in a big way.

Shirui Lily being the state flower of Manipur, the festival is on from October 16 to 19. Singh further said, “Shirui Lily is an endangered floral species that grows on hill slopes at a height of about 8,500 ft. The floral species does not grown on plains. We are trying to boost the festival in order to conserve the rare species and this time, the festival will be plasticfree.”

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F E AT U R E

POLAND:

A DESTINATION WITH INTRIGUING DIVERSITY

By Prem Kumar

Located in Eastern-Central Europe, Poland is increasingly becoming a popular tourist destination in the world. A country rich in history, art and culture, Poland was historically a hotspot for many international activities such as trade and politics. A melting pot of multiple cultures, Poland serves as a gateway between the East and the West.

Emerging as a popular destination in Central Europe for international tourists, Today's Poland, a member of the European Union, exemplarily blends modernity with traditional charm. e country offers a great alternative for Indian travellers to look beyond western Europe for new attractions and experiences.

For its uniqueness, novelty, traditional charm, incredible facilities and hospitable people, visiting Poland worth your time and money. A destination very much cost-effective, Poland is an affordable destination where you can easily afford to stay in five-star hotels or resorts. e country promises you to give a memorable experience.

ATTRACTIONS

When in Poland you must include Kraków in your must-visit places.

Known for its charming and captivating landscapes, Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with its history dating back to the 7th century. A well-preserved city, Kraków has scores of glorious history and architecture. Such is the charm of the city that if you have been there once, you would wish to return there again. en is the capital city of Poland, Warsaw, a thriving and full of go metropolis filled with things that are incredible and exciting. Warsaw of today is

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a thriving, colourful place that attracts travellers from all over the world. Besides the Polish capital, visitors can explore some other notable cities like Wrocław, Poznań and Łódź.

Poland’s Baltic coast is incredibly beautiful. Poland's Tri-city Area of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia offers an incredible amalgamation of the country's natural beauty, arts and culture, history and beaches, all fascinating and phenomenal. Some of the best features of Poland’s Baltic coast are present in these areas. Poland has an incredibly versatile natural environment. With the Baltic Sea in its north, northern Poland boasts of its beautiful sandy beaches and busy harbours, and many lakes.

One of the most famous old districts in Poland and a historic district in Kraków, Kraków Old Town (a UNESCO's World Heritage site) was the center of Poland's political life from 11th to 16th centuries. e historic town today is famous for its soaring Gothic church spires and cobblestone streets.

Scores of imposing castles and places dot the landscapes of Poland, many of them included in the UNESCO's World Heritage site list. Every architectural piece has its own story to tell. erefore, if you are in Poland, don't miss to visit these grand structures to have a deeper understanding of Polish history and its heritage.

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F E AT U R E

growing gradually. With the launch of direct flights between Delhi and Warsaw by LOT Polish Airlines, we are sure that the number of Indian travellers visiting Pollard will increase further," said Rafal Milczarski, CEO, LOT Polish Airlines. He was recently in New Delhi to inaugurate LOT's flight between New Delhi and Warsaw.

Milczarski said that LOT is a leader in central Europe and have scripted many turnaround stories in the past. We have grown tremendously in terms of expansion of routes and fleet, passenger amenities. Our feet are quite modern.

For Indians, we can also serve as a gateway for Western Europe such as London, Paris."

Country Profile

Poland, officially the Republic of Poland Capital: Warsaw, the country's largest metro Population: Approx 38.5 million people It's the sixth most populous member of EU Languages: Polish (main) and others Currency: The Polish Zloty

CULTURE

A country rich in incredible traditions, Poland boasts of its fascinating cultures and cuisines. Polish culture and ways of life are multifaceted and remarkably intriguing that bring amazing vibrancy to the day-to-day life in the country. For tourists visiting the country, besides incredible hospitality and breathtaking sights to enjoy, there are a whole lot of cultural activities to enjoy, including nightlife, music, dance, museums, art galleries, and much more things. Poland is a very hospitable country, with traditions and modernity going hands to hands. Many regions and cities of Poland are known for their culinary culture. Vodka is considered the most im-

portant drink in Poland.

Language is not a problem for tourists in Poland. Although Polish is the official language of Poland and the first language for 97% of the polish population, the country has sufficient Englishspeaking people to guide foreign tourists from countries like India. Although a part of the E.U., Poland has retained its own currency (e Polish Zloty) that has a favourable exchange rate.

"We are an open, safe and hospitable destination offering tourists incredible experiences at a phenomenally attractive price. India is a very important country for us to promote tourism in Poland. We are observing that the number of Indians visiting Poland is low as of now, but

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NEWS

PIONEERING THE CONCEPT OF WELLNESS

By Swaati Chaudhury

AN INCREASING NUMBER OF NEW-AGE TRAVELLERS ARE PREFERRING WELLNESS HOLIDAYS TO REVITALIZE THEMSELVES AND ATMANTAN WELLNESS RESORT HAS GEARED UP TO CATER TO THEIR NEEDS. For luxury travellers who have a penchant for fitness, here’s all you wanted to know about India’s premier integrated wellness destination. With the change in the concept of leisure holidays giving way to health vacation, the property- Atmantan Wellness Resort based in Pune

came up in 2016.

Nikhil Kapur, Founder Director, Atmantan Wellness Resort, commented, “In contemporary age, holidays are being utilized as opportunities to become robust, increase one’s vitality and fix lifestyle related problems and this was a sound business opportunity for us. These days, enticing domestic tourists is far less challenging since they have high level of awareness. We receive travellers not only from metros but from tier-II and tier-III cities of India. The domestic tourists visit our property for relaxation, detox,

Nikhil Kapur Founder Director, Atmantan Wellness Resort

weight management and lifestyle-related diseases like diabetes, hypertension, inflammatory conditions,

hormonal issues and autoimmune disorders. Indian travellers adore Bollywood and realizing that their heart throbs have achieved transformation on their wellness vacation, they tread on the same path.”

The luxury wellness group intends to set up an eco-system of wellness properties across the country and in foreign shores.

Kapur said, “We are working on to sign two properties under different brand in the country that will open its doors sometime in the third quarter of 2020.

Plans are on to foray into Dubai and Muscat but things are at a nascent stage. We have in mind to take our Atmantan brand on the global platform and establish one such brand in every continent. Our global travellers make up around 17 per cent of our overall mix of guests and we have a target to grow to 30 per cent by 2022.”

by T NH DESK

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CHANGI AIRPORT OFFERS FREE JEWEL TOURS FOR TRANSIT PASSENGERS Indian travellers on layover at Singapore Changi Airport will now be able to get on a guided tour of Jewel Changi Airport, the Singapore airport’s latest experiential offering which was introduced to the world in April this year. Changi Airport Group, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Airlines, has introduced a new Jewel tour itinerary as part of the airport’s Free Singapore Tour1 (FST) offerings. Open to transit passengers with a minimum 5.5hour layover and relevant visa approvals to enter Singapore, this complimentary tour takes travellers through the many features of the highly celebrated Jewel, including a

closer look at its architectural wonder and dynamic array of entertainment, dining, as well as retail offerings.

India is the sixth largest market for Changi Airport. With over 230 weekly services, India ranked as the strongest growth market witnessing 4.8 million passenger movements in 2018, with a 12% increase year-on-year. Two Jewel tours are conducted daily, one in the morning (10:30 AM – 1:00 PM) and another in the evening (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM), led by an experienced guide. Both tours feature the iconic highlights of Jewel - the Forest Valley and Rain Vortex, offer local food samplings and culminate

in a free entry to Jewel’s Canopy Park, which is normally a paid attraction. The evening tour includes a viewing of the popular light and sound show, where visitors will see the Rain Vortex transform into a

spectacular performance. Guests of the tours will also be able to purchase Changi Experience Studio (CES) tickets at a discount from the usual standard rate for foreigner

by T NH DESK tourists.

INDIGO LAUNCHES FLIGHTS CONNECTING KOLKATA AND HANOI Consolidating its position as the leading Indian carrier, IndiGo recently commenced operations to - the land of natural landscapes, ancient history and vibrant culture - Vietnam. The airline inaugurated the first direct flight on Kolkata-Hanoi route, making Hanoi IndiGo’s 19thinternational and 75thoverall destination.Vietnam is the 5thSoutheast Asian country in the 6E network after successful operations to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and its recent flights to Myanmar.

William Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo said, “We are delighted

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to commence our operations to Hanoi on the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja. This inaugural flight is a step towards Government’s “Act East” vision and we will continue to expand in the east as part of our international strategy. Our connections to Vietnam will not only enable increased tourist footfall in both the countries but also connect the Buddhist community in Vietnam with important religious cities in India, Myanmar and China through Kolkata. We are happy to see the tremendous response on this flight.”

by T NH DESK

SEYCHELLES TOURISM STRENGTHENS ITS OUTREACH IN INDIA Seychelles Tourism Board successfully conducted three-city roadshow in Chennai, Ahmedabad & Delhi on 16th, 18th and 20th September 2019 respectively, to strengthen its outreach among the travel trade fraternity in India. To retain the growth momentum of Indian arrivals into Seychelles, the tourism board along with destination management companies, hotels on main as well as private islands and Air Seychelles connected with around 225 prominent travel & tour companies of India. This interactive roadshow platform with prefixed meetings allowed trade partners and travel agents to network and learn more about the diverse product offerings and experiences that

by T NH DESK Seychelles has to offer.

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NEWS

NYC & COMPANY SPOTLIGHTS NYC AS LEADING CONVENTION AND MEETINGS DESTINATION NYC & Company, the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City, spotlights destination news, strategic convention development plans and product updates.

“Meetings generate incredible value for businesses and communities while contributing meaningfully to the US economy,” said NYC & Company president and CEO Fred Dixon. “In my new role as Meetings Mean Business co-chair in 2020, I’m pleased to elevate the importance of this crucial industry segment while also spotlighting New York City’s prowess as one of the leading US destinations for meetings and conventions.

“NYC & Company is

pleased to promote the unique value proposition of convening in New York City. When a planner chooses to ‘Make it NYC,’ the results will exceed expectation and inspire imagination,” said Jerry Cito, executive vice president, Convention Development, at NYC & Company.

Recent destination developments include the May openings of the Statue of Liberty Museum, Empire Outlets—the first outlet shopping center in the five boroughs, set on the Staten Island waterfront—and the long-anticipated 512-room TWA Hotel at JFK International Airport. Jointly, the three represent enthralling new attractions for delegates and a convenient, glamorous new Queens

conference hotel, accessible via JetBlue’s terminal. is October the Museum of Modern Art will reopen

aer a 40,000-square-foot expansion of its gallery space.

by T NH DESK

Ski Dubai adds to the green transformation in UAE Backed by significant amount of research, innovation and development, the UAE is slowly, but surely undergoing a green transformation. Today, it stands on the threshold of establishing itself as a global leader in the green arena. Having already secured internationally recognised honours for sustainability within its modern transport infrastructure, the emirate is now powering ahead with solar expansion and thereby raising the standard on lifestyles of the future.

Ski Dubai also aims to make itself sustainable with some simple steps. Ski

Dubai is designed for efficiency, like a giant refrigerator, so it only consumes as little energy as an average-sized hotel. e Facility's snow and its penguin water filtration systems are completely free of chemicals.

All the old and used snow is recycled and re-purposed for use in the air conditioning system to assist in cooling. 1 million socks are haded out to guests; aer use, the socks are all donated to help the needy through the Oxfam charity. e latest technology like voltage stabilizers are used to reduce overall

by T NH DESK energy consumption.

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NEWS

glory - the weather is just right; everyone is outdoors and the town is buzzing with changes the gis of nature bring. Be prepared to drop down exhausted in bed each night aer your children have explored all there is to offer, with their unbridled energy and enthusiasm.

Engelberg-Titlis

THE WARMTH OF SWITZERLAND’S AUTUMN AWAITS YOU If you are looking for a reason to get away with your loved ones, surprise them this Autumn with a trip to Switzerland - a country that will enchant you with its spectacular snow-capped peaks, glistening lakes and charming old towns, all transformed with the blazing glory of Autumn.

If there is one sight you don’t want to miss in this magical country, it is the pristine Swiss Alps fired up in myriad shades of orange, gold, red and yellow! To share the joy of walking over a carpet of crackling dry leaves scattered across the forest floor with your children, to shrieking with delight on picturesque boat rides, or bonding over treks through thick foliage tinted in reds, yellows and oranges, taking trips to a variety of engaging museums that have something for every member of the family, to gorging on lip-smacking cuisine including the hard-toresist melted cheese Fondue or Raclette, there are a host of experiences awaiting you in Switzerland's cool, crisp and vibrant Autumn season. We list down a few that are sure to strengthen bonds with your family.

You’ll come back with a bagful of warm, colourful memories that will last you a lifetime.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

Lucerne: Nestled amongst mountains and an aquamarine-tinted lake, Lucerne will make your children feel like they've time travelled to a quaint fairytale-town with all its trimmings — cobblestone streets and centuries-old pretty wooden bridges all surrounded by blazing autumn trees reaching up through a mysterious veiled mist.

Lucerne’s charm lies in its traffic-free old town and its beautiful lake and autumn is the ideal time to soak in this town with all its

Autumn is a good time to visit Engelberg and Mount Titlis. Not only are you welcomed with a blanket of snow, you also experience the added bonus of bathing in clear, bright sun reflecting off the coloured autumn leaves of the alpines. e weather is just right at around 2 degrees. e excursion to the peak of the 3,000-metre summit of Mt. Titlis will reward you with its breathtaking panoramic views. Hop aboard the TITLIS Rotair - the world’s first revolving aerial cableway, that revolves 360 degrees during the five-minute trip!

Swiss Travel Pass

To be able to easily access the most reliable transport network of Europe as well as the world’s densest transport system, one can avail the all-in-one Swiss Travel Pass with a validity of 3, 4, 8 and 15 days. is amazing all in one travel pass allows you to travel free on public transportation in more than 90 Swiss cities. Children between 6 and 16 years of age travel free of charge on the entire Swiss public transport network. by T NH DESK

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NEWS

ANANTARA'S MALAYSIAN DEBUT Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has debuted in Malaysia by opening Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is entering the Malaysian luxury hospitality sector with the debut of the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas property, scheduled to open on 1 December 2019.

Desaru Coast, Malaysia’s rising-star luxury resort destination, is located at the country’s south-eastern tip in Johor Bahru and spans over 16 square kilometres along a pristine 17-kilometre beachfront facing the South China Sea. It is near Iskandar Malaysia and is easily accessible via a 45-minute drive from Malaysia’s Senai International Airport ( JHB) and a two-hour drive from Singapore. Additionally, visitors from Singapore can travel to Desaru Coast by ferry, followed by a short drive. e new-build Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas is located on the golden Malaysian shores of the new high-end resort development and offers a range of luxury accommodation nestled in lush tropical gardens. e resort has 123 keys comprising 90 deluxe guest rooms in low-rise buildings that overlook the gardens, lagoon and ocean; thirteen stand-alone luxury one- and two-bedroom pool villas; and 20 expansive three- and four-bedroom residences that offer guests utmost privacy with an infinity pool, full kitchen and chef and butler service.

Designed by Singapore architect firm WOW Architects & Warner Wong Design and interiors by Environment Design Consultants from Malaysia, the resort’s architectural design resembles traditional Malay buildings and is adorned with indigenous materials and fabrics such as woven textiles; renowned Malaysian wicker elements; and silhouettes of traditional Malay cras. e lux-

urious pool villas are located around a lagoon and their design draws heavily from a traditional kampong house that is designed to suit the tropical Malaysian climate with floor-to-ceiling windows; slanted carved wooden panels; louvres and vents under the roof; and wide-open doors that allow natural airflow to cool the interior.

Facilities at the resort include Sea.Fire.Salt, a specialty grill and seafood restaurant with alfresco courtyard and beachside dining; an all-day dining restaurant offering local Malay, Asian and international fare; an observatory bar overlooking the lush resort and ocean; an infinity beach pool bar; and Dining By Design, Anantara’s signature private dining experience in exotic locales.

Attractions in the area include e Els Club Desaru Coast that comprises two beautifully manicured golf courses that feature 45 holes in total: Ocean Course, a 27-hole golf course designed by four-

Opening on 1st December 2019 Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas Desaru Coast, Johor Bahru, Malaysia 45-minute drive from Senai International Airport

time major champion, Ernie Els; and Valley Course, an 18-hole golf course designed in collaboration with another major champion, Vijay Singh. Additionally, an adventure waterpark; a waterfront retail village; a conference centre; and other world class hotels and resorts make Desaru Coast a premium integrated destination resort and one of Malaysia’s most anticipated new tourism developments. Two swimming pools offer refreshing freshwater alternatives to the azure ocean, while kids and teenagers alike can laze the day away playing the latest high-tech games or partake in cross-cultural educational activities in

by TNH DESK separate dedicated clubs.

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F E AT U R E

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F E AT U R E

TURNING THE GRILLS ON IN

CHATTISGARH The Aananda Imperial Bilaspur, a proud member of the European boutique designer hotel chain Svenska Design Hotels and the first in its class in Chhattisgarh to be on an international platform, has initiated a global endeavour on a national scale that combines history with taste. It has launched CAFÉ – THE GLOBAL Grill Bar, which is a premier Dine Out destination.

“Elation is best served slow, smoked and sauced,” quotes General Manager Rajib Roy Choudhury. "It is about classic and inspired seasonal cooking from all over the world with an intriguing focus on traditional grilled delicacies from the state and brilliant beverages to match," he adds on.

We pride ourselves on the philosophy of ingredient provenance and are dedicated to ensuring that every time you visit us, you have a fantastic surprise, says Choudhury. As we don’t have a comprehensive all-time menu…our Menu

here is a daily one…Chef chooses them patiently … picked and prepared on a daily basis, cooked with the organic ingredients and best of the imported vegetables, spices and condiments… keeping in mind that city diners have grown obsessed with chefs and their creative ways, guests increasingly come to view the flames and steam and clattering in the kitchen as part of the 'show' of dining out….that’s exactly what you find here.

The history of grilling stretches back to the caveman days, when a brilliant ancestor of ours discovered the art of grilling….keeping that in mind, we have conserved this style of cooking along with other different ways of traditional techniques….apart from spit-roasting, we have charcoal, Wood…..smoke that's robust enough to stand up to red meat, yet mild enough not to overpower poultry or seafood, Stone….is a unique volcanic rock cooking system that will

amaze you for sure….Sand and Brick are some other options in the list of many.

New age techniques involve Infra-red Grills which maximize flavour, energy, and convenience in a healthy way…..the grills are surrounded by a moisture boundary, as in a layer of air and water molecules…which our chefs are enlightened to create. We are armed in serving grilled recipes with Fruit Juice, Floral Extract and Sap Concoction… along with dry heat, charbroiling, flat top and overhead.

If you're looking for the ultimate eating experience, booking the Chef's Table at CAFÉ – THE GLOBAL Grill Bar at The Aananda Imperial by Svenska promises you excitement and a multitude of surprise tastes.

The soothing interiors in white pastel shades have been done keeping in mind that the colourful grills add vivid hues to this unique eatery.

Whether you're seated at a small table right in the heat of

an open kitchen or nestled in a plush corner at a comfortable distance, a meal at one of Chef's Tables in this concept cafe is sure to be a night you won't forget soon.

Chef Ashim Chakraborty offers more than a special evening; rather, it’s a special event, where you’ve been invited into the kitchen for a chef’s table experience of onebite canapés, plated masterpiece and conversation, all wrapped up in a symphony of Chhattisgarhi -reminiscent hospitality and precision in flavour combinations. Chef pushes the limits of culinary creativity with a menu of up to 10 dishes drawing on the best of the season and changing accordingly…..appropriately chilled spoons and warmed plates.

Signs off Roy Choudhury, The Global Grill Bar is a rendezvous where culinary passion meets grace. BON APETIT!

by TNH DESK

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BITE CORNER

Culinary cauldron at Tiffany Blues Aspiring tourists visiting Indore need to check-in to Tiffany Blues to savour a wide range of choices.

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BITE CORNER

RATING

Food:

Service:

Ambience:

By Swaati Chaudhury

With the festive season round the corner, it’s time again for foodies to indulge their taste buds with delectable delights.

For those luxury travellers and those on business trips to the commercial capital of Central India- Indore, head straight to Tiffany Blues, the all-day dining outlet of Pride Hotel and Convention Centre. e cheery outlet spread over 3,200 sq.  area opened its doors sometime on March 11, 2017, and is into offering Indian, Chinese and Western dishes. Chinese cuisine implies seven Asian fares that include Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese, Vietnamese, ai, Cambodian and Indonesian fare.

During my recent visit to the city, I had a chance to peek into the platter served at the outlet. e 75-seater multi-cuisine restaurant specializes in North Western Frontier Province (NWFP) delights and has an extensive breakfast and dinner buffet. ere are three live counters set up in dinner including Chaat, Pasta and Roomali Roti. e interiors of the outlet are quite tempting and are done up in blue exuding positive vibes. It is in sync with water and likewise, the menu offered by the outlet has infinite options. e ceiling is made of steel with crystal chandeliers in the form of dew drops that would catch the imagination of all those with an eye for stylish products. e dinner buffet serves 13 dishes in the main course with four non-vegetarian items and the rest are vegetarian options.

Verdict

Connoisseurs of good food who crave for North Western Frontier Province cuisine will not be disappointed at Tiffany Blues and Live music comes as a bonus.

I began my dinner with the Chaat counter and since Indore is well-known for its chatpata delights that comprise hot, sour and sweet savoury dishes, I preferred to have Dahi Puri. It is prepared by mixing Papri or crisp fried dough wafers with mashed spicy potatoes, tamarind chutney, and yoghurt and topped with Chaat masala and Indori Sev. e salad counter is quite elaborate with five different kinds and I took my pick from Southern Rice Salad and ai Amerpan Salad that was quite ordinary. I moved on to the main course and had steamed rice with Subz Kolhapuri and Onion Olan- a Malayali dish that was quite spicy. Next, I had a taste of some of the inventive dishes of NWFP like Methi Palak Papad ki Subzi and Kadhai Paneer that were quite heavy-on-the-stomach. I rounded off the main course with a bowl of mixed vegetable Raita.

3/5 4/5 4/5

One cannot conclude a meal without savouring desserts. Hence I moved on to the dessert section and there were eight different types of desserts. I began pampering myself with delightful offerings like Brownie, Pine Apple Mousse, Carrot Cake, fruit pudding, Rasmalai and lastly, Baked Rasgulla. e Rasmalai was quite spongy while the Pine Apple Mousse deserves mention and I was completely gobsmacked gorging on the dessert dishes. e outlet has live musical performance churning out tuneful Bollywood melodies from the decade of the ‘70s.

Harpreet Khanna, Executive Sous Chef, Tiffany Blues, Pride Hotel and Convention Centre, Indore, commented, “In contemporary day and age, gourmet lovers intend to explore a wide range of foodstuff and the citizens of Indore are well-versed with their local cuisine. Our outlet caters to all our guests with a wide range of cuisine and guests have a plethora of choices. e NWFP dishes like Kadhai Paneer, Paneer Makhani and Diwani Hundi are crowd-favourites. Our Paneer Kulchi Tikka is one of the hottest selling items while foodies swear by our dessert delights like Lachha Rabdi and Gulkand ki Rabdi.” e outlet caters to corporate-goers, walk-in customers and wedding guests. Khanna said, “Our outlet is over-crowded on weekends than weekdays. We intend to make it a more food and beverage-oriented outlet rather than a wedding food outlet in the coming days.” e outlet is open on all days.

Address: Tiffany Blues, Pride Hotel and Convention Centre, 35/1, Bicholi Mardana Bypass Road, Near Oscar Township, Indore-452016 Phone: +91 731 675 55555 Food for Two: A meal for two costs Rs 1,600 inclusive of taxes. Alcohol is served on order.

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NEWS

Soak yourself into the brand new Hitchki experience!

Hitchki, Mumbai’s favourite watering hole, has gained a legendary status in the city’s food circles thanks to its nostalgia-invoking experience. Hitchki’s great house music, economic pricing and flawless service were always topped with the most innovative food and drinks menu. Now, that experience is set to go up several notches as Hitchki unveils its brand-new menu that has so much to savour!

Centered on nostalgia and presented in a chic, modern avatar, Hitchki is for everyone who likes to have a good time. Which is why its menu is so varied and exciting, offering something to everyone.

Said Mr. Arjun Raj Kher, Brand Head at Hitchki and Bayroute, “We’ve worked hard for months to perfect our new #HarMenuKaBaap experience. It’s the Hitchki experience reimagined, reinvented and presented in the quirkiest avatar, with our signature dash of Bollywood and nostalgia. All things combined, it’s a spanking new Hitchki experience that’s the perfect way to un-

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

wind with loved ones!”

If you haven’t been to your favourite restaurant in a while, it’s a good time to revisit. Hitchki now comes with an even more amazing menu and a bumped up overall dining experience. Make your reservation, get your tribe together and get set to have yet another unforgettable Hitchki time together!

The new menu includes innovative preparations: Chakna: Ulta Punjab, Ande ka Funda, Chana Garlic, Kurum Karam Izzat Papad, Skewer ke Bacchon and more Back in Time: Hostel ki Maggi, Boss Missal Pakda Gaya, Anda Kejriwal, Railway Cutlet, Andas Apna Apna and more MBA (Momo, Bao and All): M&M, Kothey Cuminey, Till Chahta Hai, Bus Kar Chicken, BFF and more Tere Mere Beech Mein: Patel Wrap, Hitchki Roll, Pav Bhaji Slider, PK, Delhi Belly, Gymkhana Club Sandwich and more Soup: Hum Aapke Hai Corn, Mann Cha Ho and more

Salads and Chaats: Ek Do Bean, Mumbai ka Julius Ceaser and more Kitne Aloo The: Tu Cheese Badi Hai Mast Mast, Oonchi Hai Building and more Kebab Mein Haddi: Aloo Lolly Ta, Kalam Wali Bai, Naan Achi Taang and more Appetizers: Over 30 varieties like Kha Muuuuush, Pav Bhaji Satakli, Full Jhol Che, Loha Garam Hai Maar Do Pakoda, Mr. India, Shiv Sukh Pijja and more Mains: Almost 40 varieties such as Mere Paas Ma Hai, Gadbad Bhaijaan, Gogo Tussi Great Ho, Aamrish Puri, Tofu Kabul Karo and more Biryani: Khayali Pulao, Me Berry Aahe, Apne Mutton Ko Lagaan Do and more Desserts: Baratiyo ka Swagat, Jungle Mein Mangal, Cassata Churros and more Drinks: Mission Chandrayan, Coco Cola Tu, Aaj Pink hai Pani…pani. Talli Boy…Apna Time Aayega, Yeh Dosti and many more Highlight: Dhai Kilo ka Chaat (which

by T NH DESK is 2.5 kg for real)

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NEWS

MODERN-DAY WELLNESS THERAPIES TO REBOOT YOUR BODY, SOUL AND MIND Everyday life can really stress you out, with work, home and social life taking a toll on the body. Sadly, we are rarely able to take time off to allow our bodies to heal, rest and energize. ankfully, modern wellness therapies target these very stress points and help reset your body, making you ready to take on the world!

Most trusted wellness resorts across India have their own signature therapies that they’ve perfected over the years. Experienced therapists use their skill and knowledge to relieve you of your pain points and relax the muscles.

Hemant Bagga, CEO – Fazlani Natures Nest says: Wellness resorts today have evolved

to cater to guests’ unique lifestyle requirements. Modern issues require an array of contemporary and traditional techniques. At Amarinemedi-spa at Fazlani Nature’s Nest, we offer a signature wellness experience that is completely focused on our guests’ holistic recovery.

We offer authentic naturopathy, ayurvedic and international treatments for de-stressing, detox, rejuvenation, anti-aging, skincare, and beauty. True wellness requires calmness, which is why most resorts are located in scenic places, much like Fazlani Nature’s Nest is in the lap of the mountains beside a pristine lake!

Here are some of the most

exciting and effective therapies that you can indulge in at Amarinemedi spa at Fazlani Nature’s Nest: 1. Heliotherapy: One of the oldest and most effective therapies in naturopathy, heliotherapy is a great way to detoxify the body. It involves wrapping of plantain leaves around the body, followed by a 30-40 minutes of sunbath aer applying medicated oil. A cold towel is placed on the head and you’re hydrated before, so there’s nothing but good vibes coming thereaer!

2. Chromotherapy: Chromotherapy uses colours to restore balance and harmony within the body. Treated water is first exposed to the sun to absorb all its natural goodness. e positive electromagnetic radiation is then used to help the body heal from stress.

3. Magneto Therapy: is unique treatment uses the natural magnetic powers of real

magnets, to realign the body’s rhythm. Magnets of varying shapes and sizes are placed all over the body to relieve pain and treat specific conditions. e result is a largely restored body balance!

4. Hydrotherapy: ere’s nothing quite like water to bring the mind, body and soul completely in sync with each other. Hydrotherapy is one of the oldest naturopathy treatments that help facilitate movement, promote health and relieve pain with the curative powers of water.

5. Mud Therapy: Special medicated mud is applied on the body. is mud is from specific regions, lending special nutrients to it. is is then allowed to dry and bake under the sun, ensuring all the mud’s goodness is absorbed into the skin and body, making it one of the most naturally rejuvenating therapies.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

Cygnett Hotels & ResoRts plans to stRengtHen domestiC & inteRnational poRtfolio

Gurgaon-headquartered, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts is looking to expand its presence in domestic as well as international markets.

By Prem Kumar

e hospitality company has plans to open its hotels in international markets like Sri Lanka, ailand, Bangladesh and Indonesia. "Neighbouring international markets are our key focus areas. e average daily rate (ADR) is much higher in destinations like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. In India, 3-star hotels maintain an ADR in the range of US$ 45-50 whereas in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh it ranges between US$ 90-100 for the same category of hotels,” said Sarbendra Sarkar, Managing Director, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.

As the number of Indians

travelling abroad increases, Cygnett is in pursuit to open two hotels every year overseas. e hotel company presently has a portfolio of 20 operational hotels and about 10 properties under various stages of development. Besides its focus on the international market, the chain is also enhancing its presence domestically.

“We want to have our presence in destinations such as Nainital, Jim Corbett, Ranthambore and Pahalgam.

All these expansion measures will help us grow our brands such as Cygnett Resort, Cygnett Park, and Cygnett

Inn brands,” shared Sarkar.

By the time it completes a decade of operations in 2022, the group is looking forward to 5000 plus rooms in its kitty. e hospitality group is actively working to open over 100 hotels across 75 cities in India and South Asia within the next five years. Within 2020 itself, it expects to have 1800 plus keys.

Cygnett has been focusing on technology to give it a competitive edge over other hospitality players. "Technology adaption is integral to our plans to move forward," said Sarkar. As far its distribution channel strategy is con-

Sarbendra Sarkar Managing Director Cygnett Hotels & Resorts

cerned, the hotel company is focusing on offline as well as online travel agents.

“Indian hospitality looks promising and will boom in the next five years," concluded

by T NH DESK Sarkar.

QUILON RETAINS MICHELIN STAR FOR THIRTEENTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR

Taj’s prestigious Indian restaurant, Quilon, in the heart of the iconic Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, London has been awarded a Michelin star for the thirteenth successive year in the Michelin Guide for restaurants in 2020.

Quilon prides itself on

South-west coastal Indian cuisine and was first awarded a Michelin star in 2008, putting the restaurant firmly on the international food-lovers map. It has impressively held this prestigious accolade ever since.

Quilon’s menu fuses traditional elements of home-style cuisine with a contemporary twist, giving a different perspective on the dishes. e culinary experience at the restaurant, mostly designed for sharing, offers tailor-made tasting menu options along with a world-class wine list.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

Digvijay Singh, General Manager, St. James’ Court & Taj 51 Buckingham Gate, Suites & Residences, London stated, “We feel immensely proud of Chef Sriram and the talented team at Quilon for retaining a Michelin star for the 13thconsecutive year. e experience the restaurant delivers to guests and visitors at the hotel is absolutely unrivalled, and the team works tremendously hard to produce authentic Indian cuisine that is the best in the city. We’d like to thank all of our loyal and new

customers at Quilon, who have supported the restaurant’s journey over the years.”

Multi award-winning Chef Sriram launched Quilon when it first opened its doors in 1999, and has been leading the restaurant from strength to strength ever since. Using only the freshest of ingredients, the team at Quilon has been delivering signature dishes, from Black Cod and Coconut with Asparagus and Snow Peas to Mangalorean Chicken and Masala Dosa.

by TNH DESK

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NEWS

BALLANTINE'S TO TAKE OVER MUMBAI'S THE LITTLE EASY

In a gracious and sumptuous event, ‘e Little Easy’, the popular bar and restaurant from Bandra, Mumbai will be experiencing a grand takeover by Ballantine’s, the

cult range of blended premium scotch whisky, this Wednesday, 16th October 2019. is will be Mumbai’s first ever Ballantine’s Bar Takeover under the able mentorship of Lewis Anderson, Brand Ambassador of Ballantine’s- North and West of India. e event will see the celebrations in a gala evening of cocktails by Lewis himself, where he will be showcasing the finest of Ballantine's blends and Ballantine’s 12YO infused delights. Presenting the finest

whiskies, flavoured in fingerprint malts, Ballantine's, famously known as the 'spirit of the gods', roots in its signature of empowering people to believe in themselves since ages. Lewis, the Ballantine's Ambassador is carrying forward this legacy, in truest of its essence.

An engineer turned hospitality professional by his sheer love for whisky that grew into him from his days of residing in Scotland, Lewis is now based in Gurgaon and has an extensive

experience in whisky. With over a decade in hospitality industry, he has managed bars worldwide, hosting visitors from all around the globe. e Mumbai edition of e Little Easy, the restobar that charms its guests in Prohibition era themed cocktails, matching settings and lip-smacking food is all set for the Ballantine’s takeover to bring its signature style statement.

by T NH DESK

Fun-filled initiative teaches kids about sustainable agriculture e Resort, Madh-Marve, Mumbai has come up with a creative initiative that teaches kids about the importance of preserving the planet's natural resources. e activity will empower them to think about how to save Earth's diminishing resources and act as model champions of the environment. Children have an innate sense of wonder about the things they see around them. e Resort is harnessing this sentiment in a uniqueactivity.

With the Earth bursting out of its limits with a burgeoning population, future generations are in grave risk of inheriting a world where it may be too late to think of

sustainable growth and development.

Many spaces have become devoid of Nature, and children spend most of their time indoors. is hinders their natural connection to the rhythms of Nature.

NOW is the time when the current as well as next generation must understand the importance of preserving the planet with a little contribution from each one.

With this in mind,e Resort came up with anexclusive, result-oriented activityengaging with the next generation to help them reconnect with nature through practical hobbies where they can see the fruition of their labour. e children were

taught the importance of Nature through fun-filled activities and hands-on interaction with Nature. e initiative began on World Earth Day on 22 April, with the global theme 'It's Our Turn to Lead'. Young children, were trained on how to grow vegetables

by TNH DESK over a period of six months.

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NEWS

PREMIUM DELICATESSEN BRAND PRASUMA LAUNCHES NEW DELIGHTS Using a timeless century old recipe closely guarded by the Prasuma family for generations, delicatessen brand- Prasuma has now launched ready-to-eat fresh and frozen momos that are an improved modern reinterpretation of the Original Himalayan Momos made with the finest ingredients using a fully automated Japanese Technology and world class packaging technology. e brand introduced its line of fully cooked steamed momos in four luscious flavours i.e. Original Chicken, Spicy Chicken, Pork and Vegetable Momos. Prasuma Momos can be microwaved, pan-fried, steamed, deep fried or boiled and ready to eat in as little as 2 minutes.

by TNH DESK

Standard International debuts in the Maldives Following its London debut, Standard International, the parent company of e Standard, an American hotel brand, opened e Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives. e resort is a short sea plane ride away from Male, nestled between the Raa and Baa Atolls, on a naturally protected island. e resort, featuring 115 private pool villas, marks the brand’s first property in Asia. Aer Sansiri PLC became a majority stakeholder in late 2017, e Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives is the company’s next destination within its extensive global pipeline; which includes Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin, Milan, Paris, Lisbon, Bordeaux, Mexico City, and Chicago, to name a few.

While the Maldives has traditionally been a couple’s destination, as always, e Standard has approached the development with a fresh set of eyes. e resort offers an unmatched combination of relaxation, social life and vibrant cultural programming that welcomes groups of friends or singles looking to meet others or just reset and

by T NH DESK recharge in paradise.

Hilton keeps up the momentum of its soap-recycling programme To mark Global Handwashing Day, Hilton announced the expansion of its soap-recycling program, totaling 5,300 properties in more than 70 countries and territories around the globe. Hilton’s decade-long soap recycling program, which is already the largest in the hospitality industry, helps fight the hygiene epidemic plaguing underserved communities where tens of thousands of children die needlessly due to lack of access to basic sanitation. The initiative also contributes to reducing Hilton’s overall environmental impact, which the company has set a goal to cut in half by 2030.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

As a part of the program, Hilton properties in India have successfully recycled more than 20,000 new bars of soap in 2019 to date. It has also expanded its soap distribution locations including schools and villages in Pune and Palghar, saving children from hygiene-related illnesses as well as keeping the soap bars away from the landfills. One of Hilton’s longest soap recycling partners in India, Sundara, a non-profit organization, employs local women on full-time basis for soap recycling.

These women also act as the hygiene ambassadors to educate children on handwashing in their communities.

Since 2016, Hilton hotels in the country have been collecting and sending used pieces of soap to Sundara on a monthly basis. The used soap is recycled – washed, dried, scraped, compacted and repackaged – into brand new bars, which are then distributed to schools and families.

by T NH DESK

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NEWS

REPUP HOSTS ULTIMATE HOTELIER CONFERENCE IN BALI RepUp, a leading guest experience management company recently hosted the Guest Experience and Revenue Summit at H Sovereign Hotel in Bali. The summit was aimed at creating a forum for hoteliers in Bali to meet, discuss and learn about the travel and tourism industry, and be future-ready to maximize hotel revenue and improve the guest experience.

Through talks, workshops, panel discussions and networking, the Summit allowed hoteliers to connect and created a space to talk about upcoming trends in the Bali hospitality world. The event was held in partnership with Agata Informatika and IHGMA (Indonesian Hotel General Manager Asso-

ciation).

The event had more than 150 Bali hoteliers attending and featured 11 speakers and panellists.

The event was also graced by Putu Astawa, the Head of Tourism and Culture, Bali. Astawa shared with delegates about promoting Bali as a destination for inbound tourism from different countries.

The next session saw Rishabh Kumar, the country head for RepUp share deep insights about the Bali Market, including predictions based on trends and market opportunities that hoteliers should be taking notice of.

The Keynote session was delivered by Pranjal Prashar, the Founder and CEO of RepUp. The session revolved around upcom-

(L-R) Putu Astawa, Pranjal Prashar & Gusti Agung Rai Suryawijaya ing technology for hoteliers in 2020, and why hoteliers need to start paying more attention to technology. To wrap up, Prashar ascertained, ‘We can’t predict the future, but we can participate in it.’, reiterating the fact that technology will continue to play a large role for hoteliers to maximize revenue and deliver exceptional

guest experiences.

The entire event ended with a networking session over dinner.

RepUp made the summit a charity event, and the entire proceeds of ticket sales were donated to Ananda Seva Dharma, a children’s home in Bali that takes care of about 35 children who are looked after by a monk. by T NH DESK

LEISURE HOTELS GROUP UNVEILS ADIVAHA IN DHARAMSHALA Leisure Hotels Group, a prominent hospitality chain in Northern India having the largest number of properties in Uttarakhand, has announced the launch of its 27th property “Adivaha” at Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh.

The opening of Adivaha also marks the Leisure Hotel Group’s second property in the scenic state of Himachal Pradesh. The Group also has a presence in Uttar Pradesh & Goa. Adivaha, formerly known as the ‘East Home’, features Viceroy block with over 240 years of heritage. During the British Raj, it offered a colonial charm reflecting a bygone era. This century old structure has emerged from the hands of famous immediate British Bureaucrats and the Royals of the Punjab.

Located in the lap of Dhauladhar Range and spread over 8 acres, this resort is an all-suite property, surrounded by the tea estate, offers panoramic views of the snow clad Dhauladhar ranges, the lush green Kangra Valley and the picturesque Tea Gardens.

Adivaha offers endless opportunities to discover the magnificent beauty and tradi-

tional culture of Dharamsala. The resort creates bespoke experiences with planned visits to the Kangra Valley, Bhagsu Waterfall, Monasteries etc.; and Pilgrimage Tours to Chamunda Devi, Kangra Devi etc. and much more. Besides, one can also indulge in experiences at the resort such as Tea Trails, Cycling, Bird Watching and Archaeological Trips.

Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group said, “Dharmasala is known for its scenic beauty, landscapes and as home to the Dalai Lama "The introduction of Adivaha to both Indian and International travellers further offer an opportunity to understand this quaint hill town both as a serene vacation destination and as a locaby TNH DESK tion of historical importance”

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NEWS

Adopt pAssenger first ApproAch:

iAtA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has asked governments and the industry to put the passenger at the center of the journey by making the best use of modern technology.

e call came during the opening address by Alexandre de Juniac, IATA's Director General and CEO, at the IATA Global Airport and Passenger Symposium(GAPS) in Warsaw.

To improve the passenger experience, technology options should focus on what the passenger wants. e 2019 IATA Global Passenger Survey noted strong preferences by travelers for technology to enable them to track their baggage in real time and to expedite their journey through the various airport processes. e industry has solutions for both these passenger expectations—the One ID initiative, and RFID for baggage tracking.

Both need the support of stakeholders, including governments.

IATA’s One ID initiative is helping the industry to transition towards a day when passengers can move from curb to gate using a single biometric travel token such as a face, fingerprint or iris scan.

“Biometric technology has the power to transform the passenger experience. Airlines are strongly behind the One ID initiative. e priority now is ensuring there is regulation in place to support the vision of a paperless travel experience that will also ensure that their data is well protected,” said de Juniac.

On baggage, airlines and airports are working together to implement tracking at key journey points, such as loading onto and off-of aircra (Resolution 753). In June, airlines committed to the global deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for baggage tracking.

“Implementation of RFID has seen some good progress, especially in China where the

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

Alexandre de Juniac Director General and CEO, IATA

technology has been thoroughly embraced. In Europe several airlines and airports are successfully working together to introduce RFID, notably Air France at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. Industry needs to be reminded that in addition to meeting our customers’ expectations, implementation of RFID will help reduce the USD2.4 billion cost to airlines from mishandled bags,” said de Juniac.

In cooperation with Airports Council International (ACI), the NEXTT (NewExperience Travel Technologies) initiative explores important changes in technology and processes to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience.

“Accommodating growth by building bigger and bigger airports will be challenging from a public policy perspective.

NEXTT provides a major opportunity to focus on using the latest industry technology standards for a sustainable future.

We look forward to seeing

Airlines have long recognized sustainability as key to our license to grow and spread the benefits of global connectivity, benefits which are linked to 15 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals

Poland take a leadership role in delivering the NEXTT vision with the construction of Warsaw’s new airport- Solidarity Transport Hub. It’s the European Union’s first greenfield airport in over a decade,” said de Juniac.

by TNH DESK

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AROUND THE WORLD

POPULAR FESTIVALS AROUND THE WORLD IN DECEMBER 2019 Afro Nation Ghana December 27- 30, 2019 Locatio: Laboma Beach, Accra, Ghana

Hornbill Festival December 1-10, 2019 Location: Kisama Heritage Festival, Nagaland

Hosted by the Department of Tourism, Art and Culture, Nagaland, Hornbill Festival is incidentally the biggest carnival of the ethnic warrior tribes of Nagaland in order to offer a boost to the tourism potential of the state. It is an annual celebration often called the “Festival of Festivals�. The festival derives its name from hornbill, one of the most revered avian species in the state. It is an attempt to boost the tourism potential, enhance the inter-tribal harmony and to offer a push to the multi-hued tribal culture.

It highlights the rare customs, traditions of the tribes and preserves the heritage.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

It is undoubtedly the biggest urban music beach festival in Europe that is returning to Africa. Ghana has a fascinating coastline that stretches to 560 km from Alfao in Volta to Cape Three Points in the Western belt. The splendid destination has been selected that boasts of a tropical climate.

Ghana is replete with impressive beaches and the highly popular is the Laboma Beach that lies around five miles south of Kotoka International Airport at Accra. This is the first time that Afro Nation Ghana will be held at Laboma Beach.

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AROUND THE WORLD

KARTHIGAI DEEPAM December 10, 2019 Location: Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Sri Lanka

It is a festival of lights and falls on the day when the moon is in conjunction with the six-star constellation known as Karthigai. In God’s Own Country, it is observed to pay obeisance to Goddess Shakti while in the rest of the country, the celebration is known as Kartik Purnima. While in Nilgiris, it is popular as Lakshabba. A traditional festival of Tamil Nadu, the festival is observed on the full moon day for 10 days.

Lamps are lighted up on the occasion symbolizing the holy Indian culture.

BISHNUPUR FESTIVAL December 27-31, 2019 Location: Vishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal

Subios Underwater Film and Image Festival

Held at Madan Mohan Temple in Vishnupur about 100 km north-west of Kolkata, the festival marks the rich legacy of the town famed for its finest terracotta temples and splendid Balucharisilk saris. The brilliant craft works are on display. Vishnupur was the bygone capital of Malla kings who had built the fascinating terracotta temples.

The four-day festival reverberates with the traditional dance and music of Bengal and provides glimpses of the Bengali culture.

December 1-9, 2019 Location: Mahe, Seychelles

With a view to establish Seychelles as a perfect diving destination and to generate awareness among the locals about the marine beauty and fragile ecosystem of the destination, the festival is well-known as Seychelles Ocean Festival and is a week-long celebration of the underwater world in Seychelles. There has been a tremendous change in Seychelles marine life. There are photography competitions, diving and snorkelling activities.

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E V E N T WAT C H

SKAL DELHI MEET Skal Delhi organized a Diwali Dinner meet on 19th October, 2019 at hotel Four Points By Sheraton, New Delhi, Airport Highway. The evening saw the presence of a large number of Skal members and their guests, all meeting with one another in the Diwali spirit. The meeting concluded with a delicious dinner in the pleasant ambience of the hotel.

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NEWS

SRILANKAN AGAIN SOUTH ASIA’S LEADING AIRLINE

7PINES KEMPINSKI: JOINT PROJECT OF 12.18. GROUP AND KEMPINSKI Duesseldorf-based 12.18. Group and Kempinski Hotels AG has announced the launch of their luxury lifestyle concept 7Pines Kempinski. e two partners have joined forces to create one of the leading lifestyle hotel products in the luxury segment.

Jörg Lindner and Kai Richter, Managing Partners of 12.18.

Investment Management, together with Martin R. Smura, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Kempinski Hotels, announced the strategic alliance at the Expo Real real-estate trade fair in Munich in front of approximately 150 guests.

As Europe's oldest luxury hotel group, Kempinski Hotels has 78 hotels in 34 countries and stands for the highest standards of quality and service throughout the world. by T NH DESK

SriLankan Airlines was adjudged the ‘Leading International Airline’ in South Asia for the third consecutive year at the South Asian Travel Awards 2019 (SATA) and also bagged the ‘Leading Airline Passenger Class – Business’ award for the third year running from among airlines in the region.

Vipula Gunatilleka, Group Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, said: “We are delighted to once again be recognized as the airline of choice in the South Asian region. SriLankan has positioned its services to provide rapid connectivity throughout the Indian Ocean region, serving destinations throughout South Asia, the Far East, Australia and the Middle East.”

The 4th annual SATA Awards ceremony was held this year on 20th September at Amari Galle and featured airlines from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and the Maldives.

SATA (www.southaisantravelawards.com) is recognized by 15 national tourism bodies and travel trade organisations, and this year drew over 700 nominations for its awards in more than 50 categories ranging from airlines to many different types of hotels, destinations, airport lounges, convention centres, adventure services, destinaby TNH DESK tion promoters, dive centres, etc.

S. Arabia’s travel management provider's new tech platform

Elaa, the travel management company of Seera, Saudi Arabia’s largest travel services provider, has sustained its market leadership in the Corporate & Government (C&G) travel sector of the Kingdom, clinching over 25 per cent market share and securing more than SAR 3 billion in annual gross revenue.

Elaa has also built a growing portfolio of clients, now at over 300, representing leading business groups and government entities.

Seera’s travel management company was recently rebranded as Elaa, meaning ‘trusted advisor’ in Arabic, to underline the unique value proposition that it delivers to clients through bespoke service delivery. Elaa also offers dedicated cargo solutions, complementing the needs of the C&G sector, which also contributes to the sustained growth of the business division.

To further strengthen its operations, Elaa has launched Rehlati, an electronic travel order platform offering a stateof-the-art digital booking system for government entities.

by TNH DESK

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MOVING ON

APPOINTMENTS OF THE MONTH

1

Frank Herzog

Chief Financial officer, VFS global Frank Herzog has joined VFS global as the Chief Financial officer (CFo) effective 1 october 2019. In this role, Frank will lead the overall Finance function and will also be responsible for M&a, Legal, Internal audit, and Procurement functions of VFS global.

He is a member of the executive Board of the company.

2

aSHISH kuMar raI

general Manager the Leela ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi the Leela Palaces, Hotels and resorts has appointed ashish kumar rai as the general Manager of the Leela ambience Convention Hotel, Delhi. He holds an impressive track record in managing successful and diverse hotel operations.

3 4 anuP MatHur

Director of Sales Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced apartments, Pune Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced apartments, Pune has appointed anup Mathur as its Director of Sales. anup is a result oriented professional with over 10 years of experience in sales, business development, etc.

TRAVEL AND HOSPITALITY | NOVEMBER 2019

Manuj SaHney

Food & Beverage Director jW Marriott kolkata Manuj Sahney has joined jW Marriott kolkata as its F&B Director. Manuj is armed with over a decade of experience. By dint of his proven capability to handle operations in supremely challenging situations, he has become an asset to the industry.

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NEWS

Cathay Pacific gives you four-times more inflight entertainment to move you Passengers can now experience even more of the airline's enriched onboard entertainment library on every flight

Once again GoAir shines in On-Time Performance

The Cathay Pacific Group is giving customers more of what they love with four-times the entertainment available to discover and enjoy every time they fly.

This significantly enriched inflight entertainment offering epitomises Cathay Pacific’s efforts to enhance the customer experience as it continues to fulfil its 'Move Beyond’brand promises.

Passengers can look forward to more newly released blockbuster movies, more live sports coverage and more complete box sets than ever before. Newly available live coverage of the latest sports events will ensure passengers never miss any of the breath-taking moments from their favourite games when they fly

by TNH DESK with the airline.

GoAir, India’s most trusted, punctual and fastest growing airline has maintained the reign as the most punctual airline in September 2019, according to the latest data released by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). e airline has been an ace performer consecutively for 13 months.As per the data released, GoAir registered 85.4% on-timeperformance (OTP), the highest among scheduled domestic airlines in September 2019.

During the month, GoAir flew 13.27 lakhs passengers with barely 0.12% cancellations as against an industry average of 1.37% for scheduled domestic airlines. e airline had 0.5 complaints per 10,000 passenby T NH DESK gers. GoAir is punctual all the time, every time.

Dubai Business Events secures major conference bids in Q3 2019 Dubai Business Events (DBE), the city’s official convention bureau, successfully secured82international meetings, conferences and incentive travel groups in the third quarter of 2019, contributing to the future line-up of business events which include key financial and medical conferences, among others. The events secured in Q3 2019 are set to attract 29,219 delegates from around the globe, re-affirming Dubai’s status as a premier destination for business events.

The bid wins include: ACI Financial Markets World Congress, which is scheduled to be held in2020and is set to attract over 800 visitors; and the Asian Congress on Urology to be held in 2023, which will host over 1,200 visi-

tors. Among other bid wins are the World Conference for Gifted and Talented Children, Melaleuca China Incentive, Herba life Indonesia Incentive, Virtual Mind Annual Meeting China, and the Tata Motors Incentive that all are set to take place between 2019 and 2021.

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said:“Our success in bidding for and securing key international business events over recent months is testament to the strides we have made as a city to attract and host large scale strategic conferences, meetings and incentive groups, and fully align with the Emirate’s visionary leadership and Dubai’s

by TNH DESK Tourism Vision 2022-2025.

Issam Kazim - CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing

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NEWS

FRASERS HOSPITALITY BAGS SIX AWARDS AT THE 2019 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

TAJ HOTELS RECOGNISED THE BEST HOTELS IN THE WORLD Taj has been honoured in the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry, the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2019 – the first edition to combine the annual surveys in the US and the UK into one Global Reader’s Choice List. Seven iconic Taj hotels have featured across five prestigious categories–The Best Hotels in the World, Top 15 Hotels in India, The Best Resorts in the World, Top 30 Resorts in the Indian Ocean and Top Hotels in Africa.

In The Best Hotels in the World category, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur ranked #3, closely followed by Rambagh Palace, Jaipur at #7, the only two Indian hospitality brands to be featured within the top ten.

Both hotels also featured in the Top 15 Hotels in India category, with Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur ranking at #1and Rambagh Palace, Jaipur featured at second place. Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai came in at #9, followed by Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur at #11 and Jai Mahal Palace, Jaipur at #12.

by T NH DESK

Frasers Hospitality, a member of Frasers Property Group, has been awarded six coveted titles at the 2019 World Travel Awards for Asia & Oceania. Frasers Hospitality was named the Leading Serviced Apartment Brand both in Oceania and Vietnam. Furthermore, three of its luxury serviced residences – Fraser Suites Sydney, Fraser Suites Hanoi and Fraser Suites Singapore – clinched the Leading Serviced Apartment award in their respective regions, and Capri by Fraser, Changi City, Singapore received this year’s award for Singapore’s Leading Hotel Residences for the second year running too.

by TNH DESK

ANGSANA BALACLAVA WINS WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS Angsana Balaclava Mauritius is the winner of the prestigious ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards 2019’ for the Best Luxury Boutique Resort in the Indian Ocean. e prize ceremony took place on Saturday, October 12, 2019, at the Arctic Tree House Hotel & Santa Park in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland. is was the 13th event of its kind and more than 300 guests flew in from around the world to celebrate their awards. e World Luxury Hotel Awards recognize establishments for world-class service excellence. by T NH DESK

TIME HOTELS RECOGNIZED CSR LEADER FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Eddie Ignatius, Corporate Director of Quality & Business Excellence, TIME Hotels UAE-headquartered hospitality company, TIME Hotels, has added to its growing list of accolades with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Dubai Chamber) CSR Label Award for the fifth year in succession. According to the report from Dubai Chamber, TIME Hotels was the highest scoring applicant, achieving an overall score of 77.5% - 10.4% higher than the average applicant score.

Eddie Ignatius, Corporate Director of Quality & Business Excellence, TIME Hotels, said: “We are very much a community-focused company and receiving this official label for the fifth year in a row highlights our commitment and consistency. It also allows us to benchmark our own initiatives against those of other forward-thinking companies in Dubai, for whom CSR is an integral part of their overall business strategy.”

Launched in 2010 to reward corporate commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, the CSR Label is awarded based on performance scores across seven different criteria.

by T NH 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