HospitalityBizIndia.com

Marriott International expands in Asia with signing of its 250th hotel in China

Marriott International announced that it has reached the milestone figure of 250 open and signed hotels in Asia, with the 250th hotel to be located in Bo'ao in China. This represents 129 open hotels plus a development pipeline of 121 projects ─ totaling more than 75,000 rooms in 15 countries.According to the Company, India is an expanding market for Marriott. With more than 50 open and signed hotels, we expect to grow to about 100 hotels in the country, including Fairfield by Marriott.

Jammu & Kashmir may have an Eco─Tourism development board soon

The Jammu & Kashmir Environment Department has pushed a proposal to the government for constituting a J&K Eco─Tourism Board to recommend measures and identify potential sites for promotion of Eco─Tourism in the state. Sources said the proposal was under the consideration of the General Administration Department (GAD) and a final decision in this regard is likely to be taken in near future.

New Environment Ministry guidelines may restrict tourism in core areas of tiger reserves

The Environment Ministry is all set to inform the Supreme Court this week that tourism activity inside core areas of tiger reserves would be prohibited as per its new guidelines. This is being done to make core areas inviolate for tigers. As per a report by Hindustan Times, resorts within five kilometres of tiger reserves will have to pay a minimum of ten per cent of their total turnover as taxes.

Sohum Spa wins 'The Best Day Spa' award

'Sohum Spa', a day spa operated by CORE Wellness Ltd has been awarded with 'The Best Day Spa Award' for the third time in a row by asiaSpa Awards held at The Claridges, Surajkund, Delhi, NCR on May 10, 2012.

Marriott to manage Hero Group's first hotel in India in Gurgaon

The Hero Group, last week, signed an agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to manage its first hotel in India. This came after months of exploratory talks with many international chains.

Tadoba Tiger Reserve to open new tourism route in buffer areas

In a move that is sure to ease some tourist pressure from the near─saturated Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Maharashtra, the administration of TATR has decided to open a new route for tourists in its buffer areas.While safaris in the buffer areas will be cheaper than those inside the reserve, tourists can also enjoy some special perks which are not allowed inside the TATR on this new route.

Spanish Grand Chef Elena Arzak wins Veuve Clicquot 'World's Best Female Chef' award

Elena Arzak, Relais & Ch�teaux Grand Chef and Joint Head Chef at Relais & Ch�teaux Arzak restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain, has been named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef, part of the World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards sponsored by S Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. On hearing the news, Arzak, said, “It really humbles me and has come as such a surprise. I am happy for Arzak. I remember when my grandmother was cooking and how much of an inspiration she was. With this title, I think of her even more.”

Birla Kerala Vaidyashala wins 'Best Ayurvedic Spa' award

Birla Kerala Vaidyashala, an integrated chain of Kerala Ayurvedic wellness and treatment centres has been won the 'Best Ayurvedic Spa' award in India at the asiaSpa Awards held at The Claridges, Surajkund, Delhi, NCR on May 10, 2012.

Space Matrix wins International Property Award for 'Best Office Interiors' in India

Space Matrix wins International Property Award for 'Best Office Interiors' in India

STR Global posts Asia/Pacific region hotel performance report for January 2012

Hilton Worldwide to open its first Hilton Garden Inn in Vietnam in 2012

Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Hoan Kiem Tourism & Trading Company Limited to introduce the first Hilton Garden Inn and Hilton Worldwide's second property in Vietnam. The 86─room Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi is set to open in the second half of 2012, according to a report by Hotel News Resource.The 11─storey Hilton Garden Inn Hanoi will have facilities for business and leisure guests.

Tactical Procurement can Mitigate Losses

Tactical Procurement can Mitigate Losses
Purchase manager is one of the unsung heroes of the hotel sector. Always behind the scene, the purchase department is not only considered as a cost centre but also, the work carried out by this department is tagged as a support function. The hotel purchasing function virtually supports every department within the property,

Jammu & Kashmir may have an Eco─Tourism development board soon

IFCA wins 'WACS Communication Award 2012'

Indian Federation of Culinary Associations (IFCA) has won the Communication Award at the 35th WACS (World Associations of Chef Socities) World Congress Award ceremony held at Daejeon in South Korea last week. This award has been given to IFCA for its continued commitment to WACS mission and its seamless communication systems. According to a company release, the award consists of a memento and a certificate.

'Our model doesn't involve many franchisees' ─ Aji Nair ─ Vice President, FnB Division, Mirah Hospitality

Mirah Hospitality's Khandani Rajdhani restaurants have created a presence across India by bringing the traditional Rajasthani ─ Gujarati vegetarian thali to the Indian consumers. Aji Nair ─ Vice President, FnB Division, Mirah Hospitality speaks to Disha Shah about the expansion plans of Khandani Rajdhani outlets across the country

Inder Sharma, Former Owner and Chairman, SITA World Travels and Chairman, Select Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd

Inder Sharma
Former Owner and Chairman,
SITA World Travels and Chairman,
Select Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd

Ongoing hospitality projects

Ongoing hospitality projects

Hotel Tunga Regency

Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini: Pranav Bharadwaj, Director of Sales and Marketing

Pranav Bharadwaj
Director of Sales and Marketing,
Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini

Action Capture for April 2012

Param Kannampilly wins Chathrapathi Shivaji Maharaj Achievement Award

A Statistical Overview of Tourism in India

A Statistical Overview of Tourism in India

Ananda in the Himalayas offers summer deals

Ananda in the Himalayas offers summer deals

Spanish Grand Chef Elena Arzak wins Veuve Clicquot 'World's Best Female Chef' award

Tilaknagar Industries wins the CSD Best Business Partner award for 2011─12

Tilaknagar Industries Ltd (TI) was awarded the 'CSD – Best Business Partner for Excellent Performance for 2011─12'. Munish Sibbal, Lt General, AVSM Quarter Master General of the Indian Army presented the award to Amit Dahanukar, Chairman & Managing Director,Tilaknagar Industries Ltd; Shivani Dahanukar, Executive Director and Col Bineet Walia,(retd) in a ceremony organised by Canteen Stores Department (CSD) at the United Services Club at Colaba, Mumbai, according to a company release.

Lemp Brewpub & Kitchen opens its first Indian outlet via franchise

Lemp Brewpub & Kitchen, an American company has recently entered India via franchise route. The company has opened its first outlet in Gurgaon, Delhi─NCR region. This 173 year old brewery brand has given their first Indian franchise to Kaviar Hospitality Pvt Ltd. Situated in Star Mall, Gurgaon, the pub acquires a space of 11,000 square feet offering customers the taste of the most successful boutique beers and great fusion fare.

Akshay Luthria, Director, Kaviar Hospitality said,“The opening of Lemp Brewpub & Kitchen in Gurgaon marks its first location in India, to give the craft beer enthusiasts here a taste of the much loved American flavours. We welcomed the opportunity to expand the brand in this cosmopolitan part of India where it will be appreciated for its quality and historic value.”

Himalya International Ltd starts production at new food processing plant in Gujarat

Himalya International Ltd has announced the start of production at its newly set up Rs 160─crore food processing plant at Sultanpur in Mehsana district of Gujarat. The plant was formally inaugurated by Narendra Modi, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Gujarat on Thursday.

Sodexo India wins 'Promoting health in the workplace' award at World HRD Congress Awards 2012

Sodexo India has been recognised at the World HRD Congress Awards 2012 held in Mumbai in the category of 'Promoting health in the workplace'. Commenting on this achievement, Sunil Nayak, CEO, Sodexo India Onsite Service Solutions said, “We are absolutely delighted to win this award. The vision of Sodexo is aligned to improving the quality of daily life of those that we work with. Our submission also highlighted that health in the workplace revolves around much more than the food we serve and it is rewarding to see that our efforts in the overall management of the workplace – both for food and facilities – was recognised.”

“Being awarded in this category speaks highly about the way we promote and implement health and wellness as a key differentiator on the solutions we provide,” said Stanulet D'souza, Manager, Wellness & Wellbeing, Sodexo India. The 2012 World HRD Congress provided participants with an opportunity to acquire skills to maximise competencies and become knowledgeable contributors in their organisation.

Losing Sleep over Beds? ─ Avril Sule, Hospitality Educator and Trainer

Losing Sleep over Beds?
Avril Sule
Hospitality Educator and Trainer

IDS NEXT launches Envy mobility solutions for hospitality industry

IDS NEXT launches Envy mobility solutions for hospitality industry

What is Indian Food, Restaurant Food and Home Made Food?

Harpal Singh Sokhi
Head Hospitality and Food,
Khana Khazana India Pvt Ltd

Sodexo India announces success of 'Suraksha Saptaha 2012'

Sodexo India announces success of 'Suraksha Saptaha 2012'

Le Sutra: First Indian Art Hotel

Space Matrix wins International Property Award for 'Best Office Interiors' in India

Space Matrix wins International Property Award for 'Best Office Interiors' in India

JW Marriott Chandigarh launches Quan Spa

JW Marriott Chandigarh announces the launch of Quan Spa. The spa offers an experience based on holistic therapies to help you move towards relaxation, balance and vitality. The Quan Spa has six therapy rooms, besides a fitness center, a rooftop swimming pool and a separate kid's pool as part of the recreational facilities.

Quan has an unique treatments like the Mer and Sens Ritual, aroma therapy oil blends and a three─step relaxation treatment. Quan also offer exclusive rejuvenation experiences to guests with customised spa journeys. The spa package includes an overnight stay in the hotel for a couple, inclusive of all meals, a welcome amenity and a three hour royal spa treatment for Rs 24,999.

High Tea vs Afternoon Tea

Arvind Kumar Saraswati
Assistant Professor,
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, New Delhi

Trained British chefs should cook in India says Eric Pickles

A senior British minister credited with launching five 'curry colleges' in Britain believes that the test of the new initiative is when new graduates will be sought after by employers and restaurants in India. Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, UK, whose love for Indian food contributed to the idea of setting up the 'curry colleges', wants Britons to learn Indian culinary skills to meet the shortage of chefs in the 3.2 billion pounds industry as visa restrictions make it virtually impossible to hire from the Indian sub─continent.

Accor to hire 1,100 employees in India by end of 2012

Accor is on a recruitment drive to meet the needs of its growing network of hotels in India. It will add 1,100 employees to the existing staff strength of 3,600 employees for the 11 hotels opening this year. The company is determined to hire young talented staff that could be trained to multi─task at various levels and will be capable of supporting the broad portfolio of properties.

Symphony launches air cooler 'Symphony Storm'

Symphony has introduced tower cooler 'Symphony Storm', an air cooler which can cover an area of up to 1000 square feet. With a premium look, this new tower cooler has an array of features, informed a company release.

Thomas Cook & IITTM sign MoU to launch two─year PGDM course for tourism industry

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has announced a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM). Manjula Chaudhary, Director, IITTM, Nimit Chowdhary, Professor, IITTM, Prasanth Nair, President & Head – HR & Financial Services, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., and Smeeta Gulvandy, Associate VP & Head – Centre of Learning, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Mumbai for the same day before yesterday. Together they have designed a Post Graduate Diploma in Management in International Business, focusing on tourism. It will be a two─year full─time residential course offered at the IITTM campus in Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh). The course module will include Business Travel, Medical Tourism, Tourism Service Quality, Intercultural Management and Research for Tourism and International Destination. The teaching methods will be case based learning and exposure to the international business environment. The course will commence from June 13, 2011.

Marriott International expands in Asia with signing of its 250th hotel in China

Institutes require practitioners and not mere academicians ─ Manish Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, UEI Global Institute

Manish Khanna
CEO,
UEI Global Institute

HICSA 2012 reiterates positive trends in hotel developments in India

HICSA 2012 reiterates positive trends in hotel developments in India

M�venpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore ties up with Sohum Spa

Business sector hotel M�venpick Hotel & Spa Bangalore has joined hands with Sohum Spa to offer a new range of treatments inspired by Ayurveda, in addition to Oriental and European healing techniques. The Spa offer a wide array of world─class facilities including couple massage rooms, facial therapy rooms, wet rooms with steam, sauna, hot and cold showers. In addition, it provides the services of an Ayurveda consultant, who offers a recommendation of treatments, following consultation on request, according to one's body type and specific needs.

Blowing Hot and Cold

The month of April has been blowing hot and cold for the hospitality and tourism industry. The first week saw a very successful Hotel Investment Conference ─ South Asia (HICSA) which witnessed not only international and domestic participation but also from financial institutions, operators, developers, technology service providers, designers, hoteliers, consultants, among others. There was a sense of optimism at the conference following a two─year lull in the hospitality and tourism industry. The highlight of the conference was the presence of not just new faces but also new brands, most of them in the mid─segment category. Hoteliers world over have started to see India as a potential country for business and investment.

The euphoria post HICSA had not yet died down when Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgraded India to BBB ─ status. It means that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India will hit a stumbling block. Many institutions and companies will be circumspect to invest in the Indian market. Being downgraded from 'stable' to 'negative' denotes that India is just one grade away from being given the 'junk status'.

'Our products are built on customer feedback'

Manoj K Mohanty
Vice President – South and Central Asia,
IDS Softwares