HospitalityBizIndia.com

Grand Park Orchard to open in Singapore in July 2010

Park Hotel Group will launch its new flagship property in Singapore, Grand Park Orchard, in July 2010. The hotel is being set up after a SinUSD 80 million makeover of the former Park Hotel Orchard. It has 308 rooms with its four─storeyed retail podium Knightsbridge.

Allen Law, Director, Park Hotel Group said, “The arrival of Grand Park Orchard heralds a new level of sophistication on Orchard Road. Not only is it our crown jewel, Grand Park Orchard also represents the aspirations of the Group as we scale the heights to be the leading hospitality chain in the Asia Pacific.”

According to a report in asiatraveltips.com, the hotel will boast furnished rooms with modern conveniences such as high─speed Internet access, LCD TV, DVD player, minibar and coffee/tea making facilities. The suite rooms will be equipped with 40─inch Bang & Olufsen LCD TV, Hermann Miller designer desk chair, personal PCs with all─in─one printer, scanner and fax. Besides, the hotel will have the Spa Park and the Crystal Club Lounge.

Singapore Tourism Board targets 11.5 ─ 12.5 million visitor arrivals in 2010

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is targeting 11.5 – 12.5 million visitor arrivals and SinUSD17.5 – SinUSD 18.5 billion in tourism receipts for 2010. Commenting on the outlook for the industry, Aw Kah Peng, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board said, “Despite last year being an exceptionally challenging one, the tourism industry weathered it credibly. With the global travel industry expected to recover this year and with Singapore offering an even more compelling suite of tourism experiences, including the two Integrated Resorts (IRs) that will open this year, we are confident that the sector will be able to register its best performance to date.” The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has forecasted that international tourism arrivals will grow by three─four per cent in 2010. Asia is expected to lead this with a growth of five─seven per cent.

According to a report in asiatraveltips.com, this year will see the much anticipated opening of both the Resorts World Sentosa and

UK's Whitbread buys out Indian JV partner

Whitbread Plc, Britain's biggest hotel and coffee shop operator has bought out its Indian Joint Venture (JV) partner Emaar MGF. Emaar MGF is a JV between Dubai's Emaar Properties and Indian financier MGF.

According to a report in Reuters, Whitbread Plc has confirmed that its brand Premier Inn has completed the acquisition of the 50.1 per cent stake it did not own in the JV with real estate developer Emaar MGF.

Siva Group buys stake in Norwegian mineral water brand

Chennai─based Siva Group, a USD 3─billion (Rs 14,000 crore) diversified conglomerate, has acquired 50 per cent stake with two others in Isklar, a Norwegian glacial natural mineral water company. According to a report in Business Standard, the transaction involves an outlay of USD 22 million (Rs 101 crore) and is a 50:50 Joint Venture of the Siva Group with Sabco, a water brand company from Oman and Jova Holdings, also from West Asia. Siva Group has put in half the money for the 50 per cent stake and the two others jointly put the other half.

Isklar launched its product in Britain in early 2008 and in Norway in early 2009. The brand is sold by the main retail chains there and in high─end stores. Vaidyanathan Srinivasan, CEO, Siva Group said, “We have always believed in spotting business opportunities ahead of time and further enhancing the value of the business we have entered. The present acquisition reinforces the vision of Siva Group and we will look forward to expand the operations of the brand in other international markets.”

Hyatt Regency Mumbai to conduct Wedding Experience

With an aim to showcase its offerings to the wedding segment, Hyatt Regency Mumbai will organise Wedding Experience 2010 on March 14, 2010. The hotel will organise the event in association with Var Vadhu, a wedding planning firm. The event will showcase various wedding products under one roof including venue options within the hotel, wedding trousseau designers, wedding planners and F&B options for customers and event managers. It will present clothing options by designers Anjali and Arjun Kapoor and jewellery by Tikamdas Jewellers at the event.

Speaking about the event, Aseem Kapoor, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Mumbai stated, “The idea behind conducting this event is to showcase our banqueting venues for smaller, as well as larger wedding groups. Weddings have always been a focus segment for us generating huge business.”

The hotel has also looked into the market trends and evolving requirements of the Indian wedding segment. This is the second time that the hotel is conducting this marketing event; the first edition of the same was held in 2005.

Ideal Hospitality to franchise 'Aromas' in South East Asian markets

Ideal Hospitality Pvt Ltd (IHPL), which owns and operates 'Aromas' coffee outlets in Mumbai and Pune plans to expand into the overseas market. Likewise, Ideal Hospitality intends to extend Aroma's master franchise in South─East Asian locations namely Singapore and Hong Kong. For the same, the company is currently negotiating deals with prospective clients. Ideal Hospitality have signed an MoU with the Australian coffee company to introduce Aromas in India.

“We perceive that Aromas has the capacity to grow in international markets; hence apart from India and Australia we are vying to foray into South East Asia through the master franchise model. However, in India we plan to expand out presence mainly through owned and managed outlets, rather than the franchise route, Jayant Mhaiskar, Chairman and Managing Director, Ideal Hospitality told Hospitality Biz. An Aromas outlet requires a minimum of 2,500 sq ft area with an investment of Rs 75─80 lakh; while the average per cover (APC) for the brand is around Rs 200─225.

Amadeus LinkHotel aims at servicing small to medium─sized hotels and groups

Amadeus LinkHotel aims at servicing small to medium─sized hotels and groups

Carlson Hotels Worldwide ties up with HotelsCombined.com

Carlson Hotels Worldwide ties up with HotelsCombined.com

'Getting recognition and acceptance is a challenge'

With the launch of its first property in Goa recently, Alila Hotels & Resorts has marked its presence in the Indian hospitality sector. Mark A Edleson, President, Alila Hotels and Resorts speaks with Rashmi Pradhan on the challenges as a new entrant and plans for the Indian market

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport to open on April 1, 2010

Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport is scheduled to open on April 1, 2010. The 225─rooms property is owned by Shell Inn International Pvt Ltd and will be managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG's) brand Holiday Inn. The upcoming hotel is part of the worldwide effort by Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts to create a new identity and establish new brand hallmarks that will deliver a more consistent quality and contemporary image for the brand. Besides, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport will be a part of a global re─launch for Holiday Inn.

Speaking exclusively with Hospitality Biz, Harry Thaliwal, General Manager, Holiday Inn Mumbai International Airport said, “Our hotel is a business hotel. Being an international brand we believe in offering business class product and provide more variety to our customers. The hotel is in close proximity to domestic and international airports, which will be advantageous for us. Being surrounded by corporate park, commercial buildings and residents we believe that 40 per cent of the total sales will come from F&B segment and 60 per cent from room sales.

John Willard 'Bill' Marriott, Jr receives Lifetime Achievement Award at IHIF Berlin

The 13th annual International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) in Berlin, Germany has conferred John Willard 'Bill' Marriott, Jr, Chairman and CEO, Marriott International with Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is presented to a business leader who, over his or her lifetime, has made a significant difference in the hospitality industry.

According to a report in 4hoteliers, Marriott said, “I want to thank the delegates of the International Hotel Investment Forum for honouring me with their Lifetime Achievement Award.”

He said, “What started as a nine─stool root beer stand my parents opened in Washington, D.C. more than 80 years ago, has evolved into a global hospitality company with more than 3,400 hotels and resorts in nearly 70 countries. We continue to grow around the world and just yesterday we announced that we will be doubling our portfolio in Europe by 2015.”

Mark Crocker: Executive Chef, Marine Plaza

Mark Crocker
Executive Chef,
Marine Plaza

Ongoing Hospitality & Tourism Projects: February 2010

Ongoing Hospitality & Tourism Projects: February 2010

Hotel Tunga Regency

Demystifying mid─market jargon

Demystifying mid─market jargon
There is an old saying 'drastic times call for drastic measures' and something similar happened few years back to the hospitality industry wherein hoteliers started using various connotations for their products in order to differentiate themselves from their competitors. Department of Tourism, Government of India has classified hotels under Star and Heritage Hotels category.

MoF extends time limit of Five Year Tax Holiday for CWG hotel projects in Delhi and NCR till July 31, 2010

According to a PIB release, at the request of Kumari Selja, Union Minister for Tourism, in order to encourage the growth of new hotels coming up for the Commonwealth Games (CWG), the Ministry of Finance (MoF) in the recently announced Union General Budget 2010─11 has extended the Five Year Tax Holiday available to two, three and four─star category hotels and convention centres in National Capital Territory Region (NCR) of Delhi and districts of Faridabad, Gurgaon, Gautam Budh Nagar (NOIDA) and Ghaziabad from March 31, 2010 to July 31, 2010 under Section 80─ID of Income Tax Act. The hospitality industry has commended the efforts made by MoT to encourage the growth of budget accommodation in the National Capital Region of Delhi.

Selja in a pre─budget exercise had requested the Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee for extension of time limit of Five Year Tax Holiday for Commonwealth Games hotel projects in Delhi and NCR. Welcoming the decision, Selja said, that the announcement of Government of India (GoI) during the Budget speech has set an economic environment which is conducive for tourism and hospitality growth in the country.

Ramada Powai and The Residence Hotel & Convention Centre : Shishir Ranjan, General Manager

Shishir Ranjan
General Manager,
Ramada Powai and The Residence Hotel & Convention Centre

Action Capture

57th International Congress of Union Internationale des Concierges d'Hotels (UICH) at Lisbon, Portugal

ITDC and its outlook for 2010

ITDC and its outlook for 2010

AAHAR 2010 kick starts at Pragati Maidan in Delhi

AAHAR 2010, the international food, food processing, and hospitality fair kick started at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The exhibition, which will go on till March 14, has been organised by India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) in partnership with Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI), Government of India, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and other industry associations like Association of Resource Companies for the Hospitality Industry(ARCHI) of India, Hotel and Restaurant Equipment Manufacturers Association of India (HOTREMAI) and All India Food Processors' Association (AIFPA).

Inaugurating the exhibition, Subodh Kant Sahai, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries said that AAHAR has grown in size and stature in the last few years and has become 'a destination' for industry stakeholders from India and abroad. Listing various incentives and initiatives available for investors in the food processing sector, Sahai said that the industry has become a 'near zero tax' sector.

STR Global reports upward trend in RevPAR for hotel industry in India

STR Global, provider of market information to the global hotel industry, shows a concerted upward trend and recent positive year─on─year growth in revenue per available room (RevPAR) for the Indian hotel industry. India had previously experienced 14 months of RevPAR declines. After years of double─digit growth, the worldwide economic downturn and terror attacks in Mumbai led to performance declines and double─digit misery.

But December 2009 and January 2010 saw a return to significant year─on─year increases, in large part due to favourable comparisons to the weak performance posted in the previous year. The recent results also were boosted by a 21─per cent rise in international tourist arrivals, which highlights an overall quarterly increase of 6.9 per cent after four consecutive quarters of year─on─year declines. (Source: UNWTO World Tourist Barometer)

Hotel Sahara Star's loyalty membership programme 'Star Gourmet'

Hotel Sahara Star's loyalty membership programme 'Star Gourmet'

UK's Whitbread buys out Indian JV partner

Australia─based 3B Distribution to enter India by September 2010

Australia─based 3B Distribution to enter India by September 2010

Nashik─based Vallonne Vineyards to launch premium wines in Mumbai and Bengaluru

Nashik─based Vallonne Vineyards, which recently launched its range of premium wines, in Goa plans to introduce them in Mumbai and Bengaluru shortly. Vallonne Vineyards has launched Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Classique, Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. The wines have been aged in French oak barriques.

According to Shailendra Pai, Founder and Owner of the winery, Vallonne is built entirely on the French model including the technology. The new generation machines come from Bucher Vaslin and Gai. The oak casks are imported from a premier cooperage in France. Bottles, corks, capsules, fining chemicals have been imported from France.

Pai said, “Being the state's first boutique winery, the focus is solely on quality. Our wines are nurtured long before the grape is born. The fruit is gently handled and grapes are picked and sorted by hand. As the fruit makes its way into the tanks, there is minimal human intervention for the quality of the fruit.”

In the maiden year, the winery has produced less than 5,000 cases of wine.

Karnataka to set up six more food parks

R Suresh, Chief Secretary for Karnataka food processing and technology department, says that the state government (in its financial plan) has approved six more food parks apart from four food parks that are at various stages of completion in different places in Karnataka.

Speaking about the state government's plan, Suresh says, “Among four food processing units under construction, the park at Malur is in the final stages of completion and will be inaugurated soon. The park at Malur will process vegetables, fruits and pulses, such as potatoes, mangoes and tur dal.” Last year, when the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (Mofpi) celebrated 'Food Safety & Quality Year', the Karnataka government decided to set up four mega food parks in Bagalkot, Malur, Hiriyur and Jevargi districts.

“This year's budget has approved the set up of food parks at six additional places that include Davangere, Belgaum, Shimoga and Byadgi and funds have been released for the same. Besides the six food parks, the government has plans to set up a spice park at Byadgi under public─private partnership,” Suresh adds.

Amadeus LinkHotel aims at servicing small to medium─sized hotels and groups

Amadeus LinkHotel aims at servicing small to medium─sized hotels and groups

Spanish Olive Oil: All─round benefactor

Spanish Olive Oil: All─round benefactor
The greatest exponent of mono─unsaturated fat is olive oil and it is a prime component used in Mediterranean diet.

Hotel (In)Security

Hotel (In)Security
Vijay Dandapani
Chief Operating Officer, Part─Founder of Apple Core Hotels

IRCTC to set up 52 new food courts and 2 packaged drinking water plants

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd (IRCTC), an undertaking of the Ministry of Railways, is setting up 52 new food courts across India. The new food plazas will help the company offer state─of─the─art catering services to the passengers. A railway officer said, "The opening of food plazas at various destinations will simplify the availability of good and quality food to passengers."

Currently, the company has about 53 food courts, including public─private paternership (PPP) basis, in India. According to a release by the Railway Ministry, the railways offer catering services through around 10,752 static catering units, in 260 pairs of trains through pantry cars and in 80 trains though train side vending. Total departmental catering units under zonal railways are 56 and those under IRCTC are 1,426. There are a total of 3,473 private licensee catering units under zonal railways and 5,797 units under IRCTC.

To ensure availability of quality and hygienic drinking water facility to passengers, the Railway Board has also approved IRCTC's proposal for setting of "Rail Neer", packaged drinking water plants at Pallur in Chennai and Ambernath in Mumbai.

Building environment friendly hotels

As a part of a very creative and ever evolving industry, architects constantly seek to invent better designs. A huge responsibility towards protecting our natural environment and habitat lies with all of us, especially construction and design firms. India is witnessing remarkable growth in infrastructure development and construction.

Total solutions for human health

Hyderabad─based Leonia Resort's spa facility known as 'The Leo Juventa Centre for Integrated Medicine' is one of the largest health and medical spas in India. The spa is a part of the holistic resort concept developed in Hyderabad and features 45 treatment rooms, couple suites and spa suites. Leo Juventa spa is spread over 1,00,000 sq ft and has been positioned to offer complete wellness package that revolves around the philosophy of body, mind and soul. Leonia Resort houses 88 suites or lagoon villas with 1,200 more rooms, which are scheduled to open by December 2009.

The spa was created keeping the holistic views in mind to give total solutions to human health problems. This particular system is designed and customised for the individual's requirement. This scientific─based system amalgamates different medicinal therapies like ancient Indian medicine (Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Meditation and yoga), Hydrotherapies Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Cosmetology, Massotherapy, Anthroposophical Medicine with Modern Medicine by recognising the strengths and weaknesses of the systems.

Understanding Ikebana

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

Sohum Spa to roll out franchise model in India

Mumbai─based Sohum Spa, Core Wellness Ltd's spa brand plans to roll out franchise model in India by the end of this month. The franchise model will be applicable to standalone spas across India. In the next one year, Sohum Spa plans to have six to ten spas running under franchise model. Currently, Sohum Spa runs in all the Sun─n─Sand hotels and also at Madhubhan Resort & Spa in Anand, Gujarat on a revenue sharing basis that is on management contract. Sohum Spa also provides consultancy to hotels.

Speaking exclusively to Hospitality Biz, Dr B Rajesh Srinivas, President, Sohum Spa said, “By the end of this month, we plan to introduce franchise model as a different mode of operations. We will be participating in Franchise India 2009 Expo, which will be held on November 26─27, 2009 in New Delhi. To start with, most of these franchise contracts will be in Delhi. However, we believe that this business model is a faster way of expanding the business.”

Furthermore, Srinivas added, “In case of franchise, we will provide training to the staffs, branding, consultation to set up the systems and putting them in place.

BCIHMCT to organise award ceremony in New Delhi from Oct 7 to 9, 2009

Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology (BCIHMCT), New Delhi will organise 8th Chandiwala Hospitality Ensemble 2009. The national event will take place from October 7 to 9 in New Delhi. The theme for this year's award ceremony is 'Grand Trunk Road from Kolkata to Kandhar.'

Traditional and ethnic Indian cuisine from regions around the Grand Trunk Road will be served during the event. Also an effort to reflect culture and ethnicity shall be done by hospitality students. The event's aim is to provide an appropriate platform to the budding hospitality executives, not only to display their skills but also to have an opportunity to refine and enrich the same.

IICA signs MoU with RR Hospitality, to open second institute in Chennai

Delhi─based International Institute of Culinary Arts (IICA), a unit of Datta Hospitality Management Support Services (DHMSS), founded by hotelier and Chef Virender S Datta, will open their second culinary institute in Chennai. For the same, IICA has tied up with R R Hospitality Chennai. To begin with, the new institute in Chennai will offer diploma course in Patisserie.

Datta said, “R R Hospitality is an established hospitality company engaged in Patisserie and hotel business in Chennai. We will them with key patisserie Chef and course curriculum.”

Datta also informed that IICA is hopeful for forging more such tie ups in other parts of the country as well in the coming years. “We have established ourselves in the culinary education segment and now ready to look for opportunities to expand our reach. We are also in consultation with various state governments.”

Understanding Ikebana

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

HTI to organise leadership and personality development camp in May '09

Mumbai─based Hospitality Training Institute (HTI) in association with Turning Point, Nature Trails and Saif Creations is organising its leadership and personality development residential summer camp 'Discover 09' at the Dabhosa Waterfalls Resort in Maharashtra during May. The six day long summer camp is open to individuals above the age of 15.

The camp's first batch will be conducted from May 1 till May 6, and the second batch (in Marathi) during May 6 to May 11. Third batch of the camp is slated from May 11 to May 16, and the last batch will be held from May 16 to May 21. The camp fees has been fixed at Rs 5,900 per person (including travel, meals as well as lodging for six days, which excludes taxes and insurance). HTI has announced group offers and early bird offers for the camp. After completion of the camp, the participants will be awarded with a certificate by HTI.

Elaborating on the camp, Dominic Costabir, Director, HTI (India) Pvt Ltd said, “Discover 09 is for 'iGen's', the young generation with access to education, luxury and technology. But the pressure,

Mineral Water from Billbury

Billbury Food and Beverages Pvt. Ltd. has launched its entire range of Mineral Water products. The three major brands of mineral water from Billbury namely 'Glaciers', 'Vitalife' and 'Hangover Over'. Glaciers is the most natural form of mineral water and is priced at Rs 35 for a one litre bottle and Rs 20 for a half litre bottle. Vitalife is a wellness beverage and the technical know─how comes from Japan though Billbury's fully Indian owned company with independent production facilities in Himachal Pradesh. Hangover Over as the name suggests will ensure that there are absolutely no hangovers after alcohol consumption. Priced at Rs 65 for a one litre bottle, it is also available in half litre bottles which are priced at Rs 45. This pricing also hold true for Vitalife.

HIFI 2010: Discovering India's robust future

HIFI 2010: Discovering India's robust future

Grand Park Orchard to open in Singapore in July 2010

On the right track

Sobriety seems to have descended on the hospitality and travel industry at last. In an unprecedented move, major associations of the hospitality, travel and aviation industry got together and collectively drafted and submitted recommendations for the Union Budget 2010─11. Although Union Budget failed to address the tourism and hotel industry's long standing demands; the window of opportunity comes from the proposal to claim investment linked deductions (as an alternative to profit linked deduction) under Income Tax Act to new hotels of two─star category and above anywhere in India. Hospitality Biz gathered views from industry experts and the unanimous verdict was that this move is likely to augment hotel industry's growth and is also a welcoming sign for upcoming projects. This one step should be converted into a long journey as nothing can be achieved instantly.

Overall the Finance Minister seems to have presented a favourable budget that will appeal to the 'common man'.