Clarks Collection proudly announces the opening of its latest boutique property in Ajmer, Rajasthan, offering a premium experience to luxury travelers, religious pilgrims, corporate clients, and guests seeking bespoke, intimate events. This addition strengthens the brand’s nationwide presence while tapping into Ajmer’s unique appeal as a spiritual destination for both Hindu and Muslim devotees. Strategically located in the heart of the city with excellent connectivity, the property features 28 elegantly designed rooms across various categories. Each room is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities, to cater guest needs. The property also boasts a spacious banquet hall that accommodates up to 150 guests, making it ideal for events and corporate gatherings. Recognizing the evolving lifestyle preferences in Ajmer, Clarks Collection introduces an in-house pub to cater to the city’s emerging nightlife culture. Additionally, the on-site rooftop restaurant offers a diverse culinary experience with North Indian, Continental, and authentic Rajasthani dishes, reflecting Rajasthan’s rich heritage and renowned gastronomy. Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prakash Bedi, Vice President of Clarks Collection, remarked, “Rajasthan has always been a key market for us, and Ajmer is a significant addition to our portfolio. Along with serving the religious tourism segment, we aim to appeal to younger travelers seeking nightlife and unique experiences. With personalized itineraries and investments in advanced technology, including AI-driven tools, we aim to elevate our guest engagement and expand our reach. The property emphasizes sustainability and community development as part of its commitment to responsible tourism. Clarks Collection plans to achieve certifications from international quality bodies, implement a zero-plastic policy, and utilize locally sourced construction materials. Furthermore, the brand is dedicated to hiring from the local workforce, contributing to the region’s economic growth. The …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Ravi Rawat as its new Assistant Pastry Chef. A culinary artisan with over nine years of experience, Chef Ravi is renowned for his expertise in bakery and pastry arts, blending creativity with precision to deliver exceptional gastronomic creations. Chef Ravi’s impressive career spans some of the country’s most esteemed establishments, including Grand Hyatt Kochi, The Westin Hyderabad, and Aloft Hotel Bengaluru. At Grand Hyatt Kochi, he led bakery operations, crafting innovative recipes and mentoring a team of pastry chefs. His remarkable contributions to the culinary world have earned him accolades. Among his notable achievements is the creation of the tallest edible Christmas tree at The Westin Hyderabad, a feat that garnered widespread acclaim. Guided by a culinary philosophy that champions the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Chef Ravi curates’ desserts that cater to a diverse range of palates. His passion for innovation drives him to experiment with new techniques and flavors, ensuring every creation is a memorable indulgence. In his new role, Chef Ravi will oversee the bakery and pastry operations at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center. With his artistic vision and leadership, the hotel’s dining experience is set to reach new heights, offering guests an exquisite array of desserts that perfectly complement its world-class hospitality. In his part time hobbies he likes to do food photography and creating innovative recipes.

M/s Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited, a real estate and hotel development company based out of Delhi today announced the opening of Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts which is the world’s largest hotel franchising company with more than 9,200 hotels in 95+ countries. Wyndham Garden Sonipat Murthal is located off NH-44 and just a short drive from NH-334B, the KMP Expressway and Sonipat junction, making travel from Delhi to North India states of Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir highly smooth and convenient. The hotel has 82 contemporary spacious rooms and a host of amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, fitness centre, spa, swimming pool, large meetings and events spaces and a business centre. Dimitris Manikis, President , Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA said, “This opening marks a significant milestone in Wyndham’s ongoing expansion across India. As our first Wyndham Garden hotel in the country, it strengthens our presence in the growing North India market, especially in the rapidly developing NCR region. With improved infrastructure and convenient access to major travel hubs like Delhi’s airport, we look forward to providing guests with exceptional comfort, modern amenities, and a memorable stay.” Mr. Mahesh Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director, Rajdhani Realcon Private Limited said, “We are excited to open our hotel that is affiliated with the internationally recognized “Wyndham Garden” brand. The chain is growing rapidly in the country and we are well aligned with the brand focus to provide the guests a comfortable stay enabling stress-free, easy travel.”

Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board participated in the 55th IFFI (International Film Festival of India) in Goa from 20th – 25th November 2024, promoting the state’s film shooting facilities and the Film Tourism Policy. A knowledge series was also organised on 21st November 2024 by Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board featuring discussions on boosting film production in state. The series on ‘Lights, Camera, Collaboration: Government and Industry partnership for filming in Madhya Pradesh’ included insights from Principal Secretary Tourism and Culture Department & Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Film Director Mr. Amar Kaushik, CEO Aamir Khan Productions Ms Aparna Purohit, Actor Mr Abhishek Banarjee, Actor Ms. Nitanshi Goel, Actor Mr. Sparsh Shrivastava & Actor and Producer Ms Vani Tikoo Tripathi. Principal Secretary Mr. Shukla informed about the various aspects of the MP Film Tourism Policy with the aim of promoting film shooting in the state, how government initiatives can help streamline processes and foster collaboration between various stakeholders in the industry and establishing the state as a major film-making destination. Filmmakers appreciated the Madhya Pradesh Film Tourism Policy showed interest in future projects in the state. Mr. Sheo Shekhar Shukla said “Madhya Pradesh is proudly two times national award winner of most film friendly state 2017 & 2020. The state is undoubtedly a must-visit state for film shooting. The state government has created the Film Facilitation Cell to promote filmmaking and shooting within the state. Madhya Pradesh is undeniably a naturally stunning offbeat multispecialty destination and paradise for filmmakers seeking picturesque locations. The state’s diverse locations from rich cultural heritage, vibrant wildlife and sacred spiritual destinations provide a visually stunning film set making it a perennial favourite among filmmakers. Madhya Pradesh boasts excellent …

Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Charlie as Chef de Cuisine. With over 15 years of culinary expertise across some of the world’s most renowned hospitality brands, Richard brings a wealth of knowledge, creativity, and a deep passion for crafting unforgettable dining experiences. Richard’s illustrious career has seen him excel in various leadership roles, including his recent position as Complex Head Chef at Le Meridien Hotel and Conference Centre, Dubai. There, he was instrumental in designing new, innovative menus tailored to diverse palates while consistently raising the bar on dining experiences. His experience in Dubai also includes prestigious roles at JW Marriott Hotel Dubai and Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, where he served as Chef de Cuisine and Senior Sous Chef, respectively. At the Westin, Richard collaborated closely with the Executive Chef, contributing to the strategic direction of the banquet and event offerings, while simultaneously crafting inventive menus that showcased his culinary vision. In his new role at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield, Richard will oversee the hotel’s dynamic food and beverage outlets, ensuring a blend of culinary creativity and operational excellence. His leadership will continue to elevate the guest dining experience, emphasizing both innovation and quality across the hotel’s kitchens. Richard Charlie’s appointment underscores Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield’s dedication to culinary distinction, offering guests unique and memorable dining experiences.

Jodhpur, known for its stunning architecture and rich history, is emerging as a top destination for MICE events. Among the leading venues, Novotel Jodhpur is gaining attention for its innovative approach, combining business with cultural immersion to offer a truly unique experiential MICE experience. With the theme “Rethinking Conference Spaces to Foster Genuine Connection & Elevate MICE Experience,” Novotel Jodhpur aims to move beyond traditional conference rooms. The hotel integrates local culture and team-building activities into corporate events, creating a dynamic and engaging environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and meaningful connections. Abhirup Bandyopadhyay, General Manager of Novotel Jodhpur said, “We believe that corporate events should be more than just meetings—they should be experiences that inspire and foster genuine connections” “By blending business with the rich culture of Rajasthan, we offer a setting where teams can come together, bond, and create lasting memories while achieving their professional goals.” A Fresh Approach to MICE Novotel Jodhpur’s MICE program is an experiential offering that blends professional engagement with cultural exploration. The experience is designed to meet business objectives while immersing participants in Rajasthan’s rich traditions and lifestyle. Guests are welcomed with refreshments and a smooth check-in before enjoying a traditional Rajasthani lunch. The program then features “Rhythms to Relax,” a session of Sufi music designed to create a relaxed and engaging atmosphere, encouraging participants to connect creatively from the start. The itinerary includes visits to Jodhpur’s iconic landmarks like Mehrangarh Fort and Umaid Bhawan Palace, offering insights into Rajasthan’s royal history and architectural beauty. Guests then experience a Jeep Safari & Camel ride through the desert, a unique team-building activity that immerses participants in rural Rajasthan and helps foster collaboration in an authentic …

This holiday season, ring in joy with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s festive offer with up to 25% off on direct bookings at https://theozencollection.com/offers. This fabulous offer extends to all bookings made for the hotel’s two private islands in the Maldives, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO With 95 luxurious villas and residence along with eight diverse dining outlets, and rejuvenating ELE|NA spa treatments, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is the epitome of sophisticated luxury and heartfelt hospitality. This festive season, immerse yourself in holiday joy with activities like Christmas ball painting, a tree-lighting ceremony, seasonal stress relief workshops, beach volleyball, and a special Christmas lunch. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, join the exclusive Ice and Fire Fête, a stunning event with gourmet cuisine, icy cocktails, fiery performances, and unforgettable entertainment, including a fly board show, fireworks, and on-stage entertainment. OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI For those seeking privacy and seclusion, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI offers 90 private villas and RESERVES, five unique dining venues, beautifully curated wellness experiences, and the Maldives’ largest kids’ club, along with an exceptional wine selection featuring over 101 labels from around the world. Experience the magic of Christmas under the enchanting “Carnival of Elegance” theme with events such as DJ nights, gingerbread house making, water gun fight, water polo, Christmas Karaoke, Festive Market and a visit from Santa, and more. Ring in the New Year with fun activities like Beach Boot Camp, Wish Jar Making, Face Painting, Sunset Yoga and more. Choose THE OZEN COLLECTION this Christmas and New Years for an opulent stay, rejuvenating spa with ELE|NA Spa, luxurious entertainment, 24 hours butler service, gourmet cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Reserve: reservations@ozenreserve-bolifushi.com | reservations@ozen-maadhoo.com

Hahnair announced an extension of its contract with Airbus. As a result, Hahnair will continue to provide Airbus with the HR-Shuttle Manager, a product to simplify corporate shuttle services. Since 2019, this tool has been streamlining the booking process for Airbus’ corporate shuttle flights, which are exclusively for Airbus employees, making them available in the Global Distribution System (GDS). Hahnair serves as the validating and marketing carrier, while two European carriers operate the flights. Airbus’ Travel Management Company can issue tickets on the Hahnair HR-169 ticket stock. With the product HR-Shuttle Manager, Hahnair simplifies corporate shuttle management by making it possible to handle corporate shuttle flights like any other commercial flight. This includes booking the shuttle flights via the standard reservation processes, access to all booking related data and detailed reports as well as offering a convenient online check-in and wait-list management for the corporate travellers. Alexander Proschka, Executive Vice President Commercial at Hahnair, stated, “With our distribution know-how and technical infrastructure, we support corporations in making their intra-company flights available in the GDS. We are honoured to extend our agreement with Airbus and look forward to managing their company shuttle flights during the next years.” Since 1999, Hahnair has specialised in offering indirect distribution solutions for airlines of any business model, facilitating ticket sales between more than 350 partner airlines and 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets

Felicitating the leaders of today, who will further inspire and light up the path for  #ChampionsOfChange tomorrow Women in Aviation India (WAI) held its 3rd edition of the iconic Awards – Giving Wings to Dreams 2024 today at Roseate House New Delhi, felicitating 37 women achievers who have contributed significantly to the aviation sector. The award ceremony took place in the distinguished presence of Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India and other eminent dignitaries present at the ceremony included Smt. Usha Padhee, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Dept., Govt. of Odisha and Mr. Vipin Kumar, IAS – Chairman AAI. These Awards recognize excellence in diverse fields of aviation and help build a value chain where achievers inspire the next generation. Following a thorough selection process, led by an eminent jury comprising of stalwarts of the industry, successful women aviators across categories of airside operations, terminal operations, ground support, flight dispatchers, airline security, fire rescue, engineering, communication, cabin crew and flight operations were felicitated at the award ceremony. Women achievers from nodal aviation authorities BCAS, DGCA, CISF and Pawan Hans were also recognized for service excellence. “At the Ministry of Civil Aviation it is a very satisfying moment for us to see this initiative of Women in Aviation India being applauded by our honourable president and prime minister. Through our collaboration with WAI, we are helping women break barriers and are empowering them to lead in this fast-growing sector. India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded exponentially, with the number of airports more than doubling from 74 to 157 over the past decade. Passenger numbers have surged from 11 crore to 22 crore annually, and the aircraft …

The Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Sommet Education, representing prestigious institutions specialized in Hospitality Management such as Les Roches and Glion Institute of Higher Education, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a collaborative venture aimed at advancing professional development, thought leadership, and educational excellence within the hospitality sector. The partnership sets a framework for mutual engagement in projects and activities that will enhance educational and professional growth opportunities within the Hospitality industry. The partnership’s key objective is to leverage the collective strengths of both HSMAI MEA and Sommet Education to provide value to hospitality professionals and students through a range of initiatives. Both parties envision the collaboration to drive industry standards in education, research, and experiential learning for future leaders of the hospitality industry. By connecting HSMAI MEA’s expansive professional network across the Middle East and Africa with Sommet Education’s renowned institutions, Les Roches and Glion, this partnership promises significant contributions to the sector. A cornerstone of the collaboration includes thought leadership activities, with Les Roches and Glion Institute of Higher Education faculty set to participate in several Executive Roundtables hosted by HSMAI MEA. These roundtables offer a platform for sharing insights on hospitality trends, innovation, and strategic marketing. Further, this collaboration will allow both organizations to co-create impactful content through webinars, workshops, and seminars, providing valuable resources to HSMAI MEA’s network and promoting best practices across the industry. Moreover, the partnership will feature contributions from Les Roches and Glion’s academic experts, who will produce research articles and whitepapers for publication on the HSMAI MEA website, reaching a broad professional audience and encouraging dialogue on current industry challenges and …