Category Archives: Hotels

Over the past decade, tourism has embraced sustainability as a strategic pillar. A WTTC report shows that 42% of leading tourism companies globally have set a climate target – either interim, long-term, or both. As sustainable business practices gain traction around the world, companies must increasingly consider the concerns of stakeholders – travellers seeking eco-friendly destinations, and communities concerned about their future.   Tour operators Emissions from tour operators vary across the sector, depending on how asset-light or asset-heavy they are. Some operators express concerns about limitations they encountered regarding infrastructure at destinations, while others are investing in sustainability initiatives. But the current infrastructure and technology at some destinations are not developed enough for those investments to yield results in the short term. For example, some tour operators want to invest in electric buses, but current EV coach battery life is inadequate for longer tours. Travel agencies and OTAs Travel agents — both brick-and-mortar and online — interact with a variety of industry players, from suppliers to destinations, and influence consumer choices. They are well-placed to help the industry achieve its sustainability goals, though these efforts are complicated by the new reporting frameworks. OTAs and travel tech companies more broadly are not easily classified, as they often fall in the software sector rather than tourism. As such, they also lack specific guidance on how to tackle sustainability issues relating to their travel operations. They will likely have to consult sector-based guides, such as for car rental and leasing, hotel and lodging, and airlines. Accommodation One complicating factor for hotel chains is the industry’s range of business models and ownership structures. Many operate under franchise agreements with multiple levels of control, …

One of Fiji’s most luxurious and top independently owned/operated resorts, the award-winning Yasawa Island Resort & Spa, Fiji, recently announced the completion of a million-dollar renovation, according to Director/Owner James McCann. The six-month renovation will be completed this month. With only 18 spacious bungalows, a small group of Fijian villagers as its neighbors, and 30 minutes by private air transfer from Nadi International Airport, the secluded Resort has reasons to celebrate with a stunning new renovation of its public space as well as the exterior/interior of villas.

Christopher Hartley, CEO, Global Hotel Alliance, said, “In India, we have seen considerable growth, with 5 lakh members of the GHA Discovery Program through The Leela Discovery. We aim to reach the one-million-member milestone in coming years by strengthening our relationship with Leela.

Kazin DMC and Four Seasons Hotel Baku, have announced a luxurious familiarization trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, led by Director Vikrant Grover, Kazin DMC. Commencing March 31, this exclusive initiative introduces ten elite Indian travel partners to Baku’s opulence over three nights.

Hotel Association of India has elected its new Executive Committee, and KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group is the new President of the prestigious association for a two-year term. Vice President is Rohit Khosla, Executive Vice President, IHCL; JK Mohanty, MD Swosti Group is the Hony. Secretary and Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels, is the new Hony. Treasurer for the association. Two new EC members include Shashank Bhagat, MD, Radisson Blu Marina Hotel and Sonali Chauhan, General Manager, IHCL.

Namaste Dwaar Resort is a gateway to India’s rich rural culture and a wellness destination offering authentic ayurvedic treatments and programs. Just under a two-hour drive from New Delhi, Namaste Dwaar is located amidst the serene countryside in Mansurpur (Uttar Pradesh), on the Delhi-Haridwar highway and has recently appointed Amor Hospitality as its Hospitality Consultant & Service Provider for Sales & Marketing, Promotions & Experiences. The retreat, through its tie-up with Amor Hospitality, aims to significantly increase business through travel agents/tour operators’ distribution channels and expects to attract guests from all potential travel segments while crafting exclusive promotions, seamless booking experiences, personalized events and unmatched customer service. Erika Farina, Director, Namaste Dwaar Resort said, “As an eco-friendly property and wellness destination, Namaste Dwaar combines ancient Indian natural healing therapies with rural life experiences; this unique getaway, with its numerous activities and attractions, has programs catering to enjoyment of guests pan India and from international markets as well. Our tie-up with Amor Hospitality is a step towards spreading our client base and opening doors to endless possibilities and unforgettable experiences”. Some of the authentic Indian wellness therapies that the retreat offers include: Ayurveda, Vedic Acupressure, Naturopathy and Yoga. Spread over twelve acres of farmlands, Namaste Dwaar Resort is a perfect sanctuary for a short weekend getaway and for those seeking to achieve their wellness goals amidst a peaceful environment. “Namaste Dwaar Resort was conceptualized by the renowned Architect Pradeep Sachdeva, the mastermind behind some of India’s most inspiring architectural works including the Garden of Five Senses and the famous Dilli Haat in New Delhi. The property offers you insights into the older building styles of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan where …

Roseate Hotels & Resorts has continuously demonstrated its commitment to the growth and development of its human capital. In line with this, is the establishment of the Roseate Learning Centre, a dedicated space designed to foster self-paced learning. Led by the visionary CEO, Kush Kapoor, Roseate Hotels & Resorts has embarked on several pioneering initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of its associates. Through the integration of the LobsterInk Learning Management System, associates have access to a comprehensive array of educational modules covering various aspects of hotel operations and management. Partnering with LobsterInk, a subsidiary of Ecolab USA, brand Roseate has brought globally recognized training materials and resources to its associates. The platform offers training videos, materials, quizzes and assessments, with completion badges recognized and linked to individual appraisals, incentivizing learning and growth. Furthermore, the implementation of LobsterInk empowers Heads of Departments to monitor and track the progress of their teams in a transparent manner, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Complementing the digital learning platform are specialized programs such as the Professional Development Programme and the Back-To-Basics Programme, designed to enhance managerial skills and reinforce customer-centric values among associates. Recognizing the importance of language proficiency in the hospitality industry, the hotel chain has also introduced Spoken English Training for colleagues, enhancing their communication skills and self-confidence. In its commitment to nurturing future leaders, Roseate Hotels & Resorts has launched the Executive Development Programme, providing intensive training to fresh hotel management graduates. Additionally, the Roseate Mentorship Programme identifies and supports promising students from select institutions, offering internships and training opportunities to groom them for future leadership roles within the organization. Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts …

Paul Wilson, Executive Vice President of Cross Hotels & Resorts, stated, “Indians comprise about 25-30% of the total guests for Cross Hotels & Resorts. We aim to lead in this market, understanding it better than anyone else. India’s growth shows no signs of slowing, and neither does ours.”

To attract the growing Indian outbound market, ‘Cross Hotels & Resorts’ is all set to commence its India Sales Mission 2024 by organizing muti-city roadshows from 11-15 March, across India. Beginning with Delhi, the delegation from Cross Hotels & Resorts will travel to Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Kolkata.  

Sharing his opinion on best ways to measure hotel room amenities performance, Rajdev Bhattacharya, Global Head Travel and Hospitality, & Global Travel Services, Wipro, says, “Three points comes to my mind straight away: guest feedback through surveys and reviews, mystery shopping to evaluate amenities based on authentic experiences, and of course service audits.”