Category Archives: Hotels

In 2020 as well, Accor Showcase in New Delhi and Mumbai saw an enormous response from the travel and tourism fraternity. The fourth edition of the Accor Showcase saw participation from more than 50 Accor properties globally. The hotel representatives interacted with more than 1000 tourism leaders at Pullman New Delhi Aerocity (26th February) and Sofitel Mumbai BKC (28th February). Consecutively for four years, Accor Showcase has acted as a catalyst for the growth of both inbound and outbound tourism. Over the years, Accor Showcase has focussed on elevating and promoting MICE through its representatives. This year as well, the roadshow saw positive conversions for many participants and especially for Baku, Turkey and London. Many prominent corporates, travel partners, wedding planners, travel agents, airline partners and others attended the event. Luxury and leisure segment being the key aspect for Accor, created a great buzz at the Showcase. The most awaited brand, Raffles, also attracted conversation amongst the participants. Also, the upcoming Fairmont in Mumbai was discussed amongst the industry peers. The new loyalty programme, ALL- Accor Live Limitless and its offerings was a big conversation point. Speaking on the success of Accor Showcase 2020, Kerrie Hannaford, VP, Commercial, Accor India and South Asia, said “The hospitality industry is geared up for the year ahead and Accor has multiple campaigns and initiatives planned for the upcoming months. With our new loyalty programme ALL and Raffles debut in India, we are certain that Accor will get a lot of traction from the fraternity. Accor Showcase provides a great platform to interact with our partners and portray the great products and services provides by Accor globally.” Rohit Chopra, Regional Director Sales – India, …

The experience center located at the hotel lobby would allow users to indulge in an immersive 8K 3-d, computer-generated virtual environment that can be explored and interacted with as per the client’s requirements. This technology , launched in association with VR-Tech startup, The Knotty Tales additionally allows the product to be carried to the doorsteps of the potential customers and allow a technologically advanced way to explore a hotel like never before. The experience centre was inaugurated by Dr Mahesh Sharma, MP, Gautam Buddh Nagar and Ex-Central Minister, Government of India.    

Eastern Himalayas Travel and Tour Operators’ Association (EHTTOA) signs MoU with Bangladesh at Bengal Travel Mart to promote cross border tourism. Some of the main objectives of the MoU include, promotion of tourism activities jointly, annual meeting to be held jointly in Bangladesh and India every alternative year, TOAB Affiliate Members cannot be involved in B2C in India, EHTTOA Affiliate Members cannot be involved in B2C in Bangladesh, registration fee for each member is proposed as Tk. 1500 or Rs 1200, Below are the main objectives of the MoU (in detail): Each Association will induct Affiliate Members mutually [TOAB 50 & EHTTOA 50] without voting power and other facilities enjoyed by General Member. Registration fee for Each Member is proposed as Tk. 1500 Or INR 1200 INR per member. Membership Renewal every 02 years of TK 1000 Or INR 800 per member. Annual meeting to be held jointly in Bangladesh and India in every alternative year. Issues on Common cause to be addressed jointly. Exchange and use of logo to be permitted. EC of Each Association to approve Affiliate Membership. Development launching and other tourism related issue to be taken up jointly for the promotion of the sector. Rules for induction of members will be revised every two years if necessary. First Joint Move will be on Identifying, Listing and Promotion of Home Stays and Rural Tourism. Promotion of tourism activities jointly. TOAB Affiliate Members cannot be involved in B2C in India and EHTTOA Affiliate Members cannot be involved in B2C in Bangladesh. Each Association Member will monitor all aspects respectively.  

According to HVS, management contracts continue to be the most preferred form of brand signings, although Franchising is now steadily growing popularity. In 2019 almost 14% of the total brand signings were franchised compared to 10% in 2018. However managed properties accounted for 76% of the total brand signings in both 2019 and 2018.

The Accor Showcase took place at the Pullman New Delhi Aerocity on 26 February and is slated to take place in  Sofitel Mumbai BKC on 28 February. Speaking at the event, Jean–Michel Cassé, COO, Accor, India and South Asia, says, “ It is now four years since we are conducting this exercise of the Accor Showcase. It is an opportunity for our hotels in India and across the world to come and present themselves to the Indian market. They come and showcase whatever products and services they have for the Indian market.  It has been very successful in the last few years and in spite of the challenging times, we are really happy that it is happening this year again in 2020.” On their upcoming hotels, he said, “We have one opening expected very soon, mid-March, which is Grand Mercure in Bengaluru, mid-2020 we will be opening Raffles in Udaipur, that is truly our first exclusive luxury property opening for the Indian market, we also have very high expectations for this brand to succeed in India as it will be the first Raffles in India.  Across 23 cities in India, we are offering a  variety of brands and services for the travel trade to choose from.” Rohit Chopra, Regional Director Sales-India, Accor, says, “The event is growing strength by strength and doing very well.  We have hotels here from all different categories. We have multiple Raffles, Fairmont’s from different countries, they are looking to tap the M!CE and wedding segment. This year we have participants from Baku, Azerbaijan, London, north Europe and also representatives from the USA, global sales, so it’s a very proud moment for us that we are …

Clarks Inn Group of Hotels has announced the opening of Clarks Premier Kota, which is its first five-star ‘Premier’ branded property and 100th hotel overall. Clarks Premier Kota boasts of 75 tastefully appointed rooms across different categories to suite every need. The hotel offers 27 Deluxe and 12 Executive categories rooms. There are 12 Suites and another 24 as Studio rooms with separate living area and a kitchenette to cater to bigger space requirement of guests. SN Srivastava, President & Co-founder, Clarks Inn Group of Hotels, said, “Today is a proud moment for us. Opening Clarks Premier Kota is a historic occasion for Clarks Inn Group of Hotels in more ways than one. Clarks Premier Kota is the first ‘Clarks Premier’ branded property of the company. It is an upscale five-star hotel brand and this hotel is our signature ‘Clarks Premier’ property. It is only befitting for us to open our newest property, Clarks Premier Kota, in this beautiful city as we celebrate not only the milestone of 100 hotel portfolio but also the launch of our first Clarks Premier branded hotel. This hotel will redefine the hospitality experience in the city of Kota.” Officially unveiled on 21st February 21, 2020, the hotel is located on the prominent Bundi Road, in the heart of the city. “We don’t just promote our properties but also help develop destinations that we are located in. And Kota and the nearby areas are treasure trove of cultural, historical, religious, wildlife and other tourism landmarks. Garh Palace, Madho Singh Museum, Abheda Mahal, the picturesque Jagmandir Palace in the middle of Kishore Sagar Lake, Garadia Mahadev temple, Charan Chauki, the scenic Kota Barrage, Mukundara Tiger Reserve, …

Accor will open Grand Mercure Bengaluru, Raffles Udaipur, ibis Mumbai LBS Road and Novotel Mumbai International Airport by end of this year, says, Jean-Michel Cassé, Chief Operating Officer (COO) –India & South Asia, Accor. He further says, We also have the Raffles Jaipur and Fairmont Mumbai Sahar in the pipeline. At Accor, we have budgeted for a 12 percent RevPAR growth for 2020.”

The Government of Odisha has approved eight more investment proposals worth Rs.1,649.49 crore in the 89th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting, out of which two are hotel proposals. The projects were approved in food processing, chemicals, plastics, tourism, steel downstream and infrastructure and will create employment opportunities for 1,450 people. In the tourism sector, a project by M/s Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd. for expansion of its five-star hotel with an investment of Rs 150 crores, has been approved which will provide employment for 150 people and another proposal by M/s Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd. for expansion of its five-star hotel, with an investment of Rs. 52 crore has also been approved and it will provide an additional employment to around 160 people.

Cross Hotels & Resorts has entered into a strategic alliance with Buzz Travel Marketing India. The exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) agreement facilitates Cross Hotels & Resorts move into the fastest growing travel market in APAC at a challenging period in the global travel industry. “India is the most dynamic market in the Asia Pacific region with more than 50 million people forecast to take overseas trips this year. For many years, India has been a key source market for Thailand and the Southeast Asian region. Indian business and leisure travellers contribute to a diversity of segments that include weddings, MICE, leisure, FITs and group travel. In 2019, Thailand alone received 1.9 million Indian arrivals, setting a new record for tourism trade between the two countries,” said Paul Wilson, Executive Vice President, Commercial at Cross Hotels & Resorts. Always on the front foot looking to advance its global customer base, Cross Hotels & Resorts continues to actively seek out dynamic partners that will help boost its global distribution network. “This alliance is a major investment for us and one that I believe will bear fruit. I am keenly aware of the development of the India travel market and as such we’re totally committed to delivering memorable experiences for all our guests. As a team we shall be incisive, focused and uncompromising in our approach and I am confident the Cross Hotels – Buzz Travel partnership will be very exciting venture.” “We are delighted with this partnership with Cross Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality brand which serves as a perfect fit for the new-age Indian travellers. As an increasing number of Indian travellers continue to fly to Southeast Asia for leisure …

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), has signed an MoU with Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited for development of heritage sites in the state. As part of the MoU, ITDC would provide consultancy services for innovative/ decorative lighting and illumination of important monuments and sound and light show at other important places in Gujarat. The MoU was signed by G Kamala Vardhana Rao, CMD, ITDC and Jenu Devan, Commissioner of Tourism and Managing Director, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat in the presence of Prahlad Singh Patel, Minister of State, Tourism, and Vijay Rupani, Chief Minister, Gujarat. Speaking at inaugural session, Prahlad Singh Patel said, “There is a great scope for developing tourism in Gujarat for which the state government has developed many more new focused sights to attract tourism. State Government may work in tandem with ITDC to promote and develop tourism through innovative and creative steps.”