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 …

In an inspiring feat, the 24-year-old Indian mountaineer Goldy Mishra made history on October 26 at 11 a.m. by summiting the highest peak in Africa ‘Mount Kilimanjaro’, an expedition supported by Roseate Hotels & Resorts. After the successful trek, Ms. Goldy proudly hosted the Indian flag alongside the Roseate Hotels & Resorts flag at the top of the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world. What made her journey even more special were her unique spiritual milestones as she became the first Indian to recite the Hanuman Chalisa aloud on Kilimanjaro. This heartwarming act combines physical endurance and devotion, and is a reflection of pride in her heritage and commitment to spirituality. Goldy describes the experience as follows: “Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro was a dream come true. But chanting the Hanuman Chalisa at the top is a moment I will always cherish. I felt like I was carrying the strength of my faith to the top.” Her journey has been one of courage, dignity, and resilience. It is a quality that is reflected in the mountains and in everyday life. Goldy expresses her gratitude to Roseate Hotels & Resorts for being a part of her journey, “I am extremely grateful to Roseate Hotels & Resorts for supporting my dreams and helping me achieve them.” She was welcomed back on November 13 at Roseate House Aerocity, where her incredible accomplishment was celebrated with great enthusiasm. For those inspired by her story, Goldy shares her journey and experiences on her Instagram profile: [@climbtheheights_with_me] Follow along to get a sneak peek of her incredible mountaineering journey. Her success is a beacon to all Indians, reminding us that all things are possible with faith, courage, and a deep connection to our roots. Goldy’s …

As the festive season approaches, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is preparing to enchant guests with a wonderland of holiday magic that transforms into a seasonal sanctuary, brimming with sparkle and excitement. From the grand lobby adorned with twinkling lights and delicate snowflakes to the warm hospitality awaiting each guest, the Hotel is set to be Cairo’s most magical destination for celebrating the festive season. Joyous Celebrations and Heart-Warming Culinary Experiences Celebrate Christmas with remarkable dining experiences crafted by Executive Chef Benat Alonso and his talented team. Each Christmas Eve celebration at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza is thoughtfully designed to capture the magic of the season through world-class flavours and festive ambiance. Revel in the flavours of the Italian coast at Riviera or immerse yourself in the festive energy of Bullona with a distinctive Mediterranean dinner, high-energy bar, and live DJ. Delight in authentic Lebanese cuisine and captivating live entertainment at Byblos, or savour an exceptional Egyptian holiday feast at Zitouni, where traditional flavours and holiday classics pair beautifully with breathtaking Nile views. Keep an eye out for Santa Claus bringing joy to guests while adding a touch of magic to this unforgettable celebration. Ring in 2025 with Glamorous Nile Views Bid farewell to 2024 and welcome the New Year with memorable celebrations along the Nile. Begin the evening with crafted cocktails at The Bar, enjoy a traditional Egyptian-inspired buffet at Zitouni, or gather with friends for an Italian-coastal exquisite dinner at Riviera beautifully orchestrated by Chef Stefano Maffioli Ferrari. Celebrate in style at Byblos with vibrant Lebanese cuisine and an exquisite dessert buffet. At 8 restaurant, Chef Gao Chunlong’s flavourful Chinese menu brings festive sophistication, while Bullona offers an evening of indulgence, dancing, and fun. The festivities continue on January 7, 2025, with …

Keeping loved ones of the bride and groom engaged at their dream wedding destination is a task that every hotel, resort, homestay or five-star hotel needs to master. After all, weddings need to done right for hospitality players because they offer a lucrative, additional revenue stream for the owners. For hotel staff, manually planning and coordinating every little detail for medium to large-format weddings can leave room for errors and overlaps. STAAH, a leading New Zealand-based hospitality solutions provider, that has transformed the business operations of hotels across the world and in India with its stack of cutting-edge tech solutions, offers an effective solution to keep both guests and hotel owners happy this wedding season! Its customised vouchers are a game-changer for the hospitality industry and a powerful tool to build brand loyalty and expand guest reach. Here’s everything you need to know about vouchers: What are vouchers?  These are prepaid certificates that guests can redeem either themselves or gift to their loved ones by indulging in overnight stays, spa services, or even dining experiences. For guests, these offer the flexibility to experiences and services at the property and for hoteliers, these provide an upfront revenue. How hoteliers can increase revenue through vouchers?  Personalisation is the key word when it comes to vouchers. Hoteliers can match the personal tastes of their wedding guests through a variety of vouchers. From spa packages to wine tastings and adventure tours, customised vouchers are more likely to be purchased and redeemed. Hoteliers can even use vouchers as part of their loyalty programmes or as incentives for guests. Their word-of-mouth referrals will increase your voucher usage and encourage more guests to engage with your property. …

The Clarks Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the opening of Clarks Inn Suites Hyderabad, an upscale property strategically located just 15 minutes from Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 30 minutes from HITEC City. Designed with elegance and functionality in mind, Clarks Inn Suites offers 120 sophisticated rooms and suites across 5 categories, each equipped with premium amenities tailored to meet the needs of corporate, leisure, and transit travellers alike. Guests can savour a curated dining experience at the hotel’s specialty restaurant and café, stay productive in the meeting room, or rejuvenate at the state-of-the-art fitness centre. With an emphasis on comfort and exceptional hospitality, the property provides an inviting sanctuary for relaxation and convenience, ensuring every stay is both memorable and enjoyable. Ideally positioned near key business hubs and easily accessible from the Bangalore Expressway, Clarks Inn Suites Hyderabad is perfectly suited for international guests and domestic transit travellers. The property also boasts versatile event spaces, including the Sapphire and Crystal Banquet Halls and the Canvas Boardroom, making it an excellent choice for corporate meetings and social gatherings. Guests can indulge in diverse multi-cuisine offerings at The Bridge, the in-house restaurant, which celebrates local flavours through a modern culinary approach. “Our vision for Clarks Inn Suites Hyderabad is to be a welcoming destination for all travellers, blending comfort, convenience, and superior service,” shares General Manager Nuthan Kumar. “Whether our guests are here for business or leisure, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience every time.”

If 2023 was the year of solo travel and self-discovery, 2024 has been all about creating unforgettable memories with friends. Travel experts are observing a growing trend of friends exploring new destinations together, a shift that’s expected to continue well into 2025. Both small and large groups are travelling not just for unique experiences but to deepen connections through shared adventures and endless conversations—all set against stunning backdrops. For those seeking all this and more, Israel is the spot. Here’s why.   Explore underwater wonders in Eilat Located at the southern tip of Israel, Eilat’s marine life is nothing short of a magical world. Dive into the clear waters of the Red Sea at Coral Beach Nature Reserve and swim among colourful schools of fish. At Dolphin Reef, the charm of wild bottlenose dolphins offers an unparalleled encounter. Distance from Tel Aviv: Less than 350 km south Stargazing in the Negev Desert Hike around the rim of Makhtesh Ramon, the world’s largest erosion crater in the Negev desert. Camp out at night as stars and the milky way light up the sky creating an outwardly celestial view. Distance from Tel Aviv: Approximately 200 km south Explore oasis in Ein Gedi Not far from the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi is an oasis and nature reserve where friends can find peace in crystalline pools and scenic waterfalls. Keep an eye out for the resident rock hyraxes sunning on nearby boulders, adding a touch of the wild. Distance from Tel Aviv: 140 km southeast Time travel at Timna Park In Timna Park, towering red sandstone formations like Solomon’s Pillars bring ancient history to life. Walk through history, following trails once used by Egyptian …

Shillong  The 4th Shillong Literary Festival, 2024 was inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, in presence of the tourism minister, eminent authors, columnists, and officials. The inaugural session, held at the iconic Ward’s Lake, currently adorned in Cherry Blossoms, set the tone for three days of literary brilliance and creative dialogues. Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “We have been trying very hard to make it a calendar event not for just the state but hopefully one day on to the national and even international level. This is just the beginning, and we intend to make it much bigger in the coming years”.  He added that the festival aims to bring together writers and provide a canvas for the youth to engage, exemplified by initiatives like the Meghalaya Grassroots Movement Program (MGMP). Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed that in coming years, the festival will not only be confined to literature, but different aspects of fine arts. At the end of the day, this festival, beyond literature and fine arts, is about the people and the youth of Meghalaya where they can use the platform to engage with people across the world and get a chance to connect and learn. He underscored the importance that the festival holds to the students, not only the college ones but also young children. He added we need to document all the cultural and historical aspects of our state. We are hopeful that through initiatives like this we would not only encourage the habit of jotting down things, but also, coupled with CM Research Scholars’ programme, promote a healthy research and documentation on the people and culture of …

MRVH Resorts Private Limited, a real estate company with interest in hotels and housing, is pleased to announce its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open Ramada Resort by Wyndham Omkareshwar Khandwa Road. This franchise agreement signing highlights the MRVH’s dedication and commitment to bring world class hospitality experience to the destination with the right mix of facilities to cater to leisure and MICE guests. MRVH Resorts Private Limited, Directors, Mr. Harpal Singh Sachdeva and Mr. Jitendra Singh and Mr. Rahul Chawla stated that this affiliation indicates our determination to bring one of the world’s most recognized international hotel brand “Ramada Resort by Wyndham” to the pilgrim destination of Omkareshwar, much in time before grand ‘Simhastha’ in 2028. This Ramada Resort in Omkareshwar would have 150 keys including villas. Additional features to include facilities like All Day Dining & Bar Lounge, Banquet Halls, Lawns, Meeting Rooms, Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool and Recreational Facilities. The hotel is currently in advance planning stage and expected to open towards end of 2026. Omkareshwar is a popular Hindu pilgrim destination and the temple is also known as Shri Omkarnath Temple situated in Madhya Pradesh on Mandhata Island. The hotel would be situated strategically on 13.5 acres of land providing tourists with experience of panoramic hill views with lush landscapes and ample opportunity for guests to take up activities within the resort. Mr. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stated that “Signing the new Ramada Resort in the prominent pilgrimage destination Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh is another great step for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in enhancing its offerings supporting the growth of spiritual tourism in India. When open in December 2026, Ramada …

Shri Vrindavan Residency (SVR), a real estate firm with interest in hotels, residential and commercial sectors, is pleased to announce its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Vrindavan. This franchise agreement signing highlights SVR’s dedication to bring elevated hospitality experience to the temple city with a variety of facilities to cater to leisure, weddings and MICE guests. Shri Vrindavan Residency, Partners, Mr. Bhanu Pratap Singh and Mr. Narendra Singh stated that “We are delighted to partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, that shares our commitment of excellence and customer satisfaction. By bringing one of the world’s most recognized international hotel brand “Ramada by Wyndham” to the pilgrim destination of Vrindavan, we look to redefine comfort and quality service delivery for the discerning travelers here.” The proposed Ramada by Wyndham hotel in Vrindavan would consist of 72 keys with additional features such as All Day Dining, Banquet Halls, Meeting Rooms, Fitness Centre, Swimming Pool etc. The hotel is under development and expected to open by 2026. Vrindavan is a historical city with about 5,500 temples dedicated to the worship of Radhakrishna. The city forms a part of the “Krishna pilgrimage circuit” that is under development by the Indian Ministry of Tourism. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts stated that “We are excited to announce our partnership with SVR to bring our leading Ramada hotel brand to the prominent pilgrim destination Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh. With a focus on delivering memorable guest experiences, Ramada by Wyndham continues to be a classic among travelers seeking comfort, convenience and elegance. This signing reaffirms our commitment to expand our footprint in pilgrim destinations across India and …

Himanshu Arora, the Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer at GoMechanic.in, is a dynamic leader with a wealth of experience in the automotive industry. With a career spanning 15 years, Himanshu has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a keen business acumen that have been instrumental in driving GoMechanic’s success. Starting his career at American Express, Himanshu honed his skills in corporate sales and business development before venturing into entrepreneurship. As the Co-Founder of Servizzy and now leading GoMechanic alongside Ms. Muskan Kakkar, Himanshu has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the car servicing sector. His educational background includes a post-graduate diploma in International Business from Jagan Institute Of Management Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the same institution. This academic foundation, combined with his hands-on experience, has equipped Himanshu with a comprehensive understanding of business operations and strategic management. Throughout his career, Himanshu has held key leadership positions at renowned organizations such as Thomas Cook India and AUDI AG, where he excelled in global enterprise sales and business travel management. His strategic vision and innovative approach have been instrumental in driving growth and profitability for the companies he has served. As a visionary entrepreneur, Himanshu is known for his ability to identify market gaps and capitalize on emerging opportunities. His commitment to excellence, coupled with his relentless drive for success, has positioned GoMechanic as a trailblazer in the automotive service industry.