Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar proudly delcare the promotion of Mr. Pankaj Gupta to the esteemed role of Area General Manager within IHG Hotels & Resorts -South West Asia. In his new capacity, Mr. Gupta will responsible 8 operating and 2 pre opening hotels including the General Manager role at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar. With over two decades of hospitality experience, Mr. Gupta has consistently exemplified leadership and operational excellence. Previously, as the General Manager of Crowne Plaza Mayur Vihar, he spearheaded revenue growth, operational efficiency, and guest satisfaction initiatives, setting new industry benchmarks. Mr. Gupta expressed, “Assuming the role of Area General Manager is both an honour and a responsibility. I am deeply grateful to the IHG leadership team for entrusting me with this pivotal role. My vision is to leverage the unique strengths of each market, capitalize on emerging trends, and create synergies across properties to drive sales & marketing strategies, operational excellence, and, above all, unparalleled guest experiences. Together, we will strengthen IHG’s position as a leader in the hospitality sector and foster unique collaborations with industry partners.” Mr. Gupta’s exceptional leadership has garnered widespread recognition, including the number 1 position in Guest Love within the South West Asia region in 2023, the GM of the Year 2023 award at the BW Hotelier Awards, and the Best Business Hotel 2023 accolade at the HVS ANAROCK Showcase Hospitality and Travel Awards. Additionally, he was honoured with the prestigious IMEA GM Conference Innovation Impact Award in 2023 and the GM Par Excellence Award by HT City in the same year.

Ranked as one of Europe’s top destinations for solo travellers, İstanbul provides a wide range of activities and experiences for visitors travelling on their own. Thanks to the city’s endless diversity and welcoming atmosphere, solo travellers will find İstanbul – an enjoyable, vibrant, and easy-to-navigate destination recommended by many world-renowned travel publications for 2024. Home to museums, monuments, special exhibition programmes, picturesque streets, luxury hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, and upscale shopping options, this cosmopolitan metropolis beckons visitors to explore the city independently. Two Continents One City  If this is your first visit to İstanbul – the only city in the world built on two continents – start on the Historical Peninsula. The area houses numerous monuments, including the majestic Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern , as well as the Topkapı Palace and Blue Mosque . The İstanbul Archaeology Museum , set in the garden of the Topkapı Palace complex, is a must-see for anyone curious about Türkiye’s archaeological heritage. Of course, no trip to İstanbul is complete without a visit to the centuries-old Grand Bazaar . Similarly, the Spice Bazaar in Eminönü offers visitors a unique shopping experience in a historical setting. After sampling – and perhaps purchasing – various spices, herbal teas, dried fruits and vegetables or other delicacies at the bazaar, you can board a boat at the nearby ferry terminal and embark on a tour of the Bosphorus, where you’ll be greeted by the legendary Maiden’s Tower, the first of many splendid sights along the Bosphorus. Unique city experiences Suppose you land in Karaköy, a popular tourist destination known for its museums, modern cruise port Galataport İstanbul, and open-air shopping mall. You can also visit the İstanbul Museum of …

Mr. Sharma has a vast experience of more than 15 years in the field of finance. He has successfully developed the financial infrastructure of many hospitality chains and implemented business process improvement initiatives, including streamlining requisition procedures and consolidating facilities to improve bottom-line results, without compromising quality. He has extensive experience in taxation, reviewing MIS, designing business reports, finalizing books and balance sheets, budget forecasting, and experience of software implementation with Pre-Opening properties. He has a proven track record in controlling outstanding inventory. He has grown in the hospitality sector from scratch and specializes in handling budget to mid-segment to luxury properties. In his career he has worked as a financial controller with Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Chain, Royal Orchid, Ashiana Housing Ltd, and many other premium brands. He will be responsible for managing the financial infrastructure of Clarks Collection. Also, his primary accountability will be towards managing MIS, keeping track of revenues, and managing outflows and inflows of all the properties. Mr. Sharma, shares, “Being a part of Clark’s legacy is an honour in itself, I am looking forward to making a concrete contribution that results in the development of a robust financial infrastructure, streamlining the taxation and managing the profitability of the properties. Many new checks, processes, and initiatives, will be implemented in the coming days.”  

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 …

Digital travel platform Agoda has today introduced an AI-powered advertising campaign tailored for the Indian audience, featuring Bollywood star Ayushmann Khurrana. This initiative marks an innovative step in the travel industry ad space, utilizing cutting-edge AI technology to create over 250 customized videos for different locations across India and abroad. Watch the ad for Goa here: https://youtu.be/Ds93W-G_VFg In collaboration with Blink Digital, Agoda built a digital campaign around content created using Gan.ai’s generative AI technology. With this technology, a single video of Ayushmann Khurrana has been converted into over two hundred videos that each highlight a different destination. All videos feature Ayushmann, thanks to generative AI changing the voice-over, applying lip syncing, and adding contextual images. The AI-powered ad adapts its content based on the viewer’s destination of interest. This ensures the ad is as relevant to its audience as possible and directs viewers to great value Agoda deals for the desired destination. Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana commented, “I’m excited to be part of Agoda’s innovative approach to connecting with travelers. This campaign allows Agoda and me to reach out to individuals in a very personal way, making their travel planning experience more engaging. The idea is to inform travelers about the great deals that exist on Agoda for their destination of interest, which ultimately helps them see the world for less.” Krishna Rathi, Senior Country Director India Subcontinent and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “This campaign represents a forward-thinking approach to digital marketing in the travel sector. Our collaboration with Ayushmann Khurrana and the use of generative AI allow us to engage with our customers in a more meaningful and personalized manner. More than that, it is a great example …

Türkiye is a real open-air museum of ancient treasures located in one of the world’s most essential geographies, where the history of civilisation was written and shaped. The country has a fantastic wealth of heritage historical sites, with 21 on the UNESCO World Heritage List and 79 on the Tentative List, and, unsurprisingly, hundreds of thousands of cultural heritage enthusiasts visit every year. So, how much do you know about these fertile lands home to the mightiest kings of antiquity? Let’s look at some of Türkiye’s lesser-known archaeological treasures – riches to inspire your next adventure! Treasure of the Inner Aegean: Aizanoi Aizanoi, on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is a remarkable ancient site in Kütahya, in the Inner Aegean. As the principal settlement centre of the Aizanitis living in ancient Phrygia, Aizanoi became a wealthy and prominent city during the Roman period due to grain cultivation and wine and wool production. Aizanoi is home to the world’s first trade exchange building, the Macellum, and Anatolia’s best-preserved Temple of Zeus. In Kütahya, a part of the Phrygian Valley, there are numerous open-air temples and altars dedicated to the mother goddess Cybele, as well as rock-carved tombs. Visit these fantastic structures while you’re in the region. Kaunos and Its Rock Tombs Kaunos, an important port city of the ancient world, is among Türkiye’s most exciting ruins, with its rock tombs. On the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, Kaunos lost its port as silt filled the sea over time. Like Stratonikeia, Kaunos is in the Muğla province and accessible via a 10-minute boat ride from Dalyan. The Kaunos rock tombs, which can also be seen from Dalyan, were produced in the fourth century BC and …

Over 90% of women respondents expressed confidence in its safety measures, while 100% of them prefer and recommend NueGo for future travel. GreenCell Mobility, India’s pioneering force in shared electric mobility, proudly announced the findings of an independent survey performed by DNA Consult Advisory, which evaluated women’s customer experiences with intercity bus operators across the country. The survey, which focused on female passengers aged 18 to 40 years, found that most of women respondents felt safe and secure during their rides, demonstrating NueGo’s consistent commitment to passenger security. NueGo is GreenCell Mobility’s a premier intercity electric bus service. The survey provides a comprehensive picture of female passengers’ preferences and provides valuable insight into issues such as safety, security and hygiene, all of which are critical in the transportation industry. 100% of women passengers surveyed feel safe when traveling with NueGo, and 93% have expressed high confidence in NueGo’s safety features. Equally notable is the fact that all respondents showed a readiness to suggest NueGo to their family, friends, and coworkers, demonstrating the brand’s high consumer loyalty and advocacy. Devndra Chawla, CEO and MD of GreenCell Mobility, reaffirmed NueGo’s dedication to passenger well-being, said, “NueGo’s commitment to providing a safe and comfortable travel experience for all its guests, especially women, is evident in the survey findings. Women travellers tend to carry a mental burden heavier than their physical luggage—the weight of countless worries that linger in their minds long before the journey begins. NueGo aims to alleviate these concerns and provide our women guests with a worry-free journey, ensuring their safety and peace of mind, as well as for their loved ones.” The survey results highlight NueGo’s success in making women …

~Ushers In A New Era Of Air Travel, Expanding Capacity From Delhi And Elevating Passenger Experience~ The flag carrier of Vietnam is thrilled to declare the introduction of the cutting-edge Airbus A350 from New Delhi to Vietnam. Strategically bolstering its presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing international markets, this marks the official launch of the Airbus A350 by Vietnam Airlines for travel buffs in India to experience unparalleled comfort and state-of-the-art technology. A paragon of aviation innovation, the wide body aircraft A350 promises an unparalleled journey characterized by comfort and tranquility at 36,000 feet. Renowned for its safety standards and optimized cabin altitude ensuring the highest air quality, the A350 marks a significant leap forward in redefining air travel for Indian patrons. To further enhance the traveling experience, passengers onboard will be treated to a specially curated Indian food menu, enhancing the gastronomic voyage as they savor sumptuous delights amidst the clouds. Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India, Vietnam Airlines, said, ‘’We have always been invested in India and when looking for further expansion, New Delhi seemed to be a natural fit. Vietnam Airlines has always been known for its hospitality and providing superior traveling experience to its guests and bringing the A350 aircraft to our travelers in India is another step in enhancing the travel experience and providing them with superior hospitality.‘’ Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director of Aeroprime Group said, ‘’Bringing the world-class state-of-the-art A350 to the Indian market demonstrates a greater commitment to customer experience by Vietnam Airlines. This will further help our guests enjoy award-winning Vietnamese hospitality, amazing in-flight food, and best-in-class comfort onboard.’’ The A350 aircraft will have a two-class …

Sarovar Hotels is pleased to announce its partnership with Shriya Holdings to open a new hotel under the Sarovar Portico brand in Hubli, Karnataka. This 60-room property will be located on Gokul Road and is scheduled to open in 2026. The hotel will offer modern amenities and cater to both business and leisure travellers. This partnership marks another significant milestone in Sarovar’s expansion strategy, and will be the ninth Sarovar-managed property in the state of Karnataka. The company is delighted to strengthen its presence in the state and believes that the growing number of travellers to the area presents significant opportunities for quality accommodation. Sarovar is a well-established brand in the hospitality industry, and the company is confident in its continued success in these markets with the support of its trusted partner, Shriya Holdings. Sarovar Hotels wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Suraj Alavandi, Director Shriya Holdings for choosing them as their trusted partners and looks forward to working together to provide an exceptional guest experience.

Ranking Shared as Digital Travel Platform Launches 1M USD Eco Deals Program To mark the launch of Eco Deals 2024, Agoda’s flagship US$1 million partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature, the digital travel platform has compiled a list of some of Asia’s favored nature destinations across Asia, based on searches made on Agoda in January 2024. Top Nature Destinations across Asia: Ooty India, Lombok Indonesia, Hakone Japan, Miri Malaysia, Siquijor island Philippines, Jeongseon-gun, South Korea, Hualien, Taiwan, Khao Yai, Thailand, Dalat Vietnam. Enric Casals, Vice President Southeast Asia, Agoda, shared, “I’m incredibly proud and excited that with this third edition of Eco Deals, Agoda pledges to donate up to one million US dollars to WWF’s diverse conservation projects across Southeast Asia. The Eco Deals program helps travelers ‘give back’ to protect for future generations some of the wonders that the world has to offer.” To enthuse travelers about the unique and remarkable beauty to explore throughout Asia Pacific, Agoda looked at some of the top nature destinations across nine markets to come up with ideas to reconnect with nature through ancient forests, deep valleys, and serene lakes. Gently experience these great destinations: Ooty, India Ooty, also known as the ‘Queen of Hill Stations,’ is nestled within the Nilgiri Hills, which form part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is India’s largest protected forest area and boasts a picturesque town with beautiful lakes and gardens. Ooty is a serene haven for nature enthusiasts who enjoy boating, safaris, and hiking, making it a perfect getaway to experience India’s natural beauty. Lombok, Indonesia Mount Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia features diverse landscapes, including savannahs and tropical forests shaped by volcanic rocks. …