Category Archives: Hotels

Mamaka by Ovolo welcomes its newest culinary rockstar, Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. Hailing from the heart of India, Jabalpur, where the Narmada River flows and riverside cooking was his teenage playground, Chef Anuj has arrived and making waves with a bold mission; to take Indian cuisine to the next level without forgetting the true essence and heritage of Indian food. Chef Anuj is bringing his fiery passion, innovative flair, and mouthwatering flavours to the vibrant culinary scene at Mamaka by Ovolo. Chef Anuj’s culinary journey began as a teen with chulha-style (brick stove) riverside feasts, whipping up smoky curries and kebabs against stunning scenic backdrops. What started as fun weekends with friends soon turned into a full-blown obsession with the art of cooking. Mamaka and Chef Anuj’s specialty will be crafting all of our spice blends in-house, from garam masala and chaat masala to chai masala. “After a decade of honing my craft, I am ready to elevate Indian cuisine in Bali and redefine what it means to experience authentic Indian flavours. Get ready to be amazed as I bring the heat to Kuta’s vibrant culinary scene,” said Chef Anuj Kumar Ray. The resort’s signature makhani masala, which is featured in dishes like butter chicken and dal makhani, is inspired by the rich flavours of North India, and the dal makhani is traditionally slow cooked for 24 hours, ensuring deep, authentic taste. Snacks, like street-style aloo chaat, draw inspiration from the bustling streets of Jaipur, while our samosas reflect flavours from central India. Poha, one of the most popular Indian breakfast items, originates from Indore city in central India, and it is a personal favourite of mine, along with the …

Highlighting that India is an important market for Marriot, David Marriott, Chairman, Marriott International, said, “India is our fifth-largest market in the world. We have 17 brands among which JW Marriott has been a popular one in India. We have 10 hotels open and five are on the way. Due to growing opportunities, our focus is now on secondary and tertiary markets.”

Referring to the manpower shortage in the Indian hospitality sector at the FHRAI’s HR Summit, Pradeep Shetty, VP, FHRAI said that many skilled employees have exited the industry after the COVID-19 pandemic. “A workforce gap remains, with an estimated need for an additional 100,000–150,000 skilled workers annually,” he said, adding that with projections for India’s hospitality industry to nearly double by 2029, reaching an estimated value of $475.37 billion, we have tremendous growth potential.

InterGlobe’s new lifestyle hotel brand in Europe, Miiro, continues its expansion with the addition of The Mansard, Gstaad, to its growing portfolio. This marks the brand’s entry into Switzerland and positions it as a key player in the European hospitality landscape. The Mansard will join existing Miiro hotels in Paris and Barcelona, along with new properties opening soon in London and Vienna in 2025. Launched in June 2024, Miiro is a characterful collection of individually designed hotels in the heart of Europe’s most vibrant cities. The 29-room hotel is ideally positioned in the centre of Gstaad, an idyllic ski destination nestled in the Swiss Alps. Overlooking Gstaad’s famed promenade, The Mansard offers a vibrant atmosphere where charming boutiques, luxury shopping, and gourmet dining are just a stroll away. The Hotel’s rooftop bar offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, while the restaurant showcases the finest local ingredients from the Bernese Oberland. The property, which is open year-round, also features a sauna, Miiro’s signature Refresh Room, as well as ski storage facilities. Travellers from India are always on the lookout for unique experiences and The Mansard, Gstaad, provides the perfect charming and romantic escape, offering a blend of alpine luxury along with modern comforts. With its stunning views and exceptional hospitality, The Mansard promises to be an ideal destination for discerning Indian travellers seeking an unforgettable experience in one of Switzerland’s most picturesque settings. Neena Gupta, CEO at Miiro and Executive Director-Group Strategy and International Hospitality for InterGlobe Enterprises, comments: “We are thrilled to be welcoming The Mansard into the Miiro collection this winter, as we continue to explore new opportunities to grow the brand in interesting neighbourhoods across Europe. …

According to its secretary general, MP Bezbaruah, the Hotel Association of India is considering asking the government to provide incentives to small hotel operators for adopting sustainability practices. While big luxury and five-star operators are leading the way on this front, the smaller members of HAI are lagging behind due to the cost of taking up the initiatives.

The India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a key player in India’s hospitality sector under the Ministry of Tourism, observed ‘Vigilance Awareness Week,’ themed “Culture of Integrity for Nation’s Prosperity,” from October 28th to 3rd November, 2024. The campaign emphasised the importance of integrity in our society. During this week, hotel units and divisions of ITDC organised various activities to raise awareness about corruption and how various stakeholders can work together to combat it. The organisation’s Director Finance and Chief Vigilance Officer led the integrity pledge, taken at ITDC Headquarters in Delhi. ITDC also hosted an important session on ‘Cyber Hygiene & Security’ at the Ashok Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management (AIHTM) at Hotel Samrat, New Delhi. This session brought together AIHTM students and ITDC employees to highlight the importance of staying safe online. Additionally, ITDC organised a “POSH Session” for its officials to promote awareness and adherence to the organisation’s rules and regulations. A training session on “Preventive Vigilance” was also held at ITDC Headquarters, aimed at educating employees about integrity in their work. A highlight of the week was a walkathon involving AIHTM students and ITDC employees. The students also performed a powerful street play “Say No to Corruption.” Lokesh Kumar Aggarwal, Director Finance and CFO, ITDC, said, “Promoting a culture of integrity is vital for both our organisation and the nation. By raising awareness about corruption and its impact, we empower people to contribute to a more transparent society.” To engage AIHTM students, ITDC held fun activities such as poster making, slogan writing, essay contests, and debates, all focused on the theme of fighting corruption. The week concluded with a ‘Vendors Interaction Meet,’ where ITDC officials, including …

Regal Hotels International has launched its ‘Green Meetings’ initiative globally on 29 October, introducing sustainable meeting solutions to minimise environmental impact. Powered by the Institute of Sustainability and Technology, Regal Hotels provides clients with detailed carbon accounting reports to measure event emissions, following their carbon accounting methodology. Clients also have the opportunity to manage their environmental impact through carbon credits, each representing the removal or avoidance of one ton of carbon dioxide or its equivalent in greenhouse gases. Represented by IRIS Reps in India, Regal Hotels offers eco-friendly practices such as sustainable catering, waste management, and low-carbon options, benefiting companies seeking Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, enhanced brand reputation, and community engagement. The campaign is specifically targeted at Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and corporate clients in India, aligning with the growing demand for sustainable event practices.

15th & 16th November at Far & East are set to be nothing short of magical as the award-winning all-day modern kitchen-style dining room at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru transforms into a vibrant celebration of Thailand’s beloved Loy Krathong festival. With Chef Wimon Pahuja at the helm, guests are invited to indulge in an authentic Thai feast that promises to be a journey through the flavours, traditions, and spirit of Thailand. For two days, Far & East will be a dazzling blend of Thai lanterns, fragrant aromas, and the warm glow of the season’s most cherished festival. Loy Krathong, known as the ‘Festival of Lights,’ symbolises gratitude, new beginnings, and a chance to let go of the past, making it the perfect backdrop for Chef Wimon’s culinary showcase. With 18 years of experience across Thailand, India, and Nepal, Chef Wimon brings to the table not just the vibrant tastes of Thai cuisine but also its soul, culture, and history. Guests will be treated to a meticulously curated à la carte menu, transcending the usual Thai dishes like Pad Thai and Green Curry. Chef Wimon, a seasoned expert in Thai cuisine, will present a selection of lesser-known delicacies and refined versions of classic favourites, each dish carrying the authenticity and finesse of traditional Thai flavours. Think bold, aromatic spices, tender cuts of meat, and the freshest seafood cooked to perfection—every plate a testament to her culinary mastery. Boasting a bold and modern space with a tropical-rainforest leitmotif reflected in its brightly patterned upholstery and curtains, the traditional Asian art and warm lighting at Far & East create an inviting mood for this intimate and relaxed meal. Impeccable Four Seasons service will …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,200 hotels across more than 95 countries, recently held its Annual Roadshow 2024 at the Ramada Gurgaon. The event brought together prominent clients from the region, offering attendees exclusive insights into Wyndham’s leading hotels in India and the Middle East. Through personalised, one-on-one meetings, Wyndham properties engaged directly with potential customers, fostering meaningful conversations and opening opportunities for future partnerships. The roadshow aligns with Wyndham’s focus on deepening relationships with clients in a key market like India, which has experienced a surge in both inbound and domestic tourism. Wyndham currently operates 60 hotels across India and aims to expand its portfolio underscoring its commitment to the region. “India is central to our growth strategy, driven by its expanding economy and evolving travel needs. The Diwali season presents the perfect opportunity for us to express gratitude to our clients and partners for their continued trust. This event allowed us to reflect on our shared growth while laying the foundation for even greater collaborations in the future,” said Sakshi Sehdev Dogra, Head of sales and marketing for Eurasia at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The Annual Roadshow proved highly productive, generating strong interest and enthusiasm among attendees. Key discussions revolved around Wyndham’s unique offerings, bespoke services, and expansion plans across Tier I and II cities. With the success of this event, Wyndham aims to capitalise on emerging opportunities and further enhance its presence in the Indian hospitality landscape.

Praising FHRAI’s new Centre of Excellence, Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, says, “This has been a long-standing desire of our federation, as we have often faced challenges when approaching the government regarding policy issues, regulatory bottlenecks, compliance burden, and the overall ease of doing business One of the major gaps we identified was the lack of comprehensive data to support our claims and recommendations. With the Centre of Excellence, we aim to address this gap head-on.”