Category Archives: Hotels

The Goa government is drawing up a new standard operating procedure (SOP) for hotels amid the ongoing tourist season. “We are in the process of issuing guidelines for hotels, which will make it mandatory for them to reserve one room as an isolation room on their property,” said CM Pramod Sawat. Any guest who tests positive for COVID-19, but is asymptomatic, can be put up in the isolation room on hotel premises.  

India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) and Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), in an attempt to further enhance skilled youth in the hospitality sector, signed an MoU, on 12th November, 2020, for setting-up a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the state. The MOU was signed digitally by G. Kamala Vardhana Rao, C&MD, ITDC and Arja Srikanth, IRTS, Special Secretary to Govt. of AP, MD & CEO, APSSDC in the presence of other senior officials from ITDC & APSSDC.

According to the latest data from HVS ANAROCK on the Indian hotel industry, hotel occupancy improved from approx. 10% in April 2020 to almost 26% in September 2020 as the hotel industry currently cruising on domestic leisure travel & outbound Indian luxury travel. Corporate demand is still subdued and will remain constrained at least for the short term.

Hyatt Regency Delhi is currently not available for reservation on Hyatt.com, according to an official statement by the hotel. However, a Tweet by Hyatt Concierge (global) in response to the status of booking of the Delhi property on the parent website of the brand stated, ‘Hyatt Regency Delhi is no longer affiliated with Hyatt’. In fact, the search for Delhi properties on the Hyatt website only shows Andaz Delhi and the Piccadilly Hotel (to be converted to Hyatt) in Janakpuri as part of the portfolio.

In its hospitality & hotels overview for the Indian market, HVS Anarock highlighted that the hotel sector is showing early signs of recovery with occupancy improving M-o-M across most major markets driven by the gradual revival of domestic leisure travel in the country. Goa & Jaipur have been witnessing noticeable improvement in occupancy. Corporate travel continues to remain subdued.

Radisson Hotel Group has launched a new brand, Radisson Individuals, giving independent hotels and small chains the opportunity to become part of the global Radisson Hotel Group platform and benefit from international exposure, with the freedom to maintain their own unique style and identity.        

With the pandemic having had a substantial impact on in-person exhibitions and events, Ministry of Culture has issued guidelines for holding cultural events and activities in virtual or online mode under various scheme components of Central Sector Scheme ‘Kala Sanskriti Vikas Yojana’ (KSVY), ensuring continued financial assistance to tide over the present crisis.

A new entrant in cloud-based hotel management software domain StreetGooser is offering free tech support to help the industry recover from the pandemic. Shakthivelu M, its MD & Co-Founder, says, “Our focus is on small to mid-sized properties to provide them with technology that won’t break their banks. We tweak our technology based on the clients’ needs.”

Sarovar Hotels and Resorts today have expanded their portfolio in Maharashtra and have signed a hotel in Aurangabad. Sarovar Portico upon completion will offer 68 well- appointed rooms and suites offering modern amenities and personalised service. The hotel aims to promote business and tourism in the area and offer high-quality service and stay options. The hotel is strategically located in Shendra MIDC and is close to the airport. Anil Madhok, Executive Chairman, Sarovar Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said “We are glad to be setting our footprints in this rich heritage city and getaway to numerous exotic tourist destinations. With our immense focus on providing quality accommodation and services at the best rates, we hope to ensure a pleasant stay for all our guests travelling to this region.”

Puneet Dhawan, the newly-appointed Senior VP Operations at Accor India & South Asia, has said the group will continue to grow its network in India. He adds, “The 20th ibis will be launched in Mumbai with the ibis Vikhroli, in the middle of next year. We are also looking forward to introduce Raffles Udaipur early next year, and will be adding Novotel Chandigarh soon.”