Tag Archives: hospitality industry

HRAWI advises members on responsible festive season practices The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) – HRAWI has issued a comprehensive advisory for its members to ensure smooth and lawful operations during the upcoming festive season. The guidelines, aimed at maintaining safety, compliance and guest satisfaction, encompass specifics including operational timings, promoting responsible bar tending and drinking, staff contribution transparency and adherence to noise and music regulations. Members are reminded to comply with locally permitted hours and secure necessary licenses for special events; strict age restrictions for alcohol consumption through display of appropriate signage and initiatives like valet and ride-hailing services to deter drink-and-drive incidents. The advisory also instructs F&B establishments to adhere to permissible decibel levels and enforce music cut-off times and to obtain permissions for live events in advance. HRAWI thanks the Maharashtra Government for allowing hotel and restaurant establishments in the State to operate till 5 am on the 31st of December 2024. “Our goal is to ensure a festive season that is enjoyable for patrons while being compliant with local laws. Adhering to these guidelines will promote goodwill and maintain the integrity of the hospitality industry. Collaboration with local authorities is essential to preventing incidents and promoting safety during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. We urge our members to proactively support initiatives like responsible bar tending and drinking including the right to refusal; provision of valet services and, following music and noise regulations,” says Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson, HRAWI. HRAWI has further advised members to ensure service charges to be capped at 10 per cent, transparently communicated and fairly distributed among staff. The measure aims to safeguard customer trust and prevent any disputes. The advisory also highlights …

Sofitel Mumbai BKC won the ‘Best Luxury Business Hotel – West India’ at ITA 2024. Manish Dayya, GM said, “Our industry is all about innovation, creativity, and curating memorable experiences. It is a pleasure to see everyone learn from each other’s experiences, whether it is to do with stay, F&B or even sustainability practices.”

Pradeep Shetty, President, Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), revealed that India’s hospitality industry contributes 12-13% to the GDP and employs over 12% of the workforce. These figures place the industry ahead of both the automobile and IT sectors in terms of economic contribution.

Jimmy Shaw, Managing Director, The Waterfront Shaw, Lavasa has been elected the new President of The Hotel and Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI). The appointment took place during the 74th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Mumbai on 21st September, 2024, where new Office Bearers for the 2024-25 term were also appointed. In his new role, Shaw will continue to lead HRAWI’s efforts in spearheading various campaigns that cover critical facets of the hospitality industry, including food safety, regulatory advocacy, talent retention and development and sustainability. A third-generation hotelier, Shaw also serves as Director of Bona Sera Hotels and Shaw Hotels & Consultancy Services. In addition to his hospitality ventures, he is also the Managing Director of ShawMan Software and Director at IDS NEXT Business Solutions. Known for his advocacy within the industry, Shaw previously held the position of Honorary Secretary of HRAWI. “HRAWI has made significant progress, crossing many important milestones in recent years. The past committee’s leadership worked tirelessly to address member concerns and engage with the Government, facilitating swift resolutions where necessary. The Association has been proactive in addressing key challenges, from simplifying GST compliance to tackling issues like cyber-bullying and talent shortages. My goal is to continue this legacy and work in the best interest of our members and the hospitality sector as a whole. I am grateful to the Executive Committee for placing their trust in me and electing me as President,” said Jimmy Shaw, President, HRAWI. Under Jimmy Shaw’s leadership, HRAWI will continue engaging with the Government during the GST Council meetings and Union Budgets, collaborating with the Ministry of Tourism and making legal interventions to address industry-wide concerns. The Association will be particularly …

STAAH and its partners — Booking.com and WebBeds — brought together over 400 representatives of the hospitality industry at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel to exchange ideas and foster new connections STAAH, the New Zealand-based leading hospitality solutions provider that has transformed the business processes of its partner hotels in India and across the world with its stack of hospi-tech solutions, has successfully concluded yet another edition of ‘The Big Connect’ conference, this time in Mumbai. STAAH partnered with hotel booking platform, Booking.com and WebBeds – the global marketplace for travel trade, to organise the mega hospi-tech networking conference that saw the attendance of over 400 industry experts and innovators converge at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel. The event featured insightful sessions on how technology can be leveraged in different ways to empower owners of hotels to optimize their operations and distribution channels while enhancing guest experiences. Hoteliers were educated on the latest tools and strategies to enhance their online bookings and revenue. The attendees also had the opportunity to share and exchange new ideas, discuss emerging trends and technologies while fostering new connections. Shoaib Ali, National Sales Head – India, STAAH said, “We are delighted to have brought ‘The Big Connect’ to Mumbai and are thankful to our partners for making this event a huge success! This event saw representatives from the hospitality sector gather under one roof and, in intellectually stimulating exchanges, find new ways to drive the growth of the sector forward with the adoption of new hospi-tech technologies and platforms. Look forward to taking ‘The Big Connect’ to more cities”. The event concluded with a live comedy session by Atul Khatri followed by a cocktail and dinner at …

Aims to Enhance Passenger’s Travel Experience JPOD Hotels, India’s first-of-its-kind Pod Hotel, today announced the launch of its new Pod Hotel at GMR’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad. The Pod Hotel is located near the City Side Check-In facility at the car park level. As a part of RGIA’s continuous efforts to enhance passenger travel experience, the facility introduces a modern airport accommodation solution, setting a new benchmark in convenience and comfort for passengers travelling from Hyderabad Airport. Key Highlights of JPOD: Convenience and Comfort: JPOD offers a private space for travellers to rest, work, or enjoy ‘Me Time,’ significantly enhancing their overall travel experience. Affordability: JPOD provides high-quality, comfortable accommodations at an affordable price, making it accessible to a wide range of travellers, from business executives to leisure tourists. It is a cost-effective alternative to traditional airport lounges and hotels. Enhanced Amenities: Each Pod has secure storage, entertainment options, and privacy, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Safety and Hygiene: JPOD maintains safety and high hygiene standards to guarantee a safe and clean environment for all users, ensuring peace of mind. Efficient Use of Space: JPOD’s compact design enables optimal use of airport space, offering a practical solution for comfortably accommodating passengers. Bookings can be made on the spot or through JPOD’s website (https://thejpod.com) and by calling +91 906-342-7737. The Pod offers various packages with dynamic price tarrifs, making it affordable for all the travellers. On this occasion, Jagrut Thakkar, Founder, JPOD Hotels, commented, “We are excited to partner with RGIA in Hyderabad. JPOD’s global standards in design and functionality position us to offer effective accommodation solutions across other airports in India.” Hiren Gandhi, Director, JPOD Hotels, added, “While JPOD is tailored to …

Atmosphere Core, a leading figure in the hospitality industry, has entered into a Hotel Management Agreement with N Kumar Group Nagpur to develop a luxury golf resort and a city-centre hotel in Nagpur. EDEN GREENZ BY ATMOSPHERE NAGPUR is scheduled to open in Q1 2025, while Atmosphere Nagpur will open in Q3 2025. This partnership aligns with Atmosphere Core’s goal of reaching 25 properties in India by 2025 and marks the company’s venture into Maharashtra, a key state for tourism and business. Currently operating as Eden Greenz, this golf resort will be rebranded and enhanced to reemerge as “EDEN GREENZ BY ATMOSPHERE NAGPUR” in Q1 2025, seamlessly integrating into the Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts brand portfolio. Travellers can look forward to 105 indulgent rooms, including family suites, honeymoon suites, and presidential suites overlooking a stunning 9-hole golf course and lush greenery. The stay will be elevated through an experiential culinary journey at an all-day diner with alfresco service, a speciality restaurant, a bakery and café in the lobby, a themed bar, and an exclusive two-level nightclub. Atmosphere Core will also introduce a nature-inspired tranquil spa and wellness centre through its award-winning spa brand, ELE|NA. Soothing views of a nine-hole golf course and verdant green foliage will create the ideal setting for spa and wellness experiences. This luxurious destination resort located just 30 minutes from Nagpur International Airport and an hour from the renowned Pench National Park Tiger Reserve, this destination is perfect for leisure travellers seeking a serene escape. It also serves as an ideal venue for meetings, private celebrations, and weddings, offering 20,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space along with a variety of expansive outdoor settings. ATMOSPHERE NAGPUR …

“The signing of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, Rajasthan marks the company’s fourth property under THE OZEN COLLECTION and its 11th property in India” Atmosphere Core, a renowned leader in the hospitality industry, has entered into a prestigious Hotel Management Agreement with KEEMAYA RESORTS AND SPAS to develop OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a luxury all-private pool villas resort set in the serene foothills of the Aravalli ranges in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Slated to open in Q2 2025, this inspiring destination reflects Atmosphere Core’s ambition to establish 25 properties in India by 2025, marking the company’s fourth venture under THE OZEN COLLECTION and its 11th signed property in the country. OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will offer unparalleled luxury experiences with 181 one and two-bedroom villas, each boasting a private pool. This exclusive low-rise resort spans across 20 acres of verdant landscapes and is designed to cater to discerning travellers seeking a peaceful getaway, as well as for hosting refined meetings, elegant celebrations, and opulent Indian weddings. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues will enrich the experience. Guests at OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will embark on an exquisite culinary journey with a range of exceptional dining options, including an all-day restaurant with an option of alfresco dining for relaxed yet refined meals and a specialty fine dining outlet serving gourmet dishes crafted from the finest ingredients. A gourmet snack bar will provide elegant quick bites, and a classic lounge bar will offer the perfect spot for savouring cocktails and premium drinks in a sophisticated setting. Breathtaking views of the Aravalli ranges and the iconic Amber Fort, located just 31 kilometres away, will be among the highlights of this iconic …

KB Kachru, President, HAI, said, “The forthcoming Union Budget offers an opportunity to unleash the potential of India hospitality in its contribution to India Vision 2047. We request the government to make key policy shifts in the sector by giving infrastructure status to hotels rather than categorising them as luxury, elite or even ‘sin’ goods”.

Jetwing Hotels, a pioneer in the Sri Lankan hospitality industry for over five decades, remains dedicated to fostering positive change for people and the planet. In line with this commitment, Jetwing Hotels has invested over one million USD to expand its solar photovoltaic (PV) installations by 1.6 megawatts (MW) by the end of July 2024. Installation work commenced in December 2023 and has made significant progress, currently standing at 65% completion. Jetwing Hotels has been at the forefront of integrating renewable energy into its hotel operations since 2010, when a 20-kilowatt (kW) system was installed specifically for guest room lighting at Jetwing Blue in Negombo. In the past 14 years, Jetwing Hotels has strategically implemented solar PV systems amounting to 925kW across its various properties along with the corporate office (Jetwing House) in Colombo which features its own solar PV system with a capacity of 40kW. In 2023, Jetwing Hotels generated 1,069-megawatt hours (MWh) of solar energy across its properties; equivalent to providing power for 13,490 households and mitigating the release of 608 metric tons of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The forthcoming solar PV system installations will enhance the current capacity up to 2.6 MW, achieved by incorporating new installations and expanding existing systems. Jetwing Hotels currently meets 8% of their electricity requirement through solar PV installations. The new expansion will triple that contribution, resulting in 24% of their total electricity usage being covered through solar power. While most systems are roof-mounted, certain properties of Jetwing are embracing innovative approaches to PV installations. At Jetwing Vil Uyana, nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, and Jetwing Kaduruketha, situated amidst the serene countryside of Wellawaya, solar PV systems …