CGH Earth Saha is thrilled to announce the opening of Mansao Curtorim

Nestled in the tranquil village of Curtorim, this 223-year-old heritage villa serves as a unique getaway for travellers eager to discover an unexplored side of Goa, all within a serene and unhurried environment of an authentic old-Goan village and the beaches, a 30-min drive away.

Set amidst lush landscapes, historic churches, and peaceful paddy fields, Mansao Curtorim has undergone meticulous restoration, harmoniously blending traditional Indo-Portuguese architecture with contemporary comforts. The villa’s striking red-hued façade complemented by high wooden ceilings, expansive sit-outs overlooking vibrant tropical gardens, and carefully selected colonial Goan furniture, encapsulates the timeless allure of Goa’s rich cultural heritage.

Mansao Curtorim boasts six elegantly furnished bedrooms, a spacious living room, an exquisite formal dining room as well as a more relaxed outdoor dining area framed by an enchanting courtyard, and balconies that offer breathtaking views of sunrises and sunsets. The villa’s focal point is its beautifully landscaped courtyard, adorned with archways and colonial-style galleries, creating a picturesque setting perfect for relaxation or intimate gatherings.

The interiors of Mansao Curtorim have been thoughtfully curated with restored colonial furniture, Portuguese-inspired textiles and other intricate details pay tribute to Goa’s architectural legacy. From exquisite rosewood beds to ornate mirrors, each piece reflects the region’s storied past.

A culinary experience at Mansao Curtorim is a celebration of Goa’s vibrant and diverse food culture, artfully merging Portuguese and Indian influences. Guests can indulge in a rich variety of flavors through menus crafted for both vegetarian as well as meat and seafood lovers.

“At CGH Earth, we believe that travel should transcend mere visitation—it should facilitate deep connections with the essence, history, and people of a place. Mansao Curtorim is a homage to Goa’s rich heritage, crafted to offer our guests an immersive experience that surpasses the ordinary. By restoring this historic villa, we preserve its architectural beauty while curating encounters that reflect the soul of South Goa—its cuisine, natural surroundings, village life, and timeless charm. Mansao Curtorim offers a rare window into the authentic Goan way of life, and we are proud to share it with the world,” stated George Joseph, Vice President of Operations at CGH Earth.

Offering guests a serene escape to one of Goa’s less-explored regions, Mansao Curtorim encourages guests to uncover the hidden treasures of South Goa -birdwatching along the picturesque Zuari River, exploring historical landmarks such as St. Alex Church, enjoying nature walks, cycling trails, and picnics by the villa’s private lake. Mansao Curtorim is a perfect destination for creative minds, reflective and restorative holidays and intimate gatherings with family and friends.

About CGH Earth

CGH Earth is a hospitality and wellness brand spread across Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andamans. Established in 1954 with the Casino Hotel on Willingdon Island Kochi, this family-owned enterprise has evolved into a pioneering force in tourism, offering the most intimate and enriching experiences.

CGH Earth offers a collection of 13 hotels and resorts, 6 villas & bungalows, 1 cruise experience, 3 healthcare clinics and 1 wellness retreat. Each property is meticulously designed to integrate local architecture, culture and traditions, providing guests with authentic and immersive escapades.

With a legacy of over three decades in responsible tourism, the brand continues to set the standard for sustainable and community-focused hospitality, making it a true pioneer in the industry. Whether you seek adventure, wellness, relaxation, or cultural immersion, CGH Earth Experience Hotels promises a stay that is both, enriching and memorable.

NOVOTEL JAIPUR CONVENTION CENTRE OPENS ITS DOORS TO WELCOME GUESTS IN THE PINK CITY

Presenting a ‘Space for Spectacular’, the 226 Keys hotel, along with an ultra-grand convention venue, is all set to redefine the bleisure sector in the country

Accor, a global hospitality leader, is pleased to announce the launch of its 24th Novotel property in India, with the opening of Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC), which is set to redefine Indian hospitality and become the preferred destination for both global business and leisure travelers alike.

The hotel's proximity to the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), is renowned as South Asia's premier purpose-built, state-of-the-art venue for exhibitions, conventions, and entertainment. A significant expansion in Accor's capacity for hosting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events. This strategic alignment enhances Accor's ability to cater to the needs of business and conference travelers, offering them a comprehensive solution that combines high-quality accommodations with world-class event facilities.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre broads 226 modern, well-appointed rooms, catering to the diverse needs of every guest. The rooms offer essential amenities and a tranquil hospitality experience with the best-in-class service for its guests. Conveniently located near Jaipur International Airport, the hotel provides quick access to key tourist sites and commercial hubs. The hotel and exhibition centre spreads over an area of 42 acres with South Asia's leading pillar-less exhibitions-convention-entertainment facilities. It has 13 breakout meeting rooms, a VIP Lounge, 2 Green Rooms and a Grand Ball Room with modern technology with 740 retractable auditorium-style seats, making it ideal for conferences, exhibitions, gatherings, and weddings. With its enchanting 70,000 sq. ft. lawn, Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre offers an exquisite venue for celebrations and special events, adding a touch of elegance to any occasion.

 “We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre in the vibrant city of Jaipur. This latest addition to our portfolio in India strengthens our commitment to delivering cutting-edge amenities and services. The Jaipur Exhibition Convention Centre represents a valuable expansion that is poised to fuel the growth of the Accor in India, further solidifying our position as a leading provider of large-scale exhibition and convention venues in the country.” said Mr. Puneet Dhawan, South Asia’s Vice-President Operations, Accor in India.

“The opening of this beautiful property is a harmonious combination of contemporary design and world-class event facilities, marking a new and exciting journey for Novotel in the Pink City.  With a strategic location, we will be truly a one-stop destination for world-class exhibitions, conferences, and events. The property provides heartfelt service, comfortable yet stylish accommodations and shared spaces in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere.” said Manuj Ralhan, General Manager of Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre & Jaipur Exhibition Convention Centre. “We are thrilled to welcome guests to experience the unparalleled hospitality at Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre.”

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre invites guests to savour a diverse and delightful dining experience, offering three distinct dining venues, each promising a unique and memorable encounter with the cuisine. Food Exchange, the multi-cuisine restaurant, has two exclusive open kitchens, harmoniously blending global and local flavours in a stylish setting that encourages social interactions. For a more intimate atmosphere, Ravanta provides intimate dining by the pool amidst a musical ambiance. Meanwhile, the Gourmet Bar provides a casual and friendly space for enjoying trendy drinks, balanced meals, and coffee, perfect for unwinding at the bar.

Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC) has 2 large pillar-less exhibition halls, with an area of 1,06,347 sq. ft. each and a 43-feet high ceiling connected through a common entrance plaza with an extensive Pre-Function area, large open spaces, and a food court, further offering 22 acres of open space to host outdoor entertainment events. The exhibition centre has a parking space, that can accommodate up to 2,000 coaches or 5,000 cars, providing an ideal space for an array of events, including exhibitions, conferences, corporate meetings, entertainment events, seminars, banquets, and social gatherings.

“We are pleased to partner with Accor to manage and operate NJCC and JECC. Their expertise and global reach will act as a catalyst to put Jaipur on the International map and provide impetus to the hospitality sector in the state” said Mr. Harimohan Dangayach, Chairman, Dangayach Group. 

“NJCC and JECC have the leading exhibition and convention space equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure in South Asia to conduct large events. We hope the partnership with Accor will help us leverage the full potential of this infrastructure” added Mr. Pramod Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, Derewala Group.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre is part of ALL - Accor Live Limitless, a daily Lifestyle companion. ALL delivers meaningful experiences and rewards to its members while enabling them to work live, and play, far beyond their stay, at home and around the world. In addition to rewarding experiences, members of ALL - Accor Live Limitless can earn Rewards Points on every stay or dining experience at participating properties. These points can be redeemed for free nights at participating hotels, transferred to partners worldwide, or converted into unforgettable moments through Limitless Experiences such as concerts, sports matches and special dinner events.

Hyatt Centric Brand to Debut in Africa with Plans for Hyatt Centric Cairo West

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) announced that affiliates of Hyatt and ALDAU Development have entered into a franchise agreement to bring the full-service lifestyle brand, Hyatt Centric, to Egypt, with Hyatt Centric Cairo West.

The 283-key lifestyle hotel will become the second Hyatt-branded hotel in Cairo’s well-established Pyramids Heights Business Park, following the opening of Hyatt Regency Cairo West in 2021, further demonstrating Hyatt’s intentional brand growth in the Europe, Africa and Middle East region.

“We are proud to work with ALDAU Development to bring the Hyatt Centric brand to Egypt,“ said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development, Middle East and Africa, at Hyatt. “This signing is an exciting milestone as the hotel will mark the Hyatt Centric brand debut in Africa, showcasing our commitment to enhancing our lifestyle portfolio, and growing our brand presence in markets that matter most to our guests and World of Hyatt members.”

With a prime location at Cairo’s western end, by the city’s major business hubs and key tourist attractions, Hyatt Centric Cairo West will offer travellers a new way to stay in the Egyptian capital and provide a perfect launchpad to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.

Creating an art journey for the guest from the moment they arrive, the urban hotel’s design will blend cultural elements through the lens of local contemporary artists, incorporating décor that refers to Egyptian crafts, pharaonic heritage and the country’s pop culture. The property will also feature landscaped gardens, a heated outdoor pool, an art wall and inspiring indoor social spaces.

Eng. Bassel Sami Saad, Chairman of ALDAU Development, added: “We are delighted to collaborate with Hyatt to deliver our second distinctive hotel experience in this prime location. With the city’s key attractions easily accessible, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, the lifestyle property will be the perfect fit for the cosmopolitan-minded business and leisure travellers looking for accommodation in this increasingly popular neighbourhood.”

Once open, Hyatt Centric Cairo West will be the second Hyatt branded hotel in Egypt, joining Hyatt Regency Cairo West, and is expected to join more than 50 hotels in the Hyatt Centric brand portfolio globally.

Banyan Tree announces its first signed property in Europe

Banyan Tree Varko Bay targets opening in 2026,
promising one of the best sustainable luxury experiences in Greece

Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s leading multi-branded hospitality groups, is set to debut in Europe with the upcoming Banyan Tree Varko Bay. The new luxury resort to be developed on the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia, Aitoloakarnania, is the result of the successful collaboration between Banyan Tree and the French hospitality group, Accor. Targeting to open in 2026, the five-star resort will consist of approximately 116 villas and 43 branded residences, seamlessly embedded into the stunning coastal surroundings of the Varko Peninsula in Pogonia.
 
Applying Banyan Tree’s pioneering expertise across the all-pool villa concept, the resort aims to offer a unique sense of place through tranquil, wellbeing-centred accommodations, backdropped by unforgettable views of the Ionian Sea and the surrounding islands of Lefkada, Meganisi and Skorpios, as well as luxurious facilities for rejuvenation of both mind and body. This includes the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, a water sports center, several state-of-the-art venues for meetings and events, a beach club, several bars and three restaurants including the signature Saffron where guests can dine on delectable Thai fare.

In keeping with Banyan Tree’s core pillar of sustainability, Banyan Tree Varko Bay will be constructed and operated with an uncompromising approach to sustainability and eco-sensitivity, immersing guests in a flourishing natural environment. Built in partnership with the award-winning Greek Elastic Architects, the resort aims to be the first in Europe to achieve LEED Gold (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification and to become a model of sustainability for the hospitality sector. Mirroring existing Banyan Tree developments, the resort will prioritise responsible water use—70% of water will be reused for irrigation, the use of renewable energy sources and the encouragement of vegetation growth. By ensuring the majority of all its hotels are covered with vegetation and developing plant-centred tropical spas, Banyan Tree creates beautiful contemporary spaces that are also friendly to the surrounding environment.

Banyan Tree Group operates over 60 hotels worldwide, with a potential pipeline of more than 50 projects  by 2025. The addition of Banyan Tree Varko Bay will build on the brand’s core concepts of sustainability and wellbeing-centred luxury, while reinforcing Banyan Tree’s leadership in this highly demanding sector.

IHG to open 12 ‘ Next Generation’ Holiday Inn Express hotels across Saudi Arabia under MDA with Tashyid for Hotel Operations

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies with more than 6,000 hotels, across 18 distinct brands, has signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Tashyid for Hotel Operations, which will see the development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. . With Ministry of Tourism encouraging such investments in the Kingdom, the signing took place in the presence Mr. Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister for Destination Enablement.

The agreement will allow IHG to expand and diversify its mainstream offering across Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand being created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030.

As a world-renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by providing a launch pad for guests to make their connection and is highly suitable and well-positioned for new-age smart travellers visiting Saudi Arabia across business, leisure, and meetings segments, including Saudi’s biggest and growing demographic of millennials and Generation Z travellers.

As part of the agreement, IHG has also signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel with Tashyid for Hotels Operations Limited which will debut the brand in Jeddah by June 2025. Marking a key milestone for the brand in the Kingdom, the 300-room hotel will be located on Al Madinah Road, one of the busiest areas in the city. Providing a best-in-class experience, guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Jeddah will feature amenities such as high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, premium bedding, and pillow options to ensure guests have a restful stay. The hotel will also offer signature complimentary ‘Express Start Breakfast’, speedy check-in, and power showers to ensure guests are recharged for the day.

Known for its success in the upper-midscale segment and understanding of the ‘Next Gen Smart traveller’, Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi Arabia will debut reimagined public spaces and guest rooms that blend trendy and efficient design with local aesthetic. Modelled on market specific research focused on the Millennial and Gen Z Saudi traveller, the hotels will offer guest experience reflecting their lifestyle and needs. The public spaces will serve as lively and engaging spaces featuring a revamped F&B offering, while the guest rooms will offer a balance of home comforts with smart design giving guests flexibility to better support their routine. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts said: "As we continue to expand our presence and diversify our offering, in line with Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy, we are delighted to announce a partnership with Tashyid for Hotel Operations to further grow our Holiday Inn Express offering in the Kingdom for domestic and international travellers alike.

He added: Saudi Vision 2030 has created tremendous opportunities for the tourism and hospitality industry, and we see an increasing demand for our brands across segments. Holiday Inn Express is a great offering for smart travellers who seek a hassle free and efficient stay experience, and we are looking forward to providing this experience to guests across a country, in the coming years.

Falih Motasim Hajaj, Chief Executive Officer of Tashyid added: “ We are delighted to partner with IHG Hotels & Resorts to enable our rapid expansion within Saudi Arabia, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030. With the Kingdom marking its presence on a global tourism map, working with leading industry partners such as IHG is key to helping set new standards of hospitality, embrace innovation and ultimately achieve a diversified economy.”

Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s fastest growing brand with currently over 3000 operating hotels, globally.

IHG Hotels & Resorts currently operates 39 hotels across five brands in Saudi Arabia, including: InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites, and voco, with 30 hotels in the development pipeline set to open within the next three to five years.

IHG Hotels & Resorts to Open InterContinental Sapporo in late 2025

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced an agreement with AXA Life Insurance Company to open InterContinental Sapporo in late 2025. InterContinental Sapporo will be IHG’s fifth hotel in Hokkaido, its first luxury hotel In Sapporo and its eleventh InterContinental-branded hotel in Japan.

InterContinental Sapporo will debut on the upper floors (9th to 14th floors) of a new building in the "AXA Sapporo Nakajima Park Project", which was announced today by AXA. Alongside the hotel’s two dining venues, lounge, bar, function room, indoor pool and gym, the hotel will feature 149 spacious guest rooms that range from a spacious 42 square metre lead-in room all the way up to a 159 square metre suite.

The hotel will feature a high-end, residence-like offering, with color coordination reminiscent of the nature of Hokkaido. With floor-to-ceiling windows that afford views of Nakajima Park and Toyohira River, guests will experience the rich nature of Sapporo from the comfort of their room.

The hotel’s public space will include areas that bring different natural expressions to life: the front lobby with a water feature, the library lounge with a fireplace, and the lounge area surrounded by lush greenery.

1500 Rooms, Wynn Al Marjan Island will open in 2027.

Wynn Al Marjan Island, a $3.9 billion UAE casino resort. Wynn Al Marjan Island opens in 2027, it will have 1,500 rooms.

Fortune Hotels launches Fortune Resort Kalimpong

A new haven of blissful comfort amidst nature, this is Fortune’s third property in the region after Kolkata and Durgapur 

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group proudly announces the opening of Fortune Resort Kalimpong, its newest property in the Himalayan foothills of West Bengal. The scenic resort set amidst picturesque locales, tucked away from the usual hustle and bustle of city life, is a perfect blend of modern amenities and nature's tranquillity offering easy access to all popular tourist spots should the enigmatic wanderers wish to explore.

Fortune Resort Kalimpong boasts aesthetic, well-appointed rooms and suites with stunning views of Mt. Kanchendzonga. The contemporary decor of the rooms perfectly complements the beauty of nature that is embellished with a burst of flora and fauna of the region. The resort features an open-air swimming pool and a restful spa for guests to relax and rejuvenate after a long day of sightseeing.

Commenting on Fortune Hotels' growing footprint across India, Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Hotels said, “Kalimpong is our conscious acknowledgement of the potential that this relatively unexplored quarter of the country holds for the travel and hospitality industry. We are committed to providing our guests with memorable experiences in this panoramic town by the Teesta River, endowed with a unique culture, colonial architecture, Buddhist monasteries, and sprawling tea plantations. By bringing Kalimpong into our portfolio, we look forward to partaking in the growth and development of this enchanting corner of India.”

At the Fortune Resort Kalimpong, guests will discover a world of culinary wonders at the all-day diner, Zodiac, where a multi-cuisine menu featuring Indian, Chinese, Continental, and local delights can be savoured amongst breath-taking views of the Kanchendzonga mountain range. Whether it is a wholesome breakfast or an extensive a-la-carte menu, Zodiac's modish ambience and delectable menu are sure to satisfy tastebuds. The chic bar, Neptune, invites you to unwind and enjoy relaxed evenings in a vibrant setting. Its impressive selection of spirits and heady beverages paired with caringly crafted finger foods is sure to keep you company.

Fortune Resort Kalimpong also makes for an ideal venue for corporate events, weddings, and social gatherings. The hotel features a modern banquet hall and a lush green lawn space that can accommodate up to 600 guests. The hotel's state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated team, lip-smacking gourmet options, and tailor-made services ensure that every event is a success.

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BNP Paribas REIM acquires a hotel in Marseille in VEFA

The sale off-plan before completion (VEFA), scheduled for delivery at the end of 2021, will feature the Meininger hotel group and is being carried out with the developer COFFIM

The future 194-room hotel is located in a developing area and will benefit from the attractiveness of the new Euroméditerranée district, which includes shops, restaurants, offices, and pedestrian areas.

It will also offer rooms with a modular capacity ranging from double rooms to "6-bed dormitories" to accommodate business and leisure guests.

The Meininger Group, for its part, opened two properties in France in Paris and Lyon in the second half of 2019.

SOURCE : hospitality-on

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The Latest

Four Seasons announces nine planned new hotel openings in 2019

The coming year will mark several significant new openings for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, with the debut of nine new hotels and resorts around the world, plus the continued expansion of its residential portfolio.

• Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

• Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

• Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Bengaluru at Embassy ONE

• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

• Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Madrid

• Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences Montreal

• Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley

• Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences One Dalton Street, Boston

• Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at Comcast Center

Additional future projects recently announced include hotels, resorts and residences in Dalian, China; Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Caye Chapel, Belize.

Exclusive Interview | Hemant Gupta, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport - PreOpening

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

January 2003, was the year when my journey as a Hotelier began with The Trident in Jaipur as a F&B Associate. It has been 17 years now and have been fortunate to work with some great Indian & International Brands in the Country. A Hotel Management Graduate, from Oriental School in Kerala, my journey took me to 7 different states of India: Rajasthan, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Delhi NCR, Tamil Nadu & West Bengal; and considerable years of my experience has been with Hyatt.

My Managerial role started in 2007 with Le Meridien in Jaipur, as a Restaurant Manager, to lead the Coffee Shop, Bar & The Indian Specialty. To further deepen my knowledge in F&B, I took the role of Banquet Manager with The Leela Kempinski in Kovalam, in 2008.

In 2010, my First Pre-Opening assignment knocked my door, for Hyatt Regency in Pune, as Events & Conference Assistant Manager. 2 years later, in 2012, came my second Pre-Opening assignment with Hyatt, to launch Hyatt Place Brand in India, in the City of Ruins, Hampi.

Pre-Opening assignments was something which I started enjoying and came in 2014 was my Third assignment, for opening of second Hyatt Place in Udyog Vihar, Gurugram Delhi NCR, as an Assistant General Manager. To broaden my knowledge in Hotels, I switched roles and headed the Rooms, Human Resource and Engineering functions of the Hotel.

My love for Pre-Opening Hotels is never ending, and hence now I am in my Fourth Pre-Opening Assignment, and my First stint with Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG), to open a Beautiful and Smart Holiday Inn Express Hotel, opposite the Kolkata International Airport, which will make the Future Travelers #morethanready and focuses on Simple Smart Travel.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

Everyone has their own definition to success. If one has to be successful, then one has to keep adding value; to yourself, your guests and your stakeholders.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?  If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

I look for morals and values; the person is made of. I look for the value addition that a person can do in my team, create balance and foster teamwork. One has to be real and be true to themselves, to work with me.

Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?

Hotel Exposure Trainings are extremely important, and I can only recommend that all Hotel Management students should spend equal amount of time in all the departments. It’s too early to make up a mind even before the start of internship, that which department they want to spend maximum time in. It eventually burns them out. This is the only time you get to work in all areas, so why not make best use of it.

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

Environmental Sustainability and the fight to reduce Carbon Footprints, is on the rise like never before. This is going to be big game changer in Hospitality, as the impact can be immediately seen on your bottom line.

While all the Hotels are moving into this direction, this can be evidently visible in the newly built upcoming hotels, which are now focused on using natural resources by creating efficient designs to reduce. Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport is one of the newly designed hotels of IHG, which makes great usage of natural lights by having large windows at lobby and even back of the house areas. IHG has taken Environmental sustainability to higher levels by making Carbon Reduction as one of our Core KPI’s.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech that goes into creating your guest experience? 

We have always looked at Technology for providing great guest experiences. At IHG we have been looking at creating value for our Stakeholders and Owners as well. We use cloud based technology platform, IHG Concerto, which is seamless combination of our Guest Reservations System and Price Optimization Software. This continue to strengthen our enterprise and enhance revenue delivery system.

To further strengthen our guest experience, our WiFi Guest network, IHG Connect, is providing seamless connectivity. In future, a guest would have the ability to stream content on in-room smart TV’s.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

1. I would look at ways on how we can remove Sugar sachets from Café’s & Restaurants. A sugar sachet has a huge impact in environment which we don’t see, as it easily misses the eye. Every sugar sachet, in addition to paper, also has a plastic layer inside to prevent it from moisture. This needs to go out, just like the plastic straws. If we can have Salt & Pepper in crusher, why not Sugar.

2. Remove the concept of Sunday Brunches from Cafés &Restaurants. While it is an important part of F&B Business, however if someone has to do a research on this subject, the kind of food waste that we generate in just on one Sunday is huge. We are wasting resources way too fast.

Holiday Inn Express Kolkata Airport - PreOpening

Editor: What can we expect from your hotel in the coming year?

In my current assignment, my Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Kolkata is in its Pre-Opening stages. It’s a smartly designed 125 Keys property, nestled in the centre of a 4 acres of beautiful landscape and just 800 metres of walking distance from the Boarding Gate of Kolkata International Airport.

The plan is to establish this property as an Airport Hotel, which will be used by Transit travellers moving in and out of Kolkata, and also as a great Business Hotel to the likings of all our Corporate Guests, with us being only 15 minutes from the IT Hub of Rajarhat and 20 minutes from Sector V.

The Hotel also features our All Day Dining Café, Great Room, serving light bites and beverages. In coming months, we foresee Great Room, operating like an Airport Lounge. It will be a quick stopover for all our Transit guests to take a quick bite or have candid farewell meetings before a final goodbye, as Wi-Fi is always Free and Boarding gates are just a 5 minutes’ drive or 10 minutes’ walk, whatever a Guests chooses to prefer.