NEWS | Blue Iris Hotels signs agreement with Sai Palace hotels to operate at Bidar, Karnataka

The Hotel will be branded as a “Blue Iris Boutique” and shall open doors on the 20th September, 2021

Blue Iris hotels announced the signing of a 30 room hotel with Sai Palace hotels Pvt Ltd, to operate at Bidar Karnataka. Parmeshwaran M, General Manager – Operations, represented Blue Iris Hotels with Mr. Rajashekhar Jeerge, Owner of the Sai Palace Hotel.

The hotel will feature an all-day dining restaurant, Banqueting & conferencing facilities and boutique styled, no frills rooms. The hotel will be scheduled to open mid-September.

The hotel will be located in Nobad, Bidar and in the middle of the auto industrial area. 3 kms away from the airport and 3.5 kms away from the city’s railway station, and another 3.5 km away from this will be the city’s first branded hotel.

Guru Nanak Jhira Sahib is a Sikh historical shrine situated in Bidar, Karnataka. Gurdwara Nanak Jhira Sahib was built in the year 1948 and is dedicated to the first Sikh guru Guru Nanak. Bidar has a very long association with Sikhism as this is the home town of Bhai Sahib Singh, one of the Panj Pyare (five beloved ones).

Speaking on the venture, Russell Gregory, Brand Custodian for Blue Iris mentioned “We do see a lot of potential from the religious tourism segment, auto , pharma and agri sectors for this city. Moreover, being the city’s first brand, we are excited about this venture . We will continue to focus on tier 2 and tier 3 cities, as we see a huge growth within this market”

Sharing his thoughts on the sign up, Jeerge, Owner of Sai Palace Hotels quoted , “ We are very happy to have joined hands with Blue Iris Hotels and are keen to work together and make this relationship work for the long run and are excited to see how this venture pans out to be”.

New Opening | Accor opens four new properties in Turkey

With the opening of these properties, the total number of properties in the country is 57

Accor, a world-leading augmented hospitality group with over 400 hotels across India, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, has opened four new properties in Turkey: Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon, Mövenpick Bursa Hotel & Thermal Spa, Mercure Trabzon and ibis Styles Istanbul Merter, bringing the total number of properties in the country to 57.

Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon is located in a corner of paradise where the deep blue Black Sea meets the majestic mountains, offering 149 rooms, 29 suites and 1 "Presidential Suite". Located only 5 minutes from Trabzon Airport, the property offers a wonderful experience with its modern decoration integrated with the Black Sea culture, friendly staff, a unique beach, amazing delicacies, elegant and stylish rooms.

The hotel has 3 meeting rooms with a capacity of 20, 50 and 150 people that are ready to hold events and meetings. In addition, Mövenpick Hotel Trabzon offers one main restaurant with specialty gourmet tastes of the North Black Sea region and one specialty restaurant where guests can enjoy local specialties as well as exclusive meals of the Mövenpick brand. A la carte restaurant Cedrus can host up to 160 guests to host social gatherings, birthdays and small meetings.

The outdoor Axis Cafe can welcome up to 80 people where guests can breathe the fresh Trabzon air and enjoy their meals.

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa is located in the heart of the city and offers its guests an unforgettable experience on both business and leisure trips. Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa counts with 136 specially decorated elegant rooms, including 12 premium rooms, 6 suites and 2 "Presidential Suites". In addition to room offering the highest level of comfort to guests, the "Olympos Roof Restaurant & Bar", where one can taste delicious cocktails, offers a magnificent panoramic view of Bursa atmosphere.

Mövenpick Hotel & Thermal Spa Bursa promises an unforgettable experience in the Thermal SPA and Fitness Center where guests can pamper themselves. There is also a unique SPA facility with activities such as thermal pool, sauna, steam room, therapeutic massage treatments or aquarobics, pilates and group lessons.

NEWs | The Fern Hotels & Resorts partners with SpiceJet's inflight entertainment platform, SpiceScreen

SpiceScreen gives access to an amazing collection of unlimited entertainment, podcasts, magazines, and games along with an exclusive travel section.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain has partnered with SpiceJet's inflight entertainment platform, SpiceScreen, to showcase its selected properties on the platform.
SpiceScreen gives access to an amazing collection of unlimited entertainment, podcasts, magazines, and games along with an exclusive travel section that highlights hotels, vacations, and mid-air cab bookings.

“We have tied up with SpiceScreen (SpiceJet IFE), to showcase our hotels on this platform. SpiceJet has selected 55 of our Fern, Zinc by The Fern, Beacon and independently branded hotels depending on their flight routes.  Our hotels will feature on all operative SpiceJet flights”, Mohit Sharad, General Manager - Sales & Marketing (North & East India) said.

Giving details about the program, Mohit informed that SpiceJet guests would be able to make their hotel bookings on our brand website booking engine. All 55 participating hotels will offer SpiceJet guests booking their hotel rooms through this platform a flat 20 % off on the hotel’s BAR rates. Besides the guests will also get a 20% discount on food and beverages and complimentary room upgrades & late check-out till 4 pm, both subject to availability. This promo offer is now live online.

Concept Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. manages 84 hotels & resorts with 4900+ rooms currently operational under management or opening shortly across 69 locations in India and internationally, under The Fern, The Fern Residency, The Zinc by The Fern and Beacon Hotels brands. The company is a part of CG Hospitality, the hospitality arm of CG Corp Global, a multi-dimensional Nepalese conglomerate.

NEWS | Airbnb and SEWA extend their partnership Through this extended partnership, Airbnb will train SEWA members on home sharing, hospitality, quality standards and responsible hosting practices

Airbnb and the Self Employed Women’s Association of India (SEWA), an organization representing 1.5 million self-employed women living mostly in India’s rural areas, have announced the extension of their partnership to onboard SEWA members from Ladakh as hosts on the Airbnb platform.

This partnership will expand livelihood opportunities for women in rural Ladakh and form part of broader efforts to rebuild tourism in a way that delivers positive outcomes for communities.
Through this extended partnership, Airbnb will train SEWA members on home sharing, hospitality, quality standards and responsible hosting practices under the ‘Hum Sab Ek’ (We are One) initiative, while fostering digital inclusion and enabling these women Hosts to connect with a global community of travelers.

Women make up a significant portion of Airbnb’s Host community in India. As of August 11 this year, new women Hosts in India with one listing have earned almost INR 30 million since the start of the pandemic and women make up almost 30 percent of our entire Indian Host community. Through home sharing, women hosts are able to significantly augment their earnings and some women entrepreneurs have embraced being home hosts full-time.

Ladakh is well-known as a pristine and unique hub for culture and ecotourism. SEWA hosts in Ladakh will offer a unique and immersive experience in the ancient village of Phayang in Leh Ladakh. These hosts will also be leading the way on energy efficiency and responsible resource use through accommodations with amenities such as newly installed solar lights.

This extended collaboration was announced at a seminar titled ‘Ladakh: New Start, New Goals’ organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said: "The Airbnb-SEWA partnership is an excellent example of how the benefits of tourism can better serve communities and help rebuild tourism across the country, especially in Ladakh. The region is a significant draw for domestic and international tourists, and these partnerships enable not only a wealth of tourism experiences, but economically empower communities with the help of platforms such as Airbnb."

“We are proud to extend our partnership with SEWA in Ladakh and help empower local women Hosts on Airbnb to secure their financial independence and bring valuable tourism dollars into their communities. As part of our broader efforts to help rebuild tourism for the benefit of local communities, we aim to work together with these micro-entrepreneurs to promote sustainable and responsible travel and stays that contribute to resilient local economies and support jobs. Airbnb will continue to work closely with these women Hosts through training and best-practice sharing.” said Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager - Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

"'Hum Sab Ek' is our rural innovation. We have worked together with Airbnb to create meaningful livelihood opportunities for our women members. Gandhiji’s Oceanic Circle perspective advocates helping each other rather than competing with each other. Together with Airbnb, our goal is to build a strong community of SEWA hosts who can learn from one another, constantly improve hosting standards, and together create a more welcoming environment for Indian women in hospitality." said Reema Nanavaty, Director, SEWA.

Appointment | Westin Los Angeles Airport Announces New GM and DOS

The Westin Los Angeles Airport is welcoming guests back with two major hires.

With the property being minutes away from the hotly anticipated SoFi Stadium, Mark Goldrup, who has had an impressive career in hospitality, will be providing his expertise on guest experiences and hotel operations as the new General Manager.

Having been with Marriott International for over 18 year, Mark Goldrup brings a wealth of hospitality experience with him to Westin Los Angeles Airport in his new role as General Manager. After earning a Bachelor of Commerce in Hospitality and Tourism Management from Ryerson University in his hometown of Toronto, Goldrup began his career at Canadian Pacific Hotels and Resorts before joining Marriott at the Delta Chelsea in Toronto. Up until taking up his most recent post in Los Angeles, he has spent time working in a variety of roles across Canada and abroad in the United Kingdom. Most recently, Goldrup was recruited to manage the team at the flagship Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel. In 2018, he was the recipient of the prestigious Stephen G. Marriott Award for Distinguished Leadership as he played an integral role not only in the start of the first Marriott Business Council in Canada, but its expansion to seven. Goldrup is an active member of every community he is a part of and has served on boards of various Tourism Associations and Chamber of Commerces throughout his career. In this new role, he will oversee hotel operations and the guest experience, as well as actively engage and inspire his team. Goldrup strives to be creative in all aspects of life, from unique boardroom strategies and crazy adventures to welcoming guests from around the globe. Inside the office and out, Goldrup chases happiness everyday and often does so with his one true love and wife, Christine. 

While Melanie Stroh, the new Director of Sales, has worked with the Westin brand throughout her career in Canada will bring her leadership skills to her role at the Los Angeles Airport property.

Melanie Stroh has joined The Westin Los Angeles Airport as the property’s new Director of Sales. Stroh has an extensive background in sales, and has spent the last seven years growing her hospitality and leadership skills with the Westin Brand at a variety of hotels from independent and branded to airport and resort properties. Prior to this role, Stroh served as the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Westin Edmonton in Canada, and most recently at The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa in Rancho Mirage. Originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, she received her Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Kelsey Campus, and has since traded in the snow of her home country for the sun of Southern California.

The Westin Los Angeles Airport is designed to leave travelers feeling better than when they arrived. Featuring 747 spacious guest rooms outfitted with the brand’s signature Heavenly beds, a WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, and a heated outdoor pool, the property empowers guests to seamlessly maintain their wellness routine while visiting this vibrant region of Los Angeles. Famed attractions nearby include the SoFi Stadium™, the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach and the Forum. Visitors will also enjoy the hotel’s complimentary 24-hour shuttle to and from the Los Angeles International Airport, located only four blocks away, its pet-friendly amenities, as well its convenient on-site restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring 56,170 square feet of sophisticated meeting space, including a full theatre, The Westin is also an ideal destination for large events for both business and pleasure.

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New Launch | The Origin - a newly launched label for artisanal food

The ORIGIN – A New Label for Fine Artisanal Food Products

And a New Destination for Thoughtfully Sourced Food from Across the World

August 2021, Mumbai : With all of us becoming more mindful about what is on our plates and how it got there, The Origin - a newly launched label for artisanal food and a one-stop destination for thoughtfully sourced food products from across the world as well as a Vegan cafe- is a welcome addition to the luxury food market in India. The Origin opens at the shopping hub Khar in Mumbai, presenting an address that offers a unique blend of experiences specially curated for the new age, conscious consumer.

With a rich history of operating in the hospitality industry for 40 years, The Origin is presented by the Bawa Group of Hotels and Anusaya Future Fresh. The flagship store in Mumbai will be followed by locations in New Delhi, Bangalore & Chandigarh. 

The in-house food label “The Origin “comprises of Bakery, Honey, Tea, Coffee, Dry fruits, Spices, Namkeen, Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Cold pressed fresh juices, salads and handmade pastas of which have all been handcrafted to present a unique taste of fresh, homegrown produce.

Evolved from the ethos of concentrating on the fundamental starting point or the source of food products, The Origin believes in a transparent and authentic process – bringing mindfully grown and sourced products to your kitchen. The Origin also focuses heavily on artisanal brands originating from India and abroad. Some of these brands include Belberry, AL’Olivier, Croix Verte, Vegan Deli, Ben and Jerry’s, Friendly Vikings, Salud, Fruit Life, Just berries and many more brands.  “Each and every product available at “The Origin” has been selected, understanding the gap in the market in the world of exotic gourmet products. Some of the brands are first time entrants in India and will be exclusively available only at “The Origin” says MrDinesh Shinde, Director of Anusaya Future Fresh. The Origin presents a luxury gourmet destination designed to give your grocery list a world-class lift

Every assortment has been selected by experts in the field. Each segment opens into a world of the finest quality products: A large array of fruits and vegetables, artisanal chocolates, coffees, honey, cheese, dry fruits, snacks, breakfast cereals, ice creams, spices, vegan cheese, vegan meats and many more

Select teas and coffees at The Plantation, pour your honey at The Hive, find your staples in The Field, and pick freshly ground spices in The Mill.

The Cocoa Tree is filled with chocolates, and O Farm is lush with nutritious fruits and vegetables. Stop by The Heritage for the richest dry fruits. At the gifting section, O Amour, you’ll find goodies to surprise your family with an indulgence or put together a gifting hamper for a special occasion.

 The Origin promises a retail experience like none other: one that is interactive, curated by experts and with products that are directly sourced from growers with a consistent focus on best-in-class quality. A garden with hydroponically grown herbs, a café with specially designed menus and a space for master class workshops will provide a holistic culinary experience for the discerning food consumer who is evolved and aware of her choices & likes.

The Origin will also offer the most exclusive Gifting section where in-store consultants help select and curate thoughtful gifts from a range of artisanal chocolates, cheese, honey, dry fruits, exotic fruits, snacks and sweets, building cuisine-based hampers for every occasion using custom made packaging products and signature trimmings (wicker baskets, leather trunks & baskets, marble platters and more)culminating in a perfectly designed bespoke gift hamper that would be remembered by friends, family and business partners alike. “There is a lack of variety in the premium gifting space in the F&B Industry and “The Origin” with its variety of gifting options intends to solve the problem by providing an option for every occasion” adds Mr.Dinesh Shinde, Director of Anusaya Future Fresh

Bringing in The Bawa International’s rich experience from the hospitality industry with a consistent focus on research and technology and the sourcing experience of Anusaya Future Fresh who has been a pioneer in the fruit and vegetable industry who have a reputation of consistently getting niche brands into India from around the world. The Origin store makes home-grown   thoughtfully sourced produce accessible to the conscious consumer via their own label that focuses on uncompromising quality and freshness. “Food is pivotal to our existence. What we consume, how we consume it and from where we consume from has never been more important than in today’s health & immunity conscious landscape. We want to bring the best to our customers without compromise – as our products and ultimately the consumer’s decisions have an equal impact on our environment,” says Vikramveer Singh Bawa, Bawa Group of Hotels

More About The Promoters

Bawa group apart from hotels are into catering, real estate and run a successful spa and salon called IOSIS . With an Inception in 1972, Bawa Group is today an established business house having successfully forayed into Hospitality, Construction & Realty and Wellness Segments, across the gamut of spheres in which it operates. Bawa Group is a coveted and prestigious name with rock solid fundamentals and strong ethics. Bawa Group of Companies is known to raise the bar of excellence each time and strive to achieve it.

Anusuya Future Fresh are pioneers in bringing fresh quality produce by air into India and has an extensive network of distributing fresh produce to major cities of the country   

Ingredient Ideology | AS SOBER AS SEMOLINA By: Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef.

Semolina also called Rava or Sooji in local terms is a coarse flour made from Durum wheat, a hard variety of wheat when ground into a flour it is called as semolina & it has been used across the world in bread, pasta, porridge, cutlets and more.

To me it is always helpful in my kitchen since it makes life easy in many ways due to its easy to find place into various recipes and different forms and somehow it just blends in so well that many of my guests didn’t even realise that it was a part of some recipes. Some of my all-time favorites have been sooji ladoo, sooji ka cheela, rava paniyarams & baked semolina and coconut pudding.

It is usually yellow in color when made from the durum variety and when made from softer wheat types the color is a little whitish. Its shade is darker and more golden in color than all purpose flour with a mild earthy aroma and it available all through the year.

Semolina has found its way in a number of ways, forms and delicacies in global cuisines and is also easy to work with when it comes to mix-n-match fundamentals and fusion cooking as well. 

Health Benefits of Semolina:

• Semolina is a good source power pack vitamin.

• Helps support our metabolism

• Assists in building the immune system of our body.

• It is rich in minerals which help in bone maintenance.

• Semolina flour helps maintain nervous system.

• Due to its potassium content it helps kidney functioning.

• Semolina has been known to digest slowly in our system thus it makes us feel full for a longer duration of time.

• It is a quick and nourishing source of energy in our foods, prevents overeating.

• Semolina is an iron rich ingredient and should be consumed, it is also an immunity boosting ingredient.

• Semolina used wisely also assists in weight management.

• It has also been found supporting heart health and controls blood sugar levels in our body.

Usage of Semolina in Kitchen and Bakery:

• Semolina has played a multi-faceted role in our kitchen and bakery in many ways over the years and can be well adapted into savoury and sweets as well.

• One of the most common preparation we know is upma a popular breakfast dish we make with semolina in India. It is simple and easy, ready in minutes and can be variated with a lot of ingredients like adding veggies and nuts/seeds of your choice to make it more interesting.

• Semolina has been used in covering most of our Indian recipes to form a preventive coating and also a crust forming agent in dishes like tikkis and cutlets, fish fry etc.

• Commonly also found used in sooji ki kheer/ sooji phirni by cooking it in milk with a few sweetening agents, nuts etc served as a dessert. 

• While Italians have been found making gnocchi a homemade fresh pasta using semolina serving it with a nice sauce like pesto, marinara or the famous Arabiata.

• I tried making gnocchi with our upma concept and served it with a nice cheesy pesto chutney with a tempering of curry leaves and bohri red chilies!

• The south indian kitchens all-time favourite is the rava idli, rava dosa, rava uttappams, appams and many more to add to, not to forget the sooji ka sheera famous all over.

• For some of my continental dishes specially baked varieties I often use corn, spinach, mushrooms as the body of the dish plus semolina in place of refined flour and I prefer using olive oil as compared to butter hence reducing a considerable amount of calories and yet coming out tasty with a dash of irrestible cheese!

• Semolina cooked with soy keema in a mildly spiced indian masala turned out yum when I stuffed it into a multi-grain dough and made a paratha from it and served it with a tempered yoghurt-mayo schezuan raita- fusion it is!

• A semolina pudding with chocolate and nuts can also be served with a topping of assorted fresh fruits and cream.

• I also tried a sooji ka sheera with coconut and chocolate and set it in small moulds, upturned them and served them with a topping of flamed brandy with raisins and brown sugar along with a dash of praline for the crunch.

Here are a couple of recipes with the Sober Semolina for all to try!

Recipe-1] SNACK TIME SEMOLINA BITES

Ingredients

Semolina- 1/2 cup. lightly dry roasted.

Warm/hot water-1 cup

Oil- 1 tbsp. for cooking & little for shallow frying.

Cumin seeds- ½ tsp

Ginger-garlic-green chili paste- 1 tsp mix.

Boiled mashed corn- ½ cup

Boiled mashed potato-1/2 cup

Salt and pepper- to taste

Mixed herbs- ½ tsp

Chili flakes- 1 tsp

Grated cheese-2 tbsp.

To coat with semolina/breadcrumbs/oat meal flour etc.

To serve with – green coriander chutney/ ketchup/ pesto-mayo sauce, dips of your choice.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the recipe.

2. In a pan, heat some oil add in the cumin and ginger, garlic, chili paste- if you wish you can use freshly chopped as well.

3. Saute for a few seconds, add in the corn, seasonings and herbs, chili flakes.

4. Mix well on a low flame, add in the roasted semolina and mix well, add in 1 cup hot water and continue mixing it, simmer and cook for 4 to 5 mins.

5. Turn off the flame, add in the mashed potatoes, add fresh coriander, mint if desired.

6. Cool the mixture, apply oil on the fingers, divide the mixture into equal portions, shape each of them into round tikkis, stuff with little cheese and seal well.

7. Coat and shallow/deep fry as desired to a golden shade, serve hot as a snack/ also try using it as koftas, burger patties etc.

Recipe-2] CHICKEN SEMOLINA SHORBA

Ingredients

Semolina- ½ cup

Oil- 1 tbsp.

Garlic- 1 tsp chopped

Onion- ½ chopped

Tomato puree- 1 cup, fresh

Veg stock/water – 2 to 3 cups

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves- 4 to 5 nos.

Chili flakes-1/2 tsp

Mix veggies- carrots/beans/peas/capsicum/sweet corn- ½ cup mix- cut into small pieces and blanched.

Boneless chicken boiled-1/2 cup shredded

Grated cheese- 1 tbsp. optional

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the soup.

2. Heat oil in a saucepan, add in the garlic, onions and saute for 10 seconds, add in the semolina and roast it for a few seconds until the color gets a little dense then tomato puree, salt, pepper, herbs and chili flakes.

3. Add in the veggies of your choice, add stock or water.

4. Bring to a boil, simmer the soup for 10 -15 mins.

5. Serve hot garnished with fresh basil/ grated cheese. Serve with bread/ garlic bread etc.

Recipe-3] SIMPLE SEMOLINA SWEET

Ingredients

Semolina -1 cup, lightly roasted

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee/butter-2 tsp

Green cardamom seeds- ¼ tsp

Brown sugar-2 tsp

White grain sugar-1/2 cup

Almonds-2 tsp, sliced

Raisins-2 tsp chopped

Cashews-2 tsp sliced

Saffron milk solution- 2-3 tsp

Milk- 750 ml

Orange segments- ½ cup

Chickoo-1/2 cup peeled & cubed

Banana-1 ripe, sliced

Honey-2-3 tbsp.

Choco-chips-2-3 tsp

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the sweet semolina recipe.

2. Using a thick bottomed pan, saute the fine semolina with green cardamom seeds in a little oil, butter/ghee for a few minutes, add in the brown and white grain sugar as per taste, add in boiled milk and give it a nice mix.

3. Reduce the flame and cover and simmer, allow to cook on a low flame for 8-10 mins, adjust the texture adding more milk if needed, add in the nuts and mix well.

4. In a separate pan, stew the fruits of your choice, add in honey and fruits, a stick of cinnamon if desired for taste, also choose between using rum or brandy to flavor the fruits, apples, pears, berries etc can also be used.

5. To assemble the sweet, grease small individual moulds/ baba moulds with a little butter, spoon in a little of the warm semolina mixture half way up and continue with a few stewed fruits in the center along with few chocolate chip and again top it up with the semolina mixture all the way up.

6. Refrigerate the sweet for couple of hours and de-mould it and serve with a topping sauce of your choice like a kiwi crush, or a berry compote etc.

Recipe-4] DATE AND NUT SEMOLINA & WHEAT SWEET

Ingredients

Semolina-1/2 cup

Whole-wheat flour-1/2 cup

Ghee-3 tsp

Oil-1 tsp

White grain sugar-3/4 cup

Brown sugar-2 tsp

Milk- 400 ml

Hot water-250 ml

Green cardamom powder-1/2 tsp

Almonds-1 tbsp. chopped

Raisins-2 tsp chopped

Cashews-2 tbsp. chopped

Banana-1 ripe, mashed

Dates- 4-6 no chopped/ puree

Choco chips-2-3 tsp/chocolate sauce-2 -3 tsp

Method:

1. Heat oil along with ghee/butter in a pan add in the semolina and whole wheat flour and green cardamom powder and saute on a low flame for 4-5 mins.

2. Add in the sugar both white and brown and mix, add in hot water first followed by warm milk a little at a time, also add in the mashed banana and dates.

3. Cook the mixture on a low flame for 3-5 mins, mix well, add more milk if needed, check for sweetness add in the assorted nuts and mix well.

4. Cover and simmer for another 3-4 mins and then dish out and serve this dessert warm. We can also add more flavor into this recipe by adding fresh fruits into it by layering it in dessert cups.

Recipe-5] SAVOURY SEMOLINA VEGGIE DELIGHT

Ingredients

Semolina- 1 cup, fine and lightly roasted.

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee/butter-2 tsp

Curry leaves- 6-8 no

Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp

Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp

Green chilies-1 tsp chopped

Red chilies-1 slit

Ginger-1 tsp chopped

Onion-1 small chopped

Tomato-1 small chopped

Salt to taste

Red chili powder-1/4 tsp

Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp

Assorted veggies- carrots/ beans/ peas and cauliflower slightly blanched/boiled- ½ cup

Lime juice-2 tsp

Coriander leaves- 2 tbsp. chopped

Flax seeds/ melon seeds/ chia seeds-2 tsp

Roasted crushed peanuts- 2-3 tsp

Method:

1. Pre-prep all the ingredients for the savory semolina recipe.

2. Heat oil, butter/ghee in a pan add in the ingredients for the tempering starting from curry leaves, to mustard, cumin seeds, green chilies, ginger, onions and saute them for 1-2 mins.

3. Add in the tomatoes, salt, all powdered spices to taste and mix well, add in the roasted semolina and bhunao/saute for a couple of minutes.

4. Add a double quantity of warm water into the mixture and cover, simmer and cook for 6-8 mins. Add in the nuts, seeds of your choice, cook for 2-3 mins.

5. Finally add in the lime juice, peanuts, coriander leaves and serve hot.

Recipe-6] FRUITY SEMOLINA PUDDING

Ingredients:

Semolina- 1 cup, fine- lightly roasted

Oil-1 tsp

Ghee/butter-2 tsp

Cinnamon stick -1-inch piece

Soy milk- 250 ml

Warm water-150 ml

Almond paste-2 tsp

Raisins-2 tsp chopped

Sweet yogurt-1 cup

Lychee pulp/ custard apple pulp-1/2 cup

Pistachios-2-3 tsp chopped

Rose water-2-3 tsp

Condensed milk-2-3 tbsp.

Method:

1. Prepare all the ingredients for the pudding.

2. Heat up the oil, ghee/butter in a thick bottomed pan and lightly roast the semolina in it for a couple of minutes with a piece of cinnamon.

3. Reduce the flame further and add in sugar to taste and little condensed milk, mix and add warm water first and then little soy milk and mix, cover and simmer for 10-12 mins.

4. Add in the nuts and mix well. Cook for another 3-4 mins and turn off the flame, cool slightly.

5. Mix in the sweetened yogurt with a little lychee pulp or custard apple pulp and chill.

6. To assemble the dessert, use tall dessert cups or glasses and place a little of the prepared semolina pudding at the base, top with the fruity yogurt and garnish with pistachios and other nuts, chill the dessert for 1-2 hours and serve.

Brief About The Writer:

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani- Celebrity Master Chef, is a Mumbai based Author, Writer, Healthy Eating - Lifestyle Specialist, Food Designer, Academician & having mastered over 33 International Cuisines, is also a Food & Beverage Consultant. He has worked with esteemed properties like the Taj Group of Hotels, Kuwait Airways to name a few, he has been awarded several Global and National Awards for his outstanding performance in his chosen field he loves to share his knowledge and experience of over 2 decades with the Food & Hospitality Industry.



NEWS | Maldivian govt to sign contract for India-funded Greater Male Connectivity Project today

A contract for the construction of the largest-ever infrastructure project funded by India in the Maldives will be signed on Thursday.
The contract will be inked between the archipelagic nation's government and Maharashtra-based construction and engineering company Afcons infrastructure.
The Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) will be the largest-ever infrastructure project in the Maldives, funded under the Indian Grant and Line of Credit.
Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Sunjay Sudhir, said that the GMCP is not only the biggest project India is doing in the Maldives but also the biggest infrastructure project in the Maldives overall.
"The Greater Male Connectivity Project is concrete proof that India is a robust development partner of the Maldives in addition to being the First Responder in times of any emergency in the Maldives. This iconic project will give a major boost to the Maldivian economy," he said.
India and Maldives signed the GMCP agreement in 2020.
The project aims to revitalize the Maldivian economy through a $400 million Line of Credit (LOC) and $100 million grant linking its capital Male with Gulhifalhu Port and Thilafushi industrial zone along with a regular cargo ferry service between the two countries to boost trade and commerce.

This project will be an infrastructural complement to the Gulhifalhu commercial port project which is being done under an Indian LoC of USD 800 million.
Since the current Male port has already reached its maximum physical capacity, the Maldives Government has decided to shift the Male port to Gulhifalhu island. This has given rise to the need to consider the development of link bridges to the three industrial islands for seamless connectivity, as per sources.

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Appointment | Abhishek Kukreti takes over as Executive Chef at Hilton Jaipur

Aims to combine his passion and strategic thinking with 360 degree approach towards internal and external stakeholders

Hilton Jaipur has appointed Abhishek Kukreti has head chef of the hotel. Armed with a culinary expertise of 17 years in the hospitality field, Chef Kukreti specialises in Western cuisine. As a result of his travelling and absorbing the cuisines of different places, he has picked up a lot of cooking techniques, ingredients from each and every place that he has worked and brought about some element of his own creativity to that cuisine. 

“I’m extremely delighted to be a part of Hilton Worldwide and foresee a sharp learning curve in my career graph. I look forward to making positive and creative contributions, combining my passion and strategic thinking with a 360 degree approach towards internal and external stakeholders,” says Chef Kukreti.

Born and raised in Kotdwara, Uttarakhand, Chef Kukreti has a degree in Hotel Management from IHM Bangalore. Whilst gaining theoretical and technical knowledge, Abhishek has also been hands on, hence making him very versatile in his trade. Since then, his career has taken him to hotels and restaurants from Middle East, Europe and the United States to back home to his native - India. During his career as a Chef, he has worked with renowned brands like Starwood, IHG, Hilton, Marriott, Hyatt, Carnival Corporation and also has been part of pre-opening hotels across the globe.

New Opening | Radisson opens a new resort and spa in India

Radisson Hotel Group announced, the opening of Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala, located a 15- minute drive from both Lonavala and Khandala railway stations. A drivable getaway with convenient air, rail and road connectivity from Mumbai and Pune, the hill destination offers tourist attractions such as Rajmachi Point, Lonavala Lake, Duke’s Nose and Karla Caves. The resort is spread over a 14,100 sqm hillside property in Lonavala, offering sweeping views of the majestic Sahyadri range and one of the largest venues for hosting off-site meetings and large weddings.

Radisson Hotel Group managing director and vice president, operations, South Asia Zubin Saxena said: “Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is a key opening for us in 2021. The resort’s perfect location and MICE facilities make it an attractive venue for guests looking to host destination weddings, large corporate or social functions.

The opening provides further momentum to our strategic expansion plans in West India where we are already present in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Alibaug, Karjat, Nagpur and will add Nashik to the list by the end of the year.” The 103-room Radisson Resort & Spa Lonavala is easily accessible by road or rail for guests travelling from Mumbai, Pune and Khandala. The resort offers easy access to tourist attractions such as Bushi Dam, Narayani Dham Temple, Lonavala Lake and the celebrity wax museum. The property, developed by Monarch Hospitality, named Alok Kaul as the general manager

Marriott International | Wanderlust Meets Purposeful Travel with a Voice

Marriott Bonvoy Partners with The Washington Post Creative Group to Identify a New Generation of Travel Storytellers

After more than a year of staying at home, travelers had time to think about how to do a lot of things better — and travel is no exception. The Washington Post Creative Group and Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s award-winning travel program and marketplace, today announced the launch of an uplifting new search for underrepresented storytellers who will embark on ‘Regenerative Travel’ trips. Tapping into the latest insights of consumers wanting to leave a place better than they found it, three selected writers will explore a regenerative travel trend that benefits local communities, economies and the environment, in addition to the traveler’s personal wellbeing.

“As we continue to reignite the spirit of travel, we are excited to collaborate with a like-minded brand to invite these storytellers to join the conversation and lead the way of making the world a better place than we found it,” said Brian Povinelli, Senior Vice President, Brand, Loyalty, and Portfolio Marketing, Marriott International. “With thousands of destinations to explore, experiences to discover, and people to meet, Marriott Bonvoy is an immersive and inclusive travel platform, helping expand individuals’ worlds and minds, in ways big and small.”

Povinelli added, “Regenerative travel isn’t just a buzz phrase, but a whole new way of traveling. The ethos of this opportunity is around WP Creative Group and Marriott Bonvoy’s shared belief that the regeneration of travel calls for a new generation of travel storytellers. For those who want to rethink what travel stories we tell and how we tell them, these two powerhouse brands are empowering the next generation of travelers with new tools for compelling, authentic narratives.”

“The Washington Post Creative Group is uniquely positioned to elevate these voices, with a mission to present inclusive, accessible travel coverage to the more than 73 million readers nationwide who come to our site each month,” said Scott Weisenthal, head of The Washington Post Creative Group. “We’re delighted to further this commitment by amplifying underrepresented voices in the travel space and by giving them access to our best-in-class storytelling technologies. We’re even more delighted to do it with Marriott Bonvoy, a brand that shares our purpose-led values.”

Three travelers will be selected and work under the guidance of a dedicated content editor and seasoned journalist. Marriott Bonvoy will enable the travel journey, while the Washington Post Creative Group will provide access to immersive technologies and a team of talented videographers, producers and interactive designers who will help them tell their stories. The chosen storytellers will also be featured in “TripTok,” a special takeover of The Washington Post’s Webby award-winning TikTok channel that reaches nearly one million followers.

NEWS | Sri Lanka reopens borders after a long-anticipated wait

Sri Lanka has officially reopened its doors to India with a clear travel safety protocol and no minimum stay period. Fully vaccinated international tourists can move freely around the country after an on-arrival test.

As the ease in restrictions globally pave way for a strong comeback of international travel, Sri Lanka has taken a big step ahead in reopening its borders for India. The pioneer of luxury experiential travel in the destination and part of the family-owned Dilmah Tea Company, Resplendent Ceylon welcomes this move by launching specially curated packages for Indian travellers that offer an inimitable selection of ‘Tea, Sea and Safari’ journeys.

As the sole member of Relais & Chateaux in Sri Lanka, Resplendent Ceylon has been globally renowned for its benchmark hospitality and consists of three distinctive, boutique luxury resorts in the destination: Ceylon Tea Trails, Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge. Across its portfolio, the hospitality group has been curating bespoke experiences that showcase the finest in immersive luxury travel, along with a consistent commitment towards contributing to local communities and the environment.

“We’re confident this positive step by Sri Lanka Tourism will facilitate seamless travel between our neighbouring countries in the coming months. India is an important market for us and Resplendent Ceylon is delighted to invite discerning Indian travellers once again to experience meticulously tailored ‘Tea, Sea and Safari’ journeys combined with benchmark luxury hospitality across our resorts.”, said Malik Fernando, Managing Director, Resplendent Ceylon.

The latest Sri Lankan Tourism health protocol for Indian travellers shares detailed information on the travel safety guidelines approved by government authorities. These have been designed to ensure maximum safety for travellers and local communities. Only fully vaccinated Indians who have completed the recommended vaccine doses will be considered (after 2 weeks from their final vaccination), with no minimum stay period requirements. Further enhancing travel opportunities between both countries, the national carrier SriLankan Airlines is soon expected to increase connectivity and flight frequencies from Indian cities to its hub in Colombo.

Appointment | Balagi Singh appointed as General Manager, ibis Jaipur Civil Lines

Balagi started with Accor as Asst Manager Housekeeping at Novotel Hyderabad Airport and his last role was of the Hotel Manager of Novotel Chennai Sipcot

ibis - a smart economy brand from the Accor stable announced the appointment of Balagi Singh as General Manager of ibis Jaipur Civil Lines. In his new role, Balagi will head the hotel’s overall management and operations. His appointment reflects on ibis’ belief in strong leadership and recognising each person’s value, enabling the group to grow and innovate in the service of its customers.

Commenting on Balagi Singh’s appointment, Sylvain Laroche, Director of Operations, ibis & ibis Styles, India said, “It gives me immense pride in announcing the appointment of Balagi Singh as the General Manager of ibis Jaipur Civil Lines. In his association with Accor for more than 13 years, Balagi has demonstrated immense leadership skills and creative thinking for the hotel group. I am certain he will bring the same commitment with his new role, looking over day-to-day operations and management of ibis Jaipur Civil Lines. A warm welcome and heartiest congratulations to Singh on this new role.”

Commenting on his appointment, Balagi Singh, General Manager of ibis Jaipur Civil Lines said, “I am delighted to have been given this new role and thankful to the management for their belief in me. My association with Accor for more than a decade has been gratifying. I am confident that with the exceptional team at ibis Jaipur Civil Lines and our joint commitment towards ibis hospitality, we will take ibis to greater heights.”

With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality sector, Balagi Singh has been a part of the Accor family for 13+ years, performing varied roles across a range of hotels and geographies. Balagi started with Accor as Asst Manager Housekeeping at Novotel Hyderabad Airport and his last role was of the Hotel Manager of Novotel Chennai Sipcot.

Appointment | Kerten Hospitality announces strategic COO appointment Commercially-savvy leader, Wafik Youssef will rollout upcoming openings & grow footprint

Kerten Hospitality announces strategic COO appointment

Commercially-savvy leader, Wafik Youssef will rollout upcoming openings & grow footprint

DUBAI, UAE, August 2021: Kerten Hospitality, a mixed-use and lifestyle operator, announces the strategic appointment of hospitality industry expert Wafik Youssef as its Chief Operating Officer. Wafik, a seasoned leader with a proven track record of growth with global hotel players, and a career spanning across 3 continents over two decades will further contribute to Kerten Hospitality’s footprint expansion and multiple project openings rolling out 2021 onwards.  

Wafik will be responsible for all operational properties and upcoming mixed-use project openings across the Middle East, Egypt, Georgia, Jordan, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia driving the Group’s global vision for growth and expansion. He will be based in the Group’s corporate office in Dubai. 

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality said, ”Wafik brings a breadth of knowledge from global organisations, regional expertise and the knack to nurture teams that deliver success and innovation and further aspire to become the industry disrupters and out-of-the-box thinkers. We are glad to have a commercially-savvy leader who believes that our employee-centric culture can create sustainable global operations, unique guest journeys, and ultimately deliver value to our owners and industry stakeholders.”  

Wafik Youssef, COO of Kerten Hospitality said, “The Kerten Hospitality philosophy aligns perfectly with my personal approach: to take pride in evolving and proactively elevating hospitality norms, to lay emphasis on community build rather than just operation of properties - hotels, Residences, Offices, Food and Beverage and everything else that Hospitality touches. This is what has inspired me to join this entrepreneurial team and contribute to the evolution of our industry through the prism of flexibility and lifestyle. The pioneering vision of the Group combined with the efforts of a driven team, I trully believe will help us create home-like guest experiences and further ride and conquer the emergent industry trends.”

During his career, Wafik has played important roles in various hotel groups including Emirates Palace, Kempinski Hotels and Rotana in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. His last role was as a Vice President of Operations for Kempinski Hotels in the Middle East and Africa region where he was managing almost 20 properties after having led the MEA Region operations function for the Group. He is well versed in hotel management, capacity building, pre-opening of hotels, value creation and capacity build across many functions in MENA. 

New Opening | ITC Hotels Launch Welcomhotel Katra ‘Brand Welcomhotel forays in the heart of Katra’

ITC Hotels Launch Welcomhotel Katra 

‘Brand Welcomhotel forays in the heart of Katra’

‘A spirited holiday destination popular for its scenic beauty and adventure sports’

 New Delhi, August 2021: One of India’s most popular and fast-paced hospitality brands, ‘Welcomhotel’ launched its latest outpost in Katra. Welcomhotel Katra has 83 well-appointed guest rooms, a swimming pool, an array of sublime activities on-site to keep one joyfully engaged. 

Welcomhotel Katra offers a quintessential ITC Hotels culinary experience with signature dishes on offer. The WelcomCafe serves the best of gourmet flavors in international and regional vegetarian cuisine is one of a kind in its offerings and the finest in Katra. The traditional WelcomSthalika brings the best of this region’s vegetarian cuisine on a platter. The ingredients are sourced from the local farming community of the neighborhood and are fresh & seasonal. The WelcomSthalika represents regional fare from the Jammu region, and is prepared in Sattvik style bringing out the flavors predominant in Katra and adjoining areas. Some of these local preparations are Jammu Rajma, Ambal, Shingare ki Kadhi, Mewe ka kofta, and Tumba ajwain aloo. 

The curated menu uses locally grown ingredients like Jammu Rajma, walnuts, almonds, badi masala, tumba ajwain, shahi zeera, saunf, sonth and more in traditional style.  These Local Love meals will take guests on the expedition to the tastes of this rich temple cuisine recreating exclusive meal experiences.

One can discover holistic Ayurveda experiences and therapies for an overall reboot of the body and mind at the soon to open Kaya Kalp Spa. The hotel also offers an ideal space both outdoor and indoor, for events, weddings and celebrations with a seamless banquet space of 2750 sqft.

Just 45 kilometres away from the Jammu airport, Welcomhotel Katra is an idyllic destination nestled in the lush green valleys and panoramic views. Amidst the pine trees, breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the hotel stands tall like a crown jewel of Katra city. The hotel is dotted with miniature hand paintings created by budding artists from the region. 

Already, the finest property in the city, Welcomhotel Katra brings joy to travelers seeking a fulfilling destination experience. With spiritual tourism on a constant surge, this new addition to the city of Katra makes for a welcome change to the city’s inventory. While the mere mention of Katra brings to fore images of the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is much more to this high point destination.

Katra city is located in the foothills of Trikuta Mountains in Reasi district. It has been a preferred place for devotees for decades for its proximity to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has pilgrims visiting all year round. Katra is the base camp for aficionados not just going to Mata Vishnu Devi, the sanctum sanctorum but also nearby places of tourist attraction. 

Welcomhotel Katra is the base camp for those wanting to partake of the region’s picturesque attractions, including Patnitop. For the thrill seekers and nature lovers, Patnitop is just 85 kilometres drive away and the route to the hill station is truly poetic with the beautifully lined with pine and cedar trees. 

The Patnitop hill station is the only hill station where snowfall can be seen in the winters in Jammu and hence even the locals and guests from Katra come here during the winters. 

River rafting features high on the itinerary of Katra guests. The thrill of rafting in the white waters of Chenab is an unmissable experience. Katra has one of the best rafting stretches in the world with its fifteen-kilometer-long stretch bordered by lush green surroundings. Adventure lovers throng this place for water sports activities and the mesmerizing beauty.  

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Anil Chadha, COO, ITC Hotels said, “Brand Welcomhotel continues on its expansion spree offering guests the most beautiful destination properties like Welcomhotel Katra- popular for its scenic beauty and spiritual air. Katra truly offers the best of enriching experiences, for both pilgrimage and leisure. The globally acknowledged DNV platinum certified ‘WeAssure’ health and hygiene protocol at our hotels enables travelers to enjoy their holiday with complete peace of mind. “

Welcomhotel Katra is a destination that offers a gleeful experience to the discerning traveller who are in search of some rest and rejuvenation. Should one wish to pick a memorabilia or a local produce, one can shop in Katra for dried apples, home-grown organic products, Kashmiri chilies, woollen garments, leather jackets and hand painted miniature paintings in the colourful and bustling local markets.

About WelcomHotel  www.itchotels.com/welcomhotel

WelcomHotel is a collection of premium hotels designed for those who demand more and seek bespoke experiences to make the most out of their stay, optimizing their travel intent. With an endeavour to provide immersive and enriching experiences, the brand is reflective of the warmth of Indian culture while upholding the benchmark service standards that ITC Hotels is known for. From curated journeys that enhance leisure trips, to those that help maximize the efficiency of business stays, at WelcomHotel, every effort is made to add value to the new-age traveller. Present in locations ranging from hills to beaches, and deserts to cities, the hotels skilfully blend together local aesthetics and modern day comforts along with ITC Hotels' renowned culinary expertise. At the heart of everything at WelcomHotel, lies the thought of ‘enrichment’. And it is this vision that helps enrich the lives of the guests, the community, and our hotel associates through integrated efforts and holistic initiatives. ITC Hotels manages and owns many hotels under the Welcomhotel brand including Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail, Welcomhotel Shimla(Himachal Pradesh), Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi, Welcomhotel  The Savoy (Mussoorie), Welcomhotel Jodhpur, Welcomhotel Fort & Dunes, Khimsar, Welcomhotel Devee Grand Bay (Visakhapatnam), Welcomhotel Kences Palm Beach (Mammalapuram), Welcomhotel Coimbatore, Welcomhotel Pine n Peak (Pahalgam), Welcomhotel Amritsar, and Welcomhotel Bay Island,Port Blair.

About ITC Hotels  www.itchotels.in

With the enduring Namaste as the symbol of its brand experience, ITC Hotels is one of India’s leading luxury hotel chains offering comprehensive hospitality solutions through more than 100 hotels in over 70 destinations in the country. Embodying ‘Responsible Luxury’ as its guiding premise, ITC’s hotels integrates India’s fine tradition of hospitality with globally benchmarked services to reflect the culture and ethos of each destination, through a collection of hotels. The brand features opulent accommodations, state-of-the-art business facilities, renowned signature cuisine and award-winning wellness experiences. ITC’s hotel group operates under four distinct brands; ‘ITC Hotel’ at the Luxury end, ‘Welcomhotel’ in the 5-star segment, ‘Fortune’ in the mid-market to upscale segment and ‘WelcomHeritage’ in the heritage leisure segment. Each ITC luxury hotel is certified with a *LEED® Platinum rating for its endeavours towards green building, using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. *LEED® - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Appointment | Mr.T Shiju Nair promoted as "Executive Assistant Manager" in MAYFAIR Tea Resort Siliguri.

Mr.T Shiju Nair Deputy general Manager - F&B Service, Mayfair Lake Resort, Raipur is now transferred and posted as "Executive Assistant Manager" at Mayfair Tea Resort, Siliguri.

He brings in around 20 years of expertise where he has worked with various prestigious organizations in India and the Middle east.

He started his career as a Barman in the year 2000 with Sheraton. He then joined The Leela as an Am-F&B in 2004. In 2008, he got an opportunity to join The Ritz Carlton Muscat and relocated to Oman.

His first assignment as Deputy General Manager was in 2019, with the Mayfair Hotels & Resort Raipur and Providing Hospitality Owners more profit, with my experience & Hybrid concepts & solutions

Appointment | Vichin Sehgal appointed as Vice President of Rajasthali Resort & Spa

Vichin Sehgal was appointed as Vice President of Rajasthali Resort & Spa 

Jaipur, August 25, 2021: Vichin Sehgal has recently joined Rajasthali Resort & Spa as the Vice President. A prominent personality known for his leadership skills, Vichin will be responsible for the overall hotel operations. Having extensive work experience spanning more than 20 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, he is an industry expert who is known for setting new benchmarks with each career move and redefines the hotel. 

In his current role, he will be actively involved in curating an exceptional experience in alignment with the brand vision. His repertoire over the years has been an exquisite exemplification of the varied roles that he has donned in his career that has consequently helped him to hone his skills in terms of revenue and innovative management, pre-opening administrations, yield management and customer relationship. 

Commenting on his appointment, Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, said, “I am thrilled to take up my responsibility as a Vice President of Rajasthali Resort & Spa. The brand echoes the ethos of royalty amalgamated with the essence of the rich heritage and culture of Rajasthan. I’m looking forward to uplifting the standard of the service one top-notch with the support of my spectacular team.”

Before joining Rajasthali Resort and Spa, Vichin was working as the General Manager of Hospitality and Strategy with V Club for over six years. He started his successful career with Radisson Hotels as a Sales Manager in 2001. He worked his way up by associating with Vodafone India office as the coveted Head of HNI, Accor Asia Pacific Office as the Head of International Sales and Marketing, as the General Manager Units for Development and Expansion for Golden Tulip Hotels and Suites. 

An alumnus of IIHM Lucknow in hotel management, he is a man of many talents and avid interests. He is an ardent traveler and is keenly interested in exploring the different international cultures and cuisines. He enjoys the distinct aspects of travel and is also a part of some renowned groups with like-minded people who enjoy riding and travelling.

For more details please contact- 

Ritika Vaswani | 7838698095 | ritika.vaswani@khyathi.co

PROMOTIONS | Mercure Hyderabad KCP brings you the “Lunch Thali” with flavours of local cuisine

 Mercure Hyderabad KCP brings you the “Lunch Thali” with flavours of local cuisine

August 2021, Hyderabad: Mercure Hyderabad KCP launched a sumptuous lunch Thali designed to showcase the flavours of local cuisine, to pamper your taste buds with some mouth-watering delicacies.

This grand lunch Thali is designed to provide an amalgamation of local tastes. You can enjoy both non-vegetarian and vegetarian food at very pocket-friendly prices. You just pay INR 400 plus taxes for vegetarian Thali and INR 450 plus taxes for non-vegetarian. So take some break from your busy schedule and enjoy the authentic regional flavour.

Food is something that can bind us all together and as said food tastes much better when shared with our friends and family. So be there with your near and dear ones and enjoy some lip-smacking dishes. You can avail this luscious lunch Thali at Mercure Hyderabad KCP.  

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Soumitra Pahari, General Manager, Mercure Hyderabad KCP said “We at Mercure Hyderabad KCP have always looked into new and innovative ways to serve our esteemed guests. We have designed this Thali in such a way that you can have a delicious gastronomical delight in one plate that ensures a complete square meal. The portion size is just apt for everyone. Be it a corporate lunch or family celebration, the Thali can be the best option to grab a quick lunch and we strongly believe this would create the right memories and experiences for all of our guests.”

About Mercure Hyderabad KCP -

Mercure is a rare midscale brand that combines the strength of an international network with genuine and local hospitality experiences. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality ensures a consistent and reliable standard of service at every Mercure around the world, while the design of each hotel reflects the distinct character and culture of its location. Going beyond the ordinary for business and leisure travellers, Mercure team members are known for their passion, enthusiasm and warmth, sharing their knowledge of the local scene, providing insider tips and entertaining guests with tales of history and local folklore. Mercure hotels are conveniently located in city centres, by the sea or in the mountains, with more than 810 hotels in 60+ countries. Mercure is part of Accor, a world-leading hospitality group consisting of more than 5,100 properties and 10,000 food and beverage venues throughout 110 countries.

mercure.com | all.accor.com | group.accor.com

Spotlight | Caravans by Carvaa Travelers for a perfect Monsoon Getaway

Caravans by Carvaa Travelers for a perfect Monsoon Getaway
This monsoon season, caravans will be the most preferred and convenient choice of commute to avoid the shackles of mundane traveling while safety being the key priority. Caravans by Carvaa Travelers for a comfortable road trip experience within the country at an affordable price. 

Their caravans are fully equipped with all the essentials that might come in handy while one is on the roads such as a well-stocked Kitchenette, utensils, drinking water and water for other purposes, washroom, camping tents, a portable music speaker, pillows and quilts, among other things. Currently, they have two caravans operating namely, 'Fine' and ‘Rare’ that can accommodate a number of 5 and 3 people respectively.
The Caravans bookings and transfers are not limited to only Delhi/NCR or nearby locations. These can be sent outside of India at a nominal additional charge. The charges include 50% of the van’s per day rental till it reaches the location along with fuel charges and state/toll taxes.

What: Carvaa Travelers

Price: Fine- Rs 6,000 per day (inclusive of the driver and GST)

       Rare costs Rs 5,500 per day (inclusive of the driver and GST)

Connect- @carvaa.india on Instagram

PROMOTIONS | Lg Smart Tvs For Cruise Staterooms And Crew Cabins Bring Custom Controls, Advanced Hospitality Services

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill., Aug., 2021 – LG Business Solutions USA has introduced a line of smart TVs specifically designed for cruise staterooms and crew cabins to deliver a superb viewing experience with customizable hospitality and entertainment interfaces for cruise ship operators. 

With models available in 43-, 32-, 28- 24- and 22-inch class sizes, the voice-controlled and Wi-Fi connected TVs allow cruise lines to offer a variety of services and entertainment options in any size cabin. These Pro:Centric® Smart TVs also offer specialized service menus, allowing ship operators to create custom branded digital experiences.

As cruise operators begin to welcome back their valued guests, our Cruise TVs will allow them to deliver a catered, carefree digital environment where guests can easily navigate digital video programming and ship-related information,” said Mike Kosla, vice president of hospitality at LG Business Solutions USA. “Our cruise TV line will benefit both cruise operators and passengers with increased functionality, simplified operation and a thoroughly enhanced guest experience, just in time for a return to the seas.

The Pro:Centric software provides a number of critical features for cruise ship environments, including support for 39 languages, one-click service tools, webOS 4.5 smart TV features, remote system management and easy-to-use templates and pages for custom on-screen interfaces to provide information and services to guests. The TV line also allows cruise operators to enable wireless streaming of music and video content from passengers’ mobile devices and laptops through Smart Share, Screen Share and Bluetooth Sound Sync technologies.

The 43-inch class 4K UHD cruise ship smart TV (model 43UT782V2) displays images four times sharper than HDTV and upscales content to take advantage of the TV’s 8 million pixels. Crisp audio is provided through two 10W stereo speakers, and mounting is available via a standard 200x200 VESA compatible wall mount, sold separately. This model features a thin profile with minimal cabinet thickness — for easy placement in any cabin or stateroom. The TV’s 60-pin connector on the back accommodates an external, full commercial-grade access point module. The connector also can be used for other current and future add-on modules, helping to future-proof this TV.

The 32-inch class and 28-inch class Pro: Centric Smart TVs for cruise ships (models 32LT662VBUC and 28LT662VBUB) feature compatibility with standard 200x200 and 100x100 VESA wall mounts, respectively, and both have dual 5W stereo speakers. Both LT662V models offer LG’s latest version of Quick Menu, which provides an editable welcome message, date/time and a menu bar of frequently used tools. 

The 24-inch class Pro:Centric cruise ship smart TV (model 24LT660VBUA) is compatible with a standard 75x75 VESA wall mount and also has dual 5W stereo speakers. It also features a standard desktop mount. The 22-inch Pro:Centric cruise ship smart TV (model 22LS660V) features 1,920x1,080 resolution and 250 nits of brightness. It’s also compatible with 75x75 VESA wall mounts.

In addition to the wide variety of interface options and connectivity solutions, all five cruise ship TV models include the Pro:Idiom digital rights management system designed to provide access to high-value content while helping to deter video piracy. LG’s conformal coating on critical circuits is designed to help protect the TVs from extreme low or high temperatures, dust, humidity and salty air in the harsh marine environment. 

For cruise ship applications requiring larger TV sizes, LG also offers a complete line of hospitality smart TVs ranging from 49- to 75-inches diagonal. These LG US770H series models, with built-in hotel TV features, may be used in luxury suites and other hospitality applications from bow to stern. 

Complementing the stateroom TVs are LG’s award-winning large-format direct-view LED (DVLED) displays. LG’s DVLED “Ultimate Business Displays” are available in sizes from 81 inches up to 49 feet diagonal for indoor spaces and from 19 to 48 feet diagonal for bright, outdoor areas. The 16:9 aspect ratio screens are available with 2K, 4K and 8K resolutions, while dual2K and dual4K configurations offer a breathtaking 32:9 UltraWide aspect ratio. LG also manufactures a wide range of alternative digital signage options for public spaces. The LG line-up ranges from 22-inch to 98-inch with commercial large format digital signage, indoor/outdoor signage, touch screens, stretch displays, videowalls and more.

For more information on LG’s commercial display portfolio, please visit www.lgsolutions.com. For high-res images, click here.