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by Neeta Lal The opening of Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport marks the debut of the first international hotel in the historic city. The 150-room property effectively showcases the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and elevated amenities. It also marks the second Hyatt Place hotel in the state of Maharashtra and the eleventh Hyatt Place hotel in the country – reiterating the brand’s significance in the India market. Q. In a brutally competitive hospitality landscape in Aurangabad, how does your hotel distinguish itself? A. Well, Hyatt Place brings many unique offerings to the independent business traveler including proximity to the airport which is highly convenient and…
In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality Biz at the 54th Annual Convention in Goa, Pradeep Shetty, the outgoing President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), looked back on his tenure, highlighting the association’s pivotal role in shaping policy and fostering industry collaboration. As Shetty prepares to pass the torch to the next president, he underscored FHRAI’s major achievements in advocacy and partnerships that strengthened the hospitality landscape. Shetty spoke about key moments in FHRAI’s advocacy journey, including the Sustainability Summit in Delhi, which brought together government officials, including Amitabh Kant, and industry leaders. A significant…
As the Chairman of the FHRAI Convention Committee, Dinesh Advani played a pivotal role in organising the highly anticipated 54th Annual FHRAI Convention in Goa, held after a multi-year hiatus. In an exclusive interview with Hospitality Biz at the convention, Advani reflects on the achievements of the event, which attracted nearly 800 delegates, making it one of the largest FHRAI conventions in recent memory. As the Chairman of the Convention Committee, how would you rate this convention? What are your key learnings from this event, which seems to be one of the largest FHRAI conventions in recent years? I believe…
The FHRAI Convention in Goa commenced today, featuring an impressive lineup of distinguished guests and speakers. The event kicked off with the Inaugural Ceremony. The welcome address was delivered by D.S. Advani, Chairman of the COC, followed by addresses from Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, and Rohan Khaunte, Tourism Minister of Goa, who served as the Guest of Honour. The keynote speech was delivered by Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO of IHCL, with Dr. Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, attending as the Chief Guest. The Inauguration was conducted by Chief Guest, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister of India.
By Nathan Andrews, Author & Hospitality Consultant Just this past week SAMHI announced the acquisition of Inmar Tourism for 205 crores. The asset that underlies this purchase is a 142-room hotel with an annual turnover of 24.76 crore. The news report also mentioned that a further 200-220 rooms may be constructed on the site, which I can safely assume was a key consideration in the final valuation. Bottom line transactions are happening, and for transactions to happen there needs to be both a buyer and seller. In my current role, I receive on an average eight to ten opportunities a…
By Dr Himanshu Talwar Nestled in the western part of India, Maharashtra is a vibrant state known for its diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the serene beaches of Konkan, Maharashtra offers a unique blend of urban and rural experiences. The state’s cuisine reflects its cultural diversity, featuring a range of flavours and ingredients that highlight its agricultural bounty. Maharashtrian cuisine is characterized by its bold flavours, extensive use of spices, and a variety of ingredients, including rice, wheat, lentils, and vegetables. The food is often vegetarian, but the coastal regions…
By Vinesh Gupta, General Manager, The Den Hotel Bengaluru In the hotel industry, the guest experience is a key driving factor. While the property’s decor, professionalism of the staff, and room cleanliness matter, technology does play a pivotal role here. Luxury has been synonymous with offering discerning travellers an elevated hospitality encounter. However, as the hospitality trends shifted radically during the pandemic, technology has reshaped guest expectations and redefined luxury. So, how does the industry leverage technology to elevate service, enhance guest satisfaction, and create unforgettable experiences? Let’s take a deeper look: Redefining Luxury in the Digital Age In today’s…
By Akant Garg, Assistant Manager, Industry Engagement THSC The Indian government’s PM Vishwakarma Scheme, launched in September 2023, is a game changer for traditional occupations, including the washerman profession. This initiative is designed to provide washermen with essential training, financial aid, and marketing support, helping them improve their skills, boost their earnings, and elevate their socio-economic standing. Recognition and Certification A major highlight of the scheme is the official recognition and certification it offers to washermen. After completing the training program, participants receive a PM Vishwakarma certificate and ID card, which validates their skills and occupation. This certification not only enhances their…
TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts, a prominent hospitality chain under Karma Hospitality LLP, is making significant strides in its expansion journey, led by Ajay Mehtani, Partner at TreeHouse Hotels & Resorts. With extensive experience in leadership roles across sales, marketing, asset management, and business development in global hotel brands, Mehtani has been instrumental in driving the brand’s successful transformation in the mid-scale segment. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality Biz, Mehtani shares his vision for TreeHouse, its growth strategy, and the evolving trends shaping the hospitality industry. From a successful role in research, what inspired you to take on the leadership…
In today’s evolving hospitality landscape, where personalisation and purpose-driven collaborations are becoming paramount, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield has embraced an innovative approach to corporate gifting. At the heart of this transformation is Anjali Naik, Director of Sales and Marketing, who has been instrumental in fostering meaningful partnerships with local organisations, such as Diya Innovations, to craft unique, socially conscious Diwali hampers. In an interaction with Hospitality Biz Naik shares the thought process behind this collaboration, how it reflects Marriott’s core values, and the broader impact of integrating hyper-local talent and sustainability into the hotel’s offerings. Could you share the thought…
