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The hotel industry is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Ramesh Kapur, the esteemed chairman and managing director of Radisson Blu Plaza New Delhi. Kapur, who was instrumental in establishing the first Radisson property in India, breathed his last in the national capital on August 24, 2024. He was 84 years old. Kapur’s contributions to the Indian hospitality sector were immense, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the industry and setting new standards of excellence. His vision and leadership not only established Radisson Blu Plaza New Delhi as a landmark in the nation’s capital but also set…

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By Kartik, Regional Chef , Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd  India’s dining and food delivery landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The country’s culinary sector is thriving, driven by various factors contributing to an unprecedented boom in dining out and food delivery. From evolving consumer preferences to technological advancements. Changing Consumer Preferences One of the primary drivers of the dining out and food delivery boom in India is the evolving consumer preferences. Urbanization and the rise of the middle class have led to higher disposable incomes, encouraging people to spend more on dining experiences. Millennials and Gen Z, who form a significant…

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Lemon Tree Hotels announced its latest signing – Keys Select by Lemon Tree Hotels, Varanasi. The property shall be franchised by Lemon Tree Hotels Limitedand is expected to open in FY 2028. Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is one of the world’s oldest cities, in Uttar Pradesh, India. As the spiritual capital of India, it sits on the banks of the sacred Ganges River and is a key center for Hindu religion and culture. Famous for its ghats, where rituals and the Ganga Aartiare performed, Varanasi is also renowned for its exquisite Banarasi silk sarees. The city’s rich…

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By Alok Gupta, Managing Director, Himland Trade Monitors Private Limited Of late, I have been observing that almost all the restaurants in India are levying in their bills a service charge which ranges from 5% to a whopping 20%. Earlier, I used to pay the bill as it is, but now, after a bit of study, I observe that this charge is nothing less than a ‘social extortion’. Read further for the reasons why. First and foremost, it is not a mandatory charge required to be paid by the diners, it is a voluntary payment as ‘tips’ we generally pay to the…

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By Dr Himanshu Talwar Chandigarh, the modern city nestled in the foothills of the Shivalik range, is known for more than just its architectural marvels. Its diverse food culture is a delightful fusion of flavors from various regions of India that makes up for an amazing food experience that satisfies the soul. As a melting pot of cultures and cuisines, the city brings together culinary traditions from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and beyond. Whether it’s the hearty Punjabi taste, the spicy flavors of Haryana, or the subtle delicacies of Himachal, Chandigarh offers a feast for every palate. One cannot explore…

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Rocky Kalra, Vice President, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group Indian hospitality has witnessed phenomenal progress in the last few decades, as evident from the number of hotels, resorts and rental properties being opened in different cities and even remote areas. Over the years, there has been a significant rise in the GDP and FDI that has increased the purchasing power of the masses, which is reflected in their ability to travel domestically and internationally. With the growing demand for destinations, experiences and leisure, the curve of Indian hospitality should move sustainably. Domestic tourism has received a significant boost with the government’s…

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By Neeta Lal   Last week I ate in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, all without stepping out of Delhi or paying lakhs to buy air tickets and visas. Well, I dined at The Spice Route (TSR) — the Asian cuisine eatery at The Imperial Hotel New Delhi which serves cuisine from all the countries that were part of the original `spice route’ or a network of seaways and trade routes that connected Asia with Europe and Africa. The historic route allowed not only exchange of spices and goods among traders of different nationalities but also discovery of…

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By Nathan Andrews, Author & Hospitality Consultant And for the end of June as the legendry Busybee would say a ‘few stray thoughts and a few points of view ( all my own work)’. We are at the halfway mark of 2024 and from our industry’s perspective we haven’t seen too much systemic change thus far.  All the brands continue to be on a signing spree, with one major signing ten hotels in a day earlier this month! On the other hand, capital market consultants, seem to have a steady stream of assets that owners want to place on the…

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By Paola Waschbush, Rooms Division & Sustainability Lecturer, Les Roches Marbella An industry that’s all about personal service and human emotion relies heavily on creating memorable experiences and both meeting and exceeding guest expectations. And in today’s increasingly online world, it’s now more important than ever for hotels. Get it right and you could boost your bottom line but get it wrong and there could be serious consequences. With many years’ experience as a manager for top brands such as Marriott, Mélia and Starwood Hotels, Rooms Division and Sustainability Lecturer at Les Roches in Marbella, Paola Waschbusch has been on the frontline…

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By Vishesh Vijayvergiya, Director, Sugandhco Perfumers Aromatic experiences play a pivotal role in defining comfort and luxury within hospitality settings. Amidst the meticulous attention to guest comfort, one often-overlooked aspect is the quality of hotel linens. Traditional laundering methods, reliant solely on detergents, frequently leave behind residual odors that diminish the guest experience. Enter specialized laundry fragrances, a transformative solution heralded by brands like Vedique. These innovative fragrances utilize micro-encapsulated aromas designed to adhere to fabrics, ensuring that each use delivers a revitalizing burst of freshness. What sets them apart is Vedique’s incorporation of a patented EU-active molecule, effectively neutralizing…

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