Author Archives: TBM Staff - Mumbai

ICPB announces new leadership to boost MICE

 

The India Convention Promotion Bureau (ICPB) has announced its new office bearers for the 2024-26 term, selected unopposed at the Annual General Meeting on October 29, 2024, in New Delhi. The leadership team includes Chander Mansharamani as Vice-Chairperson, Sudeep Sarcar as Honorary Secretary, and Amit Saroj continuing as Honorary Treasurer. This team aims to elevate India’s position as a global destination for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).

Mansharamani shared his plans to strengthen ICPB’s alignment with international standards, emphasising the need for greater government support and financial backing to position India more aggressively in the MICE sector. His strategy includes enhancing ICPB’s presence at international trade fairs, securing funds for domestic and international roadshows, and dedicating a focused advertising budget for the MICE industry.

Sarcar, with over two decades in the industry, expressed his commitment to expanding ICPB’s membership nationwide and making it an independent, robust organisation. He aims to leverage ICPB’s deep industry expertise to promote innovation and inclusivity in the MICE sector, aligning closely with government policies to elevate India’s global MICE ranking.

Saroj, Treasurer echoed this vision, emphasising the importance of new initiatives to attract international association meetings and strengthen ICPB’s resources. With the new team’s insights and dedication, ICPB is set to further solidify India’s reputation as a premier convention destination on the global MICE map.

The Ultimate Mammoth Lakes Winter Holiday Guide

 

Mammoth Lakes is a treasured winter destination offering numerous activities and experiences for the whole family. From festive Christmas events and dinners to off-mountain activities, here is a look at all the fun that is in store this holiday season in Mammoth Lakes.

Mammoth Lakes Holiday Chronicles

Ice Skating at the Community Recreation Center- Head to the LA Kings Ice at Mammoth Lakes for public skating throughout the holiday week. Rentals are available at the ice rink. Additionally, for families with kids, Santa makes a special appearance at the annual Skate with Santa Night.

NYE Sunset Snowshoe Tours- On December 30 and 31, join a guided sunset snowshoe tour of the Mammoth Lakes Basin. Alternately, guided tours over moderate terrain to the lookout on Panorama Dome departing from the Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center also offer a unique adventure. If you are here during the Christmas week or staying through the first week of the year, take in another unreal moment in time with a full moon guided snowshoe tour through the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Sledding at Woolly’s Adventure Summit- Woolly’s Adventure Summit is open for the season – operating Friday through Sunday until December 14 when it will open 7 days a week and with a new design, is ready to ring in the holidays with you and your family. From tubing at the Tube Park to trying out refreshments at the snack bar, playing in the snow and building snowmen to a chance to meet the fuzzy mascot, Woolly, Woolly’s Adventure Summit is your destination for unforgettable fun.

More Family-Friendly Indoor Activities

Take a break from the cold at one of these family-friendly indoor activities although, advanced reservations are recommended during holiday weeks.

Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl – This bowling centre features scrumptious bites, sweeping views, and innovative gaming technology. Do not miss out on Christmas Carols this holiday season on December 24 and 25 with Mammoth Rock ‘N’ Bowl on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day including performances by the Eastern Sierra Community Chorus.

Yosemite Axe Throwing – Discover axe-throwing fun with painted log targets, diving into a lively atmosphere with family and friends.

Minaret Cinemas – Nestled in the Minaret Village Shopping Center, take a break between retail trips and catch box office hits at this movie theatre.

Holiday Events in Mammoth Lakes

MAC’s Holiday Marketplace- Shop for the best gifts and home goods and bask in a festive ambience at the Holiday Marketplace, a yearly tradition that showcases the works of local artisans and businesses.

Mammoth High School Boosters Christmas Tree Lot- Stop by the Christmas Tree Lot at the old ice rink/pickle ball courts behind Mammoth Library from December 5 to 24. All proceeds will benefit Mammoth High School.

Night of Lights- A one-of-a-kind evening at Canyon Lodge to kick off the holidays on December 14, Night of Lights is a free, fun-filled night for all ages with live music, a torchlight parade, kids activities, snowmobile rides and a firework spectacular that lights up the Sierra sky.

Santaville- Ol’ Saint Nick will be visiting Mammoth Sports in The Village with his friendly companion Woolly. Have your children prepare their wish lists and capture magical memories with a backdrop of holiday decorations from December 20 to 23.

New Year’s Eve Family Fun- Ring in the New Year with family festivities at the Village at Mammoth at the Private Viewing Area & Party from the Village Gondola deck with prime viewing of the live music and fireworks show.

Christmas Dinners in Mammoth Lakes

Whether you spend a quiet day gathered around a crackling fireplace, hit the slopes, or explore other on-the-snow activities, you will work up your appetite for a special Christmas dinner at one of Mammoth Lakes’ many restaurants.

Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl- The Brasserie at Mammoth Rock N’ Bowl offers an upscale prix fixe menu for Christmas dinner as well as New Year’s Eve.

Lakefront Restaurant- On Christmas Eve, enjoy a special four-course prix fixe menu with live music at The Lakefront Restaurant.

Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge- Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge will be offering a delicious Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Spanish-inspired four-course prix fixe menu starting on Christmas Eve.

Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop- Smokeyard BBQ & Chop Shop is hosting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day prix-fixe menu.

Whitebark Restaurant- Enjoy a flavorful four-course, prix fixe feast at Whitebark Restaurant on Christmas Day dinner with your whole family.

Austria Hof- Austria Hof is serving their regular menu with some additional Christmas specials.

The Mogul- The Mogul Restaurant offers delicious American cuisine in a family-friendly and cozy atmosphere.

Side Door Wine Bar & Café- Cozy up with savoury European fare and choose from over 300 fine wines this Christmas at Side Door Wine Bar & Cafe.

Toomey’s- Toomey’s in the Village will be offering their regular menu.

Après-Ski & Holiday Spirits

Restaurants and bars throughout town take their après-ski game to the next level over the holiday week. Grab a festive drink or take home a bottle of locally-made spirits from one or more of Mammoth Lakes’ local distilleries. Shelter Distilling and Devil’s Creek Distillery both offer award-winning spirits which you can find at a number of locations throughout Mammoth Lakes, but a trip to a tasting room provides an opportunity to see the brewing in action.

 

Singapore’s private equity firm revives 260-yr old Cox & Kings brand

 

Wilson & Hughes PTE, a Singapore-based private equity firm, has acquired the historic Cox & Kings travel brand along with over 200 specialised sub-brands, launching a new era for one of the world’s oldest travel companies. This acquisition, free from previous liabilities, includes beloved sub-brands like Duniya Dekho, Bharat Dekho, Luxury Escapades, and Bhakti Yatra, setting the stage for a customer-centric transformation in the travel industry.

As a trusted investor in visionary companies, Wilson & Hughes aims to reshape global travel by merging Cox & Kings’ legacy of luxury and curated experiences with cutting-edge technology. With over 260 years of history, Cox & Kings will now leverage AI, machine learning, and data analytics to deliver tailor-made journeys that elevate the travel experience, making it more seamless and personalised for modern travellers. Karan Agarwal, Director of Wilson & Hughes, highlighted that this relaunch aims to blend tradition with advanced technology to meet the evolving expectations of today’s travellers, reinforcing the trusted legacy that has defined Cox & Kings for generations.

The revamped Cox & Kings will focus on four core areas: Leisure Travel, Business Travel, Specialised Travel, and Travel Technology. With Wilson & Hughes’ expertise across diverse sectors, including finance and hospitality, the firm is well-positioned to restore Cox & Kings’ reputation as a leading, customer-centered brand in the global travel market.

This acquisition comes as the travel industry undergoes a dynamic transformation, with India’s travel sector alone projected to reach USD 125 billion by 2027. For Cox & Kings, this new chapter is about enhancing the travel experience and re-establishing its role as a trusted name in the industry, shaping travel for generations to come.

Thomas Cook expands Mumbai footprint with Dombivli franchise launch

 

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has opened a new franchise outlet in Dombivli, Thane district, targeting the city’s high-growth market and surrounding areas. This outlet aims to meet the rising demand for travel throughout the year, catering to a wide demographic including families, millennials, Gen Z, seniors, and business professionals.

The Dombivli location offers comprehensive travel services such as International & Domestic Holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises), and value-added services like travel insurance. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI-powered booking platform enables customers to plan and book personalised vacations quickly by providing real-time availability and instant reservations.

Travel trends indicate that Maharashtra’s residents are embracing travel year-round, taking advantage of holidays and weekends for mini-vacations. Unique experiences, such as witnessing the Northern Lights in Norway or exploring South Korea’s K-wave culture, are popular among millennials and Gen Z, while longer vacations of 5-15 days are becoming common for immersive travel experiences. Marathi-special group tours led by Marathi-speaking managers, featuring local cuisine, are also in high demand.

Luxury travel, cruises, and fresh destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Morocco are seeing increased interest. Visa-free and eVisa destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, Dubai, and Indonesia remain popular. Top international destinations include Switzerland, France, Japan, and Australia, while domestic demand is high for regions like Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Kerala, and pilgrimage sites such as Char Dham and Rameswaram.

Goa Showcases rich heritage at WTM

 

Goa Tourism showcased the state’s cultural richness, sustainable tourism, and unique travel experiences at the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2024, held from November 5th to 7th. Led by Tourism Minister Shri Rohan A. Khaunte and senior officials, Goa’s delegation engaged with global tourism leaders to highlight Goa’s diverse attractions and commitment to regenerative tourism. Emphasising Goa’s “Beyond Beaches” initiative, the pavilion offered immersive experiences in heritage, adventure, wellness, and hinterland tourism, attracting a global audience.

Key figures, including His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, and Indian Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, visited the Goa Pavilion, facilitating discussions on collaborative tourism efforts. The presence of notable Goan diaspora members, such as opera singer Oscar Castellino, further strengthened the international connections.

Shri Rohan A. Khaunte expressed pride in Goa’s portrayal, stating, “WTM London provided an ideal platform to showcase our state’s authentic and enriching tourism offerings. Our goal is to invite travellers to explore beyond beaches, experiencing Goa’s heritage and sustainable initiatives.” Shri Sanjeev Ahuja, Secretary of Tourism, echoed this, adding, “We aimed to reach conscious travellers who value meaningful and responsible travel.”

Goa’s participation at WTM London has sparked increased global interest, positioning the state as a premier destination for cultural and sustainable tourism. The event successfully showcased Goa’s commitment to preserving its natural assets while fostering global partnerships in tourism.

India’s hospitality HR summit: Shaping future talent

 

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the third-largest hospitality association globally, in partnership with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) and the Hotel & Restaurant Association of Northern India (HRANI), will host the HR Summit on Education and Career in Hospitality on November 14, 2024, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi. The summit will open with V. Vidyavathi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, and Gyan Bhushan, IES, CEO, NCHMCT, and aims to unite industry leaders, educators, and government officials to explore the future of hospitality education, career pathways, and workforce development in India.

The summit will address key challenges in India’s hospitality sector, such as the shortage of qualified professionals, declining student enrollments in hospitality courses, and high attrition rates. By bringing together stakeholders—industry experts, academics, and policymakers—the event will foster discussions on enhancing education quality, bridging skill gaps, and creating sustainable career paths within the hospitality industry.

Pradeep Shetty, Vice President, FHRAI and Summit Convenor, emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to overcome these challenges. He remarked, “The hospitality sector in India is ripe for growth, but we face a critical shortage of skilled talent. Through this summit, we hope to engage with industry and academia to create strategies that bridge skill gaps, boost hospitality education enrollments, and reduce attrition, ensuring the sector remains competitive and prepared for future demands.”

The HR Summit will include three key sessions. The first session, “Career Opportunities in Hospitality: Trends, Challenges, and Strategies,” will examine career trends, new roles, and strategies for career growth within the sector. The second, “Addressing Low Enrolment and High Attrition in the Hospitality Industry,” will explore factors affecting enrollment and retention, curriculum relevance, and career perceptions. The third session, “Managing Human Resource in the Hospitality Industry,” will focus on long-term strategies for workforce management. This summit promises a collaborative platform for all attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of the hospitality industry.