Category Archives: Hotels & Resorts

IHCL inaugurates a new center for hospitality skill development

 

In the Narmada district, tribal youth are set to receive training in the hospitality sector as the India Hotels Company Ltd of the Tata Group establishes a hospitality skill center near the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar.

The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, inaugurated the center, which is expected to train 120 youngsters annually.

Acknowledging the Statue of Unity as a prominent tourist destination, Jaishankar emphasized the need for facilities and local benefits.

The training programme includes 12 weeks of classroom instruction and four weeks of field training, culminating in job placements. With the rising number of hotels in Ekta Nagar, there is an increased demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector.

Clarks Hotels & Resorts unveils Celestial Hills in Sri Lanka

 

Clarks Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its second property, Celestial Hills, in Sri Lanka, strategically positioning the chain to enter the luxury leisure sector and broaden its global footprint. Nestled in Kandy, this boutique luxury resort features 11 private villas with individual plunge pools, outdoor showers, and spacious balconies overlooking Hatana and Knuckle mountain ranges.

The resort includes a local cuisine restaurant with panoramic views, a spa with two treatment rooms offering various therapies, and a pool nestled amid trees for afternoon relaxation. Guests can explore the cultural treasures of Kandy, with UNESCO-listed sites, vibrant markets, and serene lakes, immersing themselves in a cultural journey accompanied by Kandyan drum rhythms and interactions with local artisans.

Rahul Deb Banerjee, Vice President of The Clarks Hotels & Resorts, expressed, “Our strategy encompasses both national and international fronts. Through our distinctive property in Sri Lanka, we aspire to deliver exceptional experiences to travelers. With the Sri Lankan government’s emphasis on promoting tourism and increasing domestic interest, we foresee a rise in tourist activity. We are actively positioning Sri Lanka as our latest international destination, extending our hospitality globally to Indian travelers.”

Agoda reveals that Indians are increasingly opting for Southeast Asia following visa relaxation

The newly implemented visa waiver programs in Malaysia and Thailand for Indian travelers are proving successful. Agoda’s search data indicates that the 30-day and 90-day tourist visas, respectively, have significantly boosted the demand for travel to these two Southeast Asian markets.

Thailand, a favored holiday destination, has experienced a surge in popularity since the recent visa relaxation, witnessing a 44% increase in searches from India. Additionally, Agoda’s insights reveal a substantial increase in searches from India to Malaysia, with a 49% rise in January compared to October last year.

Agoda has revealed that, following the visa relaxations, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has surpassed Dubai to become the most favored outbound city destination for Indians. Additionally, Pattaya, Thailand’s beach destination, has climbed from fifth to third place. The current top five city destinations for Indians are Bangkok, Dubai, Pattaya, Singapore, and Bali, respectively.

Recent visa relaxations in the APAC region benefited Indian travelers. Several markets in Asia have announced policy changes specifically for Indian and Chinese travelers, with potential similar measures under consideration. The Henley Passport Index indicates that Indian travelers currently have visa-free access to 62 countries.

Krishna Rathi, Country Director India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives at Agoda, stated, “With Malaysia and Thailand taking the lead in visa waivers, the allure of Southeast Asia is evidently gaining momentum. The newfound convenience of visiting many of these destinations without the burden of extensive paperwork is likely to further inspire Indian travelers to explore international destinations.”

At the forefront of simplifying travel with over 3.9 million holiday properties, flights, and activities available for booking. For Indian tourists seeking to explore these premier destinations, Agoda’s platform serves as an ideal gateway for a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.

Minor Hotels targets over 200 new openings, reveals its new balanced growth strategy

Minor Hotels aims to launch over 200 new locations worldwide within three years, revealing insights into its dynamic commercial strategy for 2024 and beyond.

The target for new hotels would increase the group’s global portfolio by almost 40% from its current count of 540 properties, as well as adding more than 30,000 rooms to its present inventory of almost 80,000.

The rapid acceleration of Minor’s global growth ambition builds on record financial performance in 2023 and will be driven by a multi-pronged commercial strategy that will see the company enhance its portfolio of brands and overhaul its digital strategy, while pursuing a more balanced mix of management and franchise operating models.

Under its long-standing ‘asset right’ strategy, Minor Hotels owns or leases almost 70% of its global portfolio of 540 hotels. That percentage is expected to decrease to approximately 50% as the group pursues a more aggressive mix of management and franchise agreement options. Notably, Minor is targeting more than 150 new management agreements over the next three years, which would grow its share of the overall operating model mix from 19% in 2023 to 38% by 2026. New franchise agreements are also being targeted, while Minor will continue to grow its hotel investment portfolio.

Dillip Rajakarier, Group CEO ,Minor International and CEO , Minor Hotels, said, “2023 has been a record year and the figures, both financial and regarding the group’s expansion, confirm this. Looking ahead, we intend to increase this pace of openings, expanding our brands within our existing areas of operation and growing our global footprint into new regions in which we are not yet present.”

Minor Hotels is also looking to shift its geographic mix, targeting a more balanced global distribution of hotels and resorts. Of the more than 200 openings targeted by the end of 2026, approximately half will be in the Asia region, while Europe and the Middle East are expected to add more than 50 properties each. Other regions, such as Australia & New Zealand, the Americas and Africa, will also see new openings across the Minor Hotels brand portfolio. The strategy will see greater balance globally, with Asia expected to grow from 12% to 23% of global room inventory, and Middle East & Africa from 9% to 16%, by 2026. Europe meanwhile is expected to comprise 45% of room inventory, down from the current 60%, due to outsized growth in other regions.

The Anantara, Avani, Oaks, Tivoli and NH Hotels brands are expected to be the key drivers of portfolio growth over the next three years, with Avani alone expected to more than double its property count to almost 100. As part of a major review and optimisation of its global brand portfolio, Minor Hotels also expects to unveil multiple new brands in 2024 and 2025 to fill unmet consumer demand and provide more tailored options to hotel owners, further enhancing its competitive positioning.

Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer, Minor Hotels, said, “We’re focused on cross-developing our brands to create a harmonious blend of luxury and accessibility in diverse locations. We’re also moving towards a lighter ‘asset-right’ model. While we will always retain direct ownership of key flagship assets, embracing modern trends we’re shifting towards an increased focus on management and also franchised contracts. This strategic move is set to organically expand our global footprint while retaining our strict owner-driven mindset across all management categories.”

Having already launched Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort in the UAE earlier this month, the luxury brand Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas will continue its strategic growth during 2024 with key openings including Anantara Palais Hansen Vienna Hotel, further strengthening the brand’s European portfolio, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat in the UAE, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort in Indonesia, and Anantara Jaipur Resort, which will represent Anantara’s debut in India.

Additions to Avani Hotels & Resorts in 2024 will include properties in Frankfurt, Amsterdam and the Seychelles, in addition to the upper upscale brand’s first hotel in China.

NH Collection Hotels & Resorts, which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in 2024, will continue to grow its global footprint with new openings including in Thailand, Qatar, Finland and Portugal, while NH Hotels & Resorts has added Minor Hotels’ first properties in Paris this year, with further hotels coming on stream in Mexico and China. Tivoli Hotels & Resorts will continue its accelerated expansion in Europe and the Middle East, while nhow Hotels will debut in Peru in 2024 with nhow Lima and will also add a property in Italy with the launch of nhow Rome.

Elewana Collection, a collection of boutique lodges, camps and hotels in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania, recently announced the new Explorer by Elewana collection of upscale safari lodges. The first lodge, Serengeti Explorer, is scheduled to open in March.

Amid this unprecedented growth, Minor Hotels remains committed to its goal of expansion into new experience categories and growing its culinary and non-hotel brands. The forthcoming 12-key Anantara Kafue River Zambia Tented Camp will offer an entirely new luxury experience for guests of Minor Hotels’ flagship brand, while Vietnam-based luxury rail experience The Vietage by Anantara is adding a new Quy Nhon – Nha Trang route to its itinerary from May this year.

Furama Ariyana Tourism Complex is now represented by Black Turtle in India

 

Furama Ariyana Tourism Complex, a luxury resort in Danang, Vietnam, has partnered with Black Turtle, a hospitality representation company in India.

This alliance aims to promote Furama Danang’s offerings, including its facilities, event spaces, and services to the Indian market.

Furama Resort Danang is located directly on Danang Beach and within easy reach of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and the Complex of Huế Monuments.

Prabhakar Singh (Parker), Director of Sales and Marketing, Furama Ariyana Tourism Complex, said, “Furama Danang’s 196 rooms, 67 villas, and Vietnam’s largest oceanfront space bring your Indian vision to life, crafting events that linger in the memory long after the last wave retreats.”

“We anticipate this partnership to foster cultural exchange and understanding, allowing Indian travelers to discover the beauty and hospitality of Vietnam. By combining our expertise, we unlock a gateway to Vietnam’s hidden treasures. Experience the epitome of luxury, where Vietnamese charm dances with world-class service, creating a seamless symphony of unforgettable moments.”, he added.

Karishma Kazi, Founder and CEO, Black Turtle said, “2024’s been full of surprises, and this whirlwind trip left me speechless.”

Buzzing with enthusiasm, Karishma continued, “Black Turtle’s partnership with Furama Danang opens doors for discerning travelers seeking unparalleled luxury and authentic Vietnamese encounters.”

Tourism Dept, GCZMA comply with court ruling, remove unauthorized structures

 

Following High Court contempt notices, joint demolition drive by Tourism Dept and GCZMA (Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority) targets unauthorized shacks and restaurants at Vagator.

The clean-up drive at Vagator beach saw the removal of a well-known hotel, following a court mandate to address coastal zone violations.

December 14 marked a turning point for Vagator beach as the High Court ordered the Tourism Department to clear encroachments, restoring the public beach and ensuring no commercial operations take place within illegally occupied zones.

Ignoring a court order can have serious consequences. The Tourism Director’s inaction against illegal commercial activity at Vagator beach puts them at risk of legal repercussions.

Petitioner alleges Director’s inaction allowed D’Souza and Coutinho to carry on commercial activity within the illegal structures.

The Director of Tourism’s delay in acting against illegal activity at Vagator could land them in serious legal trouble.

Sources reported that despite the GTDC’s (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) demolition order against concrete structures, steps, and other CRZ violations at Vagator beach, only two steps were demolished. The rest of the illegal constructions remain standing.