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Showing posts with label HOSPITALITY NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HOSPITALITY NEWS. Show all posts
The hospitality industry is in for a makeover in 2024, with several trends set to reshape the guest experience. Here are some of the hottest ones:
Sustainability in the Spotlight: Eco-consciousness continues to be a major focus. Hotels will strive to become more environmentally friendly by adopting green technologies, using recycled materials, and offering plant-based food options. We can expect to see a shift towards "net positive" practices, where hotels go beyond reducing their environmental impact and actively give back to the planet.
Tech Taking Center Stage: Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize hospitality. Expect chatbots handling inquiries, AI-powered personalization for guests, and automated processes for increased efficiency. Guests will also see more contactless technology, with features like voice-activated controls, digital room keys, and touchless check-in.
Health and Wellness Focus: Travelers are increasingly prioritizing well-being. Hotels will cater to this by offering health-centric amenities like in-house gyms, spa services, and healthy menu options. There might even be a rise in properties specializing in wellness retreats.
Crafting Unique Experiences: Gone are the days of generic hotel stays. Travelers crave unique and authentic experiences. Expect hotels to partner with local businesses to offer cultural immersion activities or curate personalized itineraries based on guest interests.
Locally Sourced, Globally Inspired: People are looking to connect with the places they visit. Hotels will highlight local ingredients in their restaurants and offer experiences that allow guests to explore the surrounding area. This could include partnerships with local farms, cultural events, or tours led by community members.
The Rise of Bleisure Travel: The blurring of work and leisure continues. Hotels will cater to the "bleisure" traveler by offering co-working spaces, meeting facilities, and amenities that support remote work.
Workforce in Focus: The hospitality industry is facing labor shortages. To attract and retain staff, hotels will likely offer competitive wages, better benefits, and opportunities for growth.
There are a number of reasons why the hospitality industry is facing a huge manpower crunch post-COVID-19:
Mass layoffs during the pandemic: The pandemic caused a sharp decline in travel and tourism, forcing many hospitality businesses to lay off employees. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the global travel and tourism industry lost 62 million jobs in 2020.
Workers moving to other industries: Many hospitality workers who were laid off during the pandemic found jobs in other industries, such as retail and healthcare. These industries often offer more stable employment and better pay and benefits.
Safety concerns: Some workers are hesitant to return to the hospitality industry due to concerns about their safety and health. The hospitality industry is a front-line industry, which means that workers are more likely to be exposed to COVID-19.
Changing travel trends: The pandemic has also led to changes in travel trends. For example, more people are now choosing to travel domestically or take shorter, more frequent trips. This has made it more difficult for hospitality businesses to predict demand and staff their businesses accordingly.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is a global problem. However, it is particularly acute in some countries, such as India and the United States. In India, for example, the hospitality industry is facing a shortage of around 350,000 workers.
The manpower crunch in the hospitality industry is having a number of negative consequences. For example, it is leading to longer wait times, reduced service levels, and higher prices for consumers. It is also making it difficult for hospitality businesses to operate efficiently and profitably.
The hospitality industry is taking a number of steps to address the manpower crunch. For example, businesses are offering higher wages and benefits, providing more training and development opportunities, and creating more flexible work schedules. Businesses are also working with governments and educational institutions to develop programs to attract and retain workers.
It is unclear how long the manpower crunch in the hospitality industry will last. However, it is likely to continue for some time as the industry recovers from the pandemic and travel trends continue to evolve.
Customer loyalty programs are highly significant in the hotel industry for several reasons:
Repeat Business: Loyalty programs are designed to reward and retain existing customers. In the hotel industry, repeat business is crucial. Returning guests are not only easier to convert but also often spend more on each visit. A loyal customer who is part of a loyalty program is more likely to book with the same hotel chain in the future.
Revenue Generation: Loyal customers tend to spend more money on various services within the hotel, such as dining, spa, and room upgrades. They may also recommend the hotel to friends and family, thereby contributing to word-of-mouth marketing.
Competitive Advantage: In a highly competitive industry like hotels, loyalty programs provide a significant competitive advantage. Customers are more likely to choose a hotel where they can earn rewards or receive special benefits. This can help hotels stand out in a crowded market.
Data and Personalization: Loyalty programs collect valuable customer data. This information can be used to personalize marketing efforts, tailoring promotions and offers to specific customer preferences. This personalization can enhance the customer experience and increase loyalty.
Brand Loyalty: A well-executed loyalty program can foster brand loyalty. Customers who accumulate points, earn rewards, and have positive experiences are more likely to become emotionally attached to the brand. This can lead to long-term, devoted customers.
Cost Savings: Acquiring new customers is generally more expensive than retaining existing ones. Loyalty programs can help reduce customer acquisition costs, as the focus shifts from attracting new customers to maintaining and nurturing the relationship with current ones.
Feedback and Improvement: Loyalty programs often provide a platform for customers to provide feedback. This feedback is valuable for continuous improvement and refining the customer experience.
Inventory Management: Loyalty programs can help hotels manage their inventory more effectively. By offering exclusive deals and benefits to loyal customers, hotels can encourage bookings during low-demand periods, helping to optimize occupancy rates.
Partnerships and Alliances: Many hotel loyalty programs have partnerships with airlines, credit card companies, and other businesses. This can extend the reach of the loyalty program and offer customers even more ways to earn and redeem rewards.
Long-Term Growth: Customer loyalty programs are part of a hotel's long-term growth strategy. They are not just about immediate gains but building a sustainable customer base for the future.
However, it's essential to note that not all loyalty programs are equally effective. A poorly designed or executed program can be costly and ineffective. Success in the hotel industry often comes from creating a program that genuinely adds value to the customer's experience and builds a strong emotional connection to the brand.
Tripadvisor is a travel guidance platform that helps people plan and book their trips. It is the world's largest travel site, with over 350 million monthly users. Tripadvisor offers a variety of features, including:
Hotel reviews: Tripadvisor has over 800 million hotel reviews, making it the most comprehensive source of hotel reviews online.
Restaurant reviews: Tripadvisor also has over 600 million restaurant reviews, making it a great resource for finding great places to eat.
Attraction reviews: Tripadvisor also has reviews of attractions, such as museums, theme parks, and other tourist destinations.
Price comparison: Tripadvisor allows you to compare prices for hotels, flights, and other travel expenses.
Booking tools: Tripadvisor also offers booking tools for hotels, flights, and other travel expenses.
Tripadvisor works by crowdsourcing reviews and ratings from travelers. When you visit a Tripadvisor page for a hotel, restaurant, or attraction, you will see a list of reviews from other travelers. You can also see the average rating for the property, as well as the percentage of reviews that are positive.
Tripadvisor is a valuable resource for travelers who are planning their trips. It can help you find great places to stay, eat, and visit. It can also help you save money on your travel expenses.
Here are some of the ways that Tripadvisor works:
User-generated content: Tripadvisor relies on user-generated content to power its platform. This includes reviews, photos, and videos from travelers all over the world.
Machine learning: Tripadvisor uses machine learning to analyze user-generated content and provide travelers with personalized recommendations.
Data analytics: Tripadvisor uses data analytics to track trends in the travel industry and identify new opportunities for growth.
Tripadvisor is a constantly evolving platform, and the company is always looking for new ways to improve the user experience. If you have any feedback or suggestions, you can share them with Tripadvisor through its website or mobile app.
Five hotel trends to watch out for in 2023 and beyond
Julia Krebs, Rooms Division Lecturer, at Les Roches Marbella, tells us how the hospitality industry is going from traumatic to triumphant
In this article, Krebs outlines what the next 12 months have in store for the industry, how we can expect to see hotels adapt to stay competitive, and why it’s important to stay on top of the latest developments.
Changing workforce
Possibly the most significant development is the influx of younger people into the industry following the great exodus from hospitality during the pandemic.
Hotels are desperate for qualified people to work for them, which means there has probably never been a better time to enter the hotel industry. And the opportunities are there whether you have the experience or not. Many hotel groups are experiencing such acute labour shortages they are offering on-the-job development and expanding their management in training programs to include not only the traditional food and beverage or rooms division routes but also 360-degree operations as well.
We’re also seeing faster career progression than we had before due to skills gaps in key roles, so it’s going to be really interesting to see how that impacts the industry in the next 12 months and beyond. With more energetic, passionate, and enthusiastic people in higher positions, it’s unthinkable that will not have a significant effect on how hotels develop and the kind of services and technologies they embrace.
Technology trends
Another hangover from the pandemic – increased use of smart technology in hotels – is also set to be a theme throughout the industry in 2023. Where the Covid crisis necessarily saw new technologies such as a hotel app deployed for customers to check in and out, I think we will see that ‘smart hotel’ trend continue but with an increased emphasis on building human interactions back into the mix.
You just don’t get the same level of hospitality with a robot as you do with people, so hotels will increasingly be looking at ways in which they can combine the efficiency of technology with the personal touch. That will be even more of a factor given people are now spending a higher proportion of their income on their travels in the post-pandemic world.
Going green
Boosting efficiency isn’t all about saving money either. As the sector continues its post-pandemic recovery, so the spotlight has turned on the industry’s environmental impact and, as a result, sustainability will be a key trend in the next year and beyond.
Combatting climate change is one of the biggest challenges we face today and is a top priority for the hotel industry. That’s why we’re seeing the entire industry adopting more environmentally-friendly approaches in almost every aspect of their operations and this is set to continue in 2023.
Whether it’s demanding more sustainable goods and services from supply chains, striving to reduce waste or designing energy-efficient buildings, hotels have embraced the challenge of reducing their carbon footprints and are aggressively pursuing a greener agenda.
The truth is sustainability is no longer something hoteliers can ignore. It’s increasingly a deciding factor in customers’ hotel choices and it’s important to the new generation of employees who will drive the industry in the future, so I’ve no doubt 2023 will see some big strides in this area.
Giving back to society
While tourism’s impact on the environment is rightly at the forefront of hoteliers’ minds, we are also increasingly seeing them consider how their operations affect the societies in which they have a presence too.
Mass tourism can have a devastating effect if it is not properly managed and hoteliers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential impact opening more and more hotels could have, so I think we will see a growth in the number of socially-conscious initiatives the travel industry develops in the next year and beyond.
In particular, giving back to local communities will be a recurring theme. We are already seeing more hoteliers making conscious efforts to source talent, goods, and services from the areas in which they operate, hiring from underrepresented groups when possible, and investing in their employees’ professional development. It doesn’t stop there.
Hotel companies are, in short, taking more responsibility for the development of tourism in their local communities and stepping up to the plate and I think this will be one of the key trends in the future.
Traveller preference trends
One of the more interesting key trends we have already seen have an impact on revenue management in the hotel industry – and one that’s set to continue for years to come – is the rise in segmentation of guests.
Things have come a long way since we asked whether the purpose of guest visits was business or pleasure. Hoteliers are now separating customer groups into many more categories and tailoring their offering according to the desired customer experience. For example, we have already seen more ‘pet-friendly’ hotels open in response to consumer demand, and niche offers of that type are likely to become more widespread.
Another driver of innovation in the industry – again influenced by the pandemic thanks to the technology behind remote working becoming more commonplace – is the burgeoning ‘digital nomad’ lifestyle. Older-style business lounge facilities are being updated and adapted to become co-working spaces for hotel guests. They provide the essential communications and IT infrastructure but also give guests the opportunity to network, taking away the sense of isolation many people experienced during the Covid years.
Catering for specific guest needs has already driven some of the larger hotel chains into diversifying their offer according to the experience clients are demanding and I think this will continue to be the case for the foreseeable future. And I’m not just talking about individual hotels – I can see the larger multinational groups creating entire sub-brands that are geared towards catering to a specific niche as they look to compete with boutique offerings in increasingly diverse target markets.
Covid recovery
As we have seen, the far-reaching effects of the pandemic are still having a significant impact on global hotel industry trends and the changes it brought about will define how hotels develop and thrive for years to come. Adapting to the ‘new normal’ is a common theme throughout the top trends in hotels for 2023 and this is evident not just in the way hoteliers have already tweaked their offer to suit changing traveller preferences but also in the very nature of hotel companies themselves, which have experienced an influx of young and passionate employees.
That workforce will be one of the factors driving the adoption of more socially conscious and environmentally sound initiatives and the technological solutions that can facilitate them. But unsurprisingly, it will be customer demand that shapes how hotels emerge from the pandemic and that underpins each of these hotel trends for 2023.
We are beginning to see the effects of what some in the industry have described as ‘pent-up demand’ unfold, with the result more customers are spending more on their travels. To ensure hoteliers benefit from this development, it’s critical they not only react to demand but also monitor and stay up to date with the latest and future trends. While they do not necessarily need to be first to market, early adoption or buy-in to certain trends can lead to significant business exposure, brand awareness, and customer loyalty.
There are several key trends driving the global beverage alcohol industry. However, please note that the industry is dynamic, and new trends may have emerged since then. Here are some significant trends that were shaping the industry at that time:
Premiumization: Consumers were increasingly willing to pay more for higher-quality and premium alcoholic beverages. This trend was driven by factors such as a growing middle class in emerging markets, increased disposable income, and changing consumer preferences toward craft and artisanal products.
Health and Wellness: The focus on health and wellness was influencing consumer choices in the beverage alcohol industry. There was a rise in demand for low-alcohol or alcohol-free options, as well as products with natural ingredients, organic certifications, and reduced sugar content.
Craft and Artisanal Products: Craft beer, craft spirits, and artisanal wines were gaining popularity worldwide. Consumers showed a strong interest in unique, locally produced, and small-batch alcoholic beverages that offered distinct flavors, stories, and experiences.
E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Sales: Online platforms were becoming increasingly important for the beverage alcohol industry. E-commerce allowed producers to reach a wider consumer base, particularly in regions with limited retail access. Additionally, the DTC model enabled producers to establish direct relationships with consumers and offer personalized experiences.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Consumers were placing greater importance on sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility. They sought out brands and products that demonstrated environmentally friendly production processes, fair trade practices, and community engagement.
Innovative Packaging and Branding: Unique packaging and branding played a significant role in attracting consumer attention. Companies were leveraging creative designs, storytelling, and interactive elements to differentiate their products and create memorable experiences for consumers.
Global Market Expansion: The beverage alcohol industry was experiencing growth in emerging markets, including regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and changing lifestyles in these regions were driving increased consumption and presenting new market opportunities.
It's important to stay updated with the latest industry reports and news to identify any new trends and shifts in consumer preferences in the global beverage alcohol industry.
World Music Day, also known as FĂªte de la Musique, is an international celebration of music that takes place on June 21st every year. It is a day dedicated to promoting the art of music and its cultural diversity worldwide. The history of World Music Day dates back to 1982 and has its origins in France.
The concept of World Music Day was introduced by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, and the musician Joel Cohen, who worked for the French national radio station France Musique. They proposed the idea of a day-long celebration of music that would be free and open to the public, both amateurs and professionals, to showcase their musical talents in various public spaces.
On June 21, 1982, the first World Music Day was celebrated in France. The date was chosen to coincide with the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. The idea behind this choice was to allow musicians to perform outdoors, taking advantage of the longer daylight hours.
The inaugural World Music Day in France was a great success, with musicians and bands of different genres performing in streets, parks, and public squares across the country. The event aimed to break down barriers between different musical styles and create a sense of unity through the power of music.
Word about the event spread quickly, and World Music Day started to gain recognition and popularity worldwide. Over the years, it has been embraced by musicians, music lovers, and cultural organizations in numerous countries, leading to its establishment as an international celebration of music.
The core principle of World Music Day is that all musicians, regardless of their background or skill level, are encouraged to participate. The event promotes the idea that music is a universal language that can bring people together, transcend boundaries, and foster harmony and understanding.
On World Music Day, concerts, music festivals, and street performances take place in various cities and towns worldwide. Musicians of all kinds, from amateurs to professionals, perform in public spaces, parks, streets, and even in unconventional locations, sharing their music with the public. The event encompasses a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, rock, pop, folk, traditional, and experimental music.
World Music Day has become an important annual event for music enthusiasts and a platform for emerging artists to showcase their talent. It continues to celebrate the joy of music, the cultural richness it represents, and its ability to connect people from different backgrounds and cultures through the power of sound.
Father's Day is a holiday celebrated to honor fathers and father figures for their contributions to their families and society. The exact origin of Father's Day is a subject of some debate, as there are various theories and historical events associated with its beginnings.
One widely accepted origin of Father's Day can be traced back to the United States in the early 20th century. The credit for establishing Father's Day as a national holiday is often given to Sonora Smart Dodd, a woman from Spokane, Washington. In 1909, she proposed the idea of a day to celebrate fathers to a local church after hearing a Mother's Day sermon. She wanted to honor her father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran and single parent who raised six children by himself.
The idea gained traction, and the first official Father's Day was celebrated in Spokane on June 19, 1910. However, it wasn't immediately recognized as a national holiday. Over the years, the celebration spread to other parts of the country, but it faced initial resistance and struggled to gain widespread popularity.
In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Then, in 1972, President Richard Nixon signed it into law, officially establishing Father's Day as a national holiday in the United States.
It's worth noting that there are earlier examples of celebrations honoring fathers in different cultures. For example, in ancient Rome, there was a festival called "Festival of Parentalia" that honored fathers and ancestors. In Catholic Europe, there was a tradition of celebrating Saint Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, on March 19th. These historical celebrations might have influenced the concept of Father's Day in some way.
Today, Father's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world, typically on different dates, but with a similar purpose of expressing gratitude and love towards fathers and father figures.
Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), the global leader in digital payments, and EY, the leading professional services organization, have launched a comprehensive report titled ‘Charting the Course for India – Tourism Megatrends Unpacked’.
The report reveals that India’s tourism industry is on track to reach US$1 trillion by 2047, with data-led tourism set to be a key driver of growth. It takes a long-term view of India’s tourism industry, beyond the pandemic’s impact, and identifies the megatrends expected to shape the sector over the next decade.
The report was unveiled in the presence of Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa, and former CEO, NITI Aayog, and Alfred F Kelly Jr, Executive Chairman, Visa, at the ASSOCHAM India Tourism Conference in New Delhi.
The report identifies Sustainability, Enabling Technologies, and Evolving Tourist Preferences as the main disruptive forces driving tourism. Sustainable tourism experiences and offerings are in high demand worldwide, and this trend is likely to continue in the future.
At present, the global sustainable tourism market is valued at US$180 billion. In India, this is valued between US$26 million- US$2.5 billion and is expected to grow at 15% CAGR. Another key trend identified is evolving tourist preferences, driven by the presence of Gen Z, which constitutes 24% of the global population and 27% of this is in India.
The report offers detailed insights into the segments that will play a critical role in driving tourism industry growth and the Indian economy at large.·
Spiritual tourism will play a key role since 60% of domestic tourism in India is spiritual in nature, and 30.5 million international travellers are expected to visit India by 2028 for this purpose.·
Medical and wellness tourism will witness growth with a potential for 24 million jobs to be created by 2032. In 2021, 21% of international travellers sought medical treatment in India .·
Adventure and sports tourism has the potential to create 6 million jobs by 2032. Globally, an average adventure tourist spends US$2,900 per trip.·
Business travellers and MICE – India’s share in the global MICE market will more than double from 2019 to 2025. In 2021, 12.1% of foreign tourists visited India for business purposes.·
Travel mobility – Airports in India will increase to 220 by 2025 with US$1.5 trillion worth of investments through the National Infrastructure Pipeline Scheme (2020-25).
Nirav Akshay Oza, CEO, Efcee Hotels - A Leela Worldwide Venture, speaks about how the Indian luxury hotel industry is striving for continued growth and innovation through AI and technology
Here are some ways AI is transforming customer experience in the hotel industry:
● Personalized recommendation’s
AI-powered algorithms analyze guest data to offer personalized recommendations, such as room preferences and dining suggestions. As personalization becomes increasingly important to customers, hotels that provide tailored experiences can improve customer satisfaction. A recent report revealed that 60% of customers expect personalized experiences from hotels, and 50% are more likely to return to hotels offering such experiences.
● Streamlined check-in processes
Facial recognition and chatbot technologies can significantly reduce check-in times for guests. For instance, a Chinese hotel has implemented facial recognition technology to expedite the check-in process. A study by Oracle Hospitality found that 89% of hotel guests would prefer using their smartphones to hasten the check-in process, and 64% would opt for facial recognition technology for identification purposes.
● Predictive maintenance
AI-powered predictive maintenance helps hotels detect potential issues before they escalate into major problems. This technology enables hotels to identify malfunctioning equipment before it breaks down, reduce downtime, and minimize repair costs. According to a recent report, predictive maintenance can decrease maintenance costs by up to 30% and reduce downtime by up to 45%
● Chatbots for customer service
Chatbots have gained popularity in the hotel industry, providing 24/7 customer service and assisting guests with queries and complaints. Additionally, chatbots offer recommendations and personalized promotions. A recent survey found that 73% of customers prefer using chatbots for customer service, and 55% would be willing to book a hotel room through a chatbot.
● Voice assistants in hotel rooms
Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Home are increasingly being integrated into hotel rooms. Guests can use voice commands to control room temperature, lights, and even order room service. A recent report indicated that 73% of hotel guests would like to use voice assistants in their rooms, and 63% would be more likely to book a hotel room equipped with voice assistants.
● AI-powered pricing strategies
AI-powered pricing strategies help hotels optimize room rates and maximize revenue by analyzing market trends, demand, and other factors. Additionally, these strategies enable hotels to adjust room rates in real time. A recent report found that AI-powered pricing strategies can increase revenue by up to 15% and reduce the time spent on pricing by up to 90%.
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the hospitality industry, and many businesses have had to adapt to the new normal to survive. Here are some of the new technological advancements that have emerged in the hospitality industry in response to the pandemic:
Contactless Check-in and Check-out: Many hotels and vacation rentals have implemented contactless check-in and check-out processes to minimize the risk of transmission. Guests can now use their mobile devices to check-in, access their room keys, and make payments.
Mobile Room Keys: Mobile room keys allow guests to access their rooms without having to touch a keycard. This technology uses Bluetooth technology to detect when a guest is near their room and automatically unlocks the door.
Virtual Concierge: To reduce face-to-face interactions, many hotels have implemented virtual concierge services. Guests can now communicate with staff via text messaging or chatbots to request services or ask questions.
Air Quality Monitoring: Many hotels have started using air quality monitoring systems to ensure that the air in their buildings is clean and safe for guests. These systems can detect pollutants, humidity, temperature, and other factors that affect air quality.
Robotics: Some hotels have started using robots to perform tasks such as cleaning, room service delivery, and luggage handling. These robots help reduce the need for human interaction and can operate 24/7.
Contactless Payments: Contactless payment methods such as mobile payments and QR codes have become more popular in the hospitality industry. Guests can now pay for services and products without having to touch cash or credit cards.
Online Menus: Many restaurants and cafes have started using online menus to minimize the handling of physical menus. Guests can access the menu via their mobile devices or scan a QR code.
Social Distancing Monitoring: To ensure that guests are adhering to social distancing guidelines, some hotels have implemented social distancing monitoring systems. These systems use sensors and cameras to monitor guest movements and alert staff when social distancing rules are being violated.
Overall, these technological advancements have helped the hospitality industry to adapt to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a safer and more convenient experience for guests.
UGADI is a major festival celebrated in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and parts of Maharashtra. It marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Hindu lunar calendar. On this auspicious day, people prepare a variety of traditional dishes and sweets to share with their family and friends. Here are some popular dishes prepared during UGADI:
Ugadi Pachadi: It is a special dish prepared on this occasion and is made with raw mango, tamarind, jaggery, neem flowers, and chilli powder. This dish symbolizes the six different emotions one can experience in life - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, tangy and spicy.
Bobbattu/Puran Poli: It is a sweet flatbread made with a filling of jaggery and coconut, or chana dal, and is served with ghee.
Holige/Obbattu: It is a sweet dish made with a filling of coconut or lentils and jaggery, stuffed inside a dough made of wheat flour or maida.
Pesarattu: It is a savory pancake made with green gram, rice, and spices. It is typically served with ginger chutney or coconut chutney.
Pulihora/Tamarind Rice: It is a tangy rice dish made with tamarind juice, rice, and spices.
Vada: It is a deep-fried snack made with urad dal and spices. It is usually served with coconut chutney or sambar.
Payasam: It is a sweet pudding made with milk, sugar, and vermicelli or rice.
These are some of the popular dishes prepared during UGADI. However, the specific dishes prepared may vary depending on the region and the family's traditions.
The first two variants introduced by Proost69 are the Proost69 White Ale and Proost69 Mild Lager. The company is introducing Proost69 Weizen Beer and Proost69 Strong Lager.
Tarun Bhargava, The Co-founder and director of Proost69, said “We, at Proost69, are excited to announce the launch of a beer with a taste so elite yet affordable filled with freshness and uniqueness. With our focus on providing and maintaining the top-notch quality, our flavour balances are just enough to create magic. All that goodness with supreme European craftsmanship is a level-up in itself.” said Bhargava.
Proost 69 White Ale and Mild Lager available in Delhi are priced at INR 170 per pint and at INR 150 for a 500ML can.
Mumbai-based Microbrewery White Owl launched its bottled craft beer in Delhi. After the introduction of its craft beer in Bottles & Cans in Mumbai, Pune, Goa and Bengaluru last year, White Owl finally made its way to north, launching its top-selling brews – ‘Spark,’ a Belgian Wit with Summery Orange-Citrus notes and ‘Diablo,’ an Irish Red Ale, loved for its Roast Caramel finish – in Bottles in Delhi.
White Owl will also introduce its beer in Cans in Delhi shortly. Ace, its Apple Cider Ale (also the only locally-bottled Cider Ale available in India today) and Spike, its Strong German Wheat Beer are also expected to launch in Delhi in the first half of 2019. Bottles of Spark and Diablo are now available over 250 locations across Delhi.
Javed Murad, Founder of White Owl said, “White Owl is at an exciting stage of its journey with a series of new developments that we are thrilled to announce soon. Our launch in Delhi is our first foray into North India and we remain committed to taking our award-winning brews to many more markets to cater to the growing demand for top quality premium beer across India.”
White Owl has launched Spark at an MRP of INR 110 and Diablo at INR 130, per 325ml bottle respectively.
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) recently concluded its 13th Conclave of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India’s (FSSAI) Food Safety Supervisor Training in Advance Catering in Mumbai. The programmes were conducted at The Emerald Hotel in Juhu and at the Institute of Hotel Management in Dadar respectively on October 10 and 12, respectively. Eighty hospitality professionals participated in the training sessions. As per the HRAWI release, the association has so far conducted a total of twenty-five Food Safety Training and Certification (FoSTaC) programmes through which 880 hospitality professionals have been trained and certified for the Western region.
“The objective of conducting these training is to equip hospitality professionals, especially those working in F&B with all necessary information to maintain food safety. It is a great initiative by the FSSAI and is in line with its aim of standardisation quality of food served at hotels and restaurants across the country. It is critical for professionals who handle food to be updated about developments in the field to ensure health and hygiene are maintained at all times. With this hand in hand initiative with the FSSAI, the Association is making rigorous efforts in training and certifying as many professionals as possible to cover the entire Western region before the year-end,” says Mr. Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, President, HRAWI.
The programme is one of the biggest initiatives taken by the Association to raise awareness on food safety and to improve the quality of food and beverages served at hotels and restaurants.
Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, today announced its first airline partnership in India with Jet Airways, India’s premier international airline. This adds momentum to the growth of Airbnb’s footprint in the Indian market by focusing on establishing a deeper connect with the new age Indian travellers who seek unique travel experiences.
To announce this exciting partnership, Jet Airways is running a contest on its website www.jetairways.com, where 5 lucky winners have a chance to win free couple flight tickets from Jet Airways together with a stay coupon worth Rs 35,000/- from Airbnb. To be eligible for the contest, all that guests in India need to do is to book a Jet Airways flight to any of the 64 destinations on its network between August 23 and September 1, 2017.
In another inaugural offer, the first 100 Jet Airways’ guests booking their accommodation with Airbnb via the Jet Airways website, also receive 10 percent off . In a separate, limited period offer from Airbnb, travellers can get a 10 percent discount for their Jet Airways flight booking via a promo code.
Speaking about Airbnb’s first-of-its-kind partnership with an Indian airline, Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Manager – India, Airbnb, said, “Airbnb’s philosophy is centered on providing unique experiences to modern day travellers, who seek newer and more interesting ways to travel. Indian travellers have become more decisive and are keen to break away from conventional means of travel and accommodation. Airbnb has been committed to building local partnerships which enable us to strengthen our connect with the Indian audience. With this partnership, Jet Airways fliers who are also Airbnb travellers will be able to enjoy the added-value they receive from being associated with two dynamic brands.”
Giving his views on this partnership, Jayaraj Shanmugam, Chief Commercial Officer, Jet Airways said, “An increasing number of Indian travellers are embracing the fresh and highly personalised experiences that a platform like Airbnb offers. Our focus on being innovative and offering differentiated travel experiences enables us to anticipate the changing needs of our guests and recognize trends much earlier than the market, thus allowing us to offer exciting travel related initiatives. We are delighted to be the first Indian airline to partner Airbnb, and look forward to creating more of such innovative experiences for our guests.” Source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/detailNews.aspx?sid=22&aid=27573
Bira 91 a beer brand from India, recently bagged four awards at the World Beer Awards held in London in August, 2017.
The World Beer Awards is an important platform for the beer-makers to be recognised globally. With a panel of over 100 judges reviewing 1900 entries from 80 countries, they lookout for best of the best, Bira 91 has swept through the awards and each of its four beers – Bira 91 White (Wheat Ale), Bira 91 Blonde (Lager), Bira 91 Light (Low Calorie Lager ) & Bira 91 Strong (Strong Ale) have won in their respective country awards.
According to the release, Bira 91 is the only brand to have won four awards in the competition, and also the only award winner from India.
Sula Vineyards, through its wholly owned subsidiary, Artisan Spirits, has launched India’s first Premium blended whisky with Grape Spirit base, ECLIPSE, in the Delhi market. The company announced their aggressive diversification into the premium liquor category at a special event for the trade in the National Capital this week.
After adding grape-based Brandy,’ Janus’, and ‘J’, the launch of Eclipse, a premium whisky with Grape spirit base, is considered a strategic move by the company towards product diversification. Eclipse has distribution rights in Delhi, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Puducherry, and Telangana currently.
Speaking to Hospitality Biz at the launch event, Nick Pringle, COO, Sula Vineyards said that the company has yet again proved its spirit of innovation by introducing a “pioneering product”. “It’s a tough market and in a tough market it is important to keep innovating and give consumers something new. Eclipse is the first Grape spirit based whisky to come into the market,” he said.
Talking about the product, Pringle said that while its grape spirit base makes it unique, it is blended with quality malt matured in French oak. “That gives the product the quality finish and premium presentation,” he added. He said that Eclipse has received good feedbacks from connoisseurs at blind tasting sessions.
When asked about distribution, Pringle said that they will be rolling it out “carefully and strategically” pan India in the coming months. “We have got distribution rights in few places. Idea is to go very carefully,” he said.
Eclipse comes in an elegant bottle with a tamper proof ‘Fabrizio cap’ that ensures excellent and smooth flow of the liquid from the bottle.
Fratelli Vineyards, one of India’s leading producers of premium quality wines, showcased 29 wines from nine wine houses spread across nine countries of the world, at the recently held Taste of the World International wine showcase event held in Delhi.
The event held at the Hyatt Regency Delhi, had on offer an extensive array of wines from across the globe, accompaniments including hors d’oeurves, and other enjoyable food. Wine tasting counters were located around the venue featuring a mix of old and new world wines from Australia, France, Italy, Chile, California along with the domestic range of SETTE, VITAE and M/S- Master’s Selection from Fratelli Vineyards.
There were a list of new labels added to the Fratelli Vineyards portfolio including JCB a collection of rare numbered wines composed by Jean- Charles Boisset, DeLoach California’s pioneering producer of wine, Cecchi , the Italian leaders in the wine world, Molly Cradle Australia’s boutique wines from some of the most prestigious regions and more. Fratelli Vineyards also displayed its soon to be launched SETTE in Magnum bottles which will be available at premium liquor stores soon. Guests were seen taking pleasure in live jazz performances during the event.
Speaking on the successful third edition of Taste of the World, Kapil Sekhri , Director at Fratelli Vineyards said, “Taste of the World is a true indulgence for those that enjoy savouring good wine and food in a contemporary setting. The event has seen a terrific response since 2014, and ever since has been evolving with time. We do have plans to take this one of a kind experience to other cities in India as well.”
Presence of Jean- Charles Boisset, proprietor at the Boisset Collection, who is referred to as the James Bond of the wine world, was the main attraction of the Taste of the World show this year. “I am absolutely thrilled to be associated with Fratelli Vineyards and have JCB and DeLoach wines as a part of this prestigious event- Taste of the World. It is a pleasure to see brands from different regions that have significantly contributed to the industry come together,” Boisset said.
Source: www.hospitalitybizindia.com
Want to feel the warm, gently percolating inner glow of a fireside cognac this Christmas?
If a bottle of Remy Martin VSOP for $35 is just très ordinaire, why not make a splash with a bottle of Remy Martin Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6?
At $22,000 a bottle (sales tax not included), however, you may need to take out a mortgage.
After 100 years in the cask, and seeing out the careers of four different cellar masters, the cognac cask was dusted off in 2009 by cellar master Pierrette Trichet.
Three years later in 2012, she declared that the cognac had reached perfection and the cask was tapped to produce just 738 decanters. This particular decanter is 460 of the 738 available.
Cellar master Pierrette Trichet, checks the quality of a cognac barrel.
Cellar master Pierrette Trichet, checks the quality of a cognac barrel.
The 42,6 represents the 42.6% alcohol that makes up the blend -- the comma in the decimal place marking out its European provenance.
St. Regis Atlanta bought the bottle, made of black Baccarat crystal with a rose gold neck band, back in 2012.
Source: CNN.com