RNI: DELENG/2018/75946

www.traveltradeinsider.com

For any editorial query please e-mail: [email protected]

IATO’s annual convention puts spotlight on Uttar Pradesh What’s in store for 2023? Enjoy your winter holidays in Quebec City A tourist’s paradise

Travel Trade Insider VOLUME 5 ISSUE 5 Published on January 7, 2023, ~ 150/-

Stand alone Ok To Board Available

www.mondy.in

+91-7011172195

Interlaken – the hub for activities 365 days a year!

⋅ Unique nature – Switzerland in one place ⋅ Huge choice of experiences within short distance ⋅ No. 1 Destination in Europe for adventure sports ⋅ Exclusive boutiques with extended opening hours ⋅ Good working relationship and a special bond of trust with India Thunersee – Brienzersee

travel trade Resource

INSIDER

Travel Trade

A tourism, hospitality & aviation business resource Publisher Urzu Media Solutions Managing Editor Shekhar Sharma Editorial Consultant K. Rohit Editorial (UK) Shravani Chowdhari Layout & Design Atul Kumar Senior Correspondents Anurag Semwal Aparna Sharma Marketing General Managers (North India) Brijesh Saluja Apurba Kumar Guin Marketing Manager (J&K) Sushil Pandita Marketing Manager UK Anmol Kaur Marketing Manager Devang Bhasin Annual Subscription Rs 1000/Single copy Rs 150/Total Number of Pages: 44 (Including Covers) ©Travel Trade Insider No part of this publication may be repoduced without the express written permisssion of the publishers Advertising, Subscription and sales enquiries to Urzu Media Solutions Pvt. Ltd. WZ-409, J, Janakpark, Hari Nagar, New Delhi-110064 T: +91 11 41063336 Email: [email protected] DISCLAIMER: All information in Travel Trade Insider is derived from sources we consider reliable. lt is passed on to our readers without any responsibiliy on our part. Opinions / views expressed by third parties in abstract or in interviews are not necessarily shared by us. Material appearing in the magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part(s) withour prior permission. The publisher assumes no responsibility for material lost or damaged in transit. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw or otherwise deal with all advertisement without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian Advertisements Code. The Publisher will no be liable for any loss caused by any dealy in publication, error or failure of advertisement to appear. Owned & published by: Urzu Media Pvt. Ltd.. New Delhi and printed on her behalf LIPEE Scan Pvt. Ltd, 89 DSIDC shed Okhla industrial area, Phase 1, New Delhi-.110020 www.traveltradeinsider.com

4

Divya Bhatia Editor-in-Chief Dear Reader, Greetings! Happy New Year 2023! This year is extremely important for India’s tourism and hospitality sectors as the industry is finding its way back to normalcy. A large section of stakeholders are optimistic that 2023 is going to a bumper year in terms of demand and growth. Let’s hope that the pandemic situation remains under control. India’s new tourism policy that has been in a limbo for a long period is expected to be introduced soon. While addressing delegates at the 37th annual convention of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) that took place in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh last week, a senior official of Ministry of Tourism (MoT) shared that after much deliberations the policy is ready and will be rolled out after the Union Cabinet’s nod. The new tourism policy once introduced will pave the way to reinstate India’s promotional activities which have been put on hold since the onset of the pandemic. MoT had an overseas promotional scheme under which it used to undergo promotional campaigns in all overseas markets. Prior to the pandemic, things were on track with the ministry spending Rs 3 billion every year on India’s marketing and promotional campaigns. However, after the onset of the pandemic the funds were not released. However, now with the new tourism policy, MoT has plans ready for the next 5 years which will see setting up of a national tourism board and aggressive promotion of our destinations in international markets. The tour operators have been ruing that unlike other international tourism government bodies, India has not undergone marketing campaigns in overseas markets after the much improved pandemic situation. According to a veteran tour operator, India needs an immediate marketing splash from the ministry of tourism for the period 2023-2024 followed by long terms plans. I think the efforts have to start now if we want the inbound tourism sector to get going. Apart from dedicated funding on tourism sub sectors like adventure, wellness and MICE, the new tourism policy will also focus on digital and social media marketing. The ministry has recently appointed Mccain as its agency for branding and social media activities. On the other hand, MoT has decided to scrap its 20 overseas tourism offices and instead appoint tourism representative companies in these markets. Let’s hope that the new year is a fruitful for all of us. Happy Reading! Divya Bhatia

CONTENT

08

32

26

14

42

38

6-8 INCREDIBLE INDIA There is a need to create awareness about ice skating in India: Rai IATO’s annual convention puts spotlight on Uttar Pradesh

10-13 WELLNESS INSIDER Wellness Tourism finds many seekers in the health-conscious world

14-27 SPOTLIGHT

40 ALBUM ADTOI General House Meeting In Delhi

41 LIFESTYLE Comfortable yet fashion Airport looks decoded by House of Kari! House of Pepe Opened in Kolkata

42 PEOPLE

What’s in store for 2023?

28-33 HOSPITALITY Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi announces new opening in India The need of the hour is to develop more tourist circuits within the state: Singh Karma Lakelands: A place where serenity meets sustainability Pride Hotels Group launches ‘Pride Biznotel Haldwani’

34-39 OUTBOUND Enjoy your winter holidays in Quebec City A tourist’s paradise

On the Cover: Mabul Island, Sabah, Malaysia Photo Courtesy: Tourism Malaysia www.traveltradeinsider.com

5

INSIDER I INCREDIBLE INDIA

travel trade Insider January 2023

There is a need to create awareness about ice skating in India: Rai Since its inception in 2011, more than 1.5 million skaters have visited ISKATE. Currently, the venue is witnessing an average footfall of 800 enthusiasts per day. TTI Bureau

•

•

Karan Rai In an interaction with Travel Trade Insider, Karan Rai, Business Head, ISKATE by Roseate spoke about the growing popularity of ice skating in the country and the challenges associated with promoting the sports activity in the country. The following are excerpts from an interview. Q. What are the new amenities/facilities added by ISKATE after reopening? A. In addition to an ice-skating rink, ISKATE by Roseate also houses ISKATE School, the faculty of which includes All India National coaches and athletes and regularly hosts training sessions spearheaded by international coaches visiting from USA, Canada, Russia, Korea and Germany. ISKATE had added a host of exciting amenities such as: • Roasted by Roseate, a premium café and patisserie and a well-appointed co-working space. • ‘The Snow Room’, a space for children to play exciting snow games with friends and family

6

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Toofan, a fun-filled space where one can experience the thrill of high-speed winds. The latest in Virtual Reality technologies with which the visitors can plug into alternate worlds

Q. What kind of response have you seen for ISKATE after the pandemic? A. Post the pandemic, people want to go out and are constantly looking for different activities to experience. ISKATE By Roseate has recorded an increase in footfall as it offers a unique experience of skating on real ice. With safety as our main priority, we are taking every precaution to ensure that our guests feel safe and have a delightful skating experience. To safeguard the health of our guests, we are adhering to all COVID-19 norms like using masks, sanitisers and regularly cleaning high-exposure areas. Q. Ice-Skating is still not a very popular sport in India. How are you planning to create awareness and attract new customers to the brand? A. Being the only true ice sports facility in India that is available throughout the year, ISKATE by Roseate takes upon itself the responsibility of encouraging young talent in winter sports. It is the only sports venue in India that has been hosting the All India National Figure and Speed Skating Championships for over a decade. We support the upcoming talent by regularly hosting all-year training camps in figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey spearheaded by international coaches. Q. What kind of promotional activities do you plan for the Delhi NCR market,

especially during the holiday season? A. Keeping in mind the holiday season, we plan many promotional activities. Guests can enjoy exciting ice skating offers and unwind at our café and patisserie, Roasted by Roseate. The ISKATE Winter Wonderland is a magical experience where one can enjoy a specially curated festive menu, including Christmas Brunch at Roasted by Roseate amidst elegant festive décor. Q. Is there any particular segment that has shown keen interest in this sport? A. At ISKATE by Roseate, skaters of all age groups visit for ice skating. People above 4 years of age can ice skate. A lot of kids in the age group of 4 -16 are keen to learn ice skating as it is a unique sport. We regularly receive kids’ enrolments in ISKATE School which offers an array of courses in figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey. ISKATE is also the go-to place for corporates in Delhi NCR as it is a great place to unwind. Corporate events at ISKATE focus on ice training activities and tailor-made ‘break the ice’ sessions. Q. What kind of challenges do you face when it comes to business, promotions as well as operations for ISKATE and how do you plan to overcome the same? A. ISKATE being the only ice-skating facility in India faces a huge challenge in creating a true market for the ice-skating sport in India. ‘Operations’ is one of the most challenging aspects of ISKATE. This is due to a lack of technology and understanding of the sport in India. The team at ISKATE understands the system and the technicality that goes behind setting up a rink and hence has been able to install the only ice-skating rink in India.

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I ADVERTORIAL

www.traveltradeinsider.com

7

INSIDER I INCREDIBLE INDIA

travel trade Insider January 2023

IATO’s annual convention puts spotlight on Uttar Pradesh The three-day-long convention took place at a time when Uttar Pradesh is looking to promote its tourism products and experiences beyond the globally famed ‘Taj Mahal’. K.Rohit The 37th IATO Annual Convention held in Lucknow from 16 -19 December 2022 was a milestone for the association as the number of delegates crossed 1000 from all over the country. Chief Minister of the state, Yogi Adityanath aims at making Uttar Pradesh number one in tourism and strongly believes that religious tourism will play a vital role in the achievement of this goal. While addressing delegates at the inaugural ceremony of the convention, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary & Director General, Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh reiterated development of religious tourism circuits like the Ramayana circuit and Krishna circuit has a prominent place in the state government’s plans for the sector. “One of the objectives of our New Tourism policy 2022 is to promote new places in the state for tourism activities. We want to promote theme-based activities like wellness, heritage, cuisine tourism and film tourism to name a few. In fact, we will offer 2 per cent extra incentive to film shoots that highlight lesser-known tourist destinations of the state,” added Meshram. The Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister approved the state’s New Tourism Policy-2022 on November 16. Investmentbased subsidies have been offered to the hotel industry in the new tourism policy. A subsidy of up to Rs 2 crore will be given on investments up to Rs 10 crore and up to Rs 40 crore on investments above Rs 500 crore. Ravi Gosain, Vice President, IATO & Chairman – 37th IATO Annual Convention said, “We are pleased to host our convention in Uttar Pradesh after a gap of 26 years. We are hopeful that by hosting the convention, the tourism sector of the state will get the

8

www.traveltradeinsider.com

required momentum needed for its growth in the future. I hope that we work together to reinstate the pre-pandemic glory of the industry.” Rajiv Mehra, President, IATO said, “I think destinations like Ayodhya will witness overwhelming tourism growth in the next 2-3 years. The pandemic had halted the growth of the industry and we are thankful to the Ministry of Tourism for their support in the tough period.” The association also presented IATO Hall of Fame Awards 2022 to Sunil C. Gupta, Managing Director, Travel Bureau and posthumously to Late Badri Bajaj, Founder, Perfect Travels. While presenting his vote of thanks, Sunil Mishra, Hony. Treasurer and Co-Chairman – 37th IATO Annual Convention said he hoped that the convention will provide a roadmap for the inbound industry to rebound strongly post the setback caused by the onset of the pandemic. After the convention, five post-convention tours were organized and about 300 delegates and spouses joined the post tour of their interest which concluded on December 22, 2022. The Chief Minister was present as the Chief Guest during the

Valedictory Session of the convention. He assured that Uttar Pradesh is today the safest state in India for the tourists. Dayashankar Singh, Minister for Transport, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Arun Kumar Saxena, Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Uttar Pradesh were also present at the Valedictory Session. Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra through his video message invited all to the forthcoming 38th IATO Annual Convention scheduled to take place in Aurangabad in September 2023. Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Rakesh Kumar Verma, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, S.P. Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary & DG Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, & MD, MP Tourism Board, Sachin R Jadhav, Director Tourism & MD - Odisha Tourism Development Corporation and Abhay Sinha, Director General, Service Export Promotion Council were the key government speakers in the business sessions.

INSIDER I WELLNESS INSIDER

travel trade Insider January 2023

Wellness Tourism finds many seekers in the health-conscious world The demand for wellness has seen an exponential increase with the pandemic situation under control and postponed travel plans now being implemented. The fact that more and more people are becoming conscious of their health like never before is adding to the popularity of wellness travel. TTI Bureau Hotels and resorts that are committed to an innovative and holistic approach to wellness are experiencing healthy growth across the country. According to Agoda’s ‘India-genous Travel’ survey that was conducted earlier this year, wellness is one of the top four motivations to travel for Indians, with 37% of travellers wanting to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of their daily routines. A break from the day-to-day grind that is planned with a special wellness focus is increasingly becoming a mindful choice for all those with wanderlust. It can include spa treatments, therapies, healthy eating, culinary events, fitness activities, adventures in nature and educational programs that share ways to incorporate healthy habits into our everyday lives. The following are two destinations, situated in different parts of the country that are ideal for one’s much-needed wellness vacation.

Captivating escape to nature Charming and soothing, the stunning western ghats region of Maharashtra is perfect for nature lovers and indeed for anyone wishing to get far from the madding crowd. The entire area is known for its canopy of green hills which create a refreshing haven to visit. This picturesque destination offers respite to travellers from sultry weather and exhausting daily routine and thus is an ideal short break getaway.

Where to stay: Fazlani Natures Nest About the retreat: Overlooking the azure waters of Andra Lake and surrounded by dense green lands with a

10

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Aerial view of Fazlani Natures Nest plethora of flora and fauna, Fazlani Natures Nest is a luxurious haven to immerse in nature to rejuvenate and rebalance the body, mind and soul. The luxury wellness resort is conveniently located between Mumbai and Pune and sprawls over 68 acres. This spectacular panorama of natural beauty will leave you spellbound. The resort offers bespoke wellness retreats which use a combination of alternative medicine approaches be it the age-old science of traditional Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Physiotherapy or unique wellness offerings like ‘Equine’ therapy. Fazlani Natures Nest hosts wide-ranging Yoga practices to help its guests heal holistically. Various lifestyle disorders are addressed at Fazlani Natures Nest. One can choose from a menu of detox and revitalizing retreat, lifestyle disorder management retreat, immune resilience retreat, natural relaxation retreat and optimal weight management retreat. Guests can also experience forest bathing at the resort.

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I WELLNESS INSIDER

The wellness cuisine at the luxury wellness resort plays an important role in helping guests achieve their desired wellness goals, drawing raw material from its large organic farms and fruit orchards for a Farm to Fork approach to ensure that only the freshest, healthiest, and fully balanced meals are brought to the guest’s table.

Amarnine Medi Spa There is a multitude of healing methodologies offered at the spa. These include the following: Heliotherapy or light therapy is a treatment that uses exposure to sunlight or artificial wavelengths of light to cure numerous

diseases and disorders. It mainly focuses on using the healing properties of natural light from the sun. This therapy helps treat skin diseases, tuberculosis, anxiety, non-seasonal depression and Parkinson’s disease. Hydrotherapy is the use of water in the treatment of different conditions, including arthritis and related rheumatic complaints. It helps to facilitate movement, promote healing and relieve pain with the curative use of water. Magnetotherapy also called magnetic field therapy and bioenergy therapy, is an alternative therapy that uses magnets of varying sizes and strengths that are placed on the body to relieve pain and treat disease.

The use of magnets helps to accelerate healing, relieve Musculo skeletal pain and induce other therapeutic effects. Acupuncture and acupressure are forms of traditional Chinese medicine that focus on ‘Qi’, which is considered the body’s life force energy. Studies link the two treatments with a plethora of health benefits involving everything from your digestive system to mood disorders. Some of the ailments that these therapies are effective to manage include nausea and vomiting, relieving lower back pain, headaches and stomach aches. Mud corresponds to Prithvi (earth), one of the elements among ‘Panchamahabhutas’ (five elements of nature). It is considered one of the ancient wisdoms of the universe in curing sickness and also for the rejuvenation of health. Mud therapy in Naturopathy involves the scientific use of moistened earth in a proper manner, so as to benefit the body from within and also to treat skin ailments. Chromotherapy is the science of using colours to adjust the body vibrations to frequencies that result in health and harmony. Each colour possesses frequencies of a specific vibration, and each vibration is related to different physical symptoms. Yoga therapy involves employing a variety of yoga practices to try and improve a

www.traveltradeinsider.com

11

INSIDER I WELLNESS INSIDER

travel trade Insider January 2023

unlock their hidden potential to make the most of their journey together. The concept of Conscious Change Retreat at Fazlani’s is based on the 5 key pillars of wellness which are nutrition, movement, serenity, bonding and well-being. Its signature wellbeing offerings, healthful energising activities, and wellness cuisine emphasize balance and choice—whether it’s an adventure, collaboration, or both—to help you and your group reconnect and find purpose to help you drive better results. The resort offers inspiring venues from alfresco lakefront gardens to farmland settings. Besides mind-boggling venues, Fazlani Natures Nest’s in-house specialists can tailor-make boot camps. Nature trails walks, dynamic yoga, group exercise activities and stretching sessions can be incorporated during breakouts or pre/post meetings.

time with indoor games like table tennis, chess, carrom and board games. If you are a thrill seeker – go cycling, kite flying, basketball, cricket, football, and volleyball or experience riding in a bullock cart and meet the resort’s pet farm animals. The highlights of the day will include horse riding, kayaking, cooking demonstrations, pottery, trekking, art classes, a stroll in the

health condition through a combination of physical postures, breathing exercises, meditation, and guided imagery. It is particularly effective as a complement to other forms of healthcare, both alternative and conventional Supporting longevity and healthy ageing, the retreat draws on Ayurveda, Naturopathy, western and oriental massage techniques as well exercises, and lifestyle choices to help guests preserve their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Steam rooms, as well as the Hot Saunas, detoxifies and soothe your muscle tensions.

Banquets and conferences The resort offers lush green lawns and open spaces for training programmes, outdoor activities and children’s games along with a state-of-the-art banquet hall for seminars, social functions and corporate parties. The hall can be divided into two separate venues to organise events different events simultaneously. For its corporate clients, Fazlani Natures Nest offers a variety of solutions that not only deepens the bonding among team members but also helps them to discover a different perspective on life and experience how it affects their mind, emotions, and behaviour. Fazlani’s ‘Conscious Change Retreats’ empowers every individual to

12

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Outdoor activities at Fazlani Natures Nest There is much fun to be enjoyed. To stay active during your wellness holiday, you can enjoy a dip in one of the two infinity pools or be involved in a variety of outdoor activities. One can enjoy picking fresh produce from the fruits, herbs and vegetable farm with the resident horticulturist as the guide explaining the process of farming. Pass the

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I WELLNESS INSIDER

bird park or just lie back in a hammock during the day as you soak in the amazing view that surrounds the resort on three sides.

The tranquility of the Shivalik ranges Parwanoo in Himachal Pradesh is easily accessible by road, rail and air – it’s just one hour drive from the Mohali international airport, a short drive from Chandigarh, and a five-hour drive from New Delhi. The picturesque landscape of Parwanoo will calm your senses.

Where to Stay: Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort About the retreat: Located at 5000 ft. above sea level surrounded by Shivalik ranges, Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort is a luxury wellness resort with state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to the enrichment of physical, and spiritual health, beauty and well-being. The beautifully laid-out resort features a 70,000 square feet spa that offers a mix of Indian and western therapies, 62 deluxe rooms and two opulent family suites and a restaurant offering Indian, Continental and Oriental food. Guests can also use a cable car to reach the resort from Parwanoo. The surroundings of a retreat play an important role in creating a one-of-its-kind wellness experience. Guests at Moksha embark on treks of differing intensities,

Aerial view of Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort walking along age-old village pathways winding artistically through the lush forests, taking in the fresh crisp air infused with the aromas from the myriad of fauna namely the Pine, Oak, Champa, Lemon, and Rudraksha trees.

The Spa at Moksha The Spa at Moksha is dedicated to providing its guests with the complete experience of rediscovering well-being and harmony. Grounded in Ayurveda and Yoga, yet blending with them the best of Western and International contemporary Spa therapies, it is dedicated to providing its guests’ well-being and a holistic approach to life, based on the integration of the elements of nature to create the ultimate union of

mind, body, and soul. Personalized therapies and activity programs are designed to meet individual needs and health goals along with guidance in the areas of nutrition, exercise, stress management, detoxification, deep relaxation, anti-aging, and weight loss. Moksha’s well-being experiences are based on age-old practices from around the globe, with the purpose of bringing back balance in one’s life. Journeys at Moksha involve both the sciences of Aromatherapy and Ayurveda, sometimes a fusion of both to address an individual’s personal goals. Yoga, Mediation and Fitness complete this holistic triangle of disciplines.

Restaurant and Banquets Dining facilities at Moksha include a fine dining restaurant with progressive Indian, sustainable traditional cuisine that includes Himachali dishes and a spa menu. The restaurant also offers continental and Thai food. Banquet facilities are available at the Mansion Hall, Royal Ballroom and Garden café.

Outdoor Activities at Moksha

Infinity Pool at Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort

The resort offers a large number of outdoor activities like mountain bicycling, zipline, archery, and Burma Bridge among others. It also has a temperature-controlled allweather infinity pool overlooking the valley and two hot outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views. The infinity view pool is the perfect antidote for tired souls to laze around after a hectic day of travelling.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

13

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT

travel trade Insider January 2023

What’s in store for 2023? With the new year beginning, the industry and allied services expect the demand to grow after a largely positive 2022. Travel Trade Insider spoke to a section of the stakeholders about their roadmap for 2023. Divya Bhatia

Karthick Prabu, Head - Strategy, Cleartrip Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. In 2023, our understanding is that experiential travel will go mainstream both domestic and international. More than 60% of hotel customers travel outside their state for their vacations. The number of vacations taken by travellers per year will also increase. Wellness tourism is another strong trend that we feel will continue in 2023. Travel demand reached pre-Covid levels around June this year. There was a clear uptick witnessed during the holiday season starting in September. The number of customers travelling internationally has been steadily increasing since April 2022. So far, the international travel recovery is about 75% compared to pre-covid levels. We are bullish that this trend will continue. Capacity from airlines is increasing, and affordability constructs such as no-cost EMI, and buy-now travel later in India is booming, combination of these factors will further fuel the growth of international travel. We have

14

www.traveltradeinsider.com

witnessed a 3x growth YoY in the topline. To meet the growing customer demand and requirements, we have launched several new initiatives including the relaunch of our hotels business, launching flights and hotels on Flipkart, and flexibility initiatives such as CT FlexMax, Clear Advantage, and 24-hour refunds. Cleartrip participated in Flipkart’s The Big Billion days (TBBD) sale which was a massive success for us thanks to the participation of our travel, hospitality, and banking partners. During TBBD, the Cleartrip App was in the Top 10 apps for the first time across Android and iOS. Both air and hotel businesses scaled extremely well wherein we saw a baseline shift of 27% in October vs pre-BBD, and International at 46%. Organic App installs increased 2.5x of baseline. We saw the highest spike in conversations around Cleartrip on the day of the launch, which showed true brand love given the aggressive marketing we had planned around the festive season sale. The airline partners who participated in TBBD saw a 2x growth in their bookings. In hotels, we had phenomenal offerings to our customers which helped us acquire new customers. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Cleartrip will continue to place ambitious bets on the travel and tourism industry, while constantly innovating keeping customer-centricity and value innovation at the forefront of everything we do for our customers. We will continue to expand our portfolio by offering more lines of businesses, accelerating our initiatives towards offering a superior customer experience, strengthening our partnerships, making travel more accessible in our own style, and keeping it simple to use.

This year we will continue to focus on bridging the gap between customers’pain points and the solutions that we need to offer them. Customer experience will be another substantial focus area at Cleartrip. We are working towards creating a seamless and unique end-to-end booking and postpurchase experience for our customers.

Jayant Singh, Managing Partner, Treehouse Club & Spa and MD, Karma Hospitality Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The year 2022 did not start well at all as the second Covid Wave hit us badly. However, gradually the situation improved and we witnessed significant growth in RevPar even from 2019 standards. We are cautiously optimistic about 2023. If the new variant does not play a spoilt sport, we are sure to cross the 2022 levels of occupancy and RevPar. We expect to see the double effect of the inbound market rising and the domestic market surging even further. The growth in inbound will surely help our hotels in Rajasthan and Goa.

travel trade Insider January 2023 We are also expecting a significant increase in the demand from the MICE segment, which used to contribute around 30% to our occupancies. With the G20 Presidency in 2023, India will see a huge surge in MICE, not just from the government sector but also from the corporate sector as well. With about 200 meetings planned in over 50 cities throughout India, the MICE segment is the one to look forward to. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Firstly, sustainability which is the need of the hour. We are working towards implementing initiatives such as the usage of wet waste to make compost, eliminating the usage of single-use plastic, and reducing food wastage in all our hotels. We are also looking at increasing distribution for greater penetration into Tier 2, 3 and 4 cities by setting up dedicated sales offices in different parts of India and region-specific digital marketing initiatives amongst other things. Our focus is going to be on being an efficient management company that not only focuses on increasing revenues for their partners/hotel owners but also being a responsible business partner who takes care of the teams working in the unit.

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT A. Pride Hotels Group has serviced more than 53 global nationality citizens since 1987 and still counting. We performed exceedingly well in fiscal 2021-2022. We recorded an increase in both ADR and occupancy levels in the last year. We are expecting to clock a turnover of Rs. 250 crores this fiscal year. Tourism arrivals from family groups, senior citizens, and women professionals have increased. We expect the trend to continue in the coming days too. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The hospitality industry continues to evolve, adapting to new realities and consistently viewing trends as opportunities. With the industry’s surge in demand in recent quarters, we would definitely invest our time in cultivating the power of analytics and understanding the guest data in hand to drive more direct and profitable business for our hotels. We would also definitely invest our time in understanding the digital landscape and choosing the right partners for our brand. The ADR growth streak is still going strong and is driving the recovery. This will be a priority again in 2023. Domestic travel has been strong, and as one of India’s largest hospitality brands, we will continue to seek our fair share of the market. We believe that by maintaining a healthy mix of occupancy and ADR, we will be able to sustain our recovery and profitability. Work-from-anywhere and hybrid working options have also significantly altered business travel, and we are now seeing an increase in the number of leisure travellers staying in several of our hotels. We will work to meet their facility needs and exceed their expectations in order to keep demand growing. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip

Satyen Jain, CEO, Pride Hotels Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you?

Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. As 2022 has been the first year after the opening up of all lockdowns, we witnessed people wanting to step out of their homes after being locked up for nearly two years.

Rikant Pittie In alignment with the same, corporates also started switching to the hybrid mode of work which made weekend getaways a “mandate” for many people, giving rise to yet another segment of travel. One of the biggest trends we witnessed was “Workations and staycations”. Furthermore, we have witnessed strong demand from both corporate and leisure segments with a shift in consumer behaviour as the customers who preferred travelling by trains are now opting for airlines to save time, alongside a growth trajectory of a more sensitive approach towards pet travel, which is yet another sector picking up in Indian travel market. The year 2022 has been a rebirth of the Indian travel industry, that not only boomed the existing market but also gave rise to new travel patterns, making the industry more versatile. In 2022 largest segment was Packaged Holidays that has made revenue worth $6.68 Billion. We are anticipating 2023 to cross the 2019 numbers. Additionally, India has its own advantages as there are going to be 66 new airports coming in the next decade. From 85 million domestic flyers in FY22, the number is going to shoot up to 330 million in FY32. We anticipate the industry to grow 3.5 times in the next decade. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023?

www.traveltradeinsider.com

15

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT A. Travel has now become the new normal and people are willing to put aside their travel budget in spite of the price hike. This itself shows the future of the industry. The sentiment is so strong that the industry has made its revival sooner than anticipated from the COVID burn. In 2023, the trend will continue and international travel is foreseen to be picked up. More Business and MICE bookings are anticipated as India will be fully open to business meetings and events that will allow the travel sector to perform better in 2023.

Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The key focus again for the first half of the year will be following the basics that is depending on your strength rather than engaging in new experiments. Local weddings will be the focus as this segment has always played a very important role in the growth of hotels.

travel trade Insider January 2023 the population inclined towards rebooking with zingbus for their travel needs. This possibility was ensured by the excellent connectivity of expressways in the suburban areas. Moreover, the upcoming year looks very promising for the surface mobility market and intercity travel industry. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. We have plans in action to increase our fleet size by 3x by covering 25 plus states in North, West and South India. We are sure to see a surge of commuters in the Eastern belt of India giving huge scope for bus travel infrastructure. Moving forwards, we plan to extend our lounge services in various parts of India, making it accessible to every passerby. We are inclined towards launching customercentric features with maximum integration of technology, ensuring every traveller’s safety and comfort. 2023 will be the year of great opportunities for intercity travel.

Prashant Kumar, Founder & CEO, zingbus

Varun Sahani, Vice President - Operations, Kamat Group of Hotels Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. It is hard to predict what will happen in the future. But there are a few things that we can be certain of. One of those things is that the hotel industry will continue to grow, and it will do so at a rapid pace. The New Year is a time for celebration and looking forward to the future. The expectation from 2023 is that more people will be travelling with their friends and families. This means hotels will get full in order to accommodate these travellers. Last year was very uncertain as government norms were not in favour of the hotel industry, especially for New Year events. The business was slow-paced overall.

16

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. Keen travellers are ready to explore remote destinations, bringing a chance for the surface mobility sector to cater the customers to their preferred destinations. We are also going to see a massive surge in the number of Electric Vehicles with the world taking fast steps towards sustainable mobility. 2022 was a great year for zingbus on the business front. We roped in some amazing brand partnerships like we were the Official Travel Partner for Chandigarh Times Fashion Week and Road Safety World Series for their Dehradun matches. We even scaled up our services with over 350 buses spread across 18 states to date, covering North, West and South India. We even reached a milestone having served more than 2.5 million customers. zingbus has successfully connected major tier 2 and tier 3 cities, with a large chunk of

Prashant Issar, Chief Operating Officer, Bellona Hospitality Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The revival in 2022 was phenomenal and was better than we all anticipated. The months of July and August saw better numbers than in the pre-pandemic era. The growth has been continuous and it sets the

travel trade Insider January 2023 tone for what 2023 has to offer and we’re all excited for it. This year is going to see an incremental rise in quality dine-in spaces, a space in which we have invested very heavily. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. What we have done at Bellona is to invest in the F&B future. While the last year saw a lot of Bellona brands being launched, 2023 will see all of them establishing themselves. Now that we have a proof of concept, our main focus for 2023 will be on customer acquisition by offering unparalleled customer service, being value driven, constantly innovating and serving expressive cuisines in an eclectic way. We plan on opening more outlets within the malls as we thrive in bustling spaces while also adding value to the locations where we have a presence.

Sanjay Wadhawan, Founder & CEO, Earthaa Escapes Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. Last year we saw outbound travel picking up the pace and it’s expected to rise in the coming years. We will see a lot more inbound travel as well in the year 2023. The hospitality and tourism industry is evidently witnessing signs of growth in a gradual manner. The government has also been taking steps to accelerate tourism growth

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT post covid. The G20 Presidency is one such step that confirms that the industry is set to foster even more in the coming year. Corporate travel has surely contributed to tourism growth in 2022 which will be supported by leisure tourism in upcoming years. Also, there is a lot more hope for luxury tourism, domestic and international both. Considering the disbalance in demand and supply, there are still many challenges to conquer. Besides, we definitely hold a bright future. I feel it’s safe to say that this industry has overcome the difficult phase. 2022 was in the process of picking up and we are expecting the coming year to be much more active. There was a major setback hence it might take time for the industry to restore the original or better shape. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Since we are into Boutique Stays, there’s a niche market involved. We offer curated experiences and strive to provide quality services to travellers at all our properties. The year 2022 has been good for us in terms of business and we look forward to 2023 bringing in new ideas and concepts on how we can make ourselves even more suitable and top-notch for tourists. The key focus area will be acquiring properties in the upcoming destinations for tourists. Our properties are located in places where there is peace as well as secludedness. These properties are also close to other tourist destinations so travellers don’t find it difficult to reach other destinations.

Pramode Bhandari A. While the focus on toplines andearnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) will continue to be there, implementation of sustainability practices will be one of the top focus areas moving into 2023.

Pramode Bhandari, Area General Manager, THE Park Kolkata Nikhil Sharma, Regional Director for Eurasia, Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 has shown a strong recovery in the hospitality business surpassing pre-COVID numbers in most areas, I am hopeful the trend will continue into 2023; unless we are again confronted with major roadblocks like COVID-19

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023?

digital adoption in 2023 that will scale up

Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. As the hospitality and tourism industry has picked up great momentum in 2022, we are optimistic about 2023. We expect to see new advanced technology and the dynamics. We also believe sustainable

www.traveltradeinsider.com

17

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT hospitality will continue to be a highlight, and the workforce’s repositioning will play a major role in the next year. We had an incredible journey in 2022, from celebrating the 50th hotel mark in India to introducing new collections to our global brand portfolio. We have witnessed great momentum amongst Indian travellers, which has contributed to the increase in the number of bookings and hotel occupancies to the pre-covid levels. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. India is an incredibly important market because of its growth potential and the talent, passion and bright future of the young minds in our industry. As we grow on a strong trajectory, we are excited to bring more properties and brands under Wyndham’s umbrella in the region, building on our mission to make hotel travel possible for all. In the year 2023, our core focus is to continue to build on our midscale offering in tier 1 and tier 2 destinations in India. We will continue to strengthen our talent to support our hotel partners in the region and contribute to our overall strategic growth.

a never seen episode. Indian travellers now want to travel to the country’s rich domestic destinations with a keen interest in exploring distinguished experiences like the one offered at our luxury lodge. In 2023, we want to connect and provide our wholesome experiences to these consumers and build a world-renowned Indian safari experience set in the heart of the Gir forest. Speaking of 2022, it has been an overwhelming time for us as we completed one year in hospitality while celebrating India’s diversity, wildlife, and culture through perfectly crafted moments and experiential luxury at Aramness. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our continued primary aim will be to create a characteristic benchmark for an Indian Safari experience with the acclaimed offerings at AramnessGir. At our luxury safari lodge, guest satisfaction and consumer requirements are a central part of our hospitality and hence one of the many focuses in 2023 would be to turn guests’ feedback into actions for a travelleroriented stay experience. We are also mindfully working on bringing value to the communities and the conservation areas around the Gir national park.

travel trade Insider January 2023 A. I expect a huge jump in demand from the inbound market. With India assuming G20 Presidency, there will be many conferences, events and the arrival of international delegations in the country which will bring a big jump in occupancies and ARRs in 2023. The year 2022 was a great year in terms of occupancies and ARRs. We witnessed excellent growth in Revpar. Hotels in the Delhi NCR region also benefitted from several exhibitions/events/conferences that took place last year. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our key focus areas for 2023 include recruitment of more manpower, regular training of our team and enhancing guest experiences. Our focus will be to provide customers with an enjoyable experience be it eating a good meal in any of our restaurants or in-room dining, relaxing in our luxurious spa, or getting a good night’s rest away from home.

Amitabh Sharma, General Manager, Sayaji Hotel, Kolhapur

Mahema Bhutia, Head of Sales and Marketing, AramnessGir Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The last two years of the pandemic have aided domestic travel to boom in

18

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Sanzeev Bhatia, President & GM, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa, New Delhi Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was the last year for you?

Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2023 is a very important year for us and we would like to continue the momentum that we gained last year. In 2023 we are looking forward to setting a new tone towards our services which will help us to improve both ADR and occupancy levels. We will be focusing more on the MICE

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT

travel trade Insider January 2023 segment in 2023. We are looking to attain the maximum business during the first two quarters of the year. Same time we are also cautious about the new covid variants and have a close watch over the development so that we can thrive well if cases soar. 2022 was a special year for us as with travel opening, we witnessed a huge jump in business on a constant basis. The occupancy was consistent and was in the high 90s during the second quarter of the year. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A.We are looking forward to a sustainable and holistic approach in 2023. Looking at the current market momentum, the demand is expected to be high this year. We want to make the most of the opportunity and have set our bar and budgetary figures high along with the calculative risk of market fluctuation for 2023.

upliftment and refurbishment of some rooms to add a splash of added colour and charisma to our available inventory, while our culinary maestros in food and beverage are looking at enhancing the gastronomic journey of our guests with specially crafted menus. With a change in thought process, people are living life to the fullest and taking regular mental breaks or refreshment trips. Hence, our target audience has also now diversified, starting from the age group of 21 to 65 years, who are travelling for leisure or work. Training our team to deliver the highest levels of quality service has been our mission at Sahara Star and we will strive continuously to maintain our excellent hospitality standards across all spectrums.

Ash Sharma, Hotel Manager, Hotel Sahara Star Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 has been a productive year with a large number of grand weddings, events, conferences, staycations and a host of guest and team-related activities that we hosted. We also catered to a number of finely curated food festivals and celebrations at the hotel and we believe next year will be another busy year for us. We have managed to exceed the pre-covid occupancy levels and room rates and are looking ahead to 2023 being another successful year for the hotel. We have upgraded our guest room services to ensure refreshing comfort and convenience for our guests. We have also enhanced our food and beverage offerings to meet the pallets of today’s traveller. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. In 2023, we will continue to focus on growth and constant improvement in our services to provide a holistic experience to all our guests. We are looking at an

Pravindar Yadvendu, Food & Beverage Manager, Novotel Goa Candolim Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was the last year for you? A. As Goa is one of the most popular global destinations, the Indian tourism and hospitality industry has emerged as one of the key growth drivers in the services sector. I expect 2023 to be the best year for the hospitality industry since the onset of the pandemic. The demand is going to be fuelled by segments across the spectrum be it leisure, wedding, corporate or MICE. The tourism and hospitality sector will be back to its old glory in 2023.

The inauguration of the Manohar International Airport in the North Goa district will provide a boost to the sector. I think 2022 was the year of innovation and expressing yourself at the hotel front. One of the most important learnings from the industry last year was to have a lot of patience to ensure you can take up challenges and meet the demands of the patrons even in the toughest of the environment. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. I think sustainability must be at the core of hotel operations and a lot of smaller things can be done to ensure we move towards sustainability steadily. There will be more focus on local dishes while infusing international flavours that bring a blend of global flavours to the customer’s palate. As experiences are the sum of products and the services we offer, the focus should be on driving the experience which automatically will ensure that customers come back even if they have to pay a premium for that. Also keeping up with digital trends is crucial in today’s times and adapting to new technologies is the only way to be on top of the game. Lastly, I believe better food and beverage experiences can add to the overall hotel experience, especially during these times when we are trying to localise the market. Deep Banka, Chief Operating Officer, Zostel Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2023 is expected to be a year of exploration with a rise in evolved travellers. Indian travellers are not letting the increase in travel expenses hold them back from travelling next year. Hence, luxury travel is here to stay with people preferring experiential stays in underrated destinations. We have also seen a rise in preference for Zostel Plus, which is our collection of premium hostels across India. 2022 has been a great year for us. Particularly after the pandemic, we observed

www.traveltradeinsider.com

19

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT a surge in travellers seeking to get away from the monotony of staying confined in their houses. We built our presence in 20 destinations, serving a variety of travellers including solo and group travellers, backpackers, families, and couples through our various accommodation options including backpacker hostels, homestays and BnBs, and premium properties. In 2022, the average occupancy at Zostel reached 80 per cent. Around our 9th anniversary in August 2022, we launched the Zostel App for our travel community, helping travellers explore digitally with ease and plan their holidays more efficiently. We also introduced Zostel Plus to the world, our collection of premium Zostels with exceptional locations, prime services, and unique stay experiences. Zostel Plus is present in Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Kerala at the moment, with more destinations coming up in 2023. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. During the first half of 2023, we plan on expanding our footprint by adding 25 more Zostel hostels, homes, and Zostel Plus properties which would cater to all kinds of travellers across unique destinations throughout the country. Our focus would be to level up our efforts in providing the best of experiences to our guests and unlock more offbeat destinations. We have organised many Zostel trips which are all-inclusive, packaged trips that travellers can take with us. These experiences include transportation in a private vehicle, stay at Zostel’s properties, wholesome meals and a local guide. Next year, we plan to expand the experiences of our specially curated all-inclusive trips across the country. Additionally, operations, customer experience and quality maintenance have always been our key focus areas and we will be striving to take it a notch further in this year too. Ankita Sheth, Co-founder, StayVista Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you?

20

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Ankita Sheth A. StayVista is uniquely positioned to capitalise on people’s thirst for travel after a long period of being locked down in their houses. Private villa getaways were ideal for folks who were unwilling to risk travelling through crowded airports and staying in bustling hotels. We saw a surge in bookings due to this phenomenon in 2022. In addition to this, the length of the stay also increased - an average of 2 nights were booked per stay and it also went up to weeks in some cases! Despite the economic slowdown, we’re currently receiving a considerable number of inquiries for small and large group inquiries. Family reunions, friendcations, and team off-sites are gaining popularity, as people try to make up for the lost time. A trend that is here to stay even in 2023 is travellers narrowing down on off-the-grid, untouched destinations and experiencing the commonly visited one’s from a less commercial point of view. Apart from this wellness trips, multigenerational travel, and group travel by women are also on the rise and we’re expecting them to grow further in the coming year. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. In addition to standardising our offerings across various touchpoints, we have managed to provide personalised experiences for our guests. For example, we routinely plan elaborate set-ups, special sitdown dinners for anniversaries, live music

travel trade Insider January 2023 and karaoke for reunions, bonfires, and barbecues for offsites. Not only does this set us apart, it only reinforces our identity as a top hospitality brand that focuses on personalization and attention to detail, and we hope to take it to the next level in 2023. Destinations which are at drivable distances from metros are an all-time favourite Alibaug and Lonavala in the West to Kasauli and Mussoorie in the North and Coorg, Wayanad, and Ooty down South have been in the spotlight hence we are focusing on acquiring more inventory in the said regions; while also expanding our footprint in regions that are unexplored such as the North East as people have shown keen interest in travelling to such off-beat locations.

Viren D’Silva, Co-Founder, Good Flippin’ Burgers Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. In 2023, Good Flippin’ Burgers plans to expand its presence in the cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, as well as explore new territories and formats. This expansion will involve introducing new products, entering new markets, and engaging with new customers. To support this expansion, we will continue to invest in people, processes, products, and patron satisfaction. This includes hiring talented team members, improving operational efficiency, and introducing new menu items that reflect the diverse tastes and preferences of its patrons.

travel trade Insider January 2023 2022 was the year when as a team Good Flippin’ Burgers met the targets, we set out to achieve. We grew 3x in the number of stores, people, and revenue. When dine-in as a format was not the flavour of the day we continued to invest and expand in this format. This has played great dividends in the year 2022 and we continue to see this as a trend in the future. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Ultimately, we aim to become a leading player in the fast-casual dining industry. As the highest-rated burger brand in India, we hope to be the most loved burger across the country one neighbourhood at a time. By staying true to our core values and adapting to changing market conditions, we believe that we can achieve our ambitious goals in the coming years.

Sanjay Vazirani, CEO, Foodlink F&B Holdings India Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was the last year for you? A. 2023 is going to be a significant year for us. Given the highly young population and growing aspirations, there is a natural potential for F&B companies to grow. Today’s customer is determined to support planetary health, and ensure personal wellbeing while sampling new experiences. They seek brands that listen, understand, and deliver in accordance with their core beliefs

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT and values which puts more pressure on brands to deliver cost-effectiveness while still meeting wider expectations. In 2023, we will continue to build Foodlink as a global and responsible enterprise providing quality, trust, and confidence via its different brand offerings, communication, and wider sustainability actions. In less than a year after covid, we have almost tripled in size and are on our way to crossing the Rs.300 crore mark this financial year.We all felt so thankful about coming out of the pandemic stronger than before that we felt compelled to give back to the world. And on World Food Day, we initiated our ‘Share a Meal’ Project in which we feed underprivileged and under-nourished people. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? ‘ A. We are and will continue to strengthen our management team. We will expand our restaurant vertical for scalability and value creation. We have a successful proof of concept and we have made major progress in perfecting and templatizing the model. The brands we are focussed on hyperexpanding are China Bistro and Art of Dum. Our banquets vertical ‘Jade Luxury Banquets’ will be expanding to other cities in an assetlight model by partnering with built-to-suit properties. After a successful foray into UAE, Turkey and Milan, we are more confident than ever to expand our international footprint through strategic collaborations and partnerships. The next significant step is the capital raise in FY24 as part of a pre-IPO round and the final destination is launching our IPO by FY26. Joyjit Chakravorty, GM, Hilton Garden Inn Saket/New Delhi Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. In my opinion, the Indian domestic hospitality industry is looking to ‘fly’ in 2023 cashing in on India’s G20 presidency, having already received the ‘oxygen’ to run in 2022 especially in the last quarter of the calendar year 2022. Even when we

Joyjit Chakravorty consider, the World Bank, Moody’s, Fitch or other financial organizations and take into account the global headwinds of demand slowdown, and geopolitical overhangs – still Indian economy is set to outpace the projected global economic growth. We are also positively hopeful that international arrivals are also likely to pick up, further making the outlook for 2023 more buoyant. Ongoing India’s growth trajectory in 2023 would further strengthen with the Capex revival and increased infrastructure spending by the government resulting in “significant” improvements in railways, roadways, airports and ports. Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPIs) are pouring in money again, India’s rural economy is already showing signs of a revival, rising technology & digitalization, a better socialeconomic landscape and our country’s young demographics will all contribute in the positive direction for the upcoming 2023. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Considering India`s demographics, optimising the guest experience for multigenerational travellers would be a key priority. Driven by post-Covid attitude shifts, a growing awareness of ESG issues and ecoconscious considerations would also play an important role in 2023, supported by our Hilton Light Stay program and Travel with Purpose goals. Hilton Garden Inn Saket is the first HGI in India and we are planning to

www.traveltradeinsider.com

21

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT refresh the product and our services phasewise starting in 2023.

Deepak Nangla, Brightsun Travel

Managing

these historical highs next year. With India taking over the G20 Presidency, the recall of brand India will grow many folds in top global source markets, driving increased international guest visits to India. The Government of India is aiming to bank on this trend and has finalised “Incredible India! Visit India Year 2023” as its marketing tagline.

Director,

Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 saw the first real opening of travel after two years of restrictions. The increased demand and sheer desire to travel for most customers meant that the prices that they were paying in 2022 were well beyond what they were paying in 2019. However, this did not deter travel. 2023 will see improvement in the business travel space (although business travel will not return to 2019 levels). There will be a slowdown in spending due to high inflation and limited growth in most developed countries as energy and fuel costs remain high. However, travel costs will still be about 5-10% lower as we see more capacity added by airlines, and more destinations offering restriction-free travel. Once China opens its borders this will add over 10% growth to the global industry. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our key focus areas are growing the different sectors within travel. So, we will increase marketing in India, and grow our customer base in three main areas, online, business travel and B2B sector. We are also looking forward to enhancing our product

22

offering in additional travel verticals, such as sports travel and meetings and incentives space, and finally, improving our inbound operations for overseas customers.

travel trade Insider January 2023

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Ashish Sidhra, Co-Founder, Alike.io Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The Indian traveller has shown unprecedented zeal through 2022 to make up for the lost travel opportunities during the pandemic lockdowns. This “revenge travel” led spike in travel of 2022 will become the yearly routine in 2023 and beyond, continuing the growth trajectory this year. We expect to see demand for nature retreats, wellness tourism, and spiritual travel further increase in 2023, driving growth in domestic tourism in India. With pandemic-led international travel uncertainties subsiding during the second half of 2022, the Indian traveller will seek novel international locations in 2023 to add to their trip plans. In this segment, the Indian millennial traveller is no longer happy with cookie-cutter trips and wants a personalised trip plan driven by peer recommendations. 2023 will see this urge for personalised social travel becoming an even bigger phenomenon. However, one of the most important Indian travel trends of 2023 will be the increased influx of foreign tourist guests to India. Foreign arrivals by July 2022 were already at 79% of 2019 levels and will surpass

Nikhil Kapur, Founder & Director, Atmantan Wellness Centre Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? A. Over the past years, we are seeing a conspicuous trend where people are clearly looking for the treatment of their chronic ailments and mental well-being. They are looking for wellness centres that have the depth and expertise in treating ailments and those that help them regain their pre-pandemic mental stability. This is exactly what differentiates soft wellness destinations from those like ours that are more research-based. Our outlook on the wellness sector is strong and post the pandemic is the golden period where people are actively seeking wellness. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our focus remains on keeping our highly skilled and passionate team together. Communicating with our guests and understanding their health concerns, their

travel trade Insider January 2023 life and what they expect from us is another focus area. We will also work towards expanding our capacity to cater to the higher number of inquiries and invest in technology to attract and retain customers. The pandemic has increased awareness and the need for good health multifold. We are seeing many first-time travellers who have finally decided to treat their chronic ailments and we are seeing guests from smaller cities choosing to travel for a health holiday as well. All this has also thrown up opportunities, especially in the Well-Tech space. We see wellness as a high-growth segment in terms of solutions, products and services only expanding and increasing over the next decade. We are in talks with existing hotels and developers that want us to come on board as operating and management partners for their wellness offerings, and we are looking at running more wellness centres in India over the next 5 years. Digitally we launched our telehealth platform for lifestyleenhancing nutraceuticals (Atmantan Naturals) just last year, which is the first of other initiatives to come.

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT fact, in multiple segments, the occupancy demand is at par or higher than prepandemic. The demand that is driven today is from both domestic and international, leisure and business. So, in a nutshell, it was a year full of growth, positivity, and success, we did a pretty decent ADR and managed to add a few feathers to our cap. We expect that 2023 will give a boost to the hotel industry and will bring along with it a plethora of profitable opportunities. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our focus will be to find all the ways of delivering great experiences to our guests that they love. We have a strong culture of true hospitality at our hotel. It is what sets us apart from others. It is our promise to make every guest feel welcome and cared for, recognized and respected. Our endeavour will continue to be towards making our guests feel welcome and cared for in our hotel.

expect 2023 to be a better year than its predecessors. We are expecting to host as many as 110 weddings throughout the year. The MICE segment forms a primal part of the resort business and over the current years, its significance has increased manifold with more and more international brands opting for their conferences and retreats amid the scenic valleys of Aravalli. Thus, in 2023, as a team, we shall strive to increase the MICE business by almost 25% - 30%. Post Covid, travel had become really difficult, aided by a host of limitations and changes. Thereafter, 2022 had been all about finally growing out of the doldrums of the pandemic. As the year progressed, we had slowly seen a surge in the guests visiting the resort, weddings finally taking a grander appearance with almost 80-85 of the auspicious dates of the year being sold out by the resort for weddings. The growth through 2022 had been trepid yet essential to set the course for the upcoming year. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. One of the major areas of focus for Rajasthali Resort and Spa, as a team shall be on curating worthwhile and unforgettable wedding moments for our guests. Another major area of focus will be adding value to the serviceability of the hotel in terms of MICE business.

Vichin Sehgal, Vice President, Rajasthali Resort and Spa Jaipur

Sharad K. Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza, Greater Noida Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. In the year 2022 we recorded a rapid and gradual shift to pre-pandemic ADR levels. In

Q. What are your expectations for the year 2023? How was the last year for you? A. In keeping with the trend of 2022, we certainly look forth and expect 2023 to be a spectacular year. After two years of striving through a gamut of restrictions and other limitations which, redefined the hospitality industry at large across the globe, we

Mehul Sharma, Founder & CEO, Signum Hotels & Resorts

www.traveltradeinsider.com

23

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. India’s G20 Presidency presents a unique opportunity for the Indian travel and tourism industry to change the narrative around inbound tourism, which has been slow to recover post the pandemic. The year 2022, for us, was quite good in terms of recovering from the Covid backlog and strengthening our global footprint. We collaborated with 360Stays to manage their serviced apartments across the UK. We have four upcoming properties in Punjab as well. We observed our occupancies going higher and accelerating traffic. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The new year for Signum Hotels will be all about strengthening our footprint in the global market. Integrating and streamlining global tech with our systems is also going to be another focus area. Further, we will also be improvising our processes and adding sustainable practices for a cleaner and sustainable future.

Sahil Anand, Managing Director, The Acacia Group Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 was a good recovery year for us and the entire hotel industry. leisure destinations within India performed really well. ARR grew by 25-30% and occupancy

24

www.traveltradeinsider.com

was above 75-80%. 2022 was the first-year post covid where business was continuous and no official lockdowns were imposed. 2023 looks very promising and our ARR’s will continue to grow. We expect an upside of at least 15-17% in room rates and about 4-5% growth in occupancy levels as inbound business should fully recover by the 4th Quarter of 2023, which will be a good boost to the market as filling up weekdays is always a challenge with domestic FIT travellers. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Our key focus will be on making the customer experience even better. we saw our guest satisfaction score go up by 35% in 2022. Our IT team is trying to automate a few processes for front and back-end operations for example – App based checkin, in-room services etc. We are currently focusing on increasing our portfolio by adding new hotels and villas. We plan to open our new rooftop all-day dining restaurant “NOVU” of 100 covers at our Candolim hotel in January 2023.

travel trade Insider January 2023 transformation. Compared to the previous year, occupancy rates are expected to continue going upward in 2023. In addition, new travel patterns are anticipated to emerge in 2023. A few examples include work vacations, staycations, nostalgia getaways, sustainable travel, and health and wellness tourism. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The hotel sector has had extreme ups and downs during the past few years. The industry has experienced everything from a complete halt to business to an upswing. The travel and hospitality sector recovered significantly this year, but even in the face of a slowing economy and rising expenses, travel is predicted to increase further in 2023. Every hotel needs to examine its existing sales strategy if they want to boost profitability in 2023. Improving the sales cycle specifically, as it has a direct impact on how we convert leads into guests and replicate our success by securing repeat reservations is one of our focus areas in the new year. We are also looking to design a system that makes people aware of our hotel, intrigues them, converts them to leads, and welcomes them as consumers.

Anurag Mathur, General Manager, Sayaji Raipur Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? A. There will be many opportunities to look ahead, and the convergence of sustainability and hygiene could lead to innovation and

Ramit Sethi, Co-founder, Seclude Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was the year 2022 for you?

travel trade Insider January 2023 A. 2022 has been an absolutely stellar year for us. We clocked 50% growth in 2022 and have plans to further scale ourselves in the niche category of “branded homestays”. We are aiming to double our room count to 200 rooms and 200 employees by the end of 2023. In addition to that, we also plan to expand into new and overlooked locations across India. Seclude is currently in talks with property owners in the North East, Madhya Pradesh, among others, to create new experiences for inbound travellers outside the regular and well-known Golden Triangle circuit. Q. What are your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. In order to sustain our growth we feel focusing on employee training and upskilling of local talent will be extremely important. One of the biggest issues plaguing homestays today for example is the lack of standardization which we are addressing. Itisdifferent from other online players in the sense that we directly manage the properties with an in-house team dedicated to each property. We also want to scale up collaboration with small businesses for merchandising to create a conducive ecosystem promoting local artisans, artists and service providers. We are keen to diversify our offerings by entering segments like events, weddings and wellness programs. Ankush Arora, Founder, Uncle Jack’s Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. For the year 2023, we expect to bring gourmet bakery products to our menu to provide an extensive food experience and to increase the offerings of the brand. We want to cater 360 degrees in the F&B industry, so the pipeline has solid plans for expanding to the south. We are watchful and observant of the best expansion options in the country, and cloud kitchen being one of them is attracting us to explore its possibilities in the upcoming year. We are going to cover every city in the coming time so you can see, feel, and enjoy Uncle Jack’s everywhere around you.

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT When we review our previous year’s performance against set goals at the end of the year, we find a lot has been done to deliver our expertise in the interest of the business. We have successfully opened our branches in various marked cities that were in the pipeline for the year. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. We are exploring the possibility of cloud kitchens - the future of the F & B industry, and one should be expecting to find an Uncle Jack’s store in their city soon. We want to share something brand-new and intriguing. The desire is to offer an experience that is suitable for everyone and has an impact on industry trends in the food and beverage sector. Chef Gautam Chaudhry, Founder & MD, Demiurgic Hospitality Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. I think 2022 has ended well post the havoc that industry has been through in the previous years. We have seen some happy times before 2022’s closure. Our catering vertical is looking positive for 2023 and we are focusing on enhancing our set-ups with more modern equipments and newer live station concepts. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The year is going to be of collaborations and tie-ups which will further enhance the quality that the client gets and we can curtail cost centres while looking at enhanced revenues. While we are working on newer concepts, we are further enhancing our current setups and trying to work on process automation. We are as well bringing in two new brands in retail very soon. Dr. Shruti Malik, Founder, Anardana Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The year 2022 started in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, which had widespread

Dr. Shruti Malik and drastic implications on nearly all areas of society and the economy. Fortunately, as a country, we were able to pick up the pieces, rebuild the economy and stand back on our feet. We are more than happy about how 2023 will turn out, and we have great hopes for this year. COVID-19 has taught people the importance of healthy eating, which comes with healthy dining. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. Looking towards our key focus area for the year 2023, we are surely working towards taking Anardana to many other locations pan-India in the next few years. Our focus this time won’t just be limited to malls, but also the high street suburbs will be the place where we would love Anardana to serve the best of its services with a more well-curated menu and new ingredients added to every dish served. Abhilash K Ramesh, Executive Director, Kairali Ayurvedic Group Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 has been a great year for Kairali Ayurvedic Health Retreat. We were awarded Asia’s Best Ayurveda Retreat in 2022 by World Spa Awards. We saw a surge in global clients, especially from the European Union and Australia.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

25

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT

travel trade Insider January 2023

Abhilash K Ramesh

Vibhas Prasad

Manish Goyal

My expectations in 2023 are to collaborate with government bodies for supporting us in opening more retreats like land parcels, subsidies and incentives. We are also expecting to do more roadshows with Kerala and other states for promoting wellness tourism in India and other parts of the country.

offsites, team-building activities, and so on.

portfolio. The industry has seen 2022 as a year which had all the reasons to cheer, as the business has been well.

Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. We expect 2023 to be another fantastic year for us with inbound tourism expected to revive strongly. We are planning to increase the number of doctors and introduce more treatments for giving our clients the complete experience and one-stop retreat for all their problems. We are working on strengthening the post-treatment care of our patients so that they can use our services anytime and from anywhere. Vibhas Prasad, Director, Leisure Hotels Group Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. Domestic tourism grew strongly last year and we expect the trend to continue this year as well. We have seen the wedding demand doubling for us in the past year and we expect the segment to grow further this year. We expect that inbound tourism will resume in 2023 and so will corporate

26

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The focus areas in 2023 will revolve around new offerings such as multidestination itineraries, which will allow guests to visit various locations through Uttarakhand via these itineraries. The group will continue to use omnichannel marketing to aggressively push destination weddings, and inbound tourism, and reconnect with corporates for offsites, among other things.

Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. The key focus area for the brand is to get more experience-driven destinations added to the portfolio in the year 2023. The company was started with a vision to provide experiential stays in India’s most substantial destinations. So, far we have been able to curate 50-plus experiences in the span of two years split in 6 destinations.

Manish Goyal, Founder, Stotrak Hospitality Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. The year 2023 comes with a lot of expectations and opportunities. Stotrak Hospitality Group started operation in the year 2020 which was not a very happening time for the hotel industry. However, with the dedication and hard work of our team, we were able to handle the challenges very well, with no salary deduction and not a single associate asked to leave. This year, we are hoping to balance every aspect of our hotels, be it the development of the brand in new horizons or strengthening our sustainability approach towards the well-being of the environment and society we work in. Our endeavour for 2023 is to add another 100-room inventory to our

“Domestic tourism grew strongly last year and we expect the trend to continue this year as well. We have seen the wedding demand doubling for us in the past year and we expect the segment to grow further this year.”

travel trade Insider January 2023

Soufiane El Allam, Commercial Complex Director – Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection (Hilton), Dubai, United Arab Emirates Q. What are your expectations from the year 2023? How was last year for you? A. 2022 was a very successful year for the hospitality industry starting from October 2021 with Expo 2020. The success of the event has given the chance to Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection to host some resounding luxury events. A few key events being: Firstly, The Emirates Literature festival which is the world’s leading international literary festival as well as the Arab world’s largest celebration of the written and spoken world which had taken over 400 rooms at Habtoor Palace and 15 banquet venues within the complex. Secondly, The Prime Minister’s office event which focuses on the driver of leadership and excellence in the government by providing direct support to federal entities. This event secured the complex’s 1,000 rooms in the span of four days. Thirdly, the World Police Summit was held at the complex in February 2022 which was hosted by Dubai Police under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with participation of over 200 key leaders and more than 150 exhibitors, over 2,000 delegates and more than 10,000 visitors. The Arabian Travel Market (ATM) which took place in May 2022 at the Dubai Trade Center was a huge opportunity for our brand, where

INSIDER I SPOTLIGHT we got to position ourselves as ‘The 1,001 Arabian Nights’ destination- since we have the capacity to hold groups of both leisure travellers and group guests of over 1,000 rooms in a single property. Now moving to sports, in September, we had the pleasure to host five out of six Asia cup teams at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City – Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Hong Kong and the winners Sri Lanka. We also held an event for a renowned company from India which was attended by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. Both events made headlines in Dubai and India. Going ahead with Ramadan starting in Q1, we may see an extended demand until the end of Q2. Moreover, now that COP28 has relocated to Dubai Expo City, we should see an increase in the technology, pharmaceuticals and sustainability sectors. V Hotel Dubai has a new look to share, with its refurbished rooms and the rebranding of Level 7 to V Hub - a fully open area where hotel guests and visitors alike can access a hidden, yet exhilarating array of facilities, from the V gym, reception, 24 hours lounge and by sundown a DJ to set off the mood, variety of dining options to choose from, rooftop pool and much more. Q. What will be your key focus areas for the year 2023? A. There are many key focus areas for 2023 including the below: MICE - MICE travellers usually stay back after a meeting or event to dedicate some time to themselves, the city and its attractions. Many of them make it a family holiday. With three distinct hotels, each hotel with its own ballroom and the majestic La Perle theatre operating daily, make Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection unprecedented in a market as competitive as Dubai. One challenge for the business travel sector would be, even though Covid is now in the endemic stage and travel has resumed back to normal, Zoom, Teams and other online meeting platforms are still there, and many in the industry still prefer it. But leisure is back to if not increased in the last few months. Sustainability – Sustainably is an important topic around the world right now, and

as a hotel, it is our social responsibility to incorporate sustainable values at the properties. We have eliminated plastic as much as we can in our operations. We now prefer using paper takeaway boxes, paper straws and even the flowers used around the hotels, we try to recycle as many as we can, rather than buy new flowers every day. Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is also home to 12 Tesla superchargers. Tesla owners can now recharge their vehicles at their own convenience through the valet service. Innovative experiences - Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection is perfectly located by the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road and on the backs of Dubai Water Canal, and within the grasp conveniently via land through Sheikh Zayed Road, sea through the exclusive RTA water taxis and air with its own helipad. Each hotel provides complimentary shuttle services at Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City and V Hotel Dubai and a private chauffeured Bentley drive to all major landmarks in Dubai including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, private beach at our sister property Waldorf Astoria The Palm within minutes. The trilogy of hotels is just minutes’ drive away from all the tourist attractions such as the Museum of the Future, Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, DIFC, Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Airport and many more. Once you return back to Al Habtoor City, there are still a plethora of undiscovered gems awaiting including culinary delights, nightlife at the boulevard, the highest bowling alley in the world, fun at the magical La Perle or the seasonal Winter Garden.

“MICE travellers usually stay back after a meeting or event to dedicate some time to themselves, the city and its attractions. Many of them make it a family holiday.” www.traveltradeinsider.com

27

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

travel trade Insider January 2023

Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi announces new opening in India Hard Rock has announced the opening of the brand’s 8th Hard Rock Cafe in India. The new Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi is located at Janpath Road, Connaught Place. Often referred to as CP, the chic promenade is buzzing with multiple shops, restaurants, and tourists. The location, just like the brand Hard Rock has a legacy and history to boast of. TTI Bureau The 6254-square-foot outlet, accommodating up to 122 guests, includes areas across two floors and a stage for live entertainment. The first storey is the starting point of the customer journey. The entry door speaks of the overall design with a feature guitar shape door handle. The double-height lobby sets the tone, featuring a Rock shop filled with unique style clothing and accessories. Hard Rock’s worldrenowned Rock Shop, located within the cafe, offers a rock-star shopping experience for collectors and fans, carrying musicinspired merchandise like classic tees, caps, pins, glassware, and accessories. Local guests and visitors to New Delhi can enjoy the one-of-a-kind live music and entertainment from the indoor dining space located on the lower ground floor of the cafe. The highlight of the cafe is a building renowned not only for its unique architecture and location but also for its history. “As a music aficionado and gastronome, I am excited to bring the authentic HRC experience back to the capital. We are confident that Delhi will revel in Hard Rock Cafe’s well-curated line-up of musicians and global flavors. The best thing about Hard Rock Cafe as a brand is that all age groups enjoy the format. We are demographic agnostic in that sense. The fact that we are located on a high street and not a mall bodes well for the HRC experience,” says Paritosh Ladhani, Franchise Owner, of Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi. “We are glad that New Delhi - India is now an official member of the Hard Rock Cafefamily. We are ready to make a positive impact on

28

www.traveltradeinsider.com

the hospitality industry and brand standards. We bring the spirit and philosophy of the brand to a country rich in musical and food traditions by presenting a modern vision of a remarkable restaurant.” said Tom Perez, Vice President of Franchise Operations, at Hard Rock International. Guests at the Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi get to take a walk along the memorabilia walls, which display a series of iconic memorabilia from legendary musicians around the globe. From Bobby Brown’s shoes that were designed by the R&B singer himself to Shakira’s black bra that was worn during her 2011 Sale El Sol tour, from Elton John’s platform shoes worn during his live ’Daniel’ music video to Ray Dorset’s red leather ankle boots; Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi has its walls adorned with these priceless possessions that have been donated by the rock legends themselves to the Hard Rock. At Hard Rock Cafe New Delhi, guests are provided with a selection of authentic flavours with the freshest high-quality ingredients from Hard Rock’s menu, featuring the Original Legendary Burger

from the Signature Steak Burgers series, mouthwatering Specialty Entrees, Bar Bites, a selection of salads, sandwiches, and desserts. The cafe also offers a variety of beverages, from draft beers and wines, and handcrafted cocktails including Hard Rock’s signature Hurricane Cocktail to Alternative Rock alcohol-free selections. The Delhi outpost would also have local items like Thela Chaat, Rara Chicken, and Biryani along with classic American dishes.

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

The need of the hour is to develop more tourist circuits within the state: Singh Uttarakhand, which is known for the natural environment of the Himalayas, offers limitless opportunities for tourism and adventure. TTI Bureau

Mukesh Singh A state in the northern part of India, Uttarakhand offers something for everyone - Pilgrimage, Temples, Wildlife tours, Bird Watching, Rafting, Mountaineering, Skiing, Trekking, Camping, Yoga and Meditation and much more. “With domestic tourism seeing a boost after Covid, tourists are willing to travel much more within the country and explore extensively. Uttarakhand is a state that is very well connected by road and air, so tourists from across the country, neighbouring states, and particularly Delhi are regulars here. The need of the hour is to develop more tourist circuits within the state to offer tourists a rich and varied experience,” said Mukesh Singh, Managing Director, The Tattwaa Corbett Spa & Resort. Launched in December 2021, The Tattwaa Corbett Spa & Resort is conveniently located on the fringes of the Corbett National Park.

The Dhela and Jhirna gates are within 5 km of the resort and are easily accessible. The resort has well-appointed 48 rooms across 6 categories with a pricing of Rs 4,500 onwards. Between 325 sq ft to over 700 sq ft, the rooms are spacious, comfortable and perfect for a relaxing stay at Corbett. Room categories include Suites, Superior Rooms, Standard Rooms, Jungle Cabana, Cottage Rooms and Villa Rooms. Talking about the uniqueness of the property, Singh added, “The Tattwaa Corbett Spa & Resort is known for its very delicious food. We serve a wide array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine, from traditional Mughlai to Italian, to local Kumaoni cuisine. We have our indigenous bakery where we produce exclusive gourmet bakes and savouries.” Apart from Atithi - the fine dining restaurant, The Tattwaa Corbett Spa & Resort also has three food outlets outside the resort for drop-in guests which are very popular among locals and passing tourists. Buns In Oven is its 24x7 cafe which serves the most delicious bakes and hot beverages. Chattar Pattar is the late-night chat counter and Kabab-Bio serves the most delectable kebabs and tikkas. “We have had repeat guests and also guests coming from far-off states like Maharashtra and Gujarat. International tourists coming to Jim Corbett National Park also find our resort very close to nature. We are doing corporate events, weddings, anniversaries, and school tours besides hosting many leisure tourists throughout the year. Apart from serving the best food, we always aspire to give our guests the best hospitality,” stated Singh. “Our staff is trained to have a ‘guest first’ approach which goes a long way in keeping our guests happy. The first year has mostly been word-of-mouth publicity

and I am proud to say the response has been good so far.” The Tattwaa Corbett Spa & Resort has 5 indoor/outdoor venues that can accommodate over 300-400 guests. Urvi, Viha, Ira, Ark and Vyoman are perfect venues for weddings and other small or big social functions. The outdoor functions can also be organised by the poolside. The Resort has a clean, big and wellmaintained swimming pool which can be used by all guests. All Covid safety protocols are followed at the resort with emphasis on hygiene and cleanliness at all times. The Panchtattwaa Spa, the in-house spa at the resort is a much sought-after wellness destination in Corbett. Also, there is 24 hrs free Wi-fi everywhere in the resort, making it a perfect staycation destination. The property has recently added a new category with seven rooms - Villa Rooms. This section is exclusive with nice open views and perfect for a big family exclusive stay. “We are also enhancing one of our very popular categories - the Jungle Cabana with a complete wilderness experience. The lawns have been extended with tall trees and open space which brings in a slice of Corbett right into your doorsteps. Our focus for the coming year would be to continue delivering a complete Corbett experience to all our guests so that they have an extended stay with us,” highlighted Singh. Commenting on the prospects of the hospitality industry, Singh said, “In Uttarakhand, we are very optimistic about tourism growth in the coming years. The industry needs to recover from the two-year Covid slump, and there are some positive signs. There is also a need for holistic tourism development. The trend to keep a look out for is Uttarakhand as the new destination wedding hotspot.”

www.traveltradeinsider.com

29

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

travel trade Insider January 2023

Karma Lakelands: A place where serenity meets sustainability Tucked amidst the green nature, far away from the maddening hustle and bustle of the Delhi NCR region, explore a ‘different’ life at Karma Lakelands, a luxury golf resort spread over sprawling 235 acres of land. Divya Bhaita Far away from the shackles of urban monotony and plainness, Karma Lakelands is a dreamscape of perfect living that isn’t restrained by walls or suffocated by boundaries. Dotted with trees, water bodies, meadows and lawns, the resort in Gurgaon is an oasis of serenity and greenery. The moment you enter the property, you get awestruck by the nature, lush green lawn, stunning views of the lake and peaceful surroundings, which is truly a luxury for people from metro cities. The serenity of the place can be only experienced when you stay at the property. A luxurious resort with picturesque locales, Karma Lakelands is also home to a 9-hole golf course. As you inhale deeper, you find the air around

30

www.traveltradeinsider.com

you calmer, cleaner and definitely far from the pollution. The ideology behind Karma Lakelands is not just about providing the most rejuvenating experience to the guests, it’s also about helping the environment in the process. It is a zero-waste resort that is self-sustaining, biodiverse and follows several eco-initiatives and is enabling nature to flourish in the estate. The resort has an eclectic inventory of indigenously designed villas and cottages. The villas have private backyards, vast terraces and spacious rooms and stunning views. The villa I stayed at the property was 16 Ashok’s Avenue. The accommodation included three huge bedrooms with balconies. There was a huge lawn attached to the villa. There was a living room, dining

room, swing chairs and a kitchenette in the villa too. Every room has been aesthetically designed and gives a warm feeling of being at home. There is a sense of belongingness, that is very difficult to find when you stay in a hotel. Every corner of the villa is screaming comfort! The mornings are more pleasant as this is the time you realise that Mother Nature soothes you both physically as well as mentally. I enjoyed my cup of morning tea on the well-manicured lawn of the villa, enjoying the views of the surrounding. Food at Karma is an experience in itself. A huge area of the resort is used for farming. The productive lands of Karma support the resort and residents with several vegetables, herbs and wheat. Organic methods of farming

travel trade Insider January 2023 are ensured by the skilled horticulture team. The produce can be availed by the residents of the estate and also used in the kitchens that serve delectable multi-cuisine grub. Result: freshest grub at the three fine dining restaurants – all-day diner On Kourse, Pizza Bay with a stunning alfresco setting, live grills and music and LAKE360 as the name suggests by the lake offering stunning views and glorious sunsets along with delectable food. As I mentioned earlier the resort also offers you lots of activities and is a popular choice for corporate groups for team meetings. Karma Lakelands is a perfect place for families as well who can relish activities like cycling, nature walks and farm trips. One should definitely opt for guided tours to organic farms and animal farms. There are rabbits, goats and horses at the animal farm which is likely to enthrall kids. The resort is usually sold out on weekends so booking in advance is advisable. Karma Lakelands is also a popular wedding destination and has hosted several highprofile and celebrity weddings. Life at Karma is an indigenous example of meaningful and sustainable existence. The estate offers luxurious villas, where dozens live. The community of Karma has a lot more to offer for those who are willing to choose this life of natural abundance, bird songs, bountiful views and more. Recently, Karma Lakelands has partnered with École Ducasse ISH Gurugram for an

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

experiential farm at the Karma Lakelands Golf Resort in Gurgaon. The students of the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH) will be initiated into organic farming, beekeeping and other eco-friendly initiatives of sustainability and conscious living — a vision shared by the founders of École Ducasse, ISH and Karma Lakelands. The idea for the farm came when École Ducasse-ISH sought additional locations to fulfill demands for herbs and organic produce in their kitchens. The farmland shall feature seasonal ingredients and regional plants that account for most of the ingredients used on campus. It will encourage farm-to-table practices, sustainable sourcing, and relying on locallygrown crops. Additionally, students shall participate in practical learning sessions in the open classroom and the rustic kitchen. They will also be guided by an expert on organic and sustainable farming at Karma Lakelands.

Eco Initiatives at Karma Lakelands Conscious living has always been at the heart and helm of most endeavours at Karma Lakelands since its inception. From being positioned as a zero-waste property to planting trees, rewilding, practicing bee farming and bio composting plant and animal waste, Karma Lakelands has shown exemplary commitment to preserving the environment. Karma Lakelands is a modern and innovative eco-sustainable resort where environment,

sustainability and luxury are a single value proposition. The resort believes in nature-friendly initiatives and conservation practices that support and promote sustainable living. Karma Lakelands strive to minimise carbon footprint and abstains from the use of single-use products and not just plastics. The resort practice rainwater harvesting across the entire campus. The resort also executes waste segregation, and promotes the e-waste and used battery cells to go to a responsible recycler rather than reaching landfills. The idea behind Lakeland’s sustainable initiatives “Sustainability is imperative to maintain the quality and diversity of life on Earth. We are aware of climate change and are mindful while using the planet’s resources. Therefore, we practice rainwater harvesting across the entire campus. Not only do we recycle the water at the resort, we even source wastewater from nearby localities which is treated and then utilized for irrigation of the entire estate,” says Ashwani Khurana, CEO, Karma Lakelands. “We also take care of the fragile environment by executing waste segregation, it promotes the dry waste to be recycled and the wet waste for composting. We have created eco huts with our plastic waste and used it to build shelters for animals and residents who may wish to relax,” he adds.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

31

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

travel trade Insider January 2023

Pride Hotels Group launches ‘Pride Biznotel Haldwani’

Atul Upadhyay Pride Hotels Group has recently launched Pride Biznotel Haldwani in Uttarakhand. Conveniently located at Haldwani Nainital Road, the business hotel is easily accessible to prominent tourist & leisure destinations, key establishments, and marketplaces. Wellconnectedthrough rail and road to all major cities, the hotel gives you the best of the city of Haldwani. Theregion offers mesmerizing views of the quaint valley with some of the popular sightseeingattractions including Nainital, Bhimtal, Jim Corbett, and Hanuman Dham located in closeproximity. Announcing the launch Atul Upadhyay, Senior Vice President, Pride Hotels Group said, “We arethrilled to launch the Pride Biznotel Haldwani, which is our second property in the State ofUttarakhand. Known as the gateway of Kumaon region, it is renowned for its majestic mountainranges and pristine natural beauty that attracts tourists from across the country. Haldwani hasemerged as a major economic hub with the presence of large commercial, industrial, andmanufacturing establishments. Pride Biznotel Haldwani with its strategic location,

32

www.traveltradeinsider.com

mesmerizingambiance, contemporary amenities and impeccable hospitality will efficiently cater to thegrowing demands of travelers to the region”. “With the launch Pride Biznotel Haldwani we are delighted to add another landmark to our growing portfolio in North India. Haldwani witnesses a steady inflow of corporate travelers, leisure tourists, and pilgrims throughout the year. Pride Biznotel Haldwani offers a stunning array of facilities that will complement the needs of the visitors. Pride Hotels resonates with trueIndian Hospitality and has attained high acclaim in providing memorable travel experiences toall its guests” said Shoeb Mohammad, Associate Vice President North India, Pride Hotels Group.

Pride Biznotel Haldwani offers elegantly designed deluxe, premium and suite rooms. All therooms air-conditioned are filled with modern amenities like LED Television, Work desk,Tea &coffee maker, Mini-bar, Wardrobe, in-room safe, Iron & Iron Board, Hair Dryer, high-speedinternet connectivity, and much more. The facilities at the hotel include 24-hours room service, atravel desk, complimentary breakfast, and laundry services. Guests can enjoy a magnificentculinary journey at Café Pride serving diverse Indian and Oriental cuisines, an Open Grillrestaurant with Rational Cooking/ Live counters, and an Outdoor Glass bar with a wonderfulview of the Naini Hills. Special emphasis has been given to the food at the property. With the launch

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I HOSPITALITY

Shoeb Mohammad of this property, the hotel is also trying to encourage and promote the culture and cuisine of the region. That is the resort, one can find the popular Kumaon’s dishes in the menu. The 2 state-of-the-art banquets Imperial and Chancery can host 500 guests and 100 guestsrespectively in a floating-style area. These are ideal to host weddings, private parties, birthdayparties, corporate events, and other intimate gatherings. Senate, the Board room with a capacityranging from 25 persons to 30 persons is best suited for corporate meetings and training &development programs. Pride Hotels Group has a presence in around

51 great locations with 5,075 rooms, 102 restaurants, 134 banquets, lawns, and conference halls. The company aim to open approx 100 hotels till 2030. Currently, Pride Hotels operates and manages a chain

of hotels under the brand name “Pride Plaza Hotel” an Indian Luxury Collection, “Pride Hotel” which are conveniently centrally located business hotels, “Pride Resorts” at mesmerizing destinations, MidMarket segment hotels for every business “PrideBiznotels” and a fresh concept of Premium luxury serviced apartment stays “Pride Suites”. Current locations are New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bangalore, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Ranakpur, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Somnath, Bhopal and Haldwani. Upcoming locations are Rishikesh, Agra, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Jabalpur, Bhopal, Daman, Aatapi, Surendranagar, Dwaraka, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Rajkot, Aurangabad, Halol, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rudra Prayag, Kanpur, Bangalore and Greater Noida among others.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

33

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

travel trade Insider January 2023

Enjoy your winter holidays in Quebec City If simply said there’s no place like Quebec City in North America! Old Québec will delight and amaze you. TTI Bureau Stroll through the cobblestone streets and soak in the city’s magnificent heritage and European charm. It’s festive, welcoming and wonderfully safe. Quebecers are known for being warm and welcoming. Everywhere you go, you’ll be met with a smile. People here are proud of their francophone culture and North American roots. The myriad activities and attractions on offer throughout the year give you the chance to experience the wealth of this vibrant, authentic culture. The people you meet in the city’s many tourist spots will happily share with you their passion for this place, in French and English. Québec City is at its most charming under a blanket of snow. The snowflakes and lights just make it that much more magical and romantic. Old Québec in particular is simply enchanting during the holidays. Take your cue from the locals and discover all the ways to get out and enjoy winter. See North America’s only ice hotel and enjoy a winter vacation that guarantees heaps of snow. Québec City’s passionate chefs, both emerging and established, have made the city a culinary mecca. These artists of the edible are deftly reinventing classics and launching new trends, celebrating the quality and variety of local farms and producers in showstopping meals. The city’s food scene is known for its wide range of styles, excellent service, and its French, British, North American and indigenous influences. If you’re feeling the call of the wild, the Québec City Area is famous for its natural beauty, from peaceful lakes to rolling rivers to the glacial valley in Jacques-Cartier National Park. No matter what your age and in any season, there are all kinds of things for you to see and do here in the great outdoors.

34

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Fairmont Hotel - Quebec City - (c - Canadian Tourism Commission) A steady string of events and exhibitions keep Québec City hopping all year long. No matter the month or season, there are always tons of things to see and do, for free or at a great price. Take your pick and join in the fun with events ranging from fireworks to concerts to historical festivals, theatrical happenings, and sports events. With so much to offer, it isn’t surprising that Québec City ranks as one of the world’s top travel destinations. Explore the charm, history, and culture of Old Quebec City in the company of an informative English-speaking guide with a bus walking tour of this incredible World Heritage Site. A UNESCO World Heritage treasure, Old Québec is the only fortified city north of Mexico. Bask in the European charm as you stroll through the old quarters and take in over 400 years of history in the birthplace of French North America. Québec City was founded at Place Royale, the sense of history in this square is palpable. Nearby street Petit-Champlain will make you feel

like you’ve landed in a fairytale. The charming streets that surround the Old Port are perfect for an afternoon of antique stores, art galleries and restaurants. Decorated by a majestic French fountain, Parliament Hill is home to Québec’s National Assembly and leads directly to the prestigious Grande Allée. Located in the heart of Old Québec, the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury is the only military building in Canada to have been recognized as a national historic site. Today, it has become the hot new destination to hold large-scale events. Work on the Voltigeurs de Québec Armoury began in 1885. The building was inaugurated in 1888 to handle the withdrawal of British troops. Home to the oldest French-speaking battalion in North America, the Armoury boasts 130 years of history and architecture just waiting to be discovered. This French-inspired, neo-Gothic military building was the precursor of many other important buildings throughout the country.

travel trade Insider January 2023 That’s why it’s the only Canadian armoury to be designated a national historic site. Experience a total forest immersion at the Canyon Sainte-Anne! Discover a majestic 74m waterfall and its Canyon dug into 1.2 billion-year-old rock. Cross 3 suspension bridges including one 60m high! It has accessible and safe trails for all ages. Try Air Canyon: a Canadian Signature Experience; exclusive in a natural park! Take a deep breath and fly over the forest and the chasm at 50 km/h; at 90m both feet dangling in the air! Do you have an adventurous side? Three courses of Via ferrata on continuous cable will bring out the adrenaline you are looking for! With the Petraminis Adventure, the Rollicking Rock Games, the Nature’s Quiz, the playground and the picnic areas, the whole family will have an unforgettable day. The area’s natural beauty can be seen at the Montmorency Falls Park. The waterfall is nearly 83 m high, which is 30 m higher than Niagara Falls. To get the best view, take the gondola up the mountain and walk across the suspended bridge. From there, you can walk down a seamlessly endless collection of stairways. Don’t worry though. The walk down doesn’t take too long, and you’ll be able to feel the spray of the falls at the bottom. In the winter, the spray freezes at the base of the waterfall, forming a ‘sugar loaf’ that becomes a popular attraction.

Funicular Ride - Quebec City (c - Canadian Tourism Commission)

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

Montmorency Parl Cable car ride - Quebec City (c - Canadian Tourism Commission) Montmorency Falls, named in 1613 by Samuel de Champlain in honor of his patron the Duke of Montmorency, is now one of the top attractions in the province of Quebec. The Montmorency Falls area has an interesting history as this was also the site of the Battle of Montmorency which took place between the French and the English in 1759. As well, in 1885 the first hydroelectric power plant was established here and Québec City became one of the first municipalities to use hydroelectric power. Immersion Québec is an immersive experience through three phases, where you will dive right into the history of Québec City. Through interactive installations, games on a giant screen and virtual reality, participants will discover the historical events that made Québec such a unique city in North America. It is an unforgettable experience combining history, culture and entertainment. New technologies, history and entertainment come together in a unique immersive experience! Through installations, games on a giant screen and virtual reality, you will dive right into the historical events that made Québec a city with a rich and diverse heritage. The experience lasts about 90 minutes and is available in French, English, Spanish and Mandarin. The main phase of your journey through time! Put on your virtual reality headset and relive the key moments of the foundation of Québec City as if you were there. From

the arrival of Samuel de Champlain, to the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, you will be a front-row witness to these historical events. Your immersive experience continues with an interactive game phase, where you can test your knowledge in a fun and entertaining way. Answer the questions and challenge your friends in games on a giant screen, in a friendly competition that will please the whole family! With your tablet in hand, navigate through an exploration phase that combines history and new technology, and interact with the installations to learn more about Québec City’s past. Ideally located inside the walls of Old Quebec, the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac underwent a multimillion-dollar renaissance project that re-positioned it as one of the world’s leading hotels. The restoration blended the charm of the hotel’s enchanting past with modern innovations, creating an allure that is fresh and seductive, balanced with the hotel’s rich history & dynamic future. This heritage urban resort seduces with its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and the architecture of the Old fortified City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In any one of its 610 guestrooms and suites, you will feel an elegant touch of historic Europe. Your experience at this landmark luxury hotel will guarantee you a memorable and inspiring stay in one of the most beautiful, and walkable, cities in the world.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

35

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

travel trade Insider January 2023

Bohey Dulang, Sabah

A tourist’s paradise

What makes Malaysia a must-visit destination is not just its amazing tourism products and experiences but also its warm and welcoming people. TTI Bureau

I must say that the Petronas Twin Tower

I strongly believe that destinations, where

looks stunning in the evening. The view

people are in general hospitable, leave

with lights during the night is spectacular.

an indelible impression in the minds of

The Kuala Lumpur skyline is illuminated in

travellers, making them visit the place

vivid mesmerizing colours at night time. It is

again and again. Malaysia is truly one such

a perfect time for sharing a special moment

destination.

with your travel companion.

KL Hop-On-Hop-Off

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers reach a dazzling

KL Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour in the evening

height of 450 metres and are built in a

is the best way to immerse in the sights and

postmodern architectural style. A visitor can

sounds of the city. Take a seat on this double-

admire the city from the very top floor, which

decker bus and view some of the landmarks

makes the Petronas Towers a highlight of a

in Kuala Lumpur like Petronas Twin Tower,

visit to the city. A sky bridge on the 41st floor

Sultan Abdul Samad Building, KL Bird Park,

connects the two towers and is available to

Central Market, Petaling Street and Sri Maha

visitors, but of course, the pinnacle is a visit

Mariamman Temple. KL Hop-On-Hop-Off

to the 86th floor.

bus tour operates on two routes, city route

“After Kuala Lumpur, it was time to visit another important city of Malaysia, Putrajaya. The city is known as the country’s administrative capital with beautiful architecture in its buildings and bridges.” The entire character of the city changes once you step on a street. These streets come to life in the evening. During the day,

and garden route. The ticket is valid for 24

The vibrant streets of KL

hours or 48 hours which gives a tourist an

Kuala Lumpur is not just about swanky

there is not much activity but when the sun

option to explore the city at his own pace

malls that throng the city but also about its

goes down, the street will be hustling and

and leisure.

streets that are full of life, food and music.

bustling with activities. There are street

36

www.traveltradeinsider.com

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

Mabul Island, Sabah musicians and don’t be surprised if you hear a ‘Bollywood’ song. While exploring the streets of Kuala Lumpur, I came across Jalan Alor, a unique food destination. As Jalan Alor is located within the Bukit Bintang area, it can be easily found if you are staying somewhere in the city center. If you are staying outside the city

center, you can get to Jalan Alor by metro. Get out at Bukit Bintang Station from there it is a 5-minute walk to Jalan Alor. One can find some of the best culinary delights that Malaysia has to offer in the rows of hawker stalls. On Jalan Alor, these stalls will take up both sides of the road selling a variety of food. This place is frequented by locals and foreigners alike to taste the unique dishes. There is so much to choose from here that food connoisseurs will end up making more than one trip to the place. Like diversity in its people, Jalon Alor has also an amalgamation of food to offer to its visitors, Chinese, Thai or simply seafood, there is something for all.

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Putra Mosque

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery unravels the story of Kuala Lumpur’s past, present and future through miniatures. It is located right in Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka), Kuala Lumpur’s historical enclave. The highlight here is The Spectacular City Model Show! The massive model measures 40ft x 50ft (12m x 15m), which showcases the city’s past, present and future through a light and sound presentation. Kuala Lumpur City Gallery is a must-stop for everyone who wants to Experience 360° of Kuala Lumpur. It serves as a Tourist

Information Centre, where visitors can get a free copy of the Kuala Lumpur Walks & Tours Map and learn about Old Kuala Lumpur through prints, photos and architectural miniature models. Before leaving, savour the finest traditional Malaysian delicacies and deliciously home-made recipes served at the ARCH Cafe.

Putrajaya The city is known as the country’s administrative capital with beautiful architecture in its buildings and bridges.

Putra Mosque The pink-domed Putra Mosque is constructed with rose-tinted granite and can accommodate 15,000 worshipers at any one time. The basement wall of the mosque resembles that of the King Hassan Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco. The mosque consists of three main functional areas - the prayer hall, the Sahn, or courtyard, and various learning facilities and function rooms. The prayer hall is simple and elegant supported by 12 columns. The highest point below the dome is 250 feet above ground level. The Sahn, landscaped with several decorative water features and bordered by colonnades, provides a huge yet welcoming and beautiful prayer space.

www.traveltradeinsider.com

37

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

travel trade Insider January 2023

Romantic evening in Sabah Its impressive minaret is influenced by the design of the Sheikh Omar Mosque in Baghdad. At 116m, it is one of the tallest minarets in the region and has five tiers, representing the Five Pillars of Islam.

Putrajaya Cruise Putrajaya Lake is in the heart of the administration city, and visitors can take a leisure cruise on the lake. While aboard an open-air boat, I saw eye-catching vistas of the surrounding area including the Putrajaya Mosque and Putrajaya Bridge. A number of government administrative buildings including the Prime Minister’s office also surround the lake.

Putrajaya Botanical Garden Botanical Garden in Putrajaya is the biggest botanical garden in Malaysia, housing over 700 species of plants ranging from flowering plants, local plants as well as plants from the Asia-Pacific and African regions. The Putrajaya Botanical Garden covers an area of over 92 hectares. A must-visit place for families and people interested in flowers and plants.

38

www.traveltradeinsider.com

Sabah: The Malaysian Borneo After my visit to two important twin cities of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, it was time to head to the eastern Malaysian state of Sabah. It occupies a chunk of the world’s third-largest island, Borneo. The first point in the journey to Sabah began was Tawau. It is well connected to Kuala Lumpur through direct flights. After reaching Tawau airport, I moved to Semporna Jetty, which is located 45 minutes away from the airport. From there I was transported on a boat to Sipadan-Mabul Resort, about half an hour’s journey. Semporna (perfect) is a word understood by most Indians. A number of islands are scattered around Semporna and the place is the departure point of Sabah’s top diving sites including Sipadan and Mabul. The colours of the waters surrounding the place vary from sapphire to Azure. Presently, not many Indians are aware of Sabah and surely it can become hugely popular as a tourist destination. The villagers living in the vicinity of the SipadanMabul Resort have small shops selling souvenirs like pearls which are reasonably

“Like diversity in its people, Jalon Alor has also an amalgamation of food to offer to its visitors, Chinese, Thai or simply seafood, there is something for all.” priced. Some villagers also sell fishes and shells. During a walk to visit the small village, locals invited me to play a game of volleyball. Don’t be surprised if you find some kids watching Bollywood songs on YouTube. Call it technology reach or simply the popularity of Bollywood music. For beginners, even if you don’t know how to swim, you can snorkel. Mabul’s crystal clear water has an amazing macro life. Don’t forget to bring cameras that can work underwater to capture some of the rarest ecological species. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters

INSIDER I OUTBOUND

travel trade Insider January 2023

Putrajaya Cruise you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul. It’s like watching a high-definition movie on marine life but the only difference, it is not reel but real. The stunning sapphire waters and emerald isles of the Semporna Archipelago are home to Bajau sea gypsies. For generations, the Bajau people lived aboard their boats, gathering fishes, shells and sea cucumbers. They were gradually persuaded to drop their nomadic lifestyle and come ashore, although even today they keep one foot in the sea, with their houses built on stilts over the reefs and shallow waters surrounding the Semporna and its islands. As I reached the houses of sea gypsies, they frantically started to come towards me on their small boats. Sea gypsies depend on tourists and resorts for their need of food and water. After saying goodbyes to the sea gypsies, I proceeded to Bohey Dulang Island to reach the spot from where we begin an about 45-minute-long trek to Bohey Dulang peak. Trek to Bohey Dulang is treacherous but once you reach atop, the view is breathtaking. The contrasting colours of the water are spellbounding. There are few good spots for that

perfect click but other tourists may mar your view. Do carry enough water and a first aid kit in case of emergency. Around 55 per cent of Sabah is forest and Bohey Dulang reflects why the region is known as a tropical paradise. Though tired after a grueling trek, next on my list were Mantabuan and Sibuan islands for another round of snorkeling. Sibuan is one of the most picturesque islands in the Semporna region and is perfect for snorkeling or simply a picnic.

reasonably priced. One can get a discount if you ask with a smile. I wish I had more time to explore the locales of Kota Kinabalu. However, there is always a next time, some may say.

Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu is hands down the liveliest city in Sabah. It has bumper-to-bumper traffic and is dotted by malls and cinemas. It is home to many nearby exotic attractions like mangrove forests, Mt. Kota Kinabalu and Klias Wetlands River Safari. However, the best way to get the feel of this city is by simply walking the markets and chatting with locals. I went to a handicraft market which has many shops selling pearls. Deep sea pearls are more expensive than freshwater ones. Pearls sold here are authentic and very

Sea gypsy

www.traveltradeinsider.com

39

INSIDER I ALBUM

travel trade Insider January 2023

ADTOI General House Meeting In Delhi The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI) has organised their General House Meeting in New Delhi in December 2022. This networking dinner event aimed at providing an opportunity for the travel fraternity to exchange their views around the current travel developments alongwith explore business opportunities. The media fraternity and members were welcomed by P P Khanna, President, ADTOI, Rajat Sawhney, Sr. Vice President, ADTOI and other respected committee members.

40

www.traveltradeinsider.com

travel trade Insider January 2023

INSIDER I LIFESTYLE

Comfortable yet fashion Airport looks decoded by House of Kari! When glamour and glitz reign and everyone is the paparazzi courtesy their smartphone, our stars have to be at their best (looking) at all times. Yet, as anyone familiar with long journeys will agree, it is very important to be comfortable when taking these extended flights. To look good AND feel good – now that’s a toughie! But Bollywood have managed to do so and with panache. We aren’t kidding when it comes to how popular chikankari truly is. Bollywood especially is very fond of the hand-embroidered fabric. We bring to you some of the cool yet comfy looks designed by House of Kari! Avant-garde chikankari suits: This is the perfect combo and an ideal plus one for long flights. Bollywood celebrities have often relied on chikankari suit sets for their airport style. Kurta sets are both relaxed and sophisticated, making them travel ideal. Actors like Janhvi Kapoor, Karishma Kapoor, Ananya Pandey, Soha Ali Khan are usually seen in elegance of the timeless staple. When choosing to go the Indian route, pick a relaxed fabric such as cotton. Block patterns, fringe details, and light embroidery are tried and tested recipes by the actor. Opt for stylish juttis to make the journey feet-friendly. The luxurious white: There’s something about white that instantly envelopes you in a sense of calm and fosters you with a sense of refuge, even when the world gets too overwhelming to reconcile with. We round up our favourite white kurtas for the travel days ahead. The ease of fitting into the comforts of a gorgeous white kurti with white pants or palazzos gives you a generational twist with style. Uber Chic look: Bollywood stars penchant for fun prints and millennial-approach sartorial picks is wellknown. Airport runs and casual days out in the city often captures the stars opting for easy separates and elevated basics. Co-ord sets also seem to be a wardrobe staple for the actors, and numerous appearances in the past have proven that they definitely pull them off with unmatchable ease. In recent years, the actors have been spotted in quite a few striking co-ord sets, including printed,embroidered or graphical sets while out in the city, and matching kimono style combos at airports. Along with these vibrant co-ordinated picks, the ‘less is more’ approach to styling makes these looks bookmark-worthy. A lot of younger generation likes to bring out the fusion wear in Indian wear. At house of Kari we serve almost every audience with a hint of personal ethos and style. The latest range is block print kaftans with chikankari embroidery. Pairing them with ethnic accessories like juttis, chandbali earrings or jhumkas blings the extra fusion to the modern contemporary tale. They add ethnic charm to the outfit, hints of colour and depth with their embroidery and shine.

House of Pepe Opened in Kolkata

Adding spark to children’s playing needs by providing an array of exciting activities all under one roof, House of Pepe – a new-age play area has opened its doors for the children in Kolkata. As children increasingly engage in the online environment in the new normal, be it online classes or staying glued to phone & TV screens for hours, the facility aims to induce both physical and mental wellbeing in the children. Featuring hydrotherapy – a first-of-itskind dedicated comfortable space that uses massage and warm water to help junior citizens with body movements and strengthening muscles, it also aids them to relax and engage with their friends in any weather at any time. The play area also houses a childrendedicated salon for child-safe hair and nail services including desired haircuts and toxin-free nail paints. For the culinary aficionados and movie buffs, House of Pepe is equipped with a large screen projector & comfortable cushioned seating and serves

hot, scrumptious snacks for an immersive movie experience. For intimate theme-based parties and to make the young ones feel their best on their cherishing day, the facility’s top floor offers a large customizable banquet space, perfect for hosting birthdays and fun events. Speaking about the launch of House of Pepe, Rachana Agarwala, Founder, said, “My son Varchasv is our inspiration to start this journey of providing parents with a one-stop solution for their children’s wellbeing and development needs while they are away working. As working professionals, I and my husband Ankush faced the same anxiety-

inducing thoughts regarding the well-being of our son. From his haircut to his exercise regime, we wanted it to be professionally delivered to him. Seeing that gyms and exquisite salon services are omnipresent for the adults but are overlooked in the case of children, we founded House of Pepe to provide joyful, fun-filled activities to the children for their overall development.”

www.traveltradeinsider.com

41

INSIDER I PEOPLE

travel trade Insider January 2023

Radisson Hotel Group appoints Area General Manager, Delhi NCR Following a successful tenure of dual responsibility as Area General Manager for Rajasthan and Agra, Ashwni Kumar Goela has been named Area General Manager, Delhi NCR, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia, and General Manager, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport. With his 23-year career in the hospitality industry and extensive knowledge and experience, Goela is a great asset to Radisson Hotel Group. In his new position, Goela would be in charge of all operating Radisson Hotels in Delhi/NCR. He will take over managed hotels in Delhi NCR. Additionally, he will also initiate the cluster pilot for franchised hotels in Delhi NCR, with the goal of streamlining operational excellence and establishing better synergies among the hotels. After graduating from New Port University California in hospitality in 1999, Goela completed Diploma in Hotel Management and started his career instantaneously with Hotel Intercontinental, New Delhi.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts appoints Cluster GM The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts has appointed Biswajit Chakraborty as The Cluster General Manager of The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel and The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel in “God’s Own Country.” He has over 35 years of experience across major Indian hotel brands like The Oberoi Hotels and Taj Hotels and has also worked for the Accor Hotel Group. Having held leadership roles in various capacities including Hotel Operations, Sales and Marketing and Pre-Openings, Chakraborty brings with him a wealth of experience and astute business acumen. He was the opening General Manager of The Leela Kempinski Kovalam in 2005. Prior to joining The Leela, Chakraborty was with Hotelivate as Managing Director, South India. A staunch believer in the brand’s ethos of “Atithi Devo Bhava”, he is known to be a strategic leader with a humane and effective leadership style focused on placing the guest at the centre of everything he does.

Sofitel Mumbai BKC appoints GM Sofitel Mumbai BKC has appointed Manish Dayya as the new General Manager. Dayya brings with him over two decades of experience in the trade and hospitality industries. A hospitality professional to the core, he looks forward to spearheading operations at Sofitel Mumbai BKC, introducing further growth through innovative strategies, and managing an effective and enthusiastic team. Dayya completed his Diploma in Hotel Management from the Institute of Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition Goa, before kickstarting his career. Notable appointments include stints as General Manager at properties across the country, including Lemon Tree, The Raintree Hotels in Chennai, and the Royal Orchid Hotels in Hyderabad, before joining Accor in 2013. Here, he reaped the benefits of hands-on experience at brands across the group, such as the Grand Mercure & Novotel Goa Shrem Resort, Mercure Hotel, and Lavasa International Convention Centre, followed by Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre and Hyderabad International Convention Centre, as a complex General Manager.

7 Apple Hotel, Nashik appoints GM 7 Apple Hotel Nashik has appointed Prashant Sonawne as General Manager (GM). Sonawne brings with him over 13 years of luxury experience in the hospitality industry. He has headed multiple hotels and resorts as General Manager. His early education was a blend of formal schooling and extensive travel, resulting in diverse cultural exposure and practical experiences that he brings each day to work. Sonawne has more than a decade of experience and has worked with prestigious brands such as ITC Aurangabad, and Express Inn to name a few. At 7 Apple Nashik, he will lead the dynamic team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most awarded hotels and as the preferred destination for the social elite. He will focus on steering the team to drive revenue and maintain the property’s reputation of having the best turnover in Nashik while ensuring guest voice scores remain a priority for 7Apple Nashik.

42

www.traveltradeinsider.com