Author: Rabindra

Minor Hotels Gears Up for India Acceleration

17th July 2024  Mumbai, Maharashtra, India  Minor Hotels, a global hotel owner and operator with more than 540 properties in 56 countries, is set to intensify its presence in the dynamic Indian hospitality market, targeting 50 new openings within the next decade.

The group will focus its strategy on the upper-upscale and luxury hotel segments, where it expects strong interest from owners in its well-established Anantara, Avani, and NH Collection brands.

For Anantara Hotels & Resorts, the group is building on core brand differentiators by targeting opportunities in Ayurvedic wellness retreats, wilderness lodges, and historical palaces. It also believes Avani Hotels & Resorts is well positioned to fill a significant gap in the lifestyle hotel space across India, while NH Collection Hotels & Resorts will prove attractive for upper- upscale conversion opportunities.

Minor Hotels has also identified strong potential for the upscale NH Hotels & Resorts, particularly in rapidly developing tier two cities and airport locations.

Eyeing hotel management contracts and with an emphasis on greenfield developments, Minor Hotels will look to identify opportunities in up-and-coming locations, continuing a strategy of destination creation that has been the foundation of the group’s 46-year history.

Amir Golbarg, SVP for Middle East, Africa and India for Minor Hotels, said, “We are bullish on the potential of India, and have already been overwhelmed with owner interest, but are proceeding with a ‘partnerships over properties’ approach. It means we are being very selective in the hotels that we add to our portfolio, with our focus on cultivating meaningful alliances with partners who align with our values and vision. Minor’s strength has always been in our ability to think globally while acting locally, meaning we are well versed at adapting our standards and operations to suit the unique characteristics of each market we operate in – a trait we believe will give us a strong advantage in India.”

Minor Hotels has been present in the India market since 2017, when it launched Oaks Bodhgaya in the northeast Indian state of Bihar. But the group will mark a significant milestone later this year with the opening of Anantara Jaipur Hotel, the debut of its flagship luxury brand in India.

To support this expansion, Minor Hotels has opened a new office in Bengaluru, underscoring its commitment to long-term presence in the Indian market. The group recently appointed Vijay Krishnan as Vice President of Operations for India, overseeing a growing team on the ground. By establishing a permanent strategic presence in Bengaluru, Minor Hotels has positioned itself at the forefront of emerging opportunities in southern India, anticipating significant growth potential in the region.

Dillip Rajakarier, CEO of Minor Hotels and Group CEO of its parent company Minor International (SET:MINT), said, “We believe in India. We believe in its potential as a world- class inbound destination. And we believe in the enormous opportunities that lie in its surging domestic market. It’s why we have made substantial investments in establishing our operations there, and will continue to invest there to realise our growth ambitions. With our extensive experience in managing world-class hotels in emerging destinations, coupled with the strong recognition of our existing hotel brands within the Indian market, we are confident in our ability to play a significant role in India’s ongoing tourism success story.”

Minor Hotels brands have already built strong recognition amongst Indian travellers. For Anantara in particular, India is one of the fastest-growing international source markets, with annual room night production across its Asia and Middle East properties growing 72% in 2023 versus 2022. That trend has continued to date in 2024, with Q1 figures up 36% on last year.

Minor Hotels is also a member of GHA DISCOVERY, the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands. Revenue generated by GHA hotels in India hit a record US$68 million in 2023, with GHA loyalty members in India also topping 500,000 for the first time, a 21% year-on-year increase. Indian members also spent more at GHA hotels last year than ever before, generating a record US$60 million in hotel revenues, up 46% year-on-year.

According to research from GHA, its Indian members are planning on average four leisure trips, three staycations and five business trips in 2024, with the top three destinations being Europe, Thailand and Maldives. Minor Hotels is one of the largest players in each of those markets, with more than 300 properties in Europe, 25 in Thailand and seven in Maldives.

Minor Hotels’ growth strategy in India is part of an ambitious global expansion plan for the Bangkok-based group, which is targeting to add more than 200 hotels in the next three years.

VGN Launched Gated Community Plots “VGN PARADISE” at Thiruvottiyur, WIMCO Nagar in North Chennai

17th July 2024  Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India The Chennai-based VGN Group, a leading real estate builder and developer in the city, has launched residential plots at Thiruvottiyur, 200 meters from WIMCO Nagar Metro station in North Chennai. The layout is modeled on a fully-compounded gated community with 259 plots, each ranging from 753 to 1500 sq.ft. Approved by CMDA and Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), the plots are priced at Rs. 6999 per sq.ft.

VGN’s layout are developed with Plug & Play features & Amenities such as Metro water provision, Underground sewage provision, Piped Natural gas (PNG) provision, Underground EB & Stormwater trench. The layout features roads, measuring 7.2 to 9-metre width, built on the standards set by the Indian Roads Congress, a government body. They have raised platforms for pedestrians. The layout has a well-developed park – and there are over 1000 avenue trees within the gated community. It also has obtained an ‘Approved Project Financial’ (APF) number, making it easy for buyers & investors to get loans from banking and Non-Banking Financial Companies.

WIMCO Nagar, where the layout is located, was long considered the ‘secret treasure’ of Chennai, as its real estate potential is not fully realized. However, the arrival of the Metro Station, the first station on the route in North Chennai, made WIMCO Nagar a pivotal point on Chennai’s mobility landscape, besides paving the way for rapid infrastructure development – so much so that it is now billed as the next Anna Nagar. Still, land prices at WIMCO Nagar are less than 50% of what they are in Anna Nagar. As WIMCO Nagar is not a low-lying area and as it was not created by destroying any water bodies, the region is not vulnerable to floods.

In his comments, Mr. V.N. Devados, Chairman cum Managing Director, VGN Group, said, “We have created this vast layout close to the Metro Station. It sports broad roads and a well-developed park. Easy and quick access to roads and trains make the real estate irresistible for those who commute to work. One can reach central part of Chennai within 30 minutes either on road or by train. Also, it takes an equal amount of time to reach both Anna Nagar and WIMCO Nagar from Chennai Central. Better air quality and the availability of water, power, and PNG, besides proper sewage and stormwater drainage are the key attractions for the residents. There are large industries such as Manali Petroleum Refinery, Ennore Thermal Power Station, and MRF, but as they are located well within the industrial zone, the environment is clean in the residential areas. It is well documented that the air quality in WIMCO Nagar is better than what is in Mount Road.”

He pointed out that the present government has earmarked Rs. 1,000 crore for the ‘Valarum Vada Chennai’ project which aims to create healthcare facilities, and physical infrastructure in Thiruvottiyur, WIMCO Nagar and other parts of North Chennai. Surveys are being done and there will be many new projects in this region. The government is also planning to develop a beach with parks, a bridge, glass tunnel, and cycle tracks. Hence, people looking for a plot to construct homes and good investment opportunities in real estate can choose, WIMCO Nagar in general and our layout “VGN Paradise” in particular with eyes closed.

phData is Proud to Announce that it has been Awarded the Prestigious “Best Place to Work” Certification for 2024

17th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India phData, a tech company focusing on delivering data products and platforms and modern data technologies, today announced that it has been certified as a Best Place to Work in India for 2024.

This achievement recognizes the company’s commitment to creating a positive and inclusive workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported. The prestigious award is based on the evaluation of the company HR practices along with employees’ feedback. This year, 95% of employees said phData is the best place to work, compared to just 74% at the typical Indian tech company.

Commenting on the achievement, Manashi Chakraborty, HR Director of phData, stated, “phData is extremely delighted to be awarded as the Best Places to Work in India. This achievement has further strengthened our employees’ belief in the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This is a very proud moment for all of us at phData. The recognition motivates us to keep working on our people policies along with building a culture of belonging, innovation, and excellence.”

phData has rapidly advanced its capabilities within Snowflake’s partner ecosystem. They are focused on delivering data products and platforms using Snowflake and modern data technologies. They help with end-to-end services to architect, deploy, and support machine learning and data analytics on Snowflake. phData also comes with best practices, industry experts, and proven data strategies to ensure the clients meet their business objectives.

Every year, the program partners with many organizations in India, across different industries, to help them measure, benchmark, improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations.

Biesse Wins Impresa Awards 2024 in “Innovation and Industry 4.0” Category

17th July 2024  Bengaluru, Karnataka, India   Biesse, a renowned leader in the manufacturing of woodworking machinery, has been honored with the prestigious Impresa Award 2024 in the “Innovation and Industry 4.0” category. This esteemed accolade, presented at the Autocluster Development & Research Institute in Pune by the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IICCI), underscores Biesse’s remarkable achievements in technology innovation, its pivotal role in driving digital transformation, and its proactive embrace of the Industry 4.0 era.

Furthermore, Biesse was recognised with a nominee award in the “Community Building and Social Inclusion” category, a testament to its noteworthy endeavors in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Biesse’s nomination across multiple categories, including ‘Innovation & Industry 4.0’, ‘Sustainability & Circular Economy’, and ‘Community Building & Social Inclusion’, exemplifies its comprehensive approach. The event showcased Biesse’s cutting-edge solutions for processing wood, glass, stone, and advanced materials, reaffirming its position as a beacon of Italian manufacturing excellence in India.

Sayeed Ahmed, CEO, of Biesse India, said, “Biesse has been at the forefront of offering state-of-the-art solutions to customers in multimaterials, enhancing their manufacturing processes. The recognition resonates with our values of international natives and Insightful curiosity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, clients, and supporters who have been integral to its success. This award underscores our dedication to fostering technological advancement and driving long-term growth in India’s manufacturing ecosystem.”

Italian Tech in India 2024 served as a platform to showcase a diverse range of Italian technologies in the sectors of automotive and auto-components, machinery and manufacturing, agri and food technologies, engineering, infrastructure, building and construction. Supported by Exprivia and Axis Bank, the event facilitated meaningful collaborations between Italy and India, promoting investment, innovation, and skill development. The presence of esteemed dignitaries such as His Excellency Vincenzo de Luca, Ambassador of Italy to India; Mr. Alessandro De Masi, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai; and Mr. Alessandro Giuliani, President of IICCI, underscored the significance of this event.

As part of its showcase at the event, Biesse exhibited its state-of-the-art machinery, the Rover Plast J FT 1530 machine, an entry-level solution for processing advanced materials such as ACP, acrylic, plastics, foam, rubber, and fabrics.

With a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Bengaluru, Biesse India serves as a global hub for manufacturing high-quality machines, supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative, and continually expanding its product offerings to meet customer demands. Biesse’s commitment to excellence extends beyond business operations, with a focus on promoting education, skill development, and community welfare through its corporate social responsibility initiatives in India.

Bhima Jewellers Adds 3,000 sq ft Space in its HBR Outlet Making the Total Capacity to 6,500 sq ft

17th July 2024  Bangalore, Karnataka, India  Bhima Jewellers, a renowned name in the world of jewellery, announces the capacity expansion of its store located in HBR Layout, Bangalore. The showroom, now spanning three floors with over 6,500 square feet of luxurious retail space was inaugurated by Smt. Adishree Bhat, CTO – Bhima Jewellers and Kantara fame actress Ms Sapthami Gowda. As part of the opening offer, six scooters will be gifted to Bhima customers in a lucky draw along with other exciting offers.

With a focus on meeting the evolving demands of its discerning customers, Bhima Jewellers aims to bring an exquisite variety of designs under one roof, catering to diverse preferences and occasions. From specially curated kids’ jewellery to exquisite diamonds valued at ₹1 lakh and temple designs ideal for bridal affairs, the revamped HBR store is a destination for all jewellery needs.

Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Vishnusharan Bhatt, Managing Director, Bhima Gold Pvt. Ltd. said, “Driven by an increase in demand, our decision to expand the HBR Layout store reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers. As compared to previous FY, our average ticket size per customer has increased during festive season and we have witnessed a remarkable growth in wedding-related purchases in Oct-Dec’23 as well. We have been growing 22-25% Y-O-Y- from 5 past years and all our stores are profitable. This reflects the strong affinity our customers have for our offerings. By expanding our capacity and creating a more spacious and inviting environment, we aim to provide an enhanced shopping experience for customers seeking the latest and distinct range of jewellery collections.”

This expansion follows Bhima Jewellers’ recent capacity building at its Koramangala store, which introduced a dedicated floor for silver jewellery and artefacts to cater to the growing demand for unique and contemporary designs. Since Jan’24, the brand has opened a new showroom in Hubballi in addition to the expansion of the Koramangala store.

The revamped HBR store is now open to customers, showcasing the latest trends and timeless classics in jewellery taking one on the journey of elegance and splendid craftsmanship.

Sky Park Yercaud Sets the Stage for Incredible Experiences of Adventure and Leisure

17th July 2024  Salem, Tamil Nadu, India  Sky Park at Yercaud, a unique adventure and leisure park, has emerged as a must-visit tourist attraction in this hill station town, located in the Salem District in Tamil Nadu, offering a blend of thrilling and serene experiences for a variety of interests and age groups.

Set along a sprawling 12 acres, Sky Park offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding hills. It boasts of a wide range of incredible attractions, including an aquarium tunnel, trampoline park, roller coaster zipline, glass skywalk, and many more fun activities in Yercaud. The park also features an enchanted forest/night park, interactive aviary and exotic bird park, exotic animals, sky cycling and surfing, low and high rope adventures, and landscape and topiary gardens. Its laser light show, longest canopy-lighted bridge, and mystery tunnel are among the park’s top draws.

Sky Park is coming up with Helicopter joy ride, Hot Air Balloon and nocturnal zoo, a first of its kind in south India, very soon. The park is open every day, with daytime hours from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and nighttime hours from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Whether day or night, it offers an ideal escape for those craving recreation, comfort, and leisure. For more information: www.skyparkyercaud.in / Sky Park Yercaud @ +91 86820 23101.

Sky Park Yercaud’s Aquarium Tunnel Dive provides a visual feast where neon-colored fish create a mesmerizing display. This tunnel is a kaleidoscope of glowing colors and movement, featuring an assortment of neon tetras and other brilliantly lit fish species. As visitors walk through, it feels like they are traversing a glowing underwater passage, surrounded by a living tapestry of vivid hues. This visual retreat enhances the ethereal, otherworldly experience of exploring a radiant aquatic realm.

The Sky Bounce Trampoline Park can fill the air with joy and excitement. Visitors can bounce to their heart’s content with panoramic views of Yercaud’s natural beauty forming the backdrop. This area is equipped with various trampoline zones catering to different age groups and skill levels, ensuring a safe and exhilarating experience for everyone.

Sky Park’s Roller Coaster Zipline combines the rush of a roller coaster with the thrill of ziplining. The exhilarating ride sends the visitors soaring over the landscape at breathtaking speeds while offering unique aerial views and an adrenaline boost that’s hard to match. Visitors can experience the thrill of height and transparency on the adventure park’s Glass SkyWalk, a walkway, built 100 feet above the ground, featuring a clear glass floor that provides a direct view down to the forest floor below. It’s a thrilling experience that combines the beauty of Yercaud’s landscape with a touch of adventure.

Sky Park also offers an unparalleled experience for thrill seekers and Horror enthusiasts alike. With it’s Scary house, Ilusion Tunnel, Heart-stopping VR Games, and 12D Theatre, it delivers a terrific journey into the unknown that will haunt players along even after they have removed their VR headset.

At the interactive Aviary and Exotic Bird Park, visitors can interact with a variety of bird species. This attraction offers a close-up look at the birds’ behaviors, feeding habits, and natural environments, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation. Visitors can take adventure to new heights with Sky Cycling and Surfing as they can cycle or surf through the air on specially designed tracks and lines that offer a bird’s-eye view of the park and its natural surroundings.

Sky Park Yercaud’s Low and High Rope adventures are courses that are designed for different skill levels. They provide visitors a mix of obstacles that test balance, agility, and teamwork abilities. The Landscape and Topiary Gardens at the park is where art and nature blend seamlessly. These gardens are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring artistic plant arrangements and sculptures that create a peaceful and inspiring environment for all visitors.

The Tree of Life is a spectacular installation in the park that combines artistic creativity with natural themes. This tree features over 100 animal sculptures intricately integrated into its trunk and branches, each representing different aspects of wildlife and imagination. Skypark’s museum in 150 years old heritage British Bungalow showcasing varied collections and display of antique postcards dated way back from 1850’s, travels us to the history on Yercaud.

As dusk falls, the Enchanted Forest/Night Park comes alive. This area is transformed with magical lighting, creating illuminated pathways through the woods that offer a mesmerizing night-time adventure. It’s an ideal setting for families and couples to enjoy a tranquil evening stroll under the canopy of stars. The spectacle of Sky Park Yercaud’s Laser Light Show, a dazzling display of lights and music, transforms the park atmosphere at night. Additionally, the Mystery Tunnel offers a thrilling journey of discovery, with unexpected twists and turns that engage the senses and ignite the curiosity of visitors.

The park also offers FoodCourt for food lovers seeking a diverse array of flavors and cuisines from savory street food to decadent desserts, there is something to tantalize every palate at this culinary paradise.

Commenting about the uniqueness of the park, Mr. Sridhar Muthusamy of Mettur and visionary behind Sky Park, said, “Sky Park exists to connect people with nature while providing them with exciting experiences and adventures. There’s something for everyone at Sky Park Yercaud. We have a redefined approach to tourism in Tamil Nadu. Very soon we are going to come up with Helicopter joy ride, Hot Air Balloon and nocturnal zoo, which will be a first of its kind in south India. We are excited to offer memorable experiences to our visitors. Join us for a day of adventure at our Day Park or a serene evening at our Night Park.”

Tourism Malaysia Excited to Announce New AirAsia Direct Flight Connecting Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur

17th July 2024  Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India  Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to announce the introduction of new AirAsia direct flight connecting Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital.

With this strategic expansion, AirAsia aims to strengthen the air connectivity between India and Malaysia, offering more convenient travel options for tourists and fostering closer ties between the two nations.

The new direct route is set to commence on the following date:

Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur:
May 1, 2024, with fares starting from INR 6,999/-

“We are delighted to partner with AirAsia to enhance accessibility to Malaysia for travelers from Ahmedabad,” said Noriah Jaafar, Director, of Tourism Malaysia-Mumbai. “This new direct flight underscores our commitment to promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral relations between India and Malaysia. We are confident that this flight will facilitate increased tourist arrivals, providing visitors with unforgettable experiences in our beautiful country.”

Travelers from Ahmedabad can now fly direct to Kuala Lumpur VISA FREE without having to change flights or transfers. With the introduction of these direct flights, travelers can now easily explore Malaysia’s diverse offerings, from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur to the pristine beaches of Langkawi, the cultural splendor of Penang and participating in a unique cultural attraction, historical landmarks, and culinary delight of Malaysia.

“We are excited to launch direct flight from Ahmedabad to Kuala Lumpur,” said Mr. Suresh Nair, GM, AirAsia. “This new route reflect our commitment to providing affordable and convenient travel options for our passengers. We look forward to welcoming travellers aboard our flights and showcasing the warmth and hospitality of Malaysia.”

Tourism Malaysia and AirAsia are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers, with stringent health and safety protocols. Passengers can rest assured knowing that their travel experience will be both enjoyable and secure.

For more information about these new direct flights and to plan your next Malaysian adventure, visit www.AirAsia.com or contact your preferred travel agent.

LPU’s Pro-Chancellor, Mrs. Rashmi Mittal, Conferred with Honorary Colonel Rank

17th July 2024  New Delhi, Delhi, India  The last day of April 2024 proved momentous for Lovely Professional University (LPU) when its Pro-Chancellor Mrs Rashmi Mittal was bestowed with the honorary rank of Colonel in the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Mrs Mittal is now Colonel ‘Commandant’ of the University NCC Wing also. The prestigious occasion was the ‘Pipping ceremony’ held at the Infantry Mess in New Delhi.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of Major General Rajiv Chhibber, SM, who invited Rajya Sabha Member and Founder Chancellor of LPU, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, to be part of the momentous event. Following tradition, Dr. Mittal, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Chhibber and Brigadier IS Bhalla, had the privilege of adorning the coveted insignia on Mrs. Mittal’s shoulders.

Upon her arrival at the LPU campus, Colonel & Pro-Chancellor Mrs. Rashmi Mittal was greeted with a grand welcome by hundreds of NCC students. With utmost dignity and decorum, the students presented her with a Guard of Honour, symbolizing their respect for their esteemed Commandant. The event was attended by Heads of all faculties, departments, and staff members, signifying the university’s support and pride in Mrs. Mittal’s achievement.

Expressing her gratitude, Colonel Mrs Rashmi Mittal delivered a heartfelt speech, acknowledging the immense honour bestowed upon her and the responsibilities it entails for the betterment of the country. “Wearing this beautiful uniform fills me with humility and deep gratitude for being named an honorary colonel in the Army. I cannot think of a higher honour I could have possibly received!”

Mrs. Mittal also shared her profound connection with the Army, having lived in the Jalandhar Cantonment, which provided her with firsthand insight into the everyday life of the military. She expressed admiration for the Army’s values of structure, teamwork, and goal alignment, which serve as valuable lessons for all organizations. Furthermore, she highlighted the exceptional performance of the NCC units at LPU, with cadets consistently bringing pride to the institution at the national level.

Colonel Mrs. Rashmi Mittal is an exemplary educationist, distinguished administrator, and visionary leader. Since the inception of NCC at LPU in 2012, she has been actively involved in all its activities, serving as a motivating force for cadets and addressing their concerns with unwavering dedication.