Celebrating Resilience and Passion: Jay’s Journey at Conrad Pune

In the dynamic world of hospitality, where every team member plays a pivotal role in crafting exceptional guest experiences, inclusion is a belief, a culture that celebrates the unique talents and contributions of every individual. On this World Disability Day, at Conrad Pune, this commitment shines brightly through the inspiring story of Jay, a 33-year-old employee with Down syndrome, whose inspiring journey is a reflection of how empathy and opportunity can transform lives while fostering a culture of belonging.

Building his career in the hotel’s laundry department, Jay’s role goes beyond the technicalities of his job. His favorite task, the calendar ironing machine, is something he approaches with enthusiasm and pride, yet the inclusive workplace is something that makes all the difference. Jay shares, “I love using the calendar ironing machine—it’s fun to work with and Whenever I need help, my colleagues and seniors are always there to support me. I feel grateful to work with such a helpful and supportive team”. This culture of support at Conrad Pune is done through empathy-building workshops and basic training in sign language for team members to ensure that everyone can communicate effectively and work together seamlessly.

Beyond his work, Jay is a gifted Bollywood dancer. His vibrant performances have become highlights of hotel events, with his Diwali celebration act being particularly memorable as his father proudly watched from the audience. “I’ve danced on various occasions here, and the experience is always fantastic. The last performance during Diwali was especially memorable”, Jay added.

Jay’s aspirations extend beyond his current role. Someday, he hopes to open his Indian cuisine restaurant. His journey so far has been guided by resilience, determination, and a belief that barriers can be broken with the right support. “There is nothing high or low among people—rich or poor—we shouldn’t discriminate. If anyone wants to work in a hotel, big or small, in any department, they should go ahead and do it,” shared Jay.

“At Conrad Pune, and as part of the Hilton family, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture where inclusivity and diversity are celebrated as strengths. Jay’s inspiring journey is a shining example of how empathy, opportunity, and support can unlock potential and transform lives. On this World Disability Day, we are reminded that when we create environments where every individual’s talents are recognized and valued, we not only enrich the workplace but also contribute to building more compassionate and thriving communities. At Conrad Pune, we believe that inclusion isn’t just a principle—it’s a powerful driver of growth, for our team and Hilton as a whole.” said Deepali Singhal, Director of Human Resources at Conrad Pune, in her response to the hotel’s ongoing inclusivity efforts.

At Conrad Pune, Jay’s presence has inspired reflection and growth among his peers. The hotel’s efforts to build an inclusive workplace, through thoughtful initiatives like empathy workshops, highlight the importance of creating spaces where everyone can contribute meaningfully.

Jay’s story reminds us of the value of inclusion – not just for those given opportunities, but for everyone involved. It’s a narrative of mutual respect, understanding, and the undeniable strength of diversity in building thriving, compassionate communities.

Relaxation, Family Travel, and Exploring New Destinations to Define Travel Next Year – Agoda Shares Seven Travel Trends for 2025

New Delhi, 3 December 2024 – Digital travel platform Agoda has unveiled its 2025 Travel Trends survey, highlighting the key factors set to shape the travel landscape in Asia in the coming year. The survey reveals a strong focus on relaxation, family-oriented trips, and the excitement of discovering new destinations as primary motivations for travellers.

Agoda’s findings indicate that travellers are prioritizing quality time with loved ones and seeking respite from daily routines. The survey also underscores the growing interest in exploring uncharted territories. Noteworthy is the popularity of theme parks, with one in eight respondents expecting to go on a trip to visit one.

Ittai Chorev, Chief Product Officer at Agoda, said, “At Agoda, we love seeing how travellers are planning their adventures for 2025. Whether it’s unwinding with family or exploring new places, we’re here to make every traveller’s dream trip memorable and are ready to help them every step of the way.”

Seven key insights from Agoda’s 2025 Travel Trends survey:

• The more the merrier: Traveling with family tops the list

For many travellers, family time equals quality time. More than a third of travellers (34%) plan to travel with family in 2025. Indonesians are the most fervent family travellers of all, with no less than 58% expecting to go on a multi-generational trip with loved ones. Indians follow closely with 30% opting for family trips. This trend is followed by couples (23%), and solo travellers (19%) in terms of most popular travel groupings across Asian travellers.

• Easy does it: Relaxation is the top travel motivation, by far

Escaping from the hustle and bustle of daily life is by far the most important reason to travel, according to the survey. 75% of respondents cited relaxation as their most important travel motivation. For Indians, this is the leading travel motivation with 80% of the respondents expressing their desire for relaxation when on vacation. Regionally, visiting family and friends follows in second (38%), with cultural exploration in third (35%).

• Computer says ‘yes’: Tech assisting in travel planning

Technology is playing a pivotal role in shaping travel plans. A substantial majority of travellers (80%) plan to use travel apps, while about one in eight (12%) are interested in virtual reality tours. Indian travellers appear to be most tech-savvy, with nine out of ten respondents claiming the use of travel apps when booking a trip.

• Travel For Less: Journey more, spend smart

Budget considerations remain a key factor, with a significant portion of travellers (65%) planning to spend less than $250 (INR 21,073) per night on accommodation. 70% of Indian travellers consider budget availability to be the most important factor when planning a trip. But price is not a barrier to international travel – 87% of travellers expect to take the same number of trips or more compared to 2024, with most of those journeys crossing borders (52%).

• In and Out of Office: Traveling on and off the clock

In addition to traditional business trips, which 28% of respondents expect to embark on, the survey also picked up on the emergence of digital nomads, borderless workers who work remotely. 1 in 25 expects to work remotely in 2025, with a focus on combining work and leisure, as more companies adopt flexible work arrangements. Most prospective digital nomads in the region are from the Philippines, where one in fourteen travellers expect to work while traveling.

• Inspiration: Many ways to discover new destinations

There’s nothing quite as exciting as exploring a place for the very first time. 84% of travellers expect to visit new destinations in 2025. Travel inspiration can come from many sources including personal interests and hobbies (71%), great value deals (56%), and recommendations from friends and family (33%). One in five (20%) gets their travel inspiration from social media. 28% of Indians consider loyalty programs and value deals an important factor when planning trips. This trend is reflective of the growing collaboration between banks, credit card companies, and travel platforms to offer better deals in the Indian market seen this year. Agoda also brings exclusive deals to customers of ICICI Bank, IDFC, HSBC, and Bank of Baroda, making travel more rewarding than ever.

• Life is a rollercoaster: Theme Parks are a reason to travel

Asia’s many theme parks – Disney in Tokyo, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, Lotte World in Seoul, Universal in Osaka and Singapore, Ferrari World in Abu Dabhi, to name a few – are a major draw for year-round tourism. Over one in eight travellers (13%) expect to travel specifically to visit a theme park in 2025.  The UAE and Singapore are among the most popular destinations for Indians seeking thrilling theme park experiences. With attractions like rollercoasters and amusement rides, these destinations have captured the interest of Indian travellers, with over one in twenty planning trips specifically for theme park adventures.

Agoda’s offerings, including over 4.5 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, provide travellers with the flexibility to tailor their trips to their unique interests and preferences. For more information and to take advantage of the latest deals, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda app.

GoMechanic Launches Top Assist to Close India’s Roadside Assistance Gap

New Delhi, 3rd December 2024 – Breakdowns happen when you least expect them. For Indian drivers, roadside emergencies often lead to frustrating delays, vulnerability, and anxiety. Recognizing the need for better support, GoMechanic, India’s leading car service and repair platform, proudly introduces ‘Top Assist’, a 24×7 nationwide roadside assistance service.

With affordable pricing, seamless coverage, and rapid response times, Top Assist aims to bridge the gap in emergency support for drivers across the country.

A study by the International Road Federation revealed that 60% of Indian drivers rank quick response times as their top priority during emergencies. Yet, most existing services—often priced above ₹3,000 annually—fail to deliver on this need. Drivers frequently face long wait times, especially on highways and in rural areas, leaving them stranded and anxious.

“The roads have changed, but the support drivers rely on hasn’t,” said Himanshu, co-founder of GoMechanic. “Breakdowns aren’t just about inconvenience—they leave drivers stranded and uncertain. Top Assist ensures that help is no longer a question mark. It’s there when you need it, every time.”

India’s roads see over 230 million vehicles annually, with countless drivers encountering challenges like flat tires, breakdowns, and other emergencies. GoMechanic’s Top Assist is set to revolutionize roadside assistance with its comprehensive, nationwide reach. Covering more than 3,000 cities and 20,000 pin codes, it ensures that help is available anywhere, from bustling metros to remote highways.

During its soft launch, Top Assist garnered an overwhelming response, with over 1 lakh drivers subscribing, highlighting the immense demand for a reliable and affordable roadside assistance solution. At an introductory price of just Rs. 99, the service reflects GoMechanic’s vision of making essential support accessible to all drivers, regardless of location.

“Roadside emergencies shouldn’t leave anyone feeling stranded or helpless,” said Muskan Kakkar, Co-founder of GoMechanic. “Top Assist isn’t just a service—it’s a promise to ensure that every driver has dependable help, anywhere and anytime they need it.”

INDIA subscribes to DOR – India’s first Subscription TV service gets SOLD-OUT on day 1

New Delhi, 3^rd December, 2024 – Dale Carnegie India hosted its Expert Forum 2024, bringing together HR leaders and industry experts to address workplace perception gaps and foster organizational collaboration. The virtual forum, themed “One Vision, One Team: How to Bridge Perception Gaps Across Roles,” explored strategies for creating aligned, high-performing workplace cultures.

Dr. Robert A. Coleman, Director of Research & Thought Leadership at Dale Carnegie & Associates, opened the forum by presenting the latest white paper “Bridging the Gap – Aligning Workplace Perceptions Across Organizational Levels.” The research highlighted critical misalignments between leadership, middle management, and employees, offering actionable solutions for enhanced communication and trust.

The forum featured an expert panel moderated by Dr. Coleman, with distinguished speakers:

• Pallavi Jha, Chairperson & Managing Director, Dale Carnegie India & Walchand PeopleFirst
• Sanjay Jha, Executive Director, Dale Carnegie India
• Noha El Daly, Global Vice President, Managed Services & Global Accounts, Dale Carnegie & Associates

The discussions sparked insightful contributions from attending HR leaders. Usha TK, AVP & Head HR at Borderless Access, emphasized how the sense of big picture varies across teams: “In highly collaborative environments, each team’s experiences and perspectives are distinct, yet interdependent.”

Jehangir Ardeshir, President and MD of TIPL at Terex, addressed the critical role of leadership authenticity: “Employees are perceptive. They observe whether leaders are institution builders or merely transactional. This perception, along with the authenticity of leaders’ values, shapes organizational behavior.” He also highlighted the delicate balance needed in organizational dynamics, adding that “Both friction and collaboration bring value. The challenge lies in managing the balance between the two.”

Emmanuel Gosula, Senior Manager – Talent Development at EPAM, raised an intriguing perspective on alignment: “With 20% of people contributing to 80% of the work, is it necessary for everyone to be on the same page? The key is to align critical contributors while enabling broader collaboration.”

The panel moderators enriched the discussion with their expertise. Sanjay Jha emphasized the importance of leadership responsibility: “Senior leadership must introspect and evaluate whether they are actively fostering inclusivity within the organization. Leadership is not just about strategy—it’s about building a culture where every voice is valued.”

Pallavi Jha highlighted the universal nature of organizational challenges: “Across the globe, employees face many similar issues. Organizations function like communication pyramids, with each individual viewing situations through their unique lens. The goal is to bridge these perspectives and foster mutual understanding.”

Noha El Daly addressed the fundamental question of alignment: “Sometimes it’s essential to question: What does being on the same page mean, and why should people align? Defining alignment is the first step toward achieving it.”

The dimension of workplace perceptions emerged as a key theme, with Krishnamurthy B, Manager – Talent Management & Development at Fosroc India, noting: “Employees from different geographies bring unique experiences and perspectives to the table. Recognizing and valuing this diversity is crucial for building cohesive teams.”

Key Actions for Alignment: The forum identified essential strategies for achieving organizational alignment. These include strengthening communication channels, ensuring individual contributors clearly understand company goals, and having leaders proactively explain how each role fits into the bigger picture. The importance of providing career advancement opportunities for managers was also emphasized.

Dr. Coleman highlighted key drivers of alignment: “Creating a sense of pride in the workplace and maintaining employee engagement emerged as crucial factors. When combined with targeted communication efforts and clear career pathways, these elements form the foundation for sustained organizational alignment.”

Impact and Future Direction: The forum provided actionable insights from Dale Carnegie’s research, emphasizing methods to foster trust, improve communication, and create unified cultures. ” As the forum concluded, Pallavi Jha, Chairperson & Managing Director of Dale Carnegie India, left attendees with an inspiring message about the importance of growth, shared goals, and the power of belief in achieving organizational success. She emphasized that aligning individual aspirations with organizational objectives starts with a foundation of open communication.

“Growth is not just about numbers; it’s about creating environments where people thrive, align with shared goals, and feel valued for their contributions. Believing in your team and fostering mutual trust are fundamental to achieving this alignment,” she said. “Communication is the cornerstone of any successful organization. When leaders actively listen and foster dialogue, it bridges perception gaps, builds trust, and empowers teams to perform at their best.”

Novotel Goa Candolim Hosts Joyful Journeys: An Event Full of Smiles and Strength

Goa ,December 03, 2024 – Novotel Goa Candolim opened its doors to a heartwarming event titled “Joyful Journeys: A Day of Smiles and Strength” recently. This initiative aimed to bring joy and support to children battling cancer, providing them with a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Social Work Program at D. D. Kosambi School of Social Sciences & Behavioral Studies, Goa University, and the Oncology Department of Goa Medical College. Approximately 35 kids who were undergoing tough medical conditions and receiving treatment from Goa Medical College, along with their parents, doctors, and professors from Goa University, were part of this special event.

From 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the hotel transformed into a hub of happiness as it welcomed these families for a series of engaging activities including games, performances and interactive activities. Novotel Goa Candolim as the Entertainment and Food & Beverage partner for the event ensured every child had a special day with the choicest of activities and fun.

Sachin Maheshwary, General Manager, Novotel Goa Candolim, expressed his thoughts on the hotel’s participation in this meaningful event, “We believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Hosting Joyful Journeys not only allowed us to support these courageous children but also enriched our team’s spirit and strengthened our connection with the local community. It’s a reminder that our purpose extends beyond hospitality; it’s about making a positive impact in the lives of those around us.”

As the event concluded, participants left with smiles on their faces and hearts full of hope, embodying the spirit of togetherness that defines Joyful Journeys. The day was not just about fun; it was about celebrating courage and resilience among young fighters.