HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE by DDP Publications

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2017 Vol: 1 Issue 05 Pages 48 `20 RNI: DELENG/2017/73247

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SIHRA NewsA BI-MONTHLY ON HOSPITALITY TRADE HOSPITALITY MAGAZINE By DDP Publications

LOOKING BACK AT 2017

ABOUT SIHRA AND

SOUTH INDIA HOTELS RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION

outh India Hotels and trade association- Restaurants Association Federation of Hotel & S(SIHRA) was incorporated Restaurant Associations of in 1951 with an objective India (FHRAI), which presently to encourage, promote and has a pan-India membership protect the interests of member of around 4000. establishments. It has been rendering professional It takes up the causes of its advice and assistance from members with various state time-to-time to all its members, governments as well as with on topics of vital importance. other bodies, and acts as the ofﬁcial spokesperson of the SIHRA,now more than six hospitality industry in South decades old,is a pre-eminent India. It also acts as an trade association for the advisory body to the state hospitality industry in Southern governments in South India India, comprising the states of towards formulating their Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, respective tourism policies. Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and the Union Territory The association regularly of Puducherry. conducts professional development programmes It has over 1,200 hotel and and workshops to enhance restaurant members from the existing professional the smallest stand-alone knowledge and productivity restaurants to the largest skills of the staff to enable ﬁve-star deluxe hotels. SIHRA them to keep pace with constitutes the southern region rapid developments in the of the country’s apex hospitality hospitality industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: SOUTH INDIA HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION Ofﬁce No 3, 6th Floor, Seethakathi Business Center, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600006 Tel: 91-44-28297510, 28297512 Email : [email protected]

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 3 18 November - December 2017 CONTENTS 16 Awaiting a promising 2018 K Syama Raju, President, SIHRA, talks about the year that is soon coming to an end and his vision for 2018.

18 Progressing into 2018 Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, on the company’s performance in 2017 and its expanding footprint across geographies.

20 A thriving market for luxury hotels Rupam Dutta, General Manager, Feathers - A Radha Hotel, Chennai, on the flourishing hospitality industry in South India and the position of luxury hotels in this space.

22 Anticipating a year of positives 20 A look at the industry’s performance in the months gone by and how the challenges of 2017 will shape the industry in 2018.

28 To merge or not to merge? Industry experts on the trend of mergers in the industry and how stand-alone companies can continue to succeed in a dynamic environment.

Cover Image The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts

PUBLISHER MARKETING & SALES - DELHI MARKETING & SALES- MUMBAI Devika Jeet - [email protected] Harshal Ashar - [email protected] Gunjan Sabikhi - [email protected] 54 General Manager (+919619499170) MANAGING EDITOR Assistant Vice President (+919650399905) Peden Doma Bhutia - [email protected] Priyanshu Wankhade - [email protected] Seema Joshi - [email protected] Manager Advertising (+919619499170) CORRESPONDENT Manager Advertising (+919650196517) Anupriya Bishnoi - [email protected] Marketing & Sales- South Manish Singh - [email protected] Shradha Kapoor - [email protected] ASSISTANT EDITORS Assistant Manager +91 9650196520 Assistant Manager (+918179792492) Jessy Iype - [email protected] PRODUCTION MANAGER Tripti Mehta - [email protected] Dinesh Sharma Anil Kharbanda Business Associate +91 9810264368 DESIGN ADVERTISEMENT DESIGNERS Yogendra Baghel Jaspreet Kaur - [email protected] Vikas Mandotia Sales Coordinator (+919650196532) Nitin Kumar

4 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 22

30 Building naturally Mathan Ramaiah, Design Director, FHD Group, on his inspirations and style that deﬁne some of the prominent hotels in South India. 28

32 'HFLGLQJRQDÀQDQFLQJPRGHOIRU\RXUKRWHO Deliberations by eminent spokespersons on what a company must look at to arrive at a decision while choosing a financing model. 30

SIHRA All information in the SIHRA News advice before acting on information reproducing material either in part or Office No 3, 6th Floor, Seethakathi Business Center, Anna Salai, is derived from sources, which we contained in this publication which is in whole, without permission could Chennai - 600006 consider reliable and a sincere effort is provided for general use, and may not be face legal action. The publisher assumes Tel: 91-44-28297510, 28297512 made to report accurate information. It appropriate for the readers’ particular no responsibility for returning any Email: [email protected] is passed on to our readers without any circumstances. material solicited or unsolicited nor responsibility on our part. The publisher Contents of this publication are is he responsible for material lost or SIHRA News is printed, published and edited by regrets that he cannot accept liability copyright. damaged. Devika Jeet on behalf of South India Hotels and Restaurants for errors and omissions contained No part of SIHRA News or any This publication is not meant to be an Association and printed at Modest Print Pack Pvt. Ltd., in this publication, however caused. part of the contents thereof may be HQGRUVHPHQWRIDQ\VSHFLÀFSURGXFWRU C-52, DDA Sheds, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase - I, Similarly, opinions/views expressed reproduced, stored in retrieval system services offered. New Delhi - 110020 and published at 72, Todarmal Road, by third parties in abstract and/or in or transmitted in any form without the The publisher reserves the right to New Delhi - 110 001 interviews are not necessarily shared permission of the publication in writing. refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise by SIHRA News or DDP. However, we The same rule applies when there is a deal with all advertisements without Email: [email protected] wish to advice our readers that one or copyright or the article is taken from explanation. All advertisements must Tel : 91-11-23344179 more recognised authorities may hold another publication. An exemption is comply with the Indian and International different views than those reported. hereby granted for the extracts used Advertisements Code. The publisher This issue of SIHRA News contains 44+4 pages cover Material used in this publication is for the purpose of fair review, provided will not be liable for any damage or loss intended for information purpose only. two copies of the same publication are caused by delayed publication, error or 5HDGHUV DUH DGYLVHG WR VHHN VSHFLÀF sent to us for our records. Publications failure of an advertisement to appear.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 5 President's Message

K. Syama Raju President SIHRA

3TPaUT[[^f\T\QTab his year has been challenging for the hospitality potential to be a world leader in tourism and hospitality. industry vis-à-vis demonetisation, liquor ban, GST, Gurudev Ji is our greatest ambassador both within the etc. Though the government did resort to ways to country and abroad. We were also honoured by the Tfare well economically, the damage was noticeable. presence of the delegation from Bhutan and Nepal and The industry has picked up finally and next year looks that memorandums of understanding had been signed great. The members of the Executive Committee will work with both countries. towards the progress of SIHRA as they did in 2017. The annual FHRAI convention is a tradition that has My initiative to take the EC meeting to each state or been followed for the last several years. It is a platform member through partnerships with the state-level and for members from across the country to come together, district-level associations has been very successful. experience fellowship, partake in regional culture Interactive meetings with the local members build and entertainment, and share knowledge. The event awareness of the aims and objectives of the association saw a record number of more than 800 delegates and enable discussions on local problems and possible comprising distinguished dignitaries from the central solutions. SIHRA’s role has remained pivotal in addressing and state governments, industry stalwarts, accomplished some of the major issues affecting our industry. entrepreneurs, iconic thought leaders, influential global experts, and eminent representatives from civil society It was my privilege as the President of FHRAI and SIHRA from within the country and abroad. to host the prestigious 52nd FHRAI Annual Convention at Bengaluru. A meeting with the Chief Minister in Hubli at the Annual Congress of the Karnataka Pradesh Hotel and Restaurant Association and his spontaneous The industry has picked up finally and encouragement by offering his support to host the event next year looks great. The members at Bengaluru ensured the convention returning to The of the Executive Committee will work Garden City after more than two and a half decades. towards the progress of SIHRA as they Government of Karnataka has recognised the tourism did in 2017 sector as one of its key sectors driving the country’s economic growth. Karnataka is ranked fourth in preferred destinations among domestic tourists and third in We hope that 2018 is a year of progress for the hospitality preferred destinations for investment in this sector. industry. We will work towards the advancement of both Tourism builds harmony and uplifts the society the association and the industry and hope to overcome by promoting national and international co-operation successfully any challenges that may come our way. known for mediating one-to-one contacts for building a stable society. With kind regards, K. Syama Raju We were also fortunate to have had the blessings of President Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Ji on this event that ensured all success and glory. He made the world recognise India’s SIHRA

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EC Members - SIHRA Name Designation MP Purushothaman President of Honour K Syama Raju President K Murali Rao Vice President Suresh Pillai Vice President K Nagaraju Vice President DVS Somaraju Vice President T Nataraajan Hony. Secretary M Chakravarthy Hony. Treasurer Suresh R Madhok Member R Srinivasan Member (SIHRA Committee Members, L-R) Balakrishna Reddy, EC Member; Jose Pradeep, EC Member; BD Prabhushankar, EC Member; DVS Somaraju, Vice President; SK Hari Arumugam, EC Member; K Ravi, EC Member; Suresh M. Pillai, D Srinivasan Member Vice President; T. Nataraajan, Hony. Secretary; K. Syama Raju, President; K. Murali Rao, Vice President; D. Srinivasan, K Ravi Member EC Member; M. Venkadasubbu, EC Member; Suresh R. Madhok, EC Member; P. Venkataramana Babu, EC Member; P Venkataramana Babu Member R. Rangachari, Advisor and Elina Maller, Secretary General. S Basavaraj Member M Venkadasubbu Member K. Syama Raju re-elected as President PCM Santhanam Member at SIHRA’s 66th AGM SK Hari Arumugam Member At the 66th Annual General Meeting of SIHRA that was held on September 22, 2017, BD Prabhushankar Member at Feathers (A Radha Hotel), Chennai, K. Syama Raju was re-elected as President of M Balakrishna Reddy Member K Mohanchandran Member the regional association. T. Nataraajan, CEO, GRT Hotels and Resorts, was re-elected Jose Pradeep Member as Honorary Secretary and K. Murali Rao, Managing Director, New Woodlands Hotel, Chennai, was re-elected as Vice President for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Other Executive Committee members who were re-elected include Dr. M Venkadasubbu (Darling Residency, R Prabakar Special Invitee Vellore); D Srinivasan (Annapoorana Group of Hotels, Coimbatore); M Balakrishna Reddy M Rajendra Special Invitee (Bliss Hotel, Tirupati); BD Prabhushankar (Ashraya International Hotel, Bengaluru). Ail Chadha Co-opted EC Member

Berggruen Hotels adds new Keys in Port Blair and Ramgarh Berggruen Hotels has added new hotels in Port Blair and Ramgarh (Uttarakhand). This expansion is in line with the brand’s commitment to grow its portfolio in India, following a recent add-on commitment of $30 million. The venture has been internally funded by Berggruen Holdings. The property in Port Blair, Keys Hotel Aqua Green, has 48 Fairfield by Marriott opens in Coimbatore with rooms and suites. It also houses indoor banquet and conference 126 guest rooms facilities that can cater to Marriott International has announced the opening of its brand new Fairfield by Marriott hotel in Coimbatore around 250 guests. The second offering 126 guest rooms. Neeraj Govil, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, says, property, Keys Prima Aamari “We believe the market is ideal for Fairfield, which is a brand that enables purpose-driven travel and delivers Resorts that is located in optimised value at a great price. As Marriott further expands its brand portfolio across the growing Tier-II Ramgarh, is spread across markets in India, we definitely see great potential and an opportunity for Fairfield by Marriott becoming a 72 acres and has 22 favourite with the business and leisure travellers in the city.” Located just minutes away from Coimbatore’s executive rooms and international airport, the hotel offers guest comforts that are true to the Fairfield brand. three executive suites.

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Hotel Bliss bags national and state tourism awards Hotel Bliss, Tirupati, has received the National Tourism Award for ‘Best hotel in the country’ in the 3-star category at the ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, on September 27, 2017. Commemorating World Tourism Day, Ministry of Tourism had organised National Tourism Awards to recognise and acknowledge the valuable contribution made by the travel and hospitality industry to the betterment of the country and placing it on the world map of travel and tourism. President of India Ram Nath Kovind graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave away awards in various categories. KJ Alphons, Minister of State (I/C) for Tourism, Government of India, presided over the function. Rashmi Verma, Tourism Secretary, welcomed the dignitaries and guests including tourism ministers of states and state government ofﬁcials, members from the travel and hospitality sector, leading hoteliers, travel agents, and tour operators. Hotel Bliss, Tirupati, also bagged the ‘Award for Excellence – 2017’ for best hotel in the 3-star category by AP Tourism, on September 27, 2017, at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam. Some eminent personalities present at the award ceremony were Bhuma Akhila Priya, Minister of Tourism; Ganta Srinivasa Rao, Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of Andhra Pradesh and Kambhampati Hari Babu, Member of Parliament of Vizag.

ibis debuts in Coimbatore with 129 rooms The opening of ibis Coimbatore City Centre marks the debut of the hotel brand in the city of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The business hotel is strategically located in the city’s central business district at Lakshmi Mills Junction, within close proximity of local tourist attractions and shopping hubs. A modern retreat for business travellers, ibis Coimbatore City Centre’s 129 well-appointed rooms offer guests a unique blend of modernity and comfort. “The thriving, centuries-old city of Coimbatore is renowned as a bustling metropolis with a rich heritage. The city is fast emerging as a growing business hub for textiles, industries, commerce, education, information technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. This is our ﬁrst ibis in the city, third in the state, and 16th in the country. The opening of this hotel caters to the growing needs of business as well as leisure travellers in the region,” says Pierre-Etienne de Montgrand, Director of Operations - ibis & ibis Styles India, AccorHotels.

With OYO, Yatra expands to over 70,000 hotels in India Yatra.com has announced its partnership with OYO. This partnership brings OYO’s inventory for the ﬁrst time onto a leading online travel agent platform. With this association, Yatra’s total hotel inventory will further expand to over 70,000 hotels in India, well ahead of its peers, adding momentum to its rapidly growing footprint, especially in the budget hotel category. Yatra will now offer its customers an unparalleled pool of accommodation options to choose from. Travellers can book OYO hotels on Yatra’s platform, make changes to their reservations, and reach out to Yatra’s customer service if required. Yatra continues to expand its reach in Tier-II and III markets in India, and this partnership with OYO will further strengthen its position in these markets. “We, as a company, are focused on being innovative and providing a differentiated experience to our customers. Our partnership with OYO is a ﬁrm step in that direction and enables us to deliver a unique proposition to our customers, allowing them to choose from an unmatched variety of travel and accommodation options in India,” says Dhruv Shringi, Co-founder and CEO, Yatra.com.

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Fairfield by Marriott adds property in Visakhapatnam Marriott International has announced the opening of Fairfield by Marriott Visakhapatnam. It is the latest addition to the brand’s footprint in South Asia, with four hotels in India currently open. The property offers 121 spacious rooms designed with modern comforts. The business centre and meeting rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities and all public areas and guest rooms have high-speed Wi-Fi. Fairfield by Marriott Visakhapatnam is located in the heart of Visakhapatnam city, close to all the popular attractions. It is also just two kilometres away from the city’s international airport. “We are excited to open our fifth Fairfield by Marriott in India and are confident in delivering a seamless hotel experience at great value,” says Neeraj Govil, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.

HPMF's hospitality with humility Hospitality Purchasing Managers’ Forum strongly believes in extending a helping hand and being responsible. With the forum extending its wings to the city of Hyderabad, members of the chapter got a chance to visit the 140-year-old ‘Little Sisters of the Poor’ old age home located in BBhoiguda, Secunderabad, oon October 15, 2017. TThe members donated bbed sheets, chemicals for ccleaning, rice bags, milk Andhra Pradesh powder,p etc. "It gives us declared best state ggreat pleasure for being ssocially responsible. Helping at National Tourism less-fortunatel parents and Awards 2015-16 bbringing a smile on their Andhra Pradesh was declared the best fface gives us immense state for comprehensive development of satisfaction,"s said tourism at National Tourism Awards 2015- JJwala Srinivas, who is 2016 held on September 27, 2017, in New lleading the team of the Delhi. At the event, President Ram Nath Kovindind launched the ‘Incredible HHyderabad chapter. India 2.0 Campaign’; ‘Adopt A Heritage’ project andd new IIncredible dibl IIndia di website. b i ‘I‘Incredible dibl IIndia di 22.0 0 Campaign’ marks a shift from the present generic promotions being undertaken across the world, to HPMF also plans to join market speciﬁc promotional plans and product speciﬁc creatives, with greater focus on digital presence hands with the Hospitality and social media. ‘Adopt A Heritage’ plans to entrust heritage sites to the public sector and private IT Professionals Forum to sector companies and individuals for the development of tourist amenities. They will become ‘Monument jointly serve the society in Mitras’ and adopt the sites. The Incredible India website is an advanced version of the website with the best possible way. more useful features.

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ITC Kohinoor, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad to open on December 1, 2018 Captivating traditional culture and layered history blending seamlessly into the energetic capital of the southern Indian state of Telangana, ITC Kohinoor, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad will be opening on December 1, 2018. The property has a number of elegant spaces that provide ideal settings for any occasion. The hotel features three 1000-sqm meeting rooms as well as a 1500 sqm grand ballroom. Once open, the hotel will have 290 rooms that will cater to a diverse section of travellers to The City of Nizams.

Lords Hotels & Resorts Treebo launches ‘InstaConnect announces 27th WiFi’ for guests Treebo Hotels has announced the launch of ‘InstaConnect WiFi’, hotel property a technology feature that would allow guests to automatically th Lords Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of its 27 hotel connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network at over 50 Treebo properties. property in Bengaluru. Located on Mysuru Road, the 53-room InstaConnect WiFi is an innovative solution that solves an industry- property is branded under Lords Eco Inn and is Lords Hotels & wide problem and its launch makes Treebo the first and only Indian Resorts’ second property in the metropolis. The launch of this hotel chain to offer such a service to its guests. It will soon be property brings the hotel chain’s target of expanding to 40 launched across its portfolio of 300 Treebo hotels. Often, the guest properties by 2020, one step closer. The hotel chain has announced ends up spending a lot of time post check-in, figuring out how its ambition to increase presence in the southern states of India and to connect to the hotel’s Wi-Fi network. This includes calling the has hinted at upcoming projects in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra reception to get the password, finding the right network from the Pradesh, besides Karnataka. long list that typically appears, and keying in the password which often takes multiple attempts, leading to delay and poor experience “Our aspiration is to offer a memorable experience to our guests. in most cases. Treebo’s InstaConnect WiFi addresses this concern Lords Eco Inn Mysuru Road is a mid-market segment hotel that will by allowing guests who have made the booking or checked-in to a offer guests value for money Treebo using a valid phone number to automatically connect their with economical tariffs, and device as soon as they arrive at the hotel. services and amenities that meet their expectations. We have maintained consistency Royal Orchid Hotels to in the quality of services and stays across all our hotel represent Bespoke Hotels properties, irrespective of in India which region they operate Royal Orchid Hotels has reached an agreement to represent in. This has helped us build Bespoke Hotels in India. With this strategic partnership, Bespoke credibility and gain loyalty and Royal Orchid shall work together to enhance each other’s from our patrons. With this revenue and brand presence in their respective market. Royal hotel, we intend to entrench Orchid now has the ability to offer its guests hundreds of hotel our brand further in the options across multiple global markets. Bespoke, in turn, shall region,” says Rishi Puri, promote this new partnership in the Indian subcontinent to its Vice President, Lords Hotels guests. Chander Baljee, Founder, Royal Orchid Hotels, says, and Resorts. “We are looking forward to growing and reinforcing the standing of both brands in the future.”

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Vision

AWAITING A PROMISING 2018

As the year comes to an end, K. Syama Raju, President, SIHRA, shares his vision for the coming year and how 2017 fared for the association.

A BENEFICIAL 2016-17 and possible solutions. The Coimbatore and the second The financial results for 2016-17 membership continues to grow one at Bengaluru with nearly for the association once again year-on-year and will remain a 100 participants attending the bear testimony to the faith prime focus. programme. It was SIHRA’s and support extended by the privilege to host the 52nd FHRAI members over the years and AN IDEAL PLATFORM FOR Annual Convention in Bengaluru the sincere effort put in by PROMOTION between September 14 and the members of the Executive The association also partnered 16, 2017. The convention saw Committee. At SIHRA, we will with travel and tourism fairs to a record number of registered focus on the development and provide members a platform to delegates from across the four growth of tourism in Tier-II and promote their product or service regions, the highest over the last III cities by working with all the to a broader group that may few conventions. departments of tourism to build have little or no knowledge of infrastructure and facilities. Only these products and services. We are grateful to Chief a registered and recognised The unique initiative taken by Minister Siddaramaiah for his body like SIHRA can provide the association to partner with full support. We were also this platform and forum for the these fairs was a resounding fortunate to have had the industry. My initiative to take success. SIHRA worked closely blessings of Gurudev Sri Sri the EC meeting to each state with TTM 2017, the first ever Ravi Shankar Ji on this event through partnerships with the travel trade mart in Tamil that ensured all success and regional-level associations Nadu. It has also registered glory. It was also our privilege has been very successful. itself as a training partner and honour to have the support Interactive meetings with the with FSSAI to impart training of Department of Tourism, local members build awareness for food safety supervisors. Government of India, as well of the aims and objectives of The association organised two as many state governments the association and enable FSSAI Master Trainer Certified including that of Odisha and discussions of local issues training programmes, one in other southern states.

16 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Vision

PROVIDING SOLUTIONS the country’s potential in the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) It was possible to resolve the tourism industry and has taken in India increased 19.5 per cent problem of ban of sale of liquor several steps to make India a year-on-year. FTAs on e-Tourist within 500 metres of national global tourism hub. Visa increased 55.3 per cent and state highways. A struggle year-on-year to 68,000 in May of over six months to resolve • Tourism in India of 2017. India is expected to the problem through a court of accounts for 9.6 per move up five spots to be ranked law has provided huge relief for cent of the GDP and is among the top five business the hotel and tourism industry. the third largest foreign travel markets globallygyy, by 2030, This was a major achievement exchange earner for as business travelavel sspendingpending in for SIHRA. the country. the country is expectedexpected to treble • The tourism and until 2030. Internationalternational hhotelotel Through FHRAI, SIHRA hospitality sector’s chains are likelyely to increase their submitted a plea on the lower direct contribution to expansion andd investment plansplans floor rate of GST, especially GDP in 2016-17 was in India, and aarere expecteexpectedd to because of the negative impact $71.53 billion. The direct account for 500 perper cent share in it may have on the industry in contribution of travel the Indian hospitalityspitality industry the southern states. We are and tourism to GDP by 2022. committed to our members and is expected to reach will continue to work for them. $147.96 billion by 2027. THE ROAD AAHEADHEAD India’s travel aandnd tourism CONTRIBUTING TO A Source: World Travel industry has hugehuge growth and Tourism Council’s BETTER INDIA Economic Impact 2017 potential. The tourism It is a well-known fact that the industry is alsoo lookinglooking Indian tourism and hospitality forward to thee industry has emerged as one India’s rising middle class and expansion of thethe of the key drivers of growth increasing disposable incomes e-Visa scheme,e, among the service sectors have continued to support expected to in India. Tourism is also a the growth of domestic and double the touristurist potentially large employment outbound tourism. Domestic inflow to India.a. generator besides being a Tourist Visits (DTVs) to the International hotelhotel significant source of foreign states and union territories grew chains have plansplans exchange for the country. The by 15.5 per cent year-on-year. to increase theireir Indian government has realised As per Ministry of Tourism, properties in India.India.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals in India increased 19.5 per cent year-on-year. FTAs on e-Tourist Visa increased 55.3 per cent year-on-year to 68,000 in May of 2017

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 17 Interview

Progressing into 2018

Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, talks about the company’s performance in 2017 and what the future holds for Sarovar’s footprint in India and abroad.

IF YOU HAD TO SUM Mahipalpur (New Delhi). We aim of these changes. We have UP 2017, HOW WOULD to expand rapidly with signing been a part of similar progress YOU DESCRIBE IT IN of new hotels in Jhansi, Raipur, and we expect a bigger and TERMS OF SAROVAR’S Bengaluru, and Dibrugarh positive impact from this. To stay BUSINESS AND THAT OF (Assam). Our overseas portfolio, competitive in a mega brand THE INDUSTRY? too, has been strengthened. Our and OTA-driven world, it is now It was a turnaround year. budget brand, Hometel, made a matter of personalised vs Room rates strengthened its global debut with the signing one-size-ﬁts-all notion. Another and the number of tourists of Tetezi Hometel in Nairobi, disruptive force that is going increased. Domestic travellers expected to open next year. to have a major impact is the led demand and we hope this rise of innovative technology trend continues. GOING INTO 2018, and digital customer service. WHAT DO YOU Increasingly, travellers are We opened our ﬂagship IDENTIFY AS THE turning to digital platforms hotel in Nairobi, The BIGGEST CHALLENGE to plan trips, make bookings, Lazizi Premiere, located FOR THE INDIAN and share experiences. An at the Jomo Kenyatta HOSPITALITY increasing number of tasks International Airport. INDUSTRY? in the hospitality business This is the largest In recent years, we have seen will be taking place digitally. airport hotel to be many consolidations among Additionally, the rise of sharing opened in Kenya. Closer hotel companies and online economies and the alternate or home, we opened hotels travel agents. Going into 2018, informal accommodation sector in Ranchi, Amritsar, and we’ll start to see the full impact is bringing in new trends.

18 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Interview

ARE MERGERS THE FUTURE OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY? The industry's shift from owning properties to managing them has created the need for greater global reach. Mergers are one of the best vehicles for growth and size is the best way to compete in an increasingly globalised hospitality sector. With a bigger scale, you get better brand recognition, expanded loyalty programmes, and bigger marketing budgets as well. An acquisition can be the fastest way for a hotel company to ﬁll the gap.

PLEASE ELABORATE ON SAROVAR’S PERFORMANCE IN SOUTH INDIA. HOW Amritsar, my client is well-deﬁned. In that would be used by Louvre IMPORTANT A MARKET IS IT towns like Raipur, Jhansi, and Lusaka, Group worldwide. FOR THE BRAND? we are looking for business travellers The domestic market is now looking who pass by these regions. We have WHAT ARE YOUR at destinations in South India with clarity in what we are targeting and EXPECTATIONS FROM 2018? renewed interest. Inbound tourism, who we are targeting. I would anticipate a growth of 10 too, is on an upward trend and we are per cent next year, based largely on therefore consolidating our presence POST MERGER, WHAT the fact that new supply has dried in some key destinations, both leisure ALL HAS CHANGED up or is trickling in now. Demand is and business. Our footprint in South FOR SAROVAR? growing consistently and hospitality India includes over 17 operational At this point of time, we are part of a continues to contribute positively hotels in all major destinations, larger group, so that’s a big change. to the GDP. Other service sector including Chennai, Hyderabad, We are rubbing shoulders with other players may not be that positive or Bengaluru, Tirupati, Kochi, Vayalar, international groups. On the ground in as buoyant. Thekkady, and Thiruvananthapuram. times to come, we are looking at very We have recently signed another speciﬁc changes in terms of loyalty hotel, La Marvella Sarovar Premiere, bonuses for our customers, in terms Bengaluru, solidifying our presence in of wider region distribution on The Garden City. GDS platforms, and in terms of using technology IS THERE GOING TO BE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR MARKETING STRATEGY? Our marketing strategy is extremely lucid to us. It all depends on the location we are in. In Somnath and

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 19 Interview A thriving market for luxury hotels Rupam Dutta, General Manager, Feathers - A Radha Hotel, Chennai, provides an insight into hotels in the luxury segment and how the hospitality industry of South India is one that is expected to ﬂourish.

WHAT IS YOUR STAND enough to build and maintain It's about hiring and training ON LUXURY PROPERTIES a reputation in the market. a team in a way that makes IN INDIA? Good preparation is key to the difference. Our unique Luxury properties have great achieving this in a luxury hotel. selection process focuses on potential in India, especially It begins from selecting the right hiring from hotel schools and at destinations with business employees and goes all the way colleges and training them and leisure facilities. Feathers, to selecting the right guests. to fit our signature style. The with its large events space, is Guests can make or break the new employees have clearly one of the top-five luxury MICE reputation of a luxury hotel. It defined plans with follow-ups hotels in the city. Being close is important to find a balance that happen daily, weekly, to Chennai Trade Centre and between the employee and and monthly. We build our Sriperumbudur’s industrial hub guest profiles. This way, a guest reputation by upholding the is an added advantage. expecting luxury is provided highest service standards. with that level of service by the WHAT ARE THE carefully selected employees 2017 WAS A ROADBLOCKS IN THIS that are capable of delivering CHALLENGING YEAR SEGMENT AND HOW DO such service. Luxury hotels, in FOR THE INDUSTRY. YOU OVERCOME THEM? general, have a small inventory HOW DID IT FARE Every city in India is of rooms. The goal here is to FOR YOU? experiencing growth focus on a few market segments The hotel opened in the last and with that comes an and not all of them. quarter of 2016, and 2017 was opportunity for luxury about settling down with the hotels. There is a rise in INDIA HAS SOME OF new team in the new property. business leaders and THE FINEST LUXURY We reached out into the market middle management HOSPITALITY BRANDS. travelling across the WHAT MAKES YOU world. Luxury properties STAND OUT? can see a significant Competition is good not just for growth in business if the customers but for business they can serve this mix as well. A destination known of travellers. for having multiple luxury hotel brands will attract more I don't believe any travellers. Every luxury brand significant roadblocks comes with a set of unique exist. It's just about standards and procedures, positioning the hotel however, they all have to work and operating it well with a common workforce.

20 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Interview

increase in growth over our has a healthy and educated with the news of the new 2017 numbers. workforce. The growth story of hotel. Our focus was rising in southern India in the hospitality the ranks, making the situation HOW WAS THE YEAR sector has been extraordinary. more exciting than challenging. FOR BUSINESS IN SOUTH The city, as a whole, had its INDIA? WHAT DO YOU A large part of the current share of business and if each PREDICT FOR 2018? year has been affected by the hotel prepared for the available Southern India has always liquor ban, which took away business and market, they been known for its unique a good portion of the growth, should have done well. culture and hospitality. South but with the lifting of the ban, India Hotels and Restaurants every hotel is back to busy days. WHAT ARE YOUR Association (SIHRA) is dedicated Southern India will continue EXPECTATIONS to furthering the welfare of to rise in the coming year FROM 2018 IN hoteliers and restaurateurs with many new projects TERMS OF BUSINESS? in the region. The region also and opportunities. We expect a substantial growth in 2018. The economy and country being as stable as they are, will contribute to the growth in business. I expect a 20 per cent

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 21 Opinion

The current year, which was inundated with challenges for the hospitality industry, will soon come to an end. Eminent hoteliers describe what 2017 meant for them and how the policies brought about this year will shape the one that’s just around the corner.

ANTICIPATING A YEAR OF POSITIVES Anupriya Bishnoi and Kanchan Nath

KAPIL CHOPRA President The Oberoi Group SLUMP IN BUSINESS or tax back on their conferences. economic perspective. I already Business in the industry was So, I think the sentiments took see a promising November- majorly impacted this year. One a hit there. Liquor ban resulted December and the fourth reason was demonetisation, not in another 3-4 month loss of quarter is already showing signs because cash was used in the business and a great opportunity of recovery. hotel but from the point of view was lost at the time. of sentiment. GST also made We will be reopening our sure that companies postpone ON THE RIGHT TRACK iconic property in New Delhi on their plans on MICE movements Like the Prime Minister said, the January 1, 2018. We will also be and conducting conferences at economy is on the right footing opening The Oberoi, Marrakech, hotels because they didn’t know and the next two years are Morocco. This is going to be a how they were to get cash back going to be wonderful from an great year for us.

22 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Opinion

ARINDAM KUNAR Area General Manager, South India InterContinental Hotels Group

F&B AFFECTED occupancies doing relatively Airbnb coming in, loyalty can The industry was hit by well. It’s all about managing be a differentiating factor. We demonetisation, GST, and better rates in 2018. Gaining are not competing with each liquor ban this year. This raised guest loyalty is going to be the other in the hotel space; we challenges for some of our biggest game changer. It will are ﬁghting technology and hotels, especially because of include loyalty programmes, other lines of business. So, the liquor ban. It impacted customer satisfaction, what is going to really make our F&B revenue as well as personalised services, etc. a mark is gaining the loyalty the room revenue. I don’t With OTAs and players such as of consumers. think demonetisation had a huge impact on hotels except in the wedding segment, but challenges bring their own opportunities and it gave us the chance to look at our cost structure. Most of the hotels did very well and came out with great results. Overall, the challenges were well handled.

A PROMISING 2018 The upcoming year, without any hiccups, looks better. We are expecting ﬁrm rates with

SANJAY SETHI Chief Operating Officer ITC Hotels & WelcomHotels

GROWTH IN RATES per cent growth in rates. everyone. The dollar-to-rupee ratio Overall, I have seen the rates It’s a mix of domestic as well has stayed steady, so has not go up. This is an industry-wide as inbound. Hotels that rely affected buying patterns in the phenomenon, which is a great heavily on foreigners coming last one year. The leisure segments positive because the challenge in for business have done have also shown a positive that the industry faced so far extremely well. growth. A large amount of the was that occupancies were leisure growth has come through climbing up steadily but rates Market dynamics decide rates. If the domestic segment. We have were static. There has been a occupancies are high, irrespective seen, for the ﬁrst time, a double- 4-8 per cent growth in rates. of whether it is inbound or digit growth among foreign Some hotels have even seen 10 outbound, rates go up for leisure tourist arrivals as well.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 23 Opinion

K.B. KACHRU Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

A TOUGH 2017 FOR F&B To be honest, it’s been a very difficult year for food and beverage business, first with the liquor ban and then the uncertainty of business getting better. As far as we are concerned, 29 of our hotels but couldn’t; we had some grateful to the Supreme Court were impacted, so you can bars to open, but couldn’t. of India to have amended and imagine the losses we had. We Having said that, things have lifted the ban to a reasonable had some restaurants to open, now been rectified and we are level. Business seems to be picking up and occupancies are better countrywide. We are seeing a positive change but more would be known during the next off-season.

DOMESTIC TO INCREASE There is more domestic business which is happening now and I hope MICE business also improves. MICE is improving in certain pockets but not everywhere. We are opening the ﬁrst Radisson Red in Mohali. Our focus is going to be secondary and tertiary towns because India’s prime market is domestic. We are also focusing on pilgrim sites like Haridwar, Katra, Vaishno Devi, Ajmer, etc.

DVS SOMARAJU Executive Director Katriya Hotel & Towers

A TURBULENT 2017 looking forward to a great year MORE BUSINESS FOR The year was extremely as the government has also MID-SEGMENT rough for the industry due to started taking various steps to We are expecting good inﬂow demonetisation, liquor ban, improve tourism, the biggest of national and international MRP, and of course, GST. That employment generator in the tourists as young generation said, with efforts made by country. During our annual domestic travel has increased. SIHRA, FHRAI, and all other convention held in Bengaluru, More people are travelling state and regional associations, President K. Syama Raju, during weekends and festivals. we were able to convince the Vice President K. Nagaraju, Price will play a major role, room government and the courts of central and state ministers, and occupancy will rise but ARRs law. We were able to deal well government ofﬁcials promised might be low, and business with the issues and all hoteliers to take the industry to the will be on the rise for mid- stood together. We are now next level. segment hotels.

24 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Opinion

ATHULYA S Operations Manager Beaumonde The Fern, Kochi

SURPASSING the year was challenging, we Another factor is FITs preferring CHALLENGES were able to achieve our goals online sites for hotel bookings. The year has been very and served our clients in the With growth in online web challenging for the hotel best way possible. portals and strong competition industry, however, we faced all among them, the coming challenges with conﬁdence and WEB PORTALS ON year will also see them as a teamwork. We have completely UPWARD SHIFT major contributor to the transformed our tax structure Beaumonde The Fern is a overall revenue. into GST and are following business hotel. As was true to the necessary procedures. The 2017, we are expecting similar liquor policy partly affected business in the upcoming year our business, but Government as well where business travellers of Kerala’s recent declaration direct our growth. We have the of the new policy for liquor advantage of location, being may help the industry earn situated in the centre of Kochi. revenue and retain business. Access to all major hubs of Demonetisation, on the other the city is easy from where hand, affected our business we are situated. We have also at the beginning. We faced formed associations with new currency issues with our guests companies and corporates to and tried our level best to help get healthy bookings from them. FITs as they were not aware of The new liquor policy is also the new currency policy. Though going to help the industry.

NEIL PATERSON General Manager Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre Hotel and Hyderabad International Convention Centre

GROWTH BEYOND associations dedicated to computer sciences, etc., for MEASURE pioneering work in the field of 2018. Another sector that has The MICE industry has been bio-sciences, health, computer begun showing growth is the experiencing a growth trend science, and material physics, start-up sector, as Hyderabad is over the last few years, fuelled a large number of conclaves beginning to establish itself as by an increase in interest in that traditionally used to be a start-up capital. HICC is also India both as an emerging conducted in western countries scheduled for a refurbishment superpower and as a tourist- have now been successfully bid and this shall help us offer a friendly destination. Building for and brought down to HICC. refreshed product to our guests. on its image as a MICE-friendly country over the decade, the A POSITIVE 2018 country has continued to invest FOR MICE in and build infrastructure to We are expecting to see a support this industry. Improved constant growth in the MICE global connectivity via state-of- segment as well as a significant the-art airports, multiple inter hike in hotel occupancy in 2018. and intra city transportation This positive impact should mediums, and presence of overflow to other MICE centres accommodation options from in the country as well. We are budget to luxury categories expecting continued growth have made cities like Hyderabad from associations and already a sought-after MICE destination have our halls booked for some alongside other Indian metros. major conferences relating With a strong network of to medical and healthcare,

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 25 Opinion

M BALAJI Chief Executive Officer Clarks Exotica Convention, Resort and Spa, Bengaluru

ABOVE INDUSTRY size remained the same. So, cent in the hospitality industry STANDARDS from an industry perspective, will have a positive impact, There were certain macro- a lot of hotels have had to especially in the wedding economic factors in India that compromise on pricing and segment. We anticipate a affected us in the past year. reduced ARRs. However, at growth of the wedding and However, many of these were Clarks Exotica, we were above corporate events segment temporary impacts that will the industry standard in terms of at Clarks Exotica. With over benefit us in the long run. The ARR and occupancy. 200,000 sqft of convention GST, specifically, is something space, we definitely stand to that will be good for the SURGE IN MICE benefit from these events. hospitality industry as a whole. The impact of GST will finally be We expect more MICE events This year saw more inventories seen across sectors next year. in the next year, which will being added, leading to more I believe that the reduction of help establish us as a key competition while the market tax from 30 per cent of 18 per global destination.

SHIPRA SUMBLY KAUL General Manager Holiday Inn Express & Suites Bengaluru Racecourse

RECOGNISING THE implemented and till IMPACT OF THE BAN date, hotels are struggling The industry faced a lot of with what’s right and what’s challenges because of the not. A few amendments liquor ban. Liquor is one of the are still awaited. most important components of the industry and we didn’t Overall, we are a very realise its importance until it resilient industry; was gone. When the liquor ban whatever was imposed, we saw how the happens, we entire gamut of business moved bounce back. around liquor and how hotels struggled. With GST, it was not very clear how it was to be

26 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Opinion

SALIL KOPAL Director of Sales & Marketing Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel

DIP IN CITYWIDE EVENTS 2017 has been a satisfying year for us at Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel and likewise for the industry. The city saw demand growing in the transient segment owing to new investments here. The New Business District (NBD) saw an average growth of 6 per cent us at the hotel. Lack of large GROWTH IN ALL SECTORS in occupancy levels. It has been citywide events and conferences We expect the transient encouraging to see an increase did impact the group segment business to continue growing in business from both existing as compared to 2016 where the way it did this year. Many as well as new corporates at the city played host to at of the under-construction the hotel. The hotel attracted least 7-8 key citywide events, commercial spaces are the relocation business through owing to which there was a projected to be completed in positioning itself as the only dip in average daily rates by the first half of the year, inviting hotel in the NBD to provide a 14, impacting overall revenues new companies to set shop in full-service apartment attached from this segment. The impact, this bustling neighbourhood. to the hotel block, which has however, was minimised by A strong influx of incubation been a great success story for growth in all other segments. companies and start-ups would also see business from private equity and venture capital firms. We believe IT&ITES would still hold a large contribution to our business mix followed by consulting, BFSI, and pharmaceuticals.

We should continue to leverage Hyderabad as a MICE destination with state-of-the- art convention facilities across the city available for MICE operators and organisers to choose from. Supply in the 5-star segment in the NBD would change marginally.

JOSE PRADEEP Managing Director Hotel Yuvarani Residency, Kochi

CHALLENGES APLENTY the industry itself. There were IMPROVEMENT IN There has been continuous also operational difficulties BOOKINGS change in customer demands from major OTAs. Hiring We are expecting more and choices. GST and other qualified and quality staff was online bookings in the next related issues were another a major challenge. Also, the year and a revision of GST. challenge. Also, demonetisation other challenge we faced was Reinstatement of bars in India limited hotel bookings maintaining the hotel rating to in classified hotels will up to a significant extent. There attract more customers, as they attract more travellers and was a lot of competition from were dependent on the reviews. MICE business.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 27 Panel Discussion

TO MERGE OR NOT TO MERGE? The hospitality industry is now more competitive, making it difﬁcult for stand-alone companies to survive in the market. Representatives chalk out the basic principles a company must consider before ﬁnalising its course of action.

Anupriya Bishnoi

A stand-alone setup or a a hotel. Not an easy decision way or the other. From location beneﬁcial alliance with a to make, hoteliers have a to marketing, the business of seasoned group is a decision plethora of factors to consider hospitality requires utmost that is crucial to the success of before they can ﬁnalise one attention and commitment.

NIRUPA SHANKER Director Brigade Hospitality

As a group, our strategy is to there are some projects that we there because it’s cost effective expand our portfolio and not manage in-house; they have and you have the liberty to go for a particular brand. We 30-40 rooms and it doesn’t take quick decisions. These are are not looking to manage one make sense to operate them in extremely localised products and hotel or two hotels; we have six collaboration with international when you have such a product, hotels, with the latest coming brands. A lot of companies don’t it is easier to manage because into the portfolio very soon. want to manage small units. no one understands the local We are very clear that we want We developed an in-house market more than you. It is to have larger hotels of 125 capability to self-manage smaller better to implement decisions in rooms and above. However, properties. It makes sense a stand-alone environment.

28 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Panel Discussion

DHRUV HOON Vice President - Lodgings Development Marriott International

Being stand-alone essentially rooms because they don’t need It depends on size, location, and depends on where the hotel is that kind of distribution. You how much competition exists in located, the type of property it need distribution when the hotel the market. is, what the target market is, is large; you need distribution etc. For instance, if a hotel is when you are located in a Twenty years ago, there was large, then that hotel needs to micro market like Whiteﬁeld a hotel in Bhopal that didn’t be plugged into a system that or Hitec City, Hyderabad; you need branding; it did pretty well. has a large distribution. You need distribution if you have a Today, you have international wouldn’t want a Marriott, Hyatt hotel that requires MICE and hotels growing in Tier-I and or Hilton to manage 20-25 convention business to come in. Tier-II markets.

R SRINIVASAN Managing Director Hotel Radha Regent

In our case, when we started tie-up to manage the property. then build again. Later, we built small hotels of 40 rooms, there This is how we got into Sarovar a 104-room hotel in Electronics was not much competition in the Hotels. From day one, we did City. This was a small hotel, but market. Even today, it’s doing very really well. The amount of time by the time we opened, there well. Then we wanted to build a that a chain of hotels can devote was a financial slowdown and 91-bed hotel in Chennai. We had to run your hotel matters a lot. for the first 10 days there was all the confidence that we could Following this, we opened a no one staying with us. Today, it build it ourselves. At that point of hotel in Whitefield, a 102-room is a very successful hotel with an time, a rule had been laid down Hometel under Sarovar Hotels, occupancy rate of 75-80 per cent. by Tourism Finance Corporation and that was a successful hotel That said, if you are passionate of India that borrowing a certain as well. Our strategies have never enough and have enough time amount of money would be been to rush; first borrow, then to devote to the operation of the possible only if the organisation build, then consolidate after you hotel, then you should go the in question had a professional have earned some revenue, and stand-alone way.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 29 Architecture

BUILDING NATURALLY Mathan Ramaiah, Design Director, FHD Group, has designed some of the prominent hotels in South India. He talks about his style, inﬂuences, and his upcoming projects.

TELL US ABOUT WOULD YOU SAY YOU we are working on at Halol, Mathan Ramaiah THE HOSPITALITY ARE A CONFORMIST OR Ahmedabad, almost 50 per PROJECTS YOU HAVE NON-CONFORMIST? cent of the property is given WORKED ON. FHD’s philosophy is that it for agriculture and the whole Most of the hospitality projects does not conform to any style destination gives the experience we have done are high-end and is open to ideas. We ﬁrst of farming, organic produce, destinations in the 4-star and understand what a project’s and organic restaurants. It is FHD’s philosophy 5-star categories, and around need is and what that project’s not the typical methodology is that it does 120 to 250 keys. Some of vision setting is. We have a that branded hotels adopt. the recent projects we were versatile team that can do So, we are conformist in our not conform involved with include Sheraton projects ranging from classic understanding but innovative in to any style Grand Beach Resort in OMR to contemporary design. our solutions. (Chennai), an island resort by Taj Krishna and Mayfair in and is open Mayfair in Raipur, a business Bhubaneswar are very classic MODERN OR hotel by Mayfair in Kolkata, in design while Sheraton CULTURAL, WHICH HAS to ideas Taj Krishna in Hyderabad, Resort is a modern beachfront BEEN A MORE DEFINITE Pioneer Hotel in Hyderabad, destination. We always strive INFLUENCE FOR YOU? and also a farm-based to push further the brief given We respond to what is eco-resort in Ahmedabad. to us. In the eco-resort that immediate in terms of today’s

30 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Architecture

cultural value and today’s BUDGET IS OFTEN are themed, there is still a perception of tradition. Mostly, A SUBJECT OF lot of reference to architecture hospitality is only about leisure DEBATE BETWEEN from South East Asia and but today, organic food, yoga, OWNERS AND classic European designs. and health-related aspects ARCHITECTS. HOW We cannot completely escape are becoming part of this DO YOU DEAL it since the fundamental generation’s culture and well- WITH IT? need for creating new exotic being. So, our architecture also Budget is a strong constraint experiences is what drives now responds accordingly, with hospitality projects and the industry. As a design modernising our own approach we think spending money community we need to explore towards culture. responsibly and in the right the strength in celebrating places is how we bring value local characters and flavours, IS YOUR to the project. Disagreements be it materiality, craftsmanship ARCHITECTURAL STYLE arise when there is a large or ecology. INFLUENCED BY WHERE gap between expectation YOU'RE FROM? and affordability. How smart HOTELS THESE DAYS Any design has to be sensitive we are in bridging the gap ARE COMMITTED TO to its place. It cannot impose with innovative solutions SUSTAINABILITY. HOW what works somewhere else is where we can make a DO YOU IMBIBE THAT and transplant it somewhere difference. Having said that, IN YOUR PROJECTS? else. The concern is that today’s it has to be understood that In our projects, we view construction techniques have quality and cost generally go sustainability as a holistic become ubiquitous and to hand in hand. So, when we solution, not a partial one. some extent leveled the field feel quality is compromised We use a system called in terms of what is economical due to cost issues, it becomes ‘Saptapada’ where there across various places. For a hindrance. Otherwise, keeping are seven strands of design firms operating across cost in check produces some sustainability we target. multiple locations, it becomes interesting opportunities for easier to follow the norm rather architects to come up with ENERGY: We aim to produce AIR: We use natural than researching and adopting creative ideas. So far we have our own solar power, creating techniques to cool the air local methods. There are other worked with star hotels where power for the entire project. and bring back to the homes. parameters that help find there is a bit more breathing WATER: Through rainwater SHELTER: For construction, specificity to context. Climate space than in budget hotels; harvesting, we recycle and use we use natural, recycled, plays a very important role, as this certainly helps. the water for irrigation. and upcycled materials. does the kind of landscape we are using and how much of WHAT IS YOUR FOOD: In one of our projects, EARTH: For farming, fenestration we use. TAKE ON HOTEL half the land has been used permaculture method is DESIGNS IN INDIA? for producing food. adopted so that crops, We are in an interesting plants, and trees that OUR LENS PEOPLE: We don't treat moment of transition are cultivated together METHODOLOGY hospitality as an isolated where we are trying to complement each private space but a L- LOCALIZATION: create our design identity other in terms of water social space that brings Look for opportunities as a nation. Considering that usage and nutrition. everyone together. informed by climate and most hospitality destinations materiality that ground the project to its place. E- EMPATHY: Be empathetic to users you are building for. N- NATURE: Use the landscape as a productive, edible farm-scape. S- SIMPLICITY: Create something simple and honest to its roots and context.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 31 Finance DECIDING ON A FINANCING MODEL FOR YOUR HOTEL A debatable and prime area of concern for the hospitality sector is ﬁnancing a project, which entails loan repayment, rate of interest, etc. Most of the hotel business continues to suffer because of the short tenure of loan repayment besides other factors. Few industry experts delve into this matter to derive a solution.

Anupriya Bishnoi

VIJAY THACKER Director Horwath HTL – India

Financing is inevitable for amortisation period, which land cost they are willing to creation of hotels. It’s also was lower in the past but has accept as part of the project inevitable for continued now improved. Another area cost. The biggest challenge, operation. The problem of concern is the high cost of however, is the time it takes really lies in interest rates land in India combined with to completely execute a that continue to be high the fact that lenders tend hotel project, a process by international standards. to have their own rules and that entails acquisition of There was a challenge of limitations to the amount of land, planning the hotel,

32 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Finance

obtaining all approvals prior been put in a hotel also has a hotel project has to fight for to the commencement of cost. People don’t recognise its capital, there is a hidden construction, and then again that all the time. If you have cost here as well. All these obtaining approvals, post an institutional investment, delays carry a burden of cost construction, for opening the then that is the real cost. that ultimately adds up to a hotel. Throughout this period, high expectation or need from your interest metre is running. Sometimes, if you have an the hotel and as we know, Besides this, debt is another investor entity or a developer hotels have a long gestation actual or silent interest metre entity, which is not multiple period. Hence, in the initial on equity; any equity that has business undertakings, and the period, there are challenges.

WHAT TO AVOID

SATYA PAL ARORA Managing Director Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI)

From a lender’s point of view, presenting a duration that is less the plan midway, it goes up and we know that the hotel industry than the one required. One must then you have to do a fresh raise has a long gestation period. not change the plan midway. from the promoter, institution My suggestion would be to not Once you start constructing a or bank for the loan. This really underestimate time and cost three-star hotel, do not change delays the project and viability because sometimes, to show it later to a four or ﬁve-star gets affected. In conclusion, one viability and proﬁtability, we do property. The IDC period (Interest must estimate the project cost take this route, underestimat- During Construction) is mostly properly, time it properly, and ing the cost of the project and 15-16 per cent. If you change not change the plan midway.

RAJAT MEHRA Chief Financial Officer SAMHI

As a hotelier, one should not be is never going to pay back to can get loans anywhere north hasty in borrowing and defer you. Speak to lenders and work of 10 years and get balloon- it as much as possible. Interest very closely with them. Over the ing done as soon as possible. cost will start hitting you the day last few years, what we have Resultantly, for the initial seven you start borrowing. Any delay observed is that banks are more years, you won’t end up paying will start adding to the IDC, comfortable in giving a loan for a huge amount of principal to which is a cost the customer a larger tenure; try and see if you the debtors.

CK BALJEE Chairman and Managing Director Royal Orchid Hotels

We should look at borrowing at will get over and the cash reasons your project gets the latter stage of a project. If ﬂow will start coming in, that stalled, you will be in a ﬁx. you have the structure up and is the time you should look at The lending risk should be you are reasonably sure that in a borrowing. If you borrow before taken when the project is year’s time or so your project that and due to unforeseen under control.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 33 Finance

RATTAN KESWANI Deputy Managing Director Lemon Tree Hotels

Design your thoughts around should be. Design for your We keep going along, which what the location of your hotel future customer. Don’t design means that we have changed is, what is going to be your because everyone wants ﬁve focus and are carrying on for particular customer mass, stars to be a part of their ego a wrong reason. If you are what is the basic need of the or social state or their own self taking a development risk, customer, etc. Don’t design esteem. A lot of times we design don’t put your heart into based on what you think a hotel for our ego. the project.

NAVEEN JAIN Managing Director Nouvelle Knowledge Services

The debt and equity mix has port a good debt and equity money into the subsidiary from to be reasonable. Don’t get mix. The developer is infusing the wallet capital. This leveraging tempted based on what banks money from the parent over leveraging should not offer. The cash ﬂow has to sup- company; he cannot put be allowed.

A SUMMARY Q & A There is nothing wrong with being an owner of a successful three-star If we take all the loans that have been structured incorrectly, hotel. Also, not every site will support recognise that as a systematic problem, restructure all those loans, a five-star property. So, don’t build for and give everyone a 15-year period to pay, will we not be in better your ego. Another important point is shape as an industry? that the project should not be changed Last year, we started this scheme for those hoteliers who were facing a problem in midway; the moment you do that, you repayment and were not NPAs. For them, we take over the loan and repayment is push your project back by several allowed up to 15 years. We have taken over many cases and the interest rate has months. People face difficulties when they decide midway to add to the also come down; we are charging over 11-12 per cent interest, which is higher existing course. It is also important to than the banks, but we offer efficiency and flexibility. For hoteliers who want have adequate equity and put that in refinancing of their existing loans, we can take over that and give them a longer good time rather than in debts, repayment schedule. over-capitalising your project in terms of interest costs. One must also Is there a way that NPAs that face difficulties can collaborate with the note that loans of a longer duration banking sector? are cheaper. According to RBI guidelines, banks or financial institutions are not allowed to take Elucidating further, Thacker says, “In over the cases of NPAs. In case there is a change in management, these cases can the past, we have had loans that have be looked at. You can introduce a new promoter, maybe in a minority portion. We had to be repaid in five-seven years. To can also look at that and reduce the loan. With the coming in of the insolvency me, the high cost of interest combined code, anyone can go to insolvency before bankers enter into it. with the short duration of repayment of loan sets the hotel up for failure. Are there any external factors? This is a cause of stress in debt All institutions are commercial organisations. They will look at the case; no one will financing today. There has been a new get into an NPA case. It is the promoter and existing banker who have to take a call. development recently where banks are giving loans of much longer maturity and with much better interest rates.” (These answers have been provided by Satya Pal Arora, Managing Director, Tourism Finance Corporation of India).

34 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Viewpoint

svvrpunGihjrGh{G {olGjvu}lu{pvu Attendees at FHRAI’s annual convention held from September 14-16, 2017 at Bengaluru, give it a thumbs up while highlighting its merits and sharing their opinion of what they would like to see more of at subsequent conventions of the association.

K MURALI RAO Managing Director New Woodlands Hotel, Chennai

I found the convention to be the sessions by the Telangana, states. A number of them have good. We had very good sessions Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal been struggling for the past on restaurants and ﬁnance. Pradesh governments. That three years, facing difﬁculties in The key takeaway was that all said, many people at the getting licences. In my opinion, segments of the industry have ground level stated that they to make the convention even good scope for progress. I also still face problems in terms of better, more time should be enjoyed the session by Chander single-window clearance when given for interaction at Baljee on skill development and it comes to investing in these each session. K Murali Rao

DVS SOMARAJU Executive Director Katriya Hotel & Towers

FHRAI's annual convention was CK Baljee. The presentations entertainment programmes a grand affair. The inauguration on Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, also made the convention a was unbelievable, topics and various other states for grand success. With this kind of selected were very interesting, investment options were also conviction, the regional and state and I liked that the questions quite interesting. Breakaway associations will become stronger asked by the participants were sessions with speakers were and can request governments answered very well by all also well organised. I also saw to help us grow the industry. speakers. I enjoyed listening to a lot of energy from participants I am looking forward to the DVS Somaraju sessions by Nakul Anand and during the gala dinner. The next convention.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 35 Viewpoint

K MOHANCHANDRAN Director of Operations, TAJGVK Hotels & Resorts and General Manager, Taj Krishna Hyderabad

The convention provided an differently. Also, the session on of other people who have similar opportunity to stakeholders to GST highlighted the plethora concerns is also very important. interact with several others. of issues that exist as we One subject I would like to Over the two days, some quality struggle to settle down in this see discussed more at future sessions with eminent speakers new regime. Tax assessors, the conventions would be people were held. For instance, the topic government, hoteliers, vendors, and skills; as an industry, this is K Mohanchandran of outsourcing of restaurants and everyone else understands one of our key challenges today in a 5-star setting made the importance of GST, but to try and some perspective from senior restaurateurs and hoteliers think and understand the perspective industry leaders would be useful.

JOSE PRADEEP Managing Director Hotel Yuvarani Residency, Kochi

FHRAI Convention in and topics chosen was Sanjeev Kapoor provided Bengaluru was a great success. extremely good. valuable inputs and the session The convention was conducted was very interesting. In all, this in a professional manner, a All members were kept convention of FHRAI was the good number of members well-informed by mail and best ever. Our request is that attended, and the quality of the accommodation was also next year’s convention be held Jose Pradeep the panel discussions, speakers, excellent. Speakers such as outside India.

36 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Chef Talk WADING THROUGH THE WINTER MENU Winter brings with it a menu that is nutritious, yet indulgent. Eminent chefs provide their point of view on what the winter menu must entail and how the season brings with it opportunities in disguise.

Anupriya Bishnoi

As the season shifts from delicacies for patrons. While considered a boon for summer to fall, chefs across seasonality of some ingredients chefs vis-à-vis the scope of the country are busy churning remains one of the biggest working on fresh, nourishing their own signature comfort challenges, winter is also winter vegetables.

SUVARANJAN BANERJEE Executive Chef Crowne Plaza Bengaluru Electronics City

THE WINTER WARMTH your meal. In a nutshell, FARM-TO-FORK The factor that we keep in a menu should have fresh I personally prefer to use mind first and foremost while produce of the season and local ingredients. The concept designing a winter menu is care should be taken that the of farm-to-fork is very close seasonal availabilities. A lot cold weather be in perfect to my heart and I try to of vegetables and fruits are harmony with the food that implement that in all my freshly available during this is to be prepared. menus in any format. The only time and not throughout challenge that comes up is SIGNATURE the year. Although, with the A MENU FOR ALL when you suddenly find that COMFORT FOOD advancement of preservation In a typical hotel scenario, a particular ingredient is not • White Asparagus and techniques, most of them you tend to get a mixed available anymore because Winter Truffle Crepes can be procured any time of clientele. We make a menu the produce has not been • Paya Nehari the year, the fun of having in such a way that it suits that great in a particular • Hearty Bouillabaisse them in the menu is just the Indian as well as year. That, however, is quite • Osso Bucco with unbeatable when you have a the international a rarity. Risotto Milanese fresh harvest in your kitchen. palate. Even if it Also, food should provide involves the use of some kind of warmth to local ingredients, your body when you have it should be made it. Nothing like a piping in a way that it hot, well-made soup during suffices all types of winter evenings just before requirements.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 37 Chef Talk

SURESH NATRAJAN Executive Sous Chef Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks

ENERGY FOOD A STATIC MENU NOT FRESH, NOT With any seasonal change, We keep both our audiences INCLUDED we need to keep seasonal in mind, domestic as well as Winter is one of the most ingredients in mind as they international. Being a global stunning months we have in are the best source of energy brand, we have guests from India. There is a wide variety of in our diet. Winter makes us all across the world staying quality ingredients available in SIGNATURE all slothful and we need some with us. the market. However, certain COMFORT FOOD warmth in our food to keep us ingredients, due to seasonal • Udon Noodle Soup going. Hence, soups, chowders, Menu customisation is what forces, are not freshly available • Salmon Steak warm tarts, quiche, etc., is what we completely believe in, and include mango, drumsticks, • French Apple Tart we plan our menu around. Also, but along with that, we also tuna, etc. Resultantly, we have with Burnt Butter spicy food is recommended believe in providing a static to avoid using these globally- Ice Cream during this season because it menu, which broadly covers the accepted, well-appreciated keeps up the body temperature. global palate. ingredients in our dishes.

SURESH THAMPY Executive Chef Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway

FOOD SO RICH With winter setting in, we get a chance to explore more green vegetables and fresh seasonal produce in our menu. With an onslaught of both Indian and western festivals, we get a chance to explore ingredients A SESEASONASON FFOROR like turkey, carrots, and celery. INNOVATIONINNOVATION menus ttifthto satisfy those We also try and make food A winter menu is exciting guilty pleasures. richer with lots of butter and and fun to design. The festive dry fruits coming into play as season allows us to really the primary highlight of many explore varieties of exotic winter dishes. menus, which are carefully chosen to showcase the culture SIGNATURE BALANCING IT WELL of festival, along with providing COMFORT FOOD We cater to both international a wholesome meal to our • Barbequed Chicken and domestic palates with an guests. As winter months allow Drumsticks average 40:60 mix that is based people to indulge more in • Honey Glazed Hams on the clientele we host. food, it is a pleasure designing

38 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Chef Talk

THAYANITHY Sous Chef Signature Club Resort

KEEPING WARM NOTHING BEATS EXOTIC INGREDIENTS, A menu should suit the palate SPICY INDIAN FOOD A PROBLEM of every guest and be designed We prefer Indian cuisine There aren’t many challenges around temperateness- anything as it is considered to while deciding on the winter that will keep and maintain be one of the spiciest menu. However, unavailability body heat. It should also be cuisines in the world, something of certain exotic ingredients in easily digestible. that is a must for the winter. Bengaluru causes difﬁculty.

SIGNATURE COMFORT FOOD • Crab Pepper Pot • Double Kalimirchi Murgh Kebab • Booth Mirch ka Gosht Masala • Kara Melagu Saru

ANIL CHABUKSWAR Executive Chef Grand Mercure Mysuru

LOCALLY GROWN digest. The weather in Mysuru witness it. At our hotel, we serve PRODUCE is cold, hence use of spices and both international and domestic Winter is the most pleasant herbs that contain antimicrobial cuisines, but most importantly, season in Mysuru and a peak properties, in our basic food we give high preference to local time for travellers as well. We preparations, helps our guests and fresh products to fulﬁl the take special care when it comes brave the cold. demands of guests. to deciding the winter menu. We shift our focus on products that A COMBINATION MENU NOT A TOUGH SIGNATURE are locally grown, like fruits and Mysuru holds a powerful TASK AT HAND COMFORT FOOD vegetables grown organically historical background and people Since we use local produce, • Red Meat, Seafood, and leafy greens that are easy to across the globe visit the city to planning a winter menu is not and Poultry as challenging as it is in other • Idli and Dosa seasons where the availability • Bisi Bele Bhaat of local food differs. • Payasam • Indian Filter Coffee

SIHRA News I November-DecemberNovember December 2017 39 Interview GROWING WITH RISING DEMAND Ankur Khandelwal, Executive Director, Village Retreat Resorts & Villas – A Unit of Electro Hotels, talks about facing challenges and meeting competition with poise in the South Indian hospitality industry. WHAT MAKES YOUR PROPERTY UNIQUE? All our rooms open directly to the swimming pool. This is especially relevant in India where despite their love for swimming, most guests shy away from the pool due to the loss of comfort and privacy involved in walking to it. Additionally, right from the beginning we have focused on family guests and being completely vegetarian.

HOW HAS THE INDUSTRY OF SOUTH INDIA EVOLVED? trend of travelling to a resort of everyone involved. The Customers have started choice and spending the entire liquor ban did not impact us in travelling out of the state for duration of stay in the same any special way as we are 800 vacations and no longer look property will soon become the metres away from the national for the closest and cheapest norm. People are willing to highway. Overall, demand property they can find. This has travel farther than before. reduced but we expect it to resulted in an influx of leisure pick up in the second quarter travellers from neighbouring HOW DID YOU FACE of 2018 if the industry doesn’t states. Corporates, including THE CHALLENGES THAT have to face more setbacks. city-based hotel chains, have 2017 BROUGHT? started to look at leisure We have de-bundled many of WHAT ARE YOUR properties in and around our room offerings to ensure EXPECTATIONS the city for their MICE that our overall cost attracts FROM 2018? requirements instead of a lower GST for our guests. We are keenly considering faraway destinations. As We have also trained our FO taking over the management properties become more staff to explain to each guest and running of multiple hotels self-sufficient to cater to what the bill means and have and resorts across South India. all the expectations that changed our process of taking Our systems and procedures a guest has from a leisure advance payments on booking are in place, our hiring and destination, this to simplify the process for management teams are already fully functional. In our existing resort, we are looking to We are considering taking over the develop our weekday market management of some hotels across and are working hard towards doubling our revenue in the South India coming months.

40 SIHRASIHSSIIHIHRARA NewsNNewNeewe s I November-DecemberNovNoNovo embemberer-er-r-DecDDeeccemeembmbberer 2202012017017 Supplier Talk thuhnpunGov{lszG {oyv|noG{ljouvsvn D Baskaramoorthy, Vice President – Sales and Service, Posiﬂex Technology India, talks about the company’s offerings to the hospitality industry and how it is making a difference.

HOW IS POSIFLEX WHAT CHALLENGES DO WELL-SUITED FOR YOU FACE? THE HOSPITALITY Posiflex constantly promotes INDUSTRY? its products through various Posiflex has been a significant mediums to reach out to provider of POS solutions to the potential customers across hospitality industry since 1984. the Indian subcontinent. All We have vast experience in such promotion comes at a understanding the complexities cost and justifying returns of the hospitality industry, which against investments sometimes helps in designing the most becomes a challenge. suitable POS terminals that can be operated under oily and WHAT IS YOUR wet conditions. MARKETING STRATEGY TO STAY AHEAD? TELL US ABOUT No product has a monopoly THE GAMUT OF over the market and competition SOLUTIONS YOU always exists, helping us be PROVIDE TO HOTELS. more vigilant vis-à-vis customer Posiflex products are designed expectations. This drives us to to maximise productivity in come up with new product hotel operations that include series. Posiflex is a pioneer in inventory management, asset designing patented fan-free POS tracking, customer relationship terminals considering the Indian management, in-room environment; it has been a our products. Apart from that, automation device, kiosk and huge success with more print media advertisements feedback management, and of than 50,000 installations. and educating partners who course, POS billing terminals. are influential in selling these We participate in various products across India is also a HOW HAS DEMAND marketing events to promote critical strategy. FROM HOTELIERS EVOLVED? Over the years, a hotelier’s needs have evolved to not just make the customer happy but also to delight them. For this, hoteliers need the support of technology to have various predictive analysis solutions that help them deliver beyond room service needs. Posiflex constantly invests time and effort in developing such cutting-edge products that meet hoteliers’ operation needs and help the field team perform its task with ease.

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 41 Products

BRAIDING UNIQUE DESIGNS Loom Crafts presents its exquisite range of syn- thetic braid and rope outdoor furniture, setting a landmark with this ﬁrst-of-its-kind furniture range. Styled to evoke international sensibility, each product of this collection comprises arm- chairs, platforms, benches, side tables, and other modular outdoor elements made using alumi- num, stainless steel or solid wooden frames. Being a comprehensive mix between classic and contemporary accents of transitional outdoor furniture, these pieces blend the clean lines of modern designs with the curves and comfort of traditional designs for a look that is simple, yet inviting to relax and enjoy natural surroundings. The premium ﬁnish and hand-woven intricacies add the quintessential urbane touch to make you fall in love with your outdoors.

HEALTH AND GOODNESS Goodness! Oats Smoothie is an oats based drink that packs all the essential nutrients and fibre to serve as your hearty breakfast on-the-go. This delicious offering from Goodness! is 100 per cent natural with no preservatives and gluten that also gives you the necessary protein and carbohydrate to keep hunger pangs away. Goodness! Oats Smoothie is available in two delicious flavours of chocolate and vanilla. It will fit perfectly in the lifestyle of anyone who is looking at leading a healthy life.

STORING SENSIBLY VitrA, the leading bathroom solutions brand of Eczacıba ı Building Products Division in Turkey, has introduced inspiring combinations – Sento. ADD ZING TO YOUR SNACK The series includes different Bored of a mundane meal? solutions for storing cleaning Veeba, one of the leading material. Sento by VitrA offers condiment and sauce all the modules needed in companies of India, has a bathroom with functional launched mayonnaise in six and warm details. Combining delectable flavours to give a aesthetic and functionality, this twist to the Indian palate. The series has a multipurpose unit flavours include classic, burger, chilli, eggless, garlic, and smart. So, be it to house a washing machine a boring breakfast or a cheat mid-day snack, Veeba mayonnaise will add and a laundry basket. Rounded that additional zing to your meal. In an endeavour to be the most loved corners ensure safety and food brand in the country, Veeba makes the widest range of sauces, dips, enable easy cleaning in small and dressings in authentic, international flavours for the Indian palate. bathroom spaces.

42 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Products

ICE COLD DELIGHT With the aim of delivering frozen beverages with more speed and versatility, Elanpro has introduced a professional range of beverage dispensers - GT Touch. An innovative, multitasking machine that can deliver up to five products, GT Touch is manufactured in Italy by SPM. It can dispense flavoured beverages like soft ice cream, frozen yogurt, chilled coffee cream, thick shakes, and slush. Equipped with standard I-TANK A DAILY DOSE OF HEALTH technology to prevent Now get one step closer to nature with a spoonful of good ice accumulation on health with Borges Apple Cider Vinegar. The product is packaged the outer walls of the in a unique glass bottle and can be used for up to 36 months. bowl, the product The glass bottle packaging lends a better shelf life and provides has an adjustable coil better product protection. Being rich in acetic acid, vitamins, temperature control that uses a minerals, and enzymes, apple cider vinegar is known to treat freezing coil to cool, so a warm beverage can be inserted acidity, indigestion, high cholesterol, headache and many other into the machine and be dispensed at the perfect drinking conditions. It is immensely popular as an ideal ingredient for temperature, immediately. weight management and diabetes. ConnectedCooking 2.0 ConnectedCooking and Club Rational have joined forces to create one of the biggest online portals for professional chefs, offering even more convenience, safety and inspiration. Bringing the best of technology time, notifying them about This ensures consistent quality and innovation to the fore, the what is happening with in spite of different levels newly developed platforms their appliance. Just as of training among the staff. complement one another to important for retailers is the Safety is also hugely important perfection and offer a host of management of user profiles to RATIONAL when it comes services relating to professional to make specific appliance to hygiene. As such, HACCP cooking and RATIONAL functions accessible only to documentation is automatically appliances at one click. a clearly defined user group. generated for each appliance. Personal cooking programmes and several thousand recipes from the international recipe database can be transferred directly from a computer or smartphone onto the appliance and managed centrally. Updates are also performed automatically and free of charge, doing away with the need for more complicated transfers via a memory stick. In addition, ConnectedCooking users receive push messages about the latest status in real

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 43 Movements MOVEMENTS

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has AVANI Hotels & Resorts has ap- appointed Katerina Giannouka as pointed Alejandro Bernabé as Vice President, Asia Pacific. She will be President of Operations. He will be based in Singapore, at Carlson Rezi- based at Minor Hotels’ regional dor Hotel Group’s Asia Pacific head- office in Bangkok, further strength- quarters. In this role, she will lead ening the group’s presence and the Asia Pacific Executive Committee resources in this key market. Bernabé and its corporate offices in Singa- will be responsible for the opera- pore, Shanghai, and Delhi. Before tional and financial performance of joining Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, AVANI Hotels & Resorts and he will Giannouka was the head of develop- also be spearheading new development for Asia Pacific and China for Rosewood Hotel Group. ments and brand initiatives. Katerina Giannouka Alejandro Bernabé President, Asia Pacific Vice President of Operations Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group AVANI Hotels & Resorts

Tejus Jose has been appointed as the Rohit Dar joins The Westin new General Manager of Le Méridien Hyderabad Mindspace as General Kochi. Jose has rich experience of 17 Manager. Here, his key responsi- years in international upscale and bilities include overseeing hotel upper mid-scale hotels. He started his operations and development and hospitality journey as a management implementation of marketing and trainee with Oberoi after graduating operational plans to ensure optimum from the Institute of Hotel Manage- guest satisfaction. Prior to joining ment in Hyderabad. He has held The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, various roles in hotel chains like The he was the General Manager at Jai- Oberoi, JW Marriott, Hyatt Regency, pur Marriott Hotel. Dar brings with Novotel, and Grand Mercure. His last him over two decades of experience role before joining Le Méridien was as General Manager of the in the hospitality industry. His expertise include improving service Novotel in Ahmedabad. quality standards and driving performance in hotel operations.

Tejus Jose Rohit Dar General Manager General Manager Le Méridien Kochi The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

44 SIHRA News I November-December 2017 Movements

Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru has Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks appointed Gaurav Taneja as the new has announced the appointment General Manager. In this role, Taneja of Manish Garg as General will be spearheading responsibili- Manager of the property. With ties of ensuring the newly opened over 20 years of experience across Radisson Blu Atria continues to various hospitality companies in enhance its reputation as a leading both local and international markets, hotel in the city. He will continue to Garg will be well-prepared to lead lead the formulation and imple- the entire operations of the 247-key mentation of strategies to enhance hotel in his new role. Previously, guest experience and operational he served as the General Manager efﬁciency within the hotel and most of Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon importantly, building and inspiring the team to greater perfection. Baani Square and was also part of the pre-opening team Prior to joining Radisson Blu Atria, he worked with several leading in the capacity of a General Manager for Hilton Garden brands in the country such as Novotel, Oberoi, and Marriott. Inn Trivandrum.

Gaurav Taneja Manish Garg General Manager General Manager Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks

Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Abhirath Sah has been promoted Brigade Gateway has brought on to the position of Director of board Rishi Kumar as the Director Sales and Marketing at The Westin of Operations. In this role, he would Hyderabad Mindspace. Sah is adept lead the overall operations of the in the development of creative hotel while working in tandem with advertising and marketing strategies, different heads of department. He will and at The Westin Hyderabad also actively be involved in designing Mindspace, his key responsibilities and planning the marketing strategies will include leading the sales and of the hotel. Prior to joining Sheraton marketing function at the hotel Grand Bangalore, he worked as Direc- by developing and ensuring the tor of F&B at Taj Lands End, Mumbai. execution of an integrated sales and marketing plan. Rishi Kumar Abhirath Sah Director of Operations Director of Sales and Marketing Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace

SIHRA News I November-December 2017 45 Casual Talk

MAYURI GHOSH General Manager – Sales, Lords Hotels & Resorts

Immersing into a good book works like meditation for me. Other than this, I have a penchant for creating embroidered work and I love to travel, even if it is local. Kashmir and Kerala are my top travel destinations and I can travel to these places at the drop of a hat. ,FDQLQGXOJHLQ&KLQHVHDQG&RQWLQHQWDOFXLVLQHVDWDQ\WLPHRIWKHGD\,DPLQÁXHQFHG by spirituality and its different languages and interpretations. I feel inspired by Paulo Coelho and the Dalai Lama.

I am inﬂuenced by spirituality and its different languages and interpretations

ANAND GANESAN General Manager, Kochi Marriott Hotel

I like to read and if my free time extends to a weekend, then I prefer spending it on a short trip with close friends. Being in an industry where we create memories, we ourselves should experience it. Among international destinations for a holiday, Prague is my favourite and in India, it has to be Goa. Some places that I want to explore are regions of North East India and Lapland, Finland.

I want to explore regions of North East India and Lapland, Finland

VIKAS KUMAR Hotel Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Kochi Airport Hotel

,DPDÀWQHVVIUHDNDQGHYHQRQDEXV\GD\,ÀQGWKHWLPHIRUDZRUNRXWEHFDXVHÀWQHVVKHOSV me have a productive day at work. I love taking short vacations that include visiting local places, and exploring nature and local food. Driving through natural surroundings excites me and I believe that this has helped me discover myself. I love listening to Bollywood music and singing tops my list of hobbies. Internationally, I love to travel to the Maldives. I can also visit Goa any number of times. Its pleasantly laid-back atmosphere, music, food, and open-air parties are what I love.

I ﬁnd the time for a workout because ﬁtness helps me have a productive day at work

46 SIHRA News I November-December 2017