Reopening the Doors of Tourism Destinations

DECEMBER 2020 Vol: 2 Issue 10 Pages 32 `20

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF HOTEL & RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION (WESTERN INDIA) FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

REOPENING THE DOORS OF TOURISM DESTINATIONS 2 HRA Today December 2019 My Dear Members, business while many others are still wish to begin with congratulating contemplating. If you have reopened you on the Maharashtra Govern- for business, it is your Association’s ment’s decision to award Hospi- strong recommendation to follow all I the guidelines and take all possible tality the status of industry. This is a massive win for all of our fraternity precautionary measures to safeguard and which will help us especially now, the health of our guests. We cannot during our time of distress. I cannot afford to let our guards down especial- assert enough on how much the As- ly now when several States are issuing sociation is indebted to the relentless alerts against the rising numbers of efforts made by the previous Office COVID19 cases. Bearers to have made this possible. We may witness a temporary setback The Association, its members and I again due to the travel restrictions thank each and every one of them. and conditions laid down by respec- This was followed by the Madhya tive States for controlling the spread. Pradesh State Government’s an- It is holiday season and which usually nouncement to offer a waiver on the is the time of the year when the indus- excise license fee. The order came only try looks at generating good revenues. days ahead of Diwali and came as a However this year is different and we good relief to the Hospitality indus- all sail in the same boat. With no FTAs try in the State. The fee waiver will be and an apprehensive domestic travel- applicable pro-rata from the month ler, the only way to make guests feel of April 2020 until August 2020 on welcome is by instilling confidence account of the lockdown. The HRAWI through thorough diligence. We are through its local representative As- aware that most of you are following sociation played a pivotal role in per- the protocols while many others have suading the Government in agreeing gone above and beyond to ensure to offer the waiver and the HRAWI is guests feel safe and taken care of. The pursuing other States to follow suit. HRAWI thanks its members for their Congratulations to the hoteliers and support and wishes them the very best restaurateurs of MP. for the times to come. Sherry Bhatia As of today, quite a few member hotels and restaurants have reopened for President - HRAWI NEW MEMBERS

he Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) continues to expand its membership Tbase across the western reaches of India. In the recent past, the Association has added hotels, restaurants, and other affiliates from Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh among other states. The Association’s continued efforts and support for the hospitality industry in the regions under its ambit have helped its membership base grow exponentially.

HOTELS Name of the Establishmet Address Opp. Rajpath Club, Sarhej Gandhinagar Highway, Next to Gordhan Ginger Satellite Thal, Ahemdabad,Gujarat - 380054 Adjacent to hotel Le-Royale, Near ashok meadows society, Maan Rd, Hotel Dortn Phase 1, Hinjewadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Pune - 411057 Plot No.10 Opp. Infosys, Phase 1, Hinjewadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Bizz Tamanna Hotel Park, Hinjawadi, Pune - 411057 Plot No.16, Phase 2, Hinjewadi Rajiv Gandhi Infotech Park, Hinjawadi, Grand Tamanna Hotel, Pune - 411057 Novotel Weikfield It City Infopark, Viman Nagar Rd, Pune, 411014 SP 25 Lot No 65 S No 129 Part, 130 A , Dasve Road Village Dasve Opp Antariksh Resort Dasve View Point, Taluka Mulshi, Disrict, Lavasa Village Dasve, Post Mose Budruk Taluka Mulshi, Panshet - Ghol Rd, Ekaant Hotel Lavasa. Plot No DX 12,Thane - Belapur Road D’ Zone Bonsari, Village, TTC Hotel Yogi Midtown Industrial Area, Turbhe, Navi Mumbai Radisson Blu Resort Cavelossim, Beach, Mobor Beach, Goa 403001 Atmantan Wellness Resorts 277, Village Palse, Tamhini Ghar Road, Mulshi, Pune - 412108 Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport ( Domestic Terminal), Off Taj Santacruz Western Express Highway, Santacruz (East) , Mumbai - 400099 Hotel Shilpa Next to R Mall, LBS Marg, Mulund Checknaka, Mulund (W) - 400080 RESTAURANTS Name of the Establishmet Address Subway High Street Phoenix, Lower Parel

Satgurli Prime, Near Vaishnav Dham Temple, Bicholi Mardana, Indore, Madhya Celebration Pradesh - 452009 Ground Floor, Windsea Apts, Behind Shanti Ashram, I. C. Colony, Off New Link Kosmic Sea Lounge Rd, Borivali (W), Mumbai - 400103 ASSOCIATES Name Of The Establishmet Address B1/B2, 701, 7th Floor, Marathon Innova, Off Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Eureka Forbes Limited Lower Parel (West), Mumbai – 400 013 LisaMed Technologies Pvt. Ltd. 401-D, WIFI Park, Road No. 03, Thane - 400604

4 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 PRINTER, EDITOR & PUBLISHER Siji Nair* [email protected] SECRETARY GENERAL Aspi Nallaseth Contents EXECUTIVE EDITOR Prasad M. ASSOCIATE EDITOR N. Vijayagopalan MANAGER-MARKETING Sreekanth K.S. ASST MANAGER-MARKETING Sibu Nair DESIGN Naveen A National Representatives Mail: [email protected] Mumbai : Raveendran Kolkata : Priya Kundu Chennai : Subramaniam Bangalore : Hans Injackel Reopening the Doors of International Representatives 06 Mail: [email protected] Tourism Destinations Muscat, Oman : Dr. Sanjaiyan Dubai, UAE : Binoy Syama Krishna Abu Dhabi, UAE : Sabari R Nair London, United Kingdom : Narendra Shah Zurich, Switzerland : Johnson Pereira Working in hotels and KL, Malaysia : Sudarshan 10 Singapore : Roshan Fernandez COVID-19 Seattle, USA : Pramod Manjali Kuwait : Jayashree Ganga Prasad Doha, Qatar : Raghesh Düsseldorf, Germany : Abraham George Tourism and Hospitality Sydney, Australia : Rakesh Devadas 12 Christchurch, New Zealand : Sony Jose Industry in India – A Snapshot Canada : Shinto Mathew

This issue of HRA Today contains 28+4 pages cover All information in the HRA Today is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regrets that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions Centre announces SOPs for contained in this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views 17 expressed by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by HRA Today. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or B2B Trade Exhibition more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use, and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. Contents of this publication are copyright. No part of HRA Today or any part Organised F&B - QSR industry of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or 23 transmitted in any form without the permission of the publication in writing. The same rule applies when there is a copyright or the article is taken from to gain during COVID times another publication. An exemption is hereby granted for the extracts used for the purpose of fair review, provided two copies of the same publication are sent to us for our records. Publications reproducing material either in part or in whole, without permission could face legal action. The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited Appointments nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged. This publication is not 26 meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the Indian and International Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear. HRA Today monthly is Edited, Printed and Published by Siji Nair, R M Nivas, TMRA F 6 Pangappara (PO) Thiruvananthapuram 28 Brands Pin 695 581. Published from Thiruvananthapuram, Printed at Akshara Offset TC 25/3230(1), Vanchiyoor, Thiruvananthapuram 695 035. Owned by Hotels and Restaurants Association (WI), Editor- Siji Nair RNI No. DELENG/2018/76917 * Responsible for selection of DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 5 news under the PRB Act. TOURISM

REOPENING THE DOORS OF TOURISM DESTINATIONS N.Vijayagopalan

he negative impact of plagued by a few challenges and COVID-19 on the economy the pandemic has only aggravated Tis the most discussed topic the situation. Can we make use of ever since the pandemic hit us. the unlock phase of the economy Of the several industries severely to fix challenges that have long impacted by the pandemic, plagued the sector? tourism is on the fore front. India’s tourism revenue loss post Tourism industry which has the lockdown clamped to fight direct or indirect linkage to a Covid-19 is projected to be 10 host of key sectors, to which lakh crore, with an estimated one in every eight jobs in India five crore people losing their is directly or indirectly linked, jobs. This being the case, it is which contributes about 40 per no wonder that the central and cent of the country’s revenue, state governments are rushing to can be rightly considered as an restart domestic tourism, given ‘engine of economic growth’. the possibility that it would be India cannot afford to have its a long time when international tourism industry struggling, tourism is back to air. However, notwithstanding any calamity. the chances of this exposing Even before the outbreak of vulnerable local communities to Covid-19, tourism industry was the coronavirus, while offering

6 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 little reassurance to potential the carrying capacity concept and fix their ecological imbalance, travelers, cannot be overlooked, can be attempted only through while emerging destinations can unless there is a major revamping prior registration, travel permits, be saved from the looming threat of tourism policies. This makes it limiting the number of rooms of overtourism. imperative that as we emerge into available, having a tiered tourist It is a fact that alongside many a new “normal” and learn to live tax structure etc. spectacular visuals of India, with COVID-19, India’s tourism In the new normal, selection there is the ugly reality of the industry transforms itself to of a travel destination will be surroundings being littered with create a COVID-ready destination, influenced as much by the ease of waste materials, packings, bottles which is also sustainable and social distancing it would provide and remnants of food materials resilient in the medium and long as by the proximity to nature. and rivers and backwaters being run. More people are likely to choose choked with discarded waste and One of the major issues which places where they can easily get even precious heritage sites lined has long plagued India’s popular away from the crowds. In such with rubbish. hill stations and ecologically a scenario, the implementation Absence of proper waste fragile hotspots is over-tourism, of carrying capacity across management has been one of the which as defined by The World popular and potential tourism woes of India’s tourism hotspots, Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) destinations assumes more particularly the mountains. Even is the impact of tourism on a relevance as it would facilitate the places where the waste is destination, or parts thereof, that travellers spreading out and conscientiously gathered from excessively influences perceived practice of social distancing and the streets and rivers do not have quality of life of citizens and / or support livelihoods across a wide access to recycling facilities. This quality of visitor experiences in a range of places. In the same vein, results in either burning of the negative way. The congestion or the earlier popular destinations accumulated waste releasing toxic overcrowding from an excess of can retrieve their original appeal chemicals, or their piling up in tourists often results in conflicts with locals. Every summer, the hill towns including Manali, Shimla, Darjeeling, Mussoorie and Leh become overrun with tourists, shops, street vendors and other offshoots of tourism. The price of over tourism is often chaotic construction, traffic jams and ecological degradation. The pause brought in by COVID-19 has come as a blessing in disguise for such destinations giving them a much-needed breather. Further it also gave them an opportunity to assess their tourism carrying capacity, which is the maximum number of people that may visit a tourist destination at the same time, without causing destruction of the physical, economic, socio- cultural environment and an unacceptable decrease in the quality of visitors, as defined by UNWTO. Implementation of

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 7 overflowing landfills, ultimately in India has necessitated the In order to reassure domestic landing up in oceans and rivers or adoption of effective measures and international travellers contaminating the groundwater. for sustainable and resilient that India takes the threat of A major threat looming large in development in rural India. zoonotic diseases seriously, the the new normal is the unplanned Erratic weather patterns and country must revisit and amend disposal of biomedical waste like natural calamities caused or its existing animal cruelty laws face masks, shields, sanitisers, aggravated by climate change are which warrant long overdue gloves and even PPEs which are predicted to significantly affect amendments. That means expected to increase significantly rural communities. phasing out attractions and as tourism rebounds. This would Tourism needs to evolve in the festivals that confine or misuse aggravate the waste problem new normal creating better places animals, in favor of national and also pose a serious threat of to live first, and host second. parks and protected sanctuaries contamination among locals and It is essential that tourism that offer ethical and safe tourists alike. development focuses on the wilderness experiences. The above mentioned problems needs of the local community The need of the hour in warrant resorting to continuous through measures like the context of the defiant awareness campaigns in tourism- incentivising the preservation Coronavirus is to launch a public oriented cities, coupled with of their traditional way of life, awareness campaign in the initiation of measures like also facilitating access to urban country targeted at potential the creation of plastic waste conveniences, to facilitate travellers with clear directions collection points across the city. creation of destinations worth on coronavirus safety and Tourism destinations across India visiting. That would certainly help an emphasis on meaningful need to also initiate steps to fix paving the way for long-term experiences, supporting local their supply chains to ensure sustainability and resilience. livelihoods and being mindful of biomedical and segregated waste According to a United Nations the environment. This assumes reaches the nearest recycling report, the world is treating the significance as tourism shifts centres. health and economic symptoms towards creating better places to live. The Covid-19 led reverse of the coronavirus pandemic but migration crisis witnessed not the environmental cause.

8 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 INNOVATION VIBAN DRDO DEVELOPS A NEW FACE FOR DISINFECTION A CHEMICAL-FREE SOLUTION FOR COVID 19

new leaf to the fully WiFi-enabled, and a Mobile fection. A room with a 400 sq ft Atmanirbhar Bharath, App to operate it. The wi-fi area can be disinfected in 30/60 AMotivation Engineers, enabled mobile app can be used minutes by positioning the equip- and Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. very simply by easy handshaking ment at different places within brought a new dimension to the with the UV Disinfection System. the room. The major advantages Disinfection during this pandemic The Laser Science & Technology are that the operation time is era by the Technical efforts by Centre (LASTEC) based in selectable, it can detect the Visual Scientists from DRDO (Defence Delhi, with the help of New message for any Motion, and Research and Development Age Instruments and Materials there is a Visual indicator for all Organization). After the trial, Private Limited, Gurugram 12 lamps status. The innovation the DRDO approved and issued brought the idea into reality. is highly beneficial in hospitals, a certificate for the commercial airports, shopping malls, met- The Disinfection System uses UV production of UV Tower. Likewise, ros, hotels, factories, etc. and for C light, which is the latest pop- the tagline of Viban, the rapid electronic equipment, computers, ular emerging tool in defeating and chemical-free Disinfection, etc., laboratories, and offices that the pandemic worldwide. The UV mainly aims at the pandemic are not suitable for Disinfection C Disinfection System employs prone areas. The unique system with chemical methods. 6/12nos. These mercury lamps of VIBAN is equipped with PIR that emit a total UVC output For more details-contact +91 Sensor, 32 Bit Microcontroller, power for complete 360° disin- 9947733339/9995139933

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 9 COVID SCENARIO

WORKING IN HOTELS AND COVID-19 Our Bureau

ow can those working away the tissue in a closed bin. such as heart disease, diabetes in hotels and other 3. Maintain at least a 1 metre or lung cancer, should wear a Haccommodation distance from other staff and medical mask because of their establishments protect guests. This includes avoid higher risk of getting seriously ill themselves from COVID-19? hugging, kissing, or shaking from COVID-19. Here are the advisories given by hands. If you can’t guarantee the Staff under the age of 60 and World Health Organisation. distance, wear a fabric mask. Be who are in general good health What can staff do to stay safe sure to check local and national can wear fabric masks when while working at a hotel or other guidelines on the use of masks. they cannot guarantee at least accommodation establishment? Staying behind plexiglass boards a 1 metre distance from others. Everyone should follow the at reception and concierge desks This is particularly important basic precautions below: can prevent droplet transmission. for staff who are in close contact or potential close contact with 1. Wash all parts of your hands Teleworking may be a possibility others. Everyone should follow frequently (at least 20 seconds for some jobs, which can help local policies and regulations. if using an alcohol-based hand reduce physical contact with rub, and at least 40 seconds others. What should staff do with soap and water), including if a guest becomes sick Should staff wear a mask at an accommodation after exchanging objects such while working? as money or credit cards with establishment? guests. In areas where the virus that If a guest at the accommodation causes COVID-19 is circulating, develops symptoms of 2. Cover a cough or sneeze with staff aged 60 or over, or who have a bent elbow or tissue and throw COVID-19, such as fever, dry any underlying health conditions cough or tiredness, staff at the 10 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 accommodation establishment prevent them from receiving should contact the local health visits from other guests. authority and follow their National law will guide the instructions. The sick person rights of the guests to refuse or should be isolated in a room, not the recommended measures. Staff entering alone, or at least 1 meter away Staff entering the room of an ill the room of an from others, according to local person should maintain at least ill person should health authorities’ instructions. a 1 meter distance from the ill No visitors should be permitted person, and request that the ill maintain at least a to enter the room occupied by the person put on a medical mask. 1 meter distance affected guest. Staff should also from the ill person, move people traveling with the If staff need to assist an ill guest sick person to a different room, if within a 1 meter distance, they and request that possible. should clean their hands before the ill person put putting on appropriate personal It is usually the relevant public protective equipment (medical on a medical mask. health authority, not the mask and eye protection, gloves management of the hotel and and isolation gown), and clean accommodation establishment, their hands after providing which has the authority to assistance. Training should demand sick guests to temporarily be provided on how to avoid remain in their room or to contaminating themselves.

What should staff do if they have symptoms? If staff develops COVID-19 symptoms while at work, such as fever, dry cough or tiredness, they should immediately stop working, put on a medical mask and isolate in a suitable room while medical services are notified. Disposable tissues and an appropriate waste bin with a lid should be available in the designated isolation area while waiting for medical assessment or transfer to an assessment facility. If staff develops symptoms while at home, they should stay at home and seek medical attention, following instructions from a health worker that will include a period of time for self-isolation away from others, including family members, according to local guidance. The staff member should inform the management accordingly. (Source : World Health Organisation) DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 11 TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY IN INDIA – A SNAPSHOT

Our Bureau

ere is a snapshot on from tourism increased which was 8.1 per cent of Indian Tourism and 4.8 per cent* y-o-y to Rs the total employment in HHospitality industry 1,94,881 crore (US$ 29.96 the country. basing on India Brand Equity billion). Higher investment Foundation’s study report on • In India, the sector’s direct • the industry. (August 2020) Travel & tourism’s contribution to GDP is contribution to capital Contribution to GDP above expected to grow by 7.1 investment in India is world average per cent per annum during projected to grow 6.7 per • According to WTTC, India 2018-28 cent per annum during ranked third among 185 Creating higher 2018–28. countries in terms of employment • Under the Swadesh travel & tourism’s total • As of 2019, 4.2 crore Darshan scheme, 77 contribution to GDP in jobs were created in the projects have been 2018. During 2019, FEEs tourism sector in India, sanctioned worth Rs 12 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 6,035.70 crore (US$ authorisations, known as ADVANTAGE INDIA 863.60 million). e-Tourist Visa, launched by Robust Demand the Government of India, Increasing visitor export • has resulted in increase By 2020, medical tourism • Contribution of visitor in number of tourist visa industry of India is export to total export is issued in the country. The expected to touch US$ 9 estimated to increase 5.5 facility was extended to billion. per cent per annum during citizens of 169 countries • During 2019, 10.89 million 2018–2028. as of December 2019. foreign tourists arrived in • International tourists • During 2019, a total the country. arrival is expected to reach of 29,28,303 tourists • International tourist 30.5 billion by 2028. arrived on e-Tourist Visa, arrivals are expected to New visa reforms registering a growth of reach 30.5 million by 2028. • Electronic tourist 23.6 per cent • Prime Minister Narendra DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 13 • Ministry of Tourism is promoting Buddhist Circuit to increase India’s share in global tourism market.

SEGMENTS OF TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY Accommodation and catering Accommodation could be hotels & motels, apartments, camps, guest houses, lodges, bed & breakfast establishments, house boats, resorts, cabins & hostels. In addition, tourists also require catering facilities, which includes include hotels, local restaurants, roadside joints, cafeterias & retail outlets serving food & beverages Transportation This segment comprises airline companies, cruise services, railways, car rentals & more. Atourist’s choice of transport would depend on the travel budget, destination, time, purpose of the tour & convenience to the point of Modi urged people to • Under the Swadesh destination visit 15 domestic tourist Darshan scheme, 15 Attractions destinations in India by thematic circuits in the Another major component of 2022. country have been selected the travel & tourism industry for development of Attractive Opportunities is ‘attractions’ such as theme tourism infrastructure. • India has a diverse parks & natural attractions portfolio of niche tourism • e-Tourist Visa facility including scenic locations, products – cruises, offered to 169 countries as cultural & educational adventure, medical, of December 2019. attractions, monuments, wellness, sports, MICE, Diverse Attractions events & medical, social or professional causes. eco-tourism, film, rural & • India offers geographical religious tourism. diversity, attractive Travel agents Policy Support beaches, 30 World A fragmented sector with • A 5-year tax holiday has Heritage SBPM and 25 bio- several independent travel been offered for 2-,3- and geographic zones. agents & many online 4-star category hotels • The country’s big coastline businesses. They also sell located around UNESCO is dotted with several associated products such as World Heritage sites attractive beaches. insurance, car hire & currency (except Delhi & Mumbai). exchange. Business travel 14 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 agencies specialise in making Medical Tourism relaxed & healthy lifestyle travel & accommodation Tourists seek specialised Eco-Tourism arrangements for business medical treatments, mainly Vast variety of flora & travellers & promoting ayurvedic, spa & other conference trades. fauna in various states is a therapies The primary purpose major factor behind their Tour operators is achieving, promoting or growing popularity as tourist Offer customised maintaining good health & a destinations. Thenmala in tours, including travel, sense of well-being Kerala is the 1st planned accommodation & sightseeing. Adventure tourism ecotourism destination in A wide range of adventure India. EMERGING TOURISM AND sports are covered under this HOSPITALITY SEGMENTS category with specialised RISING CONTRIBUTION TO packages The activities include INDIA’S GDP Luxury Tourism mountaineering, trekking, • The luxury travel market in bungee jumping, mountain India ranked eighth India is expected to grow at biking, river rafting & rock in the world in 2018, rate of 12.8 per cent during climbing contributing almost US$ 247 billion to the country’s 2015-25, the highest in Pilgrimage Tourism comparison with any other GDP. It is the third largest BRIC country. One of the biggest foreign exchange earner contributors to tourism for the country. Heritage Tourism industry. India being a • India was ranked 34 in Tourists visit India for its religious hub for different the Travel & Tourism cultural heritage in various cultures, attract many tourists Competitiveness Report cities The country’s rich every year. 2019 published by the heritage is amply reflected Rural Tourism World Economic Forum. in the various temples, majestic forts, pleasure The aim is to develop interest • The tourism & hospitality gardens, religious monuments, in heritage and culture; & sector’s direct contribution museums, art galleries, urban promote visits to village to GDP is expected to & rural sites. settings to experience & live a reach Rs 12.68 trillion

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 15 Rising FDI • Hotel & Tourism sector received cumulative FDI inflow of US$ 15.28 billion between April 2000 and March 2020. • International hotel brands are targeting India. Carlson group is aiming to increase the number of its hotels in India to 170 by 2020. • Hospitality majors are entering into tie-ups to penetrate deeper into the market. Taj & Shangri-La entered into a strategic (US$ 194.69 billion) in RISING REVENUES FROM alliance to improve their 2028. LEISURE AND BUSINESS reach and market share by SEGMENTS • According to 2018 report launching loyalty programmes of the World Travel and • Share of revenue from aimed at integrating rewarded Tourism Council (WTTC), leisure travel to total customers of both hotels India was ranked third in tourism stood around 94.8 Growing Demand per cent in 2019. the tourism sector. • Domestic expenditure on • Total earning from the • Leisure travel spending tourism is expected to rise sector in India stood at reached US$ 234.16 billion due to the growing income of US$ 28.6 billion in 2018, in 2019 and is expected to households. reach US$ 432.3 billion by and it is targeted to reach • Several niche offerings such 2028F. US$ 50 billion by 2022. as medical tourism & eco • Business travel revenue tourism are expected to was US$ 12.84 billion FOREIGN EXCHANGE create more demand. in 2019 and is projected • By 2029, India’s tourism • Tourism is an important to increase to US$ 24.4 sector is expected to reach Rs source of foreign exchange billion by 2028F in India similar to many 35 trillion (US$ 488 billion) GROWTH DRIVERS FOR other countries During with a growth of 6.7 per cent THE TOURISM MARKET 2019, foreign tourist and accounting for 9.2 per arrivals (FTAs) in India Infrastructure cent of the total economy. stood at 10.89 million, • More than half of Ministry Policy Support achieving a growth rate of of Tourism’s budget is A web based Public Service 3.20 per cent y-o-y channelised for funding Delivery System (PSDS) had • During 2019, India earned the development of been launched by the Ministry foreign exchange of US$ destinations, circuits, mega of Tourism to enable all the 29.96 billion from tourism, projects as well as rural applicants seeking approval for recording a y-o-y growth of tourism infrastructure hotel projects and track their 4.80 per cent. projects. applications online on a real • Foreign exchange earnings • Tourism Ministry is time basis. The Government (FEEs) from tourism in currently developing will develop 17 iconic tourist India witnessed growth at several theme-based sites in India into world-class a CAGR of 8.96 per cent tourist circuits under destinations as conveyed in the during 2007-2019. Swadesh Darshan Scheme Union Budget 2019-20 to promote tourism. (Courtesy : IBEF Study Report (August 2020)) 16 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 TRADE EXHIBITION

CENTRE ANNOUNCES SOPS FOR B2B TRADE EXHIBITION

Our Bureau he big picture of the a continuation, the Centre ‘Aarogya Setu’ app shall Industry, an inevitable proceeds with some standard be mandatory for all with marketing tool; yes, the operating procedures (SOP). smartphones. Ttrade shows are significant for The Ministry of Commerce and Let us commence with the many reasons in B2B marketing. Industry put forward generic internal system, including the The trade shows are getting and precautionary measures venue providers, exhibition value to the B2B marketers by to be adopted, in addition to organizers, service providers, providing a unique picture of specific criteria, for holding B2B and exhibitors. the company. Even though it is Exhibitions to maintain physical for the promotion of products distance as well as other safety For the Venue Provider and services, it is associated measures against COVID 19. ¡ Health/ first aid kiosks with the two essential ends, manned by optimal staff The Generic Measures buyers and sellers. Like every with adequate equipment other industry, the trade Everybody needs to obey these like thermal guns and hand shows also got a massive set- measures to secure them from sanitizers at all entry/ exit back in the pandemic period. the pandemic. gates. Gradually it reaches the shores a. Physical distancing of at- ¡ Mandatory self-assessment of revival. The Ministry of least 6 feet to follow as far as through Arogya Setu mobile Home Affairs announced that feasible. application. the Business to Business (B2B) b. Use of face covers/ masks to ¡ The Exhibition Halls shall exhibitions could be conducted be made mandatory. outside the Containment Zone be disinfected before giving from 15th October 2020. As c. Installation and Use of the possession. DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 17 needs to be created. The round-robin arrangements should also follow this dedicated lane. The drop-off points and parking points should be identified. The spaces for parking of vehicles should be clearly defined to maintain social distancing in the parking areas. The parking space provided should have adequate distancing norms between vehicles. ¡ The F&B service providers to be advised that proper hygiene be maintained and the infrastructure be disinfected regularly. They may be advised to offer pre- packed food to the extent possible and to avoid a buffet-style set-up to avoid queue-ups. Digital payments must be encouraged. The F&B outlets/couriers shall mandatorily install glass partitions as a physical distancing measure. The serving personnel should ¡ The entry and exit should be adequate. The air handling wear masks and gloves. separated for visitors, and the unit must be cleaned and The F&B services providers Venue must ensure adequate maintained regularly to will be required to follow natural cross ventilation. maintain adequate in-hall the guidelines issued by temperature/air movement the relevant government ¡ A well-planned garbage agencies. The business disposal policy should be as recommended by health authorities. visitors/delegates are maintained. encouraged to bring their ¡ For air-conditioning / ¡ An adequate number of CCTV own water bottles. There ventilation, the guidelines should be installed in the should be a provision of of CPWD shall be followed, venue/ campus, including tissue papers near water which emphasize that the (i) inside the halls and the dispensers, Tea/Coffee temperature setting of all air F&B locations, to closely makers, etc. to avoid direct conditioning devices should monitor visitor movement contact with the hand. All be in the range of 24-30 to ensure social distancing equipment should be as far as degree (ii) relative humidity and control overcrowding at possible made contactless. any point. There should be should be in the range of ¡ an adequate AV unit for the To maintain social distancing 40-70%, (iii) recirculation the number of individuals of air to be avoided to the announcement to manage the crowd movement. that can be permitted in extent possible, (iv) intake any given hall, stall/ booth of fresh air should be as ¡ A dedicated lane for vehicle and toilet/ washroom at much as possible and (v) movement with a single entry any particular time may cross ventilation should be and single exit of the vehicles 18 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 be moderated such that are likely to be visited by the that they, along-with the the latest MHA/ MoHFW public. The Organizer should exhibitors, visitors, staff/ guidelines on social distancing ensure that the number of labour belonging to all the are complied-with, which business/trade delegates agencies for Construction currently translates into a into the Venue, in respect and Decoration (C&D), 3.25 sq. m per person in of their event, is regulated Food and Beverages (F&B), the halls. (10,000 sq. m hall as per the Govt. guidelines Security, Housekeeping, etc. should have a maximum of during that particular time. hired by the Organizer and 3076 persons; a 5,000 sq. m The social distance of a any other stall deployed by hall should have a maximum minimum of 6 feet when them, in connection with the of 1538 persons.) queuing up for entry and exhibition/conference, are ¡ The venue owner should inside the Venue as far as aware of and are following all create an isolation centre on a feasible. For the purpose, the the precautionary measures permanent basis. specific marking may be done advised by the Govt. at various places like queues Authorities, in respect of the For Trade Exhibition at entry and exit of halls, in Covid-19 virus, from time to Organizers front of registration desks, in time. ¡ Exhibition Organizers should front of booths/stalls in the ¡ Appropriate arrangements for assess the risk involved by passageways, etc. personal protection gears like doing a thorough pre-vent ¡ Fair/Exhibition Organizers face covers/masks, and other review of the event before the should stagger the logistics like hand sanitizers, planned dates.’ The Organizer operational hours of the soap, sodium hypochlorite should also analyze the Exhibition so that there solution, etc. shall be made health and safety situation is organized gathering. available by Fair/ Trade of the expected attendees’ The Organizer may also Exhibition Organizers/ zones, both national and be requested to plan for exhibitors for their staff as International. staggered exit o1 exhibitors per requirements. ¡ The Organizer should avoid and business visitors/ ¡ The Organizer should promoting their events to delegates at the closing time regularly play recorded visitors from affected areas of the show on each day. messages/announcements on whose visit to the event may ¡ The Organizer should the precautionary measures, impact other visitors’ health maintain a record of all the good practices, and relevant and safety at the show. entrants & participants who information regarding the ¡ A plan should be prepared will enter the Venue regarding virus during the full tenancy well in advance about the their event. They should be period. Regular Health conduct of each activity able to provide traceability and safety announcements separately (exhibitions, support of suspects to may be made in English meetings, shows, food/ local health authorities if and local languages. They catering arrangements, etc.) required. In line with the should promote ‘Namaste’ ¡ B2B arrangements shall govt. Guidelines, the entrance greetings as a replacement be permitted outside the screened-out based on to handshakes. It should containment zones only. travel history/symptoms/ highlight the availability Fair /Trade Exhibition information found on the of onsite doctors and Organizers, venue providers, medical interview sheet may ambulances. Signage/ service providers, exhibitors be refused entry. Availability boards arc to be installed and business visitors from of information of any at all prominent places, containment zones shall not overseas COV ID-19 cases about preventive measures be permitted. that were detected during to be followed by entrants, or after the event should be and spitting inside the ¡ Keeping in view the physical passed on to their respective premises will be prohibited. distancing norms, event sites embassies. A short advisory on social should have adequate floor distancing in all signage, areas at all locations, which ¡ The Organizer must ensure DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 19 digital messages, boards, etc., by scanning the QR code by ¡ If Organizers are providing may reinforce the standard the Organizer. transport shuttles, they signage. ¡ The Organizers should should be cleaned regularly. ¡ Business visitors should encourage the use of Avoid transportation to/ be given prior information technology to minimize fro from any Containment on what they should carry, human interface. The Zones if identified by the including a face mask, water organizer’ should ask its Government. bottle, and hand sanitizer. exhibitors to encourage the ¡ The Organizer should ¡ The Organizer should advise use of e-brochures to reduce encourage prefabricated all the entrants to practice contact and paper wastage. material while constructing handwashing etiquettes ¡ The Organizers should be stands to ensure minimum (even i1 the hands are visibly advised to monitor the time spent by the stand clean) with soap and water number of business visitors/ fabricators, fitters, etc. or alcohol-based hand rub/ delegates to a particular The Organizer should also sanitizer with at least 70% hall by technology-enabled/ instruct the C&D agent alcohol content. outlier means by tracking to disinfect the booth construction material etc. ¡ the inflow and the outflow of The Organizers should Stand Contractors should use encourage pre-registration of visitors in real-time. As soon as the hall reaches saturation mechanized trolleys/pallets business visitors/delegates etc. to minimize human to minimize queues at the as per the hall-rise occupancy load notified by Government labor while bringing/taking registration area and seek material out of the halls. health declarations from all agencies, the inflow may be attendees in a pre-exhibition restricted. The number of ¡ The Organizers will construct entry safe zone. All attendees people in the elevators shall a minimum of one Isolation should be registered in be limited, duly maintaining Room of minimum 3m x 3m order to ensure traceability social distancing norms. (four sides & ceiling covered, if needed at a later date. ¡ The furniture and other with lockable door), which Contact-less entry should be surfaces (frequently touched would be manned by the encouraged. or otherwise) present in each Fair Organiser staff adept in handling a COVID- 19 patient ¡ An adequate number of of the halls and will be used in respect of their event need and would have adequate ticket counters/registration facilities like PPE kit, face counters shall be planned to be wiped with disinfectant regularly by the Organizer. masks and sanitizers. The duly, ensuring physical Fair/Exhibition Organizer ¡ distancing norms. The During the event, the would also ensure to identify Organizer should consider Organizer should ensure and safely transfer the minimal social contact while that suffixes rent hand identified suspected COVID- setting up the Registration sanitizers/soap/tissues in 19 patient to the isolation area. Queue masters could be all the washrooms. Their room till the arrival of the used to manage movement housekeeping agency should medical team or transferring flow. Registration counters be strictly instructed to to a COVID Hospital. set up by the Organizer regularly monitor the hygiene Disinfection of premises shall could have transparent glass of all the halls, including the be taken up if the person is partitions to act as a barrier washi ooms. All the tissues found positive to physical contact. should be in closed bins. ¡ The Fair/Exhibition ¡ Visitors and staff should be The Organizer shall also Organizer should ensure that encourage online registration advised to dispose of used face covers/masks in covered the paramedic ambulances with the option of printing that are inside the Venue for of entry badges at home. bins available at premises. The housekeeping agency their event are crewed by Further, the QR Code may full-time doctor/healthcare be generated during the should ensure that the used tissues are thrown into closed staff/nurses with personal registration, and the entry protective equipment like can be allowed inside the hall bins immediately after use. 20 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 masks, visors, gloves, etc. fection (using 1% sodium of material must ensure social ¡ The Fair/Exhibition Organizer hypochlorite) of frequently distancing and wear all neces- shall set up and chair the touched surfaces (doorknobs, sary PPE. Core COVID-19 response elevator buttons, handrails, ¡ Ensure contact-less team with the involvement of queue barricades, seats, transportation of materials to senior officials of all service benches, washroom fixtures, the exhibition venue. etc.) to be made mandatory partners and venues. The ¡ Complete stand builds up Organizer should Identify in all public utility common areas. maintaining social distancing and convey emergency at the site. contact numbers to all the ¡ The bio-medical waste (mask, stakeholders on a repeat basis face covers, visors, PPEs etc.) While Dismantling: till the exhibition dates. generated may be disposed of ¡ Sanitize the stall along with For Service Providers following the hazardous waste furniture, fixtures, etc. before disposal guidelines. dismantling the booth. ¡ Duly filled in Self-health ¡ Declaration forms shall be While setting-up the Dismantle and deliver collected from all Stand Exhibition: all material back to the Fabricators. ¡ Arrange maximum pre- warehouse using sanitized vehicles and mandatory use ¡ Service providers shall park fabrication of the confirmed stand design at own premises. of masks and other required their vehicles at designated PPE by the driver and other places till they get clearance ¡ Ensure necessary social personnel. from the Venue Owner to distancing among workers, ¡ enter. supervisory staff, etc. Avoid any unnecessary stopover during transit. ¡ Vehicles shall be parked by ¡ While Transporting the ¡ maintaining social distancing. prefabricated materials to the Duly tilted in Sell health exhibition venue: Declaration forms shall be ¡ All service providers shall collected from all Logistic undergo thermal scanning at ¡ Sanitize the delivery vehicle Providers. the entrance of the exhibition and all materials before ¡ venue by maintaining social loading. Sanitise the logistics and distancing. warehouse facilities along ¡ Drivers and other personnel with all equipment before use ¡ Cleaning and regular disin- involved in the transportation by the workers.

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 21 During Pickup and visitors also. ¡ In case a person falls sick, he Transportation: For the Visitors must report to the COVID help desk. ¡ ExhibitionShall be sanitized ¡ Aarogya Setu Mobile App is before packaging. recommended for all business ¡ Visitors should adhere to ¡ Pick up and ensure visitors/delegates and all the guidelines prescribed contactless transportation mandatory for smartphones. by the Trade Exhibition Organizer. of the exhibitor goods to the ¡ Visitors should pre-register hall exhibition. themselves. There are also a specific number of measures to conduct During Re-transportation: ¡ The business visitors/ conferences during exhibitions. ¡ Sanitize the exhibitor goods delegates should not enter And the major points are: before pick up from the the venue ground if their Venue. temperature is not average. ¡ Identify closed door conference areas for any ¡ ¡ Re-transport to the port of Visitors to be allowed entry conference sessions planned origin. only if using face cover/ during the Exhibition For the Exhibitors masks. The face cover ‘/mask with seating and avoid has to be worn by all, at all ¡ any standing attendees. Aarogya Setu Mobile App times, while in public places. is recommended for all the Preferably the conference persons operating the stall ¡ Frisking of persons entering sessions can be held in an and is mandatory for the the Venue, if planned, shall Open-air Conference Hall. ones with a smartphone. be undertaken after the ¡ Speaker/panellist chairs thermal screening. Personnel ¡ All the stalls should have to be placed, ensuring safe involved in frisking shall distancing. hand sanitizers. They should wear triple-layer medical ensure that a sufficient gap masks (in addition to gloves). ¡ Ensure social distancing for (of two yards) is maintained Proper hand hygiene shall be attendees and sanitization of at all times between the maintained by such personnel conference areas after regular people operating the stall. every time they change their intervals. All the personnel at the stall gloves. ¡ For holding B2B meetings should use Face Mask till during the event, a suitable COVID-19 is prevalent. ¡ The business visitors/ delegates must ensure that facility ensuring sufficient ¡ Every stall should have a they maintain a sufficient space must be created to hold covered dustbin. distance (of about two the meetings. The Meeting ¡ Maintaining social distancing yards) from other persons table must be separated by the number of individuals at all the time. Proper a distance of at least 6 feet. that can be permitted in physical distancing shall be Not more than two people are any coven stall/booth at maintained while exiting the allowed to sit at the table at any particular time may premises too. a time for the B2B meeting. E acc shield along with mask be moderated such that ¡ The number of visitors and hand gloves must be the latest MHA / hloHFW inside the event venue shall guidelines on social made mandatory for the B2B be restricted in accordance participants. distancing are complied-with. with the order issued by the ¡ Exhibitors should encourage Ministry of Home Affairs ¡ The National Directives for Digital Payment Options from time to time. COVID 19 Management and the relevant guidelines issued at Food & Beverage (F&B) ¡ Seating arrangement in outlet. by the Ministry of Home the exhibition halls, food Affairs. Ministry of’ Health & Along with the exhibitors, the courts, meetings, etc. is to Family Welfare, relevant State visitor plays a vital role for the be made so that adequate Governments etc. shall be future. The preventive measures physical distancing of 6 feet is strictly complied with during unwind a safe cover for the maintained. all activities.

22 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 F&B Organised F&B - QSR industry to gain during COVID times

Organised global QSR chains having strong delivery focus fastest to recover in COVID times.

ith capacity limitations 85-90% of pre-COVID levels and and social-distancing with the shift in focus toward Wnorms, popular delivery, we believe QSR will restaurants and cafés are witness the fastest recovery currently seeing fewer patrons to pre-COVID levels wherein despite opening up in many Domino’s will lead recovery with states in India since last two full normalcy by Novemberand months. However, a few quick- others by January-February service restaurants (QSR) are 2021, given their higher share of seeing heightened demand in dine in. Even India cuisine based takeout and delivery, given organised QSR chains lag their Karan Taurani innovative campaigns of zero global counterparts and will see Vice President contact delivery mechanism and recovery coming in with a lag; Elara Capital promotional offers on contactless many organised wadapav chains digital payment modes. Major too have breached 65% of pre established QSR chains in India COVID levels in Aug’20 and are have recovered an average of expected to move towards 85% recovery rate by Nov/Dec’20

Majority of QSR chains are back to 80%+ of pre-COVID sales

Source: Company, Elara Securities Research

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 23

Increasing ticket size with vs single person ordering, aiding Slow recovery on dine in sales; family ordering in higher realization per order increased mobility is also a big With the entire family being at leading to value sales growth. factor for the same home amid the lockdown, per The number of transactions In case of online delivery, QSR order value has gone up 25-30% (delivery based) remain down vs chains were the fastest to from INR 450 per order to INR pre COVID levels by almost 20%, adapt to the new normal with 600 per order, which has been a as stores are operating on timing campaigns like Zero Contact big jump, due to family ordering and other restrictions. Delivery and thus witnessed quick recovery vs other restaurants, Realization per order improves with the jump in average order value which struggled due to no digital presence. In case of recovery in dine-in sales too, QSR chains and cafés are expected to pick up faster than fine dining, given longer seating times at fine dining restaurants vs QSR chain dine- in outlets. In terms of dine-in sales ratio,cafés have the highest dependence at 90%, followed by traditional restaurants at 70% of overall sales. Among QSR chains, KFC has 75% contribution from dine-in as well as takeaway sales while Domino’s has the lowest at 40% dine-in (pre-COVID). India’s small food joints too are Source: Elara Securities Research dependent 60% on dine-in sales, which will need time to recover Established brand marketing, post COVID-19. trust and reliability to help Around 20% of urban commuters rebound pre COVID levels processes, digitization across are dependent on public transport stores for contactless ordering QSR chains with strong brand in Delhi and Mumbai. In these experience and payment. recall have increased marketing cities, public transport carries efforts, campaigns and Domino’s was the first brand daily 4mn and 3mn, respectively, promotions during COVID-19 to launch contactless and zero commuters via local trains and times to ensure customer contact delivery during the metros. Further, to allow social stickiness. We believe marketing COVID-19 period, which provided distancing in public transpor- campaigns during these times itwith a first-mover advantage. tation, Delhi Metro will have will help retain customer interest It was later adopted by other to bolster capacity 6x to keep and benefit QSR chains during major chains & aggregators, such passengers safe while Mumbai post COVID-19 period as people asZomato, Swiggy andDunzo, trains will have to expand servic- will tend to trust them more vs enabling faster pickup in the es 14-16x, which seems difficult other organized brands, due to F&B delivery space. In case at the moment; thus, we believe their transparency in cooking of McDonald’s,drive-thru normalization of public transpor- processes, quality control andMcDelivery were pushed via tation will take much longer and standards, automated kitchens, various promotional offers to consequently have a prolonged less manual intervention in offset loss in dine-in sales. impact on dine-in sales of restaurants and QSR chains.

24 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020

QSR chains are less dependent on dine-in sales vs traditional restaurants

Source: Company, Primary Research, Elara Securities Research

Multiple other factors working chains as they pay almost 30% International QSR chains with in favour of organised/large lower revenue share percentage higher bargaining power in QSR/F&B chains vs unorgan- basis vs the smaller restaurants revenue share-based rent ised cafes. Given the above advantage The large organised QSR chains sustaining for larger organised have always had an advantage players during COVID times, over the unorganised players they will be clear winners and backed by economies of scale pre gain market share. The risks for COVID . In COVID times too, all of the above working against the larger organised players have organised/larger players is 1) the many more advantages like 1) access to an effective vaccine 2) Source: Primary Research, Elara Securities Research lower rental on a revenue share second wave of the virus in India basis (temporary arrangement) if the vaccine is not launched 3) Fewer QSR chains shutting with mall developers and high affordability takes a hit due to amid COVID-19 than other street owners, as their revenue lower income levels restaurants recovery will be faster vs the Domino’s with high bargain- smaller chains 2) the intensity of ing power vs peers in terms of outlets shutting down too will be revenue share to aggregators much lower for large organised QSR chains at almost 10-15% (as they have better liquidity and better cash reserves) vs other players as almost 35% of smaller restaurants/cafes are estimated to Source: Elara Securities Research shut down on a temporary basis (The author is a Research analyst in the Source: Primary Research, Elara M&E/consumer discretionary space with 3) arrangement with aggregators an overall work experience of over 14 too are favourable for the larger Securities Research years in equity research covering multiple other sectors (Tech, Telecom); covering the organised QSR industry closely and ranked 5th best analyst for the India Entertainment sector as per Asiamoney Brokers Poll 2019)

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 25 APPOINTMENTS

otel Association of India (HAI), Sukhija has been part of the hospitality Hthe apex body of the hotel sector since 1985 and started her career industry in India and an integrat- at the India Tourism Development ed hospitality industry platform, Corporation (ITDC), an organization has announced the appointment entrusted with the task of developing of Charulata Sukhija as the Deputy tourism infrastructure and promoting Secretary-General of the Association. India as a tourist destination. Sukhija Sukhija’s appointment is in line with joined HAI in 2008 and was holding the HAI’s overall strategic restructuring position of Director, supplementing Charulata Sukhija to strengthen the HAI secretariat in the association’s efforts to strengthen Deputy Secretary-General its efforts to aid the survival of the the voice of the industry amongst the HAI hotel industry in India. external stakeholders.

anish Gupta has been n his new role, Shankar Mappointed as the Chief Iwill align the procurement Executive Officer (CEO) of team and set up procurement TajSATS Air Catering Limited, processes and policies for The Indian Hotels Company’s Leela brand. In addition, he (IHCL) joint venture with SATS, will also lead the cost-savings and India’s market leader in initiatives and resource airline catering. Gupta will optimization for the brand move to his current role from that will help in improving Manish Gupta his previous position of being Sai Shankar profitability. Shankar brings CEO the Area Director – East & Vice President- with him over two decades TajSATS General Manager – Taj Bengal, Procurement of extensive experience in looking after the Eastern India The Leela Palaces, Procurement, including hotels, Bhutan and Nepal. He Hotels and Resorts tendering of new projects, spearheaded the organization’s bulk supply sourcing and growth in this fast growing part strategizing for annual capital Gupta has over two decades expenditure. of experience in multiple roles across various categories and sizes of hotels in India.

havan brings with him rich n his new role, Kataria will Cand varied experience of Ioversee the complete pre- over 17+ years with reputed opening strategy, operations chain of hotels such as Le and management of the Meridien, Intercontinental hotel and guide the hotel and Oak wood to mention senior leadership team with a few in both operations as his vision. Prior to joining well as sales & marketing. In The Leela, Reuben was the his new role Chavan will be General Manager JW Marriott Anil Chavan responsible for delivering high Reuben Kataria Bengaluru. He brings valuable General Manager level of customer service. He General Manager knowledge from his world-wide Aarya Lords Club and will also play an integral role The Leela Hotel and assignments with prestigious Resorts in formulating, administering, Residences Bhartiya Indian and International coordinating and directing City Bengaluru Hotel chains. His professional activities of all departments to experience in working with develop result oriented goals leading global chains includes for growth and profitability. The Oberoi, Hyatt and Marriott International.

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Taj Wellington Mews, Lobby DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 27

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PREBIOTIC CHOCOLATE LIL GOODNESS ‘Lil’Goodness’, a children’s’ food and nutrition start-up, launched India’s first ‘prebiotic’ chocolate. According to the manufacturers, these chocolates have prebiotic fibres, which activate healthy bacteria in the gut and improve the absorption of essential vitamins and minerals, therefore promoting better immunity and good health. They say the brand aims to empower millen- nial parents by adding good for health ingredients like prebiotics into the ultimate fuss-free food for children, chocolatesand to reate awareness about healthy eating.

NEW MUESLI, BREAK-FAST CERE- ALS _ KWALITY FOODS Kwality Foods has introduced unique muesli with turmeric, honey and ginger among two other launches - crunchy muesli with almonds, raisins and honey and muesli mixed fruit. The company says all three variants have no added refined sugar coupled with the goodness and immunity-boosting capabilities of age-old ingredients and 100 per cent natural contents. Tur- meric, ginger, honey and cane jaggery, instead of refined sugar are the main ingredients. The company states that with this launch, they become one of the first Indian brands to have the widest range of breakfast cereals in India.

‘TIMIOS MELTS’ TIMIOS Timios, part of Firmroots Pvt Ltd, a packaged healthy snack brand for children has now introduced for children new variants of children’s finger food ‘Melts’. The company says that to cater to the increasing demand for the product, they have introduced new flavours like banana & strawberry and blueberry. In addition to this, the company has also introduced a value pack that comprises existing flavours of apple & cinnamon, carrot & cumin and the newly introduced flavours. The product is puffed finger food for -ba bies (nine months and above). It is made with natural ingredients and whole grains.

AUTO SNACKS FOOD PRO- Kanchan Metals Private Limited has launched a varied number of snack CESSING MACHINES KANCHAN machines with an aim of providing global technology with local support. METALS They have launched automatic bhujia/sev production line, automatic moong dal processing line, mixture line, extruded snack frying line, sabudana frying line, corn cooking and steeping line and bucket elevator system. According to the manufacturers, the bhujia/sev machine is a fully automatic line for producing ethnic Indian wet dough based snacks from 500kg/hr onwards, whereas the automatic moong dal processing line would take 500kg/hr onwards upto 3,000kg/hr and the mixture line machine which is a fully automatic line for weighing and blending of traditional Indian snack mixtures can take 500kg/hr onwards.

IMMUNITY BOOSTING MILK, Heritage Foods has launched three variants of milk, - ginger, tulsi and ICE CREAMS HERITAGE FOODS turmeric. It has also launched classic, unique and new flavours in ice creams like cookies & cream, berry ripple and caramel ripple. The company claims the ginger milk is good for thermo regulatory, thrombotic, and respiratory functions of the body, which makes it an ideal choice for immunity booster. The tulsi milk has got tulsi extract, sabja (sweet basil) seeds and mint extract. According to the manufacturers, all herbs in the milk make the product a good immunity shield. They expect that given their functional benefits, the milk variants would attract the likes of progressive and discerning consumers who are concerned about their health and are seeking immunity boosting options that ensure wholesome health for themselves and their family. The milk has 90 days of shelf life.

28 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 TIFFIN CAKE The leading FMCG player Bonn Group of Industries has added a new BONN GROUP range of tiffin cakes to its elaborative cake portfolio. The moist and tender tiffin cakes have three flavours, Orange, Chocolate and Classic. The company says the launch is aimed at offering products with better taste and best quality ingredients in affordable price for mass segment of the society during the coronavirus pandemic

EDIBLE SMAART RICE STRAWS With the aim of combating the detrimental effects of plastic-based en- SMAART EATS vironmental pollution, Smaart Eats has launched Smaart Rice Straws, which according to the manufacturers are 100 per cent edible, biodegradable, and affordable and made of high-quality rice. The texture of these durable rice straws is claimed to be harder than the regular plastic straws, so they would not melt in the drinks when using them. They are also available in a variety of sizes (6.5, 8, and 13 mm) and colours (gray, white, purple, green, and orange). According to the company, made from high-quality rice grains, they are perfectly safe for human consumption and they remain perfectly neutral and will not alter the taste of the drinks. After use, one can conveniently dispose them as regular straws.

MEGA SUPERFOODS DIETARY Prorganiq has launched their new health product ‘24-in-1 mega super- SUPPLEMENT PRORGANIQ foods’. According to the manufacturers, the new product packs a powerful formula of 24 different essential greens, veggies, fruits, and herbs into a single capsule and delivers an improvement in its user’s general health and well-being. Filled with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, the product is 100 per cent plant-based and offers a gluten-free, GMO-free dietary supplement that is aimed at helping people live a healthier lifestyle, according to the company. The company says users of the product are able to energise themselves in seconds and reap the benefits of rich antioxidants, detoxification, boosted immunity, all-day energy, stress relief and complete nutrition, and in addition, the powerful superfood formula also has anti-inflammatory properties. The product comprises a rich palette of powerful superfoods including greens, veggies, fruits, and herbs.

ENERVA ENERGY SNACK BAR Vestige has launched a snacking option Enerva Energy Snack Bar, which VESTIGE aims to replace junk-food breaks during online meetings, trainings, stud- ies and post-exercise with a healthy snacking option to munch upon. The product is made of healthy and nutritious ingredients like almonds, soybean, whey protein, honey, raisins, milk, dark chocolate and peanuts that help to provide instant energy without compromising on taste. It is the perfect snack, full of nutrients. The company says the bar, with a rich chocolate flavour, is ideal for satisfying the between-meals hunger pangs and energise the body and mind and is a nutritious healthy snack, provides instant energy, enriched with dry fruits & nuts, satisfies hunger pangs and convenient to carry.

RAW SEEDS Del Monte has introduced its edible raw seeds range with an exclusive DEL MONTE launch on Amazon. The range includes Flax, Sunflower and Pumpkin seeds which are sourced from the best farms and are packed with nutrition. The company’s seal of approval ensures that the best quality seeds make it to every pack. These edible raw seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and can be consumed across all age groups. They are rich sources of dietary fibre, protein and are enriched with antioxidants that help boost immunity. The company says the exciting new range of seeds adds a healthy twist to your diet; you can add them to your breakfast to kickstart your day or just pop them straight out of the pack while you’re on the go. They are available in 250 gram packs exclusively on Amazon.

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 29 NEWS

Hospitality Industry Reinvents Itself In Pandemic- Era through alternate services.

ith outbreak of the which were allowed to contin- Wcoronavirus pandem- ue even under lockdown as an ic continuing without much essential service. Thus, hotels respite, international tourism now see it as a perfect oppor- continuing to be on a halt and tunity to enter this operation. locals being hesitant to get Roseate House, a 5-star hotel 14-days Quarantine: out of their homes, the Indian in Delhi, now also delivers hotel industry confronted with food from its kitchen. How- Heavy loss to low revenues is struggling for ever, as some customers were survival. Under the new nor- Jharkhand Tourism still cautious in ordering food mal, hotel groups are under from outside, the hotel made The pandemic hits the strong compulsion to find out arrangements, so that they travel industry by the alternate sources of revenue can access live footage of safety guidelines. The and reinvent themselves. the kitchen on their mobile State government brought Market reports indicate how phone. The hotel has also mandatory 14-days quarantine severe is the impact of the launched laundry service for those who arrived in pandemic on hotel business. wherein they pick up the Jharkhand from outside the There are instances where a 70 laundry from guest’s house state. The lack of tourists has a per cent occupancy before the and deliver it at their home in great impact on the top tourist lockdown dipped to as low as 24 hours. spots. People are reluctant to 7 per cent or even below. And come to the state due to the 14 Hotel Crowne Plaza in Greater this too was only because those days of quarantine; thereby, Noida, apart from home de- hotels had some expats stuck the hotel remains vacant. Not livery of food has started ‘dial there. Otherwise new bookings only the Jharkhand Tourism a chef’ program. If a prospec- had come to nil. Development Corporation’s tive customer has 4-5 people (JTDC) Hotels but the private Industry reports show that dining at his/her home, the hotel also faced huge losses many hotels across the country hotel will send their chef that during the pandemic. The are coming out with innovative will setup a catering meal for vehicles, taxi drivers, are in revenue generating models. Gu- the customer. crisis because the people are rugram’s Hilton Garden Inn has The Federation of Hotel And opting for personal cars for launched ‘work from hotel’ with Restaurant Association Of travelling. daily tariffs to break the mo- India, that represents 55,000 notony for those stuck at home hotels and 5,00,000 restau- for months. The hotel offers a rants in the country, has also workspace in a conference room READ N SUBSCRIBE written to the finance min- for ₹ 3,500 plus taxes, which ister requesting immediate includes lunch and unlimited extension of moratorium by tea/coffee for 8-9 hours of the 3 months for the hospitality work schedule. They have also industry. Hotels in different started delivering food for gen- parts of the country are open, erating revenues. Delhi being the latest one Hotels always shied away from to make the announcement. this concept as the focus was ‘’Occupancy is as low as 10-20 always on providing a rich din- per cent wherever the sec- ing experience at the property. tor is opened’’ according to But food delivery business was Gurbaxish Singh Kohli, Vice one of the very few services President, FHRAI.

30 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 Marriott Bonvoy and the Mumbai Indians announces a multi-year agreement One can also engage with the team through a host of social media contests, where winners stand to win a hosted stay at a Marriott Bonvoy participating hotel in India “Marriott on Wheels” dining vouchers, exciting merchandise and much more. All Marriott International hotels in India will have Mumbai Indians themed menus ready for order and delivery through “Marriott on Wheels” food arriott Bonvoy and the logo will feature on the upper delivery service. Further, the MMumbai Indians, the right side-chest of the Mumbai hotels will also launch curated internationally recognized brand Indians jersey. stay packages, allowing guests in T20 cricket announced a Marriott Bonvoy members will to enjoy the game with family multi-year agreement. Under this be able to redeem their points and friends with rooms themed agreement, members of Marriott for exclusive Marriott Bonvoy to match the cricketing fervor Bonvoy, the award-winning Moments, while non -members and excitement. Guests can travel programme from Marriott can get closer to the cricket cheer their favorites on to their International will get exclusive action and players as well, with a next win with excellent seating, experiences with the Mumbai simple enrollment to the Marriott refreshments on the go, and an Indians team. As Loyalty Partner Bonvoy programme, via Marriott. endless option of game time for the team, the Marriott Bonvoy com and join the fun and games. favorites to snack on.

MP Tourism brings ‘Drive-in Cinema’, a reality. Madhya Pradesh Tourism: Difficulty in enforcing COVID norms ven in this Covid period, Ethe officials find it difficult to control the people in the tourist spots, especially during the weekends. Major issues are happening close to the big cities in the inappropriate wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing. People travel from destination to destination in he Madhya Pradesh Tourism commences the ‘Drive-in Cinema’ in their own vehicles, and tourist TBhopal soon. In this pandemic period, the innovative idea enables activities are popular on Saturdays people to watch films while sitting in their cars or any other vehicle and Sundays. The open spaces like and family and friends. The films and theatre are worst affected by Sanchi and Bhimbetka, the places the pandemic for the last seven months. The campus (ground) of the close to nature like Pachmarhi or Madhya Pradesh Tourism unit in Lake View Bhopal is selected as the Udayagiri in Vidisha, have many idea’s location. For this, a high picture quality big and high screen visitors. The issues regarding the and best sound system will be installed on this campus. The tourism impolite wearing of masks can be seen in the tourist spots like department issued the tender and is now in the first phase of the action Bhimbetka, Sanchi, and even plan. They will also decide on the rates of tickets to enjoy films safely. Khajuraho. DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 31 Maharashtra brings SOPs for Tourism. he state issued the Standard when there is less crowded. For TOperating Procedure for tour maintaining social distancing, the operators and tourism service use of microphones is encouraged providers. The government also to provide suggestions. And also a brought protocols for the hotels, guide can handle only 10 tourists. food courts, restaurants, and In the hotel industry, only the bars, which started working with cooked food should be served, 50 per cent of capacity. The tour not any raw vegetables like in the Gujarat Govt. operators’ guidelines include salads. And also from time to time focuses on Sloth that the city tours and heritage cleaning for restaurant furniture, walks should be during weekends restrooms, and hand washing. bear corridor Conservation. Maharashtra plans for Hop On, Hop Off Service after four years or the Tourism Fdevelopment, the state government focuses on conserving the “Sloth bear corridor” that covers the stretch between Banaskantha district in the north. To conserve the beast and also to promote tourism, the State Tourism Department created a video as awareness on the behaviour and habitat of the beast, signing off with a message by Amitabh Bachchan. he state government prepares Santacruz bus depot. The buses’ And also a booklet that tabled Tfor running the Hop-On, proper functioning will help in at the Gujarat State Wildlife Hop-Off service after four years the Mumbai Tourism and reach to Board meeting. The state plans in Mumbai. The Maharashtra new tourist destinations. The bus- to start a centre for the bear Tourism Development Corpo- es were bought in 2016, but after at Ratanmahal Sloth Bear ration (MTDC) in search of a one year, the project stopped. The company to maintain and operate air-conditioned bus is equipped Sanctuary in Dahod district the buses. From 2018, the buses with a toilet, a basic pantry with a and a sanctuary in Jessore of which were bought by the Tour- microwave oven and coffee maker, Banaskantha district. The state ism Department for about Rs 8 an entertainment system, WiFi, is known for the Asiatic lion, crore remain unused in Mumbai’s and GPS tracking devices. wild ass, and migratory birds.

32 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 PM inaugurates tourist spots in Gujarat. Lack of foreign tourists: Goa enumerates huge loss The COVID 19 completely closed the borders, which reduced Goa’s coming tourists, especially foreign tourists. This emptiness creates a huge loss for the economy. The

The Prime Minister inaugurated of traditional healing forms, the tourism season of Goa is behind 17 new tourist attractions and “Arogya Van” (health forest), with the receding monsoon laid the foundation for four new which spread over an area of when people reach the warmer projects at Kevadia in Narmada about 17 acres, containing a wide parts. And most importantly, district. The important sites range of medicinal plants. Other the foreign tourists occupy the are situated around Sardar beginnings include the world’s hotels longer than the domestic Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, thereby largest geodesic dome aviary, the travellers. According to the Travel named as Statue of Unity. The world’s first technology-driven and Tourism Association of Goa (TTAG), foreign tourists spend major beginnings include the Children Nutrition Park and about 14 to 21 days in Goa, while “Jungle Safari”, which has been Mirror Maze, “Dynamic Dam domestic travellers spend about made “fastest in the world”. Lighting”, “SoU website in UN 3 to 7 days. And worse impact Another one is “Ekta Mall”, as a languages and Kevadia mobile happened to the mid to large promotion of handicraft items. app,” a cactus garden, and “Ekta hotels that depend entirely on Another initiation was a reflection Nursery”. foreign arrivals through deals.

GOA TOURISM POLICY 2020 To make Goa the “most preferred destination around the year for high-spending tourists” by 2024, the Government of Goa led by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant approved the Goa Tourism Policy 2020. The policy plans to organize a new tourism board as a core strength for Goa tourism, especially in planning, development, and marketing. The tourism minister will head the tourism board, which includes several tourism committees. The larger autonomous body is a solution for the independent decisions of the earlier model. It focuses on strengthening tourism assets, expanding employment opportunities and tourism infrastructure, and noting eco-tourism initiatives.

DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 33 THE LAST LEAF

Technology revives hotel Industry after COVID 19

Peace, love, fun, meetings, food - a hotel decorates life in different ways and adds some special moments to the memory. With the increase of COVID cases, people preferred touchless or digital contacts. Industries became adaptable to the pandemic through the digital platform. To ensure the safety of guests, the hotel industry also adapted some technological innovations and startups. The mobile app Whispr, whispers voice-guidance, and on-demand expertise into workers’ ears to guide them through their jobs. It creates a simple and scalable voice guidance platform for frontline services. Another innovation is Checklists and Checkpoints by Nuvola as a part of their StayClean initiative. They implement checklists for healthy standard operating procedures (SOP) of hotels or bring customizable desktops and mobile experience for the supervisors as well as staff. The IntraEdge develops Janus, a new temperature- check kiosk for the health screenings for both guests and staff. STAYmyway remembers you only to stay with your mobile. Staymyway, the digital check-in solution allows the guests to go directly to the room. The welcome may not be so warm, but the affordable and secure mobile key will guarantee your safety. People get access to the on-demand hotel amenities through Daycation, an online booking platform. The Portier platform also designs continuous “contactless engagements”. Through a simple click, the portier portal brings a seamless guest experience. The guest gets access to a Portier phone with unlimited 4G data, unlimited local and international call, a hotel content management system, and a white-labelled Portier city guide. Vouch, the Singapore-based startup brings a digital concierge system that creates a platform to respond to guests for any kind of needs like the need of a towel, ordering room service without even touching the phone. SIJI NAIR The hotel industry completely changes its face as suitable for the Managing Editor post COVID period without any difference in hospitality. Many startups support the event and meetings to be held properly in the virtual platform. Many other initiatives like Run The World and Hopin create digital event platforms in the pandemic period.

email: [email protected] facebook.com/sijicn twitter.com/sijicn linkedin.com/in/siji-nair M +91 9947733339/9995139933 34 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020 DECEMBER 2020 HRA Today 35 36 HRA Today DECEMBER 2020