BRAND INDIA SURGING AHEAD India Is Emerging As a Large Market for a Diverse Portfolio of Niche Hospitality Products

MYSTIC EAST ...an unexplored horizon A bi-monthly magazine by HRAEI | Vol 4 | Issue 2 | January - February 2018

BRAND INDIA SURGING AHEAD India is emerging as a large market for a diverse portfolio of niche hospitality products

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

Dear Fellow Members, Ever since the government took over in 2014, the MYSTIC EAST buzzword in different sectors of business has been A BI-MONTHLY MAGAZINE BY HRAEI 'Ease of Doing Business'. The Centre has set an Vol 4 | Issue 2 | January - February 2018 ambitious target to reach the 50th rank in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ global ranking. The good news is that India has been able to move up EDITORIAL BOARD more than 30 points in the last three years, to reach SUDESH PODDAR the 100th spot. PRESIDENT, HRAEI But the bad news is that even though tourism MS. BIRGIT ELLY HOLM & hospitality is a crucial sector in the world today, SPECIAL INVITEE, HRAEI recognised for its potential to drive foreign exchange, HYATT REGENCY KOLKATA, GENERAL MANAGER create employment opportunities in the hinterlands, MR. S. H. RAHMAN and drive inclusive growth, in the Indian context, it SPECIAL INVITEE, HRAEI is still not considered a pillar of industry. The per- THE PARK, CORPORATE DIRECTOR, centage of expenditure on tourism by Indian states SALES & MARKETING is still below 1%. And unfortunately, the hospitality MR. GOPAL DAS AGARWAL There are more than sector gets a rare mention in the country’s annual MANAGING COMMITTEE MEMBER, HRAEI two dozen of financial budget. EDITOR Yet the hospitality industry is still highly regulat- ATIKRAM GUPTA licences or ed and ‘Ease of Doing Business’ is still a far cry in EDITORIAL CONSULTANT certificates needed most of the States. There are more than two dozens SUSMIT BARMAN of licences or certificates required to start a hotel. CHIEF DESIGNER to start a hotel. Despite repeated appeals by multiple associations, SOMU DUTTA the governments have yet to change their regulatory Despite repeated ‘Mystic East’ magazine is printed mechanism. Almost in all the states in Eastern re- appeals by and published by Atikram Gupta on behalf of Hotel and gion it takes too long to issue bar licenses. Moreover, Restaurant Association of Eastern India. our appeals to offer incentives to help start small us, there has been Printed at CDC Printers Private Limited, No.45, Radha little change hotels in big and small cities have not been effective. Nath Chowdhury Road, Tangra Industrial Estate-II, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 015 Hotel and Restaurant Association of Eastern India, 18A/1, Everest , 18th Floor, 46C, Chowringhee Road, Kolkata- 700 071; Telephone- +91 33 2288-1742/43, 40035993. Sudesh Poddar E-mail: [email protected] President, HRAEI Website: www.hraei.co.in

THIS ISSUE OF MYSTIC EAST CONTAINS 56 PAGES INCLUDING COVER AND BACK COVER

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MYSTIC EAST | 3 SECRETARY’S MESSAGE

Dear Fellow Members, Indians waste as much food as the whole of United Kingdom consumes – a piece of data that may not so much indicate our love of surfeit, as it is of our population. Still, food wastage is an alarming issue in India. Our streets, garbage bins and landfills have sufficient proof to show it. Wedding halls, canteens, hotels, social and family functions, households spew out so much food. Accord- ing to the United Nations Development Programme, up to 40% of the food produced in India is wasted. Last year, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about wastage of food in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio programme, there was an effort to fix portion sizes of dishes served by star hotels and restaurants. The ministry started drafting a questionnaire for hotels and restaurants to explain what dish sizes they should serve to a customer. However, the move was dropped when there were strong criticisms as the proposal to There is an utmost fix portions served at hotels to curb food wastage was need to innovate a deemed to be an effort to micro-manage businesses. The hospitality industry must take adequate self-reg- compact, safe, cooked ulatory steps to stop food wastage. Ultra-violet treat- food sterilizer ment of the food on buffet can easily prevent the massive spoilage. There is an utmost need to introduce a and make it compact, safe, cooked food sterilizer and make it avail- available in all hotels able in all hotels. And the hospitality industry must invest on such equipment as a corporate social responsibility.

Pranav Singh Secretary, HRAEI

4 | MYSTIC EAST INSIDE January - February 2018

Cover Story January - February 2018 39 BRAND INDIA SURGING AHEAD India is emerging as a large market for a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products - cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, MICE, eco-tourism, film, rural and religious tourism

NEWS 7 Baan Thai at Oberoi Grand in Kolkata features among the top global restaurants

PM Modi says Mizoram has the potential to 9 become a model tourist destination

Advantage Assam Bengal is fast emerging as an generated a mammoth all-weather MICE destination, 12 Rs 100,000 crore worth 13 thanks to the new Biswa of MoUs Bangla Convention Centre

MYSTIC EAST | 5 Inside

FORTUNE IN 23 HOURS 36 INDUSTRY Micro-stay is a concept ANALYSIS which allows hotels to sell The Annual Trends & their inventory on an hourly Opportunities Report for basis 2017 – HVS 33 CHEF'S CORNER 44 ROOM BASICS Top 10 things that should be there in every hotel room

49 Chef Alok Anand’s AWESOME personable nature lends ASSAM itself perfectly to the set-up Assam’s rich potential as a top tourist of JW Marriott, Kolkata destination of India remains untapped

6 | MYSTIC EAST NEWS January - February 2018

INDIA'S 50 FINEST PREMIUM RESTAURANTS

each completed the list of 50. The Top 50 Premium Restaurants winners of the Condé Nast Travel- ler and Himalayan Sparkling Top Restaurant Awards 2017 are- Indian Accent, New Delhi; The Bombay Can- teen, Mumbai; The Table, Mumbai; Bomras, Goa; Bukhara, ITC Maurya New Delhi; Wasabi by Morimoto, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai; Masque, Mumbai; Artusi Ristorante e Bar, New Delhi; The Spice Route, The Imperi- al New Delhi; Gunpowder, Goa; Tr- ishna, Mumbai; Yauatcha, Mumbai; Dum Pukht, ITC Maurya New Delhi; Toast & Tonic, Bengaluru; China XO, The Leela Palace Chennai; Le Cirque, The Leela Palace New Delhi; La Plage, Goa; Karavalli, The Gateway Hotel, Residency Road Bengaluru; Adaa, Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad; Bastian, Mumbai; The Black Sheep Bistro, Goa; Gajalee, Mumbai; The Flying Elephant, Park Hyatt Chennai; Paragon, Kochi; Yeti, The Himalayan Kitchen, New Delhi; Thai Pavilion, Vivanta by Taj – President, Mumbai; Baan Thai, The Oberoi Grand, Kolk- ata; Caperberry, Bengaluru; Wasabi by Morimoto, The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi; Soda Bottle Openerwa- la, Hyderabad; DIVA - The Italian ONDÉ Nast Traveller and Hima- Touche Tohmatsu India LLP was the Restaurant, New Delhi; 1135AD, Jai- C layan Sparkling lists top Indian process advisors and official tabula- pur; Mum's Kitchen, Goa; Blue Gin- resturants. Delhi and Mumbai take tors for the Top Restaurant Awards, ger, Taj West End, Bengaluru; Indigo, pole position with 10 winning restau- ensuring that the process was fair and Mumbai; Olive Beach, Bengaluru; rants in each city the list authoritative and credible. Mocambo, Kolkata; Palácio do Deão, The Condé Nast Traveller and Hi- Hosted by hospitality sector experts Goa; A Reverie, Goa; Wild Garden malayan Sparkling Top Restaurant Rahul Akerkar and AD Singh, the Cafe, Amethyst, Chennai; Bohemian, Awards 2017 has recently announced Condé Nast Traveller and Himalayan Kolkata; EDO, ITC Gardenia, Bengal- India’s first-ever definitive list of the Sparkling Top Restaurant Awards saw uru; Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel country’s 50 finest premium restau- Delhi and Mumbai take pole position Chennai; Simply South, Hyderabad; rants. The judging panel included with 10 winning restaurants in each, The Fatty Bao, Bengaluru; Royal 100+ food writers, critics, influenc- followed by Bengaluru, Chennai, and Vega, ITC Grand Chola, Chennai; ers, serious foodies, and all-round Goa with seven winning restaurants. Avartana ITC Grand Chola, Chennai; taste-makers from across the country, Kolkata and Hyderabad with three Spectra, The Leela Palace Chennai; key criteria being none of them own/ restaurants each and Jaipur, Kochi, Neung Roi, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi co-own a restaurant in India. Deloitte Pune with one winning restaurant in Airport; Savya Rasa, Pune.

MYSTIC EAST | 7 NEWS

FSSAI SAYS CAG IGNORED THEIR POINTS WHILE COLLATING PERFORMANCE REPORT

SSAI to set up more Referral Labs jor issue,” he said. From just about 82 which was a major point in the CAG F for dispute redressal terming accredited labs two years, the number Report, Agarwal said that a robust most of the negative observations that of accredited labs in the country has system is in place as far as formula- the Comptroller and Auditor General gone up by 152, he said. While conced- tions of standards and regulations are (CAG) has made in its Performance ing that the foods labs in the States are concerned. He said that many new Report of Food Safety & Standards devoid of proper facilities, he said that standards have come up in the last Authority of India (FSSAI) tabled in the process of upgrading around 45 one year by which product approvals the Parliament yesterday as “lack of identified labs are underway with an are not even required for many items. proper understanding” and without estimated investment of INR 450 cr. The entire observation on product ap- considering explanations offered by “NABL accreditation takes at least two proval by the CAG is wrong and lack of FSSAI, Pawan Agarwal, CEO of the years’ time to complete,” he said. proper understanding, Agarwal said. apex Authority said that the food He said that FSSAI is upgrading He said that FSSAI works under safety ecosystem in the country is safe its own Food Lab in Ghaziabad on lot of constraints as far as human re- and robust and on the right path to be Private partnership model, and if it source is concerned compared to reg- globally benchmarked. Agarwal was is proved to be successful, the same ulatory systems in matured markets speaking after announcing the part- model will be replicated for the pro- like the US or Canada are concerned. nership that FSSAI has entered with posed labs in JNPT Mumbai, Chennai He said that lot of efforts have gone the National Association of Street and Kolkata. into capacity building over the last Vendors of India (NASVI) for its Na- He said that the Authority will be couple of years. tional Street Food Festival in New empanelling at least 6 to 8 labs as Re- In order to improve the standards Delhi between January 12 -14. ferral Labs so that right testing meth- of lab tests and bring consistency, Answering each point raised by CAG odology can be developed as well as Agarwal said that an online India in its report, Agarwal said that the Food proficiency of testing and training of Food Lab network has been devel- Testing infrastructure in the country staff for food labs can be done. oped so that uniform procedures and has improved a lot in the last couple of On the issue of formulation of stan- testing parameters are followed to years. “Overall lab capacity is not a ma- dards and notification of regulations, avoid inconsistency in results.

8 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

MIZORAM HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME A MODEL TOURIST DESTINATION: PRIME MINISTER

M says the new NESIDS scheme Tuirial Hydro Electric Power Project government has already released Rs P will fill the gap in creation of to the nation. 115 crore for implementation of these physical infrastructure in sectors like The State offers significant scope for projects, he informed. tourism adventure tourism, cultural tourism, The Prime Minister also spoke on Prime Minister Narendra Modi said eco-tourism, wild-life tourism, and the government decision yesterday that Mizoram has all the potential to community-based rural tourism. If to launch a 100% Centrally funded emerge as a model Tourist Destina- developed well, tourism can emerge as Infrastructure development scheme, tion in the North East considering the biggest employer in the state, Prime North East Special Infrastructure its advantages such as high literacy Minister said. The Union Government Development Scheme (NESIDS) to rate, scenic beauty and availability has sanctioned two tourism projects fill the gaps in creation of physical in- of large English-speaking populatio. worth Rs 194 crore for Mizoram in the frastructure in key sectors including The Prime Minister was speaking at last 2 years, to promote eco-tourism tourism, water supply, connectivity, Aizawl, Mizoram after dedicating the and adventure tourism. The Central etc.

MYSTIC EAST | 9 NEWS

MAKEMYTRIP GROUP TO SELL OYO AGAIN

EVERSING its strategy towards full-scale hospitality company, we are the last couple of years increasing R budget accommodation aggre- excited to offer their award-winning their network of hotels and inventory gators, MakeMyTrip Ltd., India’s chain of hotels in the value economy into more than 230 cities across In- leading online travel company, has and mid-market category through dia, Nepal and Malaysia. The compa- decided to work with country’s largest MakeMyTrip and Goibibo platforms.” ny has over 70,000 rooms spread in budget accommodation aggregator Welcoming the partnership, Ritesh over 8,500 network hotels claiming OYO. MakeMyTrip had delisted OYO Agarwal, Founder & CEO - OYO, said, to have sold 15 million room nights from its platform couple of years ago. “With OYO, we’ve created a brand annually. According to MakeMyTrip, the Group that resonates quality for both our The new Scheme will be 100 percent will offer OYO inventory to over a bil- customers and hotel partners. Being centrally funded as against the NL- lion people. a full stack hospitality tech company, CPR, where 10 percent contribution Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & CEO we have built capabilities to run qual- had to come from the State Govern- India, MakeMyTrip Ltd. said, “We are ity-ensured accommodations across ments. The Central Government will committed to bring the best of travel different formats and placing them in be providing Rs 5300 Crore to North experience to our customers, it’s why the hands of travellers who are con- Eastern States under the Scheme over we offer them a variety of options stantly on the lookout for unique ex- the next three years, the PM said. across price segments, particularly in periences. We are excited to extend The act will apply to shops, residen- the fragmented economy and mid-seg- our offerings of beautiful living spac- tial hotels, restaurants, theatres and ment hotels, where there is a greater es to them through MakeMyTrip and amusement places, places to which need to build assurance around stay GoIbibo.” the Factories Act does not apply, said experience. With OYO’s evolution as a OYO has grown phenomenally over The Indian Express.

10 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

CLUBS IN BENGAL BID DRY DAYS ADIEU THIS HOLI

olkata’s clubs celebrated their Jayanti and Dol Jatra, when outlets members’ response, are making full K first “wet Holi” after a Bengal open after 4pm). use of this opportunity and have lined government decision to scrap dry But, with the government following up a host of special programmes — ac- days altogether from these establish- up on that circular by bringing clubs companied by food and liquor — on ments. entirely out of the purview of dry days, March 1. Bengal now has the lowest number 2018 is the first year when they do not Not having a dry day makes busi- of dry days in the country following a have a single no-alcohol day. Mem- ness sense for clubs, but some clubs 2016 circular that reduced the num- bers of most most clubs said the state are wary of the steep hike in licence ber of days when alcohol cannot be government decision has done away fees and hope that this does not offset sold from 12 to only four-and-a-half with the hassle of having to stock up the gains from the zero-dry-day rule. (Independence Day, Republic Day, on liquor before a dry day. the 10th day of Muharram, Gandhi Most clubs, encouraged by their Source: The Times of India

MYSTIC EAST | 11 NEWS

ADVANTAGE ASSAM

he first ever investment promo- UK, USA and Vietnam exchanged Infrastructure sector a prime deter- T tion and facilitation initiative by ideas with industrialists from across minant of progress saw a total invest- the Government of Assam, ‘Advan- the country and shared their valuable ment proposal worth Rs 2,347 crore. tage Assam – Global Investors’ Sum- insights with the Government of As- Day two of the summit witnessed mit, 2018’ generated a mammoth Rs sam for evolving business relations in ministers from different ASEAN and 100,000 crore worth of MoUs being the state. BBIN nations taking the stage to signed over the two days of the sum- Day one of the summit saw compa- discuss North East Indian econom- mit in early February. With Prime nies like Oil India Limited investing ic ties with the respective nations in Minister Narendra Modi’s thrust on Rs 10,000 crore, Indo-UK Institute the august presence of several Union the Act East Policy, Assam is swift- of Health Rs 2,700 crore, Century Ply and state ministers. It also witnessed ly becoming the most advantageous has shared plans of investing 2,100 primary focus on sectors such as destination for all businesses aiming crore, Spicejet outlined plans of Rs IT & ITeS, Handloom, Textiles and to connect with the ASEAN and BBIN 1,250 crore worth of investment for Handicrafts, Petroleum and Natural nations. Assam through sea planes boosting Gas, Tourism, Civil Aviation, River Over the two days of the summit, the tourism sector besides connect- Transport and Port Townships, Phar- delegates from Australia, Bangladesh, ing Lakhimpur and Jorhat under the maceutical and Medical Devices and Bhutan, Canada, Cambodia, Czech Udaan Scheme. a special session on the opportuni- Republic, Germany, Hong Kong, Is- Tourism sector which is one of the ties in Bamboo. There were also two rael, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, South key focus areas of the Govt. of As- country sessions by the representa- Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Netherlands, sam saw an investment proposal in tives from Bangladesh and Czech Re- Nepal, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, concurrence of around Rs 736 crore. public respectively

12 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

BENGAL, AN EMERGING TOURISM HUB

engal is fast emerging as an minutes from the airport is being con- Kolkata in good stead to become the B all-weather destination, welcom- nected with metro rail. The author- next important MICE destination ing tourists on business, social, and ities have introduced bike taxis, Wi in the country, that will in turn lend leisure trips throughout the year. This Fi system on the Biswa Bangla Sarani strength to hospitality as a whole. was evident at the inaugural Session and have recently introduced GPS en- "Kolkata definitely has the poten- of the Destination East-West Bengal abled smart bicycle riding system. tial to build and create an identity as Tourism Summit 2018 – at the Biswa In terms of tourist footfall, West a Gateway to the North East," he said, Bangla Convention Centre in Kolkata, Bengal has grown at a CAGR of 26.5% adding that with the unveiling of the early this month. Tourism stakehold- between FY 2011 and FY 2016, against New Tourism Policy in the state and ers from 30 countries, including the a CAGR of 14.5% between FY 2001 and the government's commitment to- US, UK, Russia, Australia, Turkey FY 2010, he said. The Durga Puja fes- wards infrastructure development, and many South East Asian countries tival is a major draw. Atri Bhattacha- availability of land, incentives and gathered at the meet. rya, state Home secretary in charge of tourism-friendly policies, it is an ideal The world class convention centre Hill Affairs and Tourism, said that the time to invest and be part of the Sus- has a 100-key property will be jointly biggest festival in Kolkata, the Durga tainable Tourism Development of the branded with the State government’s Puja, is one of the largest such events state," he said. flagship ‘Biswa Bangla’ and Apeejay in the world, which attracts around 13 According to Sudesh Poddar, Pres- Surrendra Group which runs The million visitors over the 10-day peri- ident, HRAEI, West Bengal offers a Park. od. "The state plans to organise home variety of choices to a traveller, from The New Town Kolkata Develop- stays for tourists to cater to the huge being the sweetest state to culinary, ment Authority (NKDA) is developing demand, as hotels mostly remain full cultural, spiritual, film, wildlife and New Town as a leading Meetings, In- during the period," he said. adventure tourism. "The focus of centives, Conferences & Exhibitions According to Dipak Haksar, Chair- Destination East is to promote West (MICE) destination of South Asia. man, CII National Committee on Bengal Tourism with Kolkata as the New Town has an area of about 7,000 Tourism and Hospitality and Chief gateway; as a world class tourist des- acres which is designed for a popula- Executive of ITC Hotels and Welcome tination among international buyers," tion of over 10 lakh. The township is 5 Hotels, its strategic location holds he added.

MYSTIC EAST | 13 NEWS

MALAYSIA BAGS GOLD AT YCO18

Dr Subarna Bose, founder and chief mentor of IIHM, and Chef Sanjeev Kapoor hands over the Young Chef Olympiad Trophy to Lai Jia Yi from Malaysia at the 4th edition of the "world's biggest culinary battle of student chefs" in Kolkata

alaysia bagged the gold trophy Lee of Hong Kong and Keith McCaf- and cultures before descending into M and USD 10,000 at yet another ferty of Scotland. the biggest culinary battle of the sizzling and nail-biting competition The 4th IIHM International Young world. between 43 countries at the 4th IIHM Chef Olympiad 2018 organised from YCO contestants take an oath be- International Young Chef Olympiad January 28 to February 2 was as big fore they descend into the battle are- (YCO) 2018 in early Februrary. The and glamorous as is promised year on na and this year India’s Surya Sekhar award was given away at a grand and year. Almost 50 countries were united Roy Chowdhury, Scottish mentor colourful ceremony organised at Wet- by food, in India. The colourful open- Gary MacLean and judge Andreas o-Wild, Nicco Park on February 2. ing ceremony at Talkatora Stadium, Mueller took the oath on behalf of Twenty-one-year old Lai Jia Yi is a Delhi was held on January 28. The the contestants, mentors and judges final year student of Bachelor of Cu- ceremony was a convergence of the respectively. The final torch-lighting linary Arts and Foodservice Manage- world with 43 participating nations ritual declared the Olympiad open. ment (Hons) at Taylor’s University. gathering at what is undoubtedly the IIHM YCO 2018 saw three rounds India’s Surya Shekhar Roy Chow- world’s biggest culinary event. From of competition between five groups. dhury, a student of IIHM, Kolkata, Armenia to Zimbabwe, the partici- The countries had earlier been divid- made the country and his institution pants and mentors got to meet their ed into groups at a Lucky Draw held proud by bagging the silver trophy. competitors. The budding chefs min- in November in London. Two rounds The bronze was jointly won by Henry gled, bonded and shared their ideas of the cook-off for all the groups were

14 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

Conceptualised and executed by International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), Young Chef Olympiad 2018 was held across New Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune and Kolkata over a period of six days in end-January held at Delhi, Pune, Bangalore and have reached the finals are talented orno Bose. Kolkata. The grand finale was held in and lucky. They are trying to achieve “IIHM YCO has grown bigger and Kolkata followed by the Grand Clos- their goal through sheer hard work,” better over four years. This year’s ing Ceremony on February 2. said Sanjeev Kapoor. IIHM YCO competition level has been 11 talented finalists were selected “IIHM YCO is more than just a twice as better than last year. IIHM after tough competition in Rounds 1 culinary competition. Its all about YCO is today has achieved the neces- and 2. The lucky finalists were Scot- friendship, bonding and camaraderie sary success and fame which will go land, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Sin- among nations unified through food. forward and only get bigger and bet- gapore, Sri Lanka, India, Armenia, It is the biggest culinary event of the ter every year,” said Padma Shri San- Iceland, New Zealand, Ireland and world where the best talents from jeev Kapoor. England. The final cook-off took around the world have come forward The other awards given away at the place on February 2 morning where to represent their nations and ex- ceremony were Dr Zenobia Award for Principal judge and mentor Sanjeev change ideas and cultures and most the Most Outstanding Young Chef Kapoor and celebrity judge Ranveer importantly, their traditions which Ambassador that went to Travis Kyle Brar were present along with other are best expressed through food. Af- Lindeman- Collins of Australia. The celebrity judges to mark the finalists. ter four years of organising this com- Sakuntala Devi Award for Best Vege- “Practice is the mantra of YCO. You petition, today we are celebrating the tarian Creation went to ack Gameson cannot stop practising. Those who grand success of YCO,” said Dr Sub- of England.

MYSTIC EAST | 15 NEWS

GLOBAL HOTEL FIRMS FIND A SHORT CUT THROUGH INDIA'S RED TAPE

APITALISING on distress in the Bhushan, chief development and in- tions and development for South Asia C Indian hospitality sector, inter- vestment officer for Asia Pacific at at Starwood. "The debt stress levels national operators such as Starwood Accor. "There have been hotel assets are getting higher, triggering existing and France's Accor SA are teaming up for sale in the past but they have been owners and operators to look for op- with investors to acquire hotels from more sporadic," he said. tions," he said. debt-laden domestic owners and re- Slowing economic growth, an in- International perators hope to suc- open them under their own corporate crease in the supply of hotel rooms ceed where local players have stum- banners. and growing competition from for- bled because they have deeper pock- Such conversions can help glob- eign operators is hurting local chains ets and economies of scale that allow al players expand more quickly in a such as Hotel Leelaventure Ltd, Royal them to wait longer for an economic country where hotel construction has Orchid Hotels Ltd and Kamat Hotels recovery. India's growth likely slowed slowed since the downturn in 2008 (India) Ltd, which are selling assets to to a decade low in the fiscal year that as developers shun capital-intensive ease debt in a country with high inter- ended in March. projects often delayed by bureaucrat- est rates. Early this month, Starwood, in partic and regulatory hurdles. "In India, some people are seeing nership with Samhi, a Delhi-based ho- "This is the first time we are seeing the writing on the wall and are trying tel investment firm backed by US real a reasonable number of assets on the to get ahead of that," said Nikhil Man- estate investor Sam Zell, launched its market at the same time," said Gaurav chharam, vice president of acquisi- first conversion property in India - a

16 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

"There is a shift from greenfield development to acquisition and if this experiment is successful there will be a flood of opportunities," said Ashish Jakhanwala, CEO of Samhi, which has built four hotels in India and plans to develop 18 more. Samhi is in talks with another hotel owner to take a 50-year lease on a property in the Delhi region, and another in the resort state of Goa. It is in separate discussions with Starwood and Accor to refurbish and convert the locally-branded hotels. Return on capital employed - a mea- sure of profitability in the hospitality sector - on acquisitions is about 13 per cent over two years, said Jakhanwala, whereas in new development projects it takes five years to earn 15 per cent. Accor, which wants to add 10 hotels a year in India, said it is in talks with 104-room hotel in Ahmedabad under of global players. hotel owners in the west and south of its Four Points by Sheraton brand. Accor's Bhushan said speed comes the country to convert properties to Starwood and Accor are leading the with a trade-off. its mid-market Mercure brand. hunt for conversion opportunities in "You have to balance that to make Starwood, which also plans to add a country where the hospitality sec- sure the property is consistent with 10 hotels a year in India, said it can tor is expected to grow to $36 billion the brand you represent and operate quicken that pace by 20-30 per cent (Rs. 1,96,002 crore) by 2018 from $17 in the country or it can have a nega- if it can find the right properties for billion in 2008, according to research tive impact," he said. conversion. It has looked at 30 to 40 firm Technopak Advisors. potential hotels since January but is "You haven't seen these conver- Buy versus build in talks with owners of just two, one in sions in India before because there On April 1, the purple Royal Orchid the Delhi area and another in Gujarat. wasn't enough existing supply. The sign on the Ahmedabad hotel came "There is an opportunity for sure more mature a market becomes and down to make way for the Four Points but when you roll up your sleeves and the greater the supply added to it, by Sheraton logo. Samhi bought the start digging, it gets quite complex you will see more opportunities for a hotel from Royal Orchid last April for and it does not always fit the bill," said brand change," said Accor's Bhushan, Rs. 67 crore at a yield of 10.5 per cent Starwood's Manchharam. who has worked on similar transac- and agreed with Starwood in Febru- In some cases the quality of con- tions elsewhere in Asia. ary to convert it. struction is poor or it is badly de- Compared with building hotels, A yield is the hotel's annual income signed, and Starwood often has to up- which can take three to six years in divided by the cost of the asset. grade fire and safety systems to meet India, buying and converting them By comparison, the average yield its standards. can take less than a year, reducing de- on prime hotel assets across Asia-Pa- "A conversion is never going to get velopment risk, although conversions cific was 5.8 per cent, according to a you 100 per cent of what you want. It also require the new operator to be report by Savills, a UK-based proper- is always going to be a compromise," flexible in terms of building design. ty consultant. said Manchharam. "You need to see Sometimes costly improvements are Samhi is spending another Rs. 5 what you are willing to compromise needed. crore to refurbish the hotel, enhanc- without it having an impact on your In India, the supply of hotels coming fire, safety and security standards brand. ing onto the market tends to be and upgrading the rooms, which will best-suited to the mid-market brands be completed by the end of June. Source: Reuters

MYSTIC EAST | 17 NEWS

HOTEL ROOM RATES TO REVIVE AFTER A DECADE AS OCCUPANCY RISES

the consulting firm noted in its report. And with the industry nearing the end of the traditional tourist season starting October 2017 and ending in April 2018, the hospitality, travel and tourism trade is hoping to continue the growth momentum, witnessed during the first five months of the season, in March as well. Karan Anand, Head - Relationships, Cox & Kings Ltd., said, “We have seen a growth throughout the year and we are confident that this will continue.” On being asked, how is the market looking for the summer months starting March going on till May-June, Vishal Kamat, CEO, Kamat Hotels, said that depending from one market to another, room rates will remain same or increase in some cases even during summer months. “While leisure travel takes a hit initially, the gap gets filled by business travellers (because March is the last month of s occupancy levels across hotels This means room rates, which have the financial year for a majority of the A in the country stabilise between been under pressure and remained Indian and international companies). 65% and 68%, the Indian hospitali- stagnant, will finally start moving Thereafter, domestic leisure travel ty industry is hoping for a revival in up,” said Keswani, whose LemonTree starts picking steam leading to in- room rates that have largely remained is expected to come out with an initial creased tourist traffic across key hol- subdued since past many years. The public offer (IPO) to raise INR 1,000- iday destinations in the country,” said sector, according to industry experts, 1,200 cr. Kamat. has witnessed tough times between According to H1 2017 preview re- Room rates, according to Anand, are 2009 and 2015, and things have final- port by hospitality consulting firm likely to remain stable in March and ly started to look up now. Howarth HTL India, the revenue in some places may decline due to the Patu Keswani, Chairman and MD, per available room (RevPAR) growth off-season. “However, since the peak Lemon Tree Hotels told that for the across 15 markets ranged from 1.3% season for domestic travel begins in first time in 2017 occupancy levels (in the case of Delhi NCR) to 36.6% April, the room rates are likely to rise across hotels in India hit 65%, which (in the case of Ahmedabad). slightly towards that month. Domestic is very critical for the industry. “This While six out of the top 15 markets travellers are now the backbone of the year, as per Howarth HTL India, oc- suffered year-on-year ADR decline, hotel industry. Today, even the five- cupancy levels will hit 68%. And over only six markets achieved double-dig- star hotel chains depend on the do- the next five years, they will shoot over it RevPAR growth, mainly based on mestic tourists to fill their rooms.” 70%, which is like revisiting the glo- occupancy and partially supported by rious years between 2004 and 2008. rate growth in some business cities, (Source: DNA Money)

18 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

ACCOR HOTELS INITIATES SALE OF MAJORITY STAKE IN ACCORINVEST

last summer, we are now gathering a round-table of leading investors, on the basis of a valuation that fully reflects its global leadership and the quality of its assets, while building a long-term relationship between Ac- corHotels and AccorInvest. These elements were essential to make this operation a success for all stakeholders: teams, partners, as well as present and future shareholders of both entities. The entry of new shareholders and the deconsolidation of Ac- corInvest will provide AccorHotels with substantial leeway to enhance our dynamic growth and innovation strategy and create value for shareholders. For its part, AccorInvest will take advantage of its new powerful shareholders’ support, as well as a strengthened financial structure to execute its roadmap and continue to reinforce its portfolio of assets.” The AccorInvest hotels would be operated by AccorHotels under very- long-term contracts, namely 50 years (including a 15-year renewal option) for luxury and upscale hotels and 30 years on average (including a 10-year renewal option) for hotels in the mid- NDER the terms of the agree- tially sell 55 percent of AccorInvest to scale and economy segments. The U ments, AccorHotels would ini- Sovereign Funds, namely the Public management contract terms that have tially sell 55 percent of AccorInvest to Investment Fund (PIF) and GIC, Insti- been negotiated between the parties Sovereign Funds, namely the Public tutional Investors, namely Credit Ag- are in line with market practices. Investment Fund (PIF) and GIC, In- ricole Assurances, Colony NorthStar With close to 30,000 employees stitutional Investors, namely Credit and Amundi, and other investors. For and operations in 27 countries, Ac- Agricole Assurances, Colony North- AccorHotels, the sale would result in a corInvest is the world leader in hotel Star and Amundi, and other investors. cash contribution of €4.4 billion. real estate, with a current portfolio AccorHotels announces that it has Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and of 891 hotels. The majority of these signed agreements with a group of Chief Executive Officer of AccorHo- hotels are located in Europe, in the international investors with a view tels, said: “These agreements repre- economy and midscale segments. Of to selling a majority of the capital of sent a key milestone for the Group. the total, 324 are owned and 567 are AccorInvest. Under the terms of the Following the separation of Accor- operated under fixed or variable-rent agreements, AccorHotels would ini- Invest into a stand-alone legal entity leases.

MYSTIC EAST | 19 NEWS

INDIA TO BE ONE OF THE FASTEST-GROWING TOURISM ECONOMIES BY 2028: WTTC

introducing a standard technological solution, modern technology and bio- metrics. This will enhance the travel & tourism economies in the region,” Guevara said. Moreover, the WTTC chief sug- gested on revision in GST rates for the hospitality sector to make it more competitive. Guevara stated, “While the country-wide change to GST is a welcome move, the Indian Govern- ment could consider looking again at the level of GST in the hospitality sector to make it more competitive with other countries in the region.” As far as the aviation market is concerned, WTTC is of the view that infrastructure still remains a crucial issue for India to reach its full potential. “The Indian aviation market is expanding with rapid advancement in connectivity within India. Indian airlines have booked 900 plus new CCORDING to a report by the the world. Overall, the total contribu- aircrafts to add capacity and expand A World Travel & Tourism Coun- tion of the sector to the economy was operations over next couple of years. cil (WTTC), India will add around 10 INR 15.2 trillion (USD 234 billion) in However, airport capacity remains an million jobs in the travel & tourism 2017, or 9.4% of the economy once its issue, so we would recommend greater sector by 2028. WTTC forecasts that direct, indirect and induced benefits adoption of secondary airports across the total number of jobs which are are taken in to account. This is fore- cities with multimodal connectivity dependent in some form on travel & cast to more than double to INR 32 between the existing and secondary tourism will increase from 42.9 mil- trillion (USD 492 billion) by 2028. ones for better passenger facilitation.” lion in 2018 to 52.3 million in 2028. “There are some extremely proactive “We would also urge the public Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, steps which have been introduced by and private sectors to work together WTTC, said “Travel & tourism cre- the Government to increase the num- to prepare crisis management plans ates jobs, drives economic growth ber of international visitors and to po- so the country is fully prepared with and helps build better societies. This sition itself as a destination of choice proper systems and processes in is particularly clear in India which is among travellers worldwide. Particu- place, that can be deployed, should forecast to be one of the fastest-grow- larly, we recognise the introduction of there be a crisis,” Guevara said. ing tourism economies in the world e-Visa for 163 countries and the launch Every year WTTC produces the de- over the next decade adding 10 mil- of Incredible India 2.0 Campaign with finitive research into the economic lion jobs and hundreds of millions of major improvement in the marketing impact of travel & tourism across 185 dollars to the economy by 2028.” and PR strategy. Looking to the future, countries and 25 regions. Currently, India is currently the 7th India can strategically lead travel fa- largest travel & tourism economy in cilitation within the SAARC region by Source: HBI News

20 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

TAJ DEBUTS WITH LUXURY RESORT IN ANDAMANS

EADING Hospitality Company in opening of this resort, IHCL’s position Taj Exotica Resort & Spa will offer L South Asia, Indian Hotels Com- of pioneering destinations and having guests a culturally and environmen- pany Limited, has just announced the largest network of leisure hotels tally uplifting experience. I am look- the opening of Taj Exotica Resort & gets further strengthened. Known ing forward to welcoming our guests Spa, Andamans located on the cres- for its virgin white sand beaches and to this spectacular new resort with cent-shaped Radhanagar Beach. tropical forests; Andamans is poised its exclusive villas, secluded beaches Taj has constructed the 72-villa to be one of the top places to travel and immersive culinary experienc- world-class resort spread across 46 to in 2018. The hotel has been envel- es.” Commenting on the develop- acres of forest and mangroves while oped in the island habitat with focus ment of the project he added, “We preserving the fragile eco-system of on sustainability to create minimal have constructed this resort on the the island. footprint on the natural ecosystem. land leased to us by Andaman and Speaking about the new addition to We look forward to extending the leg- Nicobar Islands Integrated Devel- the Taj portfolio, Puneet Chhatwal, endary Taj hospitality to our guests in opment Corporation Limited (ANI- MD and CEO, Indian Hotels Compa- the Andamans.” IDCO) who have provided unstinted ny Limited said, “Taj Exotica Resort Talking about the resorts unique and whole-hearted support in creat- & Spa is a milestone launch for us. offerings Abnash Kumar, General ing a world-class beach resort locat- Taj has been instrumental in devel- Manager, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, ed on Radhanagar beach, voted as oping India’s tourism potential in Ra- Andamans said, “From elevating the one of the beach in Asia.” jasthan, Kerala and Goa and putting local cuisine to empowering locals them on the global map. With the through employment - the all new Source: Hospitality Biz india

MYSTIC EAST | 21 NEWS

IMPACT OF GST ON MUMBAI, BENGALURU RESTAURANTS POSITIVE: SURVEY

This is also as cash is still a predom- inant mode of payment and accounts for 20-30% of receipts in a restaurant, it said. M-wallets have just started picking up and account for 4-5% of the collec- tions, it added. "The Indian restaurant industry has evolved and grown significantly over the past two decades and continues to grow at a steady pace. This can be attributed to the changing de- mographics, increase in disposable incomes, urbanisation and growth of organised retail. The market is highly segmented on account of varying income levels and age bracket of the population," said Dhanraj Bhagat, LLP Partner, Grant Thornton India. The survey revealed that quality of food emerged as the key driver for growth of restaurants, followed by location and pricing. For Mumbai respondents, having organic food is more important than HE restaurant industry in Mum- trends, opportunities and challenges concerns related to pricing and cui- T bai and Bengaluru feels the im- in Indian restaurant industry’. sine preference, while affordability pact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) Lack of clarity on regulations has was highlighted as the key emerging has been largely positive, but lack of also been mentioned as an area of trend in consumer preferences in clarity on regulations remains a major concern, it added. Bengaluru. hurdle, according to a survey. The Grant Thornton’s Bon Appetit Meanwhile, the respondents said More than 70% of the restaurant survey was based on findings from 35 pan-India or regional expansion was owners in the two cities believed GST (Mumbai) and 29 (Bengaluru) own- the primary strategy for growth. is a positive decision for the indus- ers and Key Managerial Personnel In Mumbai, respondents said glob- try, while 68% businesses felt it will (KMPs). al expansion and cuisine addition are ease compliance since it is backed by Like GST, demonetisation has also two other crucial strategies for in- technology, said the survey by Grant affected the restaurant industry, the creasing footprint. Thornton India, a leading assurance, survey revealed. When it comes to funding these ex- tax and advisory firm. The impact of demonetisation ap- pansions, Mumbai respondents pre- High rentals and difficulty in retain- peared to have been more in Ben- ferred private equity firms, whereas ing experienced staff are key challeng- galuru, where only one-third of the Bengaluru saw bank loans as the pri- es faced by the restaurant industry in respondents said there is no impact, mary source, the survey added. Mumbai and Bengaluru, said the sur- compared to Mumbai, where it was vey titled ‘Bon Appetit – Emerging 60%, it said. Source: Indian Express

22 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

MARKETING STRATEGY FORTUNE IN FEW HOURS Micro-stay is a concept which allows hotels to sell their inventory on an hourly basis, rather than on a fixed check in and check out regimen. This can be a market to capture for hotels

HAT if a guest walks up to cated near the airport and stations in hotel room on hourly basis is often your hotel reception and Europe offer these concepts as these perceived negatively. Misconceptions W asks you to check him in for guests are willing to pay to spend few like these not only affect the revenue couple of hours? It may raise a lot of hours in a hotel rather than using the of hotels, but travellers also suffer suspicions in your mind but it should lounge. Many hotels have dedicat- because of the age-old, rigid style of not be misconstrued for romantic as- ed rooms & housekeeping to cater to hotel bookings that has been continu- signations. There are many business these guests. ing over many years. The micro-stay travellers and jet laggers seeking ac- model will be a breather of fresh air commodation on hourly basis. New operators for travellers and can prove to be a The concept of providing hotel room Many popular hotel sites like modstay. profitable business for hotels once it to guests on hourly basis is called mi- com, slicerooms.com, frotels.com, is implemented thoroughly. cro-stay. Based loosely on the concept mistay.in and alostay.com list hotels The concept is quite new to India of capsule hotels, micro-stay is also that offer rooms for certain hours & and therefore it is natural that it will referred to as day-stay, short-stay or cater to the traveller segment. These take some time to get the acceptance capsule stay in many countries. Mi- rooms are mostly given at discounted from the industry. There are also per- cro-stay concept became famous in rates from the usual daily fare. These ception issues associated with micro Europe during the economic down- rooms act as a second office (for trav- stay in India. A big part of the hotel turn when fewer people were travel- ellers seeking rest between meetings) industry is yet to accept and imple- ling. This concept is now catching up or second bed (for jet lagged travellers ment micro-stay concept as they per- in America and India. seeking rest between flights). ceive this might attract unmarried Hotels have started selling rooms This is a market segment hotels couples as primary customer, while to travellers who seek accommoda- must tap rather than keeping the in- for some hotel chains, the concerns tion for a few hours. Micro-stays work ventory vacant expecting a guest who include the operational dynamics and best for guests with a long transit lay- may or may not turn up later in the additional logistics of managing mi- over or business travellers who have day. cro-stay bookings. scattered meetings. Many hotels lo- In India, the concept of booking a But, at the same time, several mid-

MYSTIC EAST | 23 MARKETING STRATEGY

The micro-stay concept will facilitate the hotel to make use of the under-utilised room time

range hotel chains, such as Lemon could be the usual reluctance of ac- inventory and increase their revenue. Tree Hotels, Ginger Hotels & Keys cepting new things in India. With an average occupancy rate stand- Hotels are understood to be promoting as around 60%, a lot of rooms goes ing their day-use packages and are Sell a room thrice unsold. Through micro-stay, a new de- offering micro-stay directly through In this fast evolving and highly compet- mand is being created; travellers who their website. Some of the hotel itive hospitality environment, concepts might not have booked a hotel room chains such as Pride Hotel, Mango like micro-stays will help hotels to rake otherwise can now book as they only Hotel, Keys Hotel and Sarovar Hotel in more revenue as they can sell the have to pay for the hours they stay. are partners of Mi-Stay and are offer- rooms twice or thrice a day. Micro stays Where an environment is highly ing micro-stay and many others are in will attract more travellers and visitors competitive, the profitability can be the process of getting onboard. to hotels as they will prefer spending questioned. This micro stay concept Consumers (business and pilgrim- their time in rooms taking a nap, show- will facilitate the hotel to make use of age travellers) whom I and my team er or freshen up for their travel instead the un-utilised room time and even- met by and large are overwhelmed of vigorously waiting at airports, rail- tually leads to additional revenue for with this concept, according to the way stations or bus stands to kill time. the room. In general Industry norm owner of SliceRooms, but the indus- Micro stay makes absolute business is 70% to 80% of the published tar- try as such as usual is taking time sense for hotels given the opportunity it iff is projected as the budgeted ARR to accept it, he beleives. The reason provides to the hotels to optimise their (maintaining an average discount of

24 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

Log on for micro-stay in India www.modstay.com: We encourage property owners to rent out property on hourly, day/night, daily, weekly or monthly basis to get most of it. So no matter our guest is male, female, family or unmarried couple we have a comfortable stay with their choice. www.slicerooms.com: It is observed that many of us need hotel rooms and services only for few hours yet end up paying more on many occasions for hours we hardly use. This formed the basis for a venture like Slicerooms which gave online access to customers who were looking for flexibility in check-in and check-out timings without any compulsions of customary hotel norms www.frotels.com: Who doesn't like the idea of saving money while travelling, especially if the travel duration is a short one? Well, with Frotels, you have the benefit of paying only for what you use when it comes to Hotel booking. It certainly does not cost you a fortune. When you book your Hotels Online through Frotels. com, you have more advantages and privileges when compared to the other travelers. Other travelers pay the Short-stay is most suitable for business travellers accommodation charges for the entire day even if the utility is only for a few hours. However, at Frotels, you can simply pay as per the usage based on the number of hours. 20% to 30%, both FIT and CVGR). in same day. Apart from the above www.mistay.in: Have a long layover An additional sale of rooms @30% of same day business and pilgrims trav- before a connecting flight/ train and the published tariff will be an added ellers, corporates also can avail these, wondering if you could book hotel feather to the cap thereby enhancing capsule or micro stay for their short rooms by hour? Do you travel often the projected ARR. This makes a busi- meetings and Skype meetings, which on business trips and require a room ness sense through short-stay. has probabilities and possibilities to only to freshen-up before the meeting Micro stay is a feasible option for increase the other outlet sale such as or conference? Reached city early morning and want to check in early? people who travel to and fro to dif- restaurant, coffee shop and bar. Have a flight late evening and do ferent cities for meetings and have to Corporate tie-ups to manage the not want to check-out early? You no return on the same day or for pilgrims overall employee accommodation longer need to struggle to find a 24 etc. Even the same yardstick applies needs of company by pack of hours will check-in hotel. At MiStay, you get to pilgrims at destinations. be a key channel to reach this segment. flexible check-in & check-out times. Stakeholders also confirm this trend. Apart from that, strategic tie-up with www.alostay.com: We are talking The target customers must be business airlines, hospitals, etc., can be instru- about the ‘hourly concept’, born out of the query: Have you ever thought travellers who travel same day back to mental in reaching the other customer you could offer your rooms on hourly the originating location or travels to segment. Content marketing will also rates. Not such a brilliant idea you the different locations same day and play a critical role in popularising the say! Really? We feel this idea is pilgrims who covers multiple temple concept directly among the consumers. borne out of necessity and from our.

MYSTIC EAST | 25 RIVER CRUISE AND QUIET FLOWS THE GANGES A slew of river cruise vessels and itineraries being introduced on the Ganges as well as on some of India's lesser-known rivers open up a huge opportunity for the hospitality industry

ROM Rudyard of colonial port towns dotted by the Meandering through the river’s Kipling to Mark river banks, not to mention the oth- bends, the seven-day journey will take Twain, the serene er-worldly holy city of Varanasi. The visitors all the way to Murshidabad, and smooth luxu- rediscovery of the ancient river has once the capital of Bengal, stopping ry of a river cruise seen the introduction of several river by at various sites of historic interest was not missed on anyone. While co- cruise and tour operators jump on- on the way. And the trip will be held Flourful life along the world’s great riv- board. in the lap of ultimate luxury as Gan- ers like the Nile, the Mississippi, the Among the most prominent play- ges Voyager, the vessel, which will Volga, the Amazon and the Mekong ers in this Ganges River renaissance host guests on this trip, is nothing less have added vibrancy to such cruises, has been Haimark. Two years ago, the than a floating five-star hotel. in India, the Ganga provides more company began doing test sailings Like vessels Haimark operates in than just a smooth sailing along its along the Ganges to gauge the river's other parts of South Asia, the river course. prospects, and the outcome was the ship Ganges Voyager will provide its The colonialists had fathomed the decision to build two luxury, all-suite guests a journey into the “soul of each depth of the Ganges and plunged in vessels for the Ganges. storeyed setting, visiting cherished its serenity centuries ago. But in the Launched by Heritage River Jour- and iconic sites by day and enjoying recent years the river cruising world neys Pvt Ltd (HRJPL), a Delhi-based five-star hospitality and luxury by began to notice the potential of In- company, along with the US incorpo- night”. Aboard the Ganges Voyager, dia's Ganges River again. Think an- rated Haimark, one of the leading river guests will be able to enjoy the sanc- cient Hindu temples and serene vil- cruise companies in the world, the ship tity of a private suite and world-class lage hamlets along with the remnant set sail from Kolkata three years ago. dining. The trip, however, is meant

26 | MYSTIC EAST

RIVER CRUISE

The last word in luxury is the Maharaja suite on the upper deck

for a lucky few as its 28 suites accom- According to Heritage officials, Voyager is already a hit, the Ganges modate 56 people. “We’ve pioneered while most tourists availing the lux- Voyager-II will be launched by the cruising on the Ganges after 200 ury cruise are foreigners, it has al- end of this year to ensure more inter- years. After the railroad came into ready become so popular that the trip ested tourists can be accommodated. India in the 1800s, transportation has been booked for the next four Throughout the trip, guests will en- shifted and almost all river navigation years. While the trip comes at a pretty joy accommodation aboard the Gan- disappeared,” said HRJPL Chairman penny, Singh, who is Haimark’s In- ges Voyager, which embody the grace Raj Singh. dia-based partner, pointed out that and style of the British colonial era, Going by information available staying in any five-star hotel during incorporating modern conveniences from Heritage River Journey officials this peak season will not cost any less. and luxuries available in finest hotels. and the official Haimark website, the “This floating luxury liner offers all While the ship boasts of 28 spacious, first trip was pre-booked by months thefacilities that five-star hotels offer. well-appointed suites, the last word and bookings not easy to come by. There are multi-cuisine restaurants in luxury is the Maharaja Suite on the A joint venture between the private and super luxury cabins along with upper deck, which features floor to firms and the West Bengal -govern lounges, dining rooms and confer- ceiling glass doors that open onto a ment, the luxury cruise is expected ence facilities,” he said. French balcony with panoramic views to add value to the state’s growing For years tourism in Bengal has of the passing landscape. The Viceroy tourism sector. Kolkata got its first remained stuck at Kolkata, ignoring Suite, along with Heritage and Colo- glimpse of the river ship at the Mil- other sites, which have been former nial suites also open doors to similar lennium Park jetty on December 30, colonies of the European powers in kinds of luxury. in the presence of senior ministers Bengal. But now, such is the demand Besides the luxurious suites, the and bureaucrats, four days before it that new vessels had to be commis- Ganges Voyager also boasts of the steamed off in the direction of Mur- sioned another vessel. Company East India dining room, which is a shidabad. officials said that while the Ganges tribute to the local cuisine, where

28 | MYSTIC EAST

RIVER CRUISE

The cruise line is equipped with all modern amenities guests will enjoy meals as they watch one, guests will board the ship for Travelling along the the world pass by. The other highlight lunch and then taken an afternoon is the Governor’s Lounge, which pro- excursion of Kolkata, visiting various river, guests spend the vides a venue to gather with fellow tourist sites. As the ship takes off and days soaking in local guests, sipping on cocktails and fine moves upstream, sailing past areas wines. The ship also has a sun deck where British, Dutch, Portuguese, culture, visiting some which provides the perfect place to French and other European settlers of India’s oldest have a cup of tea, relax with a book, or set up shop since they discovered In- watch the sunset. dia. The stops, where guests will dis- urban settlements, Travelling along the river, guests embark to visit sites, will include Ban- villages, temples and spend the days soaking in local cul- del, a Portuguese settlement set up in ture, visiting some of India’s oldest the 16th century, Kalna, famous for forests and at night urban settlements, villages, temples its temples and Matiari, a traditional they will relax in luxury and forests and at night they will relax centre for handcrafted brass artefacts, in luxury aboard the Ganges Voyager, to reach Murshidabad. The trip moves aboard the Ganges dining on cuisines inspired by local onward to Mayapur, headquarters of Voyager, dining on and Western tastes, reminiscing the ISKCON and to the French settlement day’s experiences with fellow passen- of Chandernagore, before returning cuisines inspired by gers, or just gazing along the gently to Kolkata. local and Western passing riverbank. Starting from Kol- Such river trips open up a tremen- kata, the seven-day journey will also dous opportunity for the hospitality tastes end at the bustling metropolis. business in Kolkata and other ports in Heritage officials said that on day eastern India.

30 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018 Along the mightier one

LTHOUGH it's associated with this rather special river a most partic- world's great wildernesses, Kaziranga A India river cruises, the Brahma- ular distinction; it is the only 'male' National Park, where placid elephants putra River passes through several river in India and a potent counter- carry travelers through shoulder-high countries and has been given many part to the Great Mother Ganges, grass to watch wild swamp and hog names. with which it conjoins toward the end deer and white rhinos grazing with It is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo of its 1,800-mile journey, just before their young and, occasionally, to spot where it arises in Tibet's Angsi Gla- both rivers spill out into the Bay of -- if their eyes are sharp and they're cier on the north side of the Himala- Bengal. lucky -- a magnificent tiger or leopard yas; in the Arunachal Pradesh region While not as famous as 'Mata Gan- hiding in the foliage. of India it's called the Dihang and the ga,' the Brahmaputra River can also The secret when sailing along the inhabitants of Bangladesh know it as take cruise passengers to historic Brahmaputra is to look up as well as the Jamuna River. palaces, forts and temples, and offer down, for the vivid colours of Assam's It is only when it passes through them a fascinating glimpse into the birds must be seen to be believed; the lush Assam valley in the northeast daily lives of remote tribes whose cus- they flit overhead like feathered jew- corner of India that it becomes the toms have prevailed for centuries. els, in flashes of gold, ruby red or sap- Brahmaputra, or 'Son of Brahma,' in But on top of all that, its shimmer- phire blue – and it's easy to see what tribute to one of the greatest Hindu ing sandy banks offer peace, tranquil- inspires the local weavers to produce deities. lity and access not only to verdant such colourful and brightly embroi- Being named after a male god gives tea plantations but also to one of the dered bolts of fine silk.

MYSTIC EAST | 31 RIVER CRUISE

the world, is highly revered by Hindu FLOW LIKE devotees. It is believed that a holy dip in river Ganga can wash away all sins. While sailing on its holy waters, one can see pilgrims on the banks the riv- A RIVER er, known as the ghats, offering flow- ers, vermilion, sweets, etc. Raj Singh In India while boat rides and day cruises have been a popular hit with the tourist masses, overnight sailing trips or river cruising is relatively a niche product. But it has had a spectacular start with the few luxury cruises that were launched in the last decade. Boutique river cruises provide travellers with an opportunity equal to none to observe the astounding ge- ography of the region. River cruising is coupled with sightseeing of monuments, ghats, village life, local crafts, aquatic and avian life. It becomes a new way to discover a region not on the usual tourist circuit in the comfort and safety of well-designed and experienced crew. Heritage River Journeys is proud to introduce the all-suite M.V. Ganges Voyager and M.V. Ganges Voyager II, each respectively launched in 2015 and 2016. Exquisite and ever-changing, watch the tapestry of life along the Ganges River unfold before your very eyes in sublime comfort and ele- River cruising involves sightseeing of monuments, ghats and local craft gance aboard these elegant ships. These cruises may vary from a few hours to four-to- five-day experience on Ganga’s waters. Being associated "The Ganga to me street, and the warm, gracious smiles with extraordinary natural beauty and is the symbol of In- that greet at every turn. India and the religious values, the river offers glimps- dia’s memorable past Ganges River are a magical destination es of majestic mountains, beautiful which has been flow- and Heritage River Journeys, the pio- valleys, waterfalls, ancient temples and ing into the present neer of river cruising in India, is proud various prominent pilgrimage sites. and continues to flow to introduce to avid travelers. towards the ocean of the future," said Whether you are an experienced After having played a key role in Jawaharlal Nehru, First Prime Minis- river cruiser, or this is your maiden the successful introduction of luxury ter of India. voyage, we invite you on this unique train tourism to India, Raj Singh, a India: full of mystery, enchantment, expedition along this most sacred of renowned authority on Indian wild- intrigue and beauty in every direction. Indian rivers, Mother Ganga. life and a travel industry pioneered It’s all here in the ornate sacred spac- Ganga, the holiest river in India river cruising on the Ganges in east- es, the vivid sarees you pass on the and one of the biggest waterways in ern India.

32 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

CHEF ALOK ANAND has been spreading happiness with his culinary skills since 1994, after completing his graduation from the Institute of Hotel Management, Ahmedabad. He was a part of Oberoi School of Hotel Management which is now the Oberoi Centre of Learn- ing and Development, where he did an advanced management program. In a career spanning over 22 years, he has developed his own standard of cuisine with a deep commitment to hospitality. Chef Alok has worked with the Oberoi Group at their various units like Oberoi Bombay, New Delhi, Raj Vilas in Jaipur and Udaivilas in Udaipur after which he joined JW Marriott Mumbai and then The Imperial New Delhi. He then began his stint with the Taj Group with Taj Pal- ace Hotel, New Delhi & Taj Coromandel, Chennai. Chef Alok is a self-motivated, creative, versatile and meticulous individual with great love and passion for food. He has developed custom-designed menus for heads of states, corporate czars and international- ly-known celebrities through the course of his experience at Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. He is credited with the re-creation of the iconic restaurant – Southern Spice - with a better experience, better cuisine and luxurious feel. He and his team travelled ex- tensively throughout the interiors of the four southern states, venturing into local homes, and even sampling fare from roadside stands — to capture long-forgotten and little-known recipes and bring them to the forefront of high-end cuisine. Chef Alok has also led the team of chefs at Golden CHEF'S CORNER Dragon, the signature Cantonese and Schezwan cuisine restaurant, on an innovative culinary journey to curate a unique vegetarian menu that features timeless recipes created with ingredients that mimic non-vegetarian fla- vors and textures - faux meat dishes for vegetarians. KOLKATA He is known to add his touch of individuality and dis- tinctive style to the flavor and presentation of food. He has commendable team player spirit and profound po- IS INDIA'S tential to set high standards for the team and himself. Chef Alok’s personable nature lends itself perfectly to the set-up of JW Marriott, Kolkata, where guests can actu- ally watch him prepare his dishes in the open kitchen at FOOD times. He has won swag of awards, and has also cooked for an impressive list of food critics from around the world. In his current role, as the Executive Chef at JW Mar- riott, Kolkata, Chef Alok’s main responsibilities include CAPITAL mentoring a comprehensive team, overall management of the food and beverage outlets and introduction of new trends of food presentation and dining concepts. He spoke to Mystic East in an exclusive interview. Excerpts:

MYSTIC EAST | 33 CHEF'S CORNER

You've been in JW Marriott, What's your opinion about Benga- Kolkata for nearly a year. How has li cuisine? Any personal favourite been the experience so far? Kolkata is the Food dish? It has been an excellent experience. I Bengali cuisine is multi-course like the have had the opportunity of meeting Capital of India. French cuisine. Dishes are eaten course very hospitable people and learn the Eating out is serious wise – Beetroot or Kachumber salad, unique gastronomic delights of Ben- Tele bhaja / Chop / Begun Bhaja, Laal gal. business here. Even Shag Badam Diye Bhaja, Chholar Dal working lunches with Loochi, Shukto, Machher Jhol, How different is this experience Kosha Mangsho, Murgir Jhol, Aloo compared to that in other top run in six to eight Posto with Misti Pulao or Steamed Rice, hotels across India? What made courses. People here Papad, Chutney, Desserts selection – you say yes to Calcutta? Sandesh, rosogulla, Pantua, Chhanar People here are very sweet and friend- are very passionate jilipi, Mishti Doi, Paan ly. The place is home to some of the and obsessed with best and most diverse food in the Few of my favourite dishes are: Ko- country. food. They love food sha Mangsho, Chingri Malai Curry, I have studied in Ahmedabad, unabashedly Ilish Paturi worked in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chennai, Bangalore and ev- Who are the celebrities you have erywhere I have learnt about the cul- cooked for in Calcutta? In your ture and cuisine. Coming to Kolkata earlier assignments outside helped me in enhancing my gastro- an White Asparagus, Edamame, lime Calcutta? nomic learning. butter; Stir Fried Lotus root, Snow In Kolkata few of the celebrities I have Kolkata is the Food Capital of In- peas, Black Fungus; Chiang Mai cooked for are: Sourav Ganguly, Rit- dia. Eating out is serious business Prawn Curry; Gai yang (Country style uparna Sengupta, Prosenjit Chatterji, here. Even working lunches run in six Roast Chicken from Northern Thai- Shahrukh Khan, Anushka Sharma, to eight courses. People here are very land); Spiced Caramelized Pork Belly, Yuvraj Singh. passionate and obsessed with food. Pineapple, Crispy Garlic; Fried rice, In my earlier Assignments, I have They love food unabashedly. Edamame, Vegetable, Toban sauce; cooked for Hillary Clinton, Amitabh Tub tim krob Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, Mukesh Which is the most popular Ambani, Anil Ambani, Bonnie Ka- restaurant in the hotel? What has What is the most popular/in- poor, Sridevi been you major contribution to the demand cuisine at wedding menu? banquets at the hotel? What are your 5 favourite picks JW Both our Restaurants – JW Kitchen Apart from Indian cuisine, Asian cui- Marriott A La Carte menu? and Vintage Asia are very popular. I sine is very popular as we also have Figs, goat cheese & Quinoa salad; have introduced some unique dishes the award winning restaurant - Vin- Black pepper crusted Salmon; Dak on the menu. tage Asia at our hotel Bungalow chicken curry; Edamame Truffle Dumpling; Caramelized Pork What is the signature dish at JW Have you ever eaten out in Belly, Pineapple, Crispy Garlic Kitchen? And what's the signature Calcutta? dish at Vintage Asia? Yes. I love to explore local flavours. Where do you see yourself in Signature dishes at JW Kitchen: Now I have been in all the four parts the next five years? Do you ever Figs, goat cheese & Quinoa salad; of the country and it is wonderful to wish to be a restaurateur or Curried pumpkin and sage ravio- learn about our diverse cuisine. entrepreneur? li, saffron butter; Dak Bungalow In the next five years I wish to be at chicken curry, Chingri Malai Curry, What's your favourite street food? the helm of setting up unique culinary Channar dalna My favourite street food in Kolkata concepts. Signature dishes at Vintage Asia: are: Ghugni chaat, Aloo Kabli, Mach- I would like to be an entrepreneur Edamame and truffle Dim Sum; Pork her Chop, Dimer Devil, Chhanar Jili- known for launching unique F&B Xiao Long Bao; Wok Tossed Peruvi- pi, Hinger kochuri, Ghoti Gorom, concepts.

34 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

Method For the Mousse • Melt the chocolate in double boiler • Meanwhile, prepare the casserole with water and sugar in it and boil it to 120°C • In the mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks at maximum speed and pour on it the hot sugar mixture • Allow it to cool down for a while then pour it in the melted chocolate and mix vigorously • Add the Gondhoraj Lemon Rind and mix well • Following this add the whipped cream Gondhoraj Royal Cake For the Praline Crunchy • Put one layer of dacquoise biscuit Unique creation of Chef Alok Anand, Executive within a mould on a tray. • Mix the melted chocolate with the Chef, JW Marriott Kolkata praline hazelnut. • Add the paillete feuilletine and mix Ingredients For the Praline Crunchy properly then pour it inside the tray and spread it evenly • For the Mousse • Praline Hazelnut – 1500 gms • Add the dark chocolate mousse on • Water – 240 gms • Dark Chocolate – 375 gms top • Sugar – 640 gms • Milk Chocolate – 150 gms • Refrigerate for minimum one night • Egg Yolk – 640 gms • Paillete Feuilletine (Fragments of thin before you unmold and cut it • Dark Chocolate – 1680 gms pancakes for praline) – 600 gms • Garnish with Choice of yellow Edible • Gonghoraj Lemon Rind – scrapped off • One layer of Dacqouise Biscuits flower and Gondhoraj Lemon Rind. 1 lemon The cake is ready to serve • Whipped Cream – 2400 gms

MYSTIC EAST | 35 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS The Annual Trends & Opportunities Report for 2017 – HVS

HE annual Trends & Oppor- tunities Report for 2017 on T Indian Hotel industry by HVS India has revealed nationwide and category-wide growth in terms of hotel occupancies and Average Room Rates (ARRs) for hotels in India during 2016/17. The performance of hotel industry during 2017 in terms of key growth parameters like occupancies and ARRs have been the highest since 2008, the report says. The high- lights: Nationwide occupancy crossed the 65% mark for the first time since 2007/08, with hotels clocking an overall weighted occupancy of 65.6% in 2016/17, an increase of 3.5% over the previous fiscal. The increase in

ROOM NIGHT DEMAND VS AVAILABLE ROOM NIGHTS (2002/03 – 2016/17)

120,000 80.0% 71.5% 110,000 71.4% 69.0% 68.8% 65.6% 70.0% 64.8% 100,000 63.3% 59.5% 60.6% 59.8% 90,000 59.5% 57.2% 59.3% 57.8% 58.4% 60.0% 80,000

70,000 50.0% 60,000 50,000 40.0% 40,000 30.0% 30,000 20,000 20.0% 10,000 - 10.0%

Available Room Nights Per Day Room Night Demand Per Day Occupancy

* 2015/16 perf o remove the performance of irrelevant supply Source: HVS Research

36 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

occupancy was complimented with an the previous fiscal to reach INR 3,709, significant rate growth. The average increase of 2.4% in weighted average the report says. rate growth of 2.4%, the report says rate (INR 5,658) during the same pe- The report says that the overall sup- is marginal compared to the opportu- riod. The growth in both occupancy ply-demand scale is currently tilted in nities. The demand-supply equation and average rate resulted in the na- favour of growth in demand outpac- today as well as in the next 48 to 60 tionwide RevPAR rising by 6.0% over ing supply and most conducive for months is more than likely to present

PERFORMANCE OF EXISTING HOTELS (2012/13 – 2016/17)

6,200 70.0% 68.4% 6,000 67.9% 68.0% 5,800 66.6% 67.0% 66.0% 65.6% 66.0% 5,600 65.6% Occupancy of Exis 64.0% 64.0% Occupancy of Exis 5,400 63.3% 5,200 61.3% 62.0% Occupancy of Exis 59.8% 5,000 Occupancy of Exis 58.6% 60.0% 58.2% 59.9% Occupancy of Exis 4,800 58.6% 58.0% 4,600 Average Rate (`) 2012/13 56.0% ` 4,400 Average Rate ( ) 2013/14 Average Rate (`) 2014/15 4,200 54.0% Average Rate (`) 2015/16 4,000 52.0% 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16* 2016/17 Average Rate (`) 2016/17

o exclude the performance of irrelevant supply. Source: HVS Research

Kolkata: On a positive note Kolkata, exhibiting a 5.2% RevPAR growth in 2016/17, witnessed its first positive RevPAR growth in four years following the industry up-cycle. Despite an 8.4% increase in supply, the city registered an occupancy of 70.2% and an average rate of 5,818. Kolkata's eastward expansion has enabled the creation of distinct micro markets, dividing room supply between the CBD at one end and, Salt Lake City, Rajarhat and the EM Bypass at the other, leading to redistribution of demand within the city. Consequently, market performance, in the face of new supply, has been market distinction streamlines demand patterns and, developments like the Kolkata International Convention Centre establish themselves, we anticipate the city to achieve some balance between demand and supply. That being said, short-to-medium term pressure on occupancy is likely 2016/17 over last fiscal and were the highest in four years. Though this increase was expected to occur, the degree to which rates have grown continues to be marginal.

MYSTIC EAST | 37 INDUSTRY ANALYSIS

EXISTING SUPPLY ACROSS MAJOR CITIES (2007/08 – 2016/17) 12-Month* Compounded 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16** 2016/17 ChangeG rowth

Agra 1,336 1,419 1,439 1,439 1,739 1,299 1,293 1,755 2,036 2,092 2.8% 5.1% Ahmedabad 675 800 1,521 1,785 1,975 2,477 2,777 2,944 3,054 3,117 2.1% 18.5% Bengaluru 3,456 3,889 5,597 5,947 7,713 8,536 10,162 11,117 11,539 11,995 4.0% 14.8% Chennai 2,826 3,307 3,806 4,066 4,904 6,330 7,105 7,444 7,585 8,332 9.8% 12.8% New Delhi*** 9,019 8,625 8,129 9,111 10,697 11,338 12,370 13,193 14,142 14,296 1.1% 5.3% Gurugram 1,980 3,246 3,782 4,559 5,190 5,323 5,117 5,263 2.9% 15.0% NOIDA 300 351 527 841 1,239 1,322 1,322 1,422 7.6% 24.9% Goa 2,768 2,795 3,288 3,375 3,885 4,406 4,703 5,298 5,574 6,400 14.8% 9.8% Hyderabad 2,554 2,761 3,782 4,036 4,797 5,411 5,734 5,954 5,992 6,254 4.4% 10.5% Jaipur 1,556 1,683 2,472 2,554 3,054 4,129 4,523 4,822 4,931 5,058 2.6% 14.0% Kolkata 1,396 1,373 1,520 1,588 1,787 2,163 2,243 2,701 2,701 3,199 18.4% 9.7% Mumbai 8,454 7,948 9,877 11,303 12,052 12,807 13,022 12,865 13,054 13,494 3.4% 5.3% Pune 1,346 1,518 2,672 4,691 5,672 5,317 6,159 6,137 6,108 6,445 5.5% 19.0% 11,596 12,357 15,412 18,039 21,729 24,642 24,657 26,820 28,445 31,852 12.0% 11.9% , , , , , , , , , , , , , , * Change in 2016/17 expressed as percent or 2015/16 ** Supply track o the removal of irrelevant supply *** Delhi NCR data (Shaded P t New Delhi (excluding Gurugram, NOIDA and Greater NOIDA) data el markets across India Source: HVS Research

an opportunity for substantial average 66.5% occupancy 2016/17, while four- for the third year running. Noida dis- rate enhancement and hotel operators star hotels achieved 65.6 % occupancy; played the lowest occupancy (56.9%), who “draft strategies to seize the occa- five-star hotels were just shy of the 65 and Ahmedabad, the lowest average sion” will be at an advantage, the re- mark and closed at a nationwide occu- rate (INR 3,840). port notes. pancy of 64.6%, whereas two-star hotels However, all major markets wit- When the new supply growth in managed 62.7%. Therefore, it is appar- nessed an increase in RevPAR in the branded and organised segment ent that hotels across all positioning 2016/17 except for Agra. Interesting was 5.9%, the demand grew by 9.6%. benefited from the supply-demand gap to note, Noida (including Greater Last time the nationwide occupancy in the year 2017, the report says. Noida) saw the highest year-on-year breached the 65% mark was in 2007/08. Among the cities, Mumbai contin- growth in RevPAR (16.0%), followed When viewed by positioning, five-star ues to lead in terms of both occupancy by Hyderabad (11.4%) and Ahmed- deluxe and three-star hotels clocked (74.2%) and average rate (INR 7,693) abad (10.7%), reveals the report.

TOP 20 HOTEL BRANDS BY EXISTING INVENTORY (AUGUST 2017)

16,000

14,000

12,000

10,000

8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

Source: HVS Research Number of Rooms

38 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

COVER STORY BRAND INDIA SURGING AHEAD India is emerging as a large market for a diverse portfolio of niche tourism products - cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, sports, MICE, eco-tourism, film, rural and religious tourism

MYSTIC EAST | 39 COVER STORY

GOI's ‘Incredible India!’ and ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ provide an impetus to growth

he Indian tourism and hos- India. Tourism in India has signifi- of natural beauty spread across the pitality industry has emerged cant potential considering the rich country. Tourism is also a potentially T as one of the key drivers of cultural and historical heritage, va- large employment generator besides growth among the services sector in riety in ecology, terrains and places being a significant source of foreign

40 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

2017. The employment in the sector is expected to rise to 46.42 million by 2026. During calendar year 2017, 10.177 million foreign tourists have arrived in India. The Government of India has set a target of 20 million foreign tourist arrivals (FTAs) by 2020 and double the foreign exchange earnings as well. The launch of several branding and marketing initiatives by the Gov- ernment of India such as ‘Incredi- ble India!’ and ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ has provided a focused impetus to growth. The Indian government has also released a fresh category of visa - the medical visa or M visa, to encourage medical tourism in the country. Incredible India 2.0 campaign was launched in September 2017. The Government has also been making serious efforts to boost in- Government of India's ‘Incredible India!’ and ‘Athiti Devo Bhava’ ca paigns have vestments in tourism sector. In the provided a focused impetus to growth hotel and tourism sector, 100 per cent FDI is allowed through the automat- ic route. A five-year tax holiday has exchange for the country. India's been offered for 2, 3 and 4 star cate- Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) gory hotels located around UNESCO increased 20.4 per cent year-on-year World Heritage sites (except Delhi between January-November 2017 to and Mumbai). Total FDI received by US$ 24.655 billion. Indian hotel & tourism sector was India is a large market for trav- US$ 10.6 billion between April 2000 el and tourism. It offers a diverse and September 2017. portfolio of niche tourism products - cruises, adventure, medical, wellness, Market Size sports, MICE, eco-tourism, film, rural India is the most digitally-advanced and religious tourism. India has been traveller nation in terms of digital recognised as a destination for spiri- tools being used for planning, booking tual tourism for domestic and inter- Total contribution and experiencing a journey@@, In- national tourists. dia’s rising middle class and increas- Total contribution by travel and by travel and tourism ing disposable incomes has continued tourism sector to India’s GDP is ex- sector to India’s to support the growth of domestic and pected to increase from US$ 136.3 outbound tourism. billion in 2015 to US$ 275.2 billion in GDP is expected to Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) to 2025. India ranked third among 184 increase from US$ the States/Union Territories (UTs) countries in terms of travel & tour- grew by 15.5 per cent y-o-y to 1.65 ism’s total contribution to GDP in 136.3 billion in 2015 billion (provisional) during 2016 with 2016. Travel and tourism is the third to US$ 275.2 billion the top 10 States/UTs contributing largest foreign exchange earner for about 84.2 per cent to the total num- India. A sum of US$ 27.693 billion in 2025 ber of DTVs, as per Ministry of Tour- was earned under foreign exchange ism. through tourism during calendar year Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in

MYSTIC EAST | 41 India is the most digitally-advanced traveller nation in terms of digital tools being used for planning, booking and experiencing a journey. India’s rising middle class and increasing disposable incomes has continued to support the growth of domestic and outbound tourism January - February 2018

the country is expected to treble until 2030 from US$ 30 billion in 2015.# International hotel chains will likely increase their expansion and investment plans in India, and are expected to account for 50 per cent share in the Indian hospitality industry by 2022, from the current 44 per cent.* Investments The tourism and hospitality sector is among the top 10 sectors in India to attract the highest Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). During the period April 2000-June 2017, the hotel and tourism sector attracted around US$ 10.48 billion of FDI, according to the data released by Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP). Government Initiatives The Indian government has realised the country’s potential in the tourism industry and has taken several steps to make India a global tourism hub. Some of the major initiatives planned by the Government of India to give a boost to the tourism and hospitality sector of India are as fol- lows: The Government of India signed a loan agreement for US$ 40 million with the World Bank for the Uttar Pradesh Pro-Poor Tourism Devel- opment Project aimed at developing tourism facilities in the state. Road Ahead India’s travel and tourism industry has huge growth potential. The tourism industry is also looking forward to the expansion of E-visa scheme which is expected to double the tourist inflow to India. India's travel and tourism industry has the potential to expand by 2.5 per cent on the back of higher budgetary allocation and low India increased 14.4 per cent year-on- Government of India. cost healthcare facility, according to year to 1.005 million and the number India is expected to move up five a joint study conducted by Assocham of FTAs on e-tourist visa increased spots to be ranked among the top five and Yes Bank. 56.2 per cent to 214,000 in Novem- business travel market globally by Source: India Brand Equity Foun- ber 2017, as per Ministry of Tourism, 2030, as business travel spending in dation (https://www.ibef.org)

MYSTIC EAST | 43 ROOM BASICS

TOP 10 THINGS THAT SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOTEL ROOM

44 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

Sometimes guests find it extremely difficult to operate a sophisticated shower

HERE are some people who Some of these are obvious – with travel with tons of gadgets these spend well over 100 nights a the proliferation of lightweight lap- days, from computers and tablets T year in hotels. We spoke to tops, smartphones, tablets and more, to phones, cameras, music players five of them--of the millennial gener- every hotel room should have an and more, and the one thing they all ation-- and put together a post with abundance of power outlets – while have in common is that they must their thoughts about what every ho- others might be more TPG-specific. be charged. So it’s astonishing how tel room should offer (and what they However, these are things I’d like to many hotels still lack more than one definitely should not) in addition to see in every hotel room I book in the or two outlets for guest use – you all the basics like free WiFi, good per- future, and feel free to share your own know, where lamps, phones and other sonalized A/C and heating, and, you wish list below. odds and ends aren’t already plugged know, running water. 1. Power outlets galore: We all in. Not only that, but every hotel room

MYSTIC EAST | 45 ROOM BASICS

Don't forget to put in an electric kettle along with some tea bags and coffee sachets should have bedside outlets. So many ture in your rooms. up coffee somewhere else. Or tea. Put people tote their computers to bed to 2. An electric kettle: Many of the in an electric kettle and some tea bags work while on the road for business, whiz kids are coffee addicts. Every for the tea-drinkers out there. Who and so many use their Smartphones hotel room should have some sort of knows, maybe they might be feeling as alarm clocks (probably because ho- miniature coffee or espresso machine. so productive they'll order room ser- tel alarm clocks can be so byzantine Oftentimes, that’s all one wants in the vice and up the revenue with a full-on to operate) that it just makes sense to morning before grabbing something breakfast if they feel like getting a lot have outlets near the bed that you can on the go from a lobby shop or a near- of work done. access without ripping the mattress by cafe. They just want to be able to 3. Simple shower: A shower that away from the wall. Tons of lamps enjoy the first cup of the day in the doesn’t take advanced calculus to even come with outlets in their bas- room as they go through emails and figure out how to work. Hotel show- es to make things easier. Hotels, take the day's to-do list without having to ers can be glorious. Indoor showers, note, this should be a standard fea- get dressed, leave the hotel and pick outdoor showers, showers with 12

46 | MYSTIC EAST January - February 2018

showerheads, steam showers, rain- much as one loves new technology, ery hotel room these days seems to fall showers…they’re all just wonder- sometimes just having a paper menu be operating with a white-on-white ful. Except for one thing: so many of and calling down to room service palette…well, maybe with a shade of them are impossible to operate! An is just so much easier than trying to beige or taupe thrown in. Decorative old-fashioned, one knob for cold wa- learn to navigate a hotel’s “state of pillows can be a nice way to add a ter and one for hot and you turn them the art” television ordering system. If splash of colour to the room…but be- to adjust the pressure and balance you’re going to put such a system in fore you go plumping yours up, think of temperature can work fine. But so place, put an iPad in the room and let about this: you can’t wash a decorative many hotel showers these days have guests order from there, which is so pillow. That’s right – those pillows temperature controls, pressure con- much easier. have been sitting there since the day trols, controls to determine which 7. Blackout drapes: While many they were put in the room, and good- showerhead is operating…one may of- appreciate a good fabric pattern as ness knows how many germ-covered ten find getting blasted with a rocket much as the next guy, when it comes hands have handled them, if they’ve of cold water from one direction and to draperies, the one thing people are been thrown around the room or volley of scalding drops from another. unwilling to compromise on in a guest tossed on the floor, or what. So I wish So please make these things easier to room is blackout drapes. Especially hotels would just use washable dec- operate so that one can get in, clean if you’ve flown overnight and arrive orative covers on their regular-size up and get out? very early in the morning and need pillows and leave the little pillows to 4. Toothbrush and toothpaste: a few hours of sleep during daylight, private homes. Call it a symptom of always being on blackout drapes can be a godsend to 9. A decent luggage rack: It seems the road, but many of them forget a getting on the right time zone. Even if like it’s been a while since we were toothbrush and toothpaste a lot while you’re not travelling far, sleeping in a all bombarded with alarmist stories travelling and it would be such a nice new place can throw you off, so hav- about bedbugs invading the major surprise to find a mini travel kit in the ing a dark, undisturbed place to sleep metropolises of the world – and many hotel room at arrival. If airlines can is a good way to make sure you get the obsessively check luggage and clothes do it in amenity kits – and not just rest you need. for the little critters for a while there. talking business and first class ones 8. No decorative bed pillows: Ev- These vermin are still a threat, so ev- here, but some airlines offer it in econ- eryone thing would like to see in ev- omy as well – then hotels can provide ery room is a full-size luggage rack, a mini oral hygiene set to guests. preferably built into the closet. Many 5. Free water bottles: It’s midnight. times one has to put the suitcase on You’re off a really long flight. You’re the floor, or just on a folding rack in parched. All the stores are closed. the middle of the room when it should All you want is a bottle of water, es- have been possible to make a shelf in pecially if you’re in a place where the We spoke to the closet for my suitcase…all a safe water might not be potable for you. some people of distance away from any possible bed- Any water will do – it doesn’t have to bug infestation. be Evian – but your only choices are the millennial 10. Abundant hangers: Some of in the minibar and they each cost Rs generation who these youngsters are a bit of a clothes 100. Why is that? Hotels need to start horse and need to hang them up so offering guests two free water bottles spend over 100 they don’t get wrinkled, but it seems per day (that’s the other thing – even nights in a hotel like every hotel has decided that they if you get a couple free bottles, it’s a will only have approximately 4 hang- one-time thing with a lot of hotels – room and found ers in the closet. Not only that, but once you drink them that’s it!). Every out their thoughts some hangers these days don’t even one would appreciate it, and it’s such come off the bar – like, at all – so one a simple provision. about what every might end up having to contort the 6. Handy room service menu: A hotel room should clothes just to get them on in the first room service menu that doesn’t take place. Just put a bunch more--even 20 clicks on the TV screen to navi- offer these happen to be made of cheap gate and order from. This is another PVC material--and make sure they’re old-fashioned quirk of mine, but as user-friendly!

MYSTIC EAST | 47 COVER STORY January - February 2018

STATE SURVEY: ASSAM AWESOME ASSAM Cradled by the mighty Brahmaputra, Assam’s natural beauty and tea gardens make the state a kaleidoscope of colour and culture. But its rich potential as one of the top tourist destinations of India remains largely untapped

SSAM, the heart of India’s rhythms of the seasons, to the drums Northeast, is a land of abun- of the Bihu festival amid dancers A dance. It is well blessed by dressed in silks and trees covered in nature and it lies at the centre of silken orchids. one of the world’s richest bio-geo- Tourism has the greatest potential graphic areas—with the Himalayas for generating income and employ- to the north, the river valley and the ment opportunities in Assam. Its world’s largest riverine islands at its wildlife sanctuaries at various places heart, and to the south, hills that are a of Assam can attract the tourists all continuation of the South Indian pla- over the world. Further, tea tourism teau region. It is a treasure house of and golf tourism of Assam can draw various economic resources, such as, many more to its verdant lawns. Let valuable reserves of oil, natural gas us explore the potential of the state and coal; it also has over tea-estates, from the perspective of tourism and vast swathes of fertile alluvial soil and hospitality and discuss the ways to large tracts of forests. The state’s rich further economic development of the cultural and ethnic heritage is famous state through these sectors. all over the world. Current scenario: Today’s Assam Little wonder that the state makes is composed of 27 districts. Despite an ideal destination for tourists with the abundance in natural resources it a wide variety of options. To visit As- happens to be one of the most back- sam is to embark on a journey that ward states in the country. Growing is guaranteed to celebrate the senses political instability, insurgent activi- and nurture the soul: to drink the best ties, ethnic classes, frequent violation tea in India, to feast on exquisitely of human rights coupled with malad- flavoured cuisine, to celebrate the ministration and corruption are the

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Resorts in Kaziranga and Manas are big draw for tourists

socioeconomic realities of Assam. into a potent force through tourism Moreover, prevalence of mass illiter- industry. Currently some of the tour- acy, social taboos, superstitious belief Though Assam is ist spots draw a huge number. For ex- and traditional methods of produc- an economically ample, the national park of Kaziranga tion plagues the state. It is character- in the district of Golaghat is a gift of ized by low per capita income, poor backward state, nature which covers approximately rate of capital formation, heavy popu- yet it has a great an area of 429.93 sq. km. situated on lation pressure, lack of infrastructure, the southern bank of the river Brah- excessive dependence on agriculture potential to be maputra. It is a heavenly place for the and very backward transport and developed into a tourists because of its world famous communication. All these make As- one-horned rhinoceros. Herds of rhi- sam an extremely backward state. potent force through noceros, vast grassy and green forests Though Assam is a very backward tourism industry of the park can easily enamor any state in the whole country, yet it has tourist of the world. Besides Kaziran- a great potential to develop the state ga, there is the Manas riverine sanctu-

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tourist spots to visit nearby Chakrash- ila wildlife sanctuary. Besides the animals and the birds in the vast green forest, the state has many ornamental fish, rare plants, medicinal herbs and exotic orchids. It has many tranquil lagoons and reverie locations like Deepar Beel, Bar- nadi that will attract the tourists for angling and boating. There are many other wonders and important things for the tourists in the state. For example, even today, when science and technology have achieved miraculous success in unearthing the hidden things of the world it has totally failed to unearth the mystery of the Jatinga Hill where thousands and thousands of birds commit suicide every year. This mysterious hill is a great source of attraction for the tourists all over the world. Moreover, the world’s largest river island ‘Majuli’ will encourage tourism industry in Assam to a great extent. The various historical monuments and places like ‘Rangghar, ‘Karengg- har, ‘Joysagar’, ‘Joydoul’, etc. will encourage tourism in Assam. Besides these, the various historical places like Sonitpur (at present Tezpur)-the capital of Ban Raja, Garhgaon the capital of the Ahoms, Jerangapathar Kamakhya temple attracts millions of tourists every year will attract the tourists. Moreover, the various religious places and temples like Kamakhya temple, the Umanan- da temple, the Agnigarh and the Ma- ary situated towards the western part der Kokrajhar district with an area of habhairavi temples, the Mahamaya of the district of Baksa. It is extended 45.66 sq. km. This sanctuary is a hilly temple etc. will encourage tourism to both the banks of the river Manas tract running north-south. The lower industry in Assam. and covers almost an area of 519 sq. reaches are covered with Sal coppice Besides this the wooded hill sta- km. It is especially famous for its wild regeneration while middle and upper tions like Haflong, Badarpur etc will buffaloes and also for other animals reaches are covered with mixed de- attract the tourists for hiking, trek- and birds. Besides Kaziranga and ciduous forests. Chakrashila is well king and camping. Further, tea tour- Manas sanctuaries, the wildlife sanc- known for existence of golden langur. ism and golf tourism of Assam will at- tuaries of Pobitora and Orang can It is a segregated habitat from main tract the tourists. Assam is also very attract the tourists all over the world. Indo-Bhutan habitat in the north. The rich in cultural heritage. It is a heav- Moreover, the golden langour pygmy important sites to visit are Sikhrisikh- enly abode of various tribes, castes hog and other endangered species can la, Bhalukjhora, Baokhungri Peak, and communities having their reli- easily enchant wildlife lovers. Dibil Thakur Beel, Anthai Gufur, gious and cultural festivals, the ‘Bihu’ Chakrashila is a newly declared Goshain Bhita, Jarnagara etc. Dheer for the Assamese, the ‘Bathou’ for the wildlife sanctuary in lower Assam un- Beel, Diplai Beel are other attractive Bodos and so on.

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Tea tourism and golf tourism of Assam can draw many more to its verdant lawns

Hurdles for tourism: Even though ability, (h) Indifferent attitude of the tourism has a great potentiality for Government both at State and Cen- generating income and employment tral level (i) Defective socio-econom- opportunities in Assam the full po- Despite the ic and political set up (j) Lack of a tential hasn’t yet been tapped due to proper tourism development policy of some problems. The main constraints abundance in natural the Government (k) Lack of people’s that are coming into the way of its de- resources it co-operation and consciousness, (l) velopment are self-explanatory which Lack of proper friendly investment can be identified as: (a) Lack of infra- happens to be atmosphere (m) Absence of congenial structure, (b) Communication bot- one of the most atmosphere to attract the tourists and tlenecks, (c) Geographical isolation, such many other factors. (d) Ethnic clashes leading to political backward states What can be done: In spite of the instability, (e) Growth of insurgent in the country constraints as listed above, Assam is activities (f) Lack of fund (g) Absence still maintaining a bright prospect of of leadership and entrepreneurship economic development in terms of

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The national park of Kaziranga is a gift of nature tourism industry. But for this, some be restored for attracting the national immediate as well as long term mea- and foreign tourists Tea City Dibrugarh sures, as mentioned below, are to be vi) Planned, sustained and well- Tucked away in the upper part of Assam, adopted: thought long term efforts are to be Dibrugarh is the second largest and i) A strong political will is of ex- made by the Government to improve one of the most urbanized cities in the cessive in need for the restoration of the socio-economic and political set state. Renowned for its massive tea peace and political stability in the area up of Assam plantations, Dibrugarh is often referred with a whole hearted efforts including vii) Above all, people’s conscious- to as the Tea City of India. With massive political dialogue with the various ness to develop their own area industrialization and mega projects such insurgent groups working in Assam through the development of tour- as the Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer should be made to redress their griev- ism-industry is a great need of the Ltd. and India' s longest rail-cum-road ances within the framework of Indian hour. People should voluntarily come bridge of Bogibeel bridge, Dibrugarh is transforming into a vibrant city. Visitors constitution in a democratic manner out and desist the terrorists from do- can bask in a unique blend of a variety ii) Government should make huge ing anti-national activities of tourist attractions such as the soothing investment to break the geographical viii) In short, restoration of peace serenity of lush green tea estates, the rich isolation and remove communica- and tranquility to attract the foreign history, the diverse cultural heritage and tion-bottlenecks from Assam tourists is of utmost importance for the adventurous wildlife, in this beautiful iii) Planned efforts are to be made the development of trade and tourism city of Dibrugarh and its surrounding by the Government to build up the re- in Assam areas. Jokai Botanical Garden cum quired infrastructure of the state However, though the process of Germplasm Centre, Dibru-Saikhowa iv) Proper tourism development economic liberalization could not cre- National Park, Jeypore Rainforest, policy is the need of the hour and for ate any impact on the economy of As- Koli Aai Thaan, Dehing Patkai Wildlife this Government should make a thor- sam, yet it has widened the scope of sanctuaries, and Lekai Chetia Maidam are some of the most visited tourist spots ough survey in the state the development of tourism industry in Dibrugarh. Whether you are looking v) Moreover, maintenance of a in Assam. For example, the signing of for a thrilling holiday, a peaceful solo friendly investment atmosphere is the MoU with the USA based company long weekend enjoying the picturesque very important for attracting foreign “Ogden Energy of New Jersey” by the sceneries or a romantic walk down the investors as well as the tourists. Inter- government of Assam for taking over beautiful landscapes with your spouse; national and national confidence is to a lease of the Bongaigaon Thermal Dibrugarh is the place for you

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The rhythm of the Bihu dancers can mesmerize tourists from India and abroad

Power Station (BTPS) for its renova- Indonesia, etc. which are regarded restoring national and international tion, submitting proposals by another as the fastest growing regions in the confidence. US based company named “American world and secondly, to utilize its rich Conclusion: Thus, the development Power Gen System Association” for and abundant natural as well as hu- of tourism industry Assam largely setting up a 300 MW coal based pow- man resources. Now it is expected depends upon the formulation of a er project at Borgolai, inauguration that with the arrival of the region as proper tourism development policy of NEDFi at Guwahati, entry of some well as domestic investors in Assam, and people’s co-operation and con- new Indian Company for promoting there will be an influx of tourists into sciousness. The High Powered Shuk- industrial projects like Premier Cryo- the region from various parts of our la Commission has recommended genics Ltd., Reliance Industries Ltd., country as well as from abroad. Thus, for establishing a North-East Tourist etc. are, no doubt, a strong indication it is expected that the influx of these Development Corporation to develop of the restoration of national and in- tourists will directly give a big push tourism in the region. It has also rec- ternational confidence. to the growth and development of the ommended to issue Inner-Line Per- According to an international agency tourists industry in the state. mits relax the Restricted Area Permits named “Coopers and Lybrand Report”, According to Mr. K. P. Singh, the as well as to introduce Charter Flights Assam has the potential to emerge as a President of the Associated Chamber for NE Package tours etc. Moreover, strategic base for foreign and domestic of Commerce and Industry of India, an honest and strong will of the gov- investors for two reasons. Assam has the 17 domestic tourists ernment coupled with people’s hearty Firstly, it is argued that the for- create one job for Assam’s people. co-operation will definitely boost up eign as well as the domestic investors Hence, it is very important to attract tourism industry in Assam in near fu- would be encouraged to set up their the foreign tourists into Assam from ture. export-oriented industries in Assam the economic point of view. At pres- Source: Prospects and Problems of to enjoy the vast potential of contig- ent 5 million foreign tourists come to Tourism Industry in Assam by Sur- uous markets of ASEAN countries India annually and soon it is expected jya Chutia Assistant Professor, Dept namely Myanmar, China, Malaya- to increase a large percentage of these of Economics, Tinsukia College, Tin- sia, Thailand, Phillipines, Cambodia, tourists can be attracted to Assam by sukia, Assam, India

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