HOSPITALITY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

MP Bezbaruah, Secretary General, Hotel Association of India spoke to T&E Editor Anirban Dasgupta on the post-covid challenges in the Hospitality industry and the scope and opportunities in domestic and international tourism in India.

The Warlis of Mumbai & The Leopard God

Mumbai, India's \"City of Dreams,\" is known for a great many things. It is the heart of the Bollywood film industry, India's financial capital and one of the most populated cities, and a melting pot of cultures embracing migrants from all parts of the country and the world throughout history. However, only a few know that this multicultural city is also home to a small population of tribal communities who are desperately struggling to retain their indigenous heritage and lifestyle in a rapidly evolving city in an era of globalization. This article is the story of one such Adivasi family living with wild leopards in the wild side of Mumbai.

FALSE HOPES AND GREEDY AMBITIONS CRACKED!! - JOSHIMATH CRISIS

A WAKE UP CAL FOR THE HIMALAYAN CITIES The temple town in Uttarakhand state, Joshimath is in the news and once again it has ignited the debate on environment protection Vs development. The town is sinking because of land subsidence which means that there is a progressive lowering of the surface of the region owing to loss of water and unchecked extraction from the earth.

THE HEADHUNTERS

THE KONYAK TRIBE OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

THE HOLY FAIR GANGASAGAR

\"Chol tore diye assi sagorer jole\" (Let me take you to the waters of the sea). The sparkling silver sand under the deep blue sky lying on the continental shelf of the Bay of Bengal in the southern part of Kolkata, Sagar Island, popularly known as Gangasagar is a captivating tourist destination in Eastern India. The unspoilt beauty near Sundarbans, Gagasagar has been a top favourite for both pilgrims and adventure lovers. Debjani Aich tells the story of her experience of tranquility and peace on this island during the famous 'Ganga Sagar Mela (fair)' on the river Ganges.

HERITAGE TOURISM IN INDIA

The rich heritage of India, one of the world's oldest civilizations, is an all-embracing confluence of religions, traditions and customs. The highlights of Indian heritage lie in the treasure of its art, architecture, classical dance, music, flora and fauna, and the innate secular philosophy of its people. A visit to the heritage sites is like a walk through history, changing lanes with every dynasty that ruled Indian soil. The finesse of Indian handiwork, the richness of silk and cotton textiles, the ethnicity of jewellery, everything has come down as a heritage from ancient times and is being kept alive generation after generation. Even food in India is a legacy and part of Indian heritage, differing in look and taste in every state of India.

Emerging Of The 'New Normal'

The hospitality industry in India has been witnessing reasonable growth for the past few years, with tremendous potential to grow manifolds in the future. India with its rich culture and diversity has been attracting a large number of tourists from all over the globe.

FOREST THERAPY

We, humans are running towards success, power, high standards, we have made our lives too busy with our daily activities, we experience stress by waiting in traffic, meeting, reaching on time, discord with boss, problem with spouse, tension of children, rounds to the hospitals for elders etc etc. In such a busy schedule we also need time with ourselves, to relax. The best way to relax is to go to forest and enjoy nature. The beauty of forest naturally rejuvenates us, we inhale fresh air, listen to the birds, take a walk, or watch the wind animate the branches of the steadfast neighboring trees. This practice is growing popularity around the world as it is connecting us with our natural home, the forest.

A HOME IN THE WILDERNESS

A couple that gave up lucrative corporate jobs to start a homestay in Odisha, which supports community members around the Chandaka- Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary. Svanir is a stellar example of giving back to the landscape and its people.

A 'wild' journey through the Emerald Forest

It was in 2018 when I first met Shatakshi and came across her products via Wildpines.

Connecting People

When the 21st-century world is the world of digitalization, scientific innovations, the fastest communications and fierce competition in every field, the universe of postcrossing in its own way, celebrates a new light of peace, unity & friendship, and basic human values.

Azulejo Tiles of Spain

Much to the amusement of the other tourists, I hopped unabashedly along the pattern of the small colourful tiles on the floor that resembled a game of hopscotch.

NORTH EAST FESTIVAL IS BACK IN THE CAPITAL THIS DECEMBER

This Christmas, get ready to revel in the spirit of Northeast India's vibrant culture. The capital's biggest and most awaited fiesta - North East Festival - is back! Experience the diverse food, crafts, and culture of the region, under one umbrella.

THE CUSTODIAN OF THE FOREST

Anirban Dasgupta in conversation with Arijit Banerjee - the man with a heart of a wildlife lover photographer and also, known for his uncompromising dedication and achievements as senior IFS in the area of forest and conservation.

Madras Patnam

A lighting at Chennai International Airport for the first time, a North Indian may find himself lost among a host of enlightened aliens.

SUSTAINABILITY IN HOTEL DESIGN

The hospitality sector is the frontrunner when it comes to state-of-the-art and experiential interior design.

Ozziefood

Oz, the land down under. There are other countries too in the Southern Hemisphere but somehow it's always Australia that comes to mind. A country where the people are laidback, open, love the outdoors, are down to earth and not flashy. Humility and authenticity are strong values in their culture. As such, Australians are always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else. They also tend to value sincerity, humour, informality, whilst loathing pretentiousness. Quite the fun loving, sports crazy lot, the Australians.

Dedicated to Nature

India is a land of magic and miracles. It is replete with wonders of nature and beautiful cultures. India is also home to the Bishnois - a community known for its extreme sacrifices to protect Mother Nature.

THE MIDNIGHT WHISPERS

\"Aa chal ke tujhe mein leke chaloon Ek aise gagan ke tale Jaha ghum bhi na bon, asoon bhi na hon Bas pyar hi pyar pale\"

NEIL in Nutshell

My eyes adjust slowly to the blue haze. Sunbeams refracting underwater have lit up pockets of the ocean floor. From there, branching acropora corals stretch their arms, as if trying to embrace me. However, I know better -- corals are not to be touched. I pull gentle turtle strokes in the water wearing a snorkel. I am floating somewhere in the Bay of Bengal, off the coast of Neil Island (now known as Shaheed Dweep).

CHRISTMAS IN INDIA

Come winter and it's going to be celebration time all over the world!

THE MAGNIFICENT JAWS

An enormous man-eating, bloodthirsty creature in the ocean, attracted by a single drop of blood, charging humans with rage - the end result is a pool of blood, dismembered body parts and tragedy of all sorts...that how the majority of us have conceptualized the sharks. Thanks to the so-called popular Hollywood movies and melodramatic documentaries the magnificent species is perhaps, one of the most misinterpreted and deluded animals on earth.

The Festival Of Rain Flowers - Onam

The biggest festival in the state of Kerala Onam is also known as the festival of rain flowers. Lishin Anoop writes about the essence of the ten-day long festival celebrated across the state and many parts of the country.

The Chronicle Of Burger

Viren D'Silva a brand communication specialist with an experience of over twenty years in various management roles in the sports industry joined hands with Sijo Mathew in building their dream project of "India's most loved burger brand". TW's Mohua Kar in conversation with Viren D'Silva on the idea behind GFB and the challenges and opportunities in today's extremely sensitive as well as dynamic ket scenario in the FnB segment.

DRIFTING THROUGH TIMES Magical Turkey

No traveler can define Turkey with a single characteristic. Perhaps the synthesized appeal of both oriental and European elements is the pulse of this beautiful country. Mitasha Chatterjee shares her experience traveling to this magical land.

Fight Jet Lag

Travelling for work, pleasure and holidays is exciting but can also have a downside to it. Maintaining good sleep is essential to make the best enjoyment out of your trip. It is common to struggle with sleep while travelling especially if you cross more than two time zones. There are effects on the sleep clocks due to crossing of time zones which need special attention. Frequent flying and travel with frequent sleep disturbances can increase the risk for cardiac diseases, diabetes, stroke, obesity, hypertension, gastritis and other sleeprelated issues as seen in obstructive sleep apnea.

The Other Corbett

Edward James Corbett the British author was known for his hunting skills and for killing a number of man-eating tigers and leopards across the Indian forests. Behind the stories of all those thrilling hunting adventures sometimes we miss noticing the great man that Cornett had been. Arunabha Dasgupta writes about Jim Corbett the great humanitarian, nature lover, writer and someone who always loved India as his own country.

A RESPLENDENT EXPERIENCE WITH RENJITH HADLEE

In September I undertook a rather interesting journey to the wilds of South India. The focus wasn't tigers or even elephants, but something much smaller and absolutely stunning - frogs, both big and small in the company of a gentleman who curates it, with responsible tourism & awareness creation being the base of it all. Let's meet - Renjith Hadlee.

K- Connect

Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) is committed to promoting tourism promotion initiatives in India and SAARC countries. TW's Editor spoke to Mr. Young-geul Choi, Director, Korea Tourism Organization, New Delhi on post-pandemic plans and strategies for tourism in South Korea.

The Clearrio Advantage

Manu Sasidharan, Head of Hotels, Cleartrip spoke to Anirban Dasgupta on the 'road to recovery of the hospitality sector and how Cleartrip is all prepared to serve its customers in tune with the new norms, advanced technology and customer service.