Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa

Sprawling across 28 acres of lush landscaped gardens, on the pristine shores of North Goa, is Taj Holiday Village Resort and Spa, an iconic haven that offers an unrivalled experience of luxury and natural beauty.

Blending Culture & Style

Hotel Sangam, one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels in Tiruchirappalli, TN, had been around for more than four decades. Trichy, as it is more popularly known, is an ancient city on the banks of river Cauvery in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu.

How to Win Hotel Guests' Loyalty!

A competitive marketplace throws lots of challenges and opportunities for the hotels to device their best strategies in place. The foremost challenge common to all hotels is seeking to attract new guests to their property. The second challenge as a follow up is to retain their loyalty.

Pillars of Hospitality Industry

Marketing and sales are essential areas in the hospitality industry, which not only depends on room revenue but also on F&B and other areas. The sales and marketing team is responsible for maximizing the hotel's revenue. This department is tasked with earning revenue from various verticals like room occupancy, event spaces, leisure facilities, restaurants, etc. And it is definitely not a cake walk as there are various problems that it has to tackle like seasonality, competitors, et al. Ashok Malkani tries to fathom the department's problems and the strategies they adopt to tackle the issues as well as the latest trends in marketing in the industry.

Going Green

\"Tradition is the democracy of dead!\" said Hitler. This would be highly appropriate for the present day scenario of the hotel industry which has not only to adopt itself to suit the needs of the international traveler in terms of opulence and service but also becoming eco-friendly. The awareness of preservation of ecological balance has led to the concept of Eco Hotels or Green Hotels. Over the last couple of decades going green has been amplified in India. Several hotels are adopting new techniques like installation of renewable sources, insulated facades, waste management systems, etc. Ashok Malkani examines various aspects of going green.

"I like to Evolve and Progress with the Passing of Time"

A highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Rohit Bajpai is currently holding the position of GM at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. Armed with a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Mumbai, his remarkable journey includes stints at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Royal Orchid Hotels, Hilton, and Radisson Hotel Group. Each role further honed his skills, amplifying his expertise in hotel operations, food and beverage management, and customer-centric service. In an exclusive interview with Sharmila Chand, he talks about his work philosophy and more....

In-house Laundry

Setting up an in-house laundry may not be as expensive as it is often made out to be and the benefits of having an on-premise laundry are many including extensive control over the cleaning process

Making Hospitality Inhospitable for Pests

The presence of pests in the hospitality industry has always been unacceptable. Bed bugs have been a bane for hotels. Let’s take a look at some of the procedures being adopted by the industry or should be adopted by the industry to checkmate these pests.

"Being a trusted mentor to my team and achieving success together is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling”

A seasoned hospitality professional with over 16 years of experience in the industry, Jagdeep Nambiar currently holds the position of General Manager at Fazlani Nature’s Nest. Jagdeep’s expertise lies in managing luxury properties, where he focuses on guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall business growth. Under his leadership, Fazlani Nature’s Nest has achieved remarkable success in terms of guest experience and business growth. He has implemented several initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction, including unique wellness programs, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable processes. Here he gives us an insight into his work philosophy

Fazlani Nature's Nest - A Wellness Retreat!

Fazlani Nature's Nest is a hidden gem nestled on 68 acres of lush greens, offering breath-taking views of Andra Lake and the majestic Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. This enchanting abode truly embodies the essence of nature.

Crockery Selection

It is said that food is first eaten or for that matter savoured with eyes, that is, if the food is nice to look at then the appetite grows. For the food to look nice a lot of importance is given to the plate in which it is dished out so that it is good to look at and at the same time convenient for the customer to have food from.

Wedding Segment for Revenue Growth

After the big hiatus, the hospitality industry is seeing significant growth in wedding banquet operations. There is no doubt that the Indian Wedding industry is massive and one of the key business segments to contribute towards hotel catering and banqueting revenues. Several factors contribute to make this segment a profitable one, namely Décor, Food & Beverage and Service. Hence, the industry leaders aim to keep a step ahead in curating personalised wedding experiences to create a niche in the market.

Skilled Staff Needed to Boost Hotels

Post pandemic has seen a revival of travel and tourism industry resulting in an increase in the influx of guests in hotels. This, in turn has increased the need for skilled staff in the industry which had seen many of the trained employees bid adieu to the industry forever. With the hotel industry set to escalate, not just to its previous levels but exceed far above it, there is an urgent need for staff which is trained in all the intricacies of guest satisfaction to ensure growth of the property. And since the industry has gone through changes which have necessitated adoption of advanced technology, the employees must have, or acquire, the skill and know-how of these technological advancements. These would gratify the guest and help in increasing the popularity of the property. Ashok Malkani takes a look at increase in travel and tourism, its effect on hotel industry and the qualifications and talents needed for the hotel employee currently.

Safety of Women Guests

With celebrations of woman’s day earlier this year, one saw the distinct visibility of woman empowerment. Today, there is a growing tendency among women to travel solo or with female companions. According to a report by IndiaSpend, over 75 million women in India, who are single out of choice, are socially and financially independent, which could be one of the reasons for solo-travel among them. These travellers not only want ‘me-time’ which could be the reason for solo travel, but they are also keen on exploring scenic and culturally rich destinations. For them health and safety also takes precedence. They want – and choose hotels which provide them safety. Thus hotels, to ensure their patronage, have to ensure their safety and well-being. With rising percentage of solo-women travellers, this has become essential for hotels industry. Ashok Malkani views the safety factor in the accommodations offered by the hospitality industry.

Propelling Growth & Inspiring Success in the Hospitality Industry

Ayon Bhattacharya's career trajectory spans across three decades in various International and Indian Hotel chains. It has been one of consistent success with sound leadership, as demonstrated by his impressive tenure at The Orchid Hotel Pune. As a testament to his excellence in this role, he was elevated to the position of Vice President, West India, The Orchid Hotels and Resorts (Kamat Hotels India Ltd). Under his guidance the region has flourished, experiencing significant growth and acclaim in the hospitality industry. His exceptional leadership skills, combined with his extensive knowledge of the hotel industry, have been instrumental in driving the company's success. Here he gives an insight into his leadership philosophy and management style

Hotel Clarks Khajuraho

An Abode of Happiness & Luxurious Comforts!

Spa Trends

Spa is an indispensable department of the hospitality industry today

Chefs for Profitable Outlets

The role of a chef has toddled much ahead of stirring and blending out palatable cuisine

Ensuring Guest Satisfaction

Being a successful hotelier involves tending to guests' needs and ensuring an exceptional experience at your hotel for everyone who walks through the doors of the lobby. Hotels have to make every effort to provide zero disappointment in order to rise above the competitors. One negative comment by the guest can offset the effect of hundred positive reviews and have an adverse effect on the reputation as well as revenue of the property. Ashok Malkani tries to fathom how hotels can leave a positive impact on the guests.

Hotels of Future

Hospitality industry has to keep pace with the ever-changing craving and yearning for innovative experiences of tourists and there has been, thus, a continuous transformation in the services offered by the industry. There have been revolutionary changes in the working of the industry, over the years. With advancement in technology and Al Artificial Intelligence), hotels have been able to upgrade and offer new experiences to their guests. The constant and incessant changes being incorporated in the working of the hospitality industry is going to result in various avant-garde changes being integrated in almost all departments of hotels of the future. Interactive hotel rooms with digitally enhanced services are, today, providing a new level of luxury and convenience to the travelers. Ashok Malkani tries to fathom the changes that are likely to take place not only in hotel operations but also in their appearance, in coming decade or so.

A Passionate and Seasoned Hotelier!

Ajay Kanojia, General Manager, Sayaji Hotels Pune

Challenges of Renovating

It is true that restaurants and discotheques/ nightclubs are eventually judged by their food & beverage options, and fun factors.

Idyllic Haven in the Lap of Nature!

WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanyavillas Resort Spa

Sweeping Changes

\"From sophistication in operations through increased application of technology and automation to refinement in attitudes towards the workers, housekeeping in hotels in India of today has substantially enhanced its role during the recent years.

Benefits of Automation

In the changing business environment with the rise in operational costs due to attrition, higher labour cost, have made it imperative for the hospitality industry to adopt technology that would not only be able to cut costs but also be guest-friendly.

Developing Concept

Two aspects which contribute towards making a successful restaurant are location and the concept.

Gearing for Adventure

India has a plethora of tourist attractions having spellbinding and ethereal beauty.

Employees' Impact on Hospitality Industry

Hospitality industry is one of the most volatile industries as far as employment is concerned. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Hospitality and Travel Industry employs more people than automotive, mining, financial services and manufacturing combined. But hospitality demands its employees to be epitomes of cordiality, friendliness and conviviality, for establishing an amicable relationship between the guests and the hotel. Ashok Malkani takes a look at how the industry, with the help of the employees, establishes a healthy rapport with the guests and the essential aptitude and attitude that the employees must possess.

Union Budget 2023 Impact on Hospitality and Travel & Tourism Industries

Hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries are closely linked and among the major industries contributing to the economic development of the country. Hospitality industry, which is one of the foremost providers for skilled and semi skilled jobs in the country was, over the last few years, due to the pandemic, adversely affected. Many F&B outlets, even hotels had to be shut and a few of them still remain so, in spite of the industry slowly returning back to normal. Due to the industry still being under stress, it was looking up to the Finance Minister announcing some concessions in the budget. The FM has, to some degree, come up with some measures which are welcome by the hospitality industry. Ashok Malkani examines the concessions that the industry has hailed.

Fortune Hotels Expands its Footprint

Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC's hotel group, announced the opening of Fortune Walkway Mall Haldwani pegged to be the first branded hotel of the city in the segment, and the upscale hotel chain's third hotel in the state of Uttarakhand.