Top Stories
CVCI to buy stake in Cox & Kings UK arm
Citi Venture Capital International ("CVCI Private Equity") entered into binding agreements with Cox & Kings Limited ("CKL") to acquire a significant minority stake in its wholly owned subsidiary, Prometheon Holdings (UK) Limited ("Prometheon"}.
In May 2012, CKL's Board approved raising additional capital of up to US$140 million in Prometheon, following which CVCI Private Equity has agreed to invest US$137,75 million in Prometheon. The investment proceeds will be largely used to retire part of the debt raised by Prometheon for the Holidaybreak acquisition. The completion of the transaction is subject to the fulfillment of customary conditions including receipt of regulatory approvals.
Royal Orchid plans to sell couple of properties: reports
Royal Orchid Hotels Limited, is planning to liquidate more assets to reduce its Rs. 1.60bn debt, according to reports.
Reports stated that the company is open to sell a couple of properties, including one in Bangalore.Earlier in April, company sold a hotel property in Ahmedabad to Gurgaon-based SAMHI Hotels for Rs. 670mn. The Company's Chairman Chender Baljee.reported that the company also announced that launch of Re:gen:ta One, the company’s five-star hotel property.
Infocus
Indian visitors to Japan up 21% in H1 2012
Japan has witnessed an impressive 21% increase in the number of Indian visitors visiting Japan in the first six months of 2012 as compared to the same period in the year 2011. This is quite significant as Japan was struck with a twin natural disaster last year.
Motonari Adachi, Executive Director, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), Singapore Office expressed his gratitude for the tremendous response that JNTO is receiving in the Indian market. He said, “It gives us a great pleasure to notice the growth in the number of Indian visitors visiting Japan in the first six months of 2012.
It is a remarkable development for JNTO reassuring that our marketing activities in India are in the right direction. India will continue to remain our one of the key focus markets and we expect continuous increase in the number of Indians visiting Japan in coming months.”
The number of visitors to Japan has also exceeded the pre-disaster level for the first time since the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011. The total visitor arrivals for June 2012 were 686,600; an increase of 1.4% over the level recorded in June 2010, according to JNTO statistics. This trend is in sync with the visitor arrivals from the Indian market.
Domestic News
Mirah Hospitality to open Indian franchisee outlet of Ping Pong in Mumbai: reports
Mumbai-based Mirah Hospitality is planning to open the first Indian franchisee outlet of Ping Pong, a London-based restaurant chain, in Mumbai, according to reports.
Reports stated that Ping Pong Group was established in 2005 and currently operates 13 restaurants across the globe in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai and Washington DC.
The first outlet will come up at the Bandra-Kurla Complex in Mumbai and will be ready within the next six months, says report.
Cocktail Delight at Vivanta by Taj - President
It’s raining cocktails at the finest bar in the city! Vivanta by Taj – President invites its guests and cocktail lovers for a sumptuous extravaganza this August season. With a wide range of cocktails and mock tails presented at Wink, Thai Pavilion, Konkan Café; guests will have an eclectic array of options to choose from till September 5th, 2012.
Inspired by the special culinary foams of Chef Ferran Adria, Wink’s bartender adds a contrasting texture of surprising flavours. Savour some unique range of cocktails from L’Orange Cosmopolitan with Watermelon Air to L’Orange Caipiroska with Green Apple and Mint Airat Wink.
Enjoy the combination of Thai flavours and the freshly made foam cocktails to refresh your palate. Rejoice a blend of Cucumber Mint Martini with a Kaffir Lime & Lemon Grass Foam, Pomegranate Martini with a Peach & Basil Foamand Melon Sour with a Kaffir Lime & Lemon Grass Foamat city’s iconic restaurant, Thai Pavilion.
Well, if this was not enough, feast on Red Wine Sangrias and White Wine Coolers as the rains cool the city.Savour the flavours of sangrias and the crisp tartness of the coolers with delectable coastal food at the most popular coastal food restaurant of the tinsel town – Konkan Café
CCD launches sparkling new range of ice cold beverages
Café Coffee Day (CCD), the pioneers of the coffee café culture in India, has launched a sparkling new range of ice cold beverages. The iced teas launched are known as ‘Frosteas’ and there is the energizing range of ‘Lemonades’. The range will be available at all CCD outlets starting August 15, 2012.
The Frosteas are lemon iced teas but with a difference. They now come with a dash of spunky pomegranate, tangy cranberry or cool cucumber and are designed to uplift your spirit at any time of the day.
Global News
Rail Europe and Switzerland Tourism launch Swiss Pass Promotion
The picturesque land and breathtaking panorama of Switzerland has been attracting Indian tourists since a decade. This trend continues at an accelerating pace, and in order to make this journey more attractive for the Indian tourists, Rail Europe, Swiss Travel System and Switzerland Tourism have launched 2-for-1 offer for their most popular Swiss Pass from 1st September 2012 to 31st October 2012.
The 2-for-1 promotion is the perfect deal for 2 people visiting together Switzerland. Buy one 4-day Pass and get one free. The promotion is available up to 29 Nov for travel between 01 Sept and 30 Nov. It is valid on both the variants of Swiss Saver Pass – 4 days Swiss Pass and the 4 days in 1 month, Swiss Flexi Pass. And the Swiss Family Card allows children under 16 to travel free when accompanied by a parent holding a valid Swiss Travel System ticket. Probably the best part of all about the Swiss Family Card is that there is no limitation on the number of children, as long as they fall under the age criteria! It can be requested when purchasing the Swiss Pass.
Commenting on the launch Mr. Kunal Kothari, Executive Director, Rail Europe India Pvt Ltd. said, “Swiss products are the most popular across all Rail Europe offerings in India. We are delighted to launch the Swiss Pass Promotion with Swiss Tourism and Swiss Travel System. The promotion is applicable to passes sold through Rail Europe GSAs/PSAs only.”
Hong Kong Tourism rolls out Visa Go Hong Kong Super Shopper contest
It is that time of the year, when Asia’s World City - Hong Kong becomes a shopper’s paradise! From shopping contests, new attractions opening up in theme parks to art and food, there is lots’ happening in Hong Kong this August to September. To spice up visitor’s travel experience, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Visa will jointly stage the “Visa go Hong Kong Super Shopper 2012”. Building on the successful partnership last year, HKTB and Visa will host the international contest to showcase Hong Kong as a trend-setting destination.
Visa Go Hong Kong Super Shopper: 29 – 31 August
For those who pride themselves on having an impeccable travel experience and those who love shopping, watch out for the “Visa go Hong Kong Super Shopper” contest. Organised in cooperation with Hong Kong Tourism Board and Visa, this year the contest will be held from 29 to 31 August.
9 teams from countries such as India, Mainland China, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand will participate in a contest and compete to win HK$200,000 as a Visa spending bonus.
Shweta Ganesh and Ms. Amruta Khatavkar are the lucky ones from India to participate in the “2012 Visa go Hong Kong Super Shopper” this year! This is the third time that Indian contestants will be participating in the international Visa Go Hong Kong Super Shopper Contest since the first contest in 2010. Last year, Ms. Monali Mitra and Mr. Gaurav Khanna represented India in the contest.
Tower Club at lebua launches ‘all inclusive’ meeting package for corporate clientele
Radisson Blu Hotel awarded Best Wedding Hotel
Expedia, Starwood, Marriott named in Price-Fixing Lawsuit: reports
Singapore regulator fines Las Vegas Sands: reports