Top Stories
Taj GVK opens Vivanta hotel in Hyderabad
Taj GVK Hotels & Resorts Ltd has opened Vivanta by Taj in Hyderabad and also planning to develop at least three more properties simultaneously in Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad, according to reports. Taj GVK Hotel has reportedly said that they have managed to double the overall strength of the hotel projects. The company has grown through an acquisitive approach in the past and is open to acquisitions, says report. There are reports that the company has had a long exclusive association with the Taj brand and expects to consolidate this association with the development of another property in Hyderabad under the Ginger brand near the international airport.
EIH Q3 net profit at Rs452.50 mn
EIH Ltd has posted a profit after tax of Rs. 452.50 mn for the quarter ended December 31, 2011 as compared to Rs. 283.90 mn for the quarter ended December 31, 2010.
Total Income has increased from Rs. 3020.00 mn for the quarter ended December 31, 2010 to Rs. 3145.80 mn for the quarter ended December 31, 2011.
In focus Stories
Govt measures to boost growth of hotel industry
The Government has taken various measures to augment growth of hotel accommodation in the country. Hotel and Tourism related industry has been declared as high priority industry and Foreign Direct Investment upto 100%, under the automatic route is permitted in ‘Hotels & Tourism Sector’, subject to applicable laws/regulations, security and other conditionalties.
To encourage the growth of hotels, on the request of Ministry of Tourism, a five Year Tax Holiday was announced in the Budget of 2008-09 for two, three & four star hotels that are established in specified districts which have UNESCO declared ‘World Heritage Sites’ except the revenue districts of Mumbai and Delhi. The hotel should be constructed and start functioning during the period April 1, 2008 to March 31, 2013.
The Government has also announced the extension of Investment Linked Tax incentive under Section 35 AD of the Income Tax Act to new hotels of 2-Star Category and above anywhere in India.
Domestic News
Accor to expand in India
French hospitality major Accor is planning to expand its portfolio of convention centres, according to reports. The company is in the process of rolling out more brands from its portfolio such as Ibis and Formula One in markets where they are not present now. The company has reportedly said that they are looking at taking up management of three more convention centres at New Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Accor plas to manage 90 properties in India by 2015 across all brands, says report.
Keys Hotel Trivandrum rated as Trendiest Hotels in India
Keys Hotel Trivandrum, the first Berggruen Hotel in India was ranked 10th amongst the Top 25 Trendiest Hotels in the country. The winners were declared by TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, at the 10th annual Travellers' Choice Awards 2012’. Unlike other hospitality awards, the winners are selected based on more than 60 million reviews and opinions of travelers posted on the website. The reviews and opinions are analysed using an algorithm similar to that used by TripAdvisor's Popularity Index taking into account the property's overall quality and ratings for a particular category.
HSBC and MakeMyTrip launch co-branded Credit Card
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) in collaboration with India’s leading travel portal- MakeMyTrip announced the launch of HSBC- MakeMyTrip Credit Card, a unique offering that does not confine customers to only air travel bookings with a particular airline but also provides a gamut of offerings related to travel and shopping with convenience and pay backs.
The HSBC- MakeMyTrip credit card is available in two categories – Signature Credit Card and Platinum Credit Card. It offers customers a generous reward program and exceptional welcome gifts.
Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces set high standards in Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Awards 2012
Several hotels from the portfolio of Taj Hotels, Resort & Palaces have been rated as Asia and the world’s best properties in the Trip Advisor Traveler’s Choice Awards 2012. Not only does Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur steal the show as the Best Hotel in Asia and India and ranking sixteen in the world, it also ranks second for the Best Service in the country. In addition to this, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, Maldives, shines through on the international platform with a rank of number one and number four in the list of top 25 All Inclusive Resorts in Asia and the World respectively.
The extraordinarily beautiful Taj Lake Palace appears like a jeweled lotus seemingly afloat on the soft, shimmering waters of Lake Pichola. Every on of its romantic rooms whispers stories or royalty, and the decorative gilt moldings, sculpted marble columns, and fine fretwork screens make this palace a breathtaking treat for guests.
Tourism Malaysia announces sales mission in India
73% travelers choose loyalty-program benefits over spouse: SPG survey
South African Tourism commences its 8th annual 5-city mega roadshow in India
Re-discover yourself this Valentine’s Day
Global News
Celebrate this valentine with style Thailand by GHM!
The Chedi by GHM, Chiang Mai’s only five-star hotel along the scenic Mae Ping, offers breathtaking views of traditional fishing boats floating past the floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors of all eighty-four sleek guestrooms and is the perfect setting for the most romantic, stylish and pampered Valentine ever!
Apart from the amazing 3 night romantic package available from the 12th to 17th Feb, the Chedi is the perfect romantic escape, where you can linger on river-facing balconies or by the riverside pool for hours, dine at the colonial British consulate-turned-Thai, Indian and Western restaurants, explore the temples and elephant treks around Chiang Mai, leaving evenings to wander through the famed night bazaar, five minutes by foot, and another five into Chiang Mai’s charming old town.
Cherish your love in Wales
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate your love in Wales. Whether you are single or celebrating with a significant other, friend or family member, there are many reasons to visit Wales this Valentine’s Day. Visiting the dramatic Ruthin Castle or spending a luxurious evening at a restaurant or hotel—romantic activities abound across the region.