Top Stories
ITC to bid for Taj Mahal Hotel in Lutyens' Delhi: reports
ITC Hotels is planning to bid for the property that houses the iconic Taj Mahal Hotel in Lutyens' Delhi if it is auctioned, according to reports.
Reports said that company would explore the opportunity to participate in an auction if the reserve price made sense.
ITC Hotels runs two five-star hotels in the Capital: ITC Maurya, and Sheraton New Delhi.
Vivanta by Taj, Diageo launch Fuse 2.0
Vivanta by Taj in association with Diageo launched their signature cocktails, Fuse 2.0 at Wink, Vivanta by Taj – President, created by ace mixologist Tim Etherington-Judge, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador. A collection of six spectacular cocktails, Fuse 2.0 would be exclusively served at various Vivanta by Taj properties across the country.
Celebrating a stylishly spirited culture of work and play, Vivanta by Taj’s legacy is to enthrall its audience with constant innovation. Fusing the best of both worlds with the vibrancy of Vivanta by Taj and the finest collection of Diageo Reserve, Fuse 2.0 cocktails are made using Ketel One vodka, exquisitely balanced in flavour, silky in its mouthfeel with a subtle fragrance and lively tingle to finish. Tim Etherington-Judge has paid tribute to various cities with these specially created cocktails like ‘Fresh Apple Pie’ for Mumbai, ‘Berry Ristretto’ for Bangalore, ‘Water Falling' for Hyderabad, ‘Rasam Mary’ for Chennai, ‘Chamomile Mar-tea-ni’ for New Delhi and ‘Mai Cai’ for Pune.
Commenting on the association, Zanita Kajiji, Marketing & Innovation Director, Diageo India said, “Vivanta by Taj – President has established itself as one of the most sought after hotels in India. It gives us great pleasure to launch Fuse 2.0 signature cocktails with a property that stands for the same values of distinct character and contemporary style as Diageo Reserve’s portfolio.“
Enthralled with his new innovation, Tim Etherington-Judge, Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador, said, “The Fuse 2.0 series of cocktails is created with the sophisticated Ketel One vodka, keeping in mind the spirit of the different cities where Vivanta has its presence. We are delighted to be associated with an innovative brand like Vivanta by Taj and hope guests here enjoy our latest exclusive range – Fuse 2
In Focus
Global Hotel prices rise in all regions: Hotels.com
For the first time in five years, travelers paid more on average for their hotel rooms during the first six months of 2012 in all parts of the world, according to the latest Hotels.com Hotel Price Index (HPI). The global 4% rise, compared to the same period the year before, demonstrated that the economic recovery in the hotel industry was well-established.
The Index stood at 108 for this period meaning that, despite the latest increase, hotel prices in general were still considerably lower than in the first half of 2007 when the HPI was at its peak of 119.
Launched in 2004, the HPI looks at prices that people actually paid for their hotel rooms around the world. During the first six months of 2012, prices rose across the board with Pacific rates up 6%, North America up 5% and Asia up 4% while Latin America as well as Europe and the Middle East experienced a slower trajectory, up 1%.
David Roche, President, Hotels.com, said: "The hotel industry bounced back in the first half of this year from a number of natural and political crises in 2011 and it is encouraging to see growth in the sector. While initially it may not seem good news for consumers, hotel prices are still only around their 2005 level, representing great value for travellers when both wages and other prices have risen considerably."
Following the turmoil of the Arab Spring in early 2011, confidence returned to much of the Middle East and North Africa and hotel prices rose accordingly.
The same was true in Asia as the Japanese began to travel again after the turbulence of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in March 2011 but there were other factors at play here as well. The significant increase in the number of Chinese international travellers helped to drive rates higher and expansion by the region's low cost carriers, such as Peach Aviation and Scoot, also boosted travel.
In the US, increasing business travel combined with higher consumer spending meant hotels were busier with less need for discounting. In the Pacific, the resources boom in Australia meant that space was at a premium, particularly in Western Australia with international business visitors vying with mining executives for rooms.
Although rates rose as a whole in Europe, the results showed a mixed picture. One of the areas where prices dropped was in parts of the Eurozone where falling consumer confidence and spending power led to lower occupancy in the major cities and holiday hotspots.
David Roche said: "The first six months of 2012 have proved a promising start for most hotels. However, the second half of the year, with increasingly mixed economic signals, will be interesting to watch. What our regular Hotel Price Index gives consumers is a good guide as to where they can make the most of their travel budget, no matter what outside influences are impacting prices."
Domestic News
Expedia plans to set up R&D team in India: reports
Expedia Inc., the world’s largest online travel agent by bookings, is planning to make India a hub for its business and technology development operations, according to reports.
Reports said that that the company is setting up an India research and development (R&D) team, the largest such group in the Asia-Pacific, with around 300 technologists, who will work on new travel applications for local as well as global travel markets.
Expedia has started getting return on investments it had made on technology in the last four years, company reported.
The Park Hotels plans to add 4 properties: reports
Hospitality chain, The Park Hotels of the Apeejay Surrendra Group is planning to add four more properties to its portfolio, according to reports.
The Chairperson of The Park Hotels, Priya Paul reportedly said that the chain currently has over 2,000 rooms and is set to add one more property at Kochi shortly.
Three other properties at Pane, Raipur and Delhi are at advanced stage of development, report says.
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Global News
Corinthians Club announces new membership plan with Mercedes-Benz
With the announcement of JHM Interstate Hotels India Pvt Ltd, as the official management partners, The Corinthians Club has also unveiled their new innovative marketing campaign, through a unique alignment with Mercedes Benz to introduce their exclusive membership program.
All new members enrolling for the 25 years membership will be entitled to participate in the lucky draw and get a chance to win Mercedes Benz C Class. This unique offer will be valid from September to November 2012. This membership is open to individuals, families and corporate companies. Memberships can also be availed for three years and ten years tenure.
Additionally, the brand has committed to bring the finest quality service and unmatched amenities for the esteemed members. The club has reinvented sports and leisure facilities such as a state of the art gymnasium with personal and a full service spa that specializes in ayurveda as well as international treatments. The Club will offer a plethora of indoor and outdoor sports options such as two outdoor tennis courts along with a recently added a cricket field with stadium lightings. The extensive outdoor sports activities have been further enhanced by the addition of a basketball court, beach volleyball area, skating rink and a football pitch.
International Travel curtailed...rising costs strain Holiday Budget: TripAdvisor
With most news spelling out facts and forecast of economic gloom, a Mid Year Traveller Sentiment Barometer survey by TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site, resonates a similar sentiment among travellers but delivers a refreshingly positive verdict on its effect on overall travel plans. The survey highlights positive cues despite an overall discouraging economic and budgetary impression.
60% of those surveyed believe the economy will remain in the current state or weaken further in the coming 6 months. In a survey issued in December 2011, only 7% respondents thought they would cut down their travel next year, compared to 2011. However, mid year results show that now actually 24% are looking at cutting down travel plans in 2012 compared to last.
Nikhil Ganju, Country Manager, TripAdvisor India elaborates, “Budgetary concerns are having a definite impact on overall travel plans this year, particularly international travel seems to have taken a hit”. He further adds, “However the appetite for travel displays resilience, with travellers instead of abandoning travel plans are simply opting for domestic destinations, shorter trips or destinations like South East Asia where the Rupee can deliver more on holiday.”