Category: Stays

Tourism Kerala reopens Samudra Kovalam as it aims to target MICE, wedding parties

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Kerala government is taking more measures to advance its beach tourism initiative and elevate hospitality standards to meet the current demand in this specialised sector. Speaking at the inauguration of the revamped KTDC-operated beachside resort Samudra Kovalam, Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas highlighted that the upgraded sea-front resort would enhance Kerala’s reputation as an emerging hub for destination weddings and MICE tourism.

He emphasised that weddings can be held across picturesque locations in the state and the government is actively striving to provide top-notch facilities for this niche segment.

Samudra Kovalam was reopened for the public on January 31 after 40 rooms were renovated in the third phase of the project. The rooms now have a modern aesthetic concept. In the next phase, additional 24 rooms will be re-furbished.

Also read: 10 reasons why you must visit Kerala at least once to experience the essence of God’s own country

Rs 12.68 crore was provided by the state government to add 40 rooms to the property. This transformation positions Samudra Kovalam and its surroundings as an ideal setting for upscale weddings and MICE tourism.

Recently, Tourism Kerala said that it was diversifying its tourism appeal by commencing its heli-taxi tourism initiative in hilly regions and positioning itself as a premier wedding destination to attract more tourists. The state launched helicopter rides for tourists to get access to more scenic places.

Kerala Tourism Director PB Nooh told PTI, “In recent years, Kerala has distinguished itself as a top responsible tourism destination. Our commitment to responsible tourism ensures that travelers act responsibly, and a portion of the expenditure contributes to the improvement of local communities.”
Tourism is vital for Kerala’s economy, with the state witnessing a record 1.6 crore visitors from within the country between January and September 2023.

In January, The New York Times put Kerala on its list of 52 places to visit in 2024. It is the only tourist destination from India to feature on the list. Kerala occupied the 13th spot in the annual list of places to visit. The report described Kerala as the Indian state known for its beaches, backwater lagoons, cuisine and rich cultural traditions.

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Thai billionaire plans 250 more hotels in next 3 years as tourism rebounds

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Minor International Pcl, one of Asia’s largest hospitality groups, aims to add 250 properties to its global hotel portfolio over the next three years, as the revival of outbound Chinese travellers underpins the strong recovery of the global tourism sector.

The expansion, most of which will kick in after this year, comes as Bill Heinecke, chairman of the Bangkok-based company, said he expects “extraordinary” 2023 results and an even better performance this year. The Thai government’s tourism-promotion measures such as visa waivers and an extension of operating hours for entertainment venues have been crucial to growth in Minor’s home market.

Bookings in Thailand jumped by about 30% in the first two months of 2024 from the same period last year, with Chinese reservations about doubling. Minor currently has 530 hotel properties in nearly 60 countries, with most of its business in Europe through NH Hotel Group SA, which it acquired in 2018.

Also read: Thailand allows nightclubs, bars to remain open for longer duration

“One thing that’s happened post-Covid is that we’ve seen, because of much higher costs of travel, a much higher quality of tourists coming not only to Thailand but all over the world,” the American-born Thai founder of Minor told reporters in a group interview in Bangkok.

Heinecke’s optimism contrasts with a new Bloomberg Intelligence survey released Tuesday, with analysts Angela Hanlee and Rebecca Wang saying that results indicate that budgets for Chinese travelers, for both domestic and international travel, “might decrease or stay flat in 2024 as macroeconomic headwinds drive cautious spending sentiment.”

Chinese visitors will reclaim the top spot of foreign arrivals to Thailand this year, Heinecke said. Increased flight capacity and a permanent bilateral visa waiver program, expected to start in March, will accelerate the comeback of Chinese travelers, he said.

Thailand’s tourism minister, Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, said last week that 35 million foreign tourists are expected this year, edging toward a pre-pandemic record of 40 million, supported by campaigns to lengthen holidaymakers’ stays and year-round festivals.

Foreign tourist receipts are expected at 1.9 trillion baht ($53 billion) in 2024, nearly two-thirds the overall revenue goal of 3 trillion baht, which also includes spending by locals, she said.

The government forecasts about 8 million tourists from China, which before the pandemic was the largest overseas source of travelers. By comparison, the biggest market in 2023 came from Malaysia, with a tally of 4.6 million.

“Chinese travelers will be back in strength,” Heinecke said. “We’ll feel the full impact of bringing the aircrafts back into circulation in 2024.”

In the last quarter of 2023, Minor reported an occupancy rate of almost 70% in its Thailand business and year-on-year revenue growth of 15% per available room. The company also has more than 2,600 casual dining and quick-service restaurants around the world.

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Radisson Hotel unveils Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya – a blend of comfort and luxury

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ahead of the Ram Mandir inauguration, the Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening its newest establishment in Ayodhya – the Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya. Strategically located for convenient accessibility, the hotel promises a delightful stay with its myriad of amenities and prime location.

“We are pleased to have an early mover’s advantage with the opening of our newest hotel in the sacred city of Ayodhya. With its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks, Ayodhya holds a special place in the heart of our country,” said K.B. Kachru, Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.

Travelers arriving by air will find the hotel easily accessible from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, while those opting for rail transportation can reach the hotel conveniently from Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station. The hotel offers ample parking space, ensuring a hassle-free experience for guests traveling by car.

The hotel’s proximity to iconic landmarks, including the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, The Hanuman Garhi Temple, and Sita ki Rasoi makes it an ideal choice for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural and religious tapestry of Ayodhya.

“This expansion is a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional hospitality experiences across top tier 2 and tier 3 cities in India. Our presence in Ayodhya is yet another stride in our mission to spread the warmth of our brand across the nation,” Kachru added.

The hotel boasts a versatile banquet hall and modern, well-equipped spaces. The banquet hall provides an elegant setting for grand celebrations, while the technologically advanced meeting rooms cater to the needs of business gatherings, ensuring a seamless and successful event.

The accommodation at Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya is designed to provide the guests with comfort and relaxation. Well-appointed rooms and suites feature stone accents, large windows, and a harmonious blend of modern and traditional elements, creating a welcoming ambiance for guests.

“We are honored to partner with Radisson Hotel Group. Through this association, we aim to leverage the Group’s world-class expertise and hospitality standards and deep understanding of the Indian market. Together, we are confident to deliver a unique blend of global standards and local sensibilities, ensuring an unforgettable experience for our guests.” said Varun Gavri, Managing Director, Usharani Developers.

The hotel also provides amenities such as a swimming pool and a fully equipped gym for guests seeking relaxation or an invigorating workout.

Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya offers an extraordinary culinary journey. The diverse range of restaurants and bars offer a plethora of options for guests. The RGB restaurant presents a tempting array of local dishes and international favorites, while the rooftop restaurant promises a distinctive culinary experience with breathtaking views.

The guests can unwind at the terrace coffee shop, indulging in a variety of pastries, cakes, and breads from the hotel’s in-house bakery.

Vaibhav Kulkarni, General Manager, Park Inn by Radisson Ayodhya said, “It is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to our guests. We strive to provide not just a stay but a memorable journey, ensuring that every guest feels the warmth of our hospitality throughout their visit.”

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Ram Mandir inauguration opens doors to an economic boom in Ayodhya

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Ayodhya’s economy is set to see a dramatic boost after January 22. As Uttar Pradesh (UP) gears up to open the doors of Ram Mandir for the public, businesses are hoping to open new streams of income with a massive flow of devotees expected to visit the city.

Officials in Ayodhya Development Authority are expecting 7,000 guests for the inauguration ceremony and three to five lakh visitors every day for at least a month after the inauguration.

Such a massive inflow of tourists will need accommodation. And that has led to a sharp boom in Ayodhya’s hospitality sector, particularly hotels and homestays. Almost all hotels in Ayodhya are fully booked for January 22 and the huge demand has also given them the pricing power.

For instance, hotel rates on December 19 show rooms selling at ₹17,000 per night to as high as ₹73,000 per night.

The Ayodhya Tent City, which has 30 luxurious air-conditioned tents, is fully booked for January 22 with each tent sold at ₹30,000 a night. The staff at the Tent City expects 100% occupancy for a few weeks after the inauguration.

The immense demand potential has also attracted big hotel chains to open shops in Ayodhya.

Also Read : Ayodhya Gears Up for PM Modi’s Visit | Here’s all about Ram Mandir, new airport, railway station, citywide artwork

Authorities said that apart from the existing list of hotels, there are 73 new hotels in the pipeline, of which 40 are already under construction.

Radisson is the first international brand to open its hotel in Ayodhya. It has built an 80-room property and will open bookings from January 1. Radisson plans to sell each room for ₹30,000 a night, rates not seen even in some metro cities.

Indian Hotels, which operates the Taj Hotels chain, is also building two hotels in Ayodhya; one with 100 rooms and another with 120 rooms. Both hotels are expected to start business in three years.

Also Read | Jharkhand’s Muslim tailor ready with Lord Hanuman flag for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

And it’s not just the big players. Even the residents of Ayodhya have an opportunity to earn. Officials said they have sanctioned 500 homes with 2,500 rooms for homestays. Homestays are where tourists stay in the same house as the owners. Such homes are registered on UP Tourism’s Holy Ayodhya app.

With big hotels making a beeline, Ayodhya’s property rates have also risen like never before. With the city becoming a tourist magnet, Uttar Pradesh could also become a job creator giving a new identity to the state.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

OYO partners with Khelo India and others to champion differently-abled talent nationwide

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow