By BW Hotelier INDIAN CRAFT beer company, B9 Beverages has raised a Series A funding of USD 6 million from Sequioa Capital, and other marquee investors namely, Rohit Bansal and Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal) along with Ashish Dhawan (Chrys Capital) and Deepinder Goyal (Zomato), for its handcrafted beer brand Bira91. The specially brewed beer has been able to achieve a penetration of 70 per cent in all its markets within a year of its launch. Growing at an exponential rate, it has achieved an incredible market share of 30 per cent share in the premium segment without any extensive marketing strategies. On course towards creating a culture of craft beer amongst beer lovers, it has reached a penetration level of about 33 per cent of the outlet universe serving draught beer. This growth trajectory has catapulted them to a market leadership position as a front runner, leaving its competitors lagging far behind with a gap of almost 3x that has to be bridged. This is the first meaningful bet in alcoholic beverage industry for Sequioa as this lucrative opportunity marks its debut on a global level. ’Bira91 is a cool ’Indian’ brand and a great product with a dynamic team managing an innovative supply chain to capture the large ’on premise’ opportunity. We are excited about backing the challenger in a large category with nice customer cohorts on basket size, retention and frequency,’ said Abhay Pandey, MD, Sequoia Capital. After establishing a stronghold in seven cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa, Pune, Chandigarh), the key focus remains in maintaining a personal connect with the consumer as well as spreading the love and culture for perfect tasting beer. ’Perhaps the most important factor in our early success has been the strong word-of-mouth that Bira91 has received. Consumers love Bira91, recommend us to people they know, leading to a potentially exponential network effect bordering on a contagion. This kind of strong word-of-mouth has been elusive for almost everyone and this puts Bira91 in an extremely unique position full of limitless opportunity and serious responsibility in the coming years,’ said Ankur Jain, CEO, B9 Beverages (see photo). ’This year, we will focus on laying the groundwork in terms of process, team and an effective execution strategy that will require an unstoppable hustle so that we are able to expand our geographical footprint in 2017 and capitalize on the large opportunities ahead of us,’ he adds.
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By BW Hotelier JW MARRIOTT Mumbai Sahar played host to the maiden edition of ’Marriott Mumbai Women Leaders Meet 2015’ recently. This meet by Marriott Mumbai saw prominent, successful women in the industry along with the Marriott women leaders address and interact with other associates, helping them recognize their potential and inspire them to reach newer heights. The discussions and speeches held included interesting experiences during the career journeys, inspirations and success factors of the speakers. Prominent speakers such as Neeraj Govil, Market Vice President - South Asia, Marriott International Inc.; Kanika Hasrat, General Manager, Courtyard Marriott Gurgaon; Babita Kanwar, Hotel Manager, Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel & Lakeside Chalet, Mumbai - Marriott Executive Apartments; Khushnooma Kapadia, Director, Marketing & Communications, Marriott Intl.; Divia Thani, Editor Conde Nast Traveller; Sutapa Banerjee, Investment Banker; Vikram Phadnis, Fashion Designer and Consultant and Dr. Jamuna Pai, Aesthetic Physician. Commenting on this occasion, Gurmeet Singh, Area Director of Human Resources, India Subcontinent, Marriott International, said, ’Nearly 15 per cent of the workforces in our company are women leaders, each distinguished and accomplished in their field of interest and departments. In celebrating the achievement of these successful women and to inspire the young women associates of the company, the Marriott Mumbai is hosting its first ’Marriott Mumbai Women Leaders Meet 2015’. It was truly a success to see the various personalities talk about their journeys and inspirations.’ Photo: Woman associates from across Mumbai at the meet.-
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By Rashmi Pradhan BHUBANESWAR-BASED MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts is on an aggressive expansion plan in Eastern India. With a room inventory of 435 across nine operational properties in Odisha, West Bengal, Goa and Sikkim, the group aims to bolster footprint in the East. Speaking to BW Hotelier, Souvagya Mohapatra, Executive Director, MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts, (see photo) said, ’With a strong hold in the Eastern part of India, we want to strengthen our presence in this region. We are scouting for land to develop properties in Siliguri (West Bengal), Paradip (Odisha) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh). In addition, we are looking at adding 24 rooms to MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino Gangtok, which will be operational by 2017 and 11 additional rooms at MAYFAIR Darjeeling that will be operational by 2016. The investment in these properties will be approximately Rs 50-60 crores.’ The group will continue to own and operate hotels and might look at other modes of operations like management and franchise in near future. However, nothing has been planned or decided on the same, he added. Currently, MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts operates two properties each in Bhubaneswar and Puri and one property each at Gangtok, Darjeeling, Goa, Gopalpur and Rourkela. Presently, MAYFAIR Darjeeling has 44 rooms whereas MAYFAIR Spa Resort & Casino, Gangtok has 68 rooms. Mohapatra informed, ’The increase in demand at these two resorts motivated us to come with additional rooms at these locations.’ As far the new locations are concerned, Paradip will be a business hotel whereas Siliguri and Raipur will be resort properties. Speaking about the hospitality sector, Mohapatra said, ’At present the India hospitality industry is slow but it is not stagnant.’ The author is Assistant Editor at BW Hotelier.
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By BW Hotelier IN ITS on-going efforts to inch-up the status of tourism and hospitality both in terms of service quality and social responsibility, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has resolved a ’No Food Wastage’ Policy for New Year’s celebrations. The association has requested all its members to maintain a protocol aimed at discouraging patrons from wasting food. Additionally, the association has appealed to its members to pledge whatever amounts they can from the day’s earning for the benefit of the drought hit areas in Marathwada. A letter to this effect has been circulated amongst hotels and restaurants across all its member states in the western region that includes Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Diu-Daman and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The resolution comes in the wake of the increasing number of farmer suicides and the association’s desire of expressing solidarity with the agricultural community of which the hotel industry is a direct beneficiary. Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI & Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), (see photo) said, ’The New Year season has traditionally been a season of festivities and revelry. But it is also a season of charity, good will and compassion. As hoteliers, while we will ensure that the patrons make merry to their fullest, we will also imbibe the spirit of compassion and charity to their merriment.’ Among the precautionary steps that the association has identified to curb food wastage, hoteliers have been requested to highlight the No Food Wastage message in all their New Year Eve offers, place placards at all buffet counters and other appropriate places in their respective premises. Kamlesh Barot, Past President, HRAWI, said, ’Farmers are succumbing to nature’s will and starvation in our country. We are keen to help them in whatever way we can. We have proposed to our members to pledge a part of their day’s collection to the drought hit in the Marathwada region.’ Meanwhile, the hotel industry will also continue its drive to ensure safety of women patrons and like last year, plans to keep taxis queued for those who may leave in high spirits.
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By BW Hotelier IN ORDER to offer hassle-free payments to its guests, V Resorts, a boutique chain of resorts in the leisure travel segment focusing on experiential holidays, has come out with a slew of payment options to make booking a vacation seamless. The company has a list of upscale properties in locations such as Sattal, Ramgarh, Kullu, Sariska, Nashik etc, each designed to provide the traveler with the best holiday experience. Booking a hotel is a task in itself and most often than not end up leaving the customer haggled. With the introduction of new payment options, V Resorts ensures that your vacation begins the moment you place a call to them. Types of payment options available:- Paytm Wallet V Resorts has partnered with Paytm to provide a secure online payment option. All you have to do is call the customer care, select the destination and pay through Paytm wallet. Your booking will be successful. Cash pick-up service People booking holidays from Delhi/NCR can now avail a cash pick-up service. Call customer care and choose the holiday destination. Select Cash-on-Delivery as an option, an executive will turn up at your doorstep to collect the cash. You will receive a holiday confirmation in your inbox. IVR Payment V Resorts understands nobody wants the hassle of booking a vacation. And thus they have introduced a seam less payment option for those wanting to pay by phone. Just call the customer care and select your destination. Then enter the credit card details and the one-time password and your holiday will be booked.
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By BW Hotelier AIANA HOTELS & Resorts L.L.C. has announced the signing of an agreement with Bengaluru-based Ferns Estates & Developers to manage and operate four new resorts in Karnataka. Scheduled to open in 2019, the first resort is set in 45 acres of verdant, hilly coffee plantation land in the district of Sakleshpur, approximately three hours away from Bengaluru. With special care taken to preserve the natural flora, fauna and topography, the resort will feature a 100 villas in the Phase I, set around 5 acres of lake front, uniquely designed using locally sourced material and ethnic architecture. Commenting on the development, Amruda Nair, Joint MD and CEO, Aiana Hotels & Resorts L .L .C (see photo) said, ’We are pleased to announce our association with Ferns Estates & Developers to develop a portfolio of hotels located in leisure destinations around Karnataka that will feature signature resorts with a distinct sense of tranquillity and a relaxed atmosphere. We believe there is immense potential in destinations that are driving distance from key cities and are looking forward to expanding our presence in South India with this partnership.’ According to Errol Fernandes, Chairman and MD, The Ferns Group, ’We are delighted to partner with Aiana Hotels & Resorts to bring a dynamic, new-offering to the resort market. This is the first time we are introducing a hybrid business model and believe that Sakleshpur is the perfect destination to announce our first resort. With our combined expertise in service and development and our commitment to innovation, we are confident that our fresh take on resort development will create lasting memories for our guests. ’ In addition to a full service resort development with recreational, spa and banqueting facilities, holiday home villas will also be sold under a fractional ownership model. Targeting weekend retreats, other destinations identified by the partners for expansion of the portfolio in Karnataka include a 30 acres site with direct frontage on the river Hemavathi and other hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries within a four hour driving distance from Bengaluru. Ferns Estates & Developers, headquartered in Bengaluru are pioneers in the development of gated communities. Both partners, Aiana Hotels & Resorts and Ferns Estates & Developers are set to offer unique experiences to their guests and will also offer them (lucrative investment opportunity) with their fractional ownership business model that delivers real estate and hospitality on the same platform.
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By BW Hotelier SINCLAIRS HOTELS & Resorts has opened its seventh property, Sinclairs Tourist Resort Burdwan, West Bengal. Located on the Golden Quadrilateral NH-2, the resort is spread over nearly four acres of land. The resort is an ideal getaway for those visiting Burdwan, Santiniketan and Durgapur. According to Navin Suchanti, Managing Director, Sinclairs Hotels & Resorts, ’Burdwan is one of the largest and economically vibrant districts in West Bengal and we are proud that Sinclairs has created a landmark property in Burdwan town, which is the district headquarters. The premier facilities at the property will be a boon for the residents of Burdwan as they will no longer be required to travel all the way to Kolkata for hosting a quality event or a function. Moreover, people travelling to Burdwan on business or for a short break will have superior quality accommodation at Sinclairs. They will be spared the trouble of commuting between Kolkata and Burdwan the same day." The resort has 19 luxury rooms and a splendorous Maharaja suite. The rooms and the suite are a fine statement of luxury and comfort. Other facilities include a fitness center, yoga room, swimming pool, squash court, badminton court, play zone and a reading lounge. Food and beverages offer a number of choices. The Palm Terrace is a multi-cuisine restaurant with an outdoor seating. Saffron is a fine dining Indian specialty restaurant and O3 is a lounge bar serving a variety of drinks. Gardenia is a fast food cafe, good for a quick bite. A defining feature of the property is the large banqueting and conferencing facilities. Banquet hall Regal l & II together with the adjoining lawns can host parties up to 2,000 persons.
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By BW Hotelier TAJ HOTELS Resorts & Palaces announced its latest addition with the opening Vivanta by Taj ’ Guwahati, Assam. This hotel will be a doorway to the unexplored and magical North East India. Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam formally opened the hotel by unveiling a plaque in the presence of Cyrus P. Mistry, Group Chairman, Tata Group; Rakesh Sarna, Managing Director and CEO, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and distinguished guests. Gogoi said ’Pragjyotishpura-in-ancient Assam now called Guwahati-in the modern era is the largest city of-Assam, a major riverine port and one of the fastest growing cities in India. It is the natural crossroads for both business and leisure. This is a proud moment for Assam and I want to thank Mr. Ratan Tata, Mr. Krishna Kumar and now Mr. Cyrus Mistry without whose support this would not have been possible. The number of tourists we welcome to Assam is growing year-on-year and it is a great pleasure to partner with Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces to serve this growth with the new Vivanta by Taj’Guwahati, Assam.’ Sarna said, ’The Taj has a proud history of putting undiscovered destinations on the global map. We are delighted to enhance our presence in the North East with the new addition - Vivanta by Taj ’ Guwahati, Assam. We are grateful to the Government of Assam for all their support in this significant hotel development and we are committed to contributing towards Assam’s thriving industry and its rich culture.’ ’I would like to compliment The Government of Assam for its unstinted support and commitment in bringing new infrastructure projects that will herald a new era of peace, progress and prosperity for the North Eastern region. I firmly believe that the launch of Vivanta by Taj ’ Guwahati, Assam will put this city on the convention and tourist map,’ said Ranjit Barthakur, Investment Advisor to the Honourable Chief Minister of Assam. Speaking on the launch of the hotel, Krishan Aggarwal, General Manager, Vivanta by Taj’Guwahati, Assam said, ’We eagerly look forward to welcoming guests to Vivanta by Taj ’ Guwahati, Assam. The hotel is an ideal option for both business and leisure travellers as Guwahati is the gateway to both Shillong and the famous Kaziranga Sanctuary. It also offers guests a choice for successful conferences and memorable weddings.’ Vivanta by Taj’Guwahati, Assam features 150 guestrooms. The hotel’s signature oriental restaurant Umami, serves Japanese and Chinese cuisine centred on the Umami principle. All-day dining at Seven is an ode to the seven sister states of the North East, offering inventive takes on the simple and rooted culinary traditions of the area as well as familiar global cuisine including Indian, Mediterranean and pan-Asian. The Tea Lounge at Vivanta by Taj’Guwahati, Assam promises the finest exploratory tea experience for its guests. The bar, Octave pays tribute to the rich musical heritage of the region with a showcase stage for promising local musicians. Vivanta by Taj’Guwahati, Assam offers one of the largest banqueting spaces in North East India with over 25,000 sq. ft. of flexible conference and meeting space, including a pillar-less ballroom of over 6,000 sq. ft., it is the ideal venue for select meetings, conferences and private events. Photo: L-R Cyrus Mistry, Group Chairman Tata Group, Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister of Assam, Rakesh Sarna, MD & CEO, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces at the inauguration of the Vivanta by Taj Guwahati.
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