Category: Tourism

Four former British special forces soldiers have made headlines by scaling Mount Everest in less than five days, bypassing the traditional acclimatisation period. Their record-setting climb was made possible through a high-speed expedition that used xenon gas to help them prepare for the extreme altitudes. This innovative, yet controversial method has stirred debate within the mountaineering community.

Among the climbers was Alastair Carns, a UK government minister and veterans minister. The team successfully reached the summit of the world’s tallest mountain early on Wednesday, marking a notable achievement in mountaineering. They employed a method that allowed them to pre-acclimatise to the thin air at high altitudes using xenon, a gas not typically associated with mountaineering.

Normally, climbers spend six to eight weeks on Everest to adjust to the altitude. However, the organisers of this expedition claim xenon allowed the team to ascend rapidly without experiencing the usual symptoms of altitude sickness. Despite the record, it was clarified that this was not the fastest ascent overall—Lhakpa Gelu Sherpa still holds that title, having ascended from base camp to the summit in 10 hours and 56 minutes back in 2003, but only after acclimatising on the mountain.

The British team, supported by five Sherpa guides and a cameraman, reached the Everest summit at 8,849 metres (29,032 feet) and began descending shortly afterward. Lukas Furtenbach, the expedition organiser, said, “They started on the afternoon of 16th May and summited on the morning of the 21st, taking four days and approximately 18 hours.”

Traditionally, climbers spend several weeks at Everest, moving between base camp and progressively higher camps to allow their bodies to adjust to lower oxygen levels. This slow process is crucial because, above 8,000 metres—known as the “death zone”—oxygen availability drops to one-third of that at sea level, posing significant risks.

Instead of undergoing the usual acclimatisation on the mountain, the four men completed a three-month pre-acclimatisation program using special hypoxic tents. These tents simulate high-altitude conditions by removing oxygen from the air with the help of a generator, mimicking the oxygen levels found on Everest. The team slept in these tents for six weeks before departing for Nepal.

Once in Nepal, they flew from Kathmandu to Everest base camp and began their climb immediately. Like other climbers, they used supplemental oxygen during the ascent. But the key difference was the pre-expedition use of xenon gas, inhaled at a German clinic two weeks before the trip. “It helps to protect the body from altitude sickness,” said MrFurtenbach.

The theory behind xenon use is that it boosts the production of erythropoietin, a protein that increases red blood cell count, thereby improving the body’s ability to carry oxygen. This mechanism could help the body combat hypoxia—a condition triggered by low oxygen levels. However, the scientific consensus on the effectiveness of xenon remains unsettled, and experts are calling for more research.

The use of xenon in mountaineering has drawn criticism from some in the industry. The International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation issued a warning earlier this year, stating, “According to current literature, there is no evidence that breathing in xenon improves performance in the mountains, and inappropriate use can be dangerous.”

They added, “Acclimatisation to altitude is a complex process that affects the various organs/systems such as the brain, lungs, heart, kidneys and blood to different degrees, and is not fully understood. From a physiological point of view, a single, one-off drug cannot be the key to improved acclimatisation or increased performance.”

Adrian Ballinger, a seasoned expedition leader whose team ascends Everest from the Chinese side, supports pre-acclimatisation through hypoxic tents but opposes the use of xenon gas. “If you’re promoting xenon as a performance enhancer, but you’re not also willing to examine what that means for fairness and integrity in the mountains, it’s a problem,” he told the BBC. “People are grasping at shortcuts instead of doing the real work of acclimatisation and training.”

The success of the British team has sparked concerns that others may try to replicate this method. Some worry this could fundamentally change the mountaineering experience and impact the tourism economy in Nepal, which relies heavily on long-duration expeditions.

“If that happens then it will certainly have a direct, negative impact on the tourism industry as the length of time mountaineers stay will come down significantly,” warned Damber Parajuli, president of the Expedition Operators Association of Nepal. He also questioned whether such climbers should even be awarded official summit certificates. “Acclimatising on the mountains is the basic rule of mountaineering. If that is not done then authorities should not be giving them certificates certifying that they climbed the mountain.”

Nepal’s tourism officials said they had not been informed that the team would attempt the summit without standard acclimatisation. “Now that we know about it, we will be discussing the issue and decide on our future course of action,” said Narayan Regmi, director general at Nepal’s department of tourism.

The motivation behind such a rapid ascent was not just about speed and setting records. According to Furtenbach, a shorter expedition also comes with environmental and health benefits. “A shorter expedition has a lower carbon footprint and less ecological impact,” he said. “And it is safer for climbers because they can climb the mountain in good health and they are exposed to high altitude risks and mountain hazards for shorter time compared to when they are acclimatising on the mountain.”

Whether the British team’s method will become the new norm in mountaineering or be deemed unsafe and unethical remains to be seen. For now, their record-setting ascent stands as a bold challenge to traditional climbing norms—and a focal point for an evolving debate on the future of high-altitude expeditions.

China is pushing the boundaries of marine technology with a massive underwater research project that is set to redefine deep-sea exploration. The country is currently developing a cutting-edge research station located 2,000 meters beneath the surface of the South China Sea, with the goal of making it operational by the year 2030. This ambitious venture, which has been dubbed a “deep-sea space station,” is expected to match the complexity of three International Space Stations combined. It reflects China’s growing ambition to become a global leader in marine science and underwater resource development.

The project, which has now received approval from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will be constructed in a strategically chosen location within the South China Sea. This area is known for its rich presence of hydrothermal vents, which are natural underwater formations that release mineral-laden hot water. These vents create unique ecological environments where over 600 species thrive under extreme and high-pressure conditions.

“The engineering challenges of building at such depths require innovative solutions,” the report highlights. To overcome these hurdles, the facility will be equipped with an advanced life support system that will allow it to continuously monitor changes in the ecosystem, tectonic shifts, and the behavior of hydrothermal vents. The ability to sustain long-term human or robotic presence at such depths is seen as a major technological breakthrough in underwater research, akin to the recent achievements of engineers who have demonstrated new breathing methods allowing for prolonged stays underwater.

The underwater station will be integrated into a broader infrastructure framework. This includes an underwater fiber optic network that will enable real-time data transmission and remote communication. A fleet of autonomous submarines and surface vessels will support the station, and these will be complemented by the Mengxiang deep-sea drilling ship, which has the capability to reach the Earth’s mantle. Together, these components will form a multi-layered, “four-dimensional” observation system that could revolutionize the understanding of deep-sea geological and biological processes.

But the research station is not only about science. It also represents a critical effort to tap into underwater energy and mineral resources that could prove transformative for China’s economy. Experts estimate that the South China Sea holds nearly 70 billion tons of methane hydrates, a resource roughly equivalent to half of China’s current oil and gas reserves. If this energy source can be harvested efficiently, it could greatly enhance the country’s energy security and reshape its energy economy.

Besides methane, the ocean floor in the region is rich in other valuable resources. Cobalt and nickel—elements essential for advanced technologies such as electric vehicle batteries and military hardware—are found here in concentrations three times higher than in surface-level terrestrial mines. Extracting these resources could significantly boost China’s ability to independently manufacture high-tech products.

The project has also already yielded some exciting discoveries in marine biology. Scientists involved in the early stages have encountered rare species in the deep-sea region. These findings echo the excitement generated by the occasional discovery of mysterious white fish in other remote aquatic locations. Among the organisms living near hydrothermal vents, some produce enzymes with promising pharmaceutical properties. One area of interest includes the possibility that these enzymes could be used in the development of cancer treatments, offering added value to the research beyond its geological and ecological goals.

A key objective of the station is to explore and understand the distinctive life forms and ecosystems that exist around hydrothermal vents. These organisms have evolved to withstand high pressure, darkness, and temperatures, as well as to feed off minerals rather than sunlight. Researchers hope that continued study will yield both new species and potentially groundbreaking biotechnological innovations.

However, the prospect of resource extraction has raised environmental concerns. Removing methane and minerals from these fragile ecosystems could cause unforeseen damage. In response, the deep-sea station will rely on advanced technologies, particularly autonomous submersibles, to closely monitor the environmental impact of any such activities. Scientists aim to create a sustainable model for resource extraction that minimizes harm to deep-sea biodiversity.

The project also draws attention to the global race for deep-sea resources. “Recent discoveries of previously unknown creatures in these ocean depths highlight the importance of cautious exploration,” researchers emphasize. China’s strategy aims to balance the goals of exploration and preservation, acknowledging that protecting the deep-sea environment is a serious challenge even as economic incentives grow stronger.

This bold underwater station marks a significant moment in global marine exploration. As the facility progresses toward completion, it signals China’s intent to lead the next phase of underwater discovery and development. The construction effort underlines a broader desire to assert control over key maritime regions and to access valuable natural resources.

At a time when other nations are stepping up their investments in deep-sea exploration, China’s initiative could set a global precedent. With its mix of scientific ambition and economic motivation, this station might serve as a model for future underwater infrastructure around the world. How the project unfolds could shape international norms and expectations about marine resource development in the decades ahead.

The international implications of China’s project are profound. As the world’s last largely unexplored frontier, the ocean floor is attracting increased interest from nations eager to secure future energy sources and technological advantages. China’s new research station represents a strategic step not only in scientific progress but also in asserting geopolitical influence in the contested South China Sea region.

As construction moves forward, the tension between scientific exploration and environmental stewardship becomes more pressing. “Will China establish new standards for responsible deep-sea exploration, or will economic interests prevail?” the article asks. The answer to this question may help determine how humanity interacts with the deep ocean in the future and whether such efforts can be sustained without irreparably damaging the planet’s most mysterious ecosystems.

In the coming years, the world will closely watch how China manages this unprecedented project. Success could open new frontiers in science and technology, while failure or ecological damage could lead to increased scrutiny and regulation. Either way, this endeavor underscores the beginning of a new chapter in the exploration of Earth’s final frontier.

The Maldives, recently named the world’s most beautiful island by Travel + Leisure magazine readers, is aiming to attract 300,000 Indian tourists in 2025 after experiencing a significant drop in arrivals last year.

Decline in Indian Tourists

From 2020 to 2023, India was the Maldives’ largest source of visitors. However, in 2024, the number of Indian arrivals fell by 34%, according to Firstpost. This decline has raised concerns for the tourism-dependent nation, where the industry remains the primary source of foreign exchange.

China and Russia Lead in Arrivals

The Maldives welcomed 2 million visitors last year, with China emerging as the top source of tourists, followed by Russia.

Strategies to Attract Indian Tourists

To regain Indian travelers, the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) has announced plans to hold monthly promotional events across India, Economic Times reported.

MMPRC Chairman Abdulla Ghiyas stated that the agency is also collaborating with Indian and Maldivian airlines to increase direct flights from more Indian cities.

By enhancing connectivity and boosting marketing efforts, the Maldives hopes to reclaim its position as a favored destination for Indian travelers.

Indian travelers are heading abroad in record numbers, with outbound travel witnessing an impressive surge in 2024. According to a report by VFS Global, cited by Business Standard, visa application volumes have risen by 11% compared to the previous year, demonstrating a growing enthusiasm for international travel. Notably, this increase has also surpassed pre-pandemic figures from 2019 by 4%, signaling not just a recovery but an accelerated interest in global exploration among Indian travelers.

A Robust Comeback for Indian Travelers

The resurgence of outbound travel is not merely a return to normalcy but an indication of greater global mobility for Indian tourists. The steady increase in visa applications suggests that international travel has become a key priority for many Indians, whether for leisure, business, education, or medical purposes. Several factors have contributed to this growing trend, including a rising middle class, improved international connectivity, economic strength, and a renewed eagerness to explore after pandemic-related restrictions.

Most Popular Destinations for Indian Travelers

As more countries welcome Indian visitors, certain destinations have gained particular popularity. The report highlights Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the United Kingdom as the top choices for Indian travelers in 2024. These locations remain attractive due to their blend of cultural experiences, business prospects, prestigious educational institutions, and well-developed tourism infrastructure that caters to Indian preferences.

Evolving Travel Demographics: The Influence of Gen ACE and Gen LUX

A separate study conducted by Ernst & Young (EY) provides insight into the shifting demographics of Indian outbound travelers, revealing two key groups that are shaping industry trends—Gen ACE and Gen LUX.

Gen ACE comprises younger, adventure-seeking travelers who prioritize experiences, cultural immersion, and unique destinations. They favor budget-friendly and unconventional locations, often opting for technology-driven, flexible travel arrangements.

Gen LUX, in contrast, consists of high-net-worth individuals and luxury travelers who prefer premium travel experiences, luxurious accommodations, and meticulously curated itineraries focused on exclusivity and comfort.

These evolving preferences reflect the diversification of India’s outbound travel market, spanning a spectrum from cost-conscious backpackers and digital nomads to affluent tourists seeking high-end experiences.

The Future of Global Travel for Indian Tourists

With international travel gaining momentum, experts predict that outbound tourism from India will continue its upward trajectory in the coming years. Airlines, travel companies, and hospitality brands are increasingly tailoring their offerings to Indian tourists by providing customized services, targeted marketing campaigns, and exclusive travel deals. Additionally, several governments have acknowledged India’s significance as a key travel market and have taken measures to streamline visa procedures and enhance travel experiences.

As India strengthens its position in global tourism, the surge in outbound travel reflects the country’s expanding influence in international mobility. The rising demand for travel, coupled with evolving consumer trends, marks a new era in which Indian travelers are embracing the world with greater enthusiasm, ambition, and purchasing power.

Hyatt Centric is transforming the hospitality scene with an ambitious global expansion, bringing immersive hotel experiences to some of the world’s most vibrant cities. The brand, recognized for placing travelers in the heart of key destinations, is rapidly growing with new locations in Cairo, Shanghai, San José, Santo Domingo, and more.

Looking ahead, Hyatt Centric plans to add over 35 hotels by 2028, increasing its presence by 50% and surpassing 100 locations by 2029. The most significant expansion will occur in the Asia Pacific region, where the brand’s footprint will grow by 75%, with additional key developments in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East.

Hyatt Centric’s Expansion in the Americas

Several new properties will open across North America and the Caribbean, strengthening the brand’s presence in key urban and resort locations.

Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare, set to launch in 2025, will be a rebranded and fully renovated hotel near O’Hare International Airport. It will feature 206 modern rooms, upgraded meeting spaces, and a signature restaurant. The same year, Hyatt Centric Isla Verde San Juan will mark the brand’s debut in Puerto Rico, offering a resort-style pool deck, beer garden, and a private beach club in Isla Verde.

Another major opening in 2025 is Hyatt Centric Querétaro, located near the Historic Monument Zone of Querétaro, Mexico. The hotel will feature a rooftop pool and incorporate local design elements to create an authentic experience.

In 2026, Hyatt Centric will make its first appearance in Ohio with Hyatt Centric Cincinnati, a downtown property providing convenient access to the city’s entertainment district. That same year, Hyatt Centric Victoria – Old Town will open in British Columbia, marking the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Victoria. The hotel will feature 135 rooms, along with a lively restaurant, bar, and coffee shop.

Hyatt Centric Winnipeg Downtown is also slated for a 2026 launch, making it the second Hyatt Centric property in Canada. This hotel will offer a signature restaurant and open-concept social spaces, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Hyatt Centric’s Rapid Expansion in Asia Pacific

The brand’s most aggressive growth will take place in Asia Pacific, where several new properties will be introduced by 2026.

Hyatt Centric Bengaluru Airport will open as a premium airport hotel in Bengaluru, offering 166 contemporary rooms with easy flight access. Another major opening in India will be Hyatt Centric Electronic City Bangalore, located in the country’s tech capital and catering to business travelers.

In Taiwan, Hyatt Centric East Taipei will launch in 2026, marking the first Hyatt Centric hotel in the country. Meanwhile, Hyatt Centric will expand its footprint in China with two properties in Shanghai—Hyatt Centric Shanghai Jinqiao and Hyatt Centric TODTOWN Shanghai. These hotels will be located in key business and shopping districts, offering modern accommodations.

Another notable expansion in China includes Hyatt Centric Tianxin Changsha, set to open in 2026. Overlooking the Xiangjiang River, this property will introduce the brand to Hunan province.

In India, Hyatt Centric Vrindavan will provide a unique stay experience in one of the country’s most spiritual locations, immersing guests in the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

Japan will also welcome its first Hyatt Centric property in Hokkaido with the opening of Hyatt Centric Sapporo in 2026. This hotel will provide panoramic views near Odori Park, adding to the country’s upscale hospitality options.

European and Middle Eastern Expansion

Hyatt Centric is also making strategic moves in Europe and the Middle East, with new properties in key cities.

In 2025, Hyatt Centric Reims will open near the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Reims, France. The hotel will feature three exclusive restaurants, offering guests a high-end dining experience.

In Germany, Hyatt Centric Altstadt Hamburg will launch in 2026, marking the brand’s first property in the country. Situated on Moenckebergstrasse, this hotel will include a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

Hyatt Centric Reykjavik, scheduled to open in 2026, will be the first Hyatt-branded hotel in Iceland. This property will feature a rooftop bar that overlooks Reykjavik’s skyline, providing a unique experience for guests exploring the capital city.

Saudi Arabia will also welcome the brand with the opening of Hyatt Centric Madinah KEC in 2028. This hotel will blend modern design with traditional cultural elements, offering a distinctive hospitality experience in the country.

Hyatt Centric’s Signature Guest Experience

Every Hyatt Centric hotel is designed to offer an immersive and culturally rich experience, incorporating elements that highlight the uniqueness of each destination.

Locally Inspired Art & Design: Each property features bold interiors inspired by the local culture. For example, Egyptian sculptures will adorn the Cairo location, while Kuala Lumpur’s hotel will incorporate tin-mining motifs into its design.

Social & Entertainment Spaces: Hyatt Centric hotels are designed to encourage social interaction and engagement. Unique venues such as the House of Music in Xiamen and a mock recording studio in Madrid provide entertainment-focused spaces for guests.

Destination-Inspired Dining: The brand emphasizes local culinary experiences, offering rooftop dining in Hong Kong, craft cocktail lounges in Atlanta, and fresh sea-to-table dining in Key West.

With its ambitious global expansion, Hyatt Centric is reshaping modern travel by offering adventure, luxury, and locally inspired experiences in some of the world’s most exciting destinations.

Indian Hotels (IHTL.NS), the parent company of the luxury Taj brand, is establishing itself as a key player in India’s booming tourism sector. The $12 billion company announced on Monday that it is developing its fifth hotel in Mumbai, with an ambitious plan to expand its portfolio to over 700 properties by 2030. At least 10% of these new additions will be located overseas. However, as hotel rates surge domestically, an increasing number of Indian travelers are considering international destinations.

Despite broader concerns about a slowdown in domestic consumption affecting the Indian economy, Indian Hotels remains resilient. In the three months ending December, the company posted revenue of 25.9 billion rupees ($296 million), reflecting a 29% year-on-year increase. Its EBITDA margin also expanded by 80 basis points, surpassing 39%. Over the past year, the company’s stock has outperformed the Nifty 50 (.NSEI) by 34 percentage points. Indian Hotels currently trades at 63 times its projected earnings for the 2025 financial year—nearly double the valuation multiple of global hotel giants like Marriott International (MAR.O) and Hilton Hotel (HLT.N).

One of the key drivers of this surge is the spending power of affluent Indians, who are investing heavily in luxury weddings and high-profile events. There is a growing appetite for unique experiences. For example, Coldplay’s concert in Ahmedabad in January attracted 134,000 attendees, and the demand for accommodations pushed rates to extreme levels. A nearby Taj property charged as much as 120,000 rupees ($1,386) for a two-night stay in a double-occupancy room.

This is not an isolated case. A shortage of hotels in premium locations is causing prices to escalate across the board, even as the number of foreign visitors to India remains below pre-pandemic levels.

However, as domestic travel costs rise, international destinations are becoming more attractive to Indian tourists. According to Amit Kumar of HDFC Securities, once expenses within India reach a certain threshold, traveling abroad starts to seem like a better value. A study by Capital Economics predicts that India, currently the world’s 10th-largest source of outbound tourists, could rise to fourth place by 2035, trailing only the United States, China, and Germany. Popular destinations for Indian travelers include the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Thailand.

Despite Indian Hotels’ success, analysts are raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of high domestic hotel rates. Karan Khanna of Ambit Capital warns that an unexpected surge in hotel supply could bring prices down more quickly than anticipated. Competing brands, such as ITC Hotels (ITCT.NS), have already announced significant expansion plans, particularly in smaller cities.

To address these uncertainties, Indian Hotels is focusing on a capital-light investment strategy. For now, though, it continues to thrive, benefiting from India’s growing appetite for luxury experiences.

On January 17, Indian Hotels Company reported revenue of 25.9 billion rupees ($296 million) for the three months ending in December, marking a 29% year-on-year increase. Net profit also grew 29%, reaching 5.8 billion rupees.

Kerala welcomed 2,22,46,989 tourists in 2024, marking a significant 21% increase from pre-pandemic levels, Minister for Tourism and Public Works P. A. Mohamed Riyas informed the State Assembly on Wednesday.

“This huge upsurge in tourist arrivals shows that in the last couple of years, the state has been erasing its previous record in arrival of tourists,” Riyas stated.

Discussing the newly launched K-Homes project, which was introduced in the 2025-26 state budget to expand accommodation options for visitors by utilizing unoccupied homes near major destinations, Riyas said the initiative will initially be implemented in Kovalam, Kumarakom, Munnar, and Fort Kochi.

“The K-Homes project will take the growth of tourism to new heights, as it offers the tourists a comfortable stay and a hands-on feel of local culture and cuisine. Special arrangements will be made for the implementation of the K-Homes project including online booking of stays,” said Riyas, who is also the son-in-law of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

This initiative is expected to enhance Kerala’s hospitality industry, with implementation planned within a 10-km radius of selected locations. Additionally, the state has formulated a program aimed at bringing women stakeholders in the tourism sector under a single platform as part of efforts to promote women-friendly tourism.

“So far, 17,631 women have registered under the project through the Responsible Tourism Mission Society. They include tour operators, homestay owners, drivers, and other tourism entrepreneurs,” Riyas noted.

Farm Tourism has also been identified as a key area for further development. The Responsible Tourism Mission Society has provided training to 952 units, with 452 units showing strong performance. Of these, 103 units have been listed on the RT Mission’s website.

Riyas highlighted that Kerala’s Design Policy has been utilized to ensure that tourist destinations remain both environmentally sustainable and aesthetically appealing.

Another major initiative that aims to boost the tourism sector is the Destination Challenge project, which is focused on highlighting lesser-known destinations and is being carried out in collaboration with Local Self-Government Institutions.

“So far, 40 such spots have been identified,” Riyas stated.

Additionally, campus-based Tourism Clubs have been engaged in the development, maintenance, and promotion of tourist destinations in their respective regions. A scheme has also been introduced to train students as tourism guides, equipping them with multilingual proficiency.

“Local Youth Tourism Clubs have been formed across the state, with the participation of local service providers like taxi and autorickshaw drivers,” Riyas added.

Tucked away in the picturesque Idukki district, Malankara Dam is a serene getaway located just 7 kilometers from Thodupuzha. This tranquil destination is an integral part of the Muvattupuzha Valley Irrigation Project, serving as a crucial hydroelectric and irrigation resource. With its pristine waters and breathtaking surroundings, the dam has become a favored spot for families, nature lovers, and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Constructed across the Thodupuzha River, Malankara Dam forms an artificial lake that stretches for approximately 11 kilometers. This expansive reservoir has evolved into a center for recreational activities such as boating and fishing, offering visitors a serene space to relax and unwind. The dam is enveloped by lush greenery, rolling hills, and an abundance of vibrant flora, making it an ideal location for picnics and leisurely walks.

Efforts have been made to enhance visitor experiences at Malankara Dam through well-planned facilities. The site features a children’s park, well-maintained walking tracks, and an entrance plaza equipped with essential amenities like toilet blocks, drinking water, and an amphitheater. These additions cater to families and groups, making the dam an attractive destination for all age groups. Open to visitors daily for a nominal entry fee, the revenue collected is directed towards maintaining and further improving the site.

One of Malankara Dam’s biggest attractions is its proximity to renowned tourist destinations such as Munnar, Vagamon, Thekkady, and the Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary. Many travelers use the dam as a starting point for their journey into the natural marvels of the region. With its panoramic views and tranquil ambiance, it is also a preferred location for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Whether it’s a scenic boat ride, a quiet walk along the pathways, or simply taking in the beauty of the surrounding hills and valleys, Malankara Dam promises a memorable experience. Its perfect blend of recreation, accessibility, and natural splendor makes it one of Kerala’s must-visit destinations.

How to Reach

By Bus: Thodupuzha Bus Stand, located approximately 6.6 km away.

By Flight: Cochin International Airport, situated around 59.5 km away.

By Train: Kottayam Railway Station, about 53.1 km away, and Aluva Railway Station, around 60.7 km away.

As the wildfires continue to displace families and impact lives across the state, AAHOA Members and the broader hospitality industry are stepping up to provide critical aid. Recognizing the hospitality industry’s profound role during such a crisis, this campaign aims to rally resources for relief and recovery efforts, including room-night donations, fundraising, and community engagement.

“AAHOA Members and the hospitality industry as a whole have always stepped up in times of crisis, and the California wildfires are no exception,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. “Hoteliers across the state are opening their doors to provide shelter and refuge for families displaced by these devastating fires. True hospitality plays a profound role in offering safety, care, and hope during challenging times, and this initiative is a testament to the compassion and leadership of AAHOA Members and hotel owners who continue to be a lifeline for their communities.”

“The hospitality industry has long been a source of stability and hope in times of crisis,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “The AAHOA community extends its deepest gratitude to the brave firefighters, first responders, and countless others who are working tirelessly to protect lives and property. We are also praying for those who have lost their homes, loved ones, and livelihoods. Our members’ generosity in providing shelter, donations, and community support underscores their unwavering commitment to serving those in need. Through this initiative, we are proud to give hoteliers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference and help families rebuild their lives during this challenging time.”

The wildfires have displaced countless families, highlighting the urgent need for shelter, resources, and relief. AAHOA and ACF are taking a leading role in coordinating efforts with state and local government agencies to ensure resources are mobilized effectively.

AAHOA is proud to announce that President & CEO Laura Lee Blake and Neal Patel of Patel Partners have been named among The Hill’s Top Lobbyists of 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates their advocacy and leadership in representing the hotel industry during a year marked by significant legislative and political challenges.

This marks another milestone for Blake and Patel, who have previously been honored with this distinction. The list recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity, which has resulted in advancing their industry’s interests amid an evolving political landscape.

“It is an honor to be recognized alongside such distinguished advocates,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “This achievement would not be possible without the engagement and contributions of thousands of AAHOA Members, whose voices inspire and drive our efforts. We remain steadfast in advancing the interests of hotel owners and will continue working to strengthen advocacy at every level of government to address the challenges facing our industry and ensure its continued success.”

“I am humbled to work on behalf of America’s hotel owners each and every day,” said Neal Patel, Managing Partner of Patel Partners. “These remarkable individuals are not only great entrepreneurs and job-creators but also the foremost example of the American Dream in action. This recognition reflects the incredible dedication of AAHOA and its members to advocating for meaningful change.”

“Congratulations to Laura Lee Blake and Neal Patel on this well-deserved recognition,” said AAHOA Chairman Miraj S. Patel. “Their dedication and efforts on behalf of our industry continue to make a meaningful impact. We are fortunate to have such strong advocates representing AAHOA and our industry.”

Blake and Patel’s inclusion in this year’s list comes during a transformative time for the hospitality sector, as legislative and regulatory changes continue to pose unique challenges. In 2024, AAHOA expanded its advocacy efforts, tackling key issues such as labor shortages, access to capital, and regulatory reform. Earlier this year, AAHOA achieved a historic milestone with the introduction of the Loans in Our Neighborhoods Act (LIONS Act), marking the first time the association played a direct role in introducing federal legislation. This achievement highlights AAHOA’s growing influence and commitment to driving solutions that benefit its members and the hospitality industry at large.

About AAHOA

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than 1 million employees work at AAHOA Member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

The recently released World’s Top 50 Restaurants list includes two Indian restaurants, making it a significant achievement for the Indian culinary scene. Notably, Tresind Studio and Gaggan Anand, the two Indian restaurants on this year’s list are not located in India.

Dubai’s Trèsind Studio secured an impressive 11th position on the list. It is the only one of the two Michelin-starred Indian restaurants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It takes pride in offering a dining experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional Indian cuisine, providing guests with a unique and innovative culinary journey.

Gaggan Anand, ranking 17 on the list, is located in Bangkok, Thailand, and named after the owner. Formerly known as Gaggan, the restaurant has been at the forefront of reimagining progressive Indian cuisine with remarkable success. It has garnered numerous accolades, including multiple wins at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants awards.

Kolkata-born Gaggan Anand, the culinary mastermind behind the restaurant, is known for his innovative menu that incorporates emojis to represent courses and encourages diners to interact with their food through immersive experiences, including the unconventional practice of plate licking.

Taking the top spot on the World’s Top 50 Restaurants list is Central a restaurant in Lima, Peru. The list is widely recognized globally as the definitive ranking and assessment of culinary establishments worldwide.

Mother last saw her nephew, Vicent, in the month of March during the festival of Las Fallas. As was tradition for them, Mother along with her sister, Aitana, and their two families went to the bonfires at Valencia’s city hall. It was midnight. Because Vicent barely had anything to say to her, and Aitana kept their conversation quite superficial, and Father was away working at the hospital, Mother felt quite bored. She watched the piled cardboard and papel maché installations catch fire. The buildings around them perspired grey and golden. She felt the crisping warmth of the flames and the heat from the crowd around her. She was with loved ones, surrounded by others, but in her heart and mind she felt completely alone.

Months passed. Mother was missing the days when Vicent was younger—she would pick him up from school, and they would take the local train together back to her home. Now Vicent had grown old enough to manage himself, but it was summer vacations, and Mother wanted to ask him to come over. She called up her sister but Vicent wasn’t at home. He was in the park with his friends playing football. Mother could have kept talking to Aitana and most likely she would have invited her over out of sympathy. However Mother was having a passing idea that she wanted to act on before it passed on.

So Mother left her conversation with Aitana. She walked to the train station near her place and took a cercania to the southern suburbs. She knew Vicent practiced in the Park Catarroja. He and his friends had hung out there for years even before he was formally on any football team. As she expected, he and a group of boys were kicking a ball in the grass. Vicent was recognisable instantly. He was a short kid with a small patch of hair above his lip, not a firm moustache like an adult’s, but growing and thickening to resemble one.

Mother didn’t recognise the other children around him. Some had olive skin that had bronzed well in the sun. Some had bushy hair or crew cuts, styled to match their favourite football stars. Some had taken their shirts off to show off their muscular bodies and the trails of curls reaching towards their shorts.

Unlike Vicent, who still had the look of a child, these boys were much further in their development into men.

Mother couldn’t believe how they looked. It was almost intimidating to observe this group of thirteen fourteen and fifteen year olds who looked far older than she remembered people at that age to look, and it made Mother wonder why she had chosen to come to this park so abruptly without an invitation. She imagined Vicent would be deeply embarrassed by her surprise appearance. He would most likely lash out and make a scene that would anger her. Mother was thinking of turning around and going back home.

Then Vicent noticed her.

«Tia, ¿què estàs fent aquí?»

Vicent came up to kiss her on the cheeks. Mother reciprocated, and they hugged. Vicent was covered in sweat and had a clear stench. When he was younger, Vicent almost always had the smell of a fresh bath.

The other boys came around to greet her as well, saying hola and asking of her day. She suddenly recognized one of them as Javier, once a severely short and stunted-looking boy, who was now so tall and muscular. The one who asked her the most questions was Tiano. Mother knew his mother from church. Seeing the smiles of Vicent’s classmates and how warmly they welcomed her reminded her that these were all the same children she had known since they were little boys. It was just that they had changed quite a bit in appearance.

The boys went back to their practice, and Mother found herself a place to sit. It was abnormally hot, and she began to sweat. Even the bottle Mother had filled up for herself did not have enough water to hydrate her. She took breaks to visit the water fountain and rubbed water around her collar. She could not understand how the boys could play like they did. They were dashing through the park, kicking the ball passionately, concentrating so hard on following it that they tripped themselves into the bushes. The boys’ sweat glistened over their orange-and-red sweatshirts. The ball swerved up and down and back and forth, switching sides in seconds. Whenever someone scored, the team huddled into a hug and bumped each other’s chests, shouting swear words at the losers.

Mother didn’t like their language, but she waved it off. Her attention was focused primarily on Vicent. He had improved a lot in the year since Mother had last seen him play. He was able to kick the ball with ease and rarely missed passing it to his teammate. It was a proud thing for Mother to witness, particularly given how much she had used to scold him for not taking any of his hobbies seriously.

Mother still remembered how much Vicent had taken to painting. Even when he was a little boy, he would use his notebooks only for sketching. His parents had seen his talent and invested in canvases, paints, and an art teacher. He had created some really wondrous pieces of art, some of which had even made it into institutes. Mother had been convinced that he was another Velázquez in the making. But as the years went by, Mother observed as Vicent stopped touching his notebook and canvas. He was now largely playing sports games on his PlayStation.

Was it because teenagers at that age did not see the value of pursuing art? Would Vicent have been made fun of by his friends for liking to paint? Boys turned on anyone whom they saw as enjoying anything arguably effeminate. Mother had seen this time and time again with her own son when he was coming to age.

But Mother had also been told that this generation was not so interested in gender roles, and they were more accepting of men who were sensitive. Vicent for example never really raised his voice or used curse words even as the boys around him shouted merda and puta at every small thing. During their ball practice Vicent even appeared quite popular, constantly receiving fist bumps for his suave sportsmanship.

So then why was Vicent no longer painting?

Mother sat there for an hour or two, mostly feeling the heat. She did not know how long more they would keep at it, and despised herself for choosing to go out at three in the afternoon on such a contemptuously sunny day. The park had its shade, but the coast was infamously humid, and they were not close enough to the beaches to get anything of the sea breeze. Mother reminded herself that at her age she did not have the stamina to spend so much time outside; it would have been better for her to remain at home.

Then she reminded herself how she always spent her time at home literally doing nothing, dusting over cupboards and tables which were already spotless, dumbing her mind with soap operas in various Spanish dialects from all parts of Latin America. She could have prayed, just as she could have sat there and watched television, but Mother was remembering why she had come unannounced in the first place: she had called her sister, desperate to find something to do.

The practice ended around five, and Mother was glad to see that it was over. The boys were talking amongst themselves and seemed to be planning to hang out elsewhere. When Vicent saw his auntie in such an exhausted state, he broke out of their circle to talk to her.

« Tia, you are looking horrible. ¿Do you need any help returning home? »

Mother felt bad. Even though she had initially come to take her nephew out for snacks and walk him back to his place, now it felt wrong to take him away from his friends. He was sacrificing the time he could have spent with them simply to do a good deed for an elderly person.

The boys understood and sent him off, giving their farewells to Mother that felt almost too polite, too formal.

Mother and Vicent walked off towards the train station. They were silent, not unlike their last interaction during Las Fallas. Vicent looked at messages on his phone.

« Don’t text and walk at the same time » Mother griped at him, though she was tempted to see what updates were on her phone as well.

A handful of minutes, and they were on the train. A stop or two more, and they were at Mother’s stop. Mother and Vicent walked to the steps of Mother’s apartment building. The setting sun was stroking a radiance upon the apartment complex, its rays alighting on top of the little fruit store, barbershop, and bar on the ground floor.

« ¿Do you want to come inside? » Mother asked Vicent.

Vicent looked at his watch and said, « It is getting late. »

Mother knew it was not late at all, but she nodded.

« ¿Do you want to go and have snacks with your friends? »

Vicent did not respond.

Mother smiled and said « It’s getting cool now. It would be nice to go to the beach. I’m certain you and your friends would have a great time. »

« Gràcies, tia » Vicent said, and he walked back towards the train station. Mother waved him off, but he didn’t notice. Mother accepted that, too.

It had been a few months, but in those few months Vicent had changed drastically. That was the frustrating thing about the teenage years. He had been a boy at the start of the year, but now he was starting to gain the personality traits and behaviors that would come to define him as an adult. And that was okay, Mother concluded. She was happy. She liked seeing how he interacted with his friends and that he was growing to be popular; she liked how he treated her with respect.

Still Mother looked back at how she had spent her day, and she felt a blandness and a boredom and a lack of satisfaction at it all. With that was the weight of another thought tugging tightly in her heart.

The time when Mother was meant to be a second mother to her nephew was ending. If they were to remain in contact, it would have to be on Mother, if she wished to stay bonded with the young man who was becoming Vicent. (https://girar.substack.com/p/1-july-2023-vicent?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=95668&post_id=132256569&isFreemail=false&utm_medium=email)

The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), the largest hotel owners association in the world, is hosting its 2023 Florida Regional Conference & Trade Show Tuesday, May 30, at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, FL, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

More than 300 AAHOA Members are expected to join AAHOA Florida Regional Director Chetan (Chris) Patel and his Florida Region Ambassadors at this region’s largest event of the year. AAHOA’s Regional Conferences & Trade Shows are the best way for attendees to network and connect with hoteliers and vendors across their region.

Special guest speakers include Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Government Relations General Counsel VP Samantha Padgett and Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO Santiago Corrada, who are sharing the latest developments their organizations are working on to ensure hotel owners thrive in the Sunshine State. Additionally, Florida members are invited to earn their certificate for the BEST Inhospitable to Human Trafficking Training, sponsored by AAHOA, from 2 to 3 p.m. 

AAHOA Regionals offer the ability to connect and network with AAHOA regional exhibitors, providing the latest in products and services needed to operate hotels. Like AAHOACON, regionals often draw regional and local companies ready to help save attendees money and protect their bottom line.

“AAHOA Regional Conference & Trade Show features Officer and Regional Director updates, the latest news on the advocacy front, and region-specific education sessions,” said AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel. “Each year, we assemble an incredible lineup of topics and industry experts to share their knowledge as it relates to owning a hotel in your region. We’re proud to bring elected officials, local tax experts, and other respected leaders to speak and interact with AAHOA Members and attendees.”

“Our Regional Conferences and Trade Shows draw hospitality leaders from across the country to engage with our elected officials on issues that matter most to our industry,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “These events allow AAHOA Members the opportunity to build, develop, and maintain relationships with elected officials throughout the year.”

Congresswoman Laurel Lee (FL-15) introduced H.R. 2601, the National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act, in April this year. If passed, this bill would require Human Trafficking hotlines that receive federal grants to cooperate and provide certain information to local law enforcement. AAHOA welcomes open communication about how our industry can work with law enforcement to put an end to human trafficking. This issue is important to our industry, and AAHOA looks forward to being part of these discussions and solutions.

Human trafficking awareness and prevention is top of mind for AAHOA’s 2023 Regional Season. AAHOA is committed to promoting awareness by educating hoteliers and their employees on how to spot and report suspected instances of human trafficking. As mentioned, AAHOA will offer BEST Inhospitable to Human Trafficking Training, Sponsored by AAHOA, for which AAHOA Members and their employees can earn their certificate of completion, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. 

“The Florida Regional Conference & Trade Show is known to bring together hundreds of hoteliers from across the state,” said AAHOA Secretary Rahul Patel, who is based in Bradenton, FL, and previously served as AAHOA Florida Regional Director for three years before being elected AAHOA Secretary in April 2023. “I’m looking forward to joining Chetan (Chris) Patel, Bharat Patel, and other AAHOA leaders for one of AAHOA’s most well-attended regional conferences.” 

“I’m excited to get together hoteliers, from the Panhandle to Miami, for this event in Tampa. My main goal is for members to experience a successful Trade Show, be engaged, and feel united,” Florida Regional Director Chetan (Chris) Patel said. “Florida is dependent on the hotel industry and tourism, which is why it is vital to include industry leaders as a part of our guest speaker lineup, and show how AAHOA has great working relationships with other state organizations that are focused on seeing every aspect of the hospitality industry succeed.”

You do not need to be an AAHOA Member to attend this event. All hoteliers are welcome. For more information or to register, click here.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

The 2023 Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Convention & Trade Show in Los Angeles last week broke various records in the association’s history.

AAHOA, the largest hotel owners association in the world, hosted its annual Convention & Trade Show, AAHOACON, with nearly 8,000 attendees at the Los Angeles Convention Center for what is dubbed the “Super Bowl” of hospitality events.

There were 20+ education sessions, 500+ exhibiting companies, an immersive do-it-yourself product demo experience, top-level keynote speakers, and four networking events, including the Welcome Reception at the world-famous LA Coliseum.

With a record level of booth sales for the trade show, it was the largest trade show in AAHOA’s 34-year history, and a 22% increase over 2022. There were nearly 520 total exhibiting companies, the second largest exhibitor total in AAHOACON history.

The AAHOACON23 Trade Show was sold out, and a wait list was created – the first time ever in AAHOA history! AAHOACON23 also generated a very strong number of first-time exhibitors, 167, which is the second-largest number of first-time exhibitors in AAHOA history.

On top of that, the Exhibit Sales team achieved a new record in exhibit booth sales for AAHOACON24. A total of 170 exhibitors have rebooked and will return for AAHOACON24 in Orlando next year. This number represents more than 40% of the show floor space and 100% of all exhibiting hotel brands rebooked for AAHOACON24.

Word from the exhibit floor is that AAHOACON23 was the best trade show for business transactions in recent memory, and the excitement for Orlando is mounting.

“The adjectives and praise to describe AAHOACON23 and our remarkable AAHOA Team keep pouring in,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “I could not be prouder of how AAHOACON23 turned out, and we are so thankful for all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and attendees who helped make this convention and trade show one of the very best. We could not have done any of this without each and every one of you.”

Our General Session special guests and keynote speakers included comedian and activist Hasan Minhaj, BAPS Leader Swami Brahmaviharidas, and the Honorable Sadhguru. AAHOACON23 also offered HerOwnership-driven workshops and learning sessions created just for women hoteliers, including a luncheon and a HerOwnership & Women Own the Room panel, along with two Young Professionals Sessions and a Young Professionals Reception.

Florida hotelier Bharat Patel, CHO, CHIA, became the new Chairman of AAHOA’s Board of Directors, and Rahul Patel of Bradenton, Florida, became the new AAHOA Secretary.

AAHOA Members also elected 10 members to the Board of Directors to replace those with expiring terms, recognized the achievement and excellence of the AAHOA Award recipients, and partnered with Covenant House California at this year’s AAHOACON to help raise money and awareness for youth facing homelessness and trafficking.

To give back, AAHOA Members bought AAHOACON23-branded socks and t-shirts at the AAHOA Booth during the Trade Show, where up to 80% of the proceeds went directly to Covenant House California.

AAHOA also announced the launch of its AAHOA Charitable Foundation. Forming later this year as an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the AAHOA Charitable Foundation will aim to support humanity, providing disaster relief, educational scholarships and grants, charitable initiatives for worthy causes, and humanitarian aid.

Two other notable items included Virdee taking home the top prize in the 2023 AAHOA Tech Pitch Competition, Co-Powered by HFTP. Members were able to take part in the AAHOA Garage, a new feature for AAHOACON23, which included a demo area for exhibitors to showcase tips and tricks to solve common issues that many owner/operator hoteliers face in areas such as housekeeping, maintenance, repairs and troubleshooting. Additionally, there were new learning opportunities for members in the form of deep-dive masterclasses.

“Becoming AAHOA Chairman at such a historic and record-breaking event is an incredible feeling,” AAHOA Chairman Bharat Patel said. “I received so many thank yous and expressions of gratitude for a job well done that I lost count, and I want to return the same showing of appreciation to everyone who attended and made AAHOACON23 one for the record books.”

Members of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association testified in support of New Jersey Assembly Bill 1958, which advances several key components of AAHOA’s 12 Points of Fair Franchising to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship between Franchisors and Franchisees.

The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee reported the bill out of Committee with amendments. Six members voted yes, zero members voted no, and three members abstained. About 30 AAHOA Members attended the hearing and several offered testimony.

AAHOA, the largest hotel owners association in the world, has been at the forefront of advocating for fair franchising standards that protect hotel owners’ investments, safeguard a mutually beneficial relationship with hotel brands, and promote the hospitality industry and top-notch guest experiences. AAHOA Members own 45.4% of New Jersey hotels, representing 46,124 rooms.

“As the largest hotel owners association, representing the exclusive interests of America’s hotel owners, AAHOA showed up in New Jersey to testify in support of amendments to the legislation to improve the franchise model,” said AAHOA Chairman Nishant (Neal) Patel. “I’m heartened by the strong show of support by AAHOA Members who came to Trenton to speak on behalf of our industry.”

Last May, a contingent of AAHOA Members testified in favor of the bill in front of the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee.

“Multiple major hotel franchises are helping to pave the way for fair franchising that is both fair and free – free from arbitrary and undisclosed fees, free from one-sided terms and conditions, and free from anti-competitive procurement rules,” said AAHOA President and CEO Laura Lee Blake. “As a state that is home to thousands of hard-working entrepreneurs, including immigrants from around the world, New Jersey can be an example to the rest of the country in supporting franchising practices that allow hotel owners to achieve the American dream.”

“Yesterday, there was a strong showing of testimony and support from our local members concerning the most important principles of this bill, which we have been underscoring from the beginning,” said Bharat Patel, AAHOA Vice Chairman. “The Committee heard us and voted to pass this bill with the changes we had identified. We thank the New Jersey Assembly Members for understanding our concerns, and we look forward to continuing to work together to address these important issues.”

Assembly Bill 1958 has four key provisions that support fair franchising practices:

Franchisors and Hotel Brands should not require hotel owners to purchase goods and services only from mandated vendors if the same goods and services of comparable quality are available from other sources at competitive prices.

If a Franchisor or Hotel Brand receives commissions / rebates from a vendor based on purchases by the Franchisee hotel owners, then such commissions / rebates must be fully disclosed and returned to the Franchisee hotel owners for the betterment of the system.

New franchise fees should not be unilaterally added that were not previously disclosed in the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) without prior approval from the FACs or the Franchisee hotel owners.

AAHOA shall not support the Hotel Franchisors or Brands selling loyalty points for a profit without providing reasonable compensation for the hotel owners.

In line with its rapid fleet and network expansion plans, Air India is planning to hire over 900 pilots and 4,200 cabin crew trainees this year. The Tata Group airline is also looking to step up hiring of pilots and maintenance engineers going forward.

Tata Group-owned Air India has reported that it planned to hire over 4,200 cabin crew and 900 pilots in 2023, as part of a major revamp that saw the carrier seal orders for a record 470 jets earlier this month.

The overhaul at Air India, once known for its stellar service, started after it returned to the Tata Group’s fold last year, seeking to repair its reputation that declined in the mid-2000s as financial troubles mounted.

The airline, aiming to capitalise on India’s growing base of fliers and strong demand for air travel, earlier this month sealed a record deal for the new planes from Airbus and Boeing.

The airline had recruited over 1,900 cabin crew between May 2022 and February 2023, it said in Friday’s statement.

“We are also looking to step up hiring of more pilots and maintenance engineers,” said Sandeep Verma, head of the airline’s in-flight services.

The airline was in the spotlight last month after the aviation regulator penalized it for the handling of an unruly passenger on one of its flights. Air India de-rostered one pilot and four cabin crew as part of its investigation.

The current combined fleet size of Air India and Air India Express is estimated at 140 planes, with the majority being narrow-body aircraft. Of the 470 planes ordered by the airline, 70 are wide-body planes while 400 are single-aisle aircraft. Air India expects to take the delivery of 31 of the ordered aircraft this year itself.

The Air India group, which would include a full-service carrier after merger of Air India and Vistara and a low-cost airline after the the merger of Air India Express and AirAsia India, would require thousands of pilots to operate its expanded fleet once all the ordered aircraft are delivered. Some reports have pegged the requirement at over 6,500 pilots.

Ever since Air India returned to the Tata Group a little over a year ago, the new owners have been focused on sprucing up the product offering, while also planning an extensive expansion for the airline. A five-year roadmap – Vihaan.AI – was prepared with the objective of substantially growing the airline’s network and fleet in a bid to put it on a “path to sustained growth, profitability, and market leadership”.

The Supreme Court Monday, October 17th dismissed a plea by the Kerala government challenging the handover of the management of the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL).

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India UU Lalit and Justice Bela M Trivedi dismissed the special leave petitions filed by the Kerala government and a few employee unions of the airport against Kerala High Court’s judgement which upheld the airport’s lease to AEL. AEL took over the airport in October, 2020 after the Airport Authority of India (AAI) leased out its management to the company.

In November, 2020, the Kerala government had moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the judgment of the Kerala High Court that allowed the Ahmedabad-based company to operate, manage and develop the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. he apex court noted that the high court “rightly rejected” the challenge.

On October 19, 2020, a division bench comprising Justices K Vinod Chandran and CS Dias of the High Court had dismissed the petitions challenging the AAI tender to Adani group, observing that Court cannot interfere with a policy decision of the executive regarding privatization of airports, according to the Livelaw.

The bench also declined to entertain the plea filed by the AAEU and others challenging the High Court order. “Considering the fact that the private entity has been in operation since October 2021, we see no reason to interfere,” the bench said while dismissing the petitions.

Senior advocate CU Singh contended before the bench that land on which the airport is built belonged to the Kerala government, and the state should get preferential rights, and also alleged that RFP was tailor made to suit the Adani group. However, the bench pointed out that the state government did not chal-lenge the RFP conditions, rather participated in the bid.

The apex court clarified that the question in connection with the ownership of airport land will remain open. The Kerala government had challenged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) decision to prefer Adani over it for management of the airport. The appeal argued that this decision was not in public interest and granting concession to Adani, who has no previous experience in managing airports, was violative of the provisions of the Airports Authority of India Act.

The Kerala government claimed many clauses in the Request for Proposal (RFP) were tailor-made to suit private players but the court rejected that contention. The Union said the tender was carried out in a transparent manner, and special advantage was given to KSIDC (Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation) at the state’s request.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport was handed over to the Adani Group in October last year; the company won a bidding process held in 2019 by quoting ₹168 as the per-passenger fee payable to AII. The state government contended that leasing the management of Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Adani Group was not in public interest.

The court said the Adani Group has already taken over the “operation, management and development” of the airport since October 2021. “Considering the fact that the private entity has been in operation since October 2021, we see no reason to interfere,” the SC noted.

On the argument by employees that conditions of their service would be affected by the takeover of the airport by Adani Group, the SSC said they were given the choice to either stay with the group or move to airports managed by AAI.

Senior Advocate CU Singh appearing for Kerala government submitted that the land in which the airport is situated belonged to the State Government. Also, the State has expended money to acquire additional land for the airport. Therefore, the State ought to have preferential rights, Live Law reports.

He highlighted that the state entities have experience in managing the Cochin International Airport and the Kannur International Airport. “Yes we had commissioned Kannur and Cochin airports. Cochin is world class airport now”, Singh submitted.

Earlier, Kerala Assembly unanimously passed a resolution urging the Union government to rescind its decision. After losing the bid, the state government approached the Kerala High Court, but failed to get a favorable decision, following which they along with AAEU moved the apex court.

AAHOA Members and leaders from all over the country flew into Washington D.C. for AAHOA’s Fall National Advocacy Conference this past Wednesday to make their voices heard and shed light on the issues that matter most to America’s hotel owners. Hoteliers met and built relationships with more than 100 offices and 40 U.S. Senators and Representatives to push our policy priorities forward.

The 2022 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference provided the opportunity for America’s hoteliers to connect with legislators in our nation’s capital and engage with a bipartisan group of policy experts and lawmakers who will ultimately vote on bills and pass legislation that can have a tremendous impact on AAHOA’s nearly 20,000 members and the hospitality industry at large.

To ensure the sustainability of hotels and the broader American travel industry, AAHOA Members urged Congress to support the following four issues:

Promote access to capital by increasing SBA loan caps/limits and transparency

Increase SBA 7(a) and 504 Loan Limits to $10 Million: Currently, Small Business Administration (SBA) 7(a) and 504 loans are capped at $5 million, which was last set in 2010. For hoteliers, over the past decade, the costs of constructing and purchasing properties have skyrocketed and far exceed $5 million.

Cosponsor the SBA Franchise Loan Default Disclosure Act (S.2162): Sponsored by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), S.2162 requires the SBA to publish on its website, and to regularly update, the loan default rates by franchise brands during the preceding 10-year period. Loan default rates for a franchise brand are a key indicator of success of which prospective franchisees should be aware.

Provide assistance with critical labor shortages: A new H2-C visa program and expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Cosponsor the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 7239): Sponsored by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA-11) to help business owners address the critical labor shortage, the Act will fill a need currently unaddressed in the U.S. immigration system.

Permanently Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): With the critical labor shortages facing business owners across the country, AAHOA asked to permanently expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provisions that expired at the end of 2021. By expanding the EITC, young adults without children aged 18 years and older, as well as retirees, will qualify for the important tax credit, which will incentivize more people to return to work and help to reduce the labor shortages for U.S. employers, including hotels.

Ensure fairness in franchising with a private right of action to address wrongful and material disclosure violations

Cosponsor the Franchisee Freedom Act (H.R. 6551): Sponsored by Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-9), the Act provides a private right of action for persons harmed by violations of the FTC Franchise Rule, and thus will allow individuals damaged by Rule violations access to the courts, a basic American right. When FTC Rule violations occur, Franchisees are not fully informed of the material facts and the corresponding risks they face when signing a franchise agreement. Since Franchisees are frequently required to sign personal guarantees, the results can financially devastate a franchise buyer.

Provide financial relief for hard-hit hoteliers: Forgive EIDLs, waive interest, and/or defer for an additional year

Many hoteliers across the United States, especially in the Midwest and metropolitan areas such as NYC and San Francisco, have continued to suffer severe economic hardships due to COVID-19 and the restrictions imposed to control its spread. Regrettably, unlike restaurateurs who received grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF), hoteliers have not enjoyed the same access to funds.

When AAHOA Members ask for and receive the assistance they need, their local business communities will also see an uptick in employment rates, profitability, state and local tax contributions, and business sustainability.

“AAHOA has long understood the importance and significance of advocacy work at the state, local, and federal levels,” said AAHOA Chairman Neal Patel. “Having our voices heard on issues that are important to our members protects and promotes the rights of hotel owners and entrepreneurs in America.”

Political affiliations aside, those in attendance were representing the interests and issues that are important to America’s hoteliers and the broader travel and hospitality industry.

“We are the experts of our businesses and the hotel industry,” Patel said. “It is our responsibility to ensure the views and realities of AAHOA Members are considered when decisions are being made by elected officials about their livelihoods and their businesses.”

“From Fair Franchising to the Small Business Administration, providing lawmakers with personal, real-life stories, puts a name and a face to the American hotelier,” said AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. “The next time these elected officials go to make decisions, they will remember us – the foundations we are laying in these meetings are critical to our advocacy work going forward,” Blake said.

AAHOA Members understand that time spent in meetings throughout the Fall National Advocacy Conference carries immense value and weight. While Nothing happens overnight, it’s the discussions and relationship-building with our nation’s elected officials that bring attention to important issues.

“Legislative events of this kind are extremely important,” said Dean Heyl, AAHOA Vice President of Government Affairs. “Elected officials have to know you before they can like you.”

To learn more about AAHOA’s policy priorities and issues advocated for at the 2022 AAHOA Fall National Advocacy Conference, download our Fall National Advocacy Conference Policy Backgrounder and Guide.

“Time and time again, AAHOA Members continue to show up to help educate lawmakers about our industry,” said Patel. “AAHOA Members make up an industry that contributes a huge part of the American economy, employing more than one million workers; when America’s hoteliers speak, Congress listens.”

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engage

Travel + Recreation The World’s Best Awards in the United States are among the most prestigious in the travel industry, as readers define excellence in hospitality and travel.

In a Readers’ Poll conducted by Travel + Leisure magazine, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts received this recognition from 9.5 million readers.

Vikram Oberoi, CEO and MD, The Oberoi Group further added, “The awards are an affirmation of Oberoi Hotels & Resorts unwavering commitment towards offering guests exceptional facilities and unparalleled levels of service. Our founder Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi and Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi our former Chairman and mentor have always maintained that people are our most important asset – time and again our colleagues live up to this enduring belief.”

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, The Oberoi Group said, “We are delighted to receive this prestigious award and honoured to have contributed in our own small way to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. My heartfelt gratitude to our valued guests for their continued support and our exceptional colleagues for their dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Travel + Leisure, US, the world’s most influential travel brand, provides insider access to destinations around the world through a signature blend of smart advice, immersive photography, expert reporting, and award-winning coverage of hotels, food, design, style, culture, and trends. (IANS)

The Kerala tourism department and Ahemedabad in the state of Gujarat have been elavated over TIME magazine shortlist as among the 50 extraordinary destinations in the world to explore in 2022.

Kerala’s Tourism minister Mohammed Riyaz told media persons that the recognition is a result of the hard work of the tourism department and the new policies and programmes in the sector.

Kerala is ranked ninth in the “World’s Greatest Places 2022” list as an eco-tourism spot. The US magazine wrote that Kerala has spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples, and palaces and is known as ‘God’s Own Country’ with good reason.

The new project of the tourism department ‘Karavan Meadows’ also finds a mention in the TIME magazine report which is considered by the department as a recognition of its caravan tourism project.

The magazine said that just like the houseboat tourism promoted by the state, caravan tourism is also expected to follow suit with a similar promise of sustainable tourism.

TIME magazine introduced the World’s Greatest Places of 2022 and said, “As persistent as the challenges of life in 2022 is the hope that understanding and human connection can be found through travel. So, with much of the global population now vaccinated against COVID-19, world travellers are again hitting the road—and the skies. The hospitality industry is reopening and excited to safely welcome them and revitalize local communities.”

Ras al Khaimah (UAE), Park City (Utah, US), Galapagos Islands, Dolni Moravo of Czech Republic, Seoul, Great Barrier Reef in Australia, Doha, and Detroit are ranked above Kerala in the TIME magazine report. (IANS)

TIME described Kerala as ‘one of India’s most beautiful states.’ “With spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples, and palaces, it’s known as “God’s own country” for good reason,” TIME magazine’s poignant description of the state reads.

It described Ahmedabad as India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, and a city which “boasts both ancient landmarks and contemporary innovations that make it a mecca for cultural tourism, from the serene Gandhi Ashram that sits on 36 acres on the banks of the Sabarmati River to Navratri, a vibrant nine-day celebration (this year from Sept. 26 to Oct. 5) billed as the longest dance festival in the world.”

After two years of slowdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, India’s travel and tourism sector has shown “signs of recovery” and is the top performer in South Asia, according to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) latest study.

India grabbed the 54th spot in the overall rankings, down from 46th in 2019. The travel and tourism development index assessed a total of 117 countries for the study.

According to a new World Economic Forum research, India’s travel and tourism industry are showing “marks of recovery” after a two-year downturn caused by the pandemic.

According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) newest assessment, India’s travel and tourism sector has exhibited “marks of recovery” after a two-year downturn caused by the Covid-19 outbreak.

India fell from its previous position of 46th in 2019 to the 54th spot on the global travel and tourism development index in 2020. Although it has maintained its position as the leading nation in the South Asia region.

Titled ‘Travel & Tourism Development Index 2021: Rebuilding for a Sustainable and Resilient Future’, the study measured “the set of factors and policies that enable the sustainable and resilient development of the T&T sector, which in turn contributes to the development of a country”.

In this year’s index — which consists of five subindexes, 17 pillars and 112 individual indicators — Japan took the number one spot, followed by the US, Spain, France and Germany among the top five.

“Covid shutdowns have re-emphasised the important contribution travel and tourism makes to many economies around the world,” said Lauren Uppink, head of aviation, travel and tourism at the WEF, in a statement.

The WEF’s findings credited recovery in tourism due to an increase in vaccination rates, curbs in travel restrictions and economic growth. But noted that the recovery still remains “slow and fragile” due to uneven “vaccine distribution, capacity constraints, labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and more”.

“Government, business and civil society leaders can address barriers to recovery by looking at the different factors that can support the long-term development and resiliency of their respective travel and tourism economies,” added Uppink.

“This will require decision-makers to restore consumer confidence and international openness by prioritizing such things as enhanced health and security measures, encouraging inclusive labour practices, improving environmental sustainability and investing in digital technology.”

The study further revealed that while international tourist arrivals globally have increased by 18 million in January this year as compared to the same period in 2021, they were still 67 per cent below 2019 levels.

AAHOA announced that it has released its updated 12 Points of Fair Franchising in the form of a new resource guide for AAHOA Member-Franchisees, “An Educational Primer: A Best-Practice Approach to Designing, Developing, and Implementing Best-in-class, Mutually Beneficial Franchise Systems.”

AAHOA’s revised 12 Points of Fair Franchising continue our mission and commitment to educating AAHOA Members, helping to fulfill our vision to be the foremost advocate and resource for America’s hotel owners. Ultimately, the updated 12 Points reflect the current business landscape and the long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between industry Franchisors and Franchisees.

“Because of the changing business environment post-COVID-19 and the ever-evolving need to educate our members, it was time for AAHOA to revisit the 12 Points and review them carefully to ensure that they’re relevant and reflective of industry changes and evolution,” AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel said.

Released via a new landing page on AAHOA.com (AAHOA.com/12Points) and a new Resource Guide created specifically for AAHOA Member-Franchisees, AAHOA’s updated 12 Points serve as an educational primer for hospitality Franchisors and AAHOA Members (current and future hospitality Franchisees) to discuss and use to continue designing, developing, and implementing best-in-class, mutually beneficial franchise systems.

“In order to fulfill this mission, AAHOA created the 12 Points of Fair Franchising Ad Hoc Committee, which was tasked with recommending revisions to the 12 Points of Fair Franchising,” Patel said. “And I’m pleased to announce today that, with the help, support, and input of the 12 Points of Fair Franchising Ad Hoc Committee and the AAHOA Board of Directors, we’re releasing the updated 12 Points of Fair Franchising.”

AAHOA recognizes that brands are our business partners and through the update of the 12 Points of Fair Franchising, AAHOA aims to continue the open dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding of franchise best practices.

The revised 12 Points can also be used by Franchisors to better understand the needs of their industry partners and Franchisees.

“I recommend every AAHOA Member-Franchisee review the 12 Points in their entirety to familiarize themselves with the content and best practices for fruitful Franchisee-Franchisor relationships and to better understand the provisions in franchise agreements,” Patel said.

ABOUT THE 12 POINTS
In 1998, AAHOA identified certain best practices for the hospitality franchise system. AAHOA called those best practices the 12 Points of Fair Franchising (“12 Points”). AAHOA has continuously updated the 12 Points to reflect business changes and the long-term, mutually beneficial relationship between industry Franchisors and Franchisees. The revised 12 Points continue this mission as an educational primer for hospitality Franchisors and AAHOA Members (current and future hospitality Franchisees) to discuss and use to continue designing, developing, and implementing best-in-class, mutually beneficial franchise systems.

ABOUT AAHOA
AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

We are pleased to announce our Young Professional Hoteliers session topic and speakers for AAHOACON22! As travel settles into the new post-pandemic normal, our industry has been predicting that this year will be the year hotel owners will be eager to buy and sell. Join us for “Development 2.0 – How to Take Property Development & Acquisition to the Next Level” (3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 13) as Justin Knight, CEO, Apple Hospitality REIT, and Jay H. Shah, CEO, Hersha Hospitality Trust, uncover what segments currently dominate the market and the best development and acquisition opportunities to capitalize on in 2022 and beyond.

Meanwhile in a message, AAHOA Chairman, Vinay Patel stated: “AAHOACON22 is less than 20 days away. One of the top perks of this year’s convention is the wealth of new knowledge, inspiration, and connections you will make in Baltimore next month.

I am pleased to announce that Justin Knight, CEO of Apple Hospitality REIT, and Jay H. Shah, CEO of Hersha Hospitality Trust, are the guest speakers for the Young Professional Hoteliers Session on Wednesday, April 13 at AAHOACON22. Knight and Shah will discuss the current market landscape and development and acquisition opportunities.

AAHOA also is excited to have as a part of the impressive speaker lineup Tori Emerson Barnes, Public Affairs and Policy Executive Vice President of U.S. Travel Association, Cindy Estis Green, CEO & Co-Founder of Kalibri Labs, and Tyler Morse, Chairman & CEO of MCR Hotels. You will not want to miss out on what they’ll share with attendees during our General Sessions.

This year’s convention promises to be an unforgettable experience. It will open with a Welcome Reception at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. The celebration will continue midweek when American-born Bollywood singer Jeffrey Iqbal headlines the Block Party at Power Plant Live!. Indian superstar playback singer/actor Shaan will help us end AAHOACON22 on a high note when he takes the stage for the closing Gala. Don’t miss the excitement – register today!

But the fun doesn’t stop after AAHOACON22 – we have a lot of excellent events coming up after, including two Regional Conferences and a charity golf tournament in May. Check out our upcoming events and make plans to join us.

The credentialing process for the 2022 AAHOA Elections starts on Monday, March 28 and ends April 8. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to update your profile in MyAAHOA today and avoid delays in credentialing. To ensure you are prepared and ready to vote in the 2022 Elections, visit the new Elections Resource Center on AAHOA.com, a hub for election information, including this step-by-step video to show you how to get started. I am proud to serve our members alongside Team AAHOA.”

With current labor challenges, price increases, pandemic-related construction delays, and more, the current landscape leaves much to the unknown. This informative session will discuss this new landscape and teach strategies on how to navigate property development and acquisition in this new era. Don’t miss it! Register today!

Two weeks ago, Russian military forces under the guidance of President Putin began an unprovoked and unjustified attack on the Ukrainian people. Today, more than two million people have fled Ukraine, with as many as five million expected to be displaced as Russian troops continue to advance toward major cities.

The thoughts and prayers of AAHOA Members, Americans, and the entire world are with the Ukrainian people as they suffer through this tragic humanitarian crisis. “Seeing the news – images and videos of Ukrainian people in bomb shelters, fleeing their homes, and crowding train stations to get to safety – is incredibly upsetting,” AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel said. “And I know AAHOA Members also are in shock and disbelief about this premeditated war, which is undoubtedly bringing incredible human suffering to the innocent people of Ukraine.”

It’s in times of need and suffering that our industry can really make an impact. A new initiative, #HospitalityHelps, has the single goal of providing temporary hotel accommodation to Ukrainian residents who are forced to leave their homes as a result of the war.

“The hospitality industry has always been one to step up in times of need,” Patel said. “The HospitalityHelps initiative is a true testament to what can be accomplished when we work together to help those who are suffering.” HospitalityHelps is currently connecting families on the run from the war in Ukraine with hotel owners across the world providing free hotel stays. “At the end of the day, people just need to feel safe. They need a roof over their heads and a place to call home while their country is experiencing extreme unrest,” Patel said. “This is the very foundation of the hotel industry and what hotel owners strive to do each and every day: provide solace and peace for those who need rest and a safe place to stay.”

AAHOA Members and our community of hoteliers are stepping up to help the refugees affected by this senseless act of aggression. We encourage anyone who can make donations or contributions to help the refugees affected by the war at hospitality-helps.org. Alternatively, here’s a list of the top-rated charities to help the Ukraine relief effort. AAHOA Members continue to pray for the strong, brave people of Ukraine and will continue providing any help possible as the situation progresses.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the nation, with Member-owned properties representing a significant part of the U.S. economy. AAHOA’s 20,000 members own 60% of the hotels in the United States and are responsible for 1.7% of the nation’s GDP. More than one million employees work at AAHOA member-owned hotels, earning $47 billion annually, and member-owned hotels support 4.2 million U.S. jobs across all sectors of the hospitality industry. AAHOA’s mission is to advance and protect the business interests of hotel owners through advocacy, industry leadership, professional development, member benefits, and community engagement.

Despite the challenges the past two years have wrought upon the travel industry, our love for travel has never waned as travel optimism and hope for recovery remains high. Travel platform Booking.com announces the recipients of its tenth annual Traveller Review Awards, including the 2022 Most Welcoming Places on Earth.

Kerala has topped the list once again as the �Most Welcoming Region’ in India followed by Goa and Puducherry. Palolem, Agonda, Mararikulam, Thekkady and Varkala are the top five �Most Welcoming Cities’ in India. The awards also highlight hotels as the most welcoming accommodation type by Indians followed by homestay, resort, guesthouse and apartments.

2022’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth

From iconic architectural wonders to pristine natural beauty, the 2022 Most Welcoming Places on Earth span the globe and offer travellers a range of memorable travel experiences. The 2022 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth include Gorenjska (Slovenia) followed by Taitung County (Taiwan) and Tasmania (Australia). Booking.com also revealed the top 3 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth which include Matera (Italy), Bled (Slovenia) and Taitung City (Taiwan). In terms of places to stay, Italy leads the pack with the most accommodations being recognized with a 2022 award (162,272), followed by Spain (93,130) and France (89,186). India (9062) ranked ahead of Colombia (8082), New Zealand (7355), Taiwan (7350), and Chile (7267).

2022’s Most Welcoming Cities and Regions in India

Looking at the properties receiving the Traveller Review Awards 2022, Booking.com has also revealed the Most Welcoming Cities and Regions in India for travellers to experience the best in hospitality and friendliness whenever it’s safe again to do so. Three out of five destinations from Kerala are a part of the Most Welcoming Cities in India. From Palolem (Goa) and Agonda (Goa) to Mararikulam (Kerala) and Thekkady (Kerala), these places reveal the love for coastal getaways by Indian travellers. While South India dominated the most welcoming regions list in India, Himachal Pradesh also made it to the top five Most Welcoming Regions in India in 2022.

Most Welcoming Cities in India Most Welcoming Regions in India

Palolem (Goa) Kerala

Agonda (Goa) Goa

Mararikulam (Kerala) Puducherry

Thekkady (Kerala) Rajasthan

Varkala (Kerala) Himachal Pradesh

Most Welcoming Accommodation Types in India

Another year in a row, hotels take the top spot in the Traveller Review Awards 2022 as the most-awarded property type in India, with 3644 partners being recognized for their efforts. Homestays take the second spot with 1141 properties being honoured, followed by resorts, guest houses and apartments.

Ritu Mehrotra, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said, “As travel dynamics continue to change, it’s heartening to see the love travellers have expressed for the destinations as recognized by Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2022. The travel industry has continued to remain vigilant and flexible in light of the uncertainty and travel restrictions, and we acknowledge the passion and dedication of our partners in creating safe and welcoming travel experiences, enabling travellers in having beautiful experiences our world has to offer. As we navigate through the current travel environment, we are looking towards the future with renewed optimism and hope, and with these awards, we recognize the incredible hospitality our partners deliver to travellers each and every day and thank them for their amazing devotion as we continue to rebuild together.”

Here are top 10 most retirement friendly states in the U.S.

That Florida is the No. 1 destination for Americans to retire, according to recent data collected by WalletHub, may not be a shock. Interestingly, though, the Sunshine State is followed closely by two lesser-known retirement destinations.

Researchers at the personal-finance website analyzed all 50 states using stats from the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other entities. The analysis ranked locales on a 100-point scale across three metrics: affordability, quality of life, and health care.

Virginia and Colorado ranked second and third, just behind Florida, the research shows. Both outrank it when it comes to health care, and both have comparable costs of living.

Based on the WalletHub findings, here are the top 10 most retirement-friendly U.S. states, based on their overall score. Their state rankings in individual metrics including affordability, quality of life, and health care.

9. New Hampshire (tie)

Total score: 54.17    
Affordability: 34
Quality of life: 2
Health care: 8

How much money do I need to start investing?

Many experts recommend the 50-30-20 rule. Learn more here.

9. Arizona (tie)

Total score: 54.17    
Affordability: 15
Quality of life: 32
Health care: 24

8. Utah

Total score: 54.23    
Affordability: 19
Quality of life: 20
Health care: 26

7. Montana

Total score: 54.44    
Affordability: 14
Quality of life: 18
Health care: 31

6. North Dakota

Total score: 54.51    
Affordability: 25
Quality of life: 16
Health care: 16

5. Minnesota

Total score: 55.85    
Affordability: 36
Quality of life: 3
Health care: 1

4. Delaware

Total score: 56.34    
Affordability: 6
Quality of life: 35
Health care: 15

3. Colorado

Total score: 59.27    
Affordability: 11
Quality of life: 21
Health care: 4

2. Virginia

Total score: 59.32    
Affordability: 9
Quality of life: 7
Health care: 13

1. Florida

Total score: 59.41
Affordability: 4
Quality of life: 5
Health care: 27

Watch out for ‘additional surprises’ when considering where to retire

Retirement may mark the end of your career, but it’s not the end of financial security considerations. If you’re worried about having enough for the future, moving to a lower-cost state could help your money last.

In the top three states on the list, the lower cost of living is a big draw. In the popular retirement city of Orlando, Florida, for example, the cost of living is 5% lower than the national average. In Richmond, Virginia, it’s 4% lower, and in Colorado Springs, Colorado, costs are 6% lower.

Keep in mind, however, how your other expenses may change. While “the cost of living in Florida can be cheaper than where you’re coming from, “especially if you are moving from a high-cost area, say, New York City,” says John A. Kilpatrick, Ph.D., managing director at real estate company Greenfield Advisors, “the typical salaries are lower as well,” which could be a concern if you decide to keep working.

“Plus, there [could be] some additional surprises,” he adds.

For example, in Florida, “you have to own a car. If you are coming from an area where auto usage is uncommon, you are going to have quite a shock. Mass transit is almost unknown,” he says.

Home prices in Florida, as well as in Virginia and Colorado, are above the norm. Compared to the national average of $320,662, according to Zillow, Florida homes are a slightly higher $342,077, while homes in Virginia and Colorado average $348,835 and $536,839, respectively.

While taxes or other costs may be lower in one place than another, Marcia Socas, a real estate broker in Central Florida, previously told Grow, look at all “facets of your expenses,” in order to avoid “saving in one area and spending significantly more in another.”

Don’t forget about your quality of life

Being happy where you are is a big deal. Before committing to a new place, experts suggest you visit or rent for a while to see if you like it. The right choice takes research and includes many personal factors other than money, like proximity to family and friends.

Only you can determine the best retirement destination for you in terms of satisfaction.

U.S. hotel demand as well as average daily rate (ADR) on a nominal basis will near full recovery in 2022, according to the upgraded forecast just released by STR and Tourism Economics at the 43rd Annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference. Additionally, revenue per available room (RevPAR) on a nominal basis is projected to be fully recovered in 2023.

“We have essentially moved up the top-line recovery timeline by one year, with the caveat that improved RevPAR projections are largely due to ADR,” said Amanda Hite, STR’s president. “ADR has risen more rapidly than we expected—in some cases, that rise was due to strong demand confronting capacity constraints, which enabled solid revenue management, while in other cases, the rise was more influenced by inflation. When adjusted for inflation, RevPAR is further off the pace and will likely remain below 2019 levels until at least 2025. Other than the first quarter of 2021, demand has mostly adhered to the forecast with strong leisure travel, slowly improving group business and an expected progressive increase in international arrivals next year. Of course, these are all national projections of top-line performance. Recovery is not playing out the same across the marketplace, and as noted in our latest monthly P&L release, the cost of labor is adding pressure on the bottom line, which is a contributing factor to many hotels driving rate. Recovery is progressing at a solid rate no doubt, but there will still be plenty of ups and downs along the way.”

“Travel activity entered the fall with strong momentum. With improving public health conditions and sustained economic recovery, additional business and group travelers are expected to join leisure travelers, supporting further gains next year,” said Aran Ryan, Tourism Economics director. “The demand recovery, coupled with successful revenue management, has supported resilient hotel pricing, helping shorten the time it will take to recover 2019 revenue levels.”

STR provides premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights for the global hospitality industry. Founded in 1985, STR maintains a presence in 15 countries with a corporate North American headquarters in Hendersonville, Tennessee, an international headquarters in London, and an Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore. STR was acquired in October 2019 by CoStar Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSGP), the leading provider of commercial real estate information, analytics and online marketplaces. For more information, please visit str.com and costargroup.com.

Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company, focuses on the intersection of the economy and travel sector, providing actionable insights to our clients. We provide our worldwide client base with direct access to the most comprehensive set of historic and forecast travel data available. And our team of specialist economists develops custom economic impact studies, policy analysis, and forecast models.

India began on Monday, November 15th allowing fully vaccinated foreign tourists to enter the country on regular commercial flights, in the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions as infections fall and vaccinations rise.

Tourists entering India must be fully vaccinated, follow all COVID-19 protocols and test negative for the virus within 72 hours of their flight, according to the health ministry. Many will also need to undergo a post-arrival COVID-19 test at the airport.

However, travelers from countries which have agreements with India for mutual recognition of vaccination certificates, such as the U.S., U.K. and many European nations, can leave the airport without undergoing a COVID-19 test.

This is the first time India has allowed foreign tourists on commercial flights to enter the country since March 2020, when it imposed one of the toughest lockdowns in the world in an attempt to contain the pandemic. Fully vaccinated tourists on chartered flights were allowed to enter starting last month.

It comes as coronavirus infections have fallen significantly, with daily new cases hovering at just above 10,000 for over a month.

To encourage travelers to visit India, the government plans to issue 500,000 free visas through next March. The moves are expected to boost the tourism and hospitality sector which was battered by the pandemic.

“The pandemic devastated the industry but things will return to normal once foreign tourists start to arrive,” said Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India.

Mayal said coastal states like Kerala and Goa in the country’s south and Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in the Himalayan north are already witnessing a surge in domestic tourists. All four states are heavily dependent on earnings from tourism, and Mayal said foreign travelers scheduling their visits there would also help lift the local economy.

“Tourism is a very resilient industry and the upcoming season looks very promising. We are hopeful of generating more jobs than we lost during the pandemic,” she said.

With more than 35 million reported coronavirus infections, India is the second-worst-hit country after the U.S. Active coronavirus cases stand at 134,096, the lowest in 17 months, according to the health ministry.

Nearly 79% of India’s adult population has received at least one vaccine dose while 38% is fully vaccinated. The federal government has asked state administrations to conduct door-to-door campaigns to accelerate the vaccine campaign.

Fewer than 3 million foreign tourists visited India in 2020, a drop of more than 75% from 2019, when tourism brought nearly $30 billion in earnings.

Akshaya Patra USA Board Members on Philanthropy, Innovation and More on Chai With Manju

Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest non-governmental organization (NGO) or not-for-profit organization school meal program, providing hot, nutritious lunches to over 1.8 million children in 19,257 schools across India daily.

Akshaya Patra’s US arm, Akshaya Patra USA, engages thousands of volunteers and donors in the United States to raise funds and awareness in support of the foundation’s mission.

In an exclusive video interview on Chai With Manju, members of the Board of the Akshaya Patra USA, talk about why have assumed leadership roles Akshaya Patra USA, what are their expertise that helps in the growth of the organization and its future plans. They include Desh Deshpande, Chairman Emeritus; Siva Sivaram, Chairman; Srivatsan Rajan, Vice Chairman; Rajiv Jain, Interim CEO; Dr Rachna Kulkarni, BV Jagadeesh  and Roopa Makhija. Prominent among those ionterviwed by Dr. Seth include: Gururaj “Desh” Deshpande, Chairman Emeritus; Siva Sivaram, Board Chairman; Srivatsan Rajan, Vice Chairman; Rajiv Jain, Interim CEO; Dr. Rachana Kulkarni, MD, Board Member; Roopa Makhija, Board Member; and, B.V. Jagadeesh, Board Member.To watch the full interview, please click here, or on the image below.

The world’s biggest and tallest Ferris wheel opened to the public last week  in Dubai. Located on Bluewaters Island and offering views of the Dubai skyline, the Ain Dubai stands at around 820 feet tall and required around 11,200 tons of steel to build, according to their website.

To put that into perspective, the London Eye — one of the largest observation wheels in the world and one of the most well-known — is only around 440 feet tall. The High Roller in Las Vegas, which had held the title of tallest Ferris wheel in the world for nearly a decade, is around 550 feet tall.

The Ain Dubai also takes the cake when it comes to record number of passengers able to ride at the same time, with its seating capacity sitting at 1,750 (the High Rollers’ is 1,120) and each (mercifully air-conditioned cabin) able to hold a max of 40 riders. But a ride on this wheel won’t be as quick as say, a spin at your local county fair; one full rotation on the Ain Dubai takes around 38 minutes. Luckily, food and beverages from concession stands on the ground are allowed for the ride, including drinks from the bar.

During the opening night events on Thursday and Friday, the wheel was lit up at night and visitors were treated to a fireworks show, according to a press release.

It’s a celebration that was reportedly a long time coming. Officials in Dubai first gave developers the greenlight to build the record-breaking ride in 2013, as part of a larger project to increase tourism in the area, The Telegraph reports.

After a series of delays, the wheel was originally slated to make its debut last year, but organizers had to revise those plans due to COVID-19, according to another Ain Dubai website

America’s hoteliers welcomed the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) announcement of a much-needed expansion of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that will provide small business owners with additional resources as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to hinder the nation’s economic recovery. For the past several months, AAHOA advocated with the Biden administration

Since the start of the pandemic, AAHOA worked with the SBA, key congressional committees, and individual Members of Congress to advocate for more relief when it comes to an increase in EIDL caps and parity between the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and EIDL with regards to a waiver of the affiliation rules. The EIDL program provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. These loans help businesses cover financial obligations and operating expenses they otherwise would have met if not for a disaster.

The EIDL enhancements announced by SBA include:

Raising the threshold up to $2 million per property

Raising the aggregate loan cap up to $10 million

A waiver of affiliation rules (permits assistance at multiple properties)

A waiver of the credit-elsewhere requirement

Priority for NAICS Code 72 businesses

A 30-year fixed amortization period with a low 3.75% interest rate

Funds can now be used to pay down prior commercial debt and make monthly payments toward federal debt (including principal and interest payments) “This is a significant achievement for the lodging industry and small businesses across the country,” said AAHOA Chair Vinay Patel. “The lodging sector is not projected to recover until late 2023 or early 2024, but the continued spread of the Delta variant is stalling the economic recovery. These changes to the EIDL program will free up additional resources for small businesses that are still struggling.”

“We applaud President Biden and SBA Administrator Guzman for taking these critical steps to strengthen small businesses and protect the foundations of our economy,” said AAHOA Interim President & CEO Ken Greene. “From the jobs they create to the businesses they support, hotels are economic engines in communities across the nation. These EIDL enhancements will ensure that hoteliers can keep the lights on and continue to welcome guests as we work towards recovery.”

Tomorrow, September 10, at 1:00 PM EDT, AAHOA will host a webinar about the updates to the EIDL program. A panel of SBA officials will discuss the changes and field questions from participants. To register for the webinar, click here.

AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world. The nearly 20,000 AAHOA Members own 60 percent of hotels in the United States. With billions of dollars in property assets and over one million employees, AAHOA Members are core economic contributors in virtually every community. AAHOA is a proud defender of free enterprise and the foremost current-day example of realizing the American dream.

In an effort NOT to have to shut their doors again after a year-long closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, NYC’s Michelin Star Indian restaurant, Junoon, has taken some radical measures to ensure the safety of their guests. Having reopened last month with a new look, new concept and the same team, the restaurant has invested the same passion into their dining room as they do in their dining experience — by installing ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) units made by Sufi Robotics, a leading manufacturer of tested and researched UV equipment, to purify the air around the building. Adding ultraviolet air purification devices to an existing HVAC system provides a high return on investment, while destroying 99.9% of the viruses, bacteria and other pathogens by disinfecting the air as it circulates through the ventilation system.

UVGI technology uses UVC light to naturally clean air and surfaces without harmful and harsh chemicals. Although not a new technology, UV sanitization has renewed interest because it is a “green” solution. Sufi Robotics Air+Surface UVGI technology has been used in countless buildings with a full range of systems in place. In the past six months, schools, colleges restaurants, hotels and event venues, from Lincoln Center to the Refinery Hotel to Kearny Bank to the County of Gloucester, have made their environment healthier and more sustainable through UGVI and other CDC, EPA, FDA-approved, N-list applicable, organic solutions provided by Sufi Robotics.

Junoon is a contemporary restaurant offering dining experiences to satisfy all aspects of fine cuisine: wine selection, service, ambiance, and atmosphere. Earning both a Michelin star and a Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence for eight consecutive years since opening in 2010. Our menu reflects the diversity of India, steeped in the classics while offering deft touches of modernity. Our wine programs are constructed to pique the interest of the novice yet be alluring to the enthusiast and to focus on regions that best compliment our cuisine. Our service style emphasizes hospitality with knowledgeable, technically proficient staff who are present yet unobtrusive. The result is a vibrant and trendsetting scene, full of energy and sophistication. Junoon is a place of gathering, a place of celebration, a place for business, and a place for pleasure.

Sufi Robotics is an industry leader in air and surface disinfection using UVC light technology and List N compatible devices to help mitigate risk from bacteria, viruses and germs.  UVC light is a “green” alternative, offering a natural solution for disinfection, and has been used in a variety of applications such as food, air and water purification since the mid-20th century. Sufi Robotics is responding to the demand for sanitation because health and safety, previously taken for granted, are now top-of-mind for everyone, thus providing a solution to challenges impeding the resumption of normal activities. For more on Sufi Robotics, a certified, woman and minority-owned business, please visit www.sufirobotics.com.

People who experienced Taj Hotels hospitality have always recommended it as a must-visit, at least once.  It is, after all, one of the world’s most lavish hotel chains offered by the Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), South Asia’s largest hospitality company. Now, its quality and hospitality have been acknowledged at the international level as Taj has been rated the Strongest Hotel Brand in the World by Brand Finance. The Taj has been rated as the ‘Strongest Hotel Brand in the World’ by Brand Finance, a leading brand rating consultancy. The hotel is part of Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL)—the largest hospitality group in South Asia, with 221 hotels in its portfolio. The latest ranking is part of the Brand Finance’s ‘Hotels 50 2021’ annual report, which ranks hotels across the world on brand value. Taj

Taj received an overall Brand Strength Index of 89.3 out of 100, with a corresponding AAA rating for customer familiarity, employee satisfaction and corporate reputation as well as its world-class customer service.Renowned for its world-class customer service, the luxury hotel chain scores very well in our Global Brand Equity Monitor for consideration, familiarity, recommendation, and reputation especially across its home market of India,” the report says. The report also focused on Taj’s R.E.S.E.T 2020 strategy that enabled the brand to effectively deal with pandemic-related issues.

A series of steps taken by Taj contributed to the brand’s re-entrance into the Brand Finance ranking for the first time since 2016 in 38th spot on its ‘Top 50 most-valued brands’ list In a major boost to the Indian hospitality industry, Indian Hotels Company’s (IHC’s) iconic brand Taj was named the ‘Strongest Hotel Brand in the world’ by brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance in its annual ‘’Hotels 50 2021′ report. Taj scored an overall Brand Strength Index of 89.3 out of 100, with a corresponding top rating for ‘customer familiarity, employee satisfaction and corporate reputation as well as its world-class customer service’, according to the Brand Finance report.

PuneetChhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Indian Hotels Company, said, “This is a proud moment for the Indian hospitality industry on the global stage. Taj being rated as the World’s Strongest Hotel Brand is a testament to the unwavering trust our guests have consistently placed in us and the warmth and sincere care our employees have embodied day-after-day”. In addition to measuring overall brand value, Brand Finance said it also evaluates the relative strength of brands, based on factors such as marketing investment, customer familiarity, staff satisfaction, and corporate reputation. According to these criteria, Taj with a brand value of $296 million, is the world’s strongest hotel brand, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.3 out of 100 and a corresponding ‘AAA’ brand strength rating.

Taj luxury hotel chain scored very well on Brand Finance’s ‘Global Brand Equity Monitor’ for consideration, familiarity, recommendation, and reputation especially across its home market of India. Taj’s successful implementation of its 5-year plan – which focuses on selling non-core assets, becoming less ownership driven and reducing dependence on the luxury space – followed by the speedy adoption of its new R.E.S.E.T 2020 strategy, which provides a transformative framework to help the brand overcome the challenge of the pandemic, has contributed to the brand’s re-entrance into the ranking for the first time since 2016 in 38th spot, the Brand Finance report added.