Wednesday 24 August 2016

SHRI NITIN GADKARI TO LAUNCH ASIA’S LARGEST EXPO ON SMART MOBILITY IN MUMBAI


“Not Just New Roads But Creating Intelligent Transport Systems Is The Key To Addressing Urban Traffic Woes” – Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister Of Road Transport, Highways And Shipping, Government Of India
Shri Nitin Gadkari To Launch Asia’s Largest Expo On Smart Mobility In Mumbai

Mumbai: Asia’s largest International Expos on Smart and Safe Mobility-TrafficInfraTech Expo and ParkingInfraTech Expo will be flagged off on September 1 by the Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Nitin Gadkari at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. After the 2nd edition in 2012 in Mumbai, the expo is returning to the City.

The Expo is India's only and unique platform for connecting the Traffic & Parking industry with the Governments, Policy Makers, Enforcement Authorities and Infrastructure Developers. The Expo will exhibit the latest and most innovative solutions in Traffic and Parking management at the three-day event.

“Not just new roads but creating intelligent transport systems is the key to addressing urban traffic woes. The MoRTH will select only the best technology available in the world for the construction of road infrastructure and has made a decision that within its cost, one per cent will demarcated for road safety like surveillance cameras, signal systems and road marking,” says Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Road Transport & Highways and Shipping,  Government of India.

The Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Public Works (excluding Public Undertakings), Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri Chandrakant Patil will be the Guest of Honour for the event launch and Transport Minister, Govt. of Maharashtra, Shri. Diwakar Raote will be the Guest of Honour for the following day.

Over 150 exhibitors from over 20 countries including USA, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Netherland, Denmark, Hong Kong, Italy, UK, Korea, China, Hungary, and Sweden among others will be showcasing the latest in Traffic Infrastructure, Management and Technology, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), Tolling, Safety & Security, and Mass transport. Interestingly, more than 25 exhibitors will be showcasing new technologies for the first time in India at this show.

Government of India plans to invest Rs. 25 lakh crore in critical transportation sectors in the next few years. The National Transport Policy of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways underlines the importance of ITS technologies including electronic tags and automatic toll collection. Globally too, ITS market has witnessed substantial growth over the last five years and is further expected to grow at a CAGR of over 11 per cent in the coming years.

“An exponential increase in the number of vehicles in the city has led to several issues that a commuter has to face each day. Besides stagnating traffic during peak hours, cases of road rage and violation of traffic discipline have become increasingly common. Increasing or widening roads is not going to offer the solution to remedy this, but adopting intelligent traffic systems can,” says Mangala Chandran, Director, Virtual Info Systems (VIS) Group – Organisers of TrafficInfraTech Expo.

The 3-day conference will focus on many key issues and topics including Smart Roads & Highways; Urban Traffic Management; Parking Management; Effective Enforcement; Public Transport Operations Management. The conclave will witness the convergence of more than 50 Industry Leaders and Experts, Government officials, Traffic Experts, who will over the 3-days discuss, debate and deliberate with keynote presentations, panel discussions, case study presentations and much more.

“The Indian government understands the need for bringing in global technologies to the country and the expo is supported by both the State and the Central governments. The expo aims at bringing together all relevant verticals of the industry and offers its varied stakeholders the opportunity to synergise for a safe, evolved and progressive traffic culture in the country,” concludes Mr Jayaraman Nair, Chairman, VIS Group.


For further information, please visit http://www.trafficinfratechexpo.com/

Tuesday 23 August 2016

MAHESH CHAND RAJWAR APPOINTED GM OF LORDS RESORTS, SILVASSA


Mahesh Chand Rajwar Appointed GM of Lords Resorts, Silvassa


Mumbai: Lords Hotels & Resorts, one of the fastest growing hospitality chains in India has recently appointed Mr Mahesh Chand Rajwar as the General Manager (GM) of its property in Silvassa. The luxury resort has a 51 room inventory and a huge swimming pool at the centre of its property. The resort also hosts its in-house speciality F&B brands, Distil – the bar and Blue Coriander – multi-cuisine restaurant.

Prior to taking up the position with Lords Hotels & Resorts, Mr Rajwar was the General Manager for Country Inn and Suites, a property of Carlson Rezidor Hotels Group. Mr Rajwar brings to Lords over twelve years of experience in the hospitality segment that include stints with Taj, Trident and Club Mahindra, among others. Certified in Hotel Management & Catering Technology from American Hotel & Lodging Association and Oriental School of Hotel Management, Mr Rajwar has created a niche for himself in cost management, revenue generation, employee management and curbing attrition.

As the GM of Lords Resorts, Silvassa, he will be primarily responsible for driving revenue growth. In addition to the managerial and operational responsibilities, Mr Rajwar will also play an active role in streamlining the resort’s marketing activities.

Mahesh Chand Rajwar, GM,
Lords Resorts - Silvassa
“Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of the top hospitality brands in the mid-market segment in India today. By appointing me to one of its bigger properties, the top management has displayed confidence in my capability and I intend to meet their expectations. Besides, I have the experience of working at a resort property in Silvassa and have a fairly good judgement of the guest demographics and their expectations. Lords Hotels & Resorts stands for exhilarating hospitality and I intend to deliver this experience to my guests at Lords Resorts, Silvassa,” says Mr Mahesh Chand Rajwar.

About Lords Hotels & Resorts:
Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s fastest growing hospitality chain in the mid-market segment. Since the company’s inception in 2007, it has grown to be a chain of twenty-six hotels and resorts spread across seven states in India. A chain of distinguished and independently owned 3 and 4-star Hotels, Inns and Resorts, Lords is promoted as true value properties offering luxurious accommodations and full services at friendly prices.


For further information, please visit www.lordshotels.com

Friday 19 August 2016

CMC’S KALINGASTONE ADDS A NEW RANGE TO ITS ESCLUSIVA SERIES

Style & Function

CMC’s KalingaStone Adds A New Range To Its Esclusiva Series
Living Area with Canaletto (Ottomen Beige) on Floor and Paladio Grey on Wall

Mumbai, August 2016: KalingaStone – Classic Marble Company’s flagship brand for engineered stones has introduced four new members into its Esclusiva marble family viz. Otteman Beige, Raffaele, Paladio Grey and Tivoli. The new range is an exclusive custom-made collection for the modern residences and commercial areas and available in standard dimensions of 304 X 125 cm and thicknesses of 12 mm, 16mm and 18 mm.

The new series is a subtle union of traditional and modern designs and are available in classic shades
Double Height Living with Raffale on Floor and Stairs
of beige and grey. Slushy swirls are the characteristically distinct patterns in all of four varieties of the series. Combining technology, design and aesthetics the latest range are a visual treat and offer an exhaustive choice of applications.

As represented in the images, the Otteman Beige and the Raffale are typically installed as floors that dispense an air of elegance to the space while the Paladio Grey, as the wall with its dark accentuated swirls on the grey background works as a complimenting feature for the space. The Tivoli displays an uncanny resemblance to its Italian counterpart and is perhaps one of the few that are reminiscent with the stones used in Roman architecture. Not the Pantheon but in the contemporary context it could be installed in the bathroom as flooring, counter as well as the wall, as seen in the image.

Its characteristics of being less porous, more flexible and harder than natural marble make the marble an obvious choice for different types of interior and exterior applications like flooring, walls, counter-tops, etc. in commercial as well as residential areas.

Specs:
304 X 125 cm
Thickness: 12 mm, 16mm and 18 mm

For more info, please contact: 9699000300
Address: Classic Marble Company Pvt. Ltd.

15, Bhandup Village Road, Subhash Nagar, Bhandup (W), Mumbai 400078
Bathroom with Trivoli on Floor  Wall and Counter

Wednesday 17 August 2016

TIME TO REDEFINE HOUSEKEEPING

time to redefine housekeeping

Mumbai: Housekeeping, though the most vital activity of any hotel, is addressed as a “routine job” and is largely referred to as part of the administration department. The housekeeping team of every hotel is expected to ensure customer/guest satisfaction and maintaining cleanliness. But is housekeeping all about meeting customer requirements? Definitely not.

It is time to redefine the role of housekeeping and re position it in the corporate level.

The International Housekeepers’ Summit 2016, organized by Clean India Journal, to be held on August 27 and 28 at Sahara Star Hotel in Mumbai, India, will witness the convergence of over 200 executive housekeepers from across five countries to “Redefine Housekeeping in the Corporate Strategy”. Supporting this endeavor leading housekeepers’ associations -- Indian Professional Housekeepers Association, the Dubai Housekeepers Association, the Doha Housekeepers group and the Maldives Housekeepers' Association – have joined hands with Clean India Journal.

Right from leading a large team from the scratch to maintaining the entire premise to the desired brand level under a constrained budget, a housekeeper’s job is exceedingly difficult.

While leadership and managerial skills are the two essential wings of an executive housekeeper, what keep him/her out of the decision making body? Setting a framework on implementing the essential parameters – Sustainability, technology, training and procurement -- in the housekeeping department of the hospitality industry so that it can add to the bottom line and be addressed at the corporate level, the two-day interactive sessions will also open up avenues for networking, knowledge sharing, exchange of best practices and business development. Guiding the housekeepers in formulating a draft for the whitepaper on “Redefining Housekeeping”, General Managers and Procurement heads of leading hotels will join the session.

Some of the leading Experts from the corporate world speaking at the Summit include Ravi Valecha, Corporate Services-Vedanta; Anita Rodrigues, VP-Housekeeping-INOX Leisure Ltd; Sanjeev Singh, National Head for SCM, Cushman & Wake field; Stanley Britto, COO-FS, ISS Integrated Facility Services and Keith Monteiro, VP-Administration, Reliance Industries Ltd among others.

Besides, Presentations and Debate & Discussions, a Fashion Show on “Uniforms as a Corporate Statement” will be held during a gala evening of August 27. Executive Housekeepers are elated with the prospect of turning a new leaf in housekeeping.

"The Indian Professional Housekeepers’ Association takes upmost pride in being associated with Clean India Journal for the International Housekeepers’ Summit 2016 along with the other Housekeepers’ Associations of the world..." -- Vaishali Sinha, General Secretary - IPHA and Director Housekeeper, Meluha - The Fern, Mumbai.

"IHS 2016 underlines the strategy towards Housekeepers empowerment and its efforts to drive and facilitate global dialogue. We are looking forward to the IHS 2016 as it will not only showcase the latest trends in the cleaning industry but also deliver a powerful platform for new perspectives to key issues in our continuous strive to aspire Housekeeping Managers to take on a corporate role..." -- Tatjana Ahmed, General Secretary-Professional Housekeepers’ Group-Dubai and Housekeeping Manager, Grand Hyatt-Dubai.

"Maldives Housekeepers' Forum is pleased to associate with Clean India Journal for the International Housekeepers' Summit. The theme of IHS 2016 aims at different kinds of strategies in the housekeeping department of hospitality industry, with a new thrust on the latest trends in the cleaning aspects of housekeeping..." -- Hari Krishnan, General Secretary, Maldives Housekeepers Forum.

"The Doha Housekeepers' Group is excited to be associated with Clean India Journal for the International Housekeepers' Summit 2016. Strategies in the housekeeping department play a key role in developing a strong well-managed and experienced team, as this increases the efficiency of the operation and has a significant impact on the hotel’s profits... " -- Prabhat Shukla, General Secretary, Doha Housekeepers’ Group.

Thursday 11 August 2016

VADODARA MUNICIPAL CORPORATION ABOLISHES HEALTH LICENSE FOR HOTELS & RESTAURANTS


Vadodara Municipal Corporation Abolishes Health License For Hotels & Restaurants

HRAWI Hails Move; To Press For Curtailing Of Licenses Across Cities

Vadodara: In a landmark move the Vadodara Municipal Corporation has abolished health licences for hotels and restaurants operating in the city. According to a notification issued by the Corporation, Sanitary Health License under G.P.M.C Act was duplication as health and sanitation are already covered under Food & Safety Act 2006. “Central Govt and State Govt has in recent times been emphasizing on ‘ease of doing business’ and simplification of regulations to reduce difficulties faced by general public. Considering this matter, with immediate effect, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Ward Offices, Health Department, has cancelled issuance of Health License under Sec. 376 of G. P. M. C. Act, wherever license under Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 is required and issued,” states the notification.

Hailing the move as a milestone in the history of corporate India, The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI), the apex body representing hotels and restaurant across the western region of India has commended Vadodara’s new Municipal Commissioner and expressed hope that other cities will follow the precedent.

“For the last nine years we have been petitioning Municipalities across the Western Region for the exclusion of this particular license as it was a repetition and merely added to paper work and red tapism. The association welcomes the decision and appreciates the affirmative and expedited action of Mr. H.S.Patel, Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara,” says Mr Bharat Malkani, President, HRAWI.
As per law, when any Central law is applicable, then the provisions of that law prevail over local laws and any provisions in local laws up to that extent become inapplicable. The Central Govt. has issued notification to this effect under the Food Safety and Standard Act, 2006 and also remarked the same in a circular.

“The hotel industry is one of the most licensed industries in India and is required to obtain and maintain anywhere around 75 to 135 licenses, depending upon the outlet's layout. Over the past decade and more, it has been solely our Association that has been in liaison with the Government to remove redundant and overlapping condition licenses, where such duplications could have been easily done away with long ago,” says Mr Kamlesh Barot, past President, HRAWI.

The HRAWI has been at the forefront for working with the Government as part of inclusive governance. It has made several presentations at state levels including the idealistic, single window clearance system, which has in-principle received a nod from the authorities.

“As an Association working in conjunction with the Government, our objectives are an extension of our aim of serving the HRAWI members. In Mumbai too, it was HRAWI’s pioneering efforts for 24/7 operations and a vibrant nightlife, that the Government has almost adopted the centre’s model Shops & Establishment Act. We have also proposed alternatively, five Tourism Zones to the authorities to pilot the implementation of this new amendment in certain designated areas of the city, where tourism can be promoted without disturbing any residents, thus providing international level places of recreation in this metropolis. Likewise with the single window clearance system, HRAWI has presented to the Government the advantages of introducing online systems that will lead to the curtailing of bureaucracy and make processes swift, transparent and efficient for consumers and the authorities as well as for establishments to invest. We have big hopes from this Government and are positive that it will make the 'Ease of Business' a reality for industries like us,” concludes Mr Barot.

About Hotel & Restaurant Association Western India (HRAWI)
The Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) is a 66 years old Association of Hotels and Restaurants in Western India. Its members include smaller Hotels up to 5-Star Deluxe categories. The bulk of its members like any growth economy are made up of budget hotels. With around 1300 members across Western India, HRAWI covers Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Goa and the Union Territories of Daman, Diu & Silvassa, and is considered to be the voice of the Hotel Industry. The association is part of the national body of Federation of the Hotels & Restaurants Associations of India (FHRAI), located in New Delhi, which was originally founded in Mumbai in 1950 by the late Mr. J.R.D. Tata.


For more information about the association please visit: www.hrawi.com

Tuesday 9 August 2016

LORDS HOTELS & RESORTS OFFERS AN EXCLUSIVE MONSOON HOLIDAY PACKAGE AT ITS SPRAWLING RESORT IN SILVASSA

Silvassa Monsoon Escape

Mumbai: Lords Hotels & Resorts has introduced an attractive monsoon offer at its 51-room property in Silvassa. Launched with the objective of exploring the tourism potential of the otherwise industrial township, Lords Resorts - Silvassa will offer a 2nights / 3days package to its patrons. The Monsoon Holiday package will include welcome with bubbly drinks, a bottle of in-house wine in the room on arrival, live food demos, and an opportunity to cook with the chef. For movie buffs or for the one’s who’d prefer being indoors, the package also includes an unlimited access to the movie library along with bottomless popcorn tubs and beverages.

Lords Resorts, Silvassa aims at offering the best siesta experience one could enjoy in the mistiness of this season along with a unique dining experience with ongoing open air barbeques, choice of authentic Biryani combos among other food and beverage promotions in the evenings at the poolside.

Food: Multi-cuisine vegetarian and non- vegetarian specialties along with an open bar serving a wide range of beverages and snacks.

Amenities: Lords Resort Silvassa offers 51 luxurious accommodations with modern comfort and facilities. The rooms are replete with LCD TV, Wi-Fi, central air-condition, safe deposit lockers, mini bar, tea / coffee kettles among other services including Doctor on call and money exchange. The resort also houses a well-stocked bar branded Distil and Blue Coriander as a multi-cuisine restaurant. It also boasts of the largest banquet / conference hall for large group celebrations, a health center that’s equipped with a modern gym, spa, Jacuzzi and Sauna bath.

Complimentary: Food (Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner)

How to Reach: Located about 165 km from Mumbai, the resort almost touches the NH 8 (Western Express Highway), and Vapi is the nearest railway station at a driving distance of just 20 minutes.


Offers: 2 Nights / 3 Days

For Bookings call: 9376349504/888

Cost: Rs.3749/- + taxes per person per night

Places to see nearby: Swami Narayan Temple, Silvassa: 4km, Dudhni Water Park, Silvassa: 35km, Kauncha Tribal Village, Silvassa: 40km, Satmaliya Deer Park, Silvassa: 15km, Roman Catholic Church, Silvassa: 8km, Vasona Lion Safari, Silvassa: 14km, Tribal Cultural Museum, Silvassa: 6km, Vanganga Lake, Silvassa: 6km, Madhuban Dam, Silvassa: 8km, Dadra Park, Silvassa: 12km.