Hospitality Recreation

Recovery tracker: Higher mobility, power generation as Covid cases decline

Traffic congestion is rising again in major cities

Recovery tracker: Retail, recreation visits hit pre-lockdown levels

Power generation also registers a surge; 20% higher than in 2019

Samsung launches Galaxy Active, Galaxy Fit, Galaxy Fit-e wearable in India

The Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Fit would be available across retail stores and Samsung Opera House starting June 25

Salad Days - The healthy food delivery start-up expands operations to Noida

There is good news for healthy and organic food lovers of Noida as Salad Days - the healthy food start-up recently expanded its operations in the city, after leading the market of healthy food in Gurgaon and South Delhi. Conceptualized by XLRI Jamshedpur alumnus, Varun Madan, "Salad Days" was founded with a vision to offer authentic salads as complete meals, and not just sides."Back in 2013, we realized that there is a clear white space in the market for genuine healthy food, which is tasty and filling too. The customers didn't have any clear option that served raw food as full meals. And the commonly available salads and subs were not healthy because they were loaded with creams and mayonnaise. Hence, we introduced an array of salads served with extra virgin olive oil based vinaigrettes - which are the right way to have them", said Varun, Founder, Salad Days.Over the years, they expanded their menu with other thought-through and relevant healthy categories like cold pressed juices, ..

French restaurant run by Argentine chef crowned world's best

French restaurant Mirazur run by Argentine chef Mauro Colagreco was Tuesday crowned the world's best restaurant at an awards ceremony put on by British trade magazine Restaurant. In second spot in the World's 50 Best Restaurants was Noma in Copenhagen, and in third was Asador Etxebarri in Spain. An ecstatic Colagreco called his team to the stage and exclaimed "Wow, wow, wow" after his victory was announced. "Thank you my team. You deserve it, all these years. Thank you friends for supporting us during these last 13 years," he said at the awards ceremony in Singapore. In fourth place was Bangkok's Gaggan, whose owner-chef Gaggan Anand has won praise for his modern spin on his native Indian cuisine. Restaurant magazine, owned by William Reed Media, launched the awards in 2002 and they are now as coveted by restaurants as Michelin stars, although the methodology used to select the best restaurants has faced criticism, especially from several French chefs who say it remains unclear. There

Number of foreigners coming to India for medical purposes doubled from 2015 to 2017: Govt

The number of foreigners arriving in India for medical purposes doubled from 2015 to 2017, Union Tourism Minister Prahlad Singh Patel told Parliament on Tuesday. In a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Patel said the number of such tourists was 2,33,918 in 2015 and 4,27,014 in 2016. In 2017, the minister said, the number was 4,95,056. "Realizing the potential to develop and promote Wellness and Medical Tourism as a niche product in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has formulated guidelines for the promotion of Medical Tourism," the Press Information Bureau quoted Patel as saying. In order to provide a dedicated institutional framework to take forward medical tourism, a National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board has been constituted, which works as an umbrella organisation that promotes this segment of tourism in an organised manner, the PIB said.

Haryana Cabinet de-notifies land for an irrigation scheme

The Haryana government Tuesday approved de-notification of about 1,000 acres of land acquired for the construction of Dadupur-Nalvi irrigation scheme in the state. A decision to this effect was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar here after the government foundthe scheme "unfruitful and totally nonviable", an official release said. The state government in 2017 had decidedto scrap the Dadupur-Nalvi irrigation scheme. The Cabinet decided that the original land owners and their legal heirs will return the compensation excluding solatium paid to them along with simple interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of receipt of compensation by them till the date of return of compensation by depositing the same with Land Acquisition Officer, Ambala. The Cabinet also decided to waive the simple interest for the landowner farmers who do not claim compensation. However, those landowners who seek compensation for usage and damages will have to ..

Not interested in getting certificates from BJP friends: Kumaraswamy on his 5-star hotel stay

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Tuesday hit out at BJP the for consistently trying to project him as a "five-star" Chief Minister by questioning his stay in a star hotel in Bengaluru."Have I submitted any expenditure bill to the government? It is my personal issue. I am not interested in getting a certificate from friends from BJP. I will work according to my conscience," here said here on being asked about his stay at a 5-star hotel in Bengaluru.Recently, it was reported that Kumaraswamy has been conducting official meetings from a five-star hotel for a year. The hotel is situated next to his allotted official home in Bengaluru.The Chief Minister has been facing flak from the opposition for his 'stay'.Senior BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa had cornered Kumaraswamy, asking him to give away his "five-star culture" if he really wants to be a representative of the people.On June 22, the Chief Minister, during his village stay campaign 'Grama Vastavya 2.0', had denied reports of him

DLF5's luxury project The Crest awarded LEED Gold Certificate by USGBC

DLF5 has backed yet another accolade to its name with its luxury condominium - The Crest being awarded the LEED Gold Certificate for its environment-friendly design by U. S. Green Building Council. USGBC will soon host a ceremony to award the certification and Green Plaque.LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is the most popular green building rating system in the world. Promoting healthy, efficient and cost-effective green buildings, LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainable development.The Crest has been awarded LEED Gold certification with 65 points (out of 110). With verdant resort-style landscaping, abundant recreational facilities and a grand clubhouse, The Crest at DLF5 has set a benchmark in luxury living. Designed to generate around 2 MW of solar energy, The Crest is one of the most environmentally friendly projects in India.Buildings have a substantial impact on the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. Buildings use ...

T'gana govt plans budget hotels in all districts, eyes more

The Telangana government has plans to develop budget hotels in all district headquarters and introduce boating facilities at lakes in order to attract more tourists, a senior official said. The Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) has written to the District Collectors seeking land for the proposed budget hotels to provide affordable accommodation to tourists, its Managing Director B Manohar told PTI. TSTDC currently offers accommodation with its Haritha chain of hotels and resorts in four districts. On upcoming development projects, the official said, "There are plans to introduce boating facilities at the reservoirs and launch initiatives towards developing adventure and water sports." "We are also planning to start cruise service in reservoirs besides developing other facilities near river beds," he said. The state government also proposes development of areas close to the prestigious Kaleswaram irrigation project in Jayashankar Bhupalapally ...

Phoenix Shopping Festival: Get ready to indulge in Phenomenal Sale, Fascinating events, and Fantastic fun

/ -- India's biggest shopping festival spread across multiple cities is finally here The most phenomenal event of the year, The Phoenix Shopping Festival, is finally here, unleashing one-of-its-kind, massive, nationwide extravaganza. All eight iconic Phoenix malls located across six cities are hosting the most unbelievable sales this year - Phoenix Marketcity Kurla, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Lucknow, Bareilly and High Street Phoenix, Mumbai. The festivities begin with the End of Season Sale, kicking off June 20th and continuing until August 18th. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/927526/Phoenix_Shopping_Festival.jpg ) Great Deals: End of season Sale - Up to 60% off across 1000+ brands at 8 Phoenix Malls and 6 cities This sale season offers up to 60% off on more than 1000 Indian and international brands. The most popular brands, from luxury labels to premium names are participating in the fun and frolic. Brands such as Lifestyle, Mango, Marks & Spencer, Forever 21, Only, ...

Tourism in Leh facing tough time; hotels' occupancy 50 pc down

Tourism in Leh is going through a rough phase as tourist footfall has declined by over 50 per cent this year due to a host of reasons like Lok Sabha elections, curtailed flight services and late opening of Leh-Manali road, according to hotel industry players. Jammu and Kashmir's Leh district is among one of the favourite destinations for foreign tourists as nearly 50,000 people from abroad visited the land of high passes last year, tourism officials had said. Leh district, which is part of Ladakh region, houses over 100 hotels and guest houses to cater to foreign and domestic tourists besides trekkers. "There is a drastic fall in the arrival of tourists to Ladakh this year. There is nearly 50 per cent fall in tourist footfall in these months as compared to last year during the same period," hotelier Amrit Badam said. Amrit, whose company runs hotel and liquor business in Ladakh for the last three decades, blames much delayed opening of Leh-Manali road, security-related concerns in ...

Kashmiri cab driver returns bag to tourist with valuables worth Rs 10 lakh in it

A cab driver was hailed Monday for his honesty as he returned a lost bag carrying cash and jewellery worth Rs 10 lakh to its rightful owner, a tourist visiting Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. Tariq Ahmad found the bag, which also had three high-end mobile phones in it, at the Aharbal tourist spot in Shopian, officials said. The driver, after perusing the contents of the bag, expected a call on one of the three mobile phones to ensure that the rightful owner gets it back, the officials said. "He did not accept anything in return from the grateful tourists, " the officials said. Travel and tourism players hailed the driver's honesty saying he had made all Kashmiris proud.

Send consingments through GPS fitted vehicles; TEA

The Tirupur Exporters Association (TEA) Monday appealed to its members to send consignments through GPS fitted vehicles, following reports of looting of goods by a gang last week while being taken to Tuticorin port. In a statement, TEA president Raja M Shanmugham said goods sent through lorries to Tuticorin by four TEA members were stopped at Pandalkudi near Virudhunagar last week by a gang, which opened some cartons and took away material. The theft came to light during inspection at Tuticorin customs office, he said. Based on a complaint by an exporter, one man was arrested and under police custody, he said. Such incidents might have been happening for quite some time and had come to light only after the inspection by the customs department, he said. As consequences from buyers would be severe, including reputation and loss of future orders, TEA members should be cautious and arrange to send their goods only through GPS fitted vehicles, Shanmugham said. He also advised .

Green cover inside Red Fort complex increased to 52 acres: ASI

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has increased the green cover inside the Red Fort complex in the national capital from the previous 15 acres to 52 acres in the last one year. As a part of its drive to renovate and restore the Mughal-era monument, the ASI has also taken steps to preserve the historic Lahori Gate, the red sandstone walls, the glory of Chhatta Bazar and the hidden artworks on the ceiling. The illumination of Red Fort (external and internal) has been completed and the timing for the general public extended till 9 pm. "In a massive exercise over the last one year, the Archaeological Survey of India has given a complete new look to Red Fort. Earlier, the green space inside the fort complex was 15 acres and now, after the demolition of almost 400 structures built by the Indian Army after Independence which included residential quarters, sheds and other ancillary structures, an additional 37 acres have been added to it, taking the total green space inside the Red ..

'Illegal party' busted at parking of 5-start hotel in Delhi

The excise department has busted an illegal party organised at the basement parking of a five-star hotel in Lutyens' Delhi, an official said on Monday. According to the department, a large number of liquor and beer bottles have been seized from the spot in the raid that was conducted on Sunday night. "There was an arrangement for the gathering of 5,000 people at the party. The party's organisers did not have excise licence and non-duty paid liquor was being served. "Organisers lured people through social media platform to the party," the official said. The official said the department has initiated process of suspending the licence of the hotel for violations of excise rules. Earlier this month, the government had suspended excise licence of a night club situated inside the complex of another five star hotel for various violations, including serving liquor to underage customers.

Zago launches Cold Coffee and Cold Mocha in major cinemas, amusement parks

Zago is an urban lifestyle beverage brand with a wide range of craft coffees, chais and shakes designed keeping taste, health and convenience in mind.The company has recently introduced Zago Cold Coffee and Cold Mocha in PVR Cinemas and Carnival Cinemas across the country. The products have also been introduced in a number of theme parks including Imagica theme parks, WOW Water and Amusement Park in Noida, Kishkinta Water theme park in Chennai and Queensland Amusement Park in Chennai.The products have been very well received by consumers for its world-class product quality and packaging."The modern consumer is very discerning and looks for taste, convenience and health. Zago is excited about addressing these requirements through a range of products", said Sridhar Varadaraj, Founder and Managing Director at RiccoDelizioZago coffees are available in 3 variants - Cold Coffee, Cold Mocha and Cold Hazelnut Coffee. Chai has been introduced in an Iced Masala Chai version. Zago shakes are ...

One hundred eight feet tall statue of Vyas to be constructed

A detailed plan for the construction of 108-feet tall statue of Maharshi Ved Vyas, who is credited for classifying holy Hindu scripture Veda into four categories, has been unveiled in the Vyas Municipality of Tanhu disrict in western Nepal. The Tanhu district is believed to be the birth place of Vyas who is said to have authored Mahabharata in Vyas cave situated in the area. The proposed statue will be constructed at Shiva Panchyan temple area of Tanhu district in a bid to give a boost to religious tourism and attract tourists from Nepal and India. According to Deputy Mayor of Vyas Municipality Meera Joshi, a total of Rs 63 crore has been allocated for the project, which also includes construction of a home for senior citizens, a dharamshala, a research centre, a Yoga centre and a pond. As per the plan, 35,000 kg of copper will be utilised to construct the statue of Vyas.

Bike rally to promote tourism in J-K attracted participants from different parts of country

A group of 24 cyclists including three women Sunday reached here as part of a Mountain Terrain Bicycle (MTB) rally aimed at promoting adventure tourism and sports in Bhadarwah-Bani-Basholi (B-3) circuit in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. The cyclists, hailing from different parts of the country, were flagged off by Director Tourism Jammu Om Prakash Bhagat from Basholi in Kathua district on Saturday. Scheduled to cover 160-km long route in B-3 circuit, the rally was a joint venture of Tourism department, Bhadarwah Development Authority (BDA) and Lakhanpur Sarthal Development Authority (LSDA), the officials said. Besides five bikers from Kashmir and Jammu regions, the other participants were have come from Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkatta, Banglore, Pune, Mumbai and Kerala. The rally, first of its kind in this circuit, reached 13,400 feet high Chattar-Gali pass Sunday afternoon after night halt at Bani valley, the officials said, adding the biking enthusiasts will tour different high ...

Two tourists die as boulders hit them in HP's Kinnaur

Two tourists from Punjab died after rolling boulders hit their bike in Himachal Pradesh's tribal district of Kinnaur on Sunday morning, the police said. The deceased have been identified as Ishan and Sunil Kumar of Baltana in Zirakpur of Punjab's Mohali district, they added. Both the tourists were going to Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti on their bike when boulders hit them around 6 am at Kashang nullah, about ten kms away from Kinnaur's district headquarter Reckong Peo. The boulders rolled down from mountains when a group of tourists were passing through Kashang area, they added. The bodies have been sent to Reckong Peo Regional Hospital for postmortem, they added. Family members of the deceased have been informed.