Escape to Luxury and Nature This Festive Season with Mookanana Resorts

As the festive season and long weekends approach, Mookanana Resorts invites you to experience a perfect blend of nature, luxury, and relaxation at two stunning destinations—Mookanana Jungle Resort and Spa, Sakleshpur and Elements by PnT Hotels. Mookanana Jungle Resort & Spa, Sakleshpur Nestled in the heart of Karnataka's breathtaking Western Ghats, this serene retreat spans 100 acres of lush coffee plantations, offering the ultimate escape for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts. Starting Price: ₹8,400 per night (for 2 adults) Highlights: Uniquely designed, elegant accommodations World-class spa and wellness treatments Nature trails, plantation tours, and tranquil surroundings Exclusive dining with a mix of local and international cuisine Elements by PnT Hotels For those seeking a tropical getaway with a festive flair, Elements by PnT Hotels offers a luxurious escape amid the picturesque Western Ghats. Highlights: Lakeside relaxation with upscale accommodations Access to pristine Mookana Mane waterfalls Infinity pool and exquisite Tulu & Mangalorean dining Vibrant New Year celebrations in a laid-back atmosphere Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat in the Western Ghats or a lively tropical experience, Mookanana Resorts ensures unforgettable holiday memories this festive season. Book your stay now and elevate your weekend or festive getaway with unparalleled comfort and natural beauty at Mookanana Resorts! For more details, visit mookanana.com and follow @mookananaresort on Instagram.Article contributed by Rakesh T Shankar, Bangalore, India.

The Unspoken Truth: Challenges Facing Hotel Management Education

BRIEF INTRUDUCTION TO MANAGEMENT Management studies encompass various disciplines that focus on Planning, Organizing, leading, and controlling of organizational goals. Indian Management studies guru one such leader lived from 350 to 275 B.C. and his teachings make sense for the business world today. This person was Chanakya. Chanakya wasn't just the advisor to a king, he was actually a king maker. He was a religious scholar, economics wizard, and military strategist, all rolled into one. KEY MANAGEMENT CONCEPT 1. Leadership 2. Motivation 3. Communication 4. Decision – Making 5. Problem Solving 7. Team Work 8. Innovation 9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 10. Emotional Intelligence All these management Syllabus Studies provides a foundation for understanding organizational behaviour, strategy, and operation, if you look at these qualities are needed to became Successful hospitality management Professional Hotel and Catering Management (HCM) is often perceived as less complex compared to traditional science or Social science degree like BSc (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Sociology, etc.). However this perception overlooks the unique challenges and complexities of the Hospitality Industry. WHY HOTEL and CATERING MANAGEMENT IS CONSIDERED MANAGEMENT STUDIES: Because the fact is Compare to any other studies HM Management courses are integrated to INTERDICIPLINARY APPROACH: Hotel Management Combines business, social science, and practical skills to manage hospitality operation SERVICE ORIENTED INDUSTRY: Hospitality requires managing human interactions, emotions, and experiences, making it inherently complex.  OPERATIONAL COMPLEXITY: Hotel and Restaurants involve managing multiple departments (Front Office, Food and Beverage Housekeeping, etc.). Supply chain and logistic  STRATEGIC DECITION – MAKING: HCM professional must balance financial, marketing, and operational strategies to ensure profitability 5.  LEADERSHIP AND TEAM WORK: Effective management of diverse teams, conflict resolutions, and leadership qualities are crucial ADAPTABILITY AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Hospitality professionals face unpredictable situations, requiring creative problem solving and adaptability COMPARING WITH TRADITIONAL DEGREES: While traditional degrees focus on theoretical foundations, Whereas HCM emphasizes practical application and hands on training  SIMILARITIES WITH OTHER MANAGEMENT STUDIES: Business principle: HCM shares commonalities with business management, marketing, and finance Organizational Behaviour: understanding human behaviour, motivation, and team work is essential  Strategic management: HCM professionals develop strategic plan to drive business growth  UNIQUE ASPECT OF HOTEL AND CATERING MANAGEMENT Service Quality management Customer Relationship management  Food and Beverage management  Event Management  Hospitality and law regulations  Therefore Hotel and Catering is indeed a management study that requires unique blend of business acumen, practical skill, and interpersonal expertise. While it may differ from traditional science or social science degrees, HCM presents its own set of complexities and challenges Hence it’s clear that Hotel Management studies Separating “FACT from Fiction” Hotel Catering Management (HCM) is NOT inherently simple or easy compare to any other degree The title “Management studies” reflect the interdisciplinary approach and strategic decision – making involved  HCM professional require a distinct set of skills, Knowledge and competencies to excel in the hospitality industry  Therefore, all I request my fellow student who joined to study Hotel Management –that you got an admission but, fact is Supply and demand elasticity plays, due to high demand of employment opportunities in this industry will never fade, If Admission criteria tighten with aptitude test then the level of this course may go high. Further those who join with inadequate idea of HCM read carefully request to understand the fact change yourself, “the truth About Hotel and Catering Management Education “Expectation vs Reality” if you fail to understand that may lead fail to concentrate your studies, that Difficult to meet the industry demands you may not be fulfil your dream in Hospitality Industry. I also request to NCHMCT accreditation and strict regulation, and the role of AICTE and UGC to take further step to promoting Hospitality, Hotel and Catering Management courses are rewarding career and find the way to reach out the bright students choose the course What will be the Conclusion and Solution? Raise the awareness: we must engage the people and acknowledge the Issue, I hope and believe my article may raise the awareness that, motivate the educators and policy maker to to implement reforms further I request the help in this noble cause. What is Management Studies? Why Do We Call Hotel and Catering Study Management? Brief Introduction to Management: Management studies encompass various disciplines focused on planning, organizing, leading, and controlling organizational goals. One of the earliest Indian management gurus was Chanakya, who lived between 350 and 275 B.C. His teachings remain relevant in today’s business world. Chanakya was not only an advisor to a king but also a kingmaker. He was a religious scholar, an expert in economics, and a military strategist, all combined into one. Key Management Concepts: Leadership Motivation Communication Decision-Making Problem-Solving Teamwork Innovation Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Emotional Intelligence These management concepts provide a foundation for understanding organizational behavior, strategy, and operations. If you look at these qualities, they are also essential to becoming a successful hospitality management professional. Hotel and Catering Management (HCM) is often seen as less complex compared to traditional science or social science degrees, such as BSc in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, or Sociology. However, this perception overlooks the unique challenges and complexities of the hospitality industry. Why Hotel and Catering Management is Considered a Management Study: Here are the reasons why Hotel and Catering Management is classified as part of management studies: Interdisciplinary Approach: Hotel Management combines business, social science, and practical skills to manage hospitality operations. Service-Oriented Industry: The hospitality sector requires managing human interactions, emotions, and experiences, making it inherently complex. Operational Complexity: Hotels and restaurants involve managing multiple departments, such as Front Office, Food and Beverage, and Housekeeping, along with supply chain and logistics. Strategic Decision-Making: HCM professionals must balance financial, marketing, and operational strategies to ensure profitability. Leadership and Teamwork: Effective management of diverse teams, conflict resolution, and strong leadership qualities are crucial. Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Hospitality professionals often face unpredictable situations, requiring creative problem-solving and adaptability. Comparing HCM with Traditional Degrees: While traditional degrees focus more on theoretical foundations, HCM emphasizes practical application and hands-on training. Similarities with Other Management Studies: Business Principles: HCM shares many principles with business management, marketing, and finance. Organizational Behavior: Understanding human behavior, motivation, and teamwork is essential in both fields. Strategic Management: HCM professionals develop strategic plans to drive business growth. Unique Aspects of Hotel and Catering Management: Service Quality Management Customer Relationship Management Food and Beverage Management Event Management Hospitality Law and Regulations Conclusion: Separating "Fact from Fiction" in Hotel and Catering Management: Hotel and Catering Management (HCM) is NOT inherently simple or easier compared to other degrees. The term “Management Studies” reflects the interdisciplinary approach and strategic decision making involved in HCM. HCM professionals require a distinct set of skills, knowledge, and competencies to succeed in the hospitality industry. To Students Pursuing Hotel Management: While you've secured admission into this field, understand that the high demand for employment opportunities in the hospitality industry ensures that the field will never fade. However, if the admission criteria, such as aptitude tests, are made stricter, the level of this course will rise further. For those who joined with little knowledge about HCM, I urge you to change your perception and understand the reality. Failure to grasp the complexities may lead to difficulties in meeting industry demands, and you may struggle to fulfill your dream in the hospitality sector. A Call to Action: I request NCHMCT accreditation bodies, AICTE, and UGC to take steps to promote Hospitality, Hotel, and Catering Management courses as rewarding careers. It's important to attract bright students to these courses. Conclusion and Solution: Raise Awareness: We must engage people and acknowledge the issues in this sector. I hope my article will raise awareness and motivate educators and policymakers to implement reforms. I invite everyone to join in this noble cause.

Sustainability - PRACTICE IN HOTEL INDUSTRY

"Today, wherever we attend any function, everyone talks about sustainability. However, I feel that most people associate sustainability primarily with environmental science and often fail to realize that it encompasses a broader range of areas. Sustainability also refers to the ability to continuously maintain or support various aspects over time, including in the way we conduct business. We must learn to improve our future development to ensure that resources and opportunities are available for future generations." To address the growing interest in sustainability, especially among students and professionals in the hospitality industry, it's essential to explore specific practices that hotels can adopt to align with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Here are some sustainable practices the hospitality industry can implement: Energy Efficiency: Hotels can install energy-efficient lighting (LEDs), use smart thermostats, and employ energy-saving appliances. Solar power and renewable energy sources are also great long- term solutions.  Water Conservation: Water-saving fixtures such as low-flow showerheads and faucets can reduce water consumption. Additionally, promoting towel and linen reuse programs for guests can further minimize water waste. Waste Reduction: Reducing food waste by monitoring inventory, encouraging sustainable sourcing, and donating leftovers to local communities can make a significant impact. Hotels can also minimize single-use plastics by offering alternatives like reusable cutlery and biodegradable packaging. Eco-friendly Products: Using eco-certified cleaning products and toiletries, and offering organic and locally sourced food options, aligns the hotel with sustainable goals. This helps reduce the hotel's carbon footprint and supports the local economy. Sustainable Building Design: Incorporating green building practices such as using recycled materials, maximizing natural light, and optimizing insulation can make the infrastructure more sustainable. Community Engagement: Supporting local communities through initiatives such as hosting environmental awareness events, engaging in local sustainability projects, and supporting local businesses can reinforce a hotel's social responsibility. Guest Education: Encourage guests to participate in sustainable activities by informing them about the hotel's sustainability initiatives, such as eco-friendly practices and offering carbon offset programs. These practices not only contribute to sustainability but also appeal to the growing demographic of environmentally conscious travelers. To address the growing interest in sustainability, especially among students and professionals in the hospitality industry, it's essential to explore specific practices that hotels can adopt to align with social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Here are some sustainable practices the hospitality industry can implement:  A) CONTINUE STAFF TRAINING   Continuing staff training is indeed crucial in the hotel industry, as staff are the backbone of any successful operation. Here's an expanded look at the significance of ongoing training and its long- term benefits: Enhancing Guest Experience Well-trained staff is more confident and capable of providing exceptional service, which directly impacts guest satisfaction. Guests are more likely to return to a hotel where they feel valued and safe, thanks to the professionalism and attentiveness of the staff. Repeat business is often driven by personal connections and trust built with long-serving employees, as guests appreciate familiarity and consistent service. Building Loyalty and Retention Continuous training helps staff stay engaged and motivated, reducing turnover rates. Employees who feel that their skills are valued and developed are more likely to remain loyal to the organization. Hotels benefit from retaining long-term staff, as familiar faces and experienced personnel contribute to a stable work environment and build trust with returning guests. Improving Safety and Security Safety and security are top priorities for guests. Ongoing training ensures that staff are up-to-date with the latest safety protocols, emergency procedures, and security technologies. When guests feel secure, it enhances their overall experience and encourages positive reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and repeat visits. Adapting to Industry Changes The hospitality industry is constantly evolving with new technologies, sustainability practices, and customer service trends. Continuous training keeps staff informed about these changes, allowing them to adapt and excel in their roles. For example, as hotels adopt more digital tools (like online check-ins, contactless payments, and guest apps), training ensures staff can operate these systems efficiently and assist guests smoothly. Cost vs. Long-Term Benefits Although continuous training requires an upfront investment, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs. Properly trained staff reduces operational errors, improve service quality, and contribute to a more seamless guest experience. The cost of recruitment and on boarding new employees is often much higher than retaining existing staff through on-going development. Training programs enhance staff loyalty, reducing turnover costs and preserving valuable expertise within the organization. Empowering Staff to Upsell and Enhance Business Well-trained employees are also better equipped to understand guests' needs and preferences, allowing them to upsell services such as room upgrades, spa treatments, and dining experiences. This not only enhances guest satisfaction but also increases the hotel's revenue. Confident staff members are more likely to recommend additional services in a way that feels genuine and helpful to guests.    Investing in continuous staff training is a long-term strategy that yields significant returns. It leads to higher guest satisfaction, improved safety, employee loyalty, and operational efficiency. Ultimately, it creates a positive feedback loop where satisfied staff led to satisfied guests, which in turn grows the business.  B.) VOCAL FOR LOCAL Supporting and engaging with the local community is a powerful strategy for hotels, as it fosters mutual growth and sustainability. Here’s how hotels can effectively collaborate with their local communities for long-term benefits: Building Trust and Confidence Engage with local suppliers: By sourcing products like food, beverages, and materials from local vendors, hotels can boost the local economy and ensure fresher, high-quality supplies. This also promotes the region’s identity and builds strong, lasting relationships with suppliers. Hire local talent: Prioritizing local recruitment not only provides jobs but also taps into the community's deep knowledge of the area, enhancing the guest experience by offering authentic insights into the local culture, traditions, and attractions. Promoting Sustainable Tourism Eco-friendly practices: Partnering with local businesses to implement sustainable tourism practices can reduce environmental impact. This might include collaborating on conservation efforts, supporting local farms that use sustainable agriculture, and promoting eco-friendly tours and experiences for guests. Cultural preservation: Working with local artisans and cultural groups to offer experiences, workshops, or crafts within the hotel helps preserve the community’s cultural heritage. Guests appreciate these authentic, locally-driven experiences, which enhances the hotel's unique appeal. Mutual Growth and Prosperity Boosting the local economy: A strong collaboration between hotels and local businesses promotes a cycle of mutual prosperity. The hotel benefits from unique, locally sourced products and services, while local businesses gain increased exposure and a steady flow of customers through hotel partnerships. Social responsibility: Supporting the community through charitable initiatives, such as sponsoring local events, contributing to local education or healthcare projects, and participating in local environmental efforts, strengthens the hotel’s image and establishes it as a socially responsible business.  Enhancing Guest Experience Local experiences and attractions: Partnering with local tour guides, adventure companies, and restaurants to offer guests exclusive deals or unique local experiences makes the hotel a gateway to the community. This encourages guests to explore the area, benefiting both the hotel and the local economy. Showcasing local talent: Hosting events featuring local musicians, artists, or chefs can provide memorable experiences for guests while promoting the talent of the region. This adds a distinctive flavor to the guest experience and supports local creativity. 5. Long-Term Sustainability Supporting local innovation: By engaging with local entrepreneurs and startups, hotels can be at the forefront of innovative, sustainable solutions. For example, working with local green energy providers, water conservation initiatives, or waste management startups not only benefits the environment but strengthens the hotel’s brand as a sustainable leader. Creating a loyal customer base: By aligning with local values and supporting the community, hotels can build strong ties with locals, who may become loyal customers and ambassadors of the hotel through word-of-mouth and recommendations Encouraging collaboration with the local community is a win-win for hotels. It promotes sustainable development, boosts the local economy, and enhances guest experiences by offering authentic, community-driven initiatives. This fosters trust and mutual growth, ensuring long-term prosperity for both the hotel and its surrounding community.