The much-anticipated Taj Cochin International Airport Hotel is all set to open its doors on December 28, marking a significant milestone in luxury hospitality at Kerala’s Kochi International Airport, also known as Nedumbassery Airport. Situated a mere 500 meters from the airport terminals, this five-star property is poised to redefine convenience and comfort for travelers.

A New Benchmark in Airport Hospitality

Operated by Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) under its iconic Taj brand, this upscale property is a joint effort with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). It follows CIAL’s successful ventures like the 0484 aero lounge, introduced earlier this year. The hotel's inauguration will be officiated by Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as reported by The New Indian Express.

Unmatched Amenities for Global Travelers

Spanning four acres with a building footprint of 204,000 square feet, the hotel features 111 premium rooms and suites, offering unparalleled luxury. Guests can indulge in exclusive dining options, including the multi-cuisine restaurant Vista and the renowned House of Ming, which serves Taj’s signature Chinese dishes.

Beyond its culinary delights, the hotel includes Bistrot, a quick-service coffee and snack outlet, and banquet and conference facilities equipped with ballrooms, pre-function spaces, and outdoor venues, catering to both corporate and celebratory events.

Scenic Views and Wellness Offerings

Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the airport runway on one side and lush green mountains on the other. The property also features a wellness circle, complete with a swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and serene outdoor spaces, offering a perfect balance of relaxation and activity.

Elevating Kerala’s Global Appeal

CIAL Managing Director S Suhas commented, “Taj Cochin International Airport is yet another step forward in our vision to integrate world-class infrastructure and hospitality under one roof. With IHCL’s Taj brand on board, we are elevating Kerala’s prominence as a global destination for travelers while upholding our commitment to innovation and excellence.”

Strategic Addition to CIAL’s Portfolio

This latest collaboration between CIAL and IHCL aims to meet the growing demand for premium accommodations near Kerala’s busiest airport. Travelers will benefit from ample parking facilities and seamless access to the airport, making it a preferred choice for international and domestic guests alike.

About Taj Cochin International Airport Hotel

Designed to blend luxury and functionality, this five-star hotel sets a new standard for airport hospitality. With its exceptional amenities, strategic location, and Taj’s signature service, the property is poised to become a cornerstone of Kerala’s thriving tourism landscape.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), the world’s third-largest hospitality association, has submitted recommendations to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India to address pressing human resource challenges in the hospitality industry. From skill gaps to workforce shortages, the sector faces critical issues hindering its growth and global competitiveness.

As a significant contributor to India’s economy and cultural exchange, the hospitality industry is battling a decline in enrolments in hospitality programs, limited real-world exposure for students, and inadequate collaboration between academia and the industry. These challenges have created a mismatch between education and industry needs, leaving critical operational roles underfilled.

Key Recommendations by FHRAI:

1. Centralized Portal: FHRAI recommends establishing a central portal by the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT) to connect students with internships and placements.

2. Updated Curriculums: The curriculum should be revised every 3-5 years to align with evolving industry trends.

3. Structured Internships: Stronger partnerships between educational institutions and hospitality establishments to offer multi-department exposure through internships.

4. Balancing Education: A balanced allocation of seats for managerial and frontline roles to address workforce shortages.

5. Practical Training: Introducing real-world projects like event planning and property management for hands-on experience.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, said:

"The hospitality industry is a cornerstone of India's economy, and addressing the HR and skill gaps is critical for its growth. These recommendations are not just solutions for today, but investments for the future. We urge the Ministry of Tourism to consider these actionable points, as they will help create a sustainable and competitive workforce for India's hospitality sector, while aligning with the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat."

Recent Initiatives by FHRAI:

The FHRAI Centre of Excellence (CoE) recently organized an HR Summit to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to address these issues. FHRAI believes these reforms will drive innovation, inclusivity, and long-term growth in India’s hospitality sector.

The full report of FHRAI’s recommendations can be accessed here.

Ventive Hospitality Ltd is making its public debut through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), offering equity shares to the public to raise ₹1,600 crore. The company, previously known as ICC Realty (India) Private Limited, is now looking to expand its footprint by utilizing the funds raised from this offering to pay off a significant portion of its outstanding debt and address general corporate purposes.

The IPO, which opened on December 20, 2024, is set to close on December 24, 2024. The shares will be listed on the Mumbai NSE with the expected listing date of December 30, 2024. The issue price ranges from ₹610 to ₹643 per equity share, and the lot size is 23 shares. This means that the minimum investment for the IPO is ₹14,030, making it an affordable option for retail investors.

Purpose of the IPO:

The primary objective of this IPO is to reduce debt and bolster the company's capital structure for future growth. By paying off part of its borrowings, Ventive Hospitality aims to strengthen its financial position, making it more resilient in a competitive market. A portion of the funds will also be utilized for general corporate purposes, which may include working capital requirements and other operational expenses that support the company's growth strategy.

Employee Reservation Portion:

In an exciting development for employees, Ventive Hospitality has reserved a portion of the IPO for its eligible staff members. This Employee Reservation Portion allows employees to buy shares at a discounted price of ₹30 per share under the employee category, subject to necessary approvals. This initiative highlights the company’s commitment to rewarding its employees and offering them a stake in its growth.

Subscription Status:

The IPO has garnered significant attention from investors. As of now, the issue has been subscribed to 71%, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company. The healthy subscription rate indicates that there is considerable interest in the stock, suggesting a positive outlook for the listing once the shares are officially listed on the exchange.

Key Details:

• Price Band: ₹610 - ₹643 per equity share (face value ₹1 each)

• Lot Size: 23 shares

• Minimum Investment: ₹14,030

• Listing Exchange: Mumbai NSE

• Listing Date: 30th December 2024

• Issue Size: ₹1,600 crore

• Objective: Repayment of borrowings and general corporate purposes

• Employee Discount: ₹30 per share (subject to approvals)

• Employee Reservation Portion: Reserved for eligible employees

Investors should note that the price band offers a reasonable range, with the floor price being ₹610 per share and the cap price ₹643 per share. The issue is expected to contribute significantly to the company's post-issue equity base, positioning Ventive Hospitality for more ambitious business ventures.

About Ventive Hospitality Ltd:

Ventive Hospitality Ltd operates primarily in the real estate sector, with a focus on hospitality-related developments and investments. The company is committed to creating value for its stakeholders through quality projects and innovative solutions. The IPO is seen as a strategic move to enhance its financial standing and fund further expansion in the competitive hospitality market.

How to Apply:

Investors can participate in the IPO through various methods, including online platforms, brokerages, and by visiting the respective platforms offering the IPO application process. Bids can be placed for a minimum of 23 shares, and further applications can be placed in multiples of 23 shares.

The IPO has gained traction due to the company’s solid track record in the hospitality space and its promising growth potential. This, coupled with its plans to reduce debt and streamline operations, has created a buzz among investors who see this as a great opportunity to be part of Ventive Hospitality’s future journey.

For employees of the company, this IPO provides an opportunity to benefit directly from the company's growth, further solidifying the bond between the company and its workforce.