Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport is thrilled to announce the appointment of Sonal Ram as its new Marketing and Communications Manager. With over seven years in hospitality marketing and event management, Sonal’s expertise promises a dynamic impact on the hotel’s strategies and guest engagement initiatives.

In her previous role at Lemon Tree Hotels, Sonal played a significant role in launching several properties, including the iconic Aurika Mumbai Skycity. Her skill in driving brand awareness, orchestrating major events, and contributing to revenue growth will be invaluable in her new position at Courtyard by Marriott.

Sonal’s appointment aligns perfectly with Courtyard by Marriott’s commitment to enhancing guest experiences, especially within its Food and Beverage sector. She will lead the development and execution of innovative marketing initiatives to boost brand visibility, attract new guests, and elevate the hotel’s reputation in Mumbai’s vibrant market.

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Sonal shared, “I am honoured to be joining such a renowned brand. I look forward to contributing to the hotel’s success and helping to create unforgettable experiences for our guests.”

With Sonal Ram’s expertise and energy, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport looks forward to strengthening its position as one of the city's premier hospitality destinations.

About Courtyard by Marriott:

Ideally located in Andheri East, Courtyard Mumbai International Airport offers 4-star comfort and easy access to Mumbai’s top attractions and business hubs, including Bandra Kurla Complex. Perfect for both business and leisure, guests enjoy a variety of amenities, from spa treatments and an outdoor pool to sophisticated event spaces for weddings and conferences. Indulge in culinary delights at MoMo Café, Ummrao restaurant, and Ark Bar, and unwind in upscale rooms featuring pillowtop mattresses, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai continues to deliver friendly service and memorable experiences that have earned it a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

Sushi enthusiasts and food lovers, mark your calendars! Eight at Phoenix Mall of the Millennium in Pune is thrilled to announce the launch of the World Sushi Festival, a unique celebration bringing together sushi creations inspired by eight countries. This festival promises a blend of traditional Japanese sushi with flavors influenced by global cuisines, each crafted with locally sourced ingredients for an authentic twist.

The World Sushi Festival will feature flavors from:

• Argentina – Bold chimichurri flavors in sushi for a vibrant fusion.
• India – Spicy, aromatic sushi inspired by rich Indian spices.
• Vietnam – Fresh, zesty rolls with a nod to Vietnamese street food.
• Peru – Citrusy, refreshing flavors unique to Peruvian cuisine.
• Korea – A mushroom medley and Korean staples for an umami-packed bite.
• Turkey – Mediterranean-inspired sushi with Turkish influences.
• Sri Lanka – Tropical crab stick flavors with a spicy kick.
• Japan – Traditional sushi celebrating its Japanese origins with a modern touch.

The festival menu includes five non-vegetarian and three vegetarian options, available in 4 and 8-piece servings, catering to all palates. Each sushi creation reflects the culinary heritage of its country, ensuring a diverse and memorable dining experience.

Chef Sagar Sarkar, Chef de Cuisine at Eight, shared, “The World Sushi Festival is more than just a celebration of sushi—it’s a journey across cultures, where each bite tells the story of a country through its ingredients and flavors. At Eight, we’re always pushing culinary boundaries, and this festival is our way of offering something truly special to Pune’s vibrant food scene.”

Embark on a global gastronomic journey at the World Sushi Festival, where tradition meets innovation. Join us at Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, and taste sushi like never before.

Event Details:

• Dates: From October 15 onward
• Location: Eight, Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, Pune
• Reservation: +91 8657940135

Be part of this international culinary celebration and savor a taste of the world in every bite!

In a significant move for the advancement of India's tourism and hospitality sector, the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) inaugurated its Centre of Excellence (CoE) at its headquarters. The event was graced by Shri Suman Billa, IAS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, along with prominent industry leaders.

The FHRAI Centre of Excellence has been envisioned as a dedicated research hub, established to enhance the federation’s advocacy initiatives and contribute to data-driven decision-making in the tourism and hospitality space. Positioned as an industry think tank, the Centre will focus on generating valuable insights through research, aiming to influence policy development and foster a culture of innovation and excellence.

Shri Suman Billa emphasized the crucial role of data in the sector: “Research and data are indispensable for understanding the true scope and potential of tourism. While government data provides foundational insights, we need a multidimensional view to fully grasp the sector's dynamics. By integrating insights from industry bodies and international organizations like the World Tourism Organization, we can create a robust data ecosystem that guides both government and industry stakeholders.”

He added that the Centre of Excellence represents a collaborative approach to better understand the industry's impact on employment and GDP. “With accurate data, we can build a resilient framework that supports sustainable growth, enabling the sector to thrive in a competitive global market,” he remarked.

An Industry Milestone for Advocacy and Innovation

Pradeep Shetty, President of FHRAI, described the CoE as a landmark achievement for the tourism and hospitality industry in India. "This has been a long-standing aspiration for our federation. In our engagements with the government, we’ve often encountered challenges stemming from regulatory issues and the need for reliable data. The Centre of Excellence fills this gap by providing a structured framework for research and advocacy,” Shetty noted.

With the Centre’s resources, FHRAI aims to present well-supported, data-driven insights to policy-makers, addressing industry challenges and proposing informed recommendations for reform. "Our objective is to uplift the industry by equipping it to meet evolving consumer and stakeholder expectations,” he added.

Supporting Policy and Growth Across India

Garish Oberoi of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Northern India highlighted the role of the CoE in addressing the data shortage within the sector, especially in tackling policy bottlenecks. “Each region in India has unique challenges, which is why the Centre will focus on creating state-specific reports and assessments. Our team will work to produce white papers and analytical insights, fostering a foundation for data-driven decision-making,” Oberoi stated.

The CoE aims to provide accurate information to government and industry stakeholders, empowering FHRAI to advocate effectively for its members and advance the industry’s standards.

A Transformational Step for India’s Tourism and Hospitality Sector

The launch of FHRAI's Centre of Excellence marks a forward step for India's tourism and hospitality industry. Focused on research, training, and advocacy, this initiative is set to elevate industry standards and tackle critical challenges. FHRAI remains committed to collaborative efforts with both industry members and government bodies, ensuring that the hospitality sector continues to meet the dynamic needs of consumers and professionals alike.