Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort, part of the Accor portfolio, marked the arrival of mango season with special Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies held over the weekend on 2nd and 3rd May. The events brought to life one of Andhra Pradesh’s most loved culinary traditions, offering guests a closer connection to local culture.

Rooted in nostalgia and a strong sense of community, the ceremonies were designed as interactive experiences where guests could understand and take part in the traditional preparation of Avakaya. By blending storytelling with hands-on participation, the initiative created a meaningful way to showcase Andhra’s culinary heritage.

At The Bheemili Resort, the celebration on 2nd May unfolded in a calm coastal setting. Guests were invited to take part in the process of mixing freshly cut raw mangoes with spices and gingelly oil, guided by culinary experts. The session offered a deeper appreciation of the effort and skill behind this iconic pickle. The experience was complemented by a selection of regional dishes and refreshing seasonal beverages, adding to the relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere.

The celebration continued on 3rd May at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, where guests and food enthusiasts came together for an engaging evening. Set against a scenic seaside backdrop, the event captured the spirit of togetherness, with participants sharing stories and traditions linked to Avakaya preparation. The evening was further enhanced with summer-inspired welcome drinks and a curated spread of regional specialities that reflected the diversity of Andhra cuisine.

Sharing her thoughts on the initiative, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, we are committed to creating meaningful guest experiences that celebrate the cultural essence of each destination. The Avakaya Mixing Ceremonies at the properties are a tribute to Andhra’s rich culinary heritage, offering guests an opportunity to engage with local traditions in an authentic and memorable way.”

Across both properties, the ceremonies reflected a strong focus on celebrating local culture through immersive experiences. Each event was carefully curated to highlight Andhra’s culinary roots while giving guests a chance to connect with traditions in a memorable and engaging way.

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, in partnership with Sofiya NGO and Keshav Suri Foundation, has launched a transformative skilling and employment initiative aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable workforce in India.

The programme focuses on empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and individuals from economically marginalised communities by equipping them with industry-relevant skills and facilitating their integration into the formal workforce. Rooted in the idea that India’s growth must be inclusive, the initiative aims to unlock untapped talent while strengthening the hospitality sector’s talent pipeline.

Designed as an immersive, hands-on learning experience, participants were trained within live hotel environments across key operational departments such as Front Office, Housekeeping, Linen & Tailoring, Bakery, Food & Beverage Production, and In-Room Dining. The training approach was tailored to individual abilities and interests, ensuring both dignity and effectiveness in learning.

Beyond technical skills, the programme emphasised holistic development, with participants showing notable progress in confidence, independence, and workplace readiness. The initiative highlights the importance of aligning opportunity with ability, supported by structured mentorship and inclusive workplace practices.

The collaboration also included foundational training at Sofiya NGO’s centre in Mustafabad, alongside mobility support and advocacy driven by the Keshav Suri Foundation. Together, the partners have created an end-to-end ecosystem that bridges the gap between skilling and employability.

Speaking on the initiative, Keshav Suri said, “This initiative reflects our belief that inclusion must translate into tangible action. When individuals are provided with the right skills, support, and opportunities, they not only transform their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.”

The programme has already opened pathways for long-term employment, with several participants recommended for permanent roles. At the same time, it highlights the need for continued improvements in accessibility infrastructure and transportation support to scale such initiatives effectively across the country.

Positioned as a scalable model for inclusive workforce development, the initiative reinforces the role of corporate India in driving meaningful change—ensuring that growth is both sustainable and inclusive.

Muthaiga Travel recently hosted an exclusive webinar titled ‘Kenya Beyond Safari’, aimed at showcasing the country’s diverse travel experiences to Indian travel agents.

Held on April 24, 2026, the session was led by Stephen Opondo, Senior Tours Consultant, along with Lucy Bett. The webinar focused on expanding perceptions of Kenya as a destination that goes beyond its globally renowned wildlife safaris.

While Kenya is widely associated with safari tourism, the presentation highlighted its beachfront destinations, destination wedding opportunities, honeymoon itineraries, and immersive cultural experiences. These offerings position the country as a year-round destination suited for families, couples, and experiential travellers.

The initiative also aimed to strengthen ties with Indian travel partners by identifying agencies aligned with delivering seamless and experience-driven itineraries. The growing demand from India for unique and contemporary travel experiences has created an opportunity for destinations like Kenya to diversify their positioning.

Commenting on the initiative, Mira Bid said, “Kenya has grown over the years to offer tourism attractions to Indian travellers that go beyond the legendary safaris. Through this webinar, we aimed to present these diverse experiences while partnering with key travel partners from India.”

As the Indian outbound travel market continues to expand, such engagements play a key role in driving inbound tourism and destination awareness, positioning Kenya as a versatile and accessible international getaway.