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By Author
Published on October 8, 2023
We have carefully curated this newsletter to ensure it becomes your go-to resource for all things hospitality-related. Whether you are an industry professional, an avid traveller, or simply passionate about the art of hospitality, this newsletter will be your gateway to a world of inspiration, knowledge and unforgettable experiences.
In the realm of hospitality, while Food and Beverage, Accommodation, Travel and Tourism, and Entertainment and Recreation have long been fundamental, they have largely remained rooted in their traditional practices. These sectors are tried and true, continuing to offer the same cherished services and experiences that have defined them for years. Hospitality Technology, however, is the newcomer, making its mark in the post-Covid era. It's weaving a thread of innovation through the established fabric of the hospitality industry, adding a touch of modernity to the classic
Let's take a quick look at hospitality. We have our usual favorites: Food, Stays, Travel, and Fun. Now, there’s a new player - Tech, thanks to the changes after Covid. Read on for the simple lowdown on each!
Food and Beverage
The Indian food and beverage landscape is diverse. From self-service snack bars to grandeur of fine dining, each restaurant type has its unique service style and staffing needs. Catering services have also expanded, weaving themselves into the fabric of our special occasions and events. In the global context, the interplay between dining and accommodation amplifies guest experience, making food and beverage a central piece of the hospitality puzzle.
Accommodation
The accommodation sector is as varied as the guests it serves. From the simplicity of caravan grounds to the opulence of luxurious resorts, there’s a lodging option for every traveler. City accommodations cater to business travellers and long-stay visitors, while scenic resorts are havens for holiday makers seeking an escape from the mundane.
Entertainment and Recreation
Entertainment is the spice of life and an integral part of the hospitality mix. From cinemas and theatres to zoos and sports events, the sector caters to clients with disposable income, looking to enrich their travel experiences. The cultural wealth of historical sites and the exhilaration of nightclubs are testimonies to the industry’s diversity.
Travel and Tourism
Tourism is the heartbeat of hospitality. It fuels other sectors by encouraging global exploration and local spending. While the industry has intrinsic ties with accommodation, food, and entertainment, it also encompasses travel agencies and financial services, ensuring travelers have seamless and enriching experiences.
Hospitality Technology
The future of hospitality is intertwined with technology. AI, robotics, and big data are not just buzzwords but tools elevating guest experiences and operational efficiency. From AI chatbots offering round-the-clock customer service to robots in housekeeping, technology is the silent revolution transforming traditional hospitality norms.
These key areas have always been at the heart of hospitality. Now, technology is adding a new layer, especially since Covid. It’s like the reliable, classic hospitality is shaking hands with new, digital advancements. We’re walking into a future where the old meets the new - and it’s looking good.
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By Shreenidhi Jagannathan
Published on October 28, 2024
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.
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.
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.
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.
Published on September 11, 2024
In today's world, where bespoke services are in demand more than ever, businesses and individuals alike seek service providers who can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary ones. These providers must be quick thinkers, brand ambassadors, detail-oriented professionals with a deep understanding of etiquette and protocol, and experts in personalization who deliver impeccable service. In short, they must possess the qualities of a butler. These are the hallmarks of outstanding service.
The Timeless Profession of the Butler
One of the oldest professions, the term "Butler" is derived from the French word "Bouteiller," meaning one who cares for bottles. Historically, butlers were responsible for the wine cellar, fining and bottling wines before serving them in the evenings. The first recorded mention of butlers dates back to the 11th century. At that time, they were only responsible for wines; stewards were in charge of managing the household. Eventually, butlers took on household duties and gradually became heads of households. Today, butlers are employed across various settings, including hotels, resorts, yachts, cruise ships, private banks, and corporate offices, where they maintain the values aligned with traditional butling, albeit with differing responsibilities.
Butlers are often romanticized in films, where their virtues of selfless service, professionalism, and discretion are showcased. At its core, the philosophy of a butler is about managing a household and attending to the needs of their employer and guests with the utmost attention to detail, courtesy, and respect. In earlier days, they served royals and aristocrats. Now, in the realm of private service, butlers are in demand among ultra-high-net-worth families, Hollywood A-list celebrities, embassies, royal palaces, and stately homes. Female butlers, known as "Butleress," are also in demand today, highlighting that this profession applies to all genders.
My Journey: From Burghley House to the World of High Net Worth Clients
I had the privilege of working as an interim head butler at Burghley House in Stamford, England, before moving on to serve high-net-worth entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom.
The Rise of Hotel Butler Services
With the advent of air travel, butler services found their way into hotels. In London, the Lanesborough Hotel was the first to introduce a dedicated butler service in Europe in 1990, although Taj Hotels in India had offered such services much earlier. The butler's role in a hotel is akin to a conductor coordinating different services to cater to their guests' needs. A butler service manager at the Royal Mansour in Morocco, Antoine Berche, explains, "Butlers perform many jobs simultaneously: head waiter, sommelier, cook, housekeeper, receptionist, concierge, security guard, and personal assistant." A butler is prepared for all kinds of requests—from packing suitcases and arranging romantic dinners to organizing marriage proposals. Their service is invaluable due to their ability to anticipate needs with efficiency and discretion. As Mohamed Fadil, a butler at Royal Mansour, states, "Before the arrival of the guest, I prepare myself for all types of requests I might receive." This foresight is what makes a butler indispensable.
The Butler’s Code of Ethics
The code of ethics that butlers live by is built on a foundation of trust, professionalism, and discretion:
Confidentiality: A butler keeps all information about their employer's personal life and affairs confidential.
Professionalism: Trained in social grace and household management, a butler is always professional and concerned with the welfare of their staff.
Loyalty: A butler acts in the best interest of their employer.
Discretion: A butler respects privacy and never shares confidential information.
Attention to Detail: Duties are performed to the highest standard.
Respect: All guests and staff are treated with respect and courtesy, regardless of their background or position.
Responsibility: A butler ensures the smooth running and upkeep of the household or suite they are responsible for, taking a flexible approach to care for their employer's welfare and possessions.
The Modern Butler: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
While certain duties remain consistent, a butler's role today varies greatly depending on the household, the culture of the family, and other factors. Experienced butlers often want to know the nature of the household they will serve—whether it is a formal, traditional household or an informal, "nouveau riche" one. This distinction helps butlers assess whether the household suits their personality and style.
Traditional vs. Nouveau Riche Households
Elegance vs. Excess: Traditional households emphasize simplicity and understated luxury, while the new rich often prefer opulence.
Formality vs. Informality: Traditional households adhere to fixed etiquette and schedules, while informal households are more spontaneous.
Customary vs. Trendy: Butlers in traditional households may stick to time-honored traditions, while those serving the new rich must be ready for last-minute changes.
Respect for Hierarchy vs. Personal Freedom: Traditional butlers navigate a structured hierarchy, whereas modern butlers may deal with self-made individuals with different priorities.
The Art of Discretion: Traditional butlers often keep family secrets, while modern butlers may handle more public-facing clients.
The Role of Education: Training Butlers for the 21st Century
Today’s butler training programs have evolved to meet the changing demands of clients. Modern training includes teaching the use of technology for organizing and administering household tasks. Butlers must have an excellent organizational mind, knowledge of protocol and etiquette, and the resilience to adapt to varying environments.
Mr. Prem Anand, Founder of The London Butler Academy® Switzerland, authored this article.
About the Author: Prem Anand is the Founder of The London Butler Academy® in Switzerland and has been serving five-star hotels, cruise ships, and high-net-worth families for over 30 years. He is currently dedicated to training and coaching butlers internationally, with a mission to make private service education accessible and affordable to all. For any inquiries or further insights, please contact Prem Anand at India@butlercoachprem.com.
By Nishang Narayan
Published on August 14, 2024
Raksha Bandhan is just around the corner, and if you're on the hunt for the perfect gift for your sister, look no further! This year, why not choose a gift that truly speaks to the heart? Whether it’s a stunning piece of customized jewelry or a personalized photo album, the essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in the thought and love you put into selecting the perfect gift. Here are some unique ideas to help you make this special day one to remember.
Vaum Tonics: For a gift that's both unique and thoughtful, consider Vaum Tonics. This brand is all about bringing people together over delicious and refreshing beverages, perfect for sharing special moments. Vaum Tonics offers diverse flavors made with high-quality, all-natural ingredients. Their tonic water is quinine-free, low in sugar, low in calories, and gluten-free, making it a great way to show your sister you care about her health and happiness.
In:ha Wellness: This Rakshabandhan, gift your sister the serenity of self-care and bonding. Instead of traditional physical gifts, help her unwind and release life & work stress and tension in a calming and soothing environment. Give your sister the gift of relaxation, mindfulness, and quality time together. Nurture the bond of love and protection with a Heart Chakra crystal layout, Mood board, and Color therapy, followed by a soothing Tea ceremony meditation experience, perfect for Raksha Bandhan
The Pantry-Guilt free Goodness (Cloud Kitchen): Celebrate Raksha Bandhan by treating your siblings to delicious and healthy food from The Pantry. Show them how much you appreciate them while helping them stay on track with their health goals. The Pantry offers fresh salads, hearty wraps, and yummy smoothies, making it a wholesome alternative to greasy fast food. You can order through Zomato or Swiggy, or even DM them on Instagram for a personalized experience.
Amazonia, BKC: For an unforgettable Raksha Bandhan, take your sibling to Amazonia, a rainforest-themed luxury Pan-Asian restaurant in BKC. Their Monsoon Festival: Couture & Culinary Monsoon is not just a dining experience but an adventure where flavors and style collide. The monsoon-inspired menu, served beneath a transparent umbrella, includes small plates like Soup-er Broccoli and Potato Mille-Feuille, followed by farm-fresh chicken pot rice and smoky BBQ jackfruit. A visit to Amazonia with your sibling promises to be a truly memorable experience.
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