6th National Housekeeping Convention & 9th PHA Anniversary:

6th National Housekeeping Convention & 9th PHA Anniversary: Embracing Tech-Driven Housekeeping

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 2, 2024

The Professional Housekeeping Association (PHA) and the Young United Visionary Association hosted the 6th National Housekeeping Convention alongside the 9th PHA Anniversary on May 25th, 2024, at the Clarks Exotica Convention Resort in Bangalore. This year’s convention, themed “Technology-enabled Housekeeping,” focused on the transformative impact of emerging technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), the Metaverse, and digital processes on housekeeping operations.

Ms. Jayashree Nagaraj, the founding President and Chairperson of PHA, served as the event’s Ambassador, emphasizing her dedication to advancing industry standards and practices.

The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and guests, each highlighting the critical role of innovation in hospitality. Mr. Balaji M, Group CEO of Kamalya Group and Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, attended as the Guest of Honor, underscoring the importance of technological innovation and collaboration in the hospitality sector.

Ms. Smita Rathod, Corporate Executive Housekeeper and Director of Rooms at The Leela Hotel Conventions Residences, delivered the keynote address. She shared her extensive experience in leveraging technology to enhance guest experiences and operational efficiency.

Mr. Venkatesh Subramani, Founder and CEO of i2i Softwares, spoke as the Distinguished Speaker on Digitalization. He highlighted recent trends and innovations reshaping the housekeeping landscape.

Dr. Josyula Shekar, Director and CEO of Zyvana Integrated Services Pvt Ltd, contributed as the Lead Speaker, offering insights on integrating technology into housekeeping practices to promote sustainability and profitability.

Ms. Indrani Sanyal, GM of Housekeeping at Medica Super Specialty Hospital in Kolkata, served as the Chief Convener, facilitating crucial discussions and partnerships among industry professionals.

One of the event’s highlights was the “Immaculate Innovations: Expertise Shared by Housekeeping Titans” session. This segment showcased groundbreaking initiatives and best practices from leading experts. Attendees also benefited from research papers and findings on AI-enabled housekeeping, which provided a roadmap for future advancements and industry standards.

The 6th National Housekeeping Convention and 9th PHA Anniversary was a landmark event, bringing together industry stakeholders to explore the vast potential of technology in shaping the future of housekeeping.

About Clarks Exotica

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa, located amidst the serene landscapes of Bangalore, is a premier destination offering luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and unparalleled hospitality. It provides an unforgettable experience for both leisure and business travelers.

This year’s convention has set a new benchmark for how technology can be seamlessly integrated into housekeeping, driving the industry towards a more efficient and innovative future.

TGI Hotels Launches The Shore Trishvam – A Pondy Beach Resort in Collaboration with Jayaram Hotels

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 14, 2025

TGI Hotels and Resorts, in partnership with Jayaram Hotels, has officially launched The Shore Trishvam – A Pondy Beach Resort, a premium coastal retreat in the heart of Puducherry. Nestled right on the sun-kissed shoreline, this new property promises an elegant yet soulful experience that combines luxurious comfort with the vibrant culture of Pondicherry.

Owned by the reputable Jayaram Hotels group, The Shore Trishvam features 65 beautifully designed rooms and 6 opulent private pool villas, offering guests a chic and tranquil beach escape. The resort also boasts a 2,000-person capacity lawn, a modern conference hall, gourmet dining options, and a spa and wellness center, making it ideal for both leisure vacations and grand events.

The resort is part of the Trishvam brand by TGI Hotels, which focuses on “Recrafting Memories” through nostalgic design, immersive experiences, and a sense of soulful leisure. The Shore Trishvam aligns with this philosophy, curating an atmosphere where guests feel truly connected—with themselves, nature, and the local culture.

Whether you're planning a destination wedding, corporate offsite, or a relaxing luxury getaway, The Shore Trishvam offers an unmatched blend of functionality and flair. With direct access to the beach and a serene environment, it promises to be one of Puducherry’s most sought-after stays.

This marks TGI Hotels’ second foray into Puducherry, following the success of Atithi TGI Grand, a much-loved city hotel known for its warmth and hospitality.

“We are thrilled to expand our presence in Puducherry with the launch of The Shore Trishvam,” said Amit Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer, TGI Hotels and Resorts. “This collaboration with Jayaram Hotels reflects our shared vision of delivering world-class hospitality experiences to discerning travellers. With The Shore Trishvam, we aim to redefine beachfront luxury while celebrating the cultural soul of Pondicherry.”

With this launch, TGI Hotels and Resorts continues to grow its footprint in South India, reinforcing its commitment to crafting high-quality hospitality experiences in the region’s top leisure destinations.

The Malabar Coast Opens New Gurugram Outlet at M3M Atrium

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

The Malabar Coast, renowned for showcasing the rich flavours of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, has expanded its presence with a new outlet at M3M Atrium, Sector 57, Gurugram. The grand opening drew food enthusiasts, influencers, and special guests eager to experience an authentic coastal culinary journey.

The new restaurant’s warm, coastal-inspired interiors—complete with handpicked artwork and traditional motifs—set the stage for a menu that spans delicately spiced seafood, classic Malabar biryanis, and their signature Coconut Payasam. Highlights included Ghee Podi Idly, Chettinad Chicken Tikka, Malabar Prawn Curry, and Thalassery Chicken Biryani, each dish crafted to transport diners to South India’s sun-soaked shores.

At the launch, Satish Bhatia, Co-Founder of The Malabar Coast, remarked,

“We are elated to bring the soul of South India’s coastlines to Gurugram. This outlet is an extension of our journey to celebrate regional flavours and offer an immersive, cultural dining experience in the heart of the city.”

Guests enjoyed live music performances, enhancing the relaxed, soulful atmosphere and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to an authentic South Indian cultural journey.

The Malabar Coast, an offshoot of The Appumm House founded in 2020 by Satish Bhatia and Priyanka Tiwari, continues to champion traditional coastal recipes and elevate regional dining across India.

The new Gurugram outlet is now open to the public, promising to become a go-to destination for lovers of genuine South Indian coastal cuisine.

IHCL and United Way Mumbai Join Hands for Community-Led Waste Management

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 11, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has reinforced its commitment to sustainable practices through a strategic partnership with United Way Mumbai, driving impactful change in waste management as part of its Paathya ESG+ framework.

Under this initiative, IHCL has been actively supporting municipal efforts at Mahim Reti Bunder and Mahim Causeway by deploying Safai Sathis—frontline waste workers—who conduct daily beach clean-ups and waste segregation. From October 2024 to March 2025, the project has successfully collected and processed over 1,12,097 kilograms of waste, all of which was sent to a Material Recovery Centre (MRC) for recycling and co-processing—significantly reducing the burden on local landfills.

Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President – Human Resources at IHCL, highlighted the significance of the project:

“Guided by our industry leading ESG+ framework of Paathya, we are moving beyond conventional waste management to create lasting, scalable solutions that actively engage communities and drive positive environmental impact.”

George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, echoed the sentiment:

“Our partnership with IHCL builds on our vision of addressing waste at every stage—generation to disposal—by strengthening systems, raising awareness, and empowering communities.”

Beyond clean-ups, the initiative is also deeply focused on community sensitisation, engaging local residents through awareness drives, shore walks, and educational programs involving students, self-help groups, sanitation workers, and youth leaders.

Aligned with Paathya 2030 goals, this collaboration promotes circular economy solutions and reinforces responsible waste management across IHCL’s operations, reflecting a long-term commitment to sustainability and community-driven environmental change.

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