Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

Accor and IIHM Join Forces to Revolutionize Hospitality Education in India

By Author

Published on October 3, 2023

In a groundbreaking move to advance hospitality education in India, Accor and the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) have inked a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the prestigious IIHM Global Campus in Salt Lake, Kolkata. This historic agreement establishes a long-term collaboration aimed at enriching hospitality education and empowering students with extensive employment prospects across India.

The MoU was formally signed by Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, and Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM. This partnership unites one of the world's largest hospitality corporations with the globally renowned IIHM to foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Accor India & South Asia, expressed the significance of this transformative alliance, stating, "Our partnership with IIHM represents a significant stride in nurturing future talents within the hospitality sector. We are committed to equipping young minds with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the dynamic world of hospitality."

Dr. Suborno Bose, Founder and CEO of IIHM, emphasized the importance of this historic collaboration, saying, "Becoming a top professional in the hospitality industry is a journey that demands dedication, education, and hands-on experience. The partnership with Accor India underscores our dedication to offering students the finest education and industry exposure. Together, we are shaping the future of hospitality, where education meets excellence."

IIHM will offer a 1-Year Certificate/Diploma course, inclusive of industrial training and exams, aligned with the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) and Government of India requirements. These courses will be available in Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Goa, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Hyderabad.

Accor will contribute valuable insights to IIHM to aid in the creation of industry-relevant curricula. Accor will offer industrial training opportunities, deliver guest lectures, facilitate faculty development programs, provide internships and placements in Accor-managed hotels, and offer operational exposure across its properties in India.

This collaboration between IIHM and Accor holds immense promise for the future of the Indian hospitality industry. It focuses on education, skill development, industry engagement, and, most importantly, provides emerging talent with real-world exposure to the dynamic hospitality sector.

About Accor

Accor is a globally leading hospitality group operating in over 110 countries with 5,500 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities, and flexible workspaces. The group boasts a diverse hospitality ecosystem encompassing more than 40 hotel brands, ranging from luxury to economy, including Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is dedicated to positive action in areas such as business ethics, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on Euronext Paris (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, visit www.group.accor.com or follow Accor on social media.

About IIHM

The International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) is a renowned hospitality education institution in India, committed to nurturing the talents and skills of future leaders in the hospitality industry. IIHM offers a range of hospitality and culinary programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in the global hospitality sector.


JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

JPOD Launches First Pod Hotel at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd has launched its new Pod Hotel at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad. Located near the City Side Check-In facility at the car park level, the hotel aims to provide a modern and innovative accommodation option for travelers. This launch is part of RGIA’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall passenger experience, offering a convenient and comfortable stay.

The JPOD hotel provides high-quality accommodations at an affordable price, catering to various types of travelers, from business executives to leisure tourists. Each pod offers secure storage, entertainment options, and privacy, making it an ideal alternative to traditional airport lounges and hotels. The compact design also optimizes airport space, allowing for efficient accommodation without compromising on comfort.

Safety and hygiene are prioritized, with the hotel maintaining stringent cleanliness standards. This ensures peace of mind for guests, especially during transit. Passengers can book a pod on-site or through the JPOD website, where various packages are available with dynamic pricing options.

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Jagrut Thakkar, Founder of JPOD Hotels Pvt Ltd, expressed excitement over the partnership with RGIA, stating, "We are excited to partner with RGIA in Hyderabad. JPOD’s global standards in design and functionality position us to offer effective accommodation solutions across other airports in India."

Hiren Gandhi, Director of JPOD Hotels, highlighted the company’s previous ventures, saying, "While JPOD is tailored to meet the needs of airport travelers, we initially launched Urbanpod, India’s first Pod Hotel, in 2017. It was redesigned and relaunched at Mumbai Central Station in 2021 to serve railway passengers. These launches allowed us to assess the acceptability of Pod-style accommodations in India."

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), noted that the growing number of air travelers has increased the demand for comfort and convenience. He said, “This facility offers a perfect place to unwind while transiting through the airport. The Pod Hotel at Hyderabad Airport will provide our passengers with a space to rejuvenate.”

The JPOD hotel blends affordability, comfort, and innovation, setting a new standard in airport accommodation. It caters to the needs of the modern traveler, offering a practical and efficient option without sacrificing quality.

For more details, click here.


IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces NOMO Package for Parents Needing a Solo Break

IHG Hotels & Resorts Introduces NOMO Package for Parents Needing a Solo Break

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 8, 2024

As the summer holidays wrap up, a significant 70% of parents report feeling exhausted, according to new data. In response, IHG Hotels & Resorts has launched the NOMO (Night On My Own) package, aimed at giving parents a much-needed solo getaway. This package offers a quiet retreat with no children, partners, or pets—just time to relax and recharge. Guests can enjoy a discounted stay, 20% off food and drinks (including room service), late check-out until 2 pm, and additional perks at IHG properties across the UK and Ireland.

Research commissioned by IHG shows that two-thirds of parents are feeling worn out after the summer break, with 68% saying they need a night alone to recover. Seven out of ten parents admitted to being either mentally or physically drained by the end of the school holiday season.

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The desire for solo time isn’t limited to parents. The study also found that 42% of Brits, and nearly 70% of those aged 25 to 34, would consider booking a night away alone after the summer holidays. A third of respondents indicated they would book a solo stay to pamper themselves.

Abbey Clancy, model and TV personality, has partnered with IHG to promote the NOMO package. Clancy, a mother of four, said: "As a busy mum of four, I know how exhausting the summer holidays can be, and although I’m sad they’re over, it’ll also be really nice to have a bit of time on my own. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my kids, but it’s just as important for parents to take a break too. I don’t want to feel guilty about needing a NOMO—a night on my own—because we all need time to recharge. And it’s not just parents, the summer is a busy time for everyone – it’s usually filled with social engagements, weddings, or travelling. So, I’m all about encouraging people to treat themselves and book into an IHG hotel for a well-deserved night off, we’ve definitely earned it!”

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The NOMO package is available at over 115 participating IHG properties and includes perks such as:

  • Complimentary breakfast

  • Extended check-out until 2 pm

  • 20% off one-night single occupancy stays

  • 20% off all dining, including room service

  • Free access to pools, gyms, and spas

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Joanna Kurowska, Managing Director UK & Ireland at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: "We all value some well-deserved ‘me’ time - whether it’s a break from the demands of childcare, a moment of self-reflection away from our partners or simply an opportunity to take a breath from the stress of our working life. Our survey data backs up how much people would like to enjoy a night alone, especially after a busy and intense summer. Our new NOMO package helps people to do just that, with the ability to choose from more than 115 of our hotels in the UK & Ireland and from a brand for every budget. This opportunity to switch off and be cared for, even just for a night, can be a powerful tool to finding our balance back."

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Survey findings show that 26% of parents haven't had a night to themselves in six months or longer, and nearly 1 in 10 haven’t had a solo night in five years. Although 37% of parents feel guilty about taking time away from their family, 77% recognize the importance of occasional time apart.

Top ways respondents would spend their solo night include taking a bath (15%), staying in bed (14%), binge-watching a TV series (13%), enjoying a bottle of wine (12%), or reading a book (10%).

For more details, click here.


Wyndham Launches Registry Collection Hotels in the U.S. with The Mining Exchange

Wyndham Launches Registry Collection Hotels in the U.S. with The Mining Exchange

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 7, 2024

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has introduced its Registry Collection Hotels brand to the United States with the opening of The Mining Exchange in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This newly renovated, 128-room hotel is located in the heart of downtown and offers guests a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. 

Originally built in 1902 as a stock exchange for gold and silver from the Rockies, The Mining Exchange now provides upscale accommodations featuring exposed brick walls, vaulted ceilings, and vintage-style windows. Guests can enjoy ensuite bathrooms with marble finishes and rich gem tones. The hotel also offers multiple on-site dining options, including BLK MGK, a full-service coffee bar serving locally sourced beans and pastries, and Golden Hour, an indoor-outdoor bar and courtyard with artisanal bites and live jazz on select evenings.

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"We’re proud to be joining a world-class portfolio of international hotels and adding Colorado Springs to the global roster of Registry Collection destinations," said Bashar Wali, Founder and CEO of Practice Hospitality. "The Mining Exchange has been a Colorado icon since 1902. Now, some 120 years on, we are honoring that heritage by creating a hotel imbued with local touches and human connection that has earned the distinction of being the first Registry Collection hotel in the U.S."

First introduced in 2021, Registry Collection Hotels are carefully selected to offer elevated guest experiences that inspire today's travelers. The brand now includes more than 20 hotels worldwide, from the coast of Chalkidiki in Greece to the city center of Panama City, with nearly 10 more properties in development.

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"Today's affluent travelers increasingly crave the bespoke and immersive experiences that boutique, independently minded operators can offer," said Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. "Through Registry Collection Hotels, we're committed to curating these one-of-a-kind experiences for guests—all while helping owners tap into the unparalleled scale and resources of the world's largest hotel franchisor."

The Mining Exchange also features a full-service spa, an on-site art gallery called The Vault, and 15,000 square feet of event space, including a ballroom, meeting rooms, an outdoor terrace, and a boardroom. Nearby attractions include the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum.

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“Registry Collection Hotels provide guests with an oasis from daily life while exploring some of the most stunning destinations in the world,” said Leonardo Danese, Brand Leader for Registry Collection Hotels. “In the case of The Mining Exchange, the hotel seamlessly blends the rich history of its surroundings with unmatched service and elevated décor. It’s an ideal example of the rich, rewarding and memorable visits for which the brand stands for.”

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Wyndham Rewards members can earn double points and receive a $25 nightly in-stay credit when they book a stay at The Mining Exchange by December 31, 2024, for stays completed by May 31, 2025.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.RegistryCollectionHotels.com.

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