Enhancing Hospitality Skills in Gujarat: IHCL Launches New Centre

Enhancing Hospitality Skills in Gujarat: IHCL Launches New Centre

By Author

Published on January 31, 2024

In a significant stride towards boosting the hospitality sector in Gujarat, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar inaugurated the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) Skill Centre in Ekta Nagar. Positioned in close proximity to the renowned Statue of Unity, the centre is IHCL's 32nd skill training facility and aims to cater to the rising demand for skilled personnel in the growing tourism hub. The launch event witnessed the minister's acknowledgment of the centre's crucial role in providing new opportunities for local youth, aligning with the government's emphasis on tourism promotion.

The IHCL Skill Centre, a collaborative effort with Tata STRIVE and VFS, will offer courses in food and beverage service and front office, coupled with on-the-job training. With a capacity to accommodate 120 students annually, the centre seeks to bridge the employability gap in the sector. Post-course completion, learners will receive assistance in securing employment within the hospitality industry.

Expressing his appreciation for the initiative, Jaishankar emphasized the Statue of Unity's evolution into a major tourist destination, emphasizing the growing footfalls in the region. He praised IHCL for swiftly operationalizing the centre, showcasing the positive impact of the Modi government's tourism promotion efforts. The minister's visit included interactions with students undergoing training, further highlighting the avenues opening up for local youth in the wake of these strategic initiatives.

As Gujarat's Ekta Nagar continues to witness an upsurge in tourist facilities, including hotels, the IHCL Skill Centre is poised to play a pivotal role in providing the essential skilled workforce. This move aligns with the broader vision of promoting tourism in the region and fostering economic growth. The IHCL's commitment to developing talent pools and its focus on skill development resonate with its ESG+ framework, contributing to the overall progress of the hospitality industry. With plans to train 1,00,000 youth by 2030 through 32 skill centers across 10 states and 15 cities in India, IHCL remains dedicated to shaping a skilled and employable workforce.


Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Welcomes Festive Season with Joyful Cake-Mixing Ceremony

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach Welcomes Festive Season with Joyful Cake-Mixing Ceremony

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach opened its festive season with its much-awaited annual cake-mixing ceremony, creating a lively afternoon filled with joy, high tea, and seaside celebrations. Held by the poolside, the event brought together guests, families, and culinary enthusiasts for a cherished pre-Christmas ritual that leads into the upcoming Tree Lighting Ceremony and New Year’s Eve festivities.

Set against the scenic backdrop of the sea, the celebration reflected the warm spirit of the season, showcased through the hotel’s popular F&B outlets, The Square, Gadda Da Vida, Sampan, Bageecha, and Péché Mignon. Guests joined hands with the hotel’s culinary team for the traditional cake-mixing ritual, symbolising community, togetherness, and the joy of giving.

The afternoon continued with an elegant seaside high tea featuring a curated selection of savoury bites, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages. The atmosphere carried the perfect blend of warmth and celebration, truly capturing the festive essence of Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.

Kunal Shanker, General Manager, Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, shared, “Our annual cake-mixing ceremony is a celebration of togetherness and marks the beginning of our festive preparations. It is always heartening to see families, friends, and even first-time participants join hands in this joyous ritual, sharing laughter and creating memories. As these ingredients mature over the coming weeks, they will carry with them the warmth, camaraderie, and festive spirit that define this special time of the year.”

As the ceremony progressed, guests donned chef’s caps, aprons, and gloves, preparing to mix an aromatic blend of premium ingredients such as sultanas, candied ginger, macerated dates, crystallised fruit, and hand-picked nuts. These ingredients were combined with fine spirits to begin the months-long maturation process essential for the hotel’s signature Christmas offerings.

The lively ambience, enhanced by festive melodies and the soothing seaside backdrop, created a memorable experience for every participant. Families and friends came together to enjoy this unique tradition, marking the joyful beginning of the holiday season at Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach.


Hilton Mumbai International Airport Opens Festive Season with Cake-Mixing Ceremony and Sunday Brunch

Hilton Mumbai International Airport Opens Festive Season with Cake-Mixing Ceremony and Sunday Brunch

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

Hilton Mumbai International Airport welcomed the festive season with a lively Cake-Mixing Ceremony followed by the hotel’s signature Sunday Brunch. The celebration marked the beginning of the hotel’s festive calendar and brought together media, influencers, key clients, and Hilton Honors members.

Guests took part in the traditional cake-mixing ritual, blending dry fruits, spices, and festive flavours that set the tone for the hotel’s Christmas preparations. The afternoon continued with an indulgent brunch featuring global cuisines, live stations, festive-inspired dishes, and artisanal desserts.

The hotel announced that this was only the start of its festive offerings. Guests can look forward to exclusive staycation and holiday packages, Nikkei Table, a Peruvian culinary experience hosted by Chef Vishag, and a special showcase celebrating the culture of Bengal curated by Chef Ananya Banerjee. The season will also include a Christmas Eve Dinner with classic holiday favourites, a grand Christmas Day Brunch for families, and the Big Bang New Year’s Eve Celebration featuring music, gourmet food, and memorable experiences.

Hilton Mumbai International Airport is set to create a festive season filled with culture, creativity, and unique culinary journeys, bringing a blend of tradition and innovation to its guests. More festive experiences will be announced through December and into the New Year.


Clarks Exotica Rings in the Festive Season with a Joyous Cake Mixing Celebration

Clarks Exotica Rings in the Festive Season with a Joyous Cake Mixing Celebration

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 13, 2025

Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa welcomed the festive season with its much-awaited annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, held at the scenic poolside of the Clubhouse. The cherished tradition brought together guests, residents from Swiss Town, Hollywood Town, and Serene Garden, along with the senior management and resort team, for an evening filled with laughter, warmth, and community joy.

The event began on a grand note with the reveal of specially designed cake-mixing logos, offering a creative glimpse into the resort’s evolving story and setting an air of anticipation for its upcoming chapter. This thoughtful addition added excitement to the evening and reflected the brand’s commitment to innovation and storytelling.

As the music played and festive aromas filled the air, guests joined hands with the Clarks team to mix a rich medley of dry fruits, nuts, and spices, a symbolic gesture of joy, togetherness, and prosperity for the season ahead. The ceremony concluded with a sumptuous poolside spread of snacks and beverages, creating the perfect prelude to the holiday celebrations.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Balaji M, CEO, Clarks Exotica, said, “At Clarks Exotica, we believe every celebration is an opportunity to create lasting memories. The annual cake mixing reflects the values we hold close, community, warmth, and connection. Seeing our guests, residents, and team members come together in such high spirits reminds us that hospitality is ultimately about people, not places. This event marks not just the start of the festive season, but also a renewed chapter in our brand’s story.”

As the resort prepares to unveil its new brand identity, this year’s cake mixing stood as a symbolic celebration of blending tradition with innovation. With the festive cheer in full swing and an exciting future ahead, Clarks Exotica continues to redefine hospitality through experiences that celebrate togetherness and timeless joy.

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