JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Unveils Culinary Maestro Chef Prakash Chettiyar as Director of Culinary Excellence

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar Unveils Culinary Maestro Chef Prakash Chettiyar as Director of Culinary Excellence

By Author

Published on December 30, 2023

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar proudly introduces Chef Prakash Chettiyar, a distinguished culinary expert with over two decades of experience, as the newly appointed Director of Culinary. This strategic appointment aims to elevate the hotel's dining experience to unprecedented levels of sophistication and innovation.

Chef Prakash, celebrated for his dynamic and innovative approach to culinary arts, boasts mastery across various cuisines, including Italian, Western, Thai, Chinese, Coastal, and Indian. His illustrious career highlights include overseeing the Indian Cuisine Section at the Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, and representing India in the 2008 Incredible India campaign.

With leadership roles at esteemed establishments such as Marriott Kochi, The Oberoi Cecil Shimla, and JW Marriott Kolkata (as the Executive Chef), Chef Prakash consistently demonstrates a commitment to culinary excellence. He played a pivotal role in the pre-opening teams of Marriott hotels like Ritz Carlton Pune and Fairfield by Marriott, Kolkata, contributing significantly to their culinary identity.

Chef Prakash extends his influence beyond the kitchen, making significant contributions to high-profile events like the G20 Summit, South East Asia GM Conference of Marriott, and NRAI events. Collaborating with industry veterans, he has curated memorable pop-up dinners featuring renowned restaurants such as Indian Accent, Masque, and Bombay Canteen.

In his new role as Director of Culinary at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, Chef Prakash brings a visionary approach to innovation and dedication to excellence. His culinary craftsmanship aligns seamlessly with the high standards synonymous with the JW Marriott brand, promising guests an extraordinary gastronomic journey.

Under Chef Prakash’s leadership, the hotel’s restaurant offerings are set to reach new heights of excellence. Guests can anticipate an unforgettable dining experience, showcasing the very best of fine cuisine, as he brings his visionary approach to the heart of JW Marriott Sahar.

About JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar, located a short drive from Mumbai’s international and domestic airport, stands as an ideal destination for business and leisure. The hotel's 588 spacious rooms feature pillow-top beds, marble bathrooms, high-speed Wi-Fi, generous work desks, and 24-hour room service. Dining options at Romano’s, JW Café, and AUTM – JW Lounge reflect the city’s rich culture and culinary tradition. The hotel boasts 95,781 sq.ft. of indoor and outdoor convention spaces, offering a blend of beauty, authentic hospitality, and world-class audio-visual services. Spa By JW, the first of its kind in Asia Pacific, extends a host of therapies for holistic wellness. For more information, visit JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar. Follow on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter - @JWSahar. Additional updates on LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Plus.


TCS Named Strategic Technology Partner for New Terminal One at JFK Airport

TCS Named Strategic Technology Partner for New Terminal One at JFK Airport

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has been appointed as the strategic technology and innovation partner for The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), supporting the development of a next-generation digital ecosystem designed to transform the airport experience for passengers, airlines, and operations teams.

As part of the partnership, TCS will build the digital foundation for the terminal by deploying advanced technologies across passenger processing, artificial intelligence-driven IT operations, infrastructure management, and cybersecurity. The collaboration aims to create a seamless, connected, and efficient airport environment powered by real-time data and intelligent automation.

The New Terminal One at JFK is part of The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion transformation programme for JFK Airport, one of the largest airport redevelopment initiatives in the United States. The project is envisioned as a world-class aviation hub focused on enhancing passenger experience through modern infrastructure and innovative technology.

Through the partnership, TCS will leverage its digital solutions, including Cognix and ignio platforms, to enable end-to-end visibility across critical airport operations such as passenger processing, baggage management, terminal security, and IT infrastructure.

The deployment of AI-powered systems will help improve operational efficiency, enhance predictive capabilities, and support faster decision-making across multiple airport functions. The technology foundation is expected to enable a more reliable and personalised travel experience for passengers while helping airport teams manage complex operations more effectively.

Commenting on the partnership, Jennifer Daniel Aument, CEO, The New Terminal One at JFK, said that TCS will play an important role in helping the terminal achieve its vision of becoming one of the world’s leading airport experiences, delivering enhanced services for partner airlines and travellers.

Amit Bajaj, President, North America, TCS, highlighted the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of aviation experiences. He noted that AI will support a seamless and dependable passenger journey while helping transform The New Terminal One into a technology-led experiential destination.

With airports worldwide increasingly adopting digital transformation strategies, the partnership reflects the growing role of technology in improving passenger journeys, operational resilience, and security. From automated processes and predictive analytics to intelligent infrastructure management, digital platforms are becoming central to the future of global aviation.

The collaboration between TCS and The New Terminal One at JFK represents a significant step towards creating a smart airport ecosystem where technology, innovation, and hospitality converge to deliver a more efficient and engaging travel experience


Swiggy Partners with FITPASS to Promote 360-Degree Wellness Through EatRight Challenge

Swiggy Partners with FITPASS to Promote 360-Degree Wellness Through EatRight Challenge

By Hariharan U

Published on July 16, 2026

Swiggy Ltd. has announced a strategic partnership with FITPASS, India’s leading fitness and preventive health ecosystem, to encourage consumers to adopt healthier lifestyles through a combination of mindful eating and active wellness practices.

Through the collaboration, Swiggy users participating in the EatRight Streak Challenge can earn rewards for consistently choosing healthier meal options on the platform and stand a chance to win a FITPASS 360 subscription worth ₹2,999. The partnership aims to extend the concept of healthy living beyond food choices by connecting nutrition, fitness, and preventive healthcare into a more holistic wellness journey.

Building on the success of Swiggy’s EatRight initiative, the partnership rewards users who regularly opt for better-for-you meals while introducing them to FITPASS 360, an integrated wellness membership offering fitness, nutrition, coaching, and healthcare support.

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The collaboration comes at a time when consumer interest in health and wellness continues to grow across India. Increasingly, consumers are looking beyond individual food choices and seeking lifestyle solutions that combine balanced nutrition, physical activity, and personalised health support.

Swiggy has already witnessed growing demand for healthier food options through EatRight, with more than 5 million monthly EatRight transacting users choosing curated healthy meals on the platform. Consumer preferences indicate a shift towards lighter breakfasts and protein-focused meals throughout the day.

Popular morning choices include healthier alternatives such as millet idli, dosa, and low-calorie upma, while high-protein dishes account for a significant share of EatRight orders during lunch, snacks, and dinner. Meals such as chicken rice bowls, paneer tikka sandwiches, chicken and paneer tikka preparations, double egg dishes, and protein-rich rolls reflect the changing preferences of health-conscious consumers.

As part of the EatRight Streak Challenge, users can complete order milestones by selecting EatRight options on the Swiggy app and earn up to ₹300 in FREECASH rewards. The top 20 weekly performers will receive complimentary access to FITPASS 360 subscriptions.

FITPASS 360 provides members access to over 12,000 gyms and fitness studios across India, personalised fitness coaching through AI-powered platform ARIA, unlimited virtual workout classes including yoga, strength training and HIIT, preventive health check-ups covering 29 key health parameters, specialist consultations, and expert-led wellness guidance.

Speaking about the partnership, Deepak Maloo, Vice President – Food Strategy, Customer Experience & New Initiatives, Swiggy, said, “At Swiggy, we believe healthy living starts with everyday choices. Through EatRight, we've made healthy food more accessible. With the EatRight Streak Challenge, our focus is on helping users stay consistent with these choices. This partnership with FITPASS allows us to extend that journey beyond the plate by combining the power of the EatRight menu with access to fitness, coaching, nutrition and preventive wellness through FITPASS 360.”

Arushi Verma, Co-founder, FITPASS, added, “True wellness isn't one decision; it's the sum of daily choices people make around how they move and what they eat. With this partnership, we're bringing both together - FITPASS helps people move right and make healthier choices, while Swiggy provides those healthy food choices.”

FITPASS has also observed increasing consumer adoption of integrated wellness routines, with a majority of FITPASS 360 users accessing multiple services including gym memberships, nutrition support, AI-based coaching, virtual workouts, and consultations.

Customers can participate in the EatRight Streak Challenge by searching “EatRight” on the Swiggy app and ordering from the curated healthy food selection. The initiative strengthens Swiggy’s focus on making healthier choices more accessible, engaging, and rewarding for consumers across India.

Through this partnership, Swiggy and FITPASS aim to create a more connected wellness ecosystem where food, fitness, and preventive healthcare come together to help consumers build sustainable lifestyle habits


IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

IHCL's Taj Named India's Strongest Brand for the Fifth Consecutive Year

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 16, 2026

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India's largest hospitality company, has announced that its iconic brand Taj has once again been recognised as India's Strongest Brand across sectors in the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report. The achievement marks the fifth consecutive year that Taj has earned the distinction.

Commenting on the recognition, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL, said:

“Being recognised as India’s Strongest Brand across sectors for the fifth consecutive year is a matter of immense pride. For over 120 years, Taj has remained an enduring symbol of Indian hospitality, staying rooted in its timeless values of warmth, authenticity and excellence. This recognition reflects the deep trust and emotional connection that generations of guests have placed in the brand, as well as the unwavering commitment of our associates who bring the spirit of Tajness to life every day through thoughtful service and genuine care.”

He further added:

“Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1903, IHCL’s iconic brand Taj has played a pioneering role in shaping India’s tourism landscape. Today, with a portfolio of 150 hotels across 15 countries, it offers a distinctive collection of grand palaces, landmark city hotels, wildlife safaris, beach and hill resorts and service residences. Guided by Paathya, IHCL’s ESG+ framework, the brand’s growth is anchored in responsible business practices that balance environmental stewardship, social impact and cultural preservation. As a custodian of Indian hospitality, Taj remains committed to creating long-term value while enriching destinations, empowering communities and preserving the heritage and traditions that define its legacy.”

According to the Brand Finance 'India 100 2026' report, Taj recorded a 32% increase in brand value, reaching USD 878 million. The brand also retained its AAA+ brand strength rating, supported by a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 93.5 out of 100.

The report highlights Taj's strong brand familiarity, customer preference, and deep understanding among Indian consumers. It also notes that the brand's signature hospitality experience, widely recognised as 'Tajness', continues to set it apart, with a significant number of respondents identifying Taj as their preferred hotel brand.

Commenting on the recognition, David Haigh, Chairman, Brand Finance, said:

“Taj Hotels’ position as India’s strongest brand for the fifth consecutive year reflects the strength of its reputation and consistency of its brand performance. Brand Finance’s research shows exceptionally high levels of familiarity, preference, and understanding in its home market, underscoring the value of investing in a distinctive brand experience, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality, and delivering what guests value most. As Taj continues to expand its footprint across India and internationally, preserving these strengths will be key.”

The latest recognition further reinforces Taj's position as one of India's most trusted hospitality brands, reflecting more than a century of excellence, guest trust, and continued growth across domestic and international markets.

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