Rahul Choudhary Takes the Helm as Director of Revenue at Novotel Hyderabad Airport

Rahul Choudhary Takes the Helm as Director of Revenue at Novotel Hyderabad Airport

By Author

Published on December 28, 2023

In a strategic move aimed at fortifying its financial position, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, situated at GMR Aerocity, Hyderabad, has appointed Mr. Rahul Choudhary as the Director of Revenue. With a rich background spanning over 12 years in yield management and comprehensive revenue strategies, Choudhary is poised to contribute invaluable insights and leadership to enhance the hotel's financial success.

Choudhary's career in the hospitality sector is marked by a consistent focus on financial discipline and growth. His expertise in demand management and marketing, coupled with a specialization from the Cornell School of Hotel Administration, reflects in his impressive track record. Having previously served with distinguished brands like ITC, Accor, and The Park, Choudhary has demonstrated a keen ability to drive revenue growth, enhance profitability, and elevate brand positioning.

Expressing enthusiasm about Choudhary's appointment, Mr. Sukhbir Singh, the General Manager of Novotel Hyderabad Airport, stated, "We are thrilled to welcome Rahul Choudhary to our team. His extensive experience and notable achievements in revenue management align perfectly with our commitment to delivering unparalleled guest experiences while driving revenue growth. We are confident that Rahul's expertise will further elevate our strategies and reinforce our position as a leader in the industry."

As Director of Revenue, Choudhary is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Novotel Hyderabad Airport's revenue management strategies. The hotel, located at the bustling GMR Aerocity, anticipates his visionary leadership and profound expertise to open new horizons of revenue growth and operational excellence.

Choudhary's appointment marks a strategic move for Novotel Hyderabad Airport, aligning with its commitment to financial success and delivering exceptional guest experiences. The hotel looks forward to a new chapter under Choudhary's leadership, anticipating growth and excellence in the competitive hospitality landscape.


The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

The Job Plus Elevates Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

The Job Plus has announced the elevation of Divya Krishan to Chief Growth Officer (CGO), marking a strategic move in the company’s mission to create a skilled and sustainable workforce for India’s service and hospitality sectors.

In her expanded role, Krishan will lead the platform’s strategic growth efforts across its nationwide skilling engine, deepen collaborations with industry leaders, and accelerate efforts to skill and place thousands of young Indians into meaningful employment.

Natwar Nagar, Founder of The Job Plus, remarked, “Divya has consistently demonstrated a rare blend of strategic vision, passion for inclusive growth, and the ability to turn ideas into impact. Her elevation to Chief Growth Officer reflects our belief in her leadership and our shared commitment to transforming the lives of young Indians across the country.”

Over the past three years, Krishan has played a pivotal role in shaping key initiatives such as women-focused skilling programmes, CSR-driven partnerships, and digital literacy outreach for underserved communities. Her leadership underlines the brand’s focus on bridging the gap between potential and opportunity—while fostering sustainable employment and service excellence both in India and internationally.

This move signals a stronger push by The Job Plus to enhance workforce readiness and deepen its engagement with the evolving needs of the hospitality and service industry.


Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

Emirates Launches 'Emirates First' Check-in for First Class Flyers at DXB

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 21, 2025

Emirates has unveiled 'Emirates First', a new premium check-in zone at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, offering a private and elevated experience exclusively for its First Class travellers and Skywards Platinum members.

Just steps from the dedicated Emirates entrance, the new facility is designed to mirror the airline’s First Class luxury—with interiors featuring marble finishes, gold and bronze accents, and plush seating areas. The space is intentionally free of digital signage to maintain a calm, lounge-like atmosphere. Instead, the check-in process is handled via iPads or at elegantly crafted counters, providing a personalised, tech-enhanced experience.

The zone also includes family-friendly seating, allowing one member to complete formalities while others relax. Luggage is seamlessly routed through dedicated First Class belts for smoother transfers.

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“Emirates First reflects our continued investment in luxury travel,” said Adel al Redha, Deputy President & COO, Emirates. “It offers privacy, efficiency, and comfort at every step of the journey.”

Post check-in, passengers can proceed directly to the First Class lounges for à la carte dining, spa treatments, shopping concierge services, and more.

This initiative is part of Emirates’ broader First Class upgrades, which include Robert Welch caviar bowls, curated wine pairings, and a more refined onboard service. With over 26,800 First Class seats available weekly, Emirates continues to set the standard for top-tier travel experiences.


EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

EU Proposes Tripling Digital Travel Permit Fee to 20 Euros

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 21, 2025

Foreign travellers heading to Europe may soon have to pay nearly three times more for the region’s new digital travel permit. The European Union has proposed increasing the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) fee to 20 euros (approx. USD 23), a steep rise from the originally planned 7 euros.

This change, unveiled by the European Commission, comes as the EU aims to adjust for inflation, operational demands, and to better align the permit cost with global equivalents. For instance, the U.S. charges USD 21 for its ESTA, while the UK’s ETA costs 16 pounds (around USD 21).

Expected to roll out in the last quarter of 2026, ETIAS will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, entering any of the 27 EU member states (excluding Ireland) as well as Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. The permit will be valid for three years.

While travellers aged under 18 or over 70 will be exempt from paying the fee, others will need to apply online before their trip. The system is intended to enhance border safety by identifying security risks, irregular migration, and other concerns in advance, making travel both safer and smoother for eligible visitors.

The European Parliament and member states now have two months to review this fee adjustment. Once approved, it will go into effect with the launch of the ETIAS system, which has already seen multiple delays, largely due to its link with a yet-to-be-implemented automated border control system.

This proposal comes amid the EU’s broader financial plan, including a two-trillion-euro long-term budget (2028–2034), which aims to fund priorities like defence and agriculture. Brussels hopes to raise funds through new revenue tools such as a carbon border tax and an e-waste levy, targeting 58 billion euros annually.

As the EU moves to strengthen both financial sustainability and border security, the updated ETIAS fee stands as a key piece of its evolving travel and economic framework.

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