As hotels continue to adopt digital tools to improve efficiency and service delivery, the need for durable and reliable devices has become increasingly important. Addressing this operational challenge, Palaniappa Electronics is presenting Samsung’s Rugged XCover smartphones and Rugged Tab Active 5 as purpose-built mobility solutions designed specifically for demanding hotel environments.

Behind the refined guest experience lies a high-pressure operational ecosystem. From busy hotel kitchens and fast-paced housekeeping departments to engineering teams working in harsh conditions and security staff operating round the clock, standard consumer devices often struggle to survive. Samsung’s rugged devices are engineered to perform consistently in such environments, ensuring uninterrupted operations.

In hotel kitchens, where heat, steam, oil and spills are common, the Samsung Rugged XCover offers heat resistance along with dustproof and waterproof protection. The device can be operated even with oily or greasy fingers, while its glove-touch mode allows chefs and kitchen staff to access recipes, inventory systems and internal communication tools without removing safety gloves.

Housekeeping teams benefit from the rugged design that withstands water splashes, cleaning chemicals and accidental drops. This allows staff to update room status, manage linen tracking and raise service requests on the move, reducing downtime and improving turnaround efficiency during peak occupancy periods.

For engineering and maintenance teams, the military-grade durability of the Rugged XCover and Tab Active 5 ensures dependable performance in challenging locations such as boiler rooms, rooftops and service areas. The devices support digital maintenance checklists, fault reporting and asset tracking, helping hotels maintain operational consistency and preventive maintenance schedules.

Security teams, who require reliable devices throughout the day and night, benefit from loud audio output, strong connectivity and durable build quality. These features support patrol coordination, incident reporting and internal communication across large hotel properties.

A key feature of Samsung’s rugged devices is the Push-to-Talk (PTT) functionality, which allows the devices to operate like walkie-talkies using internet connectivity. With a single press, teams across departments can communicate instantly, even when devices are locked or idle. This reduces dependence on traditional walkie-talkies and improves real-time coordination across hotel operations.

In addition, the devices support advanced barcode and QR code scanning, enabling hotels to manage inventory, track linen and uniforms, tag engineering assets and conduct audits without the need for additional scanning equipment.

Designed for long-term use, Samsung Rugged XCover and Tab Active 5 come with removable batteries, extended battery and device warranties, and drop-resistant construction. This results in lower replacement costs, reduced device downtime and improved return on investment for hotel owners and operators.

Palaniappa Electronics, known for its strong presence in hospitality-focused electronics, brings these rugged mobility solutions to hotels of all sizes. With a long-standing focus on quality, customer trust and dependable service, the company continues to support hotels with technology that enhances operational efficiency while standing up to real-world usage.

With hotel operations becoming increasingly digital and fast-paced, rugged devices backed by trusted implementation partners like Palaniappa Electronics are emerging as a practical solution for modern hospitality environments.

For more details, contact Palaniappa Electronics | Mr. Muthu at 9003045685 or muthu@palaniappagroup.com.

Barbeque Nation is hosting an Odia food festival titled ‘Odia Trails’, celebrating the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Odisha. The festival features a specially curated menu by renowned chef and Masterchef India – Season 6 winner, Abinas Nayak, bringing regional flavours to diners through a thoughtfully crafted buffet experience.

Odia Trails offers a gastronomic journey through authentic Odisha cuisine, blending timeless street-style favourites with traditional regional specialities. The festival showcases a wide variety of dishes including the much-loved Dahi Pakhala, Chhena Poda, Mutton Aloo Aloo, Dalma, and several other classic preparations that reflect the soul of Odia cooking.

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Chef Abinas Nayak (Masterchef India Season 6 winner) commented, “ I’m privileged to be a part of Barbeque Nation’s Odia food festival – Odia Trails, where I would be crafting iconic dishes from the Odisha cuisine. The widespread buffet is an amalgamation of diverse and flavourful cuisine, combining aromatic spices, fresh ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.”

The Odia Trails festival highlights the vibrant flavours inspired by Odisha’s seasons and street food culture, presented through Barbeque Nation’s all-you-can-eat buffet format. Designed for food enthusiasts keen to explore regional delicacies, the spread combines fusion-based cooking with heritage Odia recipes curated by Chef Abinas Nayak.

The festival is being hosted at Barbeque Nation’s Marathahalli outlet, offering guests an opportunity to experience the depth and diversity of Odia cuisine in a familiar and interactive dining setting.

Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse and Holiday Inn Express OMR, part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, have announced the appointment of Karen Martin as Cluster Assistant Marketing Manager, effective January, 2026. In her new role, Karen will oversee brand management and integrated marketing communications, playing a key role in supporting the hotels’ strategic objectives and strengthening their market presence.

Karen brings over six years of experience across public relations, marketing communications and the hospitality sector. Her background reflects a strong understanding of brand storytelling, consumer engagement and integrated campaign execution. She has worked extensively on developing purposeful narratives, driving brand visibility and delivering marketing initiatives aligned with both business and brand goals.

Her career in marketing communications has been shaped by a strategic mindset combined with hands-on experience across traditional and digital platforms, allowing her to navigate evolving communication channels with clarity and consistency.

Speaking on the appointment, Shiv Bose, General Manager, Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse & Raphael Rodrigues, General Manager of Holiday Inn Express OMR said, “We are delighted to welcome Karen to the team. Her zeal for marketing will augur well with the hotels objectives to juxtapose branded offerings with sensory style statements and make hospitality relevant for our guests”.

Commenting on her appointment, Karen said, “I’m excited to take on this role. The brand’s focus on people, purpose, and guest experience strongly resonates with me. I look forward to contributing to impactful marketing initiatives that strengthen brand presence and support the hotels continued growth.”