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By Nithyakala Neelakandan
Published on October 29, 2024
voco Hotels, a premium brand within IHG Hotels & Resorts, has introduced Birdie Bean, a new coffee brand crafted to enhance the travel experience through quality, sustainability, and unique local flavors. Officially unveiled at the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD during the Shanghai Lujiazui Coffee Festival from October 23–27, Birdie Bean aims to offer a memorable coffee experience to guests, with organic beans sourced from Pu’er in Yunnan and distinctive blends inspired by the rich flavors of the region.
Birdie Bean emphasizes eco-friendly practices by partnering with local farms that prioritize organic cultivation and avoid chemical fertilizers to support environmental preservation and biodiversity. Each cup offers a taste of Yunnan’s unique ingredients, including Pu’er tea and tamarind, which bring a local twist to traditional coffee offerings.
Rita Jiang, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for IHG Greater China, remarked, “The rising popularity of coffee culture is driving the integration of ‘coffee+’ as a trend for leisure and socializing. voco Hotels launched the Birdie Bean coffee brand to create a unique space for guests. Here, coffee is not only a drink that awakens the senses, but also a way for people to connect. We hope to attract young travelers by offering a variety of Birdie Bean coffee options, and and inviting them to explore the enchanting fusion of travel and coffee culture.”
The Birdie Bean brand draws on a legend in coffee lore—the tale of Sheikh Omar—to inspire an inviting and vibrant atmosphere. Incorporating the mascots of voco Hotels (finches, owls, and flamingos) as part of its brand identity, Birdie Bean celebrates a lively energy that resonates with the spirit of travel and exploration.
In addition to its unique coffee offerings, Birdie Bean reflects voco Hotels’ three signature tenets: Come on in, Me Time, and voco® life, which embody the welcoming and memorable experience voco Hotels provides. From a warm arrival experience to personalized spaces for relaxation and diverse dining options, voco Hotels creates an immersive stay for each guest.
IHG’s Chief Operating Officer for Greater China, Jerome Qiu, emphasized the team effort behind the Birdie Bean brand, stating, “IHG’s brand DNA is built on meeting the needs of consumers to craft unique experiences for guests. The birth of the Birdie Bean coffee brand is the result of close collaboration and ingenuity between the F&B department and the brand team. It perfectly integrates coffee culture, fine dining and brand excellence, while enriching the exclusive experience of the voco Hotels. By leading with sustainability and creating diversified coffee offerings, Birdie Bean coffee brand satisfies both soul and taste.”
The Birdie Bean shop, a cozy spot in the voco Suites Shanghai Hongqiao CBD lobby, offers guests a relaxed space to enjoy coffee. voco Hotels also extends this experience to guest rooms with Birdie Bean drip coffee, allowing travelers to enjoy their favorite brew in the comfort of their rooms. Additionally, eco-friendly merchandise like flamingo pillows and owl mugs add a fun, sustainable touch to guests’ journeys.
Future plans include expanding Birdie Bean to voco Guangzhou Shifu, bringing the brand’s unique blend of regional culture and sustainability to new locations. Proceeds from Birdie Bean sales at the coffee festival were donated to Shanghai’s Jiangchun Green Light-Year Environmental Service Center, underscoring voco Hotels’ commitment to environmental stewardship.
As of September 2024, voco Hotels has 17 properties in Greater China, with Birdie Bean marking an innovative step in delivering a unique coffee culture experience to travelers while promoting sustainable practices.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on July 8, 2025
In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new route for Indian citizens to obtain the prestigious Golden Visa — now without the need to buy property or launch a business. This shift is part of a pilot program that simplifies the path to long-term residency, specifically targeting skilled Indian professionals and creators.
The Golden Visa offers a 10-year or lifetime residency permit that allows foreigners to live, work, or study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. With the new update, eligible Indians can apply by nomination through approved UAE partners and pay a one-time fee of AED 100,000 (approximately ₹23.3 lakh).
This initiative reflects the UAE’s strategic efforts to strengthen its knowledge-based economy and deepen ties with India under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022. The program is expected to receive over 5,000 applications in its first 90 days.
What’s New for Indians?
Under the new scheme:
No property purchase, business license, or investment is needed.
Applicants must be nominated by approved UAE partner organizations.
A fixed one-time fee of AED 100,000 covers lifetime visa eligibility, including admin costs.
No recurring taxes or investment maintenance required.
The visa allows unrestricted re-entry and continued residency even if the holder spends extended periods outside the UAE.
Who Can Apply?
The pilot program is open to individuals with experience or expertise in sectors of interest to the UAE, such as:
Senior professionals in education, healthcare, and corporates
University lecturers, school teachers, and experienced nurses
Digital creators (YouTubers, podcasters, filmmakers, authors)
Coders, esports professionals, yacht owners, and maritime workers
Application Process:
Contact an authorized agent. The Rayad Group, in partnership with VFS Global and One Vasco, is managing the nomination process in India.
Submit your qualifications and background at One Vasco centres.
Pay the one-time fee.
Complete background checks, including criminal, financial, and social media history.
Receive Golden Visa approval and lifetime residency rights upon clearance.
This simplified path to UAE residency makes the Golden Visa more accessible to talented Indians from non-investment backgrounds, marking a significant policy shift in the region’s migration landscape.
Namak Indian Restaurant & Bar, a top culinary destination in Greenville, US, has announced the appointment of Chef Kishor Singh as its new Sous Chef. Known for his versatile expertise and creative finesse, Chef Kishor brings over a decade of experience from some of the world’s most esteemed kitchens. His impressive portfolio includes celebrated names like Sanjh Restaurant in the US, Pincode by Kunal Kapoor in Dubai, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra in New Delhi, Andaz Delhi by Hyatt, and Taj Jai Mahal Palace in Jaipur.
At Namak, Chef Kishor is set to infuse fresh energy into the kitchen, blending traditional Indian flavours with contemporary culinary techniques. His leadership in pre-opening teams and flair for modern plating, menu conceptualisation, and operational excellence makes him a vital addition to the brand’s evolution.
“It’s an honor to join Namak and bring my culinary journey full circle,” said Chef Kishor Singh. “This role is not only a personal milestone but also an opportunity to showcase refined Indian gastronomy with global finesse.”
His previous role at Sanjh saw him thriving under high-pressure service environments and gaining acclaim for his innovation and team training. His foundation at Masala Library and Punjabi by Nature helped shape a culinary philosophy rooted in Indian tradition and presented with modern flair.
Chef Kishor will work closely with Namak’s head culinary team to develop seasonal menus, experiment with regional dishes, and create memorable dining experiences. His appointment reflects Namak’s ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine while honoring its roots.
Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives continues its reign as the Maldives’ top family getaway, securing the title of ‘Maldives Leading Family Resort’ for the sixth year in a row at the World Travel Awards 2025. Blending serene beauty with vibrant energy, the resort strikes a unique balance between tranquillity for couples and adventure for families, making it a preferred choice across age groups. “This win is a testament to our team’s passion and commitment to making each stay unforgettable,” said Ram Bhoyroo, General Manager, Atmosphere Kanifushi. The resort, known for its lush landscape and turquoise seascapes, boasts one of the highest guest repeater rates in the region and constantly innovates to keep experiences fresh.
Recent additions include the launch of the new Essens Spa, offering immersive wellness journeys, detox sessions, and even dedicated spa treatments for kids and teens. With a heart for inclusivity and an eye for detail, Atmosphere Kanifushi continues to elevate family holidays in the Maldives, earning both loyalty and accolades in equal measure.
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