SIHRA Newsletter-11-11-2010.cdr

QUARTERLY VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2010 FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY
News Magazine of the South India Hotels & Restaurants Association
Brihadeesawara Temple, Thanjavur (Tamilnadu)
A World Heritage Monument celebrates its Millenium

Every feature of the temple is larger than life
The Brihadeswara temple is one of the most ancient and the
most celebrated Hindu temple in the world. The temple is
located in the city of Thanjavur that is also known as
Tanjore, in the Indian province of Tamilnadu. The UNESCO
has adjudged this thousand years old temple a "World
Heritage Site".
Brihadeswara is the most illustrious and a brilliant example
of the Dravidian style temple architecture. The building that
carries the main sanctum is known as the 'Periya Kovil'. This
stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in
the 16th century. The 'Vimana' of the temple is about 70
meters and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The
'Shikharam' (crown) of Brihadeswara temple is itself very
large and heavy (81.25 tons) and has been carved out of a
single stone.
The great Tamil ruler, Rajaraja Chola I of the Chola dynasty,
built the Brihadeswara temple. Later various additions were
made in the temple but the most prominent one among
these was the addition of a copper pot over the tower by
King Rajaraja Chola II. The main deity that is worshiped in
this temple is Lord Shiva. He is worshipped in the form of
Lingam. This was originally called Adavallan that meant an
expert dancer. The same name occurs in Thiruvisaipa as the
name of the deity at Chidambaram. The tower over the
shrine is named Dakshina Meru after the abode of Lord
Shiva at Kailash that is also called Meru Mountain in Hindu
scriptures.
Another remarkable feature of the temple is the great
Nandi (stone bull) that is established at the entrance of the
temple as well as ceiling of its enclosure that is decorated
with frescoes in the typical Thanjavur style of painting. The
Nandi weighs 27 tons and is probably the largest of its kind
in the world.

SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Dear Members
At the outset, I would like to thank all the Members of SIHRA for
having elected me as President for the year 2010-2011. I am
confident that with your support and cooperation, my team in the
Executive Committee and I will be able to closely interact with the
State governments effectively and achieve the various objectives
the industry has sought and which are being conferred by other
tourism – friendly States in India.
During my term as President of SIHRA I wish to take several critical initiatives for the Hotel
Industry and look forward to an active period during which many of the long pending
issues of the Southern Region are addressed. To achieve this objective, the active
involvement of our Office bearers, Executive Committee Members and our Association's
valued members are needed.
With your inputs and suggestions I intend organizing this year various Professional
Development Programmes for the staff of our Member Hotels and Restaurants to enable
your respective organizations/establishments to become truly professional for the
ultimate benefit of our clientele.
At the National level also, during my stint last year as Honorary Secretary, FHRAI, I had
taken up and obtained a wide range of concessions from Reserve Bank of India/Ministry of
Finance such as the deletion of Hotels on the Classified Real Estate (CRE) category thus
enabling Hotels to avail of financial assistance at much better terms from Commercial
Banks.
I welcome your views and suggestions on important matters that require to be taken up
with the appropriate authorities and hence please feel free to address your views to me
Mr Sudheer Nayar, our Secretary General, Mr Rangachari, our Advisor, and the staff of
SIHRA at Chennai will always be ready to extend all help and cooperation to you, our
valued Member.
We hope the advent of the Tourist Season in October will be a promising one for all of us in
the Hospitality and Tourism business.
Thanking you
Vivek Nair
President
Email id: viveknair@theleela.com
Fax: 022 2838 7624
Telephone: 022 66911234
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
Profile of Mr Vivek Nair, President - SIHRA
Mr Vivek Nair is a Graduate from St. Xavier’s College, Bombay and a Post Graduate in
Hotel Management from the School of Hotel Administration, Cornell University, U.S.A.
Along with his legendary father Padma Bhushan Capt. Krishnan Nair, Mr Vivek Nair
promoted Hotel Leela Venture Ltd which owns and operates The Leela Kempinski
Mumbai, Leela Palace Bangalore, the Leela Kempinski Goa, The Leela Kovalam Beach
Resort Kerala, The Leela Gurgaon, The Leela Udaipur and the recently opened The Leela
New Delhi. The Leela group has Sales & Marketing affiliation with Kempinski Hotels,
Europe’s oldest Hotel Company having 75 deluxe hotels all over the world. Currently,
projects under implementation include Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Agra.
From Editor’s Desk
I am delighted to inform you that I have joined SIHRA as Secretary General
from July 2010. I have had a long career of over three decades in the Travel
and Tourism industry having been with India’ leading Travel Organisation
Travel Corporation (India) Ltd from which company I retired as Regional
Director – Southern India. It is indeed a privilege to now be part of this
wonderful Association.
SIHRA founded in 1951,over the years has become the official spokesman of the Hotel industry
in South India and proactively interacts with the various Southern State Governments on
important matters and policy issues relating to Hospitality and Tourism.
The SIHRA Secretariat at Chennai was established in 1996 and provides support and
information to our valued Members on important matters, has a website, conducts periodic
Professional Development Programmes for the Staff of Hotels, and publishes a News Letter
which provides all details of the activities of the Association.
I intend to continue the good work done by my predecessors and with your support and cooperation
introduce new and innovative ideas that will benefit our Membership at large. You
can always reach me over phone:044-28297510 or by email at my id: sudheernayar@sihra.in
My very best wishes to all our Members and their families for the Festive season ahead.
Sudheer Nayar
Secretary General
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
NEWS IN GENERAL
Change of Guard in India Tourism,
Chennai
Mr Sanjay Shreevats has taken over as
Regional Director, South India Tourism,
Chennai on the retirement of Mr
S.P.Singh. Mr Sanjay Shreevats
originally belonged to the Information
& Broadcasting Division, Government
of India. Prior to taking up his present
assignment, he worked at Ministry of
Tourism, New Delhi, India Tourism
offices at Los Angeles, U.S.A and Patna.
He has the hands on experience of working in field offices As well
as in Administration in the Ministry of Tourism, Government of
India. SIHRA extends a hearty welcome to Mr Shreevats and
wishes him all the best during his tenure in office.
guests were entertained with a Hindustani Classical Music
extravaganza by young and budding artistes Messrs Shashank
Sekar, Rajkumar Nahar and Santosh Nahar.This was followed by
dinner with a wide spread of exotic delicacies prepared by the
Students of IHMCT & AN.
State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology,
Trichy bags National Awards for Excellence in Hospitality
Education.
The State Institute of Hotel Management & Catering Technology
(SIHMCT), Thuvakudi, Trichy is one among the two Hotel
Management Institutes in the country to receive the National
Awards for Excellence in Hospitality Education 2008-09 from the
Ministry of Tourism, for the best performance in implementing
Hunar-Se-Rozgar (Skill Development for Youth) programme. The
New Secretary Tourism, Government of India
Mr Rajen Habib Khwaja has taken charge as Secretary, Tourism,
Government of India, from Mr Sujit Banerjee on the latter’s
retirement. Mr Khwaja has envisioned a major growth in Tourism
figures for India and intends to draw a framework for all
stakeholders of the Tourism and Hospitality industry towards
development of Tourism infrastructure and promotion.
16th State Level Conference of Karnataka Pradesh Hotels&
Restaurants Association
KPHRA and Mysore Hotels Association, which will be celebrating
their Golden Jubilee, will be jointly organizing their 16th State
Level Conference at Mysore from 17th to 19th December 2010.
45th FHRAI Annual Convention
The 45th FHRAI Annual Convention was held at Agra between
27th– 29th August 2010, which was inaugurated Kumari Selja,
Union Tourism Minister. The theme of the Convention was
‘Wellness Tourism’ while bringing core issues of the Hospitality
industry to the forefront. The Convention saw an excellent
participation of over 600 Delegates and all the meaningful
sessions were well attended
World Tourism Day Celebrated in Chennai
India Tourism, Regional Office, Chennai jointly with Institute of
Hotel Management Catering Technology & Applied Nutrition,
Tharamani, Chennai celebrated the World Tourism Day on 27th
September 2010 at IHMCT & AN campus, Taramani. The Theme
selected for the World Tourism Day was India’s Bio Diversity.
Mr S Rajmohan, Principal, IHMCT and Mr Sanjay Sreevats, Regional
Director – South, India Tourism, spoke on this occasion
highlighting the importance and need to celebrate this day. The
award was presented by Mr Sultan Ahmed, Hon’ble Minister for
State for Tourism, Govt. of India at a function held at Institute of
hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi.
Kerala Travel Mart in Kochi.
Kerala Travel Mart was held at Bolgatty Palace, Kochi, between
24th to 26th September 2010, giving an opportunity to bring the
maximum number of Foreign Buyers and Sellers to “God’s Own
Country”. The event was inaugurated by Justice Chelameswar,
Judge of Kerala High court along with Mr Riaz Ahmed, President,
KTM.
FHRAI Annual Awards 2010
Six SIHRA members were the proud Winners of the prestigious
FHRAI Awards 2010 presented at the 45th Federation of Hotel &
Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention held
at Agra from 27th to 29th August 2010.
FHRAI ANNUAL AWARDS 2010
Six SIHRA members were the proud Winners of the prestigious FHRAI Awards 2010 presented at the 45th Federation of Hotel &
Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) Annual Convention held at Agra from 27th to 29th August 2010.
Young Hotel Entrepreneur of the Year
Young General Manager of the Year
Young Front Office Manager of the Year
Young Hotel Sales & Marketing Manager of the Year
Young Hotel Training Manager of the Year
Environment Champion of the Year (Small Hotels)
R. Raju Bhurat, Vijayshree Group, Hospet
Rohan Sable, Royal Orchid, Bangalore
Hemanth Rai, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, Munnar
Shilpa Anil Gokhale, Taj Deccan, Hyderabad
Sowmya Sengupta, The Gateway Hotel, Bangalore
Marari Beach, Alleppey
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
MASS INSTITUTE OF HOTEL MANAGEMENT,
PONDICHERRY ''DEIVATHINDE SWANDHAM NAADU''-
KERALA FOOD FESTIVAL- 2010
Mass Institute of Hotel Management, Pondicherry, celebrated
a Kerala Food Festival – DEIVATHINDE SWANDHAM NAADU on
nd
2 October 2010. Dr. Iqbal Singh, His Excellency the
Lt. Governor of Puducherry inaugurated the festival by
lighting the traditional lamp. Thiru M.O.H.F. Shahjahan,
Hon'ble Minister for PWD and Thiru M. Kandasamy, Hon'ble
Minister for Social Welfare and Co-operation were the Chief
guests of the occasion. Dr. M.A.S. Subramanian, Chairman,
Mass Institute of Hotel Management along with
Mr. R. Prabakar, Executive Director, Hotel MASS, Executive
Committee Member, SIHRA, graced the occasion. The Guests
of Honour included: Mr. Sudheer Nayar, Secretary General,
South India Hotels and Restaurants Association, Chennai.
The guests were given a traditional welcome as the girls and
boys, dressed up in traditional Kerala attire, lined up with
Thalapolis to the accompaniyaing tunes of the Chendda
melam. From the palm leaf and mat decorations, to the live
performances of the Kerala troop, which showcased the
traditional dance forms like Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Kalari
Payatu, Thiruvadhira kali, Ottanthulllal the ambience was
perfectly set to that of the God's Own Country. The traditional
Pookalams along with diyas lit up a festival mood.
THE RADISSON RESORT
BEACH VOLLEY BALL
CORPORATE CHALLENGE
The Radisson Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram,
conducted 2nd edition of Beach Volley Ball Corporate
Challenge in association with the Tamil Nadu Beach
Volley Ball Council, The matches was played over 3
rd
weekends from 23 September and featured 80
teams from Chennai & Bangalore.
TCS Team won the finals in Radisson Beach Volleyball
th
Corporate Challenge Tournament held on 17
October.
Vikram Cotah, Senior Vice President, Radisson Resort Temple Bay
and Shabin Sarvotham, Resort Manager, Radisson, releasing the
official T-Shirt for the event.
Mr. Sudheer Nayar, Secretary General, lighting the lamp
Members of TCS team, the winners of the Radisson Beach Volley Ball
Corporate challenge Tournament with Vikram Cotah, Senior Vice
President, Radisson Resort Temple Bay and Shabin Sarvotham,
Resort Manager, Radisson, Mamallapuram.
Dr. Iqbal Singh, Governor of Puduchery inaugurated the festival
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
59th AGM of SIHRA held at GRT Convention Centre on 04th September 2010
The 59th Annual General Meeting of SIHRA was held at GRT Convention Centre, Chennai on Saturday 04th September 2010 and was
chaired by our President Mr M P Purushothaman. After the completion of various formalities including the approval of the Accounts of
the Association for the Financial Year 2009-2010 and other important matters such as the ratification by the floor to the Resolution
passed in the previous year’s AGM, permitting the Amendment to the Articles of Association of SIHRA to create the position of President
of Honour and Member of Honour, the President Mr Purushothaman addressed the Members.
To fill the eight vacancies to the Executive Committee of the Association there were thirteen nominations received including from the 8
retiring EC Members. An Election was therefore conducted under the supervision of an appointed scrutineer and Eight Members were
elected to the Executive Committee, which included five of the existing Members and three New Members.
At the Executive Committee Meeting that immediately followed the conclusion of the AGM, Mr Vivek Nair, Vice Chairman and Managing
Director Leela Venture Ltd, representing Leela Palace Kempinski Hotel Bangalore was unanimously elected as the new President of SIHRA
for 2010-2011. Other Office Bearers were also unanimously elected. On assuming the President-ship, Mr Vivek Nair thanked the Members
for having elected him to the position and also graciously conveyed to the outgoing President Mr Purushothaman the Executive
Members deep sense of gratitude to him for successfully steering the Association for almost ten consecutive years as its President. All
Executive Committee Members then rose to give a standing ovation to Mr Purushothaman.
Abstract from the speech delivered by Shri M.P.Purushothaman, President,
South India Hotels & Restaurants Association
th
at 59th Annual General Meeting held on 4 September, 2010 at GRT Convention Centre,
T'Nagar, Chennai-600017.
Dear Friends
th
It gives me a great pleasure to welcome you all to the 59
Annual General Meeting of South India Hotels & Restaurants
Association.
The Hospitality Industry is one of the fastest growing sectors
in the past decade. However the economic slow down has
impacted the rate of growth considerably. But tourism
growth is gaining momentum since the mid 2009 and is
expected to grow further at a fast pace. This is one of the
prime sectors that generates significant Employment and a
survey done by Ma Foi Randstand suggests that by the end
of 2010 there will be an increase in employment
opportunities in the Hospitality Sector to the tune of 79,500
people. This is very encouraging sign
During my tenure as President of FHRAI in 2008-09, I made a
direct appeal to Government of India that hotels must be
categorized as an Industry under Industrial (Development &
Regulation) Act at the Central level. This would facilitate the
State Governments to also similarly confer Industry status
for Hotels and thereby extend suitable benefits to the hotels.
I am confident that the Government will accept our plea for
more incentives and concessions to the Hotel Industry.
One of the first and most important results from our close
interaction with the Government of India was that the Union
Finance Minister in his Budget presentation for fiscal year
2010-2011 announced Grant Investment Linked Deduction
under Income Tax to companies in the business of
developing hotels – Two star and above anywhere in India.
This will spur developments of hotels projects and will
attract new players to the market.
2009 was the year that South India and SIHRA was supposed
to host the All India FHRAI Convention. But due to
unavoidable circumstances the FHRAI Executive Committee
recommended postponement due to time constraints. Not
to disappoint the Members of SIHRA your Executive
Committee decided to host an All India Convention of Hotels
& Restaurants for the first time in Kerala “Gods Own Country
th
th
“in Thiruvananthapuram on 7 and 8 December, 2009 with
the Theme-“Indian Tourism-Past Learning and Future
Earnings” with full fledged encouragement and support of
the Kerala State Government and Hoteliers from
Thiruvananthapuram. Nearly 400 delegates from all over
India participated. The success of this Convention was
mainly due to your unstinted support and cooperation. The
Post conference tour to Sri Lanka was well participated in. I
owe my gratitude to you all for the resounding success of the
Convention. Though financially we made a loss due to this
convention it more than off sets the gain we have achieved
among the hoteliers. Your Association submitted a Prebudget
Memorandum to the State Governments of
Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka seeking
relief and various concessions to the Hospitality sector. The
Karnataka State Government favorably considered our
memorandum given to the Chief Minister of the State by
slashing the Luxury Tax from 12% to 10% on actuals, which
was a great relief to hoteliers.
Also based on the Memorandum given by your Association
to the Chief Minister of Kerala, the Government of Kerala
have reduced the Luxury Tax from 15% to 12.5% and from
10% to 7.5% on actuals in different categories of hotels.
Similarly based on the Memorandum given by your
Association to the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu the Tamilnadu
Electricity Board accepted our plea and reduced the Power
cut imposed on Hotels from 40% to 20% for certain
categories of hotels which was later with drawn completely.
I would like thank Shri Ramanatha Bhat, Vice President,
Shri. Shyamaraju, E.C. Member from Karnataka, Shri. Suresh.
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
M.Pillai, Vice President from Kerala, Shri. G.V. Krishnaiah, Vice
President and President of Andhra Pradesh Hotels
Association, Shri.Shankar Menon, Vice President,
Shri.T.Nataraajan, Hony.Secretary and Mr K Murali Rao, Hony.
Treasurer, for providing their valuable inputs for submitting
various representations to the State Governments in South
India. I would also like to thank all the Executive Committee
Members of the Association for their kind cooperation in
running the Association smoothly and successfully.
Mr G Venkataraman Secretary General for the past three
th
years resigned from the services effective from 26
May2010. In his place we have appointed Mr Sudheer Nayar
as the Secretary General with effective from 1/7/2010. Mr
Nayar has over 30 years experience in travel trade and is
likely to bring in wealth of experience to the Association. I
am sure all the Members will endorse Mr Sudheer Nayar's
selection and welcome him and support him to perform
well for the Association. I would also like to thank Mr
Rangachari, Advisor and the staff of SIHRA Secretariat for
their contribution.
Thank you
M.P. Purushothaman
59th AGM of SIHRA in Progress - Office Bearers on dais
59th AGM of SIHRA - members present
President Mr Vivek Nair during his tenure as Honorary Secretary FHRAI had taken
several initiatives with the Ministry of Finance on the following issues:
Increase in the limit of ECBs / FCCBs from
100 Million to 250 Million with prior
approval with the RBI.
Reduction in the Rate of Interest - As a result
of the deletion from the CRE, Hotels would
be able to receive the reduction to an extent
of 175 – 200 points from the existing rate of
interest on the other loans extended to
them by the Commercial Banks.
Debt Equity Ratio under Hotels was not
permitted to exceed 1:2 when it was part of
the CRE. Now it would be eligible to go upto
4.00 to 5.00. Also with a longer repayment
schedule. The exact pricing of the loans and
their terms and conditions of the financial
assistance depends on the credit rating of
the borrowers as appraised by the
Commercial Banks extending credit to it.
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
S I H R A
In the service of
Hospitality Industry
since 1951
THE SOUTH INDIA HOTELS & RESTAURANTS ASSOCIATION
M-1, Prince Centre, 709-710, Anna Salai, Chennai-6.
PRESIDENT
SIHRA Office Bearers
for the year 2010-2011
Mr Vivek Nair
The Leela Palace Kempinski Hotel, Bangalore
Executive Committee Members
Mr M P Purushothaman Empee Group of Hotels Chennai
(Past President – SIHRA)
VICE PRESIDENTS
Mr Shankar Menon Empee Hotels & Resorts Chennai
Mr K Murali Rao
New Woodlands Hotel, Chennai
Representing
Tamilnadu & Puducherry
Mr Jose Dominic
Casino Hotel Cochin
CGH Earth Ltd
Representing Kerala
Mr Suresh R Madhok Empee Institute of Hotel Chennai
& Catering Technology
Mr K Syama Raju Hotel Maurya Bangalore
Mr K Nagaraju The Atria Hotel Bangalore
Mr R Srinivasan Hotel Radha Regent Chennai
Mr R Srinivasan Tamilnadu Hotels Chennai
Association
Mr R Prabakar Hotel Mass Puducherry
Mr Vikram Aggarwal Fortune Select Palms Chennai
Mr K L Ramanatha Bhat
Sri Hariram Hotels Bangalore
Advisor, Karnataka Pradesh
Hotels & Restaurants Assn.
Representing Karnataka
Mr G V Krishnaiah
President, AP Hotels Assn.
Representing
Andhra Pradesh
Mr K Ravi 37th Crescent Hotel Bangalore
Mr P G Venkataramana Babu New Woodlands Hotel Chennai
Mr S Basavaraj Hotel Maurya Bangalore
Mr B S R Ajri Hotel Palmgrove Chennai
HONY. SECRETARY
HONY. TREASURER
FHRAI Executive Committee Members from SIHRA
For the year 2010-2011
Mr T. Nataraajan
GRT Hotels & Resorts, Chennai
Mr M Chakravarthy
Savera Hotel, Chennai
Mr Vivek Nair
Mr K Murali Rao
Mr M P Purushothaman
Mr Jose Dominic
Mr T Nataraajan
Mr K Syama Raju
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
Interesting Fact About Coffee Drinking In South India
Cafes have become the hot place where youth from various small care of the layman.”
communities connect over a cup of coffee.
More scope in South India
Café culture has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. The This definitely holds true since the Cafe culture very much started
culture is undoubtedly catching up in the country like never before from the Southern part of India. Coffee culture began in the South on
as increasing number of players are joining the bandwagon. South the back-bone of Udupi hotel coffees and coffees that were offered
India in particular is booming with immense opportunities in the by many restaurants and Darshinis in the South. According to expert
sector and offers a rich coffee culture to explore.
“these were basic coffees and many of them were even bad coffees.
We can refer to students who are typically looking for a place to meet But they served the populace well., “This back-bone set the pace for
and socialise after school/college timings, or on holidays. On the early coffee consumption in a country that had a pathetic per capita
same lines, we can consider office goers who are on look out for a consumption of 54 gms per person per year in South India and all of
place to grab a quick bite or a cup of coffee during breaks which also 1.2gms per person per year in the rest of India.”
becomes a place of meetings. In the evening, the same spots can Entrepreneurs, too, have discovered that there is loads of money to
become a meeting place for relatives and friends.
be made in the quick service restaurant (QSR) business and
Café culture trend in India
especially having witnessed the rising share of wallet spent on eating
Given the huge disposable income for today's youth, there exists a out these days. Areas such as Indira Nagar, Richmond Road,
vast market of cafes in India. Cafes have become the hot place where Koramangala and HSR layout are seeing a sharp increase in the
youth form various small communities connect over a cup of coffee. number of outlets (in South India) – selling cappuccino, frozen
Sudeep Gupta, Director, Zest Agro Pvt. Ltd. comments, “In the time to yogurt, tea-based mocktails and English breakfast.
come, Indian market will be at par with European market if we talk “South India has got a lot of scope for players with better offerings.
about the Cafe Culture. Though, this trend Now café is not just about specialty coffee – it's about more offerings
started from Barista, Costa Coffee because more and more people have made café their second home –
and Cafe Coffee Day but in order so better offerings, ambience would still have scope in South India.
to provide a branded cafe to It's more of a customised format game rather than a copy paste
a layman, chains like Cafe model due to diversification in our country every kilometer,” another
Buddy's are emerging avid coffee drinker.
to reach out to the He added, “This was true few years back but in today's scenario,
larger audience. coffee is not limited to south India but has become a national
While, CCD and phenomenon. People of south are still very much inclined toward
Barista cater to their filter Kapi but the youth all over India prefers the Italian coffees
the up-market like espresso, cappuccino, latte etc.”
c u s t o m e r s , a
chain like Cafe
Buddy's takes
Courtesy: Franchise India Web portal.
NEW HOTELS IN THE PIPELINE IN SOUTH INDIA
The following hotel properties which are under execution between 2010 and 2011, when completed will provide an additional capacity
of 3272 rooms from 5 star to 3 star rating.
Place Brand Promoter Rating No of rooms
Chennai
Chennai City Centre (Radisson hotel)
Carlson Hotel 5 161
Leela Kempinski Hotel Leela Venture 5 400
Hilton hotel Empee Int. Hotels & Resorts 5 250
ITC Grand Chola ITC Hotels & Resorts 5 680
Kerala Tourism Development Corporation Hotel KTDC 91
Sarovar Portico Sarovar Hotels 200
Sarovar Hometel Sarovar Hotels 140
JW Marriot Viceroy Hotels 5 200
Coimbatore
Hotel ISTA IHHR Hospitality 5 200
Taj Surya Taj Hotels & Resorts 5 200
Hyderabad
Orchid hotel Alif Resources & Infrostrrtcture Ltd 60
Radisson Plaza Daaj Hotels & Resorts 5 160
Park Hyatt Gayatri Hi-Tech Hotel ltd 5 225
Lemontree Krizm Hotels 400
Thiruvananthapuram
Bekal Resorts Dev. Corpn Kerala Resorts Development Corporation 100
Visakhapatnam
Sea Valley Resorts 5 92
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SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
Welcome to New Members
List of Members who joined the Association from 29.03.2010 to 04.10.2010
HOTELS PLACES ROOMS
Tamil Nadu
Hope Park Hotels Nilgiris 50
Hotel Royal Park Erode 27
Motel Highway Chennai 20
Hotel Atithi Puducherry 60
The Royal Star Chennai 32
The Vijay Park Chennai 150
GRT Regency -Tuticorin Tuticorin 51
The Rain Tree-Anna Salai Chennai 230
Hotel Abu Palace Chennai 94
Kerala
Hotel lssac Regency Wayanad 35
Hotel Highway Castle Kasargod 17
The Lalit Resort & SPA Kasargod 39
Tea Bungalow Kochi 10
Hotel Fort Gate Guruvayur 11
Nyle Plaza Hotels & Properties
Pvt. Ltd Kochi 48
Karnataka
Paradise Isle Beach Resort Bangalore 50
Hotel Paraag Bangalore 33
Cross Roads Inn Bangalore 35
The Pride Hotel Bangalore 100
Lemon Tree Hotel Electronic City Bangalore 175
Mayur Aaditya Resort Dharwad 44
The Gateway Hotel - Chikmaglur Chikmaglur 29
M'Elange Astris Apartment Hotel Bangalore 66
Andhra
Pradesh
Darling Cave Hyderabad 28
Hotel Shanmukha Residency Eluru 22
Golkonda Resorts & SPA Hyderabad 44
RESTAURANTS PLACES COVERS
Tamil Nadu
Coffee World Chennai 45
Hotel Andhra Bhavan Chennai 40
RESTAURANTS PLACES COVERS
Pizza Hut Franchise Chennai 50
The Orange Yercaud 60
Kaaraikudi Restaurant Chennai 100
Ratna Cafe - Velacherry Chennai 100
Dewberry's Chennai 50
Ratna Cafe -T Nagar Chennai 95
Andhra Bhavan - Parrys Chennai 90
Subway - Egmore Chennai 40
Ratna Caf6 - Triplicane Chennai 97
Palimar Restaurant Chennai 60
Above Sea Level Chennai 86
AT Taam Souk
Kerala
Thiruvananthapuram
Treasure Trove Restaurant Kochi 125
Lagoon Restaurant Kochi 48
Karnataka
KFC Restaurant - Bel Road Bangalore 100
KFC Restaurant-Forum Mall Bangalore 100
KFC Restaurant - Jaya Nagar Bangalore 100
KFC Restaurant-Total Mall Bangalore 100
KFC Restaurant-
Bashveshwar Nagar Bangalore 100
Tandoor Restaurant Bangalore Abv 100
Om Veg Restaurant Bangalore 58
Mast Kalander Bangalore 100
Andhra Pradesh
Coco's & Grill Hyderabad 90
Hotel Srikanya Rajamundry 75
Mozzarella Hyderabad 86
Sixer Restaurant & Musical Bar Kakinada 100
Ohris Jiva Hyderabad 100
TGI Fridays Hyderabad 153
ASSOCIATES
Banyan Tree Hotels Kerala
PLACES
Kerala
Kochi
9

SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) and Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEE) from Tourism
in India during 2009 and comparative figures of 2007 and 2008
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Nos)
Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Nos)
Percentage Change
Month 2007 2008 2009@ 2008/2007 2009/2008
January 535631 511781 421708 -4.5% -17.6%
February 501692 611493 546675 21.9% -10.6%
March 472494 479765 417875 1.5% -12.9%
April 350550 361101 348462 3.0% -3.5%
May 277017 304361 298578 9.9% -1.9%
June 310364 341539 342222 10.0% 0.2%
July 399866 431933 434525 8.0% 0.6%
August 358446 383337 350370 6.9% -8.6%
September 301892 341693 327684 13.2% -4.1%
October 444564 450013 445963 1.2% -0.9%
November 532428 531683 528493 -0.1% -0.6%
December 596560 533904 646024 -10.5% 21.0%
Total 5061504 5282603 5108579 4.0% -3.3%
Foreign Exchange Earnings (In Rs. Crore)
Foreign Exchange Earnings (In Rs. Crore)
Percentage Change
Month 2007* 2008# 2009# 2008/2007 2009/2008
January 4698 5438 4596 15.8% -15.4%
February 4401 5162 4547 17.7% -12.3%
March 4144 5035 4437 21.5% -11.9%
April 3218 3773 4061 17.2% 7.6%
May 2543 2988 3249 17.5% 8.7%
June 2849 3409 3801 19.7% 11.5%
July 3436 3870 4983 12.6% 28.8%
August 3060 3626 4115 17.7% 13.5%
September 2594 3143 3796 21.2% 20.8%
October 3785 4248 4806 12.2% 13.1%
November 4533 4935 5523 8.9% 11.9%
December 5079 5063 7042 0.1% 38.5%
Total 44360 50730 54960 14.4% 8.3%
@ Provisional estimates * Revised estimates # Advance estimates
Note: Figures of FTAs for January - November 2009 have been changed due to adoption of final figures of FTAs for 2008 now available from
Bureau of immigration.
10

SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
EMERGING TRENDS IN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
- Dr.Gowri Ramachandran
Hospitality has long been synonymous with the hotel
industry. Any changes in trends of hotel business have
wide scale implication on an otherwise diverse
industry. What might be an opportunity for a traveler
can be a matter of survival for hotels? It will not be an
oversimplification to suggest that the emerging
concept in hotel industry reveal an atmosphere of stiff
competition. Here is a look at a few major issues.
IS GREEN BETTER?
Amid growing concern over environment friendly
services, a majority of travelers now prefer green and
Eco lodgings. Recent survey by trade association such
as partnership Travel Industry Association and online
retailers like yahoo revealed that nearly seventy
percent of the tourists are willing to pay extra when it
come to environmental friendly lodgings. These survey
further revealed that these guests will pay anywhere
from nine to ten percent premium on the already
advertised prices.
What can be stated as a welcome relief for the educated
traveler might pose real challenges for the hotel
business. To better understand the scenario, it should
be noted that hotels are presently facing severe
shortages in occupancy rates which are at their lowest
since 1971. such a crisis and lack of funds can definitely
hamper any efforts to install appliances that comply
with the LEEDS standards (Leadership in Energy &
Environment Design). Some experts agree that a trade
off may lead hotels into removing free amenities that
include little bottles of shampoos, jams, and free basket
of fruits; all of which are the hallmark of these eco
lodgings.
WHERE HAVE THE WORKERS GONE?
The hotel industry gives employment at a very
proportion of part time workers, who after gaining
substantial experience. Leave for other lucrative jobs at
restaurants and outdoors. Low wages in the hotel
industry is one of the primary reasons for low retention
rates.
Hotel industry gurus are already thinking of ways to
attract and retain qualified workers by increasing the
pay scale and by reducing the long working hours. The
top management is now devising constructive
methods that will retain the existing workers by
sponsoring education and creating attractive career
paths.
MEGA HOTELS
The rising cost of construction and a struggling real
estate has prompted hoteliers to deploy the
prefabricated and cost effective solution in the
construction of new hotels. In fact they are fighting
back by producing highly efficient design that utilize a
greater proportion of space for revenue generating
purpose. Further trends in the hotel construction will
seek to maximize the use of building areas by
constructing a multi purpose facility that will include
casinos, shopping outlets Ant Theater. The stand-alone
hotel cocept is likely to vanish as the new properties
will be constructed as a mixed-use development to
provide guests with facilities such as Church, Hospitals,
and Theme parks. Such a variety will ensure that guests
remain at one spot, which will help generate revenue
for the entire hotel complex.
THE EVOLUTION OF SAVVY TRAVELER
The evolution of Internet has given rise to a
phenomenon where travelers are becoming ever more
demanding. Industry professionals suggest that an
increase in a trend, to review properties online, will
make travelers less forgiving as they are able to post
their travel experience. Such an overemphasis on web
may even lead to stiff competition and price reduction
strategies where only large players may be able to
survive.
Toward of such threats, the small business owner is now
turning towards opening a boutique establishment as
an alternate to 70s style motels. Such niche properties
are popping up everywhere by advertising a more
personalized “home away from home” kind of
experience. The introduction of such boutique
properties has also given rise to the popular and widely
accepted theme of modern hostels. These hostels are
keen to provide a clean and safe environment for
budget conscious travelers. Their goal is to wipe out the
myths associated with cheap motels and dingy guest
houses.
Whatever may be the cause, one thing is for sure that
constant remodeling of the hotel industry has made it
more functional and practical not only for the guests
but also for the hotel owner.
11

SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
The Code of Conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism was released by Kumari Selja, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism and Housing & Urban
Poverty Alleviation, Govt. of India in a Press Meet held on 1st July 2010 at New Delhi.
The Hon’ble Minster requested the Tourism and Hospitality Industry to adopt the Code of Conduct both in letter and spirit.
A copy of “The Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism” is available at our Secretariat. However, a brief note on highlights of the
same is given below:
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
GUIDELINES FOR THE TOURISM INDUSTRY:
1. Information & training of personnel:
Code of Conduct for Safe & Honourable Tourism
Adopted on 1st July 2010
This code is a guideline of conduct to enable the Indian travel and tourism industry to:
1. Encourage tourism activities to be undertaken with respect for basic rights like dignity, safety and freedom from exploitations of
both tourists and local residents i.e. people and communities who may be impacted by tourism in some way.
2. Aid the prevention of prostitution, sex tourism and forms of sexual exploitations like assaults and molestations in tourism to
safeguard the safety of persons, in particular women and children.
3. To enhance prevention of activities like forced or involuntary drug use, manipulated and incorrect information, cultural and social
intolerance which could increase vulnerability to crime.
APPLICABILITY:
This code of conduct shall be applicable to all the owners, suppliers, contractors, employees of the travel and tour sector including hotels,
restaurants, lodges, guest houses, tour agents, entertainment establishments etc. In addition it shall be applicable to service providers
like event management organizations, entertainment providers, transport operators like taxis, buses, tour guides and other services or
agencies associated with the tourism sector. This is not a legally binding instrument but a set of guidelines for the tourism industry. In
addition to these guidelines, included in this code are key messages that signatories are encouraged to use.
Management will take up measures to build awareness and train staff on the guidelines of this code and appropriate legal
provisions to enhance vigilance and to ensure that personnel act in a manner that promotes the safety of tourists, local residents
and their own staff.
All hotels and tour operators shall train and maintain two persons as focal points to ensure that all safety norms and guidelines of
the code are adhered to. The officers shall provide correct information on Child lines-1098, Women Help lines-1091, local police
help line 100 and also act as a liaison officer with agencies such as the local police station immigration authorities, civil society
partners working in this area, child and women welfare committees etc.
In case of an incidence of exploitation, personnel shall be sensitized to report correct information to the appropriate authorities
act in cooperation with law enforcement agencies, other agencies providing care and support and take necessary action to
protect the interests of the individual whose rights are violated.
Organizations will promote awareness on the code among service providers affiliated to their business such as vendors,
contractors, taxi drivers, tour guides, event management companies etc.
In case of misconduct by a staff member of personnel of a service provider, signatories of the code will commit themselves to act
in an unbiased manner, reporting the incidence to appropriate authorities and protecting the interests of the individual whose
rights are violated.
Identified victims shall not be treated as criminals. They should be identified as persons in need of care, protection and should be
provided with legal, medical, psycho-social and any other assistance without delay.
2. Public awareness and guest notification:
Messages of intolerance to any form of exploitation must be made evident in appropriate places visible to guests / clients,
employees and other visitors, Guests and clients must also be provided information through the company’s website, brochures,
tickets, bills, in-room / in-flight communication etc. on issues related to commercial sexual exploitation such as sex tourism,
prostitution, pornography, forms of sexual assaults, molestations and key messages elaborated in this code.
In order to enhance tolerance for social and cultural norms, signatories of this code must take action to provide information
available to their best knowledge on local social and cultural beliefs and norms,. Knowledge and tolerance for different social and
cultural norms will allow tourists to dress, conduct themselves and respect local beliefs helping them to adjust and thereby
reducing the vulnerabilities they might force as foreigners to a particular destination.
Signatories of the code are encouraged to assist tourists with guidance on safety tips applicable to the specific city / place like
places to visit, timings for visits, right dressing and precautions against moving alone, and against accepting eatables and favors
from unknown persons etc. Guests and clients shall be cautioned against solicitations form touts, non-regulated operators and
encouraged to consult the website of the Tourism Ministry and other authorized websites.
12

SIHRA News Magazine July-Sep 2010
Signatories will ensure that a clause is included in registration papers seeking commitment of the tourist to act in a manner that
respects the dignity and rights of local residents and also to conduct themselves in a manner that shall aid the tourist’s own
protection against exploitation.
3. Regulated use of premises and official equipment.
Management / owners are encouraged to prohibit usage of the organization’s premises for use or abuse of illicit substances,
sexual violations and of company equipment for viewing, storage, distribution, promotion or use of material which could increase
vulnerability to exploitations of the nature mentioned in this code.
Individuals under the permitted age shall not be allowed permission in to restricted areas like bars and pubs.
Tourism service providers shall verify and maintain a record of details pertaining to tourists, personnel and service providers like
address, contact details etc and also commit themselves to maintaining confidentiality.
Internet usage that promotes, seeks any contacts for sex tourism and other sexual services, for search of pornographic material
and / or to solicit the sale and purchase of illicit substances shall be prohibited.
4. Ethical business practices and marketing:
Management / owners shall ensure that all contracts with business partners, suppliers and franchise agreements bear a clause
seeking commitment to provisions of the ‘Code of conduct for Safe and Honorable Tourism’ in their businesses.
Any tourism enterprise or service provides found to act in a manner that undermines the safety of persons outlined in this code
may be blacklisted.
Sexually explicit images or concepts / images that may compromise the safety of individuals shall not be used for marketing
purposes. An unambiguous company policy shall be set up to ensure that marketing and advertising does not support the
promotion of sexual exploitation or promotion of sexually explicit images.
Signatories are encouraged to patronize vendors and service providers who are committed to adhering to the provisions of this
code.
5. Implementation and Monitoring:
All signatories are required to maintain an annual report on ‘Code of conduct for Safe and Honourable Tourism’ and submit it to a
designated authority.
Management / owners shall report on:
Training and capacity building initiatives carried out for personnel / staff.
Means adopted to raise awareness on safety among guests, personnel and service providers.
KEY MESSAGES FOR AWARENESS BUILDING AND DISSEMINATION
Enhancing safety and security of all tourists:
All signatories of the code are committed to act in a manner that protects the dignity and freedom against exploitation of persons
especially women and children and facilitate prevention of incidences of sexual molestation, harassment of their guests and
provide assistance in case of an untoward incident.
In case of exploitation please call the Child line-1098, Women Help lines-1091 and / or contact relevant authorities like the police
or travel and tour operators.
Like in may places in the rest of the world tourists are encouraged to follow some basic and practical safety tips such as to remain
with a group or meet new people in public places, not to accept items from persons whom they have befriended recently, to wary
of unexpected, unknown persons coming to their hotel room, never open the door to unsolicited from service or maintenance
people etc.
Tourists must always take the advice of more than one person when seeking information on places to visit, shopping places, local
customs, beliefs and norms and remain vigilant on accepting completed documents. Tourists are encouraged to seek
information from Government of India recognized information centers and visit the Ministry of Tourism’s websites.
Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986, Section 2 (c) – Indecent representation of women means the
depiction in any manner at the figure of a woman, her form or body or any part thereof in such a way as to have the effect of being
indecent, or derogatory to, or denigrating a woman or is likely to deprave, corrupt or injure the public morality or morals.
Kidnapping or abducting in order to subject person to grievous hurt, slavery, etc. is an offence under Section 367 of the Indian
Penal Code.
Assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty is an offence under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code.
Punishment for rape offenses shall not be less than seven years but which may be for life or for a term which may extend to ten
years as the case may be, according to Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.
13

1000 Dancers performing
at the celebration
Editor and Publisher: Sudheer Nayar, Secretary General, SIHRA; Secretariat: South Indian Hotels and Restaurants Association,
M.1, Prince Centre, 709-710, Anna Salai, Chennai - 600 006.
Design & Editorial co-ordination: Prism Public Relations India Pvt. Ltd., Ph: 044-2852 9231 / 32. Email: prism123@airtelmail.in