Radisson eyes to become No. 1 hotel in Kathmandu

By a staff reporter

After eighteen months of "extremely satisfactory" operation, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, a hotel operated under the management of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, targets to become number one five-star hotel in Kathmandu.

At a press conference held last week, high ranking officials of the Hotel said that they were happy with the achievements made by the Hotel in a short span of 18 months. "In just 18 months the Hotel has seen a spectacular rise in occupancy and profitability. We also have added number of facilities during this period and now we target to become the number one five-star hotel in the country," said Ian Barrow, General Manager.

Ian Barrow, General Manager Radisson Hotel replying to questions put by the media at a press meet July 05, in connection with the hotel completing 18 months of successful operation . Also seen in the picture form (r. to l.) are Radisson's Managing Director B.K. Shrestha, Chairman G.d. Shrestha, Jt. Managing Director Anil Shrestha and Public Issue Adviser Vivek Agrawal .

The fifth five-star hotel in the country Radisson Hotel Kathmandu has inherited the tradition of exemplary service and hospitality. It is also the first five-star hotel in the country that has been started in the past twenty-five years. "Since it is the brand new five-star hotel of the town, it is opinion leader in many aspects," said G. D. Shrestha, Chairman of the Hotel.

Radisson Hotels and Resorts, the management partner of the Hotel has more than 400 hotels in 53 countries. More than fifty-five properties in various stages of development are coming to join this famous chain in the near future. According to a press statement released by the Hotel, the Radisson organization is currently adding one new location every ten days worldwide.

"Despite much difficulties, we are able to provide many facilities," said B. K. Shrestha, owner of the Hotel said. "We are considering of many new facilities and expansion in future. Within a short period of 18 months, Radisson became one of the best Hotel in town," he further added.

"We are going for public issue of shares from July 25," Shrestha announced. Nepal has a great potential in tourism and to participate general public in tourism industry, the Hotel management had decided to float shares worth Rs. 125 million, which is almost 25 percent of the total investment, he pointed out.

With the positive prospective of business, many investors willing to be the part of the Hotel by investing in it. Besides number of services provided by the Hotel, it is the social participation of the Hotel that has made successful in capturing the market in a short span of time. In order to recognize talented youth, Radisson has initiated a FM programme to feature them and to give them a forum to show their talent.

Another secret of Radisson’s success is that it features one of the hospitality industry’s most dynamic training programmes called "Yes I Can!". It represents and translates the core of the company’s service philosophy for hospitality excellence to the front line service employees in Radisson operation worldwide.

Recently, Carlson Hospitality Worldwide have initiated programmes like Gold Rewards and the 24K.com. Linking all of its subsidiary hospitality and restaurant organizations into unified customer rewards programmes, Gold Points Rewards encourages repeat hotel visits by letting the guest cash in accrued points for not only hotel nights, but deluxe cruises and meals at its casual dining restaurants.

Similarly, 24K.com is a leisure and lifestyle web site where consumers can shop on-line at more than 100 stores and book travel and entertainment. With every purchase they can also earn Gold Point Rewards.

Talk programme to escape from earthquake

By Bibek Bhatta

In an effort to develop practical information and working tools for guest safety in hotels, HAN (Hotel Association Nepal) organised a talk programme on "Earthquake Risk Management" on July 5 in collaboration with the National Seismological centre, national society for earthquake technology Nepal and department of mines and geology.

HAN president, Narendra Bajracharya said that the HAN family is discussing on this burning issue to give the right suggestions to the government. He also expressed the commitment of HAN towards guest safety and shed light on the action plan.

The president of HAN safety, hygiene and security committee Richard Lavnay spoke on the newly introduced earthquake safety notice and safety action plan for hotels.

R. Shaw, Mrs Watanabe and Ms. Nakagwa presented the impact of earthquake on tourism environment. They also presented a damage report made by earthquake on Kobe, Japan.

Amod Dixit, of national society for earthquake technology explained the earthquake risk in Nepal, consequences and risk management. He said that the public awareness, training, exhibition etc should be run by government.

Jerome Laffon of National seismological centre highlighted the fundamentals of earthquake. On the occasion, concerned officials of HMG, HAN members and tourism entrepreneurs were present.

Since Nepal is vulnerable to earthquake, all people living and travelling in Nepal must become sensitive to the earthquake hazards, and be prepared to face this natural disaster.

Executive lunches

By a staff reporter

So little time and so much to do ........................Limited working hours and paramount amount of work load, leaves no time for today’s executive for a wholesome lunch or for a hearty work out.

The ever increasing desk job and untimely consumption of junk food increases belly size and one is always pondering how to bring it down.

Well, one is not talking about introducing aerobies nor a new health club. What Annapurna brings to you is an executive meal designed specially for you keeping the above in mind.

It is short, fast, low calorie and light on your stomach and pocket.

The executive lunch recently introduced at Hotel De L’Annapurna is available between 11AM to 3PM.

Menu comprises of fixed meal for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. It is very reasonably priced at NRS. 225/- and NRS. 275/- per person respectively.