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Article contributed by Mr. Achal Raj Vij and Dr. Savita Upreti, Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management

Corona Virus has created a lot of night mares in every occupation and hospitality is one such sufferer. Empty restaurants and rooms with the huge open space deserted and silent is not what this sector appreciates, it even dreads its thought. When COVID hit the world no one had even apprehended that the vicious cycle would engulf the whole world and consume most of its functioning within seconds, yet it happened. It came, it is and it may last for some time. This deadly thought came forward as nervous reflections from some but the majority started planning for it, equipping against it and preventing any future loss. Astonishing were the strategic planning and management that came from hospitality industry such that it bifurcated the entire scenario into three phases, the COVID phase, the present scenario and the future stage. Hoteliers have been dealing with the pandemic effects keeping these three phases in mind. They have used the lockdown period on research to develop strategy to overcome any future damage when the guests start coming out.

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Mr. Raghvendra Pratap Singh, Associate Director of Sales Holiday Inn, Gurugram, on an online knowledge booster session on 6^th Marchshared his experiences among the students and participants with inputs on the current strategies they are applying to chase market in Gurugram. He informed the students about various strategies that make the sales better. The first of these is IHG promo as YOU ARE # 1 PRIORITY. The customer is everything as far as this industry is concerned but the person who serves the hotel is the first to be taken care of. He can serve well when he is served well. Keeping this in mind the IHG has developed several ways to promote the well being of the guest and the hotel. These strategies can be broadly divided into Sales Initiatives and Customer Engagements.

The sales initiatives come from the promo through digital platform. IHG have developed numerous strategies to reach out to the guests to publicize the business and develop connections and collaborations.

What needs to be advertised is a common query from the nascent mind. The strategy must relate to increase Hotel Business and can be brought through Hotel Room Sales that drives revenue. The planning has brought the Hotels from empathy to emotional connect. It may sound strange to the professionals but the virus has triggered in the emotional aspect of human existence and needs to be encountered similarly. At least that’s the way we feel when we listen to a genius like Mr.. Raghvendra Pratap Singh, who has through his determination reached a height that is fantasized by the AMr.apalians worldwide. He happens to be an alumnus of the institute as well.

Digital platform needs a vast resource that makes the facility easy to watch and choose. The customer has once lost valuable money pooled for business trips to leisure trips post pandemic and now fears losing or getting it on hold due to the fact that insurgency crops in any time. Corona Virus has well taught us how insurgency takes its form as unknown, unidentified virus too that breaks through a major portion of the society and does not spare even the most well equipped ones. The IHG has tried to bring relief to this by developing flexibility in Hotel Industry as far as booking is concerned.

• We go for short term contact
• Cancellation flexibility
• Collaboration with other hotels

Let’s join hands together COVID is no less than an alien!!! That’s our view as bloggers of this activity but we personally feel we grow better as we collaborate.

A campaign is a must as a scheduled, systematic campaign but we cannot forget the guests at any place. Strategy #2 is to provide the guest with comfort as they contact. The IHG helps to meet with confidence

“Book now, let us meet later.”

IHG@ Business reward points for planners and bookers.

A promise is a sincere strategy #3

The IHG promises and advertises to provide the best practices and guide lines supplemented with additional COVID 19 cleanliness specific guidelines trainings and information consistent with their own high standards.

The hotels have been known for their cleanliness and have received a position called ‘Brand’ by the guest through the experience that have had of their stay in the past. ‘Rome was not built in one day and so were brands like IHG.’ This again is our interpretation of hotels as we catch up with another round of the best talks ever by Mr.. Raghvendra Pratap Singh and thus again we shifted our attention from analysis to listening and caught a few more best strategies that give an insight to strategic planning in the hotel Industry.

‘People never change what changes is the style’ and we are all sure of the enthusiasm and relaxation that will again pour out once man has got acquainted with the new virus strain called THE DEADLY CORONA VIRUS 19. It sends chuckles to think back of the days when man turned from a nomad to a civilized entity and then wanting to go on an audacious holiday to get out the best of his hidden genes of adventure and thus helped the hospitality industry to flourish. He will definitely come out again for adventure. Getting back to the knowledgeable session we heard a lot from Mr.. Raghvendra Pratap Singh about Sales Initiatives as

• Aggressive Pricing strategy
• Dynamic Packages
• Joint meeting with sister hotels
• Segment wise sales plan

We heard about the Customer Engagement Plans as

• Emotional Connect
• New initiatives towards safety and security
• In room meals and contact less service
• Rewards and Loyalty

Holiday Inn uses IHG way of clean standards that includes deep cleaning with hospital grade disinfectants in guest rooms and public spaces.

What else can be a morale booster for the Hoteliers in progress at Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management? I bet fear needs to fear now more than the ones on line to join the gracious, ambient profession called Hospitality Industry.

Cheers!!!

Article contributed by Mr. Nandan Singh Dasila, Assistant Professor, Amrapali Institute of Technology and Sciences

Augmented reality (AR) is a real-world interaction experience in which real-life objects are developed by computer-assisted mind. AR can be described as a system that fulfils three basic elements: a combination of real-world and virtual world, real-time communication, and precise 3D registration of virtual and virtual reality. Neglected sensory details can be positive or negative. This experience is so seamlessly integrated into the physical world that it is considered a diving element of real nature. In this way, augmented reality alters one’s ongoing perception of a real-world environment.

Types of Augmented Reality (AR)

Projection based AR-

As the name implies, this type of AR projects digital images into objects in the physical space. It could be a collaboration and project on a digital keyboard on your desk, or a dialler in your hand. It might be non-interactive and may be used to create speculations about what you can store and see in depth – for example, it may indicate that your future refrigerator will fit into the space you have near the oven by installing a refrigerator in front of you.

AR-based recognition

Whenever you scan a QR code, or scan an image and reside (like iGreet cards) you are actually using visual-based AR. This is how iGreet works – the AR app detects and detects something called the AR marker. When you see a marker, you replace it with something that matches. Another type of AR-based technology is the one that translates words seen with the camera. This type of AR also looks like the most widely used – along with the next one.

Location based AR-

Local-based AR takes advantage of the location detection features of smart devices. If you are a traveller and want to discover new beautiful places, this method will use your location by learning the GPS, compass and accelerometer of your smart device and give you the right information about what you want on your screen.

Outlining based AR-

The line here is a slight blur – which describes AR using object recognition function, and may appear similar to projection based AR. For example, whenever you park your modern car in the dark, it means the AR recognizes road boundaries and sets you up. This method can also be used in architecture and engineering to describe buildings and their supporting pillars.

Superimposition based AR-

Superimposition based AR also uses object recognition to insert an object or part of it into an augmented view. For example, if you have ever played FPS games, you know how your soldier can have advanced military equipment featuring infrared viewing, night vision, radiation viewing, etc. Also, medically, a physician can use this technology to elevate the X-ray view of a patient’s broken arm bone in the actual image to give a clearer understanding of what bone actually is.

True future of AR-

With AR’s market value rising to $ 25 billion by 2025, the true future of potential owners is bright. This growth will only continue in the coming years, which is determined by investment from business and sector domains in the following chart:

References:

https://www.igreet.co/the-augmented-reality/

https://mobidev.biz/blog/augmented-reality-future-trends

Article contributed by Mr. Ankit Pandey, BHM – KU 5th Semester

The heap of fallen leaves ignite the fire that destroys the entire forest. That was Holika the gatherer of destructive fire and the ego that ignited it was Hiranyakashyap. Prahalad is the worship that is called dedication. We at Amrapali celebrate Holi every year as a reminder of the destruction the ego can do and to develop brotherhood, love and compassion.

Holi preparation at Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management is also an activity to ensure that the students develop the skills required to work in the hospitality industry. Therefore following all the COVID protocols with utmost care the management, faculty and students at Amrapali launched a small function on the 27th of March at the most beautiful garden of Amrapali to rejoice, share happiness and develop the best skills with love and enthusiasm.

The coordinator of the event ‘Holi Darbar’ was Chef Mohit Kumar who astonished the audience with the decoration that was solely from recyclable waste like used paper, worn out curtains, unused mats and the like. When interviewed Bhupesh Chand Pohkaria, a student of BHM KU 3rd Sem, said that it’s exciting indeed but it even boosts the confidence and morale and shifts our focus from individual to group participation. The Holi Darbar is a legacy that our seniors pass to us by teaching us how to indulge in delightful preparations. ‘I have combated my nervousness through the event, he said.’

Holi carries its impulse through the dance and music with the colors that reveal happiness. ‘In order to prevent the spread of COVID 19, we are not in for the colors but we are fully prepared for the dance and songs’ added Neeraj Singh Mahara, a student of BHMCT 6th Sem who is engaged with the Khadi Holi and Badhai Holi team of singers at FIHM. Numerous ceremonious songs were melodiously songs during the event and the ones that would have stolen the heart of Radha Krishna had they been incarnated as Uttarakhandis would be Baeth Holi and Khari Holi that had a scintillating effect on everyone.

‘How do you feel when you are engaged in this activity’, asked our PDP student Mr Ankit Pandey of BHM KU 5th Sem to Mr Harshit Dharamwal of BHMCT 6th Sem who is also the student coordinator of Holi Darbar. ‘Amazing he replied’, ‘I was given a chance to coordinate with faculty and students. I received hands on experience in making the basic arrangements. Maintaining discipline, organizing people and gathering students is a big task. It is difficult but once over, it gives untold experience and feeling of ecstasy.’

The Holi Darbar was planned in shifts as per the Holi guidelines. It was an enjoyable fest with numerous dances acquired from the talents displayed by the traditional dances at Uttarakhand, Bollywood and Mathura. The dance enhanced the festive flavor and brought divinity to the beautiful enchanting garden at Amrapali Group of Institutes that was decorated for the same purpose with love in the heart and charm in the soul. ‘Dance cannot be without the song, while preparing for the dance act, that I even choreographed’, said Mayank Bargali, a student of BHMCT 7thSem, ‘I had to lead the group and that required coordination’. Yes, I feel it helped me to enhance coordination among the students and I am developing my leadership skills. I obviously enjoyed the show through active participation.’

Songs, dance and then eats. The COVID protocols were carefully followed here. The participants and faculty were orderly sent for refreshments, a part of the endeavor of the Chefs at Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management. Pradeep yadav and Divayansh Dhingra of BHMCT 7th and BHM KU 5th Sem when approached said, ‘it’s a delicate delightful work when we try to add charisma to the event through the gujiyas, panni puri, chat, pau bhaji, dahi bhalla, chuski and pan. It is a real time learning session for us’. Students learn under specialized hands of the faculty and the seniors Chefs like Dr Vinod Negi ,Mr Chaniyal, Mr Apurv Joshi, Mr Dharmendra Rawat at AIHM.

It’s escalating to be a part of the wonderful annual event at Amrapali Group of Institutes. The esteemed Management blessed the occasion with their presence. The COO of the institute Dr Prof S K Singh congratulated the entire family and praised the faculty and students for helping in making possible such enjoyable events. He was pleased to congratulate the coordinator of the event Chef Mohit Arya and the cultural team coordinator Mr Ramashish Prajapati. The Food Production Department under the leadership of Dr Vinod Negi was applauded for their contribution that adds taste to the entire program. He further added that considering the COVID guidelines it was a bit tough to think how the event would move but the hospitality students and faculty have proved that they are prepared for the challenges that the industry is facing.’

The CEO Prof Dr Sanjay Dhingra wished the entire family a very enlightening holi with best wishes for every one’s health and safety. The event was further blessed with the presence of The honorable Secretary Mr Narendra Dhingra, Treasurer Mrs Bindu Chawla, Registrar Dr P K Sah, Dean Academics Prof Prashant Sharma and the HOD’s of various departments and the lovely team of students at Amrapali Institute of Hotel Management.

Holi shuns the ego and enlightens the soul giving it prominence in the world. Radha and Krishna are the lovable entities of the world that moves around the song of life to perform a wonderful dance of Karma or duty while we are in this world.