Upfront

Barista to launch co-branded loyalty card

Barista Coffee Company is planning to launch the country's first food based loyalty card. A co-branded card, it will allow consumers to shop elsewhere but earn points for their coffee. Revealing this to Express Hospitality, Surjya Meher, head - marketing, Barista Coffee Company said, "We are tying up with a bank for the card which will enable consumers to redeem and accumulate points anywhere in Barista, while they shop globally." Barista has also tied up with Indian Oil Corporation, the largest petroleum company and commercial enterprise in the country, to open Barista outlets at IOCL petrol pumps located on highways.

Sun International sets up rep office in India

South Africa's hospitality chain Sun International Resorts and Hotels has recently set base in India. It would be represented in India by Travreps and would for starters get going from Mumbai as its headquarters. Apart from Mumbai, they would also be visible in other Indian metros such as Bangalore, New Delhi etc. Sun International has 23 properties in total with different experiences to offer its clients ranging from spa resorts, adventure tourism properties, luxury experiences, casino resorts etc.

Radisson teams up with Sahil

Radisson Hotels & Resorts, in conjunction with Sahil Spa & Resorts plans to develop a new hotel in Alibaug, Maharashtra. It will have 120 rooms, suites, villas and ayurvedic pavilions and is expected to open by 2006 end. The spa will be its main attraction. K B Kachru, executive VP (South Asia) of Carlson Hotels Asia Pacific, said, "What India offers today are not really spas but merely extended health clubs. Our emphasis will be more on authentic spa treatments for which we will hire international experts. "