In a spectacle of solidarity and empowerment, Munnar, the majestic hill station destination in Kerala- God’s Own Country, recently witnessed the enchanting glow of candlelight illuminating the night sky as part of the remarkable program known as DIVAS NY8. This extraordinary event, organized in connection with International Women’s Day 2024 on March 8, dedicated to celebrating the spirit and achievements of women in the tourism industry, captivated hearts and minds alike, underscoring the importance of unity and empowerment in our society.
Amidst the gentle flicker of candles, women dressed up in various shades of red from all walks of life gathered at the Fog Resort Munnar, adorned in resplendent attire reflecting their diverse backgrounds and aspirations. Against the backdrop of soothing melodies and vibrant cultural performances, the atmosphere resonated with a palpable sense of camaraderie and empowerment.
DIVAS NY8 served as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by women in shaping our communities and driving positive change. It was a night dedicated to honoring their resilience, strength, and unwavering spirit in the face of challenges. Dr. Jolly Antony, Founder, and CEO of The Fog Resort and Spa Munnar, expressed, “The primary objective of Divas’ Ny8 was to create a platform for Woman tour operators and entrepreneurs from the travel fraternity all across Kerala to come together at our resort on Woman’s Day to spend a fun-filled evening. It was a stress-free getaway for them from the hustles and bustles of city life. It was also a good platform to share insights, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration. By fostering a sense of community and companionship among industry professionals, we aim to strengthen our collective impact and drive growth in the travel sector.”
Mr. Praveen Menon, General Manager of the Fog Resort, with over 25 years of rich experience in the hospitality industry, acknowledges the invaluable contributions of vibrant and dynamic women travel professionals across various facets of the sector. From tour operators to destination management companies, these proficient women play pivotal roles, spanning from front desk to reservations, marketing to accounts, and even as escorts and managers. They proficiently handle guest inquiries, liaise with reservation teams to finalize deals, and collaborate with marketing teams to ensure pocket-friendly and memorable holiday experiences for customers.
Upon guests’ arrival, these dedicated women professionals consistently engage with operational and food and beverage teams, ensuring seamless and hassle-free vacations for esteemed guests. Remarkably, their familiarity with both frontline and backend staff surpasses that of the management, highlighting their indispensable role in the industry. Conversely, the hospitality operation team finds themselves closely acquainted with these women professionals, often more so than the owners and senior management of destination management companies.
Such unwavering dedication serves as an eye-opener for Mr. Menon, emphasizing these women’s selflessness in delivering exceptional service without expecting anything in return. Recognizing their pivotal role as silent warriors and true ambassadors of Kerala Tourism and Incredible India, Mr. Menon believes it is high time to reciprocate by offering them memorable experiences that not only sustain the business but also propel the industry forward.
Ms. Maria Rodrigues, Executive Director of Coastline Holidays Kochi and Management Committee Member of Kerala Travel Mart Society, expressed her experience, stating, I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Praveen and Mr. Basil for inviting us to the Women’s Day celebrations and hosting our night stay at Fog Resorts Munnar. Bringing together women from the tourism industry was no small feat, and your seamless execution made it a memorable opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs. Thank you to The Fog and The Vibe team for creating unforgettable memories during our stay
Ms. Limy Fernandez, Vice President of the Tourism Professional Club and Director of Fortex Travel, lauded Praveen Ji and Basil Ji for their impeccable organization of the Women’s Day celebration. What began as strangers swiftly transformed into close-knit connections throughout the evening. To all involved, Fernandez expressed profound gratitude, encapsulating the sentiment with a declaration of love for the newfound bonds formed.
Team Samyaan expressed their gratitude, stating, “We’re truly grateful to the entire team for orchestrating a beautifully coordinated event where strangers quickly became friends. Amidst the foggy atmosphere and vibrant ambiance, we forgot our worries and stresses, cherishing every moment. The exceptional staff and operations team, along with the delicious food, made this event truly memorable. A heartfelt thank you to the Fog and Vibe team for creating such a special experience.”
Ms. Aneesha Salim from Greenfield Hospitality, Thekkady, remarked, “It was indeed a great opportunity for me to meet with your team and other women travel agents in the tourism industry. The arrangements – welcoming, food, evening entertainments, and the farewell ceremony were all professionally managed.”
Ms. Annie Dayana Benny from Friendly Tours N Travels added, “Thank you for organizing the wonderful event for women. We all lead busy and stressful lives daily, and the event was a much-needed and thoroughly enjoyed break. It was truly my pleasure to attend.”
Ms. Lisha Sam of Thomas Cook Holidays expressed her gratitude, saying, “The program was superb; we enjoyed every moment. The planning was much appreciated, from pick-up, welcome, lunch, night event, next-day farewell from Fog, and welcome to Vibe. Property visit, lunch, and farewell ceremony were well-executed. You showed high professionalism. I thank you from the bottom of my heart to the entire team of Fog and Vibe, and special thanks to Praveen and Basil.” Many thanks to my ladies; I made several new friends here. We enjoyed it a lot. Still, we are in that hangover. Sreejith and Umesh, you were very patient with us.
Ms. Veena Pillai of Spiceland Holidays expressed immense gratitude to the entire team for orchestrating a seamlessly coordinated party where acquaintances swiftly became cherished companions. Amidst the misty atmosphere and lively ambiance, worries dissipated, allowing everyone to savor each moment. The exceptional service provided by the staff and operations team, coupled with the delectable cuisine, enhanced the experience. Heartfelt appreciation goes to the Fog and Vibe team for crafting such a memorable event.
As candles cast their gentle glow, attendees participated in heartfelt discussions, sharing stories of triumph and inspiration. From tales of overcoming adversity to narratives of personal growth and empowerment, each anecdote served as a testament to the indomitable spirit of womanhood.
In its celebration of womanhood and unity, DIVAS NY8 left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those who attended. It was a testament to the transformative power of solidarity and the enduring strength of the human spirit. As we look towards the future, let us carry forth the lessons learned and continue to strive towards a world where every woman is celebrated, respected, and empowered to fulfill her greatest potential.
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