Taj Exotica, Goa celebrates Independence Day; wins award at TABE
August 16, 2005

Dull skies and the threat of rain did nothing to mar the nationalistic pride of the guests and staff gathered around the flagpole to commemorate India's Independence Day. The spirit of unity was evident in the straight shoulders and firm voices as the national anthem was sung, loud and clear.

The Taj Exotica, Goa, started the day's programmes with the flag hoisting on the lawns outside the Eugenia coffee shop. With the staff lined up and standing to attention, and the guests equally solemn for the occasion, the ceremony started with a brief welcome by Vincent Ramos (F&B Manager) who invited the hotel's long term employee, Alias Fernandes (Laundry Manager) to unfurl the flag.

The national anthem was then sung, ending with a few spirited shouts of "Bharat Mata ki jai!" by both staff and guests alike. Sweets were distributed, and everyone then joined in the sumptuous breakfast laid on in the Allegria and Li Bai restaurants.

Although the hotel is running full house occupancies due to the long weekend, the security department and a few volunteers nevertheless took time out, as part of the community initiative programme, to distribute bedding and other linen supplies to the residents of Daddy's Home, a home for handicapped children, in Margao.

The Activities department in the meanwhile has lined up a series of events and entertainment for the day, culminating in an Independence Day Bollywood Night special at the Adega Camoens Bar tonight.

TAJ Exotica wins awards at TABE
Earlier on July 22, 2005, as it has been in the previous years, the Taj Exotica, Goa sent an impressive array of employees to Mumbai to receive awards for outstanding performance in the company's annual Taj Awards for Business Excellence (TABE) function.

Heading the team for the hotel was Helmut Meckelburg (General Manager & Area Director - Goa), who in his third year at the TABE function, once again picked up the award for "Leisure Hotel of the Year". He was accompanied by Vincent Ramos (F&B Manager), Tridib Roy Choudhary (Area Purchase Manager), Andrew Pereira (Guest Service Supervisor) and Krishna Shetgaonkar (Assistant Manager F&B).

The grand awards ceremony was held at Mumbai's NCPA Complex. The team themselves enjoyed the hospitality of the Taj Land's End in Mumbai, during their stay.

Along with its "Leisure Hotel of the Year" award, the Taj Exotica, Goa, also received trophies in operational excellence for its conference and banquets team, its spa / fitness centre team and its materials management team.

Individual recognition was given to Andrew Pereira in the service delivery category for his assistance beyond the call of duty provided to a guest who was injured whilst on holiday. Krishna Shetgaonker returned from Mumbai with his second consecutive "COO's Club" award in the Special thanks and recognition system (Stars).

The Taj Exotica, Goa, was also in the running for the "Hotel of Hotels" award this year, but lost out to the Taj Krishna, Hyderabad. Nevertheless, it has been an impressive performance for this five-star leisure resort that continues to win accolades and praise from its guests from all over.