Tourists resorts in HP record fresh snowfall, services hit

The state administration claimed that it had rescued 40 snowbound people after introducing emergency chopper flights from Bhuntar to two helipads of Lahaul Spiti this afternoon.

Meanwhile, rain or snow spell was likely to continue and Met department has forecast fresh western disturbance was likely to advance by January 14.

World-famous tourist resort Manali experienced 15 cm fresh snowfall, Shimla 8.4 cm and Kalpa in Kinnuar 5.6 cm respectively. Nearby tourist resorts of Kufri, Narkanda, Chail and Mashobar also received 10 to 15 cm of fresh snowfall.

Rain also lashed parts of the state as Gohar in Mandi registered 8 mm rain, Seobagh in Kullu 6 mm, Bhuntar and Karsog of Mandi had 4 mm each and Jogindernagar 2 mm, respectively.

According to Secretary, General Administration Ajay Bhandari as many as 40 people were rescued in snowbound Lahaul Spiti district today as three sorties were conducted from Bhuntar to Stingeri and Bhuntar to Udaipur this afternoon.

Intense cold and snowy weather took a toll as three lives were lost in the state during the last 24 hours and two people were reportedly buried under a house that collapsed after heavy snow while one person died of cold in Chamba district, ADM Chamba Sunil Kumar confirmed. With this, the toll went up to six while dozen of others either got snow injuries or were frostbitten.

Vehicular traffic remained disrupted in this capital town as hundreds of small vehicles were trapped under the snow carpet and transport buses were not plying in snowbound areas.

The night temperature showed slight improvement as Keylong in Lahaul Spiti was minus 10.4 degrees Celsius which was minus 15 degrees yesterday, Kalpa in Kinnuar minus 5.6 degrees against minus nine degrees yesterday, Manali minus 2 degrees from minus 6.6 degrees yesterday, Shimla minus 1.8 degrees and Solan minus 1.4 degrees, respectively.

Una was low at two degrees, Palampur 2.5 degrees, Dharmshala 2.7 degrees, Sundernagar 3.6 degrees and Bhuntar 3.5 degrees, Mandi four degrees and Nahan 6.4 degrees, respectively.

The Met office has forecast fresh Western Disturbance (WD) as an upper air system would affect the western Himalayan region and adjoining plains from January 14 onwards. However, it has predicted dry weather in plains and high reaches and rain or snow in parts of middle hills in the next 24 hours. (UNI)

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Jennifer Fox Appointed President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jennifer Fox as president.

Fox, who will oversee Fairmont's collection of hotels and resorts, brings extensive experience in hotel operations, brand development, marketing and sales, and hotel transitions to her new role.

"I've known Jennifer for many years and we are extremely fortunate to be adding someone of her calibre to our executive team," said Chris Cahill, chief operating officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to work with Jennifer and firmly believe her leadership abilities, combined with her vast industry experience, branding expertise, and proven track record on driving hotel performance, will help enhance Fairmont's position as a global leader in the luxury hotel market."

With more than 25 years of hospitality related experience, Fox arrives at Fairmont from InterContinental Hotels Group, where she most recently served as chief operating officer, managed operations, Continental Europe, responsible for operations, financial performance, talent management and service delivery.

Prior to that, she held a range of senior leadership positions in brand marketing, including global brand manager for both Sheraton and InterContinental, and also served as general manager at some of the world's finest luxury hotels including assignments in Hong Kong, Europe, Australia and the United States.

Fox succeeds Chris Cahill, who yields the role of president to focus on his duties as chief operating officer, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, Fairmont's parent company.

"Fairmont is already one of the world's most distinctive brands," said Jennifer Fox. "I have always admired Fairmont, so I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Fairmont team as we continue to grow and introduce the brand to new markets around the world, while continuing to provide an unrivalled experience for our guests, and deliver and enhance value for all of our stakeholders."

Fox holds an MBA from Baylor University in Texas and is currently completing her doctorate in Business Studies (DBA) at the International School of Management in Paris, France.

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