Sunjae Sharma
In July 2021, rooms occupancy stood at 45% in India. Our RevPar recovery stands at 207% of July 2020 and 53% of July 2019
An optimist, Sunjae Sharma, VP and Country Head – India, Hyatt always prefers to see the glass as one that is half full. Rather than mull about the tumultous year gone by, he is happy to note that the industry, and Hyatt India, is on the road to recovery.
“In July 2021, rooms occupancy stood at 45% in India. Our RevPar recovery stands at 207% of July 2020 and 53% of July 2019,” he stated.
The company also has a strong pipeline of hotels scheduled to open over the next three years, leading it to have over 50 Hyatt branded properties in India by 2023-end. This ambitious expansion in India is backed by an increasing demand for distinctive hotel experiences from guests, World of Hyatt members, customers,
and owners.
Sharma revealed that this year, the company will expand the presence of its Hyatt Regency and Hyatt Place brands in India, with a focus on establishing their presence in new markets.
LET’S GET CONVERTED
Apart from actively seeking new development possibilities, Hyatt India is focused on conversion opportunities, which are becoming more prominent in the present economy. Sharma is confident that effective brand recognition and owner relationships will assist the company in achieving its goal.
“I see challenges as opportunities and not failures. It is a mindset that I encourage amongst my colleagues as well,” he said. “One can either choose to dwell on failures—or learn from them to keep evolving.”
In a continued effort to revitalise and advance care to communities and small businesses recovering from the pandemic, Hyatt’s work culture now includes involving hyper-local heights by inviting local makers and businesses to create and sell their products on property. Its ‘Change Starts Here’ commitment honours all aspects of diversity within the company, works to foster an inclusive culture, and advances its vision of a world where people understand and care for one another.
The last few months had seen an unprecedented surge in COVID- 19 cases in India and Nepal. The hotel chain initiated an internal fundraising campaign to help colleagues most impacted by the pandemic at Hyatt-branded hotels.
The organisation made an upfront contribution of $250,000 to the pool and has also pledged to match another $250,000 contribution, which will be used for medical expense assistance, compensation for families of deceased colleagues, children’s education assistance, and also the funding of oxygen concentrators.
When the heart is in the right place, the rest of the things fall in place, too. With its pro-people activities, Hyatt has not only won over its associates’ loyalty, but also its guests’ respect.
