1. What was it like to join Pullman New Delhi Aerocity? How has your hospitality journey been so far?
Passion has always driven me, be it professionally or personally. Understanding life as a roller coaster ride, I am always open to new challenges. In my 11 year long journey, I have had the pleasure to work on a lot of interesting brands and projects. Pullman New Delhi Aerocity is another milestone for me as I get to practice my creative and curious approach for the brand. From working with brands like Hyatt, Taj and Kempinski to my first stint with Accor group, the journey has been nothing but a fun ride and a cherishing experience.
2. How has the marketing game changed since the Covid times?
Without a doubt, the pandemic has in today’s day suspended any marketer’s guidebook. The existing rules of brand building have shifted from generalised marketing to disseminating messages that need to be local and be personally relevant. Only by creating a human connection, can the brand reach out and deliver its intention.
Digital platforms have taken over and traditional marketing strategies are being revamped into online marketing methods. The emergence of social media has been extremely instrumental where applications like Instagram and Facebook have become the primary source to engage with the audience. In order to track the changing needs of the consumers, analytics will be essential for any new marketing strategy that is born in this new normal and existing models will have to be replaced with new behavioural data.
3. Do you think social media has had an impact on the overall revenue of the hotel?
It is not wrong to say that social media has taken over the world with a storm. The influence it withholds remains unchallenged and that directly impacts the brand image. It is only natural for social media to be a significant contributor to the company’s revenue as the audience surf more on social media trends and businesses than going on in an actual physical retail store. Even for people who go out shopping make sure they check the offerings of the brand on its digital platforms. So you see it all comes to engaging with the audience via these interactive applications.
4. How are hotel spaces innovatively accommodating execution of new age large format events?
Festivals, concerts, fashion shows, sports events and other large-scale events are returning to their pre-pandemic glory after 2 years. It is now the time to create experiential events for the audience and for that the hospitality industry is putting its best foot forward. We are revamping our properties to accomodate the needs of the event be it safety measures or accommodation execution. New age large formats are an amazing opportunity for the hotels to utilise their properties features and curate some brilliant affairs.
5. Talking about your new campaign “We Will Mind Your Business”? How different is it from the hotel hotels that also take utmost care of their business travellers?
“We Will Mind Your Business” focuses on Pullman being the ultimate destination for all business travellers. Our aim was to highlight the unique offerings and multiple spaces our property offers that cater to the needs of every traveller.
As a brand, Pullman’s motto of ‘Work Hard, Play Hard’ is vividly showcased in the property. From the boardrooms to the spa, it has left no stone unturned in inventing new ways of doing business. The rooms are developed around the Business Playground concept where it serves an environment, conducive to ideas for the global nomads. With 13 modular meeting rooms, 3 boardrooms all designed with creative interior elements and state-of-the art technology, Pullman delivers a one-of-a-kind experience to all business travellers.
6. What more can the hotels do in order to promote local artists? ( Few thoughts on the Intersection of Art and Hospitality)
At Pullman, we act with an enterprising approach. “ARTIST PLAYGROUND”, our partnership with The Art Registry promises a dedicated art corner to local artists in the heart of our lobby. This corner immerses you into a vibrant culture of art, design and photography scenes− in the most unexpected of ways. Pullman being a powerhouse of productivity, created for curiosity, built for betterment and dedicated to self-improvement believes in inspiring minds through the medium of art. Art at Pullman is an adventure we all share. It connects us, electrifies the atmosphere, reframes our world and energises our souls. Here, we’re free from limits and aim to unleash potential, spark creativity and inspire minds through art.
7. What is the one hospitality trend which you think will last for a longer run in the industry and what is one of your favourite marketing strategies which you would like to share with the Hotelier India readers?
In the very nature of the hospitality industry, change is constant. However, providing a wholesome experience to the customer never goes out of being the ideal act of deliverance. The only trend that has prevailed since the pandemic is that of providing personalised experiences to the audience and that is here to last. The whole notion of marketing has revolutionised into digital marketing where those that still depend on the offline mode need to offer greater value in order to deliver their brand promise.
