It is always a rather strange experience joining a new company, wondering what to expect and what you will discover, in those first few eye-opening weeks.
In much the same way as a GM starts at a new property, I take the helm at Hotelier India with some apprehension, a little trepidation, and a huge amount of optimism. The magazine is undeniably the highest quality hotel publication in India today; which is no mean feat, especially considering the tough conditions we have all had to navigate over the last few months. Along with being a journalist, I think my stints with the Oberoi Group, heading the Regional Sales Office, Pune, as also the Taj Group, as Public Relations Manager for Hyderabad, will stand me in good stead to continue to investigate the real issues that affect the hotel industry in India. Of course, apart from this, I have interacted with many passionate chefs and gung-ho F&B managers, when I was food critic for leading publications such as the Times of India and Hindustan Times. I am happy to know that most of you have now gone on to hold senior positions, and are the decision makers in your respective fields. Together, let us make Hotelier India the platform to air your views, as well as tackle areas of real concern; together, let us make a difference.
Indeed, while contacting many of you in the past month, I was struck by the quiet sense of optimism slowly seeping back into the sector. While occupancy rates still hover around the mediocre and the recent budget has done the bare minimum to make life easier, there does appear to be an expectation for things to not just pick up, but to rally, toward the end of this year. Already I hear many resorts in Goa are fully booked during the festive seasons.
The only threat still looming over our heads is the possible recurrence of those dreadful events in Mumbai last November. While many hotels said at the time they would ramp up security with no cap on spend, has enough been done to really bring back guest confidence? Only if the key industry leaders step up and show some real intent in areas like this, can we expect occupancies across the country to pick up to pre-26/11 levels; our special feature inside shows what you can do to achieve just that.
Do let me know your thoughts on any of the topics between these covers, as well as issues you would like to read about. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the course of the next few months.
Lead from the front
(NULL)
It is always a rather strange experience joining a new company, wondering what to expect and what you will discover, in those first few eye-opening weeks.
In much the same way as a GM starts at a new property, I take the helm at Hotelier India with some apprehension, a little trepidation, and a huge amount of optimism. The magazine is undeniably the highest quality hotel publication in India today; which is no mean feat, especially considering the tough conditions we have all had to navigate over the last few months. Along with being a journalist, I think my stints with the Oberoi Group, heading the Regional Sales Office, Pune, as also the Taj Group, as Public Relations Manager for Hyderabad, will stand me in good stead to continue to investigate the real issues that affect the hotel industry in India. Of course, apart from this, I have interacted with many passionate chefs and gung-ho F&B managers, when I was food critic for leading publications such as the Times of India and Hindustan Times. I am happy to know that most of you have now gone on to hold senior positions, and are the decision makers in your respective fields. Together, let us make Hotelier India the platform to air your views, as well as tackle areas of real concern; together, let us make a difference.
Indeed, while contacting many of you in the past month, I was struck by the quiet sense of optimism slowly seeping back into the sector. While occupancy rates still hover around the mediocre and the recent budget has done the bare minimum to make life easier, there does appear to be an expectation for things to not just pick up, but to rally, toward the end of this year. Already I hear many resorts in Goa are fully booked during the festive seasons.
The only threat still looming over our heads is the possible recurrence of those dreadful events in Mumbai last November. While many hotels said at the time they would ramp up security with no cap on spend, has enough been done to really bring back guest confidence? Only if the key industry leaders step up and show some real intent in areas like this, can we expect occupancies across the country to pick up to pre-26/11 levels; our special feature inside shows what you can do to achieve just that.
Do let me know your thoughts on any of the topics between these covers, as well as issues you would like to read about. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible over the course of the next few months.
Zee Zest Unlimit Awards 2024: A spectacular evening of excellence and glamour
Leisure Hotels Group introduces new ‘Sociotel’ concept
JM Financial Private Equity invests Rs 45 Crore in Energy Beverages Pvt Ltd
Fortune Hotels inks a new alliance in Palampur
Pride Hotels debuts in Punjab
One Rep Global inaugurates luxury roadshow, ‘One Edge’