The 19th HICSA (Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia) at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa saw an amazing confluence of the who’s who of the hospitality industry from across the globe.
With 715 delegates and 135 owners, the event witnessed great opportunities for insightful discussions, meaningful seminars and ample networking.
Manav Thadani, Founder Chairman, Hotelivate, the organizers of the conference, kickstarted the events of the main day with an entry that took everyone’s breath away. His fun, spirited dance moves towards the stage set the tone for HICSA 24, which was laced with energy, positivity and cheer. This was followed by a warm welcome and speech on the future of F&B.
Some great discussions on raging topics by leaders in their domains were the other highlights. While Pieter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer, IndiGo (InterGlobe Aviation Ltd) addressed the delegates on Flying High and his take on Indigo’s exponential growth in India and abroad; Liz Ortiguera Managing Director – Asia-Pacific & Sr. Advisor To The CEO, World Travel & Tourism Council shared her insightful take on Global Sustainability and its impact on the industry.
Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, MD & CEO, SAMHI interviewed Mark Hoplamazian, President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation on the Heart Of Hyatt, the positive ripple effect on Enjoying Life Everyday and the importance of empathy powered with action.
Manav Thadani got candid with the dynamic Federico J. González, Executive Vice Chairman – Radisson Hotel Group CEO – Louvre Hotels Group on Driving Change (Successfully) in an ever-evolving landscape.
Kapil Bhatia, Executive Chairman of InterGlobe Enterprises, was honoured for his unparalleled contribution to the industry.
Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts kicked off Day 3 with a high energy Leaders Panel that brought together Alan Watts, President – Asia Pacific, Hilton; Dimitris Manikis, President – EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Garth Simmons, COO – Asia Premium, Midscale & Economy, Accor; Rajeev Menon, President – APAC (Excluding Greater China), Marriott International; and Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip; on Leading The Operations Charge in today’s hospitality landscape.
Kunal Vasudeva, Co-Founder & MD, Indian School of Hospitality moderated a super insightful session of panellists that included Anjali Dureja, MD– Executive Search, Hotelivate, Diya Suri, Vice President People, Third Wave Coffee and Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive VP – Human Resources, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). In this session everyone discussed Talent Troubles: Quality Vs. Quantity—an important marker in success for everyone across the industry.
Cutting-edge advancements and innovations in hospitality technology also took centrestage. A panel discussion, moderated by Joy Ghosh, Head of Commercial – Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Amadeus, consisted of Binu Mathews, Chief Executive Officer, IDS Next Business Solutions Pvt Ltd, Gomti Shankar, EVP Revenue – Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, RateGain, Nitin Goel Regional Sales Director – South Asia & Indochina, Oracle Hospitality, Sameer Umar, Chief Operating Officer, HotelIQ by Intelligent Hospitality and Visha Chauhan, Chief Operating Officer, GoFryday.
The mini keynotes – Club Med; amã stays & Trails, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL); Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas; Capella Hotels and Resorts – focused on introducing new brands.
Manav Thadani moderated the last session Hot Seat: Leaders on Fire with a stellar panel that included Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC Limited Hotels Division, Ranju Alex, Area VP – South Asia, Marriott International, Sudeep Jain, MD, South-West Asia, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Sunjae Sharma, MD, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt Hotels Corporation and Zubin Saxena, Senior VP & Country Head – India, Hilton.
While the above were just some of the highlights of the panel discussions, the three-day conclave was laced with invigorating sessions with dynamic leaders all through.
The Hotel of the Year and General Manager of the Year Awards were the other high points of the convention, which created the much-needed excitement and anticipation.
Knowledge-sharing, enthusiastic fervour and the spirit of bonhomie were the key strengths of HICSA 24 – an event that promises to bring together the best in the fraternity year after year to shape and chart the future of hospitality in the country.
