With a career spanning over 15 years, Harkaran Singh Sethi is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as the General Manager at Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport, Harkaran’s professional voyage commenced with his education at IHM-Bhopal, supplemented by a diploma in Event Management from EMDI Mumbai. He then embarked on his career, honing his skills at various esteemed establishments, including Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, ITC Hotels, and Marriott International.
During his over five-year tenure with the Radisson Hotel Group, Harkaran made significant contributions, culminating in his current role as General Manager at Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport since May 2023. Prior to this, he served as the Associate Director of Operations for South Asia, supporting South and West India operations, where he excelled in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
Beyond his professional pursuits, Harkaran is also a certified member of the Guild of British Butlers, and a corporate butler trainer for luxury hotels. His passion for travel not only fuels his understanding of diverse guest expectations but also enhances his commitment to creating lasting memories for guests worldwide.
In conversation with Harkaran Singh Sethi, General Manager – Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport
Could you share your overall vision for Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport? What key changes have you implemented to align the hotel with this vision?
My vision for Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport is to transform it into a social hub that fosters community and transcends the transactional nature of airport hotels. I aim to create a destination where guests—whether here for business or leisure—feel connected, offering more than just accommodation. We are building an environment that promotes meaningful interactions through immersive experiences and unique events.
To align with this vision, we’ve implemented several initiatives. For instance, we’ve introduced community-centric events like The Indian House and The Barbeque Project, which blend local culture with guest preferences. Sustainability also plays a significant role in this transformation. We are proud to have earned the WTTC Sustainability Basics Verification, demonstrating our commitment to eco-conscious practices. From digital keys to EV charging stations, we are adopting green technologies to reduce our carbon footprint.
Investing in talent is another core element of our strategy. We foster a performance-driven culture, ensuring our team is equipped with the skills and values to deliver exceptional service. This focus on experiential hospitality is redefining the way guests perceive airport hotels, positioning Radisson Blu as more than just a stopover but a sought-after destination.
How has the hotel evolved to meet the changing expectations of business and leisure travelers? Could you highlight any significant shifts in guest experiences since you took the helm?
Since taking over, we’ve aligned our offerings with the evolving needs of both business and leisure travellers, especially in a post-pandemic landscape. For business travellers, we’ve introduced advanced technological solutions, EV chargers, and multi-functional meeting spaces to streamline their experience, reduce wait times, and boost productivity.
For leisure travellers, we’ve embraced the rising trend of staycations, offering a tranquil retreat without the need for long journeys. Our amenities—such as a heated pool, spa, and bespoke dining experiences—provide relaxation with an emphasis on sustainability.
In addition, we’ve launched immersive events like The Brunch Club and A Vineyard Story, curated to deliver culturally rich experiences that go beyond conventional hospitality. These initiatives position Radisson Blu as a leading choice, seamlessly catering to the demands of both business and leisure travelers.
Radisson Blu is known for its unique experiences, such as the Brunch Clubs and Wine Events. What inspired these events, and how do they position the hotel as a cultural hub in Mumbai?
The idea behind these events was to move beyond transactional hospitality and establish the hotel as a vibrant social and cultural destination. We noticed a trend where standalone restaurants were taking the lead in creating engaging experiences, and we sought to bring that same energy into the hotel space.
Our goal is to offer more than just a meal or a stay. These events are crafted to build community, spark creativity, and foster connections. Whether it’s a revitalizing yoga session, or salsa, or wine events that celebrate India’s evolving wine culture, each experience is crafted to foster connection and create lasting memories. These community-driven events offer guests a unique blend of wellness, culture, and leisure, setting us apart from traditional hospitality experiences.
A key component of these initiatives is our commitment to women empowerment. Our collaboration with Vino De Bella, India’s only women-owned wine brand, aligns with our philosophy of uplifting communities. By hosting these cultural exchanges, we not only engage our guests but also reinforce the hotel’s position as a dynamic hub in Mumbai.
The upcoming event, “A Vineyard Story,” sounds exciting. What can guests expect, and how do events like these reflect your strategy to engage guests beyond typical hospitality services?
“A Vineyard Story” is a bold, immersive experience that reflects our commitment to delivering more than just hospitality. This interactive event combines theatrical performance, humor, music, dance, and wine culture, creating a unique blend of entertainment and education.
What makes this event special is its alignment with our values. Partnering with Vino De Bella underscores our support for women entrepreneurs, reinforcing our broader vision of inclusivity and empowerment.
Events like these reflect our strategy of moving beyond the conventional hotel experience. By hosting fashion shows in restaurants, hip-hop performances in dining spaces, and now this theatrical wine event, we are attracting new audiences who might not otherwise engage with us. These initiatives help us break barriers, stay competitive, and establish Radisson Blu as a leader in cultural innovation.
With sustainability becoming a priority in hospitality, how is Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport addressing this challenge? What initiatives are you particularly proud of?
Sustainability is embedded in our operations, and we’re proud to be verified under the WTTC’s Sustainability Basics. One of our standout initiatives is the installation of on-site organic waste converters (OWC), which transform food waste into compost used in our landscaping efforts.
We’ve also introduced EV chargers, encouraging green transportation, and designed public spaces to maximize natural light, reducing energy consumption. Our “No Bin Cafeteria” concept promotes waste-free dining among our staff, fostering responsible practices across all levels of the organization.
In addition to energy efficiency, we’ve prioritized water conservation by using low-flow faucets and showerheads. These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainable hospitality and position Radisson Blu as a leader in eco-conscious practices.
How do you see Mumbai’s hospitality landscape evolving, and what role will Radisson Blu play in this transformation?
Mumbai’s hospitality sector is expanding rapidly, with new hotels and increasing room capacity. However, despite this growth, demand often outpaces supply, leading to frequent sellouts on key dates. As India’s economy grows, both domestic and international travel will continue to rise, making this an exciting yet competitive time for the industry.
In this dynamic environment, Radisson Blu stands out by focusing on personalized guest experiences. While competitive pricing remains essential, we believe that the quality of experience will be the true differentiator. Our top ranking on TripAdvisor reflects this focus, but we remain committed to pushing forward by investing in talent and continuously enhancing guest offerings.
We also see leadership development as a crucial opportunity. By nurturing future leaders and building a culture of excellence, we are not just competing—we are setting new standards for hospitality in Mumbai.
How are you setting new standards in hiring and recruitment to address industry challenges?
We prioritize a performance-driven culture where career growth is based on merit rather than tenure. This philosophy has led to rapid promotions, with several employees advancing within their first year, reflecting our commitment to recognizing and rewarding talent.
To address industry-wide talent shortages, we partner with educational institutions, offering traineeships and early job offers to promising candidates. We also promote inclusivity, hiring from orphanages and supporting individuals with disabilities, ensuring a vibrant and diverse workforce.
