2022, and beyond, looks to be an interesting year for the hospitality industry. As countries begin to open their doors for business, hoteliers are preparing for an explosion in demand across the board.
The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia (BMIHMS) welcomed senior leaders from across India, Singapore, Dubai and China to discuss how their destination and hotels are gearing up for a busy and exciting 2022. In its five-part ‘Global Perspectives Series’, it sought to explore the roadmap for the industry’s future within the context of their countries.
The institute also explored what they look for in the next generation of hotel leaders, the rising career opportunities and how hospitality students can find a rewarding career in the industry.
Amit Rana, General Manager of Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini and a BMIHMS alumnus kicked off the series on October, offering insights into India’s hospitality climate. Since graduating from BMIHMS in 2000, his career took him around the world to various countries, including the USA.
During his session, he elaborated on how India’s hotel occupancy improved significantly in July. According to him, this was a result of the booming demand in the wake of ‘revenge travel’ across leisure travel destinations.
In the backdrop of this business recovery, there is a focus on reengaging with employees who may have left the industry, following the tumultuous times faced following the pandemic’s outbreak. “COVID-19 has truly highlighted the importance of organisational culture, as well as the guest experience,” Rana noted. “A key learning from COVID-19 is the importance of multi-skilling employees across a wide range of disciplines will have an edge in the industry.”
He recommended that hospitality students should take advantage of industry placement opportunities available in their home country whilst borders are closed. “My advice to future hoteliers is to believe in themselves as this sector has huge opportunities. At the same time, they should be flexible in their approach,” he added.
The other BMIHMS alumni who also spoke on subsequent days included Sophie Mougel, Head of Development Planning & Performance at IHG,: Lena Willoughby, Cluster Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development Manager at Marriott UAE and Gaylord Lamy, General Manager of The Langham Jakarta. The five-part series will end with a session by Mark Foxwell, General Manager of Hyatt The Bund, Shanghai on 3rd November, 2021.
