LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Clasping to the winning formula of innovation, renovation, distribution and promotion has helped Nitesh Gandhi of JW Marriott New Delhi drive revenue in a tough market

- NISHA SHUKLA

From setting an aggressive business target of INR 300 crore in 2019 and achieving them to introducing out-of-box initiatives, Nitesh Gandhi, Cluster GM – Rajasthan, Marriott and GM, JW Marriott New Delhi Aerocity, has pulled out all stops to turn around the property. Even during the pandemic, when occupancy levels dwindled, he left no stones unturned to get the business on track. He opened up new business avenues such as spa and fitness centre memberships, Diwali hampers, food delivery, among others, which proved to be significant additions to its recovery.

And now, after taking charge as the Cluster General Manager for Rajasthan at Marriott Hotels, he is confident that his winning business formula will help him ace the new market. He speaks about the challenges, learnings, new business strategies, handling different markets, ambitious targets, sustainability initiatives, and more.

What have been your learnings and challenges so far working in Rajasthan market?

Rajasthan is an important market for Marriott, and it is the only brand with a strong presence in the state catering to all guest segments. Each hotel, be it Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa, Marriott Jaisalmer Resort & Spa, Le Meridien Jaipur, Marriott Jaipur and Fairfield by Marriott Jodhpur, brings the state’s ethos alive for its guests.

The substantial business recovery in the region has largely been ADR-driven due to domestic leisure travel. Destination weddings in Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Jaipur and Pushkar have led to an increase in the total revenue.