CATEGORIES
"I like to Evolve and Progress with the Passing of Time"
A highly accomplished professional with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, Rohit Bajpai is currently holding the position of GM at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore. Armed with a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Mumbai, his remarkable journey includes stints at Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Royal Orchid Hotels, Hilton, and Radisson Hotel Group. Each role further honed his skills, amplifying his expertise in hotel operations, food and beverage management, and customer-centric service. In an exclusive interview with Sharmila Chand, he talks about his work philosophy and more....
In-house Laundry
Setting up an in-house laundry may not be as expensive as it is often made out to be and the benefits of having an on-premise laundry are many including extensive control over the cleaning process
Making Hospitality Inhospitable for Pests
The presence of pests in the hospitality industry has always been unacceptable. Bed bugs have been a bane for hotels. Let’s take a look at some of the procedures being adopted by the industry or should be adopted by the industry to checkmate these pests.
"Being a trusted mentor to my team and achieving success together is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling”
A seasoned hospitality professional with over 16 years of experience in the industry, Jagdeep Nambiar currently holds the position of General Manager at Fazlani Nature’s Nest. Jagdeep’s expertise lies in managing luxury properties, where he focuses on guest satisfaction, employee engagement, and overall business growth. Under his leadership, Fazlani Nature’s Nest has achieved remarkable success in terms of guest experience and business growth. He has implemented several initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction, including unique wellness programs, eco-friendly practices, and sustainable processes. Here he gives us an insight into his work philosophy
Fazlani Nature's Nest - A Wellness Retreat!
Fazlani Nature's Nest is a hidden gem nestled on 68 acres of lush greens, offering breath-taking views of Andra Lake and the majestic Sahyadri hills in Maharashtra. This enchanting abode truly embodies the essence of nature.
Crockery Selection
It is said that food is first eaten or for that matter savoured with eyes, that is, if the food is nice to look at then the appetite grows. For the food to look nice a lot of importance is given to the plate in which it is dished out so that it is good to look at and at the same time convenient for the customer to have food from.
Wedding Segment for Revenue Growth
After the big hiatus, the hospitality industry is seeing significant growth in wedding banquet operations. There is no doubt that the Indian Wedding industry is massive and one of the key business segments to contribute towards hotel catering and banqueting revenues. Several factors contribute to make this segment a profitable one, namely Décor, Food & Beverage and Service. Hence, the industry leaders aim to keep a step ahead in curating personalised wedding experiences to create a niche in the market.
Skilled Staff Needed to Boost Hotels
Post pandemic has seen a revival of travel and tourism industry resulting in an increase in the influx of guests in hotels. This, in turn has increased the need for skilled staff in the industry which had seen many of the trained employees bid adieu to the industry forever. With the hotel industry set to escalate, not just to its previous levels but exceed far above it, there is an urgent need for staff which is trained in all the intricacies of guest satisfaction to ensure growth of the property. And since the industry has gone through changes which have necessitated adoption of advanced technology, the employees must have, or acquire, the skill and know-how of these technological advancements. These would gratify the guest and help in increasing the popularity of the property. Ashok Malkani takes a look at increase in travel and tourism, its effect on hotel industry and the qualifications and talents needed for the hotel employee currently.
Safety of Women Guests
With celebrations of woman’s day earlier this year, one saw the distinct visibility of woman empowerment. Today, there is a growing tendency among women to travel solo or with female companions. According to a report by IndiaSpend, over 75 million women in India, who are single out of choice, are socially and financially independent, which could be one of the reasons for solo-travel among them. These travellers not only want ‘me-time’ which could be the reason for solo travel, but they are also keen on exploring scenic and culturally rich destinations. For them health and safety also takes precedence. They want – and choose hotels which provide them safety. Thus hotels, to ensure their patronage, have to ensure their safety and well-being. With rising percentage of solo-women travellers, this has become essential for hotels industry. Ashok Malkani views the safety factor in the accommodations offered by the hospitality industry.
Propelling Growth & Inspiring Success in the Hospitality Industry
Ayon Bhattacharya's career trajectory spans across three decades in various International and Indian Hotel chains. It has been one of consistent success with sound leadership, as demonstrated by his impressive tenure at The Orchid Hotel Pune. As a testament to his excellence in this role, he was elevated to the position of Vice President, West India, The Orchid Hotels and Resorts (Kamat Hotels India Ltd). Under his guidance the region has flourished, experiencing significant growth and acclaim in the hospitality industry. His exceptional leadership skills, combined with his extensive knowledge of the hotel industry, have been instrumental in driving the company's success. Here he gives an insight into his leadership philosophy and management style
Hotel Clarks Khajuraho
An Abode of Happiness & Luxurious Comforts!
Spa Trends
Spa is an indispensable department of the hospitality industry today
Chefs for Profitable Outlets
The role of a chef has toddled much ahead of stirring and blending out palatable cuisine
Ensuring Guest Satisfaction
Being a successful hotelier involves tending to guests' needs and ensuring an exceptional experience at your hotel for everyone who walks through the doors of the lobby. Hotels have to make every effort to provide zero disappointment in order to rise above the competitors. One negative comment by the guest can offset the effect of hundred positive reviews and have an adverse effect on the reputation as well as revenue of the property. Ashok Malkani tries to fathom how hotels can leave a positive impact on the guests.
Hotels of Future
Hospitality industry has to keep pace with the ever-changing craving and yearning for innovative experiences of tourists and there has been, thus, a continuous transformation in the services offered by the industry. There have been revolutionary changes in the working of the industry, over the years. With advancement in technology and Al Artificial Intelligence), hotels have been able to upgrade and offer new experiences to their guests. The constant and incessant changes being incorporated in the working of the hospitality industry is going to result in various avant-garde changes being integrated in almost all departments of hotels of the future. Interactive hotel rooms with digitally enhanced services are, today, providing a new level of luxury and convenience to the travelers. Ashok Malkani tries to fathom the changes that are likely to take place not only in hotel operations but also in their appearance, in coming decade or so.
A Passionate and Seasoned Hotelier!
Ajay Kanojia, General Manager, Sayaji Hotels Pune
Challenges of Renovating
It is true that restaurants and discotheques/ nightclubs are eventually judged by their food & beverage options, and fun factors.
Idyllic Haven in the Lap of Nature!
WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanyavillas Resort Spa
Sweeping Changes
\"From sophistication in operations through increased application of technology and automation to refinement in attitudes towards the workers, housekeeping in hotels in India of today has substantially enhanced its role during the recent years.
Benefits of Automation
In the changing business environment with the rise in operational costs due to attrition, higher labour cost, have made it imperative for the hospitality industry to adopt technology that would not only be able to cut costs but also be guest-friendly.
Developing Concept
Two aspects which contribute towards making a successful restaurant are location and the concept.
Gearing for Adventure
India has a plethora of tourist attractions having spellbinding and ethereal beauty.
Employees' Impact on Hospitality Industry
Hospitality industry is one of the most volatile industries as far as employment is concerned. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Hospitality and Travel Industry employs more people than automotive, mining, financial services and manufacturing combined. But hospitality demands its employees to be epitomes of cordiality, friendliness and conviviality, for establishing an amicable relationship between the guests and the hotel. Ashok Malkani takes a look at how the industry, with the help of the employees, establishes a healthy rapport with the guests and the essential aptitude and attitude that the employees must possess.
Union Budget 2023 Impact on Hospitality and Travel & Tourism Industries
Hospitality and Travel & Tourism industries are closely linked and among the major industries contributing to the economic development of the country. Hospitality industry, which is one of the foremost providers for skilled and semi skilled jobs in the country was, over the last few years, due to the pandemic, adversely affected. Many F&B outlets, even hotels had to be shut and a few of them still remain so, in spite of the industry slowly returning back to normal. Due to the industry still being under stress, it was looking up to the Finance Minister announcing some concessions in the budget. The FM has, to some degree, come up with some measures which are welcome by the hospitality industry. Ashok Malkani examines the concessions that the industry has hailed.
Fortune Hotels Expands its Footprint
Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC's hotel group, announced the opening of Fortune Walkway Mall Haldwani pegged to be the first branded hotel of the city in the segment, and the upscale hotel chain's third hotel in the state of Uttarakhand.
Hospitality Industry - Knowing The Future Trends
The hotel industry can be rough and tumble, but not if you have the right formula for success. The world is undergoing a major shift in decision-making and buying power, and it’s changing the hospitality industry. The only way to see continued success is to prepare for these inevitable changes. The varying and shifting mind set of the guests has to be gauged accurately to ensure the continuous popularity, recognition and reputation of the hotel. Ashok Malkani discusses about the need for the industry to gauge the new and future trends among the guests and their changing preferences for the success of the property.
Leading From the Front!
With more than two decades experience, Madhav Sehgal is a senior hospitality professional with expertise in leadership, entrepreneurial and networking skills coupled with astute business acumen and a proven track record of consistent delivery of core strategy and objectives. He is presently GM of Leela Palace Bangalore. With experience in multiple cities across India and a strong understanding of all micro-markets, holds equitable relationships in all segments while always ensuring the highest level of transparency and earning trust from all sources. Currently has led Leela Palace Bangalore to a rank of 1 of 6 in both ARI and RGI. He has always been leveraging segments and identifying opportunities in the highly dynamic and evolving market scenarios. Sharmila Chand in talk with him finds he is known for empowering and mentoring individuals on an ongoing basis and believing in leading by example.
Turndown Service
When doing a due diligence on any hotel property, assessment of its turndown service and its appreciation by guest inevitably becomes a point worth checking. However what is this turndown service and is it really important to the guest? If Housekeeping department in-charge of a leading hotel is to be believed, and there is no reason to not believe them, the service is as important and appreciated as any other star hotel service provided to make the guest feel special.
Future Kitchens
Future Kitchens are addressing higher productivity with cost effective operations where introduction of new technology has revolutionised the food industry. There is an opportunity to bring a \"new approach towards technology based food service systems using the latest but tried technology\".
Unraveling Loyalty
Loyalty is of great importance in any enduring personal and social relationship. It is also equally important in businesses, and that includes hotel business too, though loyalty in business differs in nature and practice than the loyalty exercised in personal and social relationships. But for some special types of service sectors like the hotel industry, an element of personalised touch to professionalism always gives an edge. Therefore the issue of loyalty should be viewed holistically for the hotel industry at large, if it wants to thrive despite its numerous bottlenecks and impediments.