With a remarkable tenure at Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL), Ayon Bhattacharya has established himself as a leading figure in the hospitality industry, demonstrating exemplary leadership and deep expertise. As the Vice President of West India, he has been pivotal in the success of The Orchid Hotels & Resorts. His recent accolade, a 'Doctorate in Hospitality Strategies and Operation' from the World Human Rights Protection Commission, underscores his significant contributions to the field.

Since stepping into the role of Vice President for West India, Bhattacharya has been the guiding force behind KHIL’s transformative journey. “Since 2021, the Western India market has seen a tremendous surge in demand for both leisure and corporate destinations,” Bhattacharya notes. His focus on resilience and strong employee support during the pandemic has helped KHIL maintain low staff turnover and high-quality service. The company’s people-first and environmentally conscious culture have built strong customer relationships and fostered an atmosphere of care and excellence.

Under Bhattacharya’s leadership, digitalization and AI integration have become central to enhancing guest experiences. “We’ve invested in training our employees to embrace technology and AI,” he explains. Initiatives like the Management Trainee, Hotel Operational Trainee, and Sales Executive programs have bolstered KHIL’s internal leadership, ensuring sustainable growth and positioning KHIL as a forward-thinking leader in the hospitality industry.

A key aspect of Bhattacharya’s strategy is adapting to the evolving needs of guests. “Guest needs have significantly changed over the past five years,” he observes. In response, KHIL has enhanced its offerings with stronger Wi-Fi, better mattresses and pillows, tailored healthy breakfast options, and smart TVs with OTT platforms. These personalized touches have kept KHIL at the forefront of hospitality excellence.

Guest feedback is a cornerstone of KHIL’s continuous improvement. “We use a digital tool to gather feedback, which is reviewed daily to identify actionable insights,” Bhattacharya shares. By leveraging AI tools, KHIL gains valuable insights into guest sentiment, allowing for ongoing enhancements to the guest experience.

Kamat Hotels has long been a pioneer in eco-friendly practices. “We are committed to conserving resources, minimizing waste, and promoting recycling,” Bhattacharya elaborates. KHIL’s initiatives include rigorous maintenance schedules, renewable energy usage, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse, all of which are deeply embedded in their operations.

Looking ahead, Bhattacharya sees significant opportunities for expansion in tier 2 and 3 cities, as well as local gateway destinations. “Local entrepreneurs are developing hotel assets and seeking Indian brands for management,” he notes. KHIL’s expansion strategy is rooted in a thorough analysis of market dynamics and a focus on sustainable, mutually beneficial outcomes. Their transaction models range from asset-light management agreements to lease and revenue-sharing arrangements.

KHIL’s future objectives center on sustainability, synergy, quality, and loyalty. Bhattacharya is particularly excited about the upcoming project, Toyam by Orchid Hotels, a luxurious wellness destination. This venture joins a prestigious portfolio that includes The Orchid Hotels, Ira by Orchid Hotels, Lotus Eco Beach Resorts, Fort JadhavGadh, and Mahodadhi Palace.

What sets Orchid Hotels & Resorts apart, according to Bhattacharya, is a holistic approach that places people, the environment, and guests at its core. “Our commitment to these pillars enriches guest experiences and contributes to the well-being of our employees and the sustainability of our environment,” he states. Under Ayon Bhattacharya’s leadership, KHIL continues to shine as a beacon of excellence and sustainability in West India’s hospitality sector.