Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start? I started my career back in 1997 (after graduating from Delhi College of Hotel Management) with Taj Hotels, I worked with various brands like Intercontinental Hotels, Orchid, Oberoi Hotels, Grand Hyatt Mumbai, and Sofitel BKC, Mumbai. After working for various prestigious brands in India, I decided to carry forward my professional journey to the Maldives. I joined Constance Halaveli Resort (a Mauritian company ) in 2011. After working with the company for 5 years, I decided to move on to another prestigious company in the Indian Ocean ( Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Maldives ). I continue to enjoy my tenure with Atmosphere to date.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

Apart from determination, perseverance, conviction, one needs to be passionate about what you do to succeed in this industry.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?

If someone wants to work with you, what should they do? One has to be conscientious, compassionate, persistent, resilient, and above all the ATTITUDE which I look for while selecting people. Skill plays a secondary role. In my opinion, skills can be taught if one has the above qualities.

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

Digitalization and Personalisation are the key trends impacting the industry however due to the pandemic outbreak dynamics of operations have taken a curve. Leisure travelers across the globe have taken the front seat.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience?

As I mentioned, digitalization, contactless service, WIFI connectivity, social media handlers like Trip advisors feedback are the few technologies that create great guest experiences.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

If given a chance, I would like to change the shortsighted approach in the industry. Investment in people management, training should be the approach of hospitality investors. Cutting corners and focusing on the bottom line approach has to change. On the contrary, strengthening the bottom line, the top line will automatically be achieved.