Exclusive Interview | Anupriya Biswas, Rooms Division Manager at Hyatt Regency Dehradun
/ Editor HospemagTell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I started my career as an associate in the housekeeping department of The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata. I began by performing entry-level tasks, such as making guest rooms, coordinating on desk and ensuring that guest rooms were clean and well-maintained.
Over time, I showed a strong work ethic and dedication to my job, which caught the attention of my supervisors. I was given opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, such as training new associates and handling guest complaints.
I continued to excel in my role and eventually joined Hyatt as team leader, where I was responsible for overseeing the work of other associates and ensuring that department goals were met.
As I gained more experience and knowledge, I was given more significant responsibilities, such as managing budgets, developing, and implementing new policies and procedures, and leading department- wide initiatives.
I was part of 2 pre-opening hotels and worked with 3 different hotel companies in my entire career span of one and half decades.
I was recently promoted to the position of Rooms Division Manager at Hyatt Regency Dehradun. In this role, I oversee all aspects of the department, including guest services, housekeeping, front desk operations, Spa and Recreation department. I am responsible for developing and executing departmental strategies, managing budgets, and ensuring that the department runs smoothly and efficiently.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
To succeed in the hotel industry, it takes exceptional customer service, attention to detail, hard work, efficient operations, and continuous improvement.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future?
● Technological proficiency
● Multilingual proficiency
● Emotional intelligence
● Sustainability knowledge and practices
● Flexibility and adaptability
What is your favorite interview question & why?
“Can you tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service?”
It allows the candidate to demonstrate their ability to provide excellent service while also highlighting their problem-solving skills, creativity, and dedication. It also provides insight into their communication skills and ability to handle challenging situations, which are crucial in the hospitality industry.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
● Problem solving skills
● Strong work ethics
● Leadership skills
● Discipline
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team?
● Trust your team
● Appreciate good work
● Open communication & feedback
● Live business: share business info to keep team updated & motivated
What is the one app / tech solution you would love to see?
A comprehensive platform that integrates all aspects of a hotel’s operations, from customer service to housekeeping to HR and training. This platform could include features such as real-time guest feedback, automated task management, and personalised training modules for employees.
Mastering new techniques is essential for continuous quality improvement, and chefs should explore advanced methods like sous-vide, fermentation, and molecular gastronomy to expand their team’s skills.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, serial entrepreneur and the founder of the Kamaxi Group, headquartered in Goa, in an interview with Hospemag.me, shares insights into how the Group has grown into a multifaceted organisation serving various sectors including cruise line staffing, culinary education, maritime training and incubation. Fondekar highlights the Group's commitment to helping individuals navigate the tourism and hospitality industries, positioning the Kamaxi Group as a key player in India's journey toward a skilled and inclusive future.
Integrity, innovation, and respect for tradition are my guiding principles. I believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of what Indian cuisine can be, while staying true to its roots.
By having a universal translator device, people could connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It would also help to preserve and protect endangered languages and cultures by allowing them to be passed down to future generations
Secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team:
Give them responsibility
Train them to achieve them
Encourage with all best processes
Evaluate & guide
Appreciate their contribution
I look for individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do. Attributes like integrity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. I also value creativity and the ability to think outside the box, as these are critical for driving innovation in our field.
In the coming months, you can expect us to continue leveraging technology and automation to enhance guest experiences at DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi. We are working on integrating advanced data analytics to personalize guest interactions further and enhance operational efficiency.
Everyone is a sales person in life, you just need to understand and start enjoying it in your professional life as well.
The shift towards experiential travel is another trend that will redefine hospitality. Today’s travelers are increasingly looking for authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with the local culture and environment. This trend will continue to grow, pushing hotels to offer more personalized, location-specific experiences.
The future of the hospitality industry will likely be shaped by technology and sustainability.
The brand’s success is largely attributable to Deltin’s commitment to customer satisfaction and personalised service. Deltin has achieved a high level of customer retention and positive word-of-mouth by focusing on its customers’s specific requirements and preferences and adapting its services accordingly.
At Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, our dedication to providing exceptional value and memorable experiences is at the core of our operational philosophy. This commitment is manifested through our comprehensive approach to hospitality, which focuses on personalized service, unparalleled amenities, and sustainable practices
A good chef doesn't have to be a popular celebrity, even a small south Indian café chef prepares delicious dishes which people stand in a queue to get hands-on, I feel is successful in a way of its own.
If I were to transform into a vegetable, the choice would be clear: I would be broccoli. Not only is broccoli one of the most nutritious and versatile vegetables, but it also embodies a unique blend of resilience and adaptability that mirrors my own traits.
My journey in the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in a passion for service excellence and a commitment to our family's entrepreneurial legacy. At The Fern, Goregaon, I've embraced these values to shape a vision centered on quality and sustainability.
Bonding is really important and regularly at our property we have some recognition events to celebrate individuals as well as Team. It has proven to give a positive impact on Team Members bonding as well as trust with the Leaders.
Technology is at the core of our operations and guest experience. Our Glu app serves as a comprehensive digital concierge, allowing guests to manage their stay seamlessly, from check-in to activity bookings.
We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce.
To become a successful chef, you need:
Passion: A burning love for food that keeps you up at night dreaming of your next dish.
Mad Skills: You’ve got to slice, dice, and sauté like a wizard with a spatula.
Creative Spark: The ability to turn ordinary ingredients into culinary magic.
Obsessive Attention to Detail: Because every grain of salt and garnish matters.
Kitchen Kung Fu: Leading your team with the finesse of a maestro conducting a symphony.
Flexibility: Rolling with the punches when the soufflé sinks or the orders pile up.
Business Savvy: Balancing the books while balancing flavors.
Forever a Student: Embracing lifelong learning, because the food world never stops evolving.
The only advice I can give to young chefs is that – Be humble, put your head down and work you’re a** off. When given chance to work with the best, TAKE IT! Don’t involve your personal ego when you deal with people who are way more experienced than you. Ask questions, steal recipes, don’t say no to difficult task, be ready to clean floor and dishes but make the most of the opportunity given to you.
My grandmother's kitchen was a place where magic and wonder happened, filled with the most enchanting aromas and flavors. Among the many delightful dishes she prepared, her sambar stands out as the crown jewel. These culinary experiences have profoundly influenced my journey, inspiring me to carry forward her legacy through 'Sambarpot'
Describe an ideal hospitality professional. “A selfless individual who is sensitive to guest needs and can anticipate them for timely deliveries.”
A customer-centric mindset ensures exceptional guest experiences, while effective leadership and team development foster a motivated workforce. Embracing cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness enhances both guest and employee satisfaction.
Our goal is to bring the unique experience of Hitchki to new markets, delighting patrons with our Bollywood-themed ambiance, exceptional food and beverage offerings, and unparalleled customer service. With a focus on quality, creativity, and authenticity, we are confident in our ability to capture the hearts of new audiences and create memorable experiences wherever we go.
Embrace the grind with gratitude, for each step forward is both a testament to your hard work and a gift worth cherishing. The journey's sweat makes the success sweeter.
For the birth of Karma Lakelands, I would like to give the entire credit to my mentor, Shri Nekchand ji, who instilled a love for Mother Nature in my heart. If not for him, I never would have planted over 10,000 trees in my initial days.