“I believe in the Three D factors Desire, Determination & Drive you are what you believe in and you become that which you believe you can become- so follow your dreams and there is no shortcut in life…..”

— Digvijay Rathore

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

I am from Rajput Family in Rajasthan and we believe in one saying ATITHI DEVO BHAVA ( Guest who visited our house should be treated as God) From there always have that dream to work in Five hotels and experience the world.; so after Grade 12 I have done my hotel school studies from Ihm- Shakti Hyderabad & completed in 2002 I got campus placement …With Leela Kempinski Bangalore and worked in different outlets and bars for almost 4 years and moved to Taj Krishna Hyderabad worked for almost 3 years handled large conference and banquet space for almost 2 years want to work in international circuit moved to Dubai worked in Pre-opening team of Four points by Sheraton szr, Fairmont Bab al Bahar, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf resorts and spa presently working as Director F&B with Millennium & Copthorne hotel with 914 rooms and 12 F&B Venues

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

It takes more than a school diploma in order to succeed in the hospitality industry.

First thing, you should be a people person. Someone who knows how to observe, listen and understand situations. Second, equip yourself with the knowledge and experience as your career grows. Third, always be open to change. Be hungry for new ideas and developments as the demands are constantly changing.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

My passion is to train, develop and mold people to build a career in the hospitality industry. So whenever I am considering or hiring a team member, it should be someone who has a positive character and ambition. A person who has the “Eager to Learn” attitude.

Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?

Set a career goal, Stay focused and learn as much as you can. Be a small fish in a big pond at starting of your career not to be a big fish in a small pond.

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

As the hospitality industry is greatly affected by the global pandemic, I can see that the direction is heading into a safer, sustainable, and more advanced digital approach without compromising the quality of products and services.

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

First is the work conditions of the people working in the industry, this includes, salary and wages, benefits. A lot of people opt to change their career paths due to financial situations.

The second would-be employee’s safety and security especially during this global pandemic. The reality is, hospitality industry employees are also front liners where safety is a top priority.

Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why? What does excellent guest service mean to you?

From my understanding I would like to find what associates think about the service for our guests in the hotel -As the hotel staff is constantly working with guests, it's important they provide excellent service at all times. Also, I ask specific examples when they create WOW moments for guests or Fellow colleagues just to understand the association’s drive and desire towards hotels & guests.

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