Luxury waterfront hotel on Bolgatty Island, Kochi

Perched on 26 acres of plush green land on the serene Bolgatty Island, Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is a waterfront urban resort overlooking the backwaters of Vembanad Lake. 264 luxurious guestrooms including 38 suites and 4 private villas with plunge pools.

https://kochibolgatty.grand.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I did my Hotel Management in Australia at the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School in New south Wales and become part of the Hyatt family in 2003 as a pre-opening member of the Grand Hyatt Dubai. Continued with Hyatt brands in Muscat and Hyderabad and now in Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty since March 2017 as the pre-opening General Manager.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
This industry is all about managing people and always being innovative and adapting to
change is the key to success.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to
work with you, what should they do?
Attitude is most important. We look for personalities who look at the glass half full and not half empty. Regarding work, they should be willing to learn and understand why they belong in this environment and truly understand the meaning of CARE.

Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?

Always look at ways to learn and ask questions. Ensure that as much as possible practice is undertaken on daily tasks as this will only help in gaining knowledge and increase the confidence levels and pace of development.

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?
Digital marketing and social media are redefining the opportunities this industry has to offer. Experiential tours play a pivotal role in enhancing the guest service and experience. Weekend travel and staycation have changed the way people travel and enjoy their leisure time.

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the tech
that goes into creating the Grand Hyatt experience?
IP based interactive televisions provide immense opportunity for us to deliver enhanced guest services. Our state of the art audio-visual facilities in meeting spaces assist in seamless event experiences and energy-efficient and smart guest room designs using the most advanced technology only add to the comfort level of our guests.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.
Flexibility in taxation for hotels in the country is important and is a factor in determining travel.

Editor: What can we expect from Grand Hyatt Kochi in the coming year?
We are very excited to deliver iconic and memorable experiences to Kochi in the coming months and years. Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty is truly a game changer for hospitality in South India and we are looking forward to experience what the future holds.