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

It all started in the year 2004 when I decided to do my Hons in hospitality from Scotland.  I tried my hand to apply for jobs at the renowned hotels after my graduation and was able to crack the interview in Hilton Edinburgh as a steward. It all started with this and the industry has always recognized me for all the hard work and for the guest experience. and I am still learning at the same pace

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

Patience. Yes I can Do attitude, Focused

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

The most important is your attitude to learn. Also General Knowledge. If you are not aware of what is happening around you, chances are that you may not be aware whats going around you on your job. And  Hospitality is nothing but attention to small details. where every small detail create wow factor to guest  If one should want to work with me, they must possess common sense, a willingness  to learn, and above all humble respect the juniors to make them lead from the front by empowering them

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?

 The training period is actually a very important period for all future leaders of the hotel industry. It’s not just a tenure they need to be taking notes or be serious – it’s a time they should use to understand hotel industry operations at ground zero level Reality, and self-analysis of whether they belong to the hotel industry or do they need to re-think about their decision of joining hotels. If they get to love the hotel industry during their training and wake up every day early and well-disciplined because the hotel industry itself a second army, the hotel organisation would look forward to getting passionate hoteliers in the making and an individual who gets a better understanding of hotels and the effort that goes into making a hotel organisation successful. in meeting their goals

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

1. Social Media influencers – This causes real-time damage as most of the guests play this card when they look for Reviews  or complimentary things

2. Tech-Savvy – The majority of the travellers are pro-tech-savvy and it sometimes becomes difficult to match up to the guest satisfaction. In this process, hotels & resorts miss personal touches for the guests. Also, this attracts reduced manpower which means more attrition rate.

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? 

1.  Contactless Experience –  starting from making the reservation till the guest place the order, have those minimal contact with the staff. Eg,  QR code  for ordering food, contactless payment

2.  Sustainability- People are becoming increasingly sensitive to environmental and social issues. 

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

1. Old hospitality to be retained which is missing in today’s trending time, that charm has to be maintained.

2. Hoteliers are also people who need to be treated with respect. We are in a people’s industry because it was said by  wise  what you give to other its return back to you with lot more added in it

Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?

 Technology will surely be a game-changer and add to the Luxury aspect of the hotel. It is going to be interesting times for us to adapt and get used to operating in a more flexible and tech-oriented environment.