“In the coming year, I see a continued change of approach towards how a hotel operates, focussing on hygiene and cleanliness. In the latter half of 2021, I see things going back to normal. I see robust growth coming in Q3 or Q4 of 2021. Those who are able to hold their talent (teams) and loyalties will be proven, winners.”

— Indrajit Saha

ndrajit Saha Executive CheF&B Director InterContinental Fujairah Resort.jpeg

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

It all started 21 years ago in a small town in Kolkata, Clueless about what to do in life I went through doing Chemistry and then dive into Hospitality management and then got the opportunity to work with Oberoi through their Management Programme OCLD.

From there I worked with them in different location till Sous chef after this I dived into different overseas locations like Maldives, Caribbean, Djibouti, Thailand, Vietnam, Bahrain, UAE. Currently working as Executive CheF&B Director.

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

To succeed in the industry you need to be smart, effective, thinker, revenue driven, team player and the attitude to try and fail and also try and succeed. Need to taste both. Plus a bit of luck also required.

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

Very simple. Attitude and Aptitude is the key to work with me. If you have the willingness to learn try and fail or succeed I can live with it.

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?

Trainees are very close to my heart as I always see me in them. To be honest, don't see that sort of interest anymore in trainees. But recently one trainee from Malaysia has reminded me of my training days. Fast, swift, adaptable, focus, eagerness, learning focus and putting the best foot forward every-time. Trainees should focus on their daily learning. And hotels should invest time and effort to make them the future of tomorrow.

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

Since currently, I am in a resort. It's more family driven. But keeping in mind the current pandemic hygiene and Safety are the key trends

Menus in Google drive, payment through Google pay or Apple pay. Contactless delivery, takeaway are trending and is going to stay. Minibar could be an obsolete idea.

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

1. The approach towards training and development, creating human assets in true sense. Invest in people and training to yield better.

2. Control in building number hotels in a specific area to maintain ecological and economical balance for all, owner-driven policies, realistic but stretched approach towards budget-making.

Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?

In the coming year, I see a continued change of approach towards how a hotel operates, focussing on hygiene and cleanliness. In the latter half of 2021, I see things going back to normal. I see robust growth coming in Q3 or Q4 of 2021. Those who are able to hold their talent (teams) and loyalties will be proven, winners.

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