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

I was born and brought up in the City of Joy, Kolkata. While I was doing my graduation I had developed an interest in Hospitality. Those days it was still not a popular career option for many. I had a few friends who were then working for hotels, who inspired me to join the industry.

My journey begun with Taj Bengal in Kolkata, where I had joined post my graduation. It was there, where I was inducted to the industry and understood the nuances of the trade. Since I didn't join the Hotels with a formal Hotel School Degree, I was then open to explore which department will be the best fit for me. Post working for more than an year in Front Office, I decided that Sales & Marketing is where my interest lies.

I had them moved to New Delhi, later worked in Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru with leading brands like Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts, Le Meridien Hotels, Hyatt & Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts. Currently I am based in Chennai with IHG Hotels & Resorts, this is my second stint in this beautiful city. Prior to moving to Chennai. I was working with Ritz Carlton Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
After working for over two decades in this industry, I realized that if you want to here for the long run you have to love what you are doing. Passion fuels your motivation to excel. Time management and being organized will always keep you ahead of the others.
You got to be prepared for long hours, working though festivities, compromised work life balance at times, I think inspite of all these, the joys of accomplishments are immense.
One also needs to be mobile not only for the exposure and learning but eventually for their growth too, In all these one thing is very important, that you have a family who understands the supports you though all these.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
In Sales & Marketing its very important to have the right attitude, skills can be developed. Success lies in finding the right person for the right role. Outgoing personality, presence of mind, communication skills are important for all levels. For a senior level, the job knowledge, adaptability, people skills are important too.

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?
Its a very good question, I think the exposure they get these days are excellent. They should utilize the time to understand the operations of all the departments. They should work hard and absorb as much, ask enough questions to clear doubts. When they go back to their institutes they should go back with an open mind and equipped with practical exposure, which should help them to decide where they want to specialize.

Editor: What are some of the new trends the industry is witnessing ?
Covid19 has changed a lot of things but slowly as the restrictions are getting lifted and vaccinations being done, we are on our way to recovery. Below are trends which I feel are here to stay for some time.
Home Delivery is here to stay since a lot of people got used to it and a large number of jobs have transitioned to work from home. These are the conveniences which people are expected to continue to indulge in.
Since the numbers are restricted for events and celebrations at hotels, guests have been panning Hybrid Events to engage with outstation guests digitally. As the relaxations will allow larger gatherings its expected that use of technology will continue in some form.
Guests are looking for unique experiences, be it culinary, wellness. family fun etc which is curated by Hotels exclusively for the guests. Lot of Hotels have created these unique experiences for which guests are willing to pay.

Editor: What can we expect in the coming year?
While we are still attempting to navigate one of the most extreme crises to hit our industry, many within the hospitality industry are contemplating what future may hold for us. According to current forecasts, statistics fortunately indicate a rapid economic turnaround in 2022. There are still lot of ambiguity over what shape the global travel and hospitality industries will take in terms of operating procedures, consumer trends and service offerings once the COVID-19 pandemic is over.

Most pre-pandemic behaviors and practices may return as guest confidence inevitably rebounds.  There is still some uncertainty on what the “New Normal” be and how it will affect our daily lives. Lets stay positive and expect a quick economic rebound. Govt. has been taking a lot of steps to support this turnaround. I am sure we can all go back to our happy pre Covid19 days soon.