Exclusive Interview | Pushpita Ghosh Savant, Resort Manager, Tree Of Life Resorts
/ Editor Hospemag Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
I am Pushpita Ghosh Savant . I come from the Steel City –Rourkela ,Odisa . Completed my hotel management from IIHM affiliated to Edinburgh Napier University – Kolkata and started my Career with Taj Group of hotels .Over the course of 20 years, I embarked on a remarkable journey in the hotel and academic industry starting as a Front office Executive with the Taj Group of hotels and eventually ascending to the Position of Resort Manager heading the Tree of Life Resorts & Spa located in Varanasi. Enhanced my leanings and experiences with being a part of Residency Group, Hilton Group and with IIHM –Goa imparting the experience with the future and enhancing my academic skills. Being a Woman in this field ,I faced unique challenges and opportunities that shaped my career path.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
There are many factors which are required to succeed in this industry. Highlighted 4points are :
Guest feedback & Continuous improvement – Actively seeking guest feedback through online reviews, direct communication ,surveys ,analyze to identify areas of improvement.
Adaptability and Innovation – This industry been dynamic keeping ahead of trends and changes is crucial.
Online Presence – In today’s digital age ,establishing strong online presence is essential. Create an appealing and User friendly website that showcases your hotel’s USP. Utilize online booking systems, reviews and rating.
Competitive pricing – Pricing strategies play a significant role in attracting guest. Monitor competitive rates and adjust your pricing strategies to remain competitive.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future.
Technological Literacy – Technological literate will be crucial. Professionals need to adapt new systems ,software and digital platforms. A strong understanding of emerging technologies and the ability to leverage them effectively will be invaluable.
Cultural competence- Involves being sensitive and respectful towards diverse cultural backgrounds, customs and preference to guests. Understanding different cultural norms, communication styles and service expectations will lead to delivery of impeccable service.
Sustainability and Environment awareness – In response to the growing concerns about environment , sustainability and environmental consciousness will be critical skills in the future of hospitality .Professionals who are knowledgeable about sustainable practices,energy efficiency, waste reduction and eco-friendly initiatives will be in high demand.
Emotional intelligence – As this industry focuses on personalized and experiential services, emotional intelligence will be highly sought after skills. Hospitality professionals need to possess empathy , strong inter personal skills and the ability to connect with guest on emotional levels.
Adaptability and flexibility – The hospitality industry is known for its fast paced and unpredictable nature .Future hospitality personals need to be adaptable and flexible in order to thrive in dynamic environments which could be open to new challenges, embracing change and quickly adjusting to evolving customer preferences.
Describe an ideal hospitality professional.
Overall a ideal Hospitality professional is a combination of exceptional interpersonal skills ,customer centricity ,professionalism ,adaptability , and a genuine passion for providing memorable experience to guest. They are the back bone of the industry ensuring that every guest feels valued, respected and well cared for.
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team.
Foster a Positive Work culture – Simply a supportive work culture where employees feel valued and respected with a scope for open communication from team members.
Recognize and reward achievements – ACKNOWLEDGE and APPRECIATE the hard work and accomplishments of your team members like reward and recognition program, town halls, team celebration weeks , which could be monetary incentives, public recognition or other meaningful reward.
Empower & delegate –Trust your team member and delegate responsibilities effectively. Give them the autonomy to make decisions and take ownership in their work. Empower them to contribute ideas and suggestions.
Provide growth & development opportunities – Invest in the professional development of your team member by offering training program, workshops or career advancement.
Lead by example – Have always believed this. As a leader demonstrate the quality and behaviors you expect from your team. Be approachable , supportive and lead with integrity.
How do you think AI will impact our industry?
AI is going to have a significant impact on the hospitality industry transforming various aspects of the industry. Here are few:
Personalized guest experience –AI can analyze vast amounts of customer data ,such as preference booking history ,feedback and create personal experience for guest. Help in customer inquiry ,make recommendations and assist with bookings.
Efficient operations and cost reduction – AI can optimize various operational processes such as inventory management ,pricing strategies, resource allocation.
Streamlined check in and check out process – AI can automate and streamline the Check in and Check out process .Self check in Kiosks automated with AI technology can verify guest identities, process payments, provide room keys enhancing operational efficiency .
Efficient housekeeping and maintenance – AI powered robots can be used for tasks such as cleaning , restocking supplies and delivering items in guest rooms reducing workload on staff and improving work efficiencies.
Mastering new techniques is essential for continuous quality improvement, and chefs should explore advanced methods like sous-vide, fermentation, and molecular gastronomy to expand their team’s skills.
Parixit Pai Fondekar, serial entrepreneur and the founder of the Kamaxi Group, headquartered in Goa, in an interview with Hospemag.me, shares insights into how the Group has grown into a multifaceted organisation serving various sectors including cruise line staffing, culinary education, maritime training and incubation. Fondekar highlights the Group's commitment to helping individuals navigate the tourism and hospitality industries, positioning the Kamaxi Group as a key player in India's journey toward a skilled and inclusive future.
Integrity, innovation, and respect for tradition are my guiding principles. I believe in constantly pushing the boundaries of what Indian cuisine can be, while staying true to its roots.
By having a universal translator device, people could connect with others from different cultures and backgrounds, fostering greater empathy, understanding, and tolerance. It would also help to preserve and protect endangered languages and cultures by allowing them to be passed down to future generations
Secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team:
Give them responsibility
Train them to achieve them
Encourage with all best processes
Evaluate & guide
Appreciate their contribution
I look for individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do. Attributes like integrity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. I also value creativity and the ability to think outside the box, as these are critical for driving innovation in our field.
In the coming months, you can expect us to continue leveraging technology and automation to enhance guest experiences at DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi. We are working on integrating advanced data analytics to personalize guest interactions further and enhance operational efficiency.
Everyone is a sales person in life, you just need to understand and start enjoying it in your professional life as well.
The shift towards experiential travel is another trend that will redefine hospitality. Today’s travelers are increasingly looking for authentic, immersive experiences that connect them with the local culture and environment. This trend will continue to grow, pushing hotels to offer more personalized, location-specific experiences.
The future of the hospitality industry will likely be shaped by technology and sustainability.
The brand’s success is largely attributable to Deltin’s commitment to customer satisfaction and personalised service. Deltin has achieved a high level of customer retention and positive word-of-mouth by focusing on its customers’s specific requirements and preferences and adapting its services accordingly.
At Eight Continents Hotels & Resorts, our dedication to providing exceptional value and memorable experiences is at the core of our operational philosophy. This commitment is manifested through our comprehensive approach to hospitality, which focuses on personalized service, unparalleled amenities, and sustainable practices
A good chef doesn't have to be a popular celebrity, even a small south Indian café chef prepares delicious dishes which people stand in a queue to get hands-on, I feel is successful in a way of its own.
If I were to transform into a vegetable, the choice would be clear: I would be broccoli. Not only is broccoli one of the most nutritious and versatile vegetables, but it also embodies a unique blend of resilience and adaptability that mirrors my own traits.
My journey in the hospitality industry is deeply rooted in a passion for service excellence and a commitment to our family's entrepreneurial legacy. At The Fern, Goregaon, I've embraced these values to shape a vision centered on quality and sustainability.
Bonding is really important and regularly at our property we have some recognition events to celebrate individuals as well as Team. It has proven to give a positive impact on Team Members bonding as well as trust with the Leaders.
Technology is at the core of our operations and guest experience. Our Glu app serves as a comprehensive digital concierge, allowing guests to manage their stay seamlessly, from check-in to activity bookings.
We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce.
To become a successful chef, you need:
Passion: A burning love for food that keeps you up at night dreaming of your next dish.
Mad Skills: You’ve got to slice, dice, and sauté like a wizard with a spatula.
Creative Spark: The ability to turn ordinary ingredients into culinary magic.
Obsessive Attention to Detail: Because every grain of salt and garnish matters.
Kitchen Kung Fu: Leading your team with the finesse of a maestro conducting a symphony.
Flexibility: Rolling with the punches when the soufflé sinks or the orders pile up.
Business Savvy: Balancing the books while balancing flavors.
Forever a Student: Embracing lifelong learning, because the food world never stops evolving.
The only advice I can give to young chefs is that – Be humble, put your head down and work you’re a** off. When given chance to work with the best, TAKE IT! Don’t involve your personal ego when you deal with people who are way more experienced than you. Ask questions, steal recipes, don’t say no to difficult task, be ready to clean floor and dishes but make the most of the opportunity given to you.
My grandmother's kitchen was a place where magic and wonder happened, filled with the most enchanting aromas and flavors. Among the many delightful dishes she prepared, her sambar stands out as the crown jewel. These culinary experiences have profoundly influenced my journey, inspiring me to carry forward her legacy through 'Sambarpot'
Describe an ideal hospitality professional. “A selfless individual who is sensitive to guest needs and can anticipate them for timely deliveries.”
A customer-centric mindset ensures exceptional guest experiences, while effective leadership and team development foster a motivated workforce. Embracing cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness enhances both guest and employee satisfaction.
Our goal is to bring the unique experience of Hitchki to new markets, delighting patrons with our Bollywood-themed ambiance, exceptional food and beverage offerings, and unparalleled customer service. With a focus on quality, creativity, and authenticity, we are confident in our ability to capture the hearts of new audiences and create memorable experiences wherever we go.
Embrace the grind with gratitude, for each step forward is both a testament to your hard work and a gift worth cherishing. The journey's sweat makes the success sweeter.
For the birth of Karma Lakelands, I would like to give the entire credit to my mentor, Shri Nekchand ji, who instilled a love for Mother Nature in my heart. If not for him, I never would have planted over 10,000 trees in my initial days.