Exclusive Interview | Raoof Dhanani - Managing Director, Sayaji Hotels

/
“The future of the hospitality industry is looking very bright and promising. Hotels can look forward to a robust demand.”
— Raoof Dhanani
Raoof Dhanani - Managing Director, Sayaji Hotels

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

Sayaji Hotels Group commemorated its 33rd anniversary on January 7th. The first stone of the hotel was laid in Vadodara in the year 1990. Starting from the Kala Ghoda Circle with a generous inventory of 54 rooms, Sayaji Hotels now operates 22 Hotels in the cities of Indore, Vadodara, Kolhapur, Bhopal, Pune, Raipur, Rajkot, Jamnagar and Nashik. Today, Sayaji Hotels is India’s premier lifestyle hospitality brand renowned for its bespoke experiences, signature hospitality, and ushering new standards of opulence in the 4-star and 5-star hotel industry.

Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future

Time Management, Multi-tasking, Industry know-how, Interpersonal Skills and Grooming are the five skills that I think are very critical for a hospitality career in the future.  

What does the future look like?

The future of the hospitality industry is looking very bright and promising. Hotels can look forward to a robust demand. Sustainability and hygiene will always be a top priority.

Sayaji Hotels plans to expand its footprints nationally with properties opening soon in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan to mention a few.
 
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team.

Employee recognition, transparency, positive work environment, team building activities, wellness programs are some of our effective trade secrets in keeping engaged, safe and happy team.    

How do you think AI will impact our industry? Specific jobs, processes etc?

Artificial intelligence is playing a vital role in the hospitality industry. Revenue management, guest experiences, daily operations, fetching and sorting of data etc. can be managed easily with artificial intelligence.

Sayaji Hotels have also moved towards digitalization by introducing QR code payments, digital restaurant menus, voice control electronic devices etc. We will shortly be introducing advanced artificial intelligence based solutions in various areas of our hotels.

Featured
1647077095878.jpeg
Exclusive Interview | Manoj Kumar Tiwari, General Manager, Regency Holidays

Each experience is designed to provide adventure without compromising on the elements of luxury that our clientele expects. Our goal is to strike the perfect balance between thrill and elegance, ensuring that our clients not only feel secure but also pampered.

ABHIJIT PHOTO KB.jpg
Exclusive Interview | Abhijit Dey, Vice President, Stone Wood Hotels & Resorts
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
Ishaan Sarkar, Chief Business Officer - Food Services, Quess Corp
Exclusive Interview | Ishaan Sarkar, Chief Business Officer - Food Services, Quess Corp
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.
Jit Bose
Exclusive Interview | Jit Bose, Vice President Commercial - GRT Hotels & Resorts; Chair - The South India Chamber of Commerce ( SICCI) Hospitality Committee
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.
Abhishek Singh
Exclusive Interview | Abhishek Singh, Chief Culinary Officer, Ghost Kitchens India
I am India's first Corporate Executive Chef for an Indian cruise line. 
Vijay 1.jpg
Exclusive Interview | Vijay Krishnan Vazhvelil, Vice President – India Operations, Minor Hotels
The dedication to keep learning, a passion to succeed and dream big is what has brought me where I am.
Akash Bhatia, Group General Manager, Amritara Hotels & Resorts
Exclusive Interview | Akash Bhatia, Group General Manager, Amritara Hotels & Resorts

My favourite interview question is, "If you could design an immersive guest experience that truly embodies the essence of India, what would it entail?" This question allows candidates to showcase their creativity, cultural understanding, and alignment with our vision.

Mr. Arindam Basu-General Manager - Marketing & Communications, Delta Corp Ltd..jpg
Mr. Arindam Basu, General Manager – Marketing and Communications, Delta Corp On Deltin. A Deep Dive!

The gaming and entertainment industry in India appears to have a promising future, given the rapid increase in demand for leisure travel and tourism, with casinos playing a critical role in this fabric. Deltin is well-positioned to capitalise on these market shifts.