Exclusive Interview | Tanveer Kwatra, General Manager, W Goa
/ Editor HospemagTell us about your journey. How did it all start?
My journey in hospitality began when I studied at the William Angliss Institute, where I was initially drawn to the kitchen. I began my career at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. It was there that I honed my skills and passion for the hospitality industry. Starting as a kitchen steward, I worked my way up through the ranks, learning about every aspect of the hotel and its operations. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in various positions within the industry which has given me a holistic understanding of the business. This journey has been a continuous learning experience for me, and I am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
I will keep it short.
Success will find it’s way to those who are passionate, hardworking, adaptable, continuously learning, improving, and implementing. That’s it. That’s all you need.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future
Adaptable and open to new ideas in a rapidly changing industry.
Emotionally intelligent to understand and empathize with guests and team members is increasingly essential in hospitality.
Comfort with new digital tools and platforms is crucial as technology continues to shape the industry.
Creative problem-solving and innovation can help set one apart in a competitive industry.
Effective communication in multiple languages can be a significant advantage in the globalized hospitality industry.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
I look for several attributes when selecting or hiring candidates. I look for individuals who are passionate about the hospitality industry and have a strong work ethic.
Secondly, I look for candidates who have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as the ability to interact with guests and colleagues is crucial in this industry. Individuals who are adaptable and can work well under pressure.
Lastly, I look for talents who are committed to continuous learning and development, as the hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and it is important to stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies.
The new, young traveler wants experiences and insta-ready content. What do you have in store for them?
We offer a variety of experiential activities that are tailored to meet the interests of the modern traveler. W Goa is situated at the most picturesque location that offers numerous opportunities for photography and creating Instagram-worthy content. We also offer unique experiences such as cocktail-making classes, culinary experiences, and synergising holistic sessions. Our team is trained to curate personalized experiences for each guest to ensure that their stay with us is unforgettable.
What does the future look like? For the industry, you, your hotel.
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and the future looks promising with new technologies and trends emerging. Sustainability, wellness, and personalized experiences are becoming increasingly important to guests, and hotels that adapt to these changing demands will thrive.
Well, I could tell you about my future plans, but where's the fun in that? Let's just say, stay tuned and expect the unexpected.
What is your favourite interview question & why?
Well, if I shared all my favourite interview questions, then I wouldn't have any secrets left to impress my future interviewees with, now would I?
That being said, I firmly believe that crafting questions that reveal a person's true nature and provides deeper insights into what makes them who they are is crucial, rather than just accepting the image they project. After all, the purpose of an interview is to find the best fit for the role, and that goes beyond just their qualifications and experience. It's about understanding their values, personality, and how they would fit into the company culture.
How do you think AI will impact our industry? Specific jobs, processes etc?
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already impacting the hospitality industry in various ways, including chatbots for customer service, automated check-ins and check-outs, personalised recommendations for guests, and more efficient operations management.
In the future, AI could potentially replace certain jobs such as data entry or customer service roles, but it's more likely that it will augment and enhance existing roles by automating repetitive tasks, freeing up time for employees to focus on more valuable, guest-centric activities.
However, it's important to note that the human touch and emotional intelligence will continue to be critical in the hospitality industry, and AI should be used as a tool to enhance the guest experience, not replace it.
Share some of your secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team.
At our hotel, we prioritise open communication and feedback to ensure everyone is heard and their concerns are addressed, while offering ample opportunities for growth and development through investing in training to help them achieve their career goals, ultimately emphasising a people-first approach to cultivate a strong, motivated, and successful team.
What is the one app / tech solution you would love to see?
The use of technology, has already transformed various aspects of the industry, from operations to customer service. Ultimately, any app or tech solution that can streamline workflow, increase productivity, and provide a seamless experience for guests and staff alike would be a valuable addition to the industry. Although as i've mentioned earlier, while technology can enhance operational efficiency and guest experience, it should never replace the human touch and emotional connection that is essential in the hospitality industry.
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.