While Raffles Goa Shiroda will feature 120 luxury villas set across over 27 acres, Fairmont Goa will be spread across over 56 acres and will have 400-rooms. Both properties are expected to be operational by 2030, and will include a diverse mix of restaurants, bars, and lounges, along with fitness centre, pool, and retail diversions. For weddings, events, and conferences, the properties will have multi-purpose ballrooms with meeting rooms and bridal suites.
Raffles Goa Shiroda will have many of the brand’s signature features, including a Long Bar in addition to Raffles’ butler service. The two hotels will share a private beachfront club. The hotels will be developed in accordance with Accor’s ESG guidelines, and once opened, will abide by Accor’s energy performance reporting tools, sustainability standards, and third-party eco-certification.
Accor’s 2024 openings inlude Raffles Jaipur, Grand Mercure Goa Candolim, Mercure Chandigarh, ibis Styles Mysuru, and Novotel Goa.
Accor currently operates more than 65 hotels in India across brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Sofitel, ibis, among others.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, recently announced the signing of a hotel in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand. This brownfield project will be branded as Gateway.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate and Development states, “Rishikesh is witnessing growth in cultural and adventure tourism, driven by improving infrastructure and connectivity. With this signing, IHCL will grow its presence in the destination with the addition of the re-imagined Gateway brand. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Mahanand Sharma for this project.”
Spread across 6 acres, the 125-key Gateway Rishikesh offers panoramic views of the Ganges river and the surrounding ghats. It will offer an all-day diner, specialty restaurant and the bar. Guests can relax and unwind at the spa, pool and at the state-of-the-art gym. The resort houses the destination’s largest banquet hall spanning over 8,000 sq. ft, catering to the increasing MICE demand in the region.
Mr. Mahanand Sharma said, “We are pleased to collaborate with IHCL. This resort will offer a distinctive experience, enhancing Rishikesh’s appeal as a premier leisure destination.”
Known as the ‘Yoga Capital of the World’, Rishikesh is a thriving blend of spirituality, wellness, and adventure. The destination serves as the gateway to the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit and offers a range of attractions, including Laxman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 16 hotels including 6 under development in Uttarakhand.
IHCL, India’s largest hospitality company, recently announced the signing of a new Vivanta hotel in Madhya Pradesh’s ancient pilgrim city of Ujjain. The hotel is a Greenfield project. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy of progressively establishing its presence at significant pilgrimage destinations across India. Ujjain, located along the Kshipra River, is known for its religious fairs and ancient temples. A short drive from Indore’s city centre, this will be our first hotel in the city. We are happy to associate with Phulwani Real Estate India Private Limited for this hotel.” The 130-keys hotel is strategically located at a comfortable driving distance from Indore airport and is close to the renowned ‘Mahakal Corridor’. The hotel will feature an all-day diner, a swimming pool and a fitness centre. It will also offer a sophisticated banqueting space along with meeting rooms, perfect for both corporate gatherings and social events. Mr. Jitendra Phulwani, Director,Phulwani Real Estate India Private Limited said, “We are delighted to collaborate with IHCL, India’s leading hospitality company. This hotel will provide guests with the distinctive experience of the spirited Vivanta brand in Ujjain.” Ujjain is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage centre, known for the centuries-old Mahakaleshwar Temple, as well as hosting the famous Kumbh Mela every twelve years, where millions of devotees come to visit. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 12 hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger brands in Madhya Pradesh including 4 under development.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company, today announced the opening of Gorbandh Palace, an IHCL SeleQtions hotel in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, the hotel is a mélange of modern comfort that blends seamlessly with old-world Rajasthani legacy.
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, IHCL said, “We are delighted to open Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer which also marks the momentous milestone as IHCL’s 200th operating hotel. This completes the important tourist circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer. We are honoured to collaborate with Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar for the third hotel in our partnership of over 50 years.”
The 83-key sprawling Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer – IHCL SeleQtions is a regal oasis set amidst lush gardens in the heart of Jaisalmer. Named after the traditional ornamental camel necklace, symbolic of Rajasthani tribes, hotel’s design pays homage to Jaisalmer’s storied past. Guests can indulge in multi-cuisine fare at the all-day diner Bazaar, relish Italian cuisine at Seray and handcrafted cocktails at the bar Musafir Khana. With over 80,000 sq. ft of outdoor lawns and an ornate banquet hall of over 3,000 sq. ft, the hotel is an ideal destination for glamorous soirées and corporate retreats. The Spa offers holistic rejuvenation rooted in India’s ancient healing wisdom.
Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur said, “IHCL, the true custodians of Indian hospitality has a long and fruitful association with my family. We are delighted to build on the partnership and continue this journey with Gorbandh Palace- IHCL SeleQtions. I am confident that this opening will enhance the tourism potential of Jaisalmer.”
Nicknamed ‘The Golden City’, Jaisalmer in the Thar Desert, stands on a ridge and is crowned by the ancient Jaisalmer Fort. The ramparts of the fort, traditional havelis, temples and the breathtaking vistas of the sand dunes attract travelers from around the world to the enchanting city.
With this addition, IHCL has 23 hotels across Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta and Ginger in Rajasthan, including 7 under development.
Signs multiple hotels with Bangalore-based Grand Continent Hotels
India’s fastest growing group of hotels, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts announced its latest business model – A Sarovar Affiliate, a model that will position the group on a rapid trajectory of growth and expansion to meet its business plan for the next five years. With the launch of this model, the group foresees bringing a large number of hotels into its existing portfolio within the mid-market and premium categories across India. The first agreement in this direction has been signed with Bengaluru-based Grand Continent Hotels to manage its upcoming hotels across key metropolitan and secondary cities pan India. With this development, Sarovar will add over 10 hotels in the next five years to its proliferating portfolio.The recently opened hotels include a 45-room hotel Grand Continent Hosur, Tamil Nadu, and a 48-room hotel Grand Continent Hebbal, Bengaluru. Under the new agreement, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts will extend robust sales and marketing support to Grand Continent Hotels which stand to gain from Sarovar’s wide network of Regional Sales Offices (RSOs) across eleven cities and Louvre’s global distribution platform. Commenting on the development, Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director, Louvre Hotels India said, “We are pleased to introduce a flexible, limited-services and bespoke model that addresses the paradigm shift being experienced globally. Businesses are exploring and discovering possibilities of alliances and partnership opportunities which forge businesses on a fast track and offer scalability and our Affiliate business model is an important step in this direction.” “We are excited to partner with Sarovar Hotels & Resorts which enjoys a legacy of size & scale and are delighted to become the first to enter into an arrangement for sales & marketing support that is effective, efficient and paves business growth & success for both the groups,” said Ramesh Shiva, Managing Director Grand Continent Hotels Pvt Ltd. Across India and Beyond… Sarovar Hotels is a leading hotel management company and one of the fastest-growing chains of hotels in India. Headed by a team of industry veterans, the Company manages over 100 operational hotels in 70+ destinations in India and overseas, under Sarovar Premiere, Sarovar Portico, Hometel, and Golden Tulip brands. The brands cover the 3, 4, and 5-star spectrum. Sarovar Hotels also operates a Corporate Hospitality Services division with the management of services at various prestigious Business Schools. With 12 regional sales & reservations offices located across India, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts is one of the largest and most diverse hotel management companies in the country today. Sarovar Hotels is part of Paris’s headquartered Group Du Louvre, a major player in the global hospitality industry, with a portfolio that now includes 1700 hotels in 60 countries. Sarovar operates a full hotel offering, spanning 3 to 5 stars, with Group Du Louvre’s historic brands (Golden Tulip, Royal Tulip, Tulip Inn) along with Sarovar brands.
Remembering a visionary leader, Mr. P.R.S. Oberoi’s unwavering dedication and pursuit of excellence elevated The Oberoi Group to international acclaim. His influence extended beyond corporate success, touching the lives of countless hoteliers through mentorship and a commitment to unparalleled standards.
Under his guidance, The Oberoi Group set new benchmarks for luxury and quality, achieving unprecedented success globally. Mr. Oberoi’s impact, however, reached far beyond business achievements, as he fostered a corporate culture rooted in compassion, integrity, and genuine care for every member of the organization.
Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi (P.R.S. Oberoi) was born in New Delhi on 3rd February, 1929.
P.R.S. Oberoi was the former Executive Chairman of EIH Limited, the Flagship Company of The Oberoi Group. He is also the Chairman Emeritus of Oberoi Hotels Private Limited, the major shareholder of EIH Limited. Popularly known as “Biki”, P.R.S. Oberoi is the son of late Rai Bahadur M.S. Oberoi, the founder of The Oberoi Group.
P.R.S. Oberoi was educated in India, the United Kingdom and in Switzerland.
In addition to providing leadership for the management of luxury hotels in several countries, P.R.S. Oberoi has been instrumental in pioneering the development of Oberoi Hotels and Resorts. The Oberoi brand has come to represent fine luxury hotels.
P.R.S. Oberoi is credited with placing Oberoi hotels on the international luxury travellers map with the opening of several luxury hotels in important cities.
It is P.R.S. Oberoi’s firm belief that people are the most valuable asset of any organisation. Recognising the importance of quality in hospitality management, P.R.S. Oberoi established The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development at New Delhi in 1967. The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development is considered amongst the best in Asia.
P.R.S. Oberoi has received numerous awards and accolades. Amongst the important awards are:
In January 2008, P.R.S. Oberoi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional service to the country.
P.R.S. Oberoi was also conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) held in Cannes in December 2012. The award was bestowed on him as a global recognition of his exceptional leadership, vision and contribution to develop The Oberoi Group as one of the world’s leading luxury hotel chains.
P.R.S. Oberoi was presented with the ‘2010 Corporate Hotelier of the World‘ award by HOTELS magazine in November 2010. This annual award is determined by votes cast by readers of the magazine in more than 150 countries. The cover story of the November edition of the magazine referred to P.R.S. Oberoi as ‘the founder father of modern luxury hospitality in India’ and credited him with growing the company ‘into one of the world’s most prestigious luxury hotel groups’.
In recognition of his exceptional leadership and vision, the 6th International Hotels Investment Forum in Berlin honoured P.R.S. Oberoi with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in March 2003.
Forbes India Leadership Awards honoured P.R.S. Oberoi with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014.
In November 2012, P.R.S. Oberoi received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Hospitality Industry by Economic Times, Awards for Corporate Excellence 2012.
P.R.S. Oberoi was also conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CNBC TV 18 India Business Leader Awards 2007 for building a world-class hotel chain that caters to both luxury and business travellers and for shaping the hospitality industry of the country.
Business India magazine adjudged P.R.S. Oberoi the Businessman of the Year 2008. He received this award for building a world-class premium hospitality brand.
In November 2008, P.R.S. Oberoi was conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards for redefining design standards in luxury hotels.
In October 2005, the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP), which is the preeminent gathering of hotel investors, investment bankers and leading industry professionals in the region, honoured P.R.S. Oberoi with the Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual Conference in Hong Kong. This award was given in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry and his pioneering leadership in making The Oberoi Group a global brand by taking the concept of luxury to a new paradigm.
In February 2013, P.R.S. Oberoi was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Management by The All India Management Association (AIMA).
In 2015, P.R.S. Oberoi was voted amongst CNBC TV18’s Top 15 Indian Business Icons.
Mr. PRS Oberoi decided to relinquish his position as Chairman and Director of EIH Limited effective 3rd May 2022.
The centrally located 81-room property is a short drive away from the Vijayawada International Airport
Hyatt Hotels Corporation recently announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada, a modern haven offering 81 rooms and suites. The hotel marks the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in the state of Andhra Pradesh – a significant landmark in Hyatt’s brand growth in the market. Developed by RVS Conventions Private Limited, the property features the Hyatt Place brand’s intuitive design, casual atmosphere, and practical amenities, such as free Wi-Fi and 24-hour food offerings.
Inspired by Hyatt’s commitment to care, the property sets a new standard in hospitality with its smart design, delivering a harmonious fusion of functionality and space for today’s multi-tasking traveler. The hotel is close to the city’s commercial district and a convenient 20-minute drive from the Vijayawada International Airport. Its central location also offers quick access to local attractions such as the iconic Prakasam Barrage and the ancient rock-cut architecture of Undavalli Caves.
Hyatt Place Vijayawada welcomes guests to a world of contemporary comfort inspired by local interiors and art pieces. Each room is thoughtfully designed to ensure comfort and innovation, making it an ideal retreat for business and leisure travelers alike. The hotel’s exceptional amenities include two eclectic dining options, The Market and versatile event spaces perfect for hosting memorable weddings and gatherings.
“The opening of Hyatt Place Vijayawada is rooted in our ambitious growth plans for Hyatt brands in India. Vijayawada has demonstrated significant economic and tourism potential in recent years, and we are delighted to foray into this booming destination where our guests travel, as well as where owners and developers can leverage our global distribution network and World of Hyatt loyalty program,” said Dhruva Rathore, Vice President of Development, India & South West Asia, Hyatt.
“We are absolutely thrilled to bring the first Hyatt Place hotel to Andhra Pradesh. With Hyatt Place Vijayawada, we aim to share our passion for excellence, ensuring every guest feels cherished and embraced within the Hyatt family. We are excited to contribute to Vijayawada’s vibrant tourism landscape and look forward to welcoming guests from around the world to experience the unparalleled warmth and community that the World of Hyatt represents. Defined by how people want to travel today, the hotel has design elements featuring custom accents, artwork and up-to-date technology that are uniquely positioned to appeal to the world traveler.” said Karthik Ramisetty, Managing Director, RVS Conventions Private Limited.
Guest Rooms: The hotel has 81 guestrooms including two suites offering views of the peaceful Eastern Ghat mountains in the distance and the energetic city below. Designed with a tasteful blend of contemporary comfort and the local flavor of Andhra, the rooms and suites are fully equipped to accommodate the modern traveler with separate spaces to sleep, work and play. King guestrooms also include a Cozy Corner sofa-sleeper.
Food and Beverage: Guests at Hyatt Place Vijayawada can enjoy an eclectic culinary experience at the hotel’s dining venues. The all-day open-kitchen restaurant, Zing, serves one of the finest buffet dining experiences with authentic local Andhra, Indian, Asian and Continental cuisine. The Market offers a grab-and-go selection of freshly made croissants and pastries, perfectly packaged salads and sandwiches, and handcrafted mocktails. Guests can also order in-room dining from the extensive menu on offer.
Meetings and Event Space: Hyatt Place Vijayawada offers 6,602 sq. ft. of flexible meeting and event space, including a grand Ballroom. These high-tech venues offer both indoor and outdoor settings and are suited for both private meetings and large social gatherings.
Wellbeing and Unique Experiences: Guests at the hotel can indulge in some leisure time at the swimming pool. The hotel also offers 24/7 access to a fitness center.
About Hyatt Place: Hyatt Place hotels combine style, innovation and 24/7 conveniences to create an easy to navigate experience for today’s multi-tasking traveler. Guests can enjoy thoughtfully designed guestrooms featuring distinct zones for sleep, work and play, and free flowing social spaces that offer seamless transitions from work to relaxation. With more than 415 locations globally, Hyatt Place hotels offer freshly prepared food around the clock, efficient service and differentiated experiences for World of Hyatt members.
Sarovar Hotels and Resorts is proud to announce the grand opening of its latest venture, the brand new upscale hotel Golden Tulip in the vibrant city of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The hotel is the 11th Golden Tulip Hotel in the Indian subcontinent. The opening of the hotel is an important milestone and signifies Sarovar Group’s business interest in expanding the Golden Tulip footprint in India.
Located in the southern part of the city, the hotel is within 03 km from Bhopal Junction Railway station & ISBT and 15 km away from Raja Bhoj Airport.
The 62- room Golden Tulip offers spacious and well-appointed rooms and suites under multiple categories including Superior, Deluxe and Executive, a delightful all-day dining restaurant, Tulipe that serves authentic Indian, European Western and Pan Asian cuisine and an intimate banquet and conferencing space, Summit that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
The hotel’s warm and contemporary aesthetics exhibit the Golden Tulip brand spirit that is playful, cool and timeless. The hotel facilities and amenities seek to meet the demands of young modern travellers who celebrate their work life along with playful pursuits.
Commenting on the grand opening, Ajay K Bakaya, Managing Director Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director Louvre Hotels India said, “ We are delighted to unveil the much-awaited launch of Golden Tulip in Bhopal. Guests can expect an authentic experience from the brand that is aimed at meeting millennials’ travel needs and choices. We are confident that people will relate to the Golden Tulip brand spirit that is contemporary youthful yet elegant and refined.”
Speaking on the occasion, Pradeep Agarwal, Chairman & Managing Director, Kwality Group said, “We are thrilled to embark on this collaborative journey with the Sarovar Group. This partnership represents a shared commitment to excellence and an unwavering dedication to providing unparalleled hospitality experiences. We are delighted to introduce a hotel to the city that is focused on comfort, convenience and affordability and set to revolutionize the market.” To celebrate the grand opening, Golden Tulip Bhopal is offering special introductory rates and packages starting at INR 4000 making it enticing for guests to experience the charm of the hotel without compromising on their budgets
Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Saurav Datta as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. In his new role, he will lead the sales and marketing team’s business retention and expansion efforts to drive revenue growth, and will also play a key role in advancing the hotel’s branding and communications efforts.
In addition, his previous experience with conventions and MICE, along with F&B operations, will allow him to gain a deeper and more holistic understanding of the operational aspects of the hotel industry. Datta will take the hotel’s business development goals to greater heights through strategic leadership.
In his nearly 19 years of experience in the hotel industry, he started his career in the pre-opening team of Grand Hyatt Mumbai. His career path then took him to Novotel Hyderabad Convention & Hyderabad International Convention Centre, Le Meridian Hyderabad and Le Meridian Nagpur, where he most recently served.
He rounded out his academic career with an MBA in sales and marketing and a degree in hotel management. In his spare time, he enjoys long drives and spending time with family and friends.
| Stay, Explore and Discover Chandigarh with Hyatt Centric |
HyattCentric Chandigarh is a lifestyle hotel situated in the centre of India’s vibrant city of Chandigarh. This great location, coupled with modern amenities, makes it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers. With a selection of tastefully decorated rooms and suites equipped with the latest facilities, guests can enjoy a hassle-free trip. Being conveniently placed close to numerous sites including Rock Garden and Sukhna Lake as well as shopping and entertainment hotspots, you can experience everything that Chandigarh has to offer while staying at Hyatt Centric.
Ms. Maulina Gupta, an energetic General Manager of Hyatt Centric Chandigarh is at the helm of affairs. With her dynamic leadership quality and hands-on experience, she sailed through the pre-opening challenges of the hotel with flying colours. Now that the hotel is running successfully, maintaining the high service standard is what keeps her at the top. Mr. Neeraj Narain, Managing Editor of Perfect Media interviewed her on various aspects of the hotel. Excerpts:
Lobby
Please tell about your preopening experience of this hotel? Preopening a hotel is an exciting journey that comes with its own set of challenges. For me, it was especially rewarding as I had the opportunity to be part of the process from the very beginning. From deciding on the concept and design, to hiring staff and setting up processes from scratch.
The mindset of opening a hotel is different than operating one. It requires immense planning and attention to detail in order for it to be successful. With this in mind, I worked closely with my team to ensure that all aspects were taken care of before launch day.
When it comes to existing properties, conversion projects can be a difficult challenge. This is because the existing structure and design must be taken into account, which can limit creativity and innovation. Furthermore, managing what already exists requires careful attention to detail in order to ensure that the project is successful. Conversion projects can also be more time consuming than greenfield projects due to the need for more detailed planning and execution.
Chandigarh, the Beautiful City, is a unique blend of modernity and history. From its vibrant colours to its rich cultural heritage, Chandigarh has something for everyone. With the recent opening of this hotel in the city, we have been able to bring together a diverse community from all over Punjab and beyond. The hotel’s unique design and colour palette perfectly capture the spirit & historical roots of Chandigarh, inspired by the French architect Le Corbusier. We are proud to be part of this vibrant and exciting city and look forward to welcoming guests from around the world!
From the colour lights that illuminate the exterior of the building to the intricate details in every nook and corner, each space has its own story to tell. With thoughtful design elements, these stories come alive in a way that can be appreciated by all who enter.
Room
How has Chandigarh taken second Hyatt brand in a city? Chandigarh is one of the few cities that has been able to rebound quickly from the impact of Covid. This city boasts a great blend of business and leisure travel due to its proximity to Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, so there is no shortage of family trips from overseas. Furthermore, PSU’s and Government agencies use Chandigarh for their business trips and getaways, demonstrating the perfect mix of business and leisure occurring in the city. As such, when Hyatt opened its second property here, enough demand was generated without having to worry about over-saturation or cannibalisation. Additionally, the local community enjoys dining in the hotel very much. The guests from local community have now become friends of the hotel.
How are you using dining to pull customers? Chandigarh market has a very discerning clientele, so offering only the best is paramount. To this end we have Corby’s, a multicuisine restaurant which is much more than an all-day dining. Food is divided into various sectors, similar to how Chandigarh is divided sector-wise. We will soon be opening an Asian restaurant with Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean dishes which guests seem to really look forward. Also, we are in the process of setting up an organic food garden on the roof. As part of our food items, organic produce will be used as an ingredient. These are the ways in which we distinguish ourselves from any other hotel coffee shop that simply serves just another club sandwiches.
Corby’s, a multicuisine restaurant
How do you cater to the different needs of Leisure & Business traveller? The needs of leisure and business travellers differ, so our hotel staff must be able to tune themselves accordingly. Even within business guests, an entrepreneur will act differently than an IT executive, requiring sensitivity from the check-in process right up until check-out. Speed, attention to detail and conversation are all elements that hold importance when dealing with guests; with leisure travellers likely to take the time to chat with members of staff. At times speaking with them for hours. We strongly believe that our staff aren’t just ambassadors for the hotel, but for Chandigarh city itself.
How are the conference and banquet market changing? The way we book and hold banquets has changed dramatically. Where parents would typically source them in the past, we now have a huge influx of wedding planners doing that job. This change made it necessary to handle this type of client differently and reformat our business model. Recently, we had two weddings back-to-back where the bride and groom managed everything on their own. One special groom even told me he’d been tracking the hotel on my personal Instagram account before deciding to meet and finalise for his wedding! It’s crazy how things are evolving, so we must do our best to accommodate that shift.
Bathroom
Retaining and training of manpower in hotel industry in challenging. What are your views on this? The current shortage of trained personnel in the hotel industry is a definite cause for concern. We are all doing our best to retain, train, and develop existing staff in this regard. Another important aspect is to create enthusiasm among younger generations about hospitality as a career. It’s not the same as years ago when people examined the brands they wanted to join before committing. They had determined paths with the aim of becoming a general manager or following other specialist roles. The approach today is very different; this long-term plan has been replaced with short term goals and opportunities that provide experience and exposure in major hotels, followed by a move on to an unconventional place where they can pursue their interests at their own pace.
Someone interested in beverages doesn’t have to work in a bar or become a GM. They might just be happy following their passion and experimenting with beverages. It’s time to promote hospitality as a profession and make changes at the educational level. We need to build up the basics and gradually move forward. As for the industry, there are so many conversations about how to manage interns, teach skills, provide mentoring and so on.
