BW Hotelier September-October 2022

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BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

10

Choose the world’s finest from tableware to glassware and more

INSIDE

VOL 08 ISSUE 05 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022

COLUMN ANNURAG BATRA 14 112
MY TAKE BHUVANESH KHANNA 16
CONCIERGE A HOTELIER’S HELP DESK 20 84
86
CURTAINRAISER: IHA-2022 27 88
90
NICHE BRAND 32 92
BRIJ HOTELS 36
CGH EARTH 95
GUESTALK
LEAD STORY 40 SAMIT GARG 98
CHANDER BALJEE 46 AMRESH TIWARI
SUHAIL KANNAMPILLY 54 SHOBHA MOHAN 102
SAURABH RAI
VINUTAA S 106
OWNER’S PERSPECTIVE SURESH KUMAR
SANDEEP GUPTA 52 110
GUEST ANALYSIS 112
MEET THE GM MANDEEP LAMBA
MANAS KRISHNAMOORTHY 60 116
VISHAL JAMUAR 64 EXPERT SPEAK 121
NISHANTH VISHWANATH 68 RAMESH DARYANANI
126
BEYOND BORDERS ARCHITECT & DESIGN
THE WESTIN DHAKA 72 SOHRAB DALAL-SONALI BHAGWATI

COVER STORY F&B WORLD
WEDDINGS: BACK WITH A BAND 76 MANISH MEHROTRA
MICE: ON TRACK TO RECOVERY 80

60 106 TRAVEL
AL MARJAN ISLAND
DIVYAM BY BYLOO

PROPERTY REVIEW
TAJ LAKEFRONT BHOPAL
GRAND HYATT GURGAON

ASSOCIATION
HFTP

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

12



COLUMN ANNURAG BATRA

THE
SAVIOURS OF
HOSPITALITY

INDUSTRY

WHILE HOTELS began as a place for accommodation when HVS Anarock South Asia President Mandeep Lamba and KUE
people started travelling, they emerged into important pillars that Management Services’ founder Suresh Kumar. We embark on
have supported the tourism industry over the years. Then, they the journey of Niche Brands Brij Hotels and CGH Earth as also
revolutionised the events industry, acting as perfect venues for of Sandeep Gupta in Owner’s Perspective.
social and corporate get-togethers. And it’s good that they did.
While Royal Orchid’s Chender Baljee, The Fern’s Suhail
In 2020, when life stood still due to Covid19 pandemic, Kannampilly and Preferred Hotels’ Saurabh Rai are in special
weddings were the first to return to hotels, literally acting as a focus, we take our readers through the beautiful properties of
saviour for them. Down and low, these shaadis proved to be Taj Lakefront Bhopal and Grand Hyatt Gurgaon. We also look
a major source of revenue for many hotels at that time. The at homestays as an alternative accommodation option with a
segment, with its new trends, helped the industry return to a visit to Divyam by BYLOO. In-depth conversations with Manas
point where they have overbookings now. Krishnamoorthy, Vishal Jamuar and Nishanth Vishwanath are
also a part of this issue. Most importantly, we set the stage for
Then there is the MICE segment where India is fast our very own Indian Hospitality Summit and Awards, the IHA-
emerging as one of the most preferred destinations, with 2022, slated to be held on October 31 and November 1.
large convention centres leading the charge when it comes to
infrastructure and technology. The country, in the past one year, This is not all that we offer in this packed issue. There is a
has seen an impressive number of hotels open, with an even lot for you to read and enjoy, so let’s begin.
better pipeline in the offing where each one comprises state-
of-the-art convention centres with hi-tech facilities. In fact, the Wishing all our readers a Safe and Happy Diwali!
segment’s recovery, though delayed, is so impressive that it is
bleeding from metros into Tier II and Tier III cities now. Keep Reading!

We explore this change and more in our latest issue on [email protected];
Banqueting with columns from ICBB Chief Amaresh Tiwari, @anuragbatrayo

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

14

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MY TAKE

TIME TO GO
FOR THE KILL

BY BHUVANESH KHANNA

INDIA IS a lot about colours, celebrations, gaiety and weddings, we start planning for the moment, just when the mother conceives…
melas. Think of it, work and family reunions are all so central to it and for what will happen two to three decades later. And mind you, it
all. And yes, this is where weddings and MICE, as we call the latter isn’t a day affair, the party could go on for two to 10 days.
now, are perhaps the most happening, fastest growing and big ticket
revenue streams if one was to talk in terms of hospitality, travel, Cut to today and bring in the upper crust of our society. Well,
tourism and F&B. they are no more upper crust, when societal competitive outdoing
has all become so aspirational, that the middle-class has upped the
We Indians save, save and save for that big fat Indian wedding and stakes with their aspirations and ability to spend, even if that means

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

16



MY TAKE

WEDDINGS AND MICE ARE
NOW BIGGER OR BETTER
IN CONTRIBUTION THAN
ROOMS AND F&B REVENUES

SANS BANQUETS

having to lean on easy to get mortgage, if savings don’t suffice. And If India is going to be growing this year, at say 7.1 per cent GDP
then throw in destination weddings, wedding planners, honeymoons, and be the fastest growing economy and while we are now the fifth
khaana and pilana, naach and gaana, gifts, clothes… basically band, largest economy and aiming to chest past the third biggest economy
baaja aur baraat. You will have a great party to host yes, but a bigger in some years, obviously business in the country is thriving and that
opportunity to pipe into and winner takes it all, after all they are going calls for loads of planning, motivational meetings with teams within
to spend. and with partners outside. Throw in expos and exhibitions and you
have something big coming.
Now if I was a hotelier, what are going to be my challenges?
• What must I do to make it special and host that wedding I am Keep your smiles, presentation skills, offers and plans ready and
pitching for? move for the kill for Brand India is cruising and the industry would
• If I am say a Delhiwala, how can we ensure they don’t fly want to rake it all in and fast to be ready for the big profitable results.
overseas or to a domestic destination by making for an all-inclusive
plan with a farm-to-fork approach in retail jargon… from shagan, And mind you, start-ups are outdoing the large industrial empires
engagement to sangeet, reception and honeymoon by including with their marketing budgets and ability to spend and stun.
another destination within our brand portfolio.
• If I am a destination, then how do I pull them all for a captive For MICE then, as a hotelier, my challenges are the same that I
getaway party blast that they will reminisce for the rest of their lives. had for weddings to pull that business.
• And remember, the occasion is also a great advertisement for
your hotel and skill to organise and successfully execute a big fat What stops you bosses... go for the kill and make the most of
Indian wedding. it before someone else does that, for India Incorporated isn’t going
Weddings and MICE are now bigger or better in contribution than to wait.
rooms and F&B revenues sans banquets.
Talking about revenues and banquets brings me to the return of Don’t hold back for the time and opportunity to come your way...
MICE after three long, long, long years. they won’t. No one waits for the second best... the winner takes it all.

On behalf of the entire team of BW Hotelier, I wish everyone
Shubh Dhanteras and Deepawali.

[email protected]

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

18



CONCIERGE

CONCIERGE

VOL. 8 ISSUE 5 SEP-OCT 2022 A HOTELIER’S HELP DESK

ENCALM HOSPITALITY: Hospitality Pvt Ltd, adding that as the
CREATING DELIGHTFUL dynamics of air travel are changing
EXPERIENCES constantly, be it technology or passenger
interaction at various touchpoints, custom-
BY BWH BUREAU ers’ expectations are increasing. Atithya
aims to redefine this experience in the
FOUNDED IN 2021, Encalm Hospitality Pvt ENCALM LOUNGE post-pandemic world.
Ltd specialises in curating and delivering PROVIDES RELIEF FROM
standout experiences in airport meet and With the concept of Atithi Devo
greet services. It offers products and HUSTLE-BUSTLE OF Bhava in mind, Atithya endeavours to
services that support various non-aviation THE AIRPORT provide a comfortable airport experience
avenues including lounges, buggy services, for travellers. Every service has been care-
porter assistance and more. As the Vikas Sharma, fully curated to ensure the utmost comfort
company has an exclusive arrangement CEO, Encalm Hospitality Pvt Ltd and luxury for the guests. “Keeping in mind
with TAV İŞLETME HİZMETLERİ AŞ, it gives our guest’s comfort, we have a dedicated
Encalm access to their premium class and philosophy of airport services embody airport lounge for travellers to relax. Crafted
services and over 500 lounges worldwide. the achievements, ambitions and imagina- with expert precision, the Encalm Lounge
Not this alone, Encalm is redefining and tion of the country. With Atithya services, provides relief from the continuous bustle
developing new benchmarks of airport the brand aims to develop one of the most of the airport. And then we have designed
hospitality focussed at delivering memora- seamless and exclusive airport experiences the ultimate treat for the senses – a place
ble lounge and airport concierge experi- in India,” says Vikas Sharma, CEO, Encalm to unwind and indulge in opulence – the
ence to travellers in India. Aiming to be a Encalm Spa. In our day-to-day business,
progressive and an adaptable organisation, we forego just how essential a moment to
Encalm always strives for excellence and yourself can be and what it can mean to
follows the path of integrity and honesty, step back from the world, disconnect and
nurturing talent and being sustainable in simply relax,” shares Sharma. The spa
every endeavour it undertakes. service is presently available at T3 Interna-
tional Departures, IGI Airport in New Delhi.
Extraordinary growth in demograph-
ics, wealth and education over the last one The company also offers premium
decade has seen India emerge as an inter- luggage wrapping service, Enwrap, at Delhi
national commercial epicentre with the and Hyderabad airports which allows trav-
country’s political and creative Capital, ellers to ensure that their luggage receives
New Delhi being the driving force powering extra care during their journey. “A well-
this rapid evolution. “Encalm endeavours to trained professional makes sure that the
fuel this revolution. Its design, architecture luggage is wrapped as per the global
standards and the use of biodegradable
materials makes this a must-have for all
your luggage. The service can be availed at
the Enwrap kiosk in the check-in halls at IGI
Airport in New Delhi and RGI Airport in
Hyderabad,” informs Sharma. n

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

20



CONCIERGE

SPECIALISTS
IN HIGH-
QUALITY FOOD
INGREDIENTS

BY BWH BUREAU

GRIFFITH FOODS established operations in WE ARE UNWAVERING IN siasm for food innovation, global and regional
2005 in Bangalore with a manufacturing facil- OUR COMMITMENT TO influences, local sourcing, and cleaner ingre-
ity and culinary centre and a regional office dients, to becoming a 360-degree vendor to
was launched in Dubai to serve the Middle DELIVERING INCREDIBLE our customers, is what sets us apart in the
East. In 2017, a larger greenfield facility, TASTE, OUTSTANDING market.”
spread over five acres, was opened in TEXTURE AND
Bengaluru. “We have continued to invest in SOLUTIONS At Griffith Foods, sustainability is
growing our business development teams to looked at as a way to create value for the
support our customers by being closer to Dhiren Kanwar, industry and customers, and not as a
them in over 12 cities in India and the Middle President & Managing Director, mandate. “It is part of our purpose that drives
East. We are very encouraged by the partner- India and Middle East, Griffith Foods us to create shared value through sustainable
ships we have created with our suppliers and agriculture for protecting the planet. Our
customers, based on which we have further produced to deliver made-from-scratch qual- sustainable sourcing programme, Griffith
invested in acquiring a sauce manufacturing ity and flavours that are popular among Indian Sustainably Sourced (GSS), creates farm-
facility this year. Our customer list includes consumers. Sharing his views on what Griffith level integration of the spices and herb supply
some of the largest and most trusted brands Foods is doing to address the market gap for chain. We ensure each farmer can reap agri-
in several verticals of the food industry,” says readymade sauces and blends, Kanwar says, cultural and societal benefits by integrating
Dhiren Kanwar, President & Managing Director “We believe a gap exists in the market for sustainable principles that drive higher yields
- India and Middle East, Griffith Foods. convenient and authentic solutions. We are – through hands-on training, education and
unwavering in our commitment to delivering community support. As a company, we will
With changing consumer dining pref- incredible taste, outstanding texture and solu- continue to be guided by the North Star of our
erences and economic conditions, the food- tions that allow our customers to leverage their purpose. But we will do and be more. To do
service industry mainly QSRs and HORECA, creativity to the best.” so, we are organising for impact across four
is taking bold steps by finding innovative ways key pillars where we can make the most differ-
to improve on-site and off-site experiences for On being different from competition, ence: health and nutrition, sustainable sourc-
guests. To simplify their cooking experiences, Kanwar opines, “We are a culinary-centric ing, climate action and environmental manage-
Griffith Foods recently announced the launch organisation with a mission to help customers ment and wellbeing and fulfillment. These
of their new line of sauces, specially custom- enhance their offerings to stand out in the pillars were created by our four new Board
ised to cater to the Indian market. These culi- market and match consumers’ standards, Committees, each of which will be responsi-
nary-inspired sauces are authentically changing needs, and preferences. Our enthu- ble for achieving progress toward our 2030
goals,” explains Kanwar. n

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

22



CONCIERGE

SOMANY CERAMICS:
REDEFINING INNOVATION
AND LIFESTYLE

BY BWH BUREAU ity sector which were stalled due to the WE IMPLEMENT THE
pandemic. To match this increased demand, NEWEST TECHNOLOGIES
FOR YEARS, innovation has been at the centre Somany has expanded its footprints in major
of the offerings from Somany Ceramics. In fact, parts of India. Being the leading Indian sanitary IN BATHWARE AND
the company has redefined the Indian interior brand, we offer an extensive range of prod- CERAMIC CATEGORIES
décor and tiles industry by understanding the ucts across all our dealer stores to meet
evolving needs of customers and the trends in customer satisfaction at all levels.” AND DESIGN STYLES
the market. “Innovation is our way to excel-
lence. We implement the newest technologies Sharing his thoughts on how is Shrivatsa Somany,
in bathware and ceramic categories and design Somany Ceramics different from its competi- Business Head, Somany Bathware
styles that range from contemporary to tors in the hospitality sector, the Business
neo-classical. Our brands, Somany Signature Head of Somany Bathware says, “The and Smart bathroom accessories. The brand
and French Collection by Somany define inno- purchasing power of people is increasing new categories are introduced with elegant
vation and trendy lifestyle. We have always every day with a desire of seeking luxurious and aesthetic features to redefine the overall
pushed the boundaries of contemporary tech- and unique products at the best price. look of a bathroom.”
nology and brought in VC and slip-shields tiles. Somany, being one of the most desired
The newly launched bath fittings and accesso- brands in India, is rapidly expanding its visibil- “Crafted to perfection, our wide range
ries of French Collection by Somany are coated ity/ network by appointing more dealers of sanitary ware, faucets, fittings and accesso-
with physical vapour deposition technology to across India. The brand focusses on economic ries cater to those who appreciate finer things
create uniform coated lines. Inspired by French factors and dynamic trends which are inspired in life and décor solutions with widest product
aesthetic, the touchless product range in bath- by traditional-modern arts. With enormous selection categories – Ceramic Wall and Floor,
ware signifies technological innovations,” features of safety and design, our products Polished Vitrified Tiles, Glazed Vitrified Tiles,
informs Shrivatsa Somany, Business Head, meet all the demands of the hospitality indus- Outdoor Tiles. Our varied range under French
Somany Bathware. try and emphasise functionality and style Collection and Signature Collection add
which attracts the customer to washrooms.” elegance to the bathroom and are exclusively
On how is the company adjusting its available to meet the hospitality sector’s
processes to cater to the increased demand On what to expect from the company demand,” informs Somany. n
as the hospitality business picks up, he says, for the hospitality sector in the near future,
“Post-pandemic, a significant rise has been Somany shares, “We are leading the industry
observed in the travel and hospitality sectors. in design and innovation by proving affordable
People are not confined to their homes bathware products and tiles. Influencing the
anymore and are planning vacations at hotels. technological factors and hygiene policy, we
This spike in demand has led to restart of all have offered sensor and green products as
Brownfield and Greenfield projects of hospital- also having introduced a PVD-coated range
under the French collection - Elysees, Dimente

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

24

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CONCIERGE

WE MAKE PIONEERING
WATER AND HOUSING
PRODUCTS THAT MAKE

BETTER HOMES A
REALITY FOR
EVERYONE

Antoine Besseyre Des Horts,
Leader, LIXIL Global Design - Asia,

LIXIL Corporation

‘DESIGN IS THE VOICE OF THE sing on creating solutions to address the
CONSUMER IN AN ORGANISATION’ macro trends of urbanisation, health and
well-being, and sustainability. “People are
BY BWH BUREAU solutions which truly stand out in not just looking for solutions to optimise yet personal-
catering to the most obvious requirements, ise their living spaces as well as enjoy tailored
INSPIRED BY Japanese heritage and world- but remain relevant by pre-empting evolving experiences that help them rejuvenate their
class technology, LIXIL, known for offering and unmet needs of our discerning consum- body and mind. The bathroom and the kitchen
pioneering water and housing solutions, ers,” says Antoine Besseyre Des Horts, will increasingly play an important role in
believes in solving real life challenges by Leader, LIXIL Global Design - Asia, LIXIL addressing these practical and emotional
transforming home solutions end-to-end, Corporation, adding, “Drawing on our Japa- needs. Therefore, LIXIL’s brands will continue
making them easy, enjoyable and of true value nese heritage, user-centric design is a key building on their very user-centric design and
to the consumers. From product design to driver for our differentiation strategy, along with innovation processes to further deliver
experience design – LIXIL design team spends technology, quality and brand. The designs of pioneering products that solve real life, every-
more time observing, listening, and gathering our products reflect how we extensively moni- day challenges for our people and communi-
insights to understand their unarticulated tor trends and insights across landscapes to ties,” he shares.
needs. At the same time, LIXIL invests in tech- then translate them into solutions that truly
nology, design and innovation to mitigate the enhance people’s daily experiences.” Covid19, avers Antoine Besseyre Des
challenges around urbanisation, water Horts, has made people attach greater impor-
consumption, energy demand and climate This approach guides the entire jour- tance to hygiene and well-being and therefore
change. ney of the product, from the inception stage to has led to higher demand for innovative solu-
its manufacture, marketing and selling. Thus, tions incorporating antibacterial, cleansing
“We believe in making pioneering developing a product which combines appeal, and touchless technology. “The good news is
water and housing products that make better relevance and affordance through design, that it has not radically changed our strategies
homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. advanced purposeful features and long-last- as our brands have always been focussed on
Through our multi-brand, multi-category port- ing functionality in order to find easy accept- offering solutions to address hygiene and
folio strength, we bring in differentiation by ance with consumers organically. well-being needs. For instance, our brand
offering innovative, thoughtful and meaningful GROHE offers several touchless basin faucets
LIXIL’s brands are and will be focus- such as the Bau cosmopolitan E, Eurosmart
Cosmopolitan E and Essence E which also
allow people to adjust the water temperature.
GROHE as well as American Standard and
INAX offer shower toilets that feature lids that
open when a user walks into the bathroom
and closes and flushes itself after usage.
Such features and technologies prevent phys-
ical touch of the hand throughout the entire
user experience, minimising the risk of bacte-
ria transmission. Therefore, the pandemic has
helped us to expand our offering and triggered
new opportunities,” he informs.n

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

26

IHA-2022

BW HOTELIER
BACK WITH ITS
BLOCKBUSTER,

IHA-2022

THE SIXTH EDITION OF INDIA’S BIGGEST HOSPITALITY
EVENT IS READY TO UNFURL AT THE TURN OF OCTOBER

2022. TO BE PRECISE, COME OCTOBER 31 AND
NOVEMBER 1 AND THE TWO-DAY BW HOTELIER INDIAN
HOSPITALITY SUMMITS AND AWARDS, IHA-2022, WILL BE

HELD AT THE TAJ PALACE NEW DELHI

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

27

IHA-2022

BY BHUVANESH KHANNA

THE STAGE is set. The jury has delivered its verdict after a Who wouldn’t give their right arm over left to be with these
prolonged process of about two months, going through each stalwarts. With KB Kachru serving as National Jury Chair, the
submission painstakingly. And now, the countdown has begun. jury comprises Rajiv Kaul, Dilip Puri, Diwan Gautam Anand,
Rattan Keswani, Mandeep Lamba, Suresh Kumar, Veer Vijay
Looking back, it was the summer of 2014, eight Singh, Farhat Jamal, Shirin Batliwala, Deepa Misra Harris,
momentous years ago, going on nine, that we got working on Jaideep Dang, Rahul Pundit, Yateendra Sinh, Sandip Mukherjee
what was to be the BW HOTELIER, the hospitality vertical of and Kamal Kant Pant.
BW BusinessWorld. Dr Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-
Chief, BW BusinessWorld and Bhuvanesh Khanna, CEO, BW The BW HOTELIER has become an institution in its own
Communities. They had an idea… an idea to start BW’s B2B right today, setting a scorching pace and we aren’t done yet.
ops and start it with the hospitality domain. The idea done, Watch out for more. The action has just begun after a near
plans in place and it was soon D-day on January 12, 2015 and three-year hiatus.The flagship BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality
that dream, the BW HOTELIER, was born at The Leela Palace Summit and Awards, the IHA, as an event is classy, massive
New Delhi and we have never looked back since. with its planning and executed after months of preparation. And
don’t forget we are just eight yet.
Off the blocks with just our print issue, a bimonthly, we
soon went online. One thing led to another and soon we began Be it the keynote addresses, CXO duels (new addition
testing the waters with one-day events and six of them annually. this year) or panel sessions, the event dovetails with awards,
And soon the idea of the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality the IHA, presented to the very best and the brightest of the
Summit and Awards, the IHA, was born and how. Indian hospitality industry.

Today, the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit and A much-awaited and anticipated event in the industry,
Awards, the IHA, hasn’t just tapped in to the the BW HOTELIER Indian Hospitality Summit and
imagination of the Indian hospitality, travel, Awards, the IHA, has been running strong since
tourism and F&B industry, it dominates all its first edition in 2016, the sole exception
its verticals of presence. being 2021 when we deemed it
appropriate to forego the event in the
Our credo being, the sun never wake of the devastating second wave
sets at the BW HOTELIER. of Covid19. It was a difficult
Whatever we do, we do with loads decision to make, given the
of passion, ideation and set the massive success of the record
pace with innovation hitherto breaking IHA-2020, held virtually
foreign to an industry media set over five long days from August
used to an easy going pace 31 to September 4, 2021. Tough
sans innovation. Today, we rule decisions have to be made and
with our print, online, social we are happy we took the right
media, videos, web-shows, call.
events and awards. The IHA-2022 is back, our
sixth edition, and is all set to deliver
The hand of God has on the exacting standards that had
always been at the back of all we been set over the years and especially
have done and little wonder we have with the five-day virtual IHA-2020. Before
senior industry giants supporting us delving further into the upcoming blockbuster,
through all we have attempted and
accomplished… take for instance our jury.

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28

IHA-2022

here’s a look at the year that made IHA the biggest hospitality THE IHA-2022 IS BACK, OUR
event of India. When opportunities beckon, the winners take SIXTH EDITION, AND IS ALL SET
them all… BWH did. TO DELIVER ON THE EXACTING

At a time when everyone was locked in at home and the STANDARDS THAT HAD BEEN
hospitality industry was virtually at a standstill, a one-off SET OVER THE YEARS
leadership show on May 22, 2020, jointly anchored by Vir
Sanghvi and Bhuvanesh Khanna with the industry’s top honchos
on session: Nakul Anand, KB Kachru, Patu Keswani, Neeraj
Govil, Sunjae Sharma, Vikram Oberoi, Priya Paul and Dr Jyotsna
Suri, truly set the pace and gave us confidence that we could
do it. One thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is
history. The idea of a virtual IHA germinated. We haven’t put a
wrong foot since and have never looked back.

“We really came of age in 2020 when the first wave hit
us. Everyone was at home but nobody was used to a virtual life.
Suddenly Zoom was born and then it was the go to platform.
The entire generation came of age and we got used to remote
working. While businesses shut down and people were sitting at
home, we really came out on our own and what began as a trial

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29

IHA-2022

on May 22, 2020, led to bigger things. And the bigger things In view of this unwavering spirit, IHA-2022, with the support of
were the IHA-2020 going virtual,” says Bhuvanesh Khanna. Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India, is celebrating the industry
with the theme, A Story of Resilience. The two-day event is set
The five-day IHA-2020 began with Amitabh Kant’s to be held on Monday, October 31, and Tuesday, November 1,
address and consisted of nine keynotes, 18 panel sessions, 2022, at the Taj Palace New Delhi, and the summit will see it all
over 150 speakers and more than 100 awards distributed on – keynote addresses, CXO duels between industry giants and
the fifth night of the event in the presence of then Union Tourism panel sessions that will discuss the trajectory of everything
Minister Prahlad Singh Patel. Four regional juries and the hospitality.
national jury adjudged the participants and decided on the
award winners. The event saw massive numbers that would be While Union Minister of Tourism G Kishan Reddy has
very difficult to replicate in the industry. “We changed the been invited to grace the event as the Chief Guest, Arvind
paradigm of hospitality B2B media and are happy to be there. Singh, IAS, Secretary (Tourism), Government of India, is set to
These numbers encouraged us to do a lot of other things, such honour us with his attendance. A man who has donned many
as our top of the pyramid BWH Dialogues series, the GM Show hats in the past, from being in the Indian Embassy in Japan to
Series and loads more to come,” reminisces Khanna.
heading the Airport Authority of India, the highly
IHA-2022: A STORY OF RESILIENCE accomplished bureaucrat is set to address all the
The hospitality industry has seen very trying times, but it hospitality, travel, tourism and F&B folks who will be in
has persevered and is now on the path to quick recovery. attendance.
The jury for IHA-2022 is made up of four
IN VIEW OF THIS regional juries – North, West, South and East,
UNWAVERING SPIRIT, headed by Suresh Kumar, Farhat Jamal, Veer
IHA-2022, WITH THE Vijay Singh and Sandip Mukherjee respectively.
SUPPORT OF MINISTRY OF Each of the regional jury heads are part of the
TOURISM’S INCREDIBLE 16-member National Jury chaired by the doyen
INDIA, IS CELEBRATING of the industry KB Kachru.
THE INDUSTRY WITH THE The jury has been painstakingly and
THEME, A STORY OF carefully chosen from experienced industry
veterans, none of whom are serving hoteliers
RESILIENCE anymore. The entire process has been carried
out transparently, in collaboration with IHA-
2022 Knowledge Partner, ISH, led by another
industry veteran – Dilip Puri. This time, we have
also taken the GM awards to a regional level
across all levels from Luxury downwards.
IHA-2022, though in works for months now,
is only reaching this massive scale with the support
of partners who have shown faith. Daikin India,
headed by its Chairman and MD, Kanwal Jeet Jawa, is
the Presenting Partner for the event while Taj Palace
New Delhi is the most gracious Hosting Partner.
Radisson Hotel Group, Chalet Hotels, ITC Hotels, IHG
Hotels & Resorts, Royal Orchid Hotels, Harman
Professional Solutions, Lucaris, FPG, Beanly, RMS,
Eleven Inc, Joy Travels and Madhya Pradesh Tourism
Board are among the partners of the event, while
among the supporters of IHA 2022 are HPMF,
AWESOME, HOTREMAI, IPHA, IWH, MEPA,
GHTP, IFCA, Indian Culinary Forum, Les Clefs
d’Or and NRAI. n

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30

DID YOU KNOW?

LARGEST HOTEL ROOM

The Grand Hills Hotel & Spa in Broummana, Lebanon holds the title for the
property with the largest hotel suite in the world. Its “Royal Residence”

offers a jaw-dropping 44,465 sq ft (4,131 sq m) of floor space spread out over
three pavilions and seven storeys. The hotel itself features more than 1,200
pieces of art, including sculptures, antiques and handcrafted furniture, as

well as private gardens, saunas, a spa, Turkish baths and more.

NICHE BRAND

Brij Gaj Kesri,
Bikaner

BRIJ-ING THE GAP
BETWEEN MODERN
AND TRADITIONAL

AN EPITOME OF PERCEPTIVE LUXURY HOSPITALITY, BRIJ
HOTELS SHOWCASES FINEST HIGHLIGHTS OF A PLACE
FROM CULTURE TO CUISINE, DESIGN TO SERVICE AND

BEYOND, SAYS CO-FOUNDER ANANT KUMAR

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

32

BRIJ HOTELS

Brij Villa,
Dalhousie

BY SAURABH TANKHA

BRIJ HOTELS has been on a mission to create an ecosystem of Glamping Tents,
sustainable tourism through exceptionally curated experiences at Brij Jawai
its hotels that keep the surrounding habitats intact while uplifting
the local communities. With a total of six operational properties “Our endeavour is to welcome guests with humility to the
across Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, the remote areas of South Asia and share its vibrant Nature with the
company is building new hotels across Rajasthan, Maharashtra, travelling world. The mission is to create an ecosystem of
Madhya Pradesh, Nepal and beyond providing guests with similar sustainable tourism that keeps the habitats intact while
experiences. A collection of bespoke luxury properties, Brij economically uplifting its communities. It is achieved through
Hotels, endeavours to inspire travellers with exquisite hidden employment creation, adapting sustainable practices in their
gems that can be experienced at various locations across India. daily operations, use of local materials and labour for construction,
Each property offers unique and immersive hyperlocal guest services; and a showcase of local arts, crafts and culture
experiences, a prerequisite to their vision for sustainable luxury. through the experiences,” says Anant Kumar, co-founder, Brij
Hotels.
The founder of the Clarks Group of Hotels, Babu Brijpal
Das was one of the first few industry veterans who believed and The Group imbibes the value of creating a sustainable
invested in the Indian tourism story. In 1947, amidst the chaos of ecosystem at all its properties through several conscious
Partition and the creation of a new India, the Clarks story began initiatives – 80 per cent of the staff at the hotel is hired locally,
with the acquisition of Clarks Varanasi. Inspired by his life’s work,
his great-grandchildren, Udit and Anant Kumar, formed Brij
Hotels in 2021. The two travelled to some of the most exotic and
far-flung regions to set up these specially curated hotels. One
could be having tea with flamingos, kayaking in a private lake,
having a picnic on a summit that was once inhabited by witches
or learning to rear cattle with a shepherd over roti and fresh
butter when visiting a Brij Hotel’s property.

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33

NICHE BRAND

Udayan Terrace, Kayaking,
Brij Rama Palace, Varanasi Brij Lakshman Sagar

Culinary Experience BAocnuR2er1aIc0Jtea-dynReteAaoxru-MporlsolAd,regpPutahidlAaeecLdreiAcwahCtahDlEkeasrirtobarhgaienndagunaldgGechuinalttuairnweVeoalflrntaehnseasscsiitpwyahweirteh
at Brij Rama Palace
inspired by the Vedas.
and trained by experienced professionals creating employment
opportunities in the surrounding areas. “Our curated experiences BFBoaofnaRubndrIdirJluodhbvsJkeeanArrsnolWudwoxfnbuAterfhIioyoeorungistdrset.elaePntoteosprufaleotrdcdctosaog,terecsdtr.aoiwcnoatdhyielfeocsre,wnptialrdenltifohefeeJrsna,twhvauaisriieatsietss
involve activities like pottery, breakfast at the farmer’s house, BASaLrucaoRtsrghcetIraaisJecrt,eeaaLw-dnnhAdidoitnhuKrleoPritSccsadoalHri1,nilv2lceMeifeveinfepAsrdorttyuyNemlapaelesiJSsopnaefAdeidprceGuutonrraAntotlfcaRzRotkehaterteojsaahgskytoeoihlostuae,mnltsoi.esptBrrreeeraifjpldeLhcaoitlokvivsesehor mop3fh2atynh. e
sheep-herding and beyond, inculcating a direct involvement of BJbotguhofRefseueetIrtPsJiisqneienguNvfkeeeaeECnnhdoiStmeiyntxTeignotl,euronntirneseais-svhtepaloewoludislsaytie-ynhofetofrhxouoepmspeemtriJoitieadonniduspcrlue.etorsoAelfiikxreppexoephrraatie,nnnisdtcisvies-eotaghneas-fmrabdraeemlsnl tisn,ogf,
the craftsman, farmer or the local artisan with the guests. At few
of our properties, we follow the zero kilometre concept where BLhhstaohiepRgcewrrhiaaItoeBaJwtsnegrltiddiVetnipesgaIberhLtluaaeALtnknshrgstdAemaaitwnclyeo.riwtotwDhhweaunsnsronainworboegfwuatDiwu-l.tcarAibnnalhteyp1eodp5truhse0isne,d-iettptoht,hlrueeMeasenp-obsyrtLo,oei iuppeaTteueriib-qratotebukylndaesta,rchanaooontnnldtGoseefnlreo,ooinarftomheltfihersssare! alinotfo
everything is sourced locally -from raw materials for construction,
food ingredients to the fabrics. This reflects the very essence of
the place,” shares Kumar, adding that having a low inventory at
each of our property aids us in maintaining the sanctity of the
destination, especially the ones surrounding wildlife habitat and
rural areas.

The traveller today is quite mindful about his contribution
to the environment and aims at exploring a destination more
responsibly and consciously, feels Kumar. “At Brij Hotels, we

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34

BRIJ HOTELS

Brij Lakshman
Sagar, Pali

EACH OF OUR UPCOMING traveller to the very destination and believe in spreading the
HOTELS SHALL ENCOURAGE word with the personalised experience we curate for guests. A
GUESTS TO GET ACQUAINTED mix of culinary, nature, cultural, spiritual and much more. As we
finally enter a phase where Indian hospitality is at a boom and
WITH LOCAL CULTURE people are travelling for immersive experiences, we forecast an
immense growth in the industry through connecting with our
endeavour at adopting environment-friendly ways in our day-to- customers directly and establish a strong digital presence.” He
day operations and service to our guests. Sustainability in our adds that they sign those management contracts where they
operations is at its forefront with minimal use of plastic – replacing feel the property matches with the brand ethos and specifications
pet bottles with glass ones, providing datoon instead of a that fulfil the Group’s mission of creating a sustainable
toothbrush, wooden combs and beyond. We are reducing fossil ecosystem.
fuel consumption and encouraging the use of solar energy at the
properties. The traveller today appreciates these little efforts The co-founder of Brij Hotels opines that the last two
towards conservation of the environment,” he informs. years in pandemic has changed the way people perceive the
hospitality industry. “Some of the major challenges we need to
Sharing his views on the scope for growth in India’s overcome together are – to adopt technology in operations,
hospitality sector, Kumar says, “The millennials and the Gen-Zs train human resource for new world of hospitality providing safe
are influencing travel decisions and seeking offbeat luxury and and experiential stays with and better remunerations for them,”
experiential visits. At Brij Hotels, we aim at connecting the he says.

To continue on the path of consistently offering guests
perceptive luxury hospitality and unique experiential hotels in
immersive settings, Kumar says that Brij Hotels is in the process
of opening three new resorts this coming winter in Bikaner, Kukas
and Bandhavgarh. “Each of our upcoming hotels shall provide
distinctive experiences and encourage guests to get deeply
acquainted with local culture and heritage of the place. We are
looking at robust expansion plans in the coming years while
scouting for unexplored regions within India, Nepal, Sri Lanka
and beyond to open our hotels,” he concludes. n

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

35

NICHE BRAND

‘LUXURY LIES
IN SIMPLICITY’

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
ARE THE FOUNDATIONS ON WHICH CGH EARTH
ENTERPRISE RESTS, SAYS MANAGING DIRECTOR

MICHAEL DOMINIC

Brunton Boatyard,
Kochi

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

36

CGH EARTH

BY SAURABH TANKHA

FROM WHAT started off as a small hotel to cater to port visitors unexpected and inspiring. Thus, raising the bar from a
in the 1950s at Willingdon Island in Kochi to its present collection memorable to a transformative holiday, achieved by treading
of 20 hospitality experiences, CGH Earth has surely evolved into softly on the land and respecting its people,” he adds.
an unusual change-maker in the tourism domain. Over the last
seven decades plus, CGH Earth has drawn inspiration from the HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
common knowledge and practices of the local community – CGH Earth has evolved over the decades to an internationally
architecture, people, cuisine, dress, knowledge, tradition, recognised brand for responsible travel and curative medical
custom and practices. These elements are then seamlessly experiences. The company went through a transformation
blended in earthy luxury and with the requirements of any when, in 1988, it won the contract to renovate and operate the
modern discerning traveller. Government-owned hotel on Bangaram Island in Lakshadweep.
“Through our experiments and learnings here, we were able to
VISION BEHIND CGH EARTH expand and create other hotels and resorts on the mainland,
“God lies in the details, waiting to be discovered is the thought focussed on responsible tourism and sustainable practices.
that has inspired CGH Earth from the very beginning and our core For the guest, this approach provides an immersive and
values of environmental sensitivity, benefitting the community and authentic experience, giving them a true sense of the place. To
adopting local ethos have always been our constant guide. These the team, it was ideas and traditions which had always been
values provide, not just the invisible pillars on which our efforts theirs that now define the identity of each resort. To local
stand, but also serve as daily inspirations to innovate and create,” villagers, a sense of wonder that their village architecture,
says Michael Dominic, Managing Director, CGH Earth. traditions and practices are at the heart of our special guest
experiences,” shares Dominic, adding that crossing the
Over the years, with 17 unique holiday experiences and Vindhyas is on their roadmap and they are looking out for
three wellbeing and curative retreats created across Southern
India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dominic says they
have learnt that less is more and that luxury lies in its simplicity.
“We offer guests a string of experiences that are pure,

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

37

NICHE BRAND SwaSwara,
Gokarna
Chittoor,
Kottaram

Visalam,
Kanadukathan

unique opportunities in other parts of the country and abroad. country and 20 million going out; but with the latter not having that
option easily available now, there has been an explosive domestic
COMBINING SUSTAINABILITY WITH TOURISM growth. “This could be a short-term feature and it will stabilise and
“Responsible tourism and sustainability are the foundations on plateau. To continue to tap into this market, we have to understand
which CGH Earth rests. With the mission to not just provide a its needs, create new products and experiences, and increase the
memorable holiday but a transformative one, our key tool is awareness in the domestic market. Good responsible tourism
through harnessing the harmony of Nature and making the ordinary products will draw the discerning travellers to the far corners of
extraordinary. There have been some challenges but benefits India. Private players and tourism boards should work towards
overshadow them. Our core values of environment sensitivity, bringing out these hidden gems that can also benefit the local
benefitting the community and adopting local ethos guide every economy,” feels Dominic.
decision,” says CGH Earth Managing Director.
REACHING OUT TO NEWER AUDIENCES
HOSPITALITY SECTOR IN INDIA AND ITS FUTURE “We recognise the growth of the evolved traveller in India who is
Pre-pandemic, there were 10 million people coming into the a seeker of responsible travel experiences in mid and luxury

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38

CGH EARTH

Tilar Siro, choices. Digital detox and remote working holidays will gain
Andamans popularity,” he observes.

segments. We have a growing number of purpose-driven travel CHALLENGES HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
seekers who come to us for wellbeing and healing,” he says, NEEDS TO OVERCOME
adding that the digital platform plays an important role in Dominic expects international travel, over the next couple of
reaching out to newer audiences in India and around the globe. years, will be affected by recessionary effects of Ukraine war with
“Travel for health will keep growing. People will travel to the gas prices rising. “It will take some time for the process to
overcome health conditions, preventive healthcare and to de- reboot after the period of the pandemic. Itineraries have to be
stress and rejuvenate. The importance of the self and building drawn up again and it will be one or two seasons before the
relationships will become focus points when making holiday momentum picks up,” he says.

The Managing Director at CHG Earth opines the state of
Kerala needs government and bureaucratic understanding of the
business and support to get the industry on its feet again. “With
travellers being able to go anywhere, we can’t afford to be
restrictive in our policies. After agriculture and IT, hospitality is one
of the highest earners, but the potential is not being explored,” he
says, adding that staff shortage is another major issue. “When the
industry had taken a beating during the pandemic, companies and
hotel chains lost many of their staff so things have to be put in
place again for the wheels to start turning properly. Also, the new
generation is more demanding and the industry has to be aware of
the paradigm shifts and changes accordingly,” Dominic says.
However, he feels that the hospitality business will witness a 35-40
per cent growth as compared to the best year pre-pandemic. n

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39

LEAD STORY

Regenta Resort & Spa,
Mashobra, Shimla

‘OUR MANTRA IS TO
CREATE EXPERIENCES’

CHANDER BALJEE, Hotel Royal Orchid,
FOUNDER CHAIRMAN Bangalore
AND MD, ROYAL ORCHID
HOTELS LTD, SHARES HIS
MANTRA FOR STAYING
RELEVANT, WHAT SETS
HIS BRANDS APART AND
EXPANSION STRATEGY

BWHOTELIER SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022 www.bwhotelier.com

40

CHANDER BALJEE

BY BHUVANESH KHANNA

THAT A stranger can lead you to become a successful businessman After successfully running it for a few years, Baljee purchased
holds true in the life of Chander Baljee. The Founder Chairman and Hotel Harsha in 1988 and in 2001, he launched the company’s
Managing Director of Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd had returned home flagship hotel, The Royal Orchid Hotel. “Back then, my ambition was
after completing his MBA from IIM Ahmedabad in 1972 and joined to reach 10 hotels and then retire. Now, it’s going to be 100 hotels!
his family’s business, the popular Baljee’s Restaurant on Shimla’s Though it’s a difficult business, a people’s business with a large
Mall Road. It was here that a customer, a senior official of the tourism number of staff, customers and owners to satisfy, it’s been a very
department of Mysore, suggested Baljee visit Karnataka and start satisfying journey and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. One just has to
his own hotel business there. Against his family’s wishes, he agreed take their aspirations and needs into account to fulfill them,” says
and travelled to the South Indian city to bid for a couple of hotels, the veteran hotelier. Today, one of the country’s foremost hotel chain
which the state government was re-tendering. Though he lost them brand, Royal Orchid and Regenta Hotels, successfully operates
both, Baljee managed to lease out another property, Hotel Stay over 4,800 rooms and 150-plus restaurants in 75-plus hotels across
Longer, later named Hotel Harsha. 48-plus cities in the luxury, upper mid-scale and budget hotel
category in the country. Plans are underway to reach the 100-hotel
Interestingly, those two re-tendered hotels, years later, mark by end of 2023.
became a part of the Royal Orchid Hotels portfolio. But unfortunately,
the iconic Shimla restaurant which was once patronised by Prime On the difference between Royal Orchid and Regenta brand
Minister Narendra Modi, former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai identities, Baljee says that both brands are the same and share the
and state Chief Ministers Virbhadra Singh, Prem Kumar Dhumal and same SOPs. “The management took a decision to have one more
Jai Ram Thakur, had to shut its doors in July 2019 following a four- brand in the crown and that’s how Regenta originated. It stands for
decade legal battle. rejuvenation, relaxation and has a more youth-oriented approach to

Royal Orchid Fort
Resort, Mussoorie

REGENTA STANDS FOR
REJUVENATION, RELAXATION

AND HAS A MORE YOUTH-
ORIENTED APPROACH

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41

LEAD STORY

Regenta Suites, Hotel Royal
Gurgaon Orchid, Jaipur
Regenta Central
Candolim Goa give services as per market trends the younger segment prefers. It
also has sub-segments like Regenta Resort, Regenta Central,
Regenta Place, Regenta Suites and Regenta INN,” he explains.

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES
A specialist in setting up and profitable running of hotels and a ‘go-
to’ expert for owned, leased, managed and franchised hotel models,
Baljee feels the pandemic experience will help us transform our
lifestyles and there are some emerging trends in medium-to-long
term. “A lot of it will change the way we run our hotels. With working
from home becoming more acceptable and digital meetings being
seen as a better way to manage time, a lot of people will socialise at
home, backed by high-quality catering instead of going out. And
here lie the opportunities: Emergence of restaurants with less
seating, even in hotel space; extended operational hours in
restaurants to cater to the increasing demand and finally, emergence
of an entirely new category - shorter road travel and short haul
destinations by flight,” he says.

Guests, adds the veteran hotelier, will come to expect the
deployment of more technology and automation within hotels. “The
focus of travel will shift to personal wellbeing and environment.
There will be transformative changes in the way we travel and
holiday which will reflect in the hotels. There will be more emphasis
on health and hygiene. Hotels will rationalise their supply chain and

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42

CHANDER BALJEE

THE FOCUS OF
TRAVEL WILL SHIFT TO
PERSONAL WELLBEING

AND ENVIRONMENT

Royal Orchid
Central Hampi

run far more efficiently,” says Baljee, who does a lot of philanthropy Regenta Resort,
work under The Baljee Foundation, helping children of Royal Orchid Belagavi
Hotels’ employees with financial aid so that no child is left without
basic education. The Foundation also contributes regularly to the Not this alone, he adds, the Group stayed focussed, adopted
Cancer Care Society, Shimla and Women Council for Shimla as well trends and accepted market conditions. “We always accept what is
as empowering mentally challenged children with IT skills at Amba- happening in the market. We can’t just predict the things that are
CIIE, Bangalore. relatable and not good for business. In the last two years, even in
the pandemic, we stood strong in terms of managing properties and
ROLE OF ROYAL ORCHID AND REGENTA HOTELS also employees, we went through the dark phase in this stage while
IN CURRENT MARKET SCENARIO also managing to open 18 new hotels the in last two years,” he
The last two years were a dark phase but the hospitality industry says.
has emerged from its shadow and taking the quick jump into the
recovery phase to march steadily towards increased profitability and The Founder Chairman and Managing Director of Royal
exponential growth, feels Baljee. “The last couple of months were Orchid Hotels Ltd feels the consumers today are far less loyal to a
proof that there is a lot of demand for leisure travel. We expect to brand than they were 30 years ago. And this means working harder
see all inbound and outbound travel get into normal mode,” he says. to earn their trust and keep them coming back for more. “Our
mantra to stay relevant and ahead is simply keeping pace with the
With significant presence in India, South Asia and Africa, customers, tuning in to their needs, customising offerings based on
Baljee says, the Group works on an asset-light model wherein they demands and analysing competitors. We need to add personal
typically manage and run the property by their brand name and touch with our clients, focussing more on customer service, giving a
SOPs on the owner’s behalf. “The operational expenses are to be memorable experience to customers and empowering the
borne by the owner and we charge a management fee from the top employees to create experiences,” he avers.
line and bottom line. In the franchise model, we just give our brand
name, and SOPs with sales and marketing support while the Royal Orchid and Regenta brands have Wanderlust, the
operations are managed by the owners,” he explains. premier guest loyalty programme that links around four lakh active

IT’S DIFFERENT!
On what sets their brands apart from competition in their space and
how did he manage to develop a distinct identity for the Group,
Baljee shares, “We are a proud Indian brand serving hundreds of
guests every day. To distinctly identify us in terms of profession, we
implemented cutting-edge technology that helped drive efficiency
and offer best-in-class service to guests. The emphasis put on staff
training through Management Development Programme (MDP) and
multiskilling equipped our teams and individuals to take on
challenges. With all these steps, we were able to pivot the group in
the right direction. As a result, we grew exponentially.”

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43

LEAD STORY

Regenta Resort
Ranthambore

members to Royal Orchid and Regenta’s Pan-India portfolio of NEXT TWO QUARTERS
brands. “Wanderlust provides benefits for our members helping ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN
them turn their hotel stays and purchases into travel experiences
worth sharing with family and friends,” Baljee shares. BUSY ON THE BACK OF
DOMESTIC LEISURE
SIGNIFICANCE OF WEDDINGS AND MICE
The demand across the sector soared during Q2 2022, primarily 23. “On a positive note, the hospitality sector has seen a surge in
driven by weddings followed by MICE and business travel, he occupancy and a rise in RevPAR. Q2 witnessed an influx of
says, adding, “Furthermore, corporate MICE demand witnessed demand from across the country as it presents an opportune
a recovery in the form of corporate off-sites, team meetings, time for consumers to head out for short-budget travel. According
training and so on. Domestic leisure continued to be an important to a JLL report, the RevPAR witnessed an exponential growth of
segment during this period, driven by pent-up demand of 339.3 per cent year-on-year (YoY) in Q2 of 2022 as against the
travellers who had not experienced a summer vacation for the same period in the corresponding year. Starting in September,
past two years. The next two quarters are expected to remain the hospitality sector is expected to witness a new peak in
busy on the back of domestic leisure amidst long weekends and business which will be driven largely by the festive season and
festivals. Business travel will continue to grow and remain the other social functions,” says the hotelier, adding that with
main demand driver for the sector,” says Baljee. business travel and corporate off-sites gaining momentum,
holidays offer a further impetus to the overall demand resulting in
While wedding and social function demand will continue
to be an important driver, MICE demand is expected to witness
an uptick in the coming months with many corporate meetings
and large-format conferences being planned. “Business
contribution ratio is 60 per cent room and 40 per cent F&B (out
of this 40 per cent, MICE and weddings comprise 20 per cent),”
he shares.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES
At present, the market is growing at the right momentum and the
Group, says Baljee, has witnessed good Q1 results for FY-2022-

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44

CHANDER BALJEE

Royal Orchid Resort & Convention
Centre Yelahanka, Bangalore

Royal Orchid, Regenta Place Mandrem
Goa Beach Resort, Goa

renewed confidence in the sector. “We expect this momentum to destinations while continuing our expansion in Tier I and Tier II
continue over the next few quarters on the back of long weekends, cities. Our expansion strategy is rooted in the fact that people
festivals, weddings, events, and business travel evenly today wish to travel further, more often, and to off-beat locations.
contributing to this growth,” adds Baljee who established the Considering the present-day guest needs, we’ve also started
Presidency College of Hotel Management in 1994, after having revamping our offerings through curated and personalised
identified and understanding the increasing need for trained and experiences for our more discerning guests,” he shares.
skilled labour in the hospitality sector.
Sharing his advice to the new generation starting careers
EXPANSION PLANS in the industry, Baljee says, “Take time to talk to every member of
The Group, shares Baljee, is planning to open 25-plus hotels the staff. Getting to know your team is very important. If you want
across India, targetting midscale and upscale market in the next to provide great leadership, not only do you need to understand
year. “We are now investing in luxury, wildlife, spiritual and leisure your team well, but you also need to ensure everything runs
smoothly.” n

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LEAD STORY

NEW CONCEPTS
IN HOSPITALITY

SUHAIL KANNAMPILLY,
CEO, CONCEPT HOSPITALITY,
SAYS THE GROUP AIMS
TO PROVIDE THE BEST
HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE
WHILE ENSURING TO STAY
TRUE TO ITS CORE BELIEF
OF PROTECTING THE
ENVIRONMENT

BY BHUVANESH KHANNA

HE IS a firm believer in the fact that it’s always important to keep in August 2002, that this IHM-Mumbai graduate stepped into the
trying and it’s not necessary that if something hasn’t worked in field of hospitality and joined the Orchid Hotels in the Financial
the past doesn’t mean it won’t today. “A lot of time the Capital of India as a management trainee.
circumstances change, creating a new dynamic for growth,”
shares Suhail Kannampilly, CEO, Concept Hospitality, which “It was a good learning experience as it gave me two
operates the country’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel advantages: one, I got a crash course on actual functioning of all
chain, The Fern Hotels & Resorts. It was over two decades back, the departments in the hotel and two, it gave me a step up over
the next one. In fact, when I joined the industry, I was told that

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46

SUHAIL KANNAMPILLY

The Fern Gir Forest The Fern Royal Farm
Resort, Sasan Gir Resort, Anjar, Gujarat

the best way to grow is to see the issue from a step above as it
helped you with a rounded perspective and a target on the larger
picture,” says Kannampilly who spent six years in operations at
various hotels before moving to the corporate office at Concept
Hospitality, understanding the finance and viability bit of hotels.
“I strongly believe in continuous learning, be it through exposure
or self-learning. It’s important to keep challenging yourself and
step out of your comfort zone,” he feels.

Kannampilly spent almost six-and-a-half years as Vice
President Operations at Concept Hospitality before taking over
as the COO in 2015 and finally becoming the CEO in April 2019.
Since his joining the organisation founded by his father, Param
Kannampilly in 1996, the Group now has over 90 hotels across
six brands as of September 2022 at 75 locations and over 5,000
rooms. The Fern is known as the brand which goes out of its way
to deliver authentic and enriching experiences that make their
world feel bigger. The promise is a premium standard of amenities
and service with a true passion for the environment. “In a world
where guests require proactive, individualised service, The Fern
delivers much more. Elegance and personalised service with
contemporary facility, and all packaged together with minimal
impact on the environment,” feels Kannampilly.

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LEAD STORY

The Fern Sattva Resort,
Polo Forest,Vijaynagar

THE FOCUS IS ON EACH OF “To be honest, we have never placed much importance on
OUR MICRO MARKETS AND WE where we fit in the grand scheme of the hospitality industry in
LOOK TO PROVIDE THE BEST India. Our pipeline looks healthy and we are very strong regionally
in the west of India and are now focussing on growing in the
HOSPITALITY EXPERIENCE north and south too. Our task is much simpler. We focus on each
of our micro markets and look to provide the best hospitality
The Fern Seaside experience while ensuring to stay true to our core belief of
Luxurious Tent protecting the environment. This has worked for us as our guests
Resort – Diu appreciate the effort on all fronts and we are able to drive returns
to all the stakeholders,” opines Kannampilly who has played an
instrumental role in the growth and development of Concept
Hospitality and has fore-fronted the success of the Fern brand
across India.

NEW TRENDS
Sharing his thoughts on how the latest trends have influenced
the strategy for business development, especially with the
pandemic accelerating global shifts in consumer behaviour,
Kannampilly shares, “Hygiene and sanitation always played a key
role in hotels. The only difference is that in the past, it was
underplayed and never advertised. Today, there are a few more
touchpoints that re-emphasise hygiene to the guests. However, I
feel it will soon get redundant.” The pandemic, opines the
Concept Hospitality CEO, has created a larger swing in the
customer’s mind to pick either branded or exclusive stays for a
reassurance on the hygiene front and this trend is what will stay.
“From a business development perspective, this is great as many
standalone hotels migrated to the organised branded space. It’s
essential that when a property migrates, the brand doesn’t forget
its promise to the customers and ensure the property does
what’s required from a safety and hygiene perspective,” he adds.

Environment is something that has always been a core

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48

SUHAIL KANNAMPILLY

The Fern Ranthambore
Forest Resort

WE HAVE BEEN RECOGNISED
AND AWARDED MORE THAN

200 TIMES FOR OUR
COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENT

The Fern Brentwood
Resort, Mussoorie

value to the Kannampilly family and Concept Hospitality has have received the HICAP Award for Positive Community Impact
forever been synonymous for its environmentally sensitive hotels. (Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific) too,” shares
“As a child, I remember watching my mother plant trees along Kannampilly who has a strong process background and has
the road or segregating garbage and composting it back in the ensured key operating efficiency standards across the portfolio
early 90s before governments even knew about the concept. of brands under Concept Hospitality.
This ethos was brought forward to the brand but more so it now
rests on the team that makes up the brand. Each and every team TECHNOLOGY AS AN ENABLER
member of the hotel goes through a detailed induction on the The Fern Hotels & Resorts was one of the first hotel chains to
environmental practices. It’s only when each one of them believes move to a Cloud-based Property Management System, shares
in the cause that it makes a huge difference to the environment,” Kannampilly. “Technology plays an important role in creating lean
he says, adding that their pre-pandemic campaign with National and efficient processes. It helps reduce or eliminate duplications
Geographic took this message and action to the community and and delays in workflow as well as helps us speed up by
resulted in a direct saving of over 2.5 million litres of water. automating specific tasks. We have automated our systems in
various departments of the hotel and made the entire process
“We have been recognised and awarded more than 200 easier, both at the front and back of the house. Today, we have
times for our commitment to the environment and are proud to

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49

LEAD STORY

The Fern Residency, a detailed Human Resources Management System (HRMS) on
Udaipur which all 5,500 team members function. The ongoing
Landour Wing & Doon development of our marketing automation will help the hotels
Valley - Mussoorie improve their acquisition costs,” informs the CEO of Concept
Hospitality.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MICE & WEDDINGS
We all are well aware of the fact that the wedding market in India
is huge and it got elevated to a new level during the period of the
pandemic, especially the smaller destination wedding segment.
“Earlier, our hotels weren’t the size to cater to the big fat Indian
weddings. But the trend of boutique weddings has opened a
new market for some of our resorts. The business at these
resorts has crossed 20 per cent of their annual revenue,” says an
elated Kannampilly. However, he feels the country is still
undersold when it comes to being a MICE destination. “We don’t
attract the larger MICE functions as frequently as we should. The
domestic MICE movement has recovered post-pandemic and is
driving significant volumes to both business and leisure hotels.
What we need is a concerted effort along with government
bodies to drive the high paying international MICE,” he opines.

CSR APPROACH
“As the leading environmentally sensitive Group in the country, we
develop and promote hospitality with responsibility and hence
contribute heavily with targets to sustainability. Our focus is on

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