AS THE world steadily emerges from the impact of the global pandemic, the hospitality industry is experiencing a resurgence that is nothing short of magnificent. The metamorphosis, as it unfolds, brings with it promises of exciting explorations and transformative experiences for tourism enthusiasts worldwide. The 7th BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards 2023 upheld the industry’s remarkable revival, with a staggering 1.
72 crore tourists exploring the ethereal beauty of Kashmir and a staggering 300 million Indians traversing their own Motherland in 2022, which the speakers aptly dubbed “transformation”. The panel, comprising Ranju Alex, Area VP of South Asia at Marriott International; Sudeep Jain, Managing Director of SWA and IHG Hotels & Resorts; Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director of India and South West Asia at Hyatt India and Puneet Dhawan, Senior VP of Operations at Accor, advocated the hospitality industry’s revival with Farhat Jamal, Chairman of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Committee at IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, acting as the moderator. The emergence of hotels in Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV cities has added a radiant glow to the hospitality market, mirroring an industry in constant evolution.
Alex unveiled a profound truth: hotels are no longer confined to cities with existing infrastructure. They are the catalysts of change, fostering growth and nurturing infrastructure development in their wake. The industry’s focus has shifted to domestic travel as international travel remains as unpredictable as the ocean’s tides.
Delving into the intriguing dynamics of leisure and corporate travel, Jain said, “Although leisure travel’s demand is on the rise, corporate travel remains the lifeblood of the industry. Yet the percentage of leisure travellers is expanding like ripples in a tranquil lake. ” Adding some statistics to the scene, Sharma highlighted that nearly 200 meetings were held across 60 destinations in India, affirming the burgeoning infrastructure in these cities and illuminating the path for the hospitality industry’s growth.
These luminaries of the industry also hailed the nation’s economic growth and youth demography as the bedrock on which the hospitality industry thrives. India’s resounding success in hosting the G20 Summit showcased the hospitality industry’s significant contribution and determination. Dhawan expressed gratitude for the pandemic era which ignited a newfound love for the Motherland.
He applauded the age-old Indian culture and philosophy of treating guests as gods which, like the Midas touch, turned every guest into a golden opportunity for the hospitality industry. The session targetted at unlocking new horizons for hospitality concluded with panellists concurring that the hospitality industry’s transformation is not merely a tale of numbers or destinations; it is a shift that touches the very core of the sector. It heralds an era where the Tier II and Tier III cities of India will shine as bright stars in the firmament.
This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated ” with cover story titled ‘BW HOTELIER IHA 2023 SPECIAL’.
From: bwhotelier_businessworld
URL: http://bwhotelier.businessworld.in/article/A-phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes/15-01-2024-506053
