Vijayawada, June 2026: Mr. Manish Pathak of Novotel Vijayawada Varun has won the Young GM Award 2026 at the Hotelier India GM Awards, recognizing his leadership and contribution to the hospitality industry.

Organized by ITP Media India in association with Hotelier India, the GM Awards celebrate hospitality leaders who have driven operational excellence, innovation, guest experience and business growth across the country. Winners were selected by an independent jury of leading industry experts.

The awards ceremony was held on 25 June 2026 in Bengaluru, bringing together hospitality professionals from across India to celebrate excellence in leadership across key categories, including Young GMs, ESG & Sustainability, Service Residences, Boutique Hotels and Resorts.

With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Pathak has led Novotel Vijayawada Varun to sustained growth across revenue, guest experience and operational performance. He has overseen several high-profile events and welcomed distinguished guests, including the Prime Minister, President, Chief Ministers, renowned sportspersons and leading business personalities. His hands-on approach and operational expertise have played a pivotal role in the hotel’s continued success.

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Manish Pathak said, “I am truly honoured to receive the Young GM Award 2026. This recognition belongs as much to my team at Novotel Vijayawada Varun as it does to me. People are the cornerstone of exceptional hospitality, and I have always focused on building a workplace rooted in collaboration, continuous learning and mutual respect. By investing in our team through training, recognition and skill development, we empower them to create memorable guest experiences every day. This award inspires us to keep raising the bar while embracing innovation and sustainability in everything we do.”

Mr. Pathak has also championed sustainability by embedding responsible practices into everyday hotel operations. His initiatives include reducing food waste through improved forecasting, responsible sourcing, menu optimization and a sustainability-led breakfast buffet that promotes mindful consumption. The hotel has also introduced complimentary EV charging facilities, transitioned from plastic to glass bottles and implemented resource-efficiency measures aligned with Accor’s ESG commitments.

These efforts are reflected in Novotel Vijayawada Varun’s Green Key Certification, a globally recognised benchmark for environmental responsibility in the hospitality industry.

Vijayawada, May 2026: Hospitality leader Mr. Manish Pathak has received the Rising Star Award at the IHC–IIHM International Hospitality Awards 2026 for driving stronger operational performance and guest experience, including improving occupancy at Novotel Vijayawada Varun.

With 15+ years across hotel operations and food & beverage leadership, Mr. Pathak is known for turning plans into on-ground results, sharpening daily execution, coaching teams, and elevating guest experience at Novotel Vijayawada Varun. In 2025, he helped transform the hotel into a destination for MICE, celebrations, and leisure, dovetailing with the national trend of discovering new places to strengthen the property’s positioning and deliver operational goals. This resulted in significant gains for brand Novotel in Vijayawada.

Speaking on the recognition, Mr. Manish Pathak said, “This award is a reminder that hospitality is built in the‘everyday, how our teams show up, solve, and serve, shift after shift. I am grateful to the colleagues and mentors who have shaped me, and I am committed to stronger teams, sharper execution, and consistently better guest experiences at Novotel Vijayawada Varun. As we continue to grow Vijayawada’s appeal for MICE, celebrations, and leisure, my focus is on delivering experiences that make guests choose us again and recommend us.”

An alumnus of IIHM, Mr. Pathak described the recognition as especially meaningful, with the award jury drawing on the institute’s long-standing academic and industry network to spotlight high-potential hospitality talent.

The Rising Star Award recognizes emerging hospitality leaders for demonstrated leadership potential and measurable impact on operations and guest experience.