Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO, ELIVAAS, on widening from villas into farm stays, resorts and retreats, running 700+ properties, the rebrand, corporate offsites, Dubai and the Rs 87 Cr raise.

Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, on building a hospitality brand around Indian warmth, hiring for attitude, and using technology to free teams for guests.

“Hospitality looks glamorous from the outside, but this industry demands tremendous discipline, emotional intelligence, and consistency.”- Ms. Richa Adhia, MD – Eight Continents Hotel and Resorts

“I have immense belief in human potential”

By honouring India’s cultural context while staying true to our methodology, we create wellness journeys that are deeply rooted, emotionally resonant and globally relevant.

With Guestara, we’re tackling a fundamental yet neglected issue in hospitality—using AI to make guest interactions seamless and truly personalized.

I believe in the transformative power of joy and humor in the workplace. Infusing positivity into our daily interactions creates an engaging atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration.

Achieving balance means being intentional about how I allocate my time. Whether it’s dedicating myself to work, spending time with family, or enjoying a round of golf, I ensure that I remain present in whatever I’m doing.

By thoughtfully combining modern trends with our traditions, we ensure our guests feel at home while we remain grounded in our culture and values.

Parixit Pai Fondekar, serial entrepreneur and the founder of the Kamaxi Group, headquartered in Goa, in an interview with Hospemag.me, shares insights into how the Group has grown into a multifaceted organisation serving various sectors including cruise line staffing, culinary education, maritime training and incubation. Fondekar highlights the Group's commitment to helping individuals navigate the tourism and hospitality industries, positioning the Kamaxi Group as a key player in India's journey toward a skilled and inclusive future.

Secrets in keeping an engaged, safe and happy team:

Give them responsibility

Train them to achieve them

Encourage with all best processes

Evaluate & guide

Appreciate their contribution

I look for individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about what they do. Attributes like integrity, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are non-negotiable. I also value creativity and the ability to think outside the box, as these are critical for driving innovation in our field.

Technology is at the core of our operations and guest experience. Our Glu app serves as a comprehensive digital concierge, allowing guests to manage their stay seamlessly, from check-in to activity bookings.

Describe an ideal hospitality professional. “A selfless individual who is sensitive to guest needs and can anticipate them for timely deliveries.”

For the birth of Karma Lakelands, I would like to give the entire credit to my mentor, Shri Nekchand ji, who instilled a love for Mother Nature in my heart. If not for him, I never would have planted over 10,000 trees in my initial days.