Exclusive Interview | Janitha Madawala, Cluster & Senior Director of Food & Beverage, Sunrise Resorts & Cruises
/“Striking the right balance between tradition and innovation is key. Tradition offers familiarity, cultural richness, and authenticity, while innovation introduces creativity, modern techniques, and excitement. Curate experiences that honor the cultural and culinary heritage of each destination.”
You have an extensive background in luxury hospitality. What drew you to this industry, and what keeps you passionate about it?
Hospitality has been an intrinsic part of my life from an early age, woven deeply in my family's legacy of successful hoteliers. One of the main influences has been my Uncle, who stands as a respected and accomplished figure in the industry. Observing his strategic acumen, reflecting his unique blend of professionalism, insightful leadership, and effective decision making, captured my admiration and fueled my ambition to follow his auspicious footsteps.
However, what made a lasting impression on me and continues to add inspiriting stimulus to my passion for the industry is its inherent multifaceted nature. I am intrigued by how it perfectly marries creativity, operational excellence, strategic marketing, and financial stewardship to curate extraordinary experiences. The dynamic nature of this environment, the commitment required for consistently curating unparalleled guest journeys whilst driving persistent brand excellence are challenges that keep me fully engaged and incredibly fulfilled.
Given my nature, I am deeply passionate about empowering my teams, fostering innovation and implementing strategies that are geared to elevate our collective aspirations, thus fostering organizational growth as well as individual potential. The opportunity provided by this field, the prospect to shape memorable experiences whilst simultaneously achieving operational and financial excellence continue to be my motivational anchor.
With experience across multiple international brands, how do you adapt to different hospitality cultures and guest expectations?
Adaptability begins with active listening, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Every region embodies its own unique cultural nuances and guest expectations, and understanding these subtleties is essential to delivering exceptional service.
I approach every new environment with humility, respect, and a genuine curiosity to learn and adapt. By immersing myself in the local culture and collaborating closely with on-ground teams, I ensure our operations reflect both authenticity and the refined standards of global luxury hospitality. This approach allows us to cater to diverse guest demographics while preserving the unique essence of each destination.
Your leadership has played a key role in pre-opening projects. What are the biggest challenges in launching new F&B concepts, and how do you overcome them?
Launching a new F&B concept is an exhilarating yet complex endeavor. The greatest challenges often lie in aligning the brand vision with market demands, assembling a cohesive and passionate team, and ensuring seamless execution.
I address these challenges through meticulous planning, strategic forecasting, and fostering open lines of communication at every stage. Assembling a team that shares a unified passion for excellence is critical. I also prioritize agility—anticipating potential obstacles and remaining flexible—so that we can adapt quickly while delivering innovative and guest- centric outcomes.
Managing large teams across multiple outlets requires strong leadership. What strategies do you use to foster teamwork and maintain high performance?
At the heart of effective leadership is trust and empowerment. I focus on cultivating a transparent environment where goals are clearly defined, expectations are realistic, and achievements both individual and collective are celebrated.
Establishing a positive and inclusive workplace culture is essential. I emphasize recognition, continuous development, and two-way communication to foster a sense of ownership and accountability. When team members feel respected and valued, collaboration flourishes, performance excels, and a shared sense of purpose unites the group.
How do you balance innovation with tradition when curating food and beverage experiences for guests?
Striking the right balance between tradition and innovation is key to creating memorable culinary experiences. Tradition offers familiarity, cultural richness, and authenticity, while innovation introduces creativity, modern techniques, and excitement.
I curate experiences that honor the cultural and culinary heritage of each destination, while integrating contemporary trends and techniques that enhance the offering. The goal is to surprise and delight guests by presenting the familiar in refreshing, imaginative ways, thereby offering a journey that is both rooted in tradition and enriched by innovation.
Sustainability is a growing focus in hospitality. How do you integrate sustainable practices into hotel operations while ensuring profitability?
Sustainability is no longer optional—it is a strategic imperative that aligns environmental responsibility with long-term profitability. I integrate sustainable practices by optimizing energy efficiency, minimizing waste, and sourcing responsibly—all of which contribute to cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency.
Partnering with vendors who share our environmental vision and continuously educating our teams on sustainable practices ensures that high standards are upheld. By embedding sustainability into daily operations, we not only protect our planet but also create value for guests, stakeholders, and business alike.
What role does technology play in modernizing F&B and hotel management, and what innovations do you see shaping the future of hospitality?
Technology is a transformative force in hospitality, revolutionizing the way we operate and engage with guests. From AI-powered personalization to digital ordering systems and advanced inventory management, technology enhances efficiency, streamlines operations, and elevates the guest experience.
Looking ahead, I see innovations such as predictive analytics, immersive AR/VR guest experiences, and sustainable smart solutions as key drivers of industry evolution. These tools will empower us to anticipate guest needs, customize offerings in real time, and operate with greater precision and environmental responsibility.
You have successfully led operations at cruise lines and resorts. How do guest expectations differ between these segments, and how do you cater to them?
Guest expectations in cruise lines and resorts differ significantly, shaped by the nature of the experience. Cruise guests seek immersive, all-inclusive journeys with a variety of entertainment and dining options available on demand. Resort guests, on the other hand, often desire relaxation, personalized service, and a deep connection to the destination.
To address these distinct needs, I tailor operational strategies accordingly - prioritizing efficiency and variety in cruise environments, while focusing on exclusivity, cultural authenticity, and personalized attention in resorts. Understanding the drivers of satisfaction in each segment is essential to delivering experiences that exceed expectations.
What has been your most memorable career achievement, and what lessons did you take from it?
Among the many notable milestones I have achieved, one particular project continues to be an indelible experience that shapes my career path to this very day. I had the unique experience of overseeing the ambitious Start up’s, Re-start operation (post Covid) dry-dock transformation for several Carnival Cruise Line ships, an instrumental part of the universally recognized Carnival 2.0 initiative.
This ambitious project demanded the brainstorming and successful realisation of new dining venues, on strict deadlines and heightened expectations. Nevertheless, this project was not only a professional commitment but also a personal journey.
Handling such an ambitious initiative elevated my understanding of precision, adaptability, and the crucial role of teamwork. It helped me realize that with a distinctive vision, shared ethos, and strategic execution - even the most intricate challenges could be transformed into extraordinary accomplishments.
This pivotal experience remains a testament to what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and endeavours align with dedication. My commitment towards action-oriented strategies and delivering quality results turned out to become a shining example of leadership and team management.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future, and how do you see the hospitality industry evolving in the next decade?
Ultimately, my professional aspiration is to hold the prestigious position of General Manager of a world-class, five-star hotel. In this role, I believe I can significantly shape the culture, inspire a standard of excellence and make a positive, lasting impact.
Looking at the larger picture, I believe we stand on the precipice of a new era in the hospitality industry. Over the next decade, I anticipate a deeper emphasis on sustainability and the creation of hyper-personalized guest experiences as well as the continued integration of cutting-edge technology.
More importantly, I foresee a shift prioritizing issues like employee well-being, inclusive leadership, and human-centric design. It is increasingly clear that these elements will become indispensable components of our industry – values and principles that I uphold inhigh regard and am keen on bringing to my leadership roles.
