We asked hospitality leaders the one question that matters now - “what did you learn on this journey and how ready can one ever be?” Here is the response from Shahrom Oshtori, General Manager, The Park Mumbai

Shahrom Oshtori -General Manager at THe Park, Mumbai-1.jpg

Firstly I would like to talk about how the past 3 months have not only been a huge learning but also made every business and person change their paradigm.
‘There is always a first’ as they say, but this pandemic has had too many firsts, not all being pleasant memories, however learnings for a lifetime.
I still look back and wonder that in the past 16 years in the industry and all the time I studied at hotel school, I’d never be trained to stop operations and expect a shutdown of my hotel at any stage, well that sure was a first.
The days post the lockdown were optimistic initially, with so many webinars, upskilling and various trainings and meetings on video calls.
There absolutely have been a lot of learnings on this journey, the most important being perseverance.
Whilst for some companies they have increased sales and diversified into businesses that benefit from a pandemic, our industry has had to face the worst wrath of it all.
Its been quite a challenge to be honest, however we are optimistic always and ready to serve our guests with open hearts, at The Park Hotels we have launched the SHIELD Program which covers every aspect of safety & hygiene for our guests and team members.
Another learning as a General Manager has been truly thinking as an owner of the business at such a stage and ensuring it survives & thrives.
Talking about readiness, the most constant in life is “change” and we all need to be prepared to Reimagine, Reset & Reboot our business & way of working, we are sure to come out stronger & tougher together as an industry.