“To stay in the game focus on being Simple and Realistic”

— Amar Pandey

Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?

Well, it all happened by chance and I had to choose from one of the entrances out of the two that I gave after passing out of my higher secondary as my financial conditions were too weak to try for NDA next year. So, I could not get through NDA and I got a better ranking with the National Council of Hotel Management, Pusa, New Delhi. So, decided to take a plunge, and believe me have not regretted it so far. I worked with various chains such as Taj, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG at various locations such as Dubai, Qatar, Oman, and India obviously. Currently heading the Food and Beverage department of 260 keys 5-star Royal Tulip Hotel, Muscat, Oman.

Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?

I would say focus on being simple in what you do and try and be realistic at all times with being innovative in order to be in the game with your competitors. On the other hand, build a team that believes in you and does exactly what you want and keep them happy with their small requests as and when it comes as it reflects on guests’ experience in return.

At last your eye for details should always outclass other attributes.

Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?

I firmly believe one should have the passion to work smarter and doesn’t feel any hesitation in putting across any ideas or thoughts that comes to one’s mind for a contribution to the department and organization overall.

To work with us one should constantly get ideas on the table and have a pure attitude towards any tasks assigned and no compromise on any guest experiences.

Editor: What is the single factor that got you your promotion?

Absolute sheer hard work all throughout and looking after the team’s wellbeing.

Editor: What are some of the trends you see impacting the hospitality industry?

Omnichannel Communication, Emphasis on Digital Channels, Increased attention on food and beverage

Sustainability, Contactless hospitality services

Editor: Tech is now an enabler for great hospitality. Can you share with us some of the techs that go into creating your guest experience?

In the aftermath of the epidemic, guests' top priorities are sanitation, safety, and contactless services in most locations. As a response, the players in this industry are embracing technology at a rapid speed in order to keep up with the industry's changing expectations. Everything is now done online, with little to no interaction with personnel, from check-in to check-out, upsells and cross-sells, menu to in-stay service. In addition, many hotels are now employing QR codes that customers scan with their mobile devices without having to engage with hotel workers physically and access a digital concierge that offers guests a totally contactless experience.

Editor: Two things you would like to change in the industry.

Attitude towards new joiners and vice versa Acceptance of hard work and work-life balance