Exclusive Interview | Seema Taj, Director of Sales, Sheraton Grand Palace Indore
/“My aspiration is to build a resilient and innovative sales team that drives sustained growth. I envision Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as the epitome of premium hospitality in the region.”
With over 22 years in hospitality sales, what drew you to the industry, and how has your journey evolved across brands like ITC Fortune, Radisson, and Sayaji Hotels?
From the beginning, I was drawn to hospitality because it blends relationship-building with the dynamic challenge of achieving business goals. My journey began as a Front Office Associate, where I discovered the power of delivering exceptional guest experiences. Transitioning into sales, I worked with renowned brands like ITC Fortune, Radisson and Sayaji Hotels. Each role has added new dimensions to my expertise, teaching me to adapt strategies to diverse markets, build strong client relationships, and lead teams to success. Heading sales for leading properties has reinforced my passion for creating value and memorable experiences for guests and stakeholders.
As the Director of Sales at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, what unique challenges and opportunities do you encounter in a competitive market like Indore?
Indore is a vibrant market with immense potential, but its competitive landscape demands constant differentiation. The challenge lies in balancing the preferences of a diverse clientele, from high-profile weddings to corporate travelers. However, this diversity is also our greatest opportunity. Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, with its premium offerings, allows us to cater to both luxury and affordability. By emphasizing our USP, such as the city’s largest pillarless ballroom and sprawling lawns, we position ourselves as the ideal venue for grand events.
What are some of the key sales strategies you’ve implemented at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore that have driven growth and innovation?
We’ve focused on strategic partnerships, enhanced digital visibility, and personalized client engagement. Initiatives like curated FAM trips for event planners, strategic collaborations with local influencers, and targeted social media campaigns have significantly increased our reach. Additionally, offering bespoke packages for weddings and corporate events has helped us address specific client needs while setting new benchmarks in service excellence.
How do you adapt your sales approach to cater to diverse client segments, from business travelers to event planners?
Understanding client personas is crucial. For business travelers, we emphasize convenience, offering seamless check-in processes, high-speed internet and proximity to key locations. For event planners, we highlight our expansive spaces and dedicated event support. Our approach is to listen actively, anticipate needs, and create tailored solutions that ensure each client feels valued and understood.
What role does technology play in enhancing your sales initiatives, particularly in a digitally driven hospitality market?
Technology has revolutionized sales in hospitality. Digital marketing platforms enable precise targeting of audiences. Virtual tours of our property have proven invaluable, especially for clients unable to visit in person. Additionally, leveraging analytics helps us fine-tune strategies and predict trends, ensuring we stay ahead in a competitive market.
How do you foster collaboration between the sales team and other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience?
Open Collaboration thrives through open communication and shared goals. Our sales team works closely with the in-house dedicated event team, refining every minor detail for flawless execution.
Regular coordination with culinary and operations departments ensures seamless delivery, guaranteeing memorable guest experiences and positioning us as the preferred choice for events and stays.
In a city known for hosting large weddings and corporate events, how do you position Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as the preferred venue?
We emphasize our unmatched facilities: a stunning 18,800 sq. ft. pillarless ballroom, a 66,500 sq. ft. green lawn and the city’s largest meeting spaces. Beyond infrastructure, our focus is on delivering a premium experience with curated menus, impeccable service, and state-of-the-art technology. We position ourselves as not just a venue but a partner in creating unforgettable moments.
Reflecting on your extensive experience, what has been your most significant achievement in hospitality sales so far?
Post-COVID, our positioning has transformed significantly, with ADR doubling as we emerged as a favorite destination for MICE and weddings. Initially, being a pure vegetarian hotel posed challenges, but it has now become our signature strength. With unmatched facilities and premium offerings, we are recognized as one of the city’s finest destination venues.
What trends do you foresee shaping the hospitality sales landscape, and how are you preparing Sheraton Grand Palace Indore to stay ahead?
Sustainability and personalized experiences are key trends. Clients increasingly seek eco-conscious options and we are committed to integrating sustainable practices across operations.
Personalization through data insights is another focus, allowing us to cater to unique preferences. We are also preparing to leverage AI-driven solutions for enhanced client engagement and operational efficiency.
Looking forward, what are your aspirations for the sales team at Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, and how do you envision contributing to the brand’s growth?
My aspiration is to build a resilient and innovative sales team that drives sustained growth. I envision Sheraton Grand Palace Indore as the epitome of premium hospitality in the region. By fostering a culture of learning, collaboration and passion, I aim to contribute to the brand’s legacy while setting new benchmarks in service and excellence.
