Exclusive Interview | Vishal Ajwani, Founder & Director, revmerito
/“AI is set to transform how we experience hotels, restaurants, and every aspect of the hospitality industry. From personalized customer service to streamlined operations, AI is poised to take guest experiences to a whole new level. ”
Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
Started my journey in Hospitality Industry 18 years ago by associating with various online companies like ResAvenue, Yatra.com, Ezeego1.com and obtained great knowledge in Hotel revenue management, technologies used by hotels, online strategies to fill up hotel rooms , content writing, and Digital Marketing.
Tell us about Revmerito. How did this all come about?
It all started in 2017, when we recognized a need in the hospitality industry for a high-quality, conversion-focused, prompt and responsive support team and analytical driven revenue management company. I noticed that many businesses were struggling to create online revenues not only from OTAs but also their own brand website. With my background in OTA’s, Online revenue management, and Reputation strategies, I saw an opportunity to fill this gap and help hotels achieve their marketing goals. – We started by working with a few handful small hotels helping them with their pricing strategies, content strategy and creating compelling strategies for their websites. As word spread about our work and the results we were able to achieve for our clients, the demand for our services grew.
What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Exceptional customer service skills, Attention to detail, Knowledge of Industry trends and technology, Adaptability and Flexibility, Leadership skills and strong team work, Continuous learning and improvements and Humility.
Share with us 5 skills that you think will be critical for a hospitality career in the future.
Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence, Tech Savviness, Multilingualism and creativity.
What does the future look like?
The future of the hospitality industry is expected to be heavily influenced by technology and changing consumer preferences. - With the rise of online booking platforms and mobile apps, the industry will continue to embrace digital innovations to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning will play a significant role in improving personalization and customization in the industry. For example, hotels can use AI chatbots to provide instant customer service or use machine learning algorithms to analyse customer data and make personalized recommendations.
The use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) will also become more prevalent in the hospitality industry, allowing customers to have virtual tours of hotels, restaurants, and attractions before making a booking.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness will become increasingly important as consumers become more conscious of environmental issues. Hotels and other hospitality businesses will need to incorporate sustainable practices in their operations to attract environmentally conscious travellers. The rise of the sharing economy and platforms like Airbnb has disrupted the traditional hotel industry. In the future, hotels may need to find innovative ways to differentiate themselves and provide unique experiences to compete with these alternative accommodations. Personalization will be a key focus for the hospitality industry. Hotels will need to leverage customer data to offer personalized recommendations, tailored promotions, and personalized services to enhance the overall guest experience. For example, hotels can use data to anticipate guest preferences and provide customized room amenities or personalized dining options.
What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, Problem solving approach and critical thinking, strong work ethics and commitment, Attention to detail.
What is your favourite interview question & why?
A lot of times I was asked – How is revmerito revenue management services different compared to the rest of the companies. I have always loved to answer this question with enthusiasm since it gives me the assertiveness and further more confidence about our brand’s existence.
Making a vision into a reality can be very daunting. We would love a deep dive into your process for all your initiatives.
I could sense the untapped potential and the burning desire for growth in every corner. However, it was clear that without a coherent vision, we were merely wandering in the dark. As a passionate believer in the power of purpose and collective effort, I made it my mission to align everyone towards a shared vision. With unwavering determination, I led countless brainstorming sessions, engaging every team member to define our path forward. But it wasn't enough to simply visualize our future, we needed a roadmap to guide us through the inevitable challenges. So we crafted a comprehensive strategy, outlining clear goals, milestones, and actionable steps to transform our vision into an achievable reality.
Every day, I inspired my team to embrace change by fostering a culture of innovation. I encouraged open communication, where ideas flowed freely, and constructive feedback was embraced. Together, we continuously refined our processes, leveraging technology and market insights to stay ahead of the curve.
What does not exist in the world, but you would like it to?
Imagine a world where time machines are not just the stuff of science fiction, but a reality. Where we could go back in time and relive our happiest memories, or fast forward to see what the future holds. A world where we could undo our mistakes, make better choices, and truly appreciate the value of time.
How do you think AI will impact our industry? Specific jobs, processes etc?
AI is set to transform how we experience hotels, restaurants, and every aspect of the hospitality industry. From personalized customer service to streamlined operations, AI is poised to take guest experiences to a whole new level. Seamless Check-ins, Personalized Recommendations, Smart Room Service, Enhanced Security, Efficient Operations. The hospitality industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and AI is at the forefront of this revolution. Embracing this technology not only enhances guest experiences but also boosts operational efficiency and drives revenue growth.
If someone wanted to engage Revmerito what should they do?
1. Hit that "Follow" button on Linkedin to stay updated on our latest industry insights, thought-provoking content, and exciting announcements.
2. Engage with our posts: Show your support by leaving a like, commenting with your thoughts, or sharing our content with your LinkedIn network.
3. Reach out to us: Have a burning question on how to grow your hotel’s online revenue, a business collaboration opportunity, or simply want to start using our revenue management services? Reach us we are available 24 X 7.
We're always excited to connect with hoteliers who are passionate about their business and eager to collaborate and grow together.
