Exclusive Interview | Anurag Mathur, General Manager,Sayaji Raipur
/Patience and an open mind to learn combined with hard work would definitely make a successful hotelier-Anurag Mathur
Read MorePatience and an open mind to learn combined with hard work would definitely make a successful hotelier-Anurag Mathur
Read MoreDream big, embrace every opportunity & never have mind blocks, and do not shy out from making mistakes and learning-Pavan Manikonda
Read MoreTo succeed in this industry First you should have Customer Friendly Approach-Chandra Verma
Read MoreClear goals & Consistency is the key to success-Luisa Lalli
Read MoreYou need to see Hospitality as a lifestyle and not as a 9 to 5 job to Succeed in the industry.-Magdalena Martorell
Read More“The hotel industry is an industry that requires one’s complete focus on a goal along with dedication and commitment to achieve it.”
Editor: Tell us about your journey. How did it all start?
Since childhood, I was inspired and fascinated by one of my elder family members who were a part of the hospitality industry. I began my career with a humble position at the Mann Singh Group of Hotels. Thereafter, worked with great determination and skills and honed my abilities over the decade to ensure working with some of the renowned hotels such as the HRH Group of Hotels, Udaipur, Gorbandh Palace, Jaisalmer. Before joining the Lohagarh Fort and Resort, I was working with the imminently famed Jaibagh Palace.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
The hotel industry is an industry that requires one’s complete focus on a goal along with dedication and commitment to achieve it. Further, it’s important to have a sound knowledge of the industry and build upon your skillset to be able to mold yourself in any kind of situation.
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring? If someone wants to work with you, what should they do?
For me, a key attribute that I look for while selecting the perfect candidate for the position is his/her track record, stability, work Experience, and Knowledge of the industry. We are in a service industry that requires an amalgamation of passion and patience to serve others. Hence, his/her behavior and need towards another human also play a key role.
Editor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
My advice to young hoteliers would be to give their whole dedication, commitment, and loyalty to achieve the best results for their future.
Editor: What would you say to young professionals who want to become General Managers in 5 or 10 years?
My suggestion to the young hoteliers would be to work hard towards their goal while keeping patience for the right opportunity. It is extremely important to focus on improving their skill set and build a good connection and network with the professionals. It is essential to showcase their commitment towards work while keeping delivering the best possible results expected from them with every opportunity.
Editor: What is your favorite interview question and why?
My favorite interview question is ‘Why should we select you’. It reflects the confidence that a candidate has in him/her.
Editor: What can we expect from Lohagarh Fort & Resort in the coming months?
We are coming up with expansions in the property especially with respect to more rooms and banquets. We are working towards making the resort among the best resort in destination weddings in the coming months.
We envision Grand Mercure Mysore as a place where people come to relax, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Mysore’s culture.
My global experience managing luxury hotels has significantly influenced my management style. Working in diverse environments has taught me to adapt to various cultures and address unique operational challenges, which is particularly valuable at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO with its diverse guest demographic.
In the coming months, you can expect us to continue leveraging technology and automation to enhance guest experiences at DoubleTree by Hilton Varanasi. We are working on integrating advanced data analytics to personalize guest interactions further and enhance operational efficiency.
We recycle food waste into compost, use glass instead of plastic for water, and harness solar energy with 1,443 panels generating 2,000 KWH daily. Our reforestation efforts aim to convert open scrub into dense forest cover, while community programs empower local women in sustainable farming. Embracing an earth-to-table approach, we also grow organic produce.
For those aspiring to become hotel General Managers, my foremost advice is to never lose sight of the path you've traveled to reach this position. The journey from the ground level, starting at an entry position, holds immense significance. It's crucial not to forget your humble beginnings, as this keeps you rooted and grounded amidst growth.
Hotels unlike other Industries require service to come from within or Heart as I would like to say. Either you have it in you or you don’t.
My advice to someone aspiring to be a Hotel General Manager is to cultivate a diverse skill set, continuously seek learning opportunities, develop strong leadership abilities, prioritize guest satisfaction, and always lead by example with integrity and passion for the industry.
We are continuously evolving to meet the changing needs and preferences of our guests, leveraging technology and innovation to enhance the guest experience. Our focus on sustainability and community engagement is also a key part of our future vision.
It requires a combination of both education and hands-on work experience in the hospitality industry. Where you learn and face new challenges every day! So be ready to face and grace whatever comes to you with an absolutely positive attitude.-Kunal Onkar
Read Morecommitment towards work, enthusiasm for jobs, and willingness to learn and unlearn things will definitely lead you to success-Gopinath Gopalan
Read MoreSimply stand out in everything you do, no matter how simple and small it is.-Maria Abu Eid
Read MoreOur core values of Innovation, Collaboration, Transparency, Ownership, and Service from the Heart at every touchpoint are the success mantra for any business.
Read MoreEditor: What is your favourite interview question and why do you ask it?
It would have to be......."Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years"?
The answer to this question shows intent of the candidate, gives perspective of his or her vision.
Read MoreEditor: What advice would you give to a young, aspiring hotelier for their internship?
It’s imperative to have the ability to adapt to the ever-changing times in this industry. Adaptability teamed with creativity and the desire to learn will be the top influencers for success.
Read MoreCommunication, willingness to learn and grasp knowledge, staying focussed in career and service-centric. Our objective is to hire the right fit who is positive and has the right temperament, and we will groom as future leaders for the industry.
Read MoreI always look for people who are passionate, bold, and fierce at work. Apart from soft skills and knowledge, I always prefer to hire staff with the right attitude. We can always train their skills but can't transform one's mindset or attitude.
Read MoreFor me, the most important attribute while hiring is the passion that the individual has towards hospitality and service, his commitment, and most important his attitude.
Read MoreDemonstrating leadership in difficult times takes an additional measure of tolerance and empathy. It means working more diligently to rally the team, find the lessons you can discover through hardship, and commemorate your victories. It’s a time to lean into sharing your purpose and vision even more
Read MoreDon’t just take pictures of your food for Instagram - eat your dish and thoroughly enjoy it before it goes cold! Many people seem obsessed with what others can see on their social media pages at the expense of their actual holiday experience.
Read MoreI believe the hospitality workforce has worked as front line workers during such unprecedented times. It is extremely important that they receive due recognition and appreciation. The hospitality professionals work extremely hard throughout the year including the festivals and holiday seasons to curate memorable experiences for the guests. Now, it is the time where the fraternity and consumers must support the sector.
Read MorePeople still consider the hospitality industry inferior to others or some reasons unknown and this should definitely change.
Read MoreSound knowledge, market intelligence, and aligning to demand are critical to success in any industry, more so in hotels. Another very important aspect that is paramount here is Genuine Service Orientation and a Positive Attitude.
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