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18 INTERVIEW HOSPITALITY BIZ SEPTEMBER, 2024
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introduced dispensers for toiletries to reduce marketing teams. Regular audits—both online catering to diverse dietary needs with vegan
waste. These initiatives have significantly and on-site—help us spot and rectify any and sugar-free options. For example, India has
reduced our environmental footprint and issues, whether they pertain to service, the the world’s largest diabetic population, and
improved cost efficiency. physical state of the hotel, or food quality. The we’re mindful of that by providing desserts that
goal is to maintain high standards, which in are both delicious and suitable for diabetics.
Q What is the pipeline for new hotel turn sustains the property’s reputation and It’s about offering variety and staying ahead of
trends while meeting customer expectations.
openings?
business.
We are looking to add 25-30 hotels within the
next year, including both new projects and Q What trends do you see emerging in the Q What is the balance between room
conversions. We’ve already added 25 hotels hospitality industry in India? revenue and food and beverage sales in
over the last year, and we expect a similar pace Several trends will continue to shape the your hotels?
of growth moving forward. Additionally, we are industry. We’re seeing a rise in luxury The food and beverage segment contributes
in discussions for around five conversions in properties in unconventional locations like significantly, typically around 30-35% of total
the coming year. hill stations. Instead of international travel, sales. We’re not just a bed-and-breakfast brand;
people are opting for high-end experiences our hotels offer multiple dining options, events,
Q How do you view the competition within the country. These properties aren’t and more, which add substantial value to the
just about providing a room and food—they
guest experience and drive revenue.
in the hospitality segment with
the increasing number of domestic and are full-fledged destinations with multiple
international players? amenities, from spas to specialized treatments Q Staffing is a major concern in the
While competition is certainly intensifying, like weight loss or diabetes management. industry. How does Royal Orchid
a strong market minimizes its impact. For Boutique properties offering personalized Hotels manage the challenges of finding
instance, new hotels often generate additional experiences, such as butler services, are also quality manpower?
traffic and interest in the area. India’s growth on the rise. The homestay market, which has We recognised this challenge early on and
story is robust, with increased global attention grown significantly with platforms like Airbnb, established the Institute of Hotel Management
on our tourism and business sectors. The is adding competition. However, hotels provide in Bangalore in 1994, which still operates
government’s initiatives, like “Make in a distinct experience with diverse food and today. It’s become a training hub not just
India,” have fostered a positive environment entertainment options that many guests still for new recruits but also for current staff.
for growth. As long as the overall economy prefer. Additionally, technology is playing a Training is a combination of online modules
remains healthy, competition should not be a significant role. We’re exploring AI, ML, and and in-person sessions, making it efficient.
major concern. the Metaverse to enhance guest experiences. We emphasise multi-skilling; for example, a
housekeeping employee may be trained to
Q How does Royal Orchid Hotels Q Food and dining are vital parts of handle front office duties. This approach helped
hospitality. How does your group
us manage workforce shortages during the
maintain quality and manage owner
relations across your properties? approach the food and beverage segment? pandemic.
We understand the importance of aligning Our origins trace back to the iconic Balji’s Moreover, we are developing our own
with the owner’s requirements. We actively restaurant in Simla, which had a 70-year management talent through a structured
work with them to create realistic budgets and run. This legacy makes food an essential part development program. This is crucial,
set clear expectations. We consider ourselves of our hotels, even if it’s just one restaurant especially as we plan to open 25-30 new
custodians of these properties, ensuring that in a smaller property. The tastes of younger properties. It’s important to promote from
they are well-maintained and not neglected. generations are shifting— they prefer pizzas, within because these individuals understand
Every month, we conduct a review of all dim sum, and pastas over traditional Indian our culture and standards. n
properties to identify underperforming areas, dishes like dal makhani or butter chicken. sumit.jha@saffronsynergies.in
which are then addressed with our sales and We adapt by offering fresh, trendy dishes and asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in

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