HBI Staff | Mumbai 
India’s most exclusive hospitality summit HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2024 has commenced at the Taj Cidade De Goa, marking the beginning of a pivotal two-day congregation. HVS ANAROCK HOPE (Hospitality Overview Presentation & Exchange) carries forward the triumphs of the 2023 edition.
Day One commenced with two exclusive sessions. One was ECHO – Exclusive Conclave for Hotel Owners – a special initiative by HVS ANAROCK to provide hotel owners with an unmatched opportunity to network, share best practices, and engage in insightful discussions on the future of hospitality. Second one was EDGE (Excellence Development for Global Executives), a Metaverse masterclass in partnership with New York University, saw all the finalists of the HVS ANAROCK #HASHTAG AWARDS participate.
HOPE 2024’s inaugural session set the tone for the event, followed by the first Leader Speak session featuring Chema Basterrechea, Global President and COO, Radisson Hotel Group, in an enlightening conversation with Mandeep Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK.
The Global Leaders Check-In panel discussion, moderated by Mandeep Lamba, was on the ‘Outlook For 2024 & Navigating Future Trends,’ explored the dynamic changes and strategies pivotal for the industry’s resilience and growth. It featured a high-octane panel including Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham, Hubert Viriot, CEO, YOTEL, Michael Grove, Chief Operating Officer, HotStats, and Rajeev Menon President, Asia Pacific (excl. China), Marriott International.
The session ‘2030 Growth Numbers: How Ready Are We?’ moderated by internationally recognized strategic advisor, diplomat and author Anita Mendiratta, brought together Campbell Wilson (CEO & MD, Air India), KB Kachru (Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group), Rajesh Magow (Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip), and Sumit Anand (Chief Business Officer, Airport Land Development, GMR) to discuss the readiness of the industry for the anticipated growth in travel demand by 2030.
Roma Datta Chobey, Managing Director – Digital First Businesses, Google India, provided invaluable insights into consumer travel trends, emphasizing the role of digital innovation in shaping consumer behaviors and expectations.
The conference also addressed critical investment outlooks and the importance of female leadership in hospitality. Anuj Puri, Chairman & Founder of ANAROCK, moderated a session on Sector Investments & Outlook, with panelists Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SAMHI Hotels; Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group; JB Singh, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels; Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels and S.P. Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, Terminus Group.
Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International, led an insightful discussion on Women Leaders in Hospitality, with panelists Debasree Roy Sarkar, Managing Director, Peerless Hotels; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Kavita Ahuja, Director, Competent Group of Companies; and Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises. The panel shed light on the journeys, trends, challenges, and opportunities for women in the industry.
Sustainable construction in hospitality was another highlight, with Venkataraman Subramanian, Managing Director, Gyproc, Insulation and Mortars businesses, Saint-Gobain India in conversation with Manisha Natarajan, Consulting Editor, Urban Development & Real Estate, NDTV, emphasizing the industry’s move towards light and sustainable construction practices.
The highly interactive Winner Takes it All! session, moderated by Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts with panelists Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director, Louvre Hotels India, Puneet Dhawan, SVP Operations, India & South Asia, Accor; Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels; Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, Concept Hospitality, and Zubin Saxena, SVP & Country Head-India, Hilton.
The day concluded with “Now It Can Be Told: Stories That Inspire!”, an HVS ANAROCK HOPE exclusive, which saw celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor in conversation with journalist, author, columnist, and talk show host Vir Sanghvi, sharing Kapoor’s inspiring journey.
HOPE 2024’s Day One has successfully set a high benchmark for discussions on the future of hospitality, showcasing the industry’s adaptability, innovation, and growth prospects. The event continues to serve as a crucial platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration among global hospitality leaders.
