Rajib Roy Choudhury, a seasoned hotelier with 27 years of experience, has carved a niche for himself with his consultative leadership. Having honed his skills at prestigious properties like the Taj and Radisson in Goa, he brings a wealth of expertise to his current role as Senior General Manager at Vedic Village Spa Resort, Kolkata. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend traditional values with modern hospitality, Roy Choudhury has propelled the resort to new heights. Asmita Mukherjee delves into his insights on leadership and his vision for the future of Vedic Village Spa Resort.
Having worked at esteemed properties like the Taj and Radisson in Goa and several others across India, how have these experiences shaped your approach to leadership and hospitality?
With 27 years of experience in India’s hospitality industry, I’ve had the privilege of working at iconic properties like the Taj and Radisson in Goa and other signature properties across the country. These experiences have profoundly shaped my leadership approach, emphasizing attention to detail, guest satisfaction and team empowerment. I’ve learned to lead by example, foster a culture of innovation and adapt to diverse cultural nuances. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and staying updated on industry trends are also crucial. These lessons have enabled me to deliver exceptional guest experiences, drive team excellence and maintain high standards of hospitality.
What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your 27 year career and how did you overcome them?
One significant challenge was relaunching and repositioning a 2 decade old property into a thriving one. I overcame this by conducting thorough market research, introducing innovative packages and investing in staff training. I also fostered strong relationships with local stakeholders and implemented sustainable practices. By staying agile, embracing innovation and prioritizing guest satisfaction, I successfully turned the property around and achieved significant revenue growth. These experiences have taught me resilience, creative problem solving and the importance of continuous learning.
You’ve received numerous accolades, including the Exemplary Leader Award and recognition from CMO Asia. Which of these achievements are you most proud of and why? How have these awards influenced your career and your approach to hospitality management?
I’m most proud of the Exemplary Leader Award, as it recognizes my commitment to leadership excellence and guest satisfaction. This award stands out because it acknowledges my ability to inspire and empower teams, drive business results and deliver exceptional guest experiences. These accolades have reinforced my passion for hospitality management and encouraged me to continue innovating and striving for excellence. They’ve also increased my credibility and influence within the industry, allowing me to mentor and inspire others. The recognition from CMO Asia has further validated my approach to hospitality management, which focuses on creating memorable experiences and building strong relationships.
Vedic Village Spa Resort has earned several prestigious awards under your leadership. What strategies have you implemented to ensure it remains Eastern India’s premier sustainable resort and all inclusive destination?
Under my leadership, Vedic Village Spa Resort has adopted a holistic approach to sustainability, integrating eco friendly practices, cultural immersion and community engagement. We’ve implemented alternative power, organic gardening and waste reduction programs, minimizing our carbon footprint. Our all inclusive packages showcase local artisans, farmers and performers supporting the local economy. We’ve also introduced wellness programs, yoga and meditation, promoting holistic well being. Regular training and workshops ensure our staff embodies our sustainable ethos. By continuously innovating and engaging with our community, we maintain our position as Eastern India’s premier sustainable resort and all inclusive destination, setting a benchmark for responsible hospitality.
Can you elaborate on how Vedic Village Spa Resort integrates sustainability into it’s operations and why this is important for the future of hospitality?
Vedic Village Spa Resort prioritises sustainability by adopting eco-friendly practices like renewable energy, electric vehicles, organic gardening, and waste reduction. The resort promotes cultural immersion through local artisans, farmers, and performers, supporting the local economy. Wellness programs, including yoga, meditation, and spa treatments, foster holistic well-being. Staff training ensures they embody the resort’s sustainable ethos. Community engagement fosters sustainable tourism and supports local development. By staying updated on industry trends, the resort maintains its leadership in sustainable hospitality. These efforts not only reduce the resort’s environmental impact but also contribute to a more sustainable future for the hospitality industry.
The hospitality industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay ahead of industry trends, and what do you foresee as the next big trend in hospitality?
To stay ahead of industry trends, I attend conferences, engage with industry leaders and monitor market research. I also encourage experimentation and innovation within our team. Based on my insights, I foresee personalised, experiential travel as the next big trend in hospitality. Guests will seek unique, curated experiences tailored to their interests and preferences. Technology will play a key role in enabling this, with AI driven personalised recommendations and immersive storytelling. Sustainable tourism will also continue to grow with guests seeking eco friendly and socially responsible experiences. By embracing these trends, we can continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
What are your future goals for Vedic Village Spa Resort and how do you plan to achieve them?
My future goals for Vedic Village Spa Resort include expanding our wellness programs, introducing sustainable tourism initiatives and enhancing our cultural immersion experiences. To achieve these goals, I plan to:
– Collaborate with our country’s traditional and lost form wellness experts and international wellness experts to develop innovative programs
– Implement eco friendly practices and reduce our carbon footprint
– Partner with local artisans and performers to showcase their talents
– Invest in staff training to enhance guest experiences
– Explore new markets and partnerships to increase brand visibility
By focusing on these areas, I aim to consolidate Vedic Village Spa Resort’s position as a leader in sustainable luxury hospitality and provide unparalleled experiences for our guests.
Asmita.mukherjee@saffronsynergies.in
