‘Continued innovation in F&B space will be our focus area’

With over two decades of experience in operations and business development in the hospitality industry, Suraj Kumar Jha believes in reaching out to the guests and bookers. The General Manager at Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad feels excited to be a part of the property. “As Crowne Plaza Ahmedabad enjoys a strong reputation in the market, our efforts will always be focussed on further enhancing the standards with continued innovative offering in F&B. Strategic positioning reflects the choices made about the value it will create in the mind of our guests,” he says. 

Feeling overwhelmed with the response received post the easing of the restrictions and the steady drop in Covid-19 cases with recent weeks witnessing unexpected hotel occupancy levels, Jha opines that one can get complacent in such a situation. “But we, at Crowne Plaze, are extremely careful about following safety protocols and maintaining IHG Clean promise. With certain new segments, it is absolutely critical to engage with them to retain them and we have seen them returning back to the hotel,” he says.

Safety and cleanliness remain the top priority at the property. “Due to international travel restrictions, certain segments have reduced demand. Incidentally, domestic travel is on the rise and remains the focus area even for the city hotels. Wedding segment has been contributing a significant share. While we have started to see business demand from the corporates, we would continue to have a fine balance between the domestic demand and the corporate bookings,” informs Jha, adding that in the food delivery space, the property has seen tremendous growth besides guests visiting the hotel for dining. “Continued innovations in F&B space will be our focus area,” he says.

INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY 

“It is the key element in today’s business environment, from contactless check-ins to contactless check-outs. The QR code-based dining choice and payment collections have made guest touch points comfortable. The use of technology in our day-to-day operations has been ever-growing. We have been working on several innovative ideas including the keyless entry,” he avers.

MANAGEMENT MANTRAS 

Times may change but with perseverance, positive approach and teamwork, challenging times can be dealt with, feels Jha. “The secret of success is planning and execution with a positive approach. As a leader, I believe in adding personal and business goals in a way which benefits mutually. A happy employee is an asset who reduces efforts by taking responsibilities. So any organisation who takes care of its employees will have them taking care of the vision and mission of the organisation. Good for business. No personal goals,” he puts in.

USP AND FUTURE PLANS

“We’re not just limited to offering comfortable stay, ambience, great food and having friendly staff. We would like to be seen as ‘Great Hotel Guests Love’,” shares Jha. Talking about the future, he says, “We have seen the supplies coming in Ahmedabad market and would like to remain the most preferred hotel in the city.”