‘I leverage my extensive experience in creating new heroes’

Designed for new-age travellers, the brand Welcomhotels was conceptualised to cater to the requirements of guests looking at an immersive experience, be it for business or leisure. With presence in locations ranging from the hills to the cities to the beaches, the brand offers a perfect blend of warm hospitality, local aesthetics and contemporary facilities. Heading this quintessential brand by ITC Hotels is Andrew Saldanha, Area Manager of Welcomhotel (North) and General Manager, Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi. An exceptional leader, Saldanha has positioned several hotels of different brands as successful operating properties across the country and internationally too. Welcomhotels is a collection of premium hotels designed for those who demand more and seek bespoke experiences to make the most out of their stay, optimising their travel intent, he says, adding, “It is one of India’s most popular and fast-paced hospitality brands which aims to continue on its expansion spree,” he says.

By attaining a remarkable growth curve across nine properties including Welcomhotel Katra, Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail, Welcomhotel Shimla, Welcomhotel Amritsar, Welcomhotel Pine N Peak Pahalgam, Welcomhotel The Savoy Mussoorie, Welcomhotel Bella Vista Chandigarh, Welcomhotel Dwarka New Delhi and Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi, the brand, under the leadership of Saldanha, aims to maximise the efficiency of business and leisure stays.

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Amritsar

Saldanha shares the brand’s collaborative strength brings exclusive hospitality experiences, reinforcing Welcomhotels’ footprint across key destinations of the country. As a leader, he believes that the culture a person nurtures in an organisation has a huge impact that runs through the teams. “When it comes to leadership style, I see myself as a coach who empowers his team members so that they contribute to their fullest potential. Communication is the key and involvement of stakeholders from across functions fosters mutual understanding. I leverage my extensive experience in creating new heroes, attaining operational perfections via problem solving as well as getting tangible results,” says Saldanha.

He also holds the position as the General Manager of Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi (WSND). The hotel is an ideal preference for a business trip or a holiday in the National Capital. “It is an oasis of tranquility in the bustling business and financial district of South Delhi and is an easy 35-minute drive from the domestic and international airports. It offers our discerning guests an unforgettable experience,” he puts in. 

Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Shimla

A gourmet’s heaven, WSND offers myriad tastes with Dakshin, Yi Jing and Delhi Pavilion. Among the five star business hotels of Delhi, Sheraton New Delhi offers the perfect catchment area for social engagements. The luxurious well-appointed rooms which are elegantly designed display the warmth of Indian hospitality with contemporary conveniences for dignitaries and luminaries, national and international.

TRENDS AND OPERATIONS

Speaking about catering to market needs, Saldanha says that Welcomhotel’s every effort is made to add value to the new-age traveller. With the rise in citycations or staycations and workcations, the hotel chain witnessed a growing demand with guests checking-in to just unwind with friends and families while fulfilling their work commitments. “Pet-cations are also getting popular as friends and families like to holiday with their pets. Designated spaces allow pets to partake of the vacation,” he adds.

Mayfair Suite at Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail

The hotels work on common objectives with owners to drive profitability and growth, through the delivery revenue via enhanced customer acquisition and retention. “This requires the establishment of operating procedures and streamlined operations across properties,” avers Saldanha.

FESTIVE AND WEDDING SEASON PREPS

Dreamy destination weddings are continuously growing momentum in the country as it not only assures a safer and hygienic environment but provides an opportunity for the guests to relax together and bond over the shared experiences and wedding rituals. These unique experiences have attracted couples to conduct destination wedding. Saldanha shares that more and more couples are opting for destination weddings seeking elaborate customised experiences. 

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Katra

“People are choosing Welcomhotels due to the unique experiences each destination provides. From pre-wedding functions to grand wedding and post-wedding celebrations, our hotels offer awe-inspiring venues,” says he, adding they ensure a perfect sync between the planning and execution to curate the finest wedding experience. For instance, Welcomhotel Sheraton New Delhi has a dedicated entry for banqueting functions. Moreover, we leverage ITC Hotels brand legacy and rich culinary expertise ensuring wedding arrangements match our guests high expectations,” he adds.

ROAD AHEAD

Optimistic about further upsurge in the number of properties under brand Welcomhotels, Saldanha informs us that it leverages the strong distribution networks and brand legacy to benefit its partners. “We have plans to add multiple hotels in certain states,” he says in conclusion.