‘We will be introducing four new villas by the end of December in Goa’
How did you get your start in hospitality and how did that career lead you to your current position at Taj?
Being a Goan at heart, I had the natural flair to enter the hospitality sector. I started my career as a Management Trainee and joined the IHCL family in 1999 as part of the pre-opening team in Food and Beverage at Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa. It has been over two decades since I joined this wonderful family, grown from a Manager to an Area Director. IHCL has owned the hospitality industry for over a century and I feel privileged to be part of the team that successfully placed Goa on the international tourism map and continues to be leaders in the Indian hospitality business.
Tell us a little about the current scenario of Goa hospitality market and how your hotels are performing?
I am delighted to inform that our hotels have been performing phenomenally well. We are anticipating the following quarters to perform even better. In India, we have the strength of the domestic tourism market. With most of the destinations overseas restricted for travel, it has most certainly boosted the domestic demand for local key markets including Goa, given that we are a matured leisure destination with high-quality hospitality offerings that match international travel standards. Our core focus remains our high service standards and the trust that our guests have in us which reflects in our recent recognition as India's strongest brand. While IHCL has always been a second home to many, we are now being looked at a home away from home (a first home to work away from home).
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa
Can you tell us about the major operational changes in hotels that took place due to the pandemic?
As the world steps into the new normal, the spirit of Tajness stands reinvigorated, driven by the supreme importance it places on the safety and delight of its guests. Our energetic Managing Director, Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, who has driven Taj to achieve the title of ‘India’s Strongest Brand’ has not only kept IHCL afloat during the pandemic but also introduced new product offerings that are adapted to meet the requirements of the current times. Qmin, a repertoire of culinary experiences is one such offering bringing signature dishes from the company’s iconic restaurants at guests’ fingertips. We also launched a luxury collection – Taj Hospitality@Home, offering a host of indulgent and limited-edition products, all unique to Taj, exclusively available on TATA CLiQ Luxury. I-ZEST, as explained, is a suite of digital solutions introduced to ensure social distancing for both, guests and associates, while maintaining secure and seamless services at the hotels. This digital initiative comes on the back of the Company’s latest foray into the food delivery service from its iconic restaurants via Qmin app. Recently, we launched a lifestyle gourmet store concept – Qmin Shop in Mumbai, soon to be launched across key locations in cities such as Delhi and Bengaluru.
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa
Coming off the COVID-19 lockdown, people are eager to book new excursions and make good on postponed vacation plans. How prepared are your hotels to provide the travellers with the new type of hospitality experiences they demand?
For several decades, our resorts have been home to legendary personalities, heads of states, royalty, and several celebrities. The breath-taking views, our opulent hotels and resorts, and our remarkable hospitality have been a personal favourite of our patrons. Travel has never been so sought after and been more exhilarating than it is right now. New experiential concepts have been introduced to meet changing customer demands. The 4D - Dream Drive Discover Delight offers guests the perfect opportunity to drive with families and friends to discover, unwind, and enjoy nature at her most glorious in this beautiful paradise. For those looking to escape the confines of home and maximize work from rejuvenating environs, Bizcations are an ideal choice. Taj Wellness Retreatsallows travellers to embark on a soulful journey to revitalise mind, body and spirit. Thoughtfully designed by Jiva Spa’s wellness experts, these retreats combine holistic healing techniques with serene locations to indulge, nourish and reenergise oneself. In addition, we also have a host of curated experiences within the hotels to enhance the holiday experience.
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Goa
What are your plans for 2021?
We are acquiring many new properties which are in the pipeline. amã Stays & Trails is India’s first branded homestay product, currently we have three properties in Goa and will be further expanding the presence with the introduction of four new villas by the end of December. We are also working towards expanding Ginger in Goa in the coming year. IHCL has the highest inventory in Goa with over 1500 rooms, keeping us ahead of the race with the complete spectrum of brands - Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger and amã Stays & Trails.
Ginger Madgaon
