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It was the period of the pandemic that Davinder Juj considers to be the most defining one of his two decade-plus hospitality career. The General Manager of Eros Hotel New Delhi shares that despite the numerous challenges then, Eros Hotel ensured no staff member was laid off. “It showcased our commitment to the team. We also reinforced the importance of resilience and adaptability in leadership,” says Juj whose journey with the hotel kicked off in 2015 when he was appointed as the Executive Assistant Manager. Since 2018, he has been at the helm of affairs as the General Manager of the property nestled in the heart of New Delhi.
Over the years, Juj has worked with several notable brands including InterContinental, Hilton and Hyatt, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of the industry. Prior to his current role, Juj was the Director of Sales and Marketing (DoSM) with a cluster of IHG Hotels in New Delhi, where he honed his skills in strategic planning and market positioning.
Balancing sustainability and luxury
One of the hallmarks of Eros Hotel under Juj’s leadership has been its commitment to sustainability without compromising on luxury. The hotel has seamlessly integrated eco-friendly practices into its operations. On the same, he says, “At Eros Hotel New Delhi, we balance sustainability with luxury by seamlessly integrating eco-friendly practices into our guest experience without compromising comfort or quality.”
To reduce carbon footprint, the hotel has installed energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems throughout the hotel. “Our commitment to water conservation is demonstrated through water-saving fixtures and rainwater harvesting systems, ensuring responsible water use. In terms of waste management, we have implemented a recycling programme and compost organic waste to minimise landfill contributions. The restaurants at the hotel prioritise sustainable sourcing by using locally sourced and organic ingredients, thereby reducing transportation emissions and supporting local farmers. Additionally, we maintain lush gardens and green areas, which not only enhance the environment but provide guests with serene natural spaces,” Juj explains about several specific initiatives to reduce its environmental footprint. “These initiatives reflect our commitment to sustainability while maintaining the high standards of luxury our guests expect,” Juj exclaims.
Technological advancements
Talking about technological advancements, Juj emphasises on a traditional guest-centric approach, leveraging human touch over technology. “Our primary focus is ensuring a glitch-free, exceptional stay for every guest. Our team continuously receives training to anticipate and meet the unique needs of each guest, ensuring a bespoke experience that leverages human touch over technology”. However, Juj remains open to the potential of AI advancements that could offer a more seamless and personalised experience for guests.
Wellness factor
Talking about the importance of wellness in the hospitality industry, Juj explains, “Wellness has become a cornerstone of today’s hospitality industry as more guests seek holistic experiences that rejuvenate body and mind.” In addition, the hotel offers a range of wellness amenities designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. “We cater to these evolving preferences by offering a range of wellness amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, luxurious spa treatments, yoga sessions and healthy dining options. Our commitment to wellness ensures guests enjoy a holistic and restorative experience during their stay,” he details.
Culinary excellence
Eros Hotel’s culinary offerings are a testament to its commitment to excellence and innovation. “We continuously embrace culinary trends to ensure our guests enjoy exceptional and contemporary dining experiences,” says Juj, adding, “We achieve this by incorporating seasonal ingredients, experimenting with global flavours and offering innovative dishes that cater to diverse palates. " he adds.
Sharing insights about customer satisfaction, Juj says, “We actively seek guest feedback and use it to refine our menus, ensuring that our culinary offerings align with our guests’ evolving tastes and preferences.”
Modern-day luxury
In the context of modern-day hospitality, luxury is a seamless blend of opulence, personalised service, and innovative experiences. Eros Hotel exemplifies this definition through meticulous attention to details. Adding on to the same, Juj shares, “Our team is dedicated and committed to anticipating and exceeding our guests’ requirements, ensuring every stay is memorable and exceeds expectations.”
Looking ahead, Juj anticipates several key trends in the luxury hospitality industry, including focus on sustainability, wellness and personalised experiences. Eros Hotel is not only preparing to follow these trends but is positioning itself as a leader in these areas, he says. “We anticipate trends in the luxury hospitality industry that will centre on sustainability, wellness and personalised experiences,” he avers.
Adding on to following the trends, Juj says, “We are implementing eco-friendly initiatives, enhancing our wellness amenities and using data to offer personalised services. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our energy efficient systems and locally sourced restaurant ingredients. We are expanding our wellness offerings to include holistic experiences that cater to the mind, body and spirit. By proactively embracing these trends, the hotel is committed to providing exceptional and forward-thinking luxury experiences for our guests.”
Future aspirations
Beyond his current role, Juj aspires to contribute more broadly to the hospitality industry. “I intend on exploring new challenges that will allow me to contribute to the broader hospitality industry, spearheading innovative projects that drive sustainable practices and transformative guest experiences. I look forward to collaborating with the fraternity and hospitality associations to promote responsible tourism, which includes supporting local communities, reducing our environmental footprint, and preserving cultural heritage,” he concludes.
