Honouring Excellence - BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Summit & Awards 2024

For the eighth consecutive year, the BW Hotelier Summit & Awards brought together the brightest minds in the hospitality sector, including industry leaders, investors, and stakeholders. Hosted at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel and Residences on October 21 and 22, 2024, this two-day event showcased over 20 enlightening sessions led by esteemed experts and veterans. These discussions provided a platform for sharing insights on emerging trends and growth opportunities, creating meaningful connections that will shape the future of the industry. Well-known anchor Siddharth Kannan hosted the two-day show.

Day one of the event commenced with introductory remarks and a warm welcome from Bhuvanesh Khanna, CEO of BW Communities, Businessworld. The event was kicked off by the presence of Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. In his welcome address, Khanna said, “We curate themes and topics tailored to the industry’s requirements, positioning ourselves at the forefront of a hospitality revolution that impacts multiple sectors. We love what we do, and that's why we do it.”

Following the CEO's introduction, KB Kachru, Chairman - South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and National Jury Chair for the BW Hotelier Awards 2024, delivered a welcome address, highlighting the remarkable growth of the Indian tourism industry. “In 1947, India contributed just 3 per cent to global tourism, and today, we stand at 7 per cent. This ascent demonstrates the immense potential of our industry,” he noted.

The stage was then graced by the Union Tourism Minister Shekhawat who delivered the keynote address on the impact of Government policies in shaping hospitality development. “Under the current Government, we have made significant economic progress, positioning India as a prime travel destination and a hub for travel and investment. The potential for growth in the tourism and hospitality sector is immense. Recently, while meeting with top delegates from Google, I was amazed to learn that over 29 percent of users have searched for tourism in India.”

The first day’s theme—Investments & Development—focused on positioning India as the preferred global destination for hospitality investment. Notable industry leaders shared valuable insights into the future of Indian hospitality. The morning session included a panel discussion on investment strategies, moderated by Farhat Jamal, featuring contributions from leaders at ITC Hotels, Hilton, and IHG.

In the afternoon, attendees participated in a roundtable led by Jaideep Dang from JLL India, discussing how to capitalise on investment opportunities. Karan Mahesh from CoStar Group highlighted the critical role of data in the industry, presenting key insights. The focus then shifted to building strategic partnerships, with panellists from prominent hotel groups like Oriental Hotels and the DS Group. 

The highlight of the day was the BWH Leadership Keynote by Former Dean at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Illinois, USA, Co-Chair of Academic Council of China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) and Social Security and Aging Finance Institute, Dr Dipak C Jain. “India is going to be the next charming destination. Our differentiation will not come from the number of hotels or rooms. It will come from our ‘software’ - how we serve the people. We need to make sure we serve our people dil se and prem se to earn their trust,” he said.

The second day of IHA-2024 centred around the theme of Operations & Talent Pool, focussing on achieving operational excellence and developing a world-class workforce. The day kicked off with a session on future-proofing hospitality in India, moderated by Rattan Keswani. The discussion then shifted to diversity, inclusion, and women's leadership, emphasising on the importance of fostering inclusive work environments.

The session on operational excellence and skill development featured insights from leaders at Marriott International and The Leela. Afternoon sessions delved into architectural design trends and innovative HR practices, highlighting the essential role of nurturing talent in the industry. The evolving role of technology in enhancing guest experiences was also a key focus, with speakers discussing advancements that are reshaping hospitality. Culinary innovation took centre-stage, as renowned chefs shared their insights on redefining dining experiences in India.

The concluding session, anchored by Trance Hotels and Resorts’ CEO & MD, Veer Vijay Singh, on preserving heritage properties emphasised the balance between tradition and modernity in hospitality. Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Ji Mewar of Udaipur, the session's speaker, remarked, “Hospitality is in our DNA. It’s not something that is taught, but rather passed down through generations. We take immense pride in celebrating Indian hospitality, especially as organisations begin to redefine it in the face of international standards.”

The event ended with the 8th BW Hotelier Indian Hospitality Awards, celebrating excellence in the industry. The awards ceremony, attended by Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Brajesh Pathak, recognised the outstanding contributions of top hospitality brands and professionals. In his speech, Pathak stated, “India has made significant strides across various fields on a global scale. In the hospitality industry, we have kept pace with the world, achieving unprecedented progress. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India's tourism is rapidly advancing. While many nations considered themselves developed in tourism, India has emerged as a formidable player. Our remarkable achievements on the international stage are a testament to the excellence of Indian hospitality services.”

Over 80 hospitality professionals from various sectors of the industry were honoured, including Dr Jyotsna Suri, who received the Hall of Fame Award for 2024 as Chairperson and Managing Director of The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, and Aman Nath was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions as Founder and Chairman of The Neemrana Hotels. 

The winners of these awards were finalised through a jury process. The jury was assisted in its process by IHA-2024 by Knowledge Partner, Indian School of Hospitality.

The event concluded with a grand gala dinner, celebrating the achievements of the industry and wrapping up the festivities on a high note.

Overall, the IHA-2024 provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and strategic insights, positioning the hospitality sector for future growth.