Leading with passion and purpose

Success lies in simplicity and in staying humble. These simple yet impactful words have been the guiding force for Amit Kumar who leads India’s first LEED Platinum-certified resort, ITC Grand Goa as its General Manager. This is a journey he brands as one of the most exciting ones for him. As the iconic resort and spa property in Goa is on the cusp of celebrating its fifth anniversary in October this year, Kumar proudly says, “That’s over 1,825 days of experiences created for our guests, a journey that traversed through various seasons. What kept all of us going was the team spirit and unified goal of ‘happy guests’.”

Ensuring unparalleled experiences

According to Kumar, luxury hospitality has moved from just creating experiences to transformation. “Transformation will come from exclusivity, personalisation, timelessness and distinctiveness. Hotels are a crafted immersion, created by associates who love what they do. That’s why we need to first ensure ‘happy associates’ to make ‘happy guests’,” he opines.

On this vision of luxury hospitality, the resort offers an array of unique features and amenities that distinguish it from other luxury hotels in the region. With direct access to the pristine Arossim Beach, guests can indulge in the serenity of the coastline while enjoying a range of beach-based activities. “With 246 rooms including 21 suites, the resort’s architecture draws inspiration from the Indo-Portuguese vintage and blends classical elegance with a distinctive regional allure that is infused in its service, cuisine, rituals and more,” says Kumar, adding some of the key USPs of the hotel are the direct access to Arossim Beach, vast and flexible event spaces, the Lap Pool Suite with a private lap pool and a club meant for children.

“ITC Grand Goa is not just a property but one of India’s finest destination resorts that pays an ode to the culture and tradition of this vibrant state, in keeping with our responsible luxury philosophy. We are humbled to showcase this legacy through our spaces, be it the art and architecture, layout and design and food and beverage offerings or recreation,” shares the GM. He says ITC Hotels has a concept of ‘Local Love’ which aims to showcase all things local to the patrons, adding, “We have a dedicated Goan specialty restaurant – Tempero headed by a designated Goan Chef serving traditional home-style and coastal recipes. We also organise a host of recreational activities for our guests incorporating local experiences such as joy of fishing, exploring the Goan heritage and discovering fascinating tales of the region’s culinary history.”

Adding to the delight of guests at ITC Grand Goa are another five distinctive restaurants and bars offer a diverse range of cuisine. Pavilion At The Village Square provides round-the-clock dining and breakfasts in a warm and friendly atmosphere, while Kebabs & Kurries presents a selection of heritage Indian cuisine, including delectable kebabs and curries. The Royal Afghan Seaside Barbeque & Grill, set against the backdrop of the sea, tantalises the taste buds with its charcoal-grilled North-West Frontier cuisine. Farol, a magnificent two-floor bar reminiscent of a towering lighthouse, offers inventive beverages and finger food, all while overlooking the pool and the sea. Additionally, Ottimo Cucina Italiana recreates the ambiance of a traditional Italian kitchen, serving an array of antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and artisanal pastas.

While providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, ITC Grand Goa places paramount importance on the safety and security of its guests. The resort adheres to all necessary processes and procedures, including 24-hour front desk staff, CCTV cameras, security personnel, key-card access systems and secure entrances and exits, shares Kumar who believes in driving the team with passion, discovering and empowering untapped talents within the team as well as providing them with opportunities to shine.

Leading from the front

When the objective of a GM is to elevate the performance at the property under his charge, the results are sure to be delivered. Kumar, with his leadership style focussed on excellence, motivates the team to deliver their best. By providing a safe, positive and supportive work environment, he empowers associates to grow within the company, fostering their personal and professional development. This commitment to the team reflects in the exceptional service delivered by every staff member at ITC Grand Goa. “It makes me happy to see my associates take on bigger roles and responsibilities and drive the brand’s success with their work,” he smiles.

As a General Manager, Kumar’s responsibilities go beyond day-to-day operations. Shaping the hotel’s performance for the future by enhancing innovative thinking, challenging the status quo and refusing to settle for subpar performance are all part and parcel of his work. Hence, to Kumar, leading from the front is crucial in guiding the team, making this his preferred style of leadership.

What do young professionals need to keep in mind to make it big? According to Kumar, “Focussing on enhancing the level of curiosity and passion takes an individual further ahead in the journey of success.” He shares that an urge to learn adds more value than mere intelligence. “Most importantly, understanding your guests and their preferences is of utmost importance. This is one aspect that every hotelier should swear by,” he avers.