The HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2024 event stands as a defining moment for the global hospitality sector, showcasing resilience and innovation.
Held in the serene setting of Taj Cidade De Goa, this gathering on February 15 and 16, 2024, symbolised a collaborative effort to shape the industry’s future.
An acronym for Hospitality Overview Presentation & Exchange, HOPE 2024 served as a crucial juncture for leaders and professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, experiences, and strategies.
In an exclusive with Today’s Traveller, Mandeep Singh Lamba, President & CEO of HVS mentioned, ” Indeed, HVS ANAROCK HOPE 2024 is perfectly aligned with the current trends. We are meticulously planning a series of engaging formats – from insightful one-on-one conversations and panel discussions to impactful keynote speeches and detailed presentations. These sessions are designed not only to dissect and understand the evolving trends within the travel and hospitality industries but also to provide participants with practical strategies and insights. This will enable them to tailor their business strategies effectively for 2024.”
A Platform for Exchange and Vision
HOPE 2024 brought together over 450 delegates, including top leaders from domestic and international hotel chains, asset owners, investors, and travel industry leaders. Over two days, the conference at HOPE 2024 featured more than 80 prominent speakers from the global and Indian hospitality, travel, and food & beverage sectors, as well as economists, private equity & banking professionals, architects, technology experts, start-up leaders, innovators, and famous travel writers.
Thus, HOPE 2024 epitomized the essence of a global dialogue, embodying the spirit of Hospitality Overview Presentation & Exchange. This platform was meticulously designed to foster comprehensive discussions, facilitate exchanges, and envision the future trajectory of the hospitality sector.
Drawing participants from various corners of the world, including stalwarts, innovators, and thought leaders, HOPE 2024 highlighted the industry’s collective ambition and commitment to excellence. The diversity of attendees at HOPE 2024 enriched the dialogue, ensuring a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing hospitality today.
Kickstarting the Dialogue
The anticipation that marked the HOPE 2024 opening set the stage for a high-calibre exchange of ideas. The inaugural sessions, ECHO and EDGE, were strategically curated to encourage networking and insightful dialogue among hotel owners and global executives. ECHO offered a unique networking platform for hotel owners, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Meanwhile, the EDGE session, a pioneering Metaverse masterclass conducted in partnership with New York University, projected a forward-looking perspective on the hospitality industry, signalling the sector’s readiness to embrace future technologies.
Setting the Stage: HOPE 2024 Inaugural Sessions
HOPE 2024 commenced with an inaugural session that immediately set an anticipatory tone for the rest of the event. An enlightening LeaderSpeak session featuring Chema Basterrechea, Global President and COO of Radisson Hotel Group, in a candid conversation with Mandeep Lamba, President & CEO of HVS ANAROCK took place in an interesting setting. This opening discourse laid the groundwork for a series of dynamic and insightful discussions.
Chema Basterrechea, Global President and COO of Radisson Hotel Group reflected on a time rich with experiences, emphasizing the expansive portfolio of 165 properties (both operational and in the pipeline) under the Radisson banner, yet pointing out the boundless opportunities still ahead. Basterrechea highlighted his participation at HOPE 2024, marking another notable milestone in Radisson Hotel Group’s ongoing journey.
Navigating Future Trends: Global Leaders Check-In
A pivotal moment of the day was the ‘Global Leaders Check-In’ panel discussion, adeptly moderated by Mandeep Lamba. The ‘Global Leaders Check-In’ panel explored strategies for growth and resilience amidst the sector’s dynamic changes. Centering on the ‘Outlook For 2024 & Navigating Future Trends,’ this discussion delved into the essential changes and strategies necessary for the industry’s resilience and growth.
The panel boasted a remarkable lineup of industry leaders, including Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham, Hubert Viriot, CEO, YOTEL, Michael Grove, Chief Operating Officer, HotStats, and Rajeev Menon President, Asia Pacific (excl. China), Marriott International, each bringing their unique perspective to the table.
Rajeev Menon, President – Asia Pacific (excluding China) for Marriott International, underscored the company’s stellar achievements in 2023, which were characterized by unprecedented growth and a series of successful signings across the Asia Pacific region. Amid a backdrop of continuous travel demand, Menon emphasized Marriott International’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region while fostering stronger connections with guests, developers, owners, franchisees, and partners alike. He also highlighted the significant role of strategic partnerships, especially the Marriott Bonvoy travel program, in elevating the overall experience for Marriott International’s clientele.
He added, “2023 has positioned us as a thriving and desirable region in the global landscape. I am excited about our momentum as we focus on being where our customers want us to be and connecting people through the power of travel.”
Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton, noted the vibrant atmosphere and the meaningful discussions with owners, developers, and industry experts, which underscored the robust growth and potential within India’s hospitality sector. Watts mentioned that HOPE 2024 offered a clear indication that the hospitality industry in India is not only booming but also positioned for an impressive year ahead. Accompanied by his colleagues Clarence Tan and Zubin Saxena, Watts discussed Hilton’s strategic ambitions to capitalize on significant opportunities in the dynamic Indian market. The trio focused on Hilton’s efforts to enhance its brand presence, extend its reach to more Indian consumers, and achieve substantial growth in market share.
Dimitris Manikis, President of EMEA at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “HOPE 2024 solidly reaffirms the strength, dynamism, and potential of the Indian hospitality sector. The industry leaders who convened in Goa are unanimously optimistic about what lies ahead. Our discussions highlight a collective eagerness to contribute to the remarkable narrative of India’s hospitality landscape.”
Anticipating Growth: The 2030 Vision
The ‘2030 Growth Numbers: How Ready Are We?’ session, moderated by diplomat and author, Anita Mendiratta, explored the industry’s preparedness for expected travel demand increases by 2030.
Anita Mendiratta, brought together esteemed panelists – Campbell Wilson (CEO & MD, Air India), KB Kachru (Chairman Emeritus & Principal Advisor South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group), Rajesh Magow (Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip), and Sumit Anand (Chief Business Officer, Airport Land Development, GMR) and engaged in a forward-looking discussion, highlighting the sector’s growth potential and readiness strategies.
Diverse Panels and Insightful Discussions
HOPE 2024 was characterized by its wide-ranging panels and discussions, which tackled the most pressing topics within the hospitality industry. The ‘2030 Growth Numbers: How Ready Are We?’ session examined the industry’s preparedness for anticipated travel demand increases. Roma Datta Chobey of Google India provided a deep dive into consumer travel trends, emphasizing digital innovation’s critical role in shaping consumer behaviours and expectations. This session underscored the importance of embracing technology to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving hospitality landscape. These sessions offered a comprehensive overview of the industry’s current state and its future direction.
Investing in the Future: Sector Investments & Outlook
Anuj Puri, Chairman & Founder of ANAROCK, led a significant session on Sector Investments & Outlook, which brought to light the various investment opportunities and outlooks within the hospitality sector. Panellists Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, SAMHI Hotels; Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group; JB Singh, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels; Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels and S.P. Reddy, Chairman & Managing Director, Terminus Group shared their invaluable insights, painting a comprehensive picture of the investment climate.
Championing Female Leadership
The conference delved into several key themes, including investment outlooks, the significance of female leadership, and sustainable construction practices within hospitality. AT HOPE 2024 these discussions not only illuminated the current landscape’s complexities but also charted a path toward a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future. The emphasis on female leadership and sustainable practices reflected a broader industry shift towards diversity and sustainability, aligning with global trends and consumer expectations.
The ‘Women Leaders in Hospitality’ session was a focal point of HOPE 2024, spotlighting the achievements and challenges faced by female executives in the sector. Led by Ranju Alex, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International this panel provided a platform for distinguished leaders to share their experiences, offering valuable insights and inspiration.
Ranju Alex moderated a crucial discussion on Women Leaders in Hospitality, providing a platform for strong voices like Debasree Roy Sarkar, Managing Director, Peerless Hotels; Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group; Kavita Ahuja, Director, Competent Group of Companies; and Nirupa Shankar, Joint Managing Director, Brigade Enterprises. This panel amidst humorous observations and quips illuminated the journeys, trends, challenges, and opportunities for women in the industry. The discussion underscored the importance of diversity in leadership roles and the unique perspectives women bring to the hospitality industry.
Ranju Alex, Area Vice-President of South Asia at Marriott International, shared her perspective, highlighting, “This year, the path to success is paved with resilient leadership, particularly through the adoption of trends such as sustainability efforts, wellness integration, and the embrace of experiential travel. Marriott is proud to celebrate diversity in all its forms, mirroring our commitment to fostering a more inclusive and progressive future for the hospitality industry.”
Embracing Sustainability
Sustainability took centre stage in the ‘Sustainable Construction in Hospitality’ segment at HOPE 2024 with a focus on eco-friendly construction practices. This session, featured Venkataraman Subramanian, Managing Director, Gyproc, Insulation and Mortars businesses, Saint-Gobain India engaging in a conversation with Manisha Natarajan. This discussion emphasized the shift towards lighter and more sustainable construction practices, reflecting the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It showcased innovative construction methods and materials that promise to reduce the environmental footprint of hospitality ventures, emphasizing the sector’s commitment to sustainable development.
Interactive and Inspirational Sessions
The day was highlighted with the highly interactive ‘Winner Takes it All!’ session, moderated by Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts with panellists Ajay K. Bakaya, Managing Director, Sarovar Hotels & Resorts and Director, Louvre Hotels India, Puneet Dhawan, SVP Operations, India & South Asia, Accor; Sanjay Sethi, MD & CEO, Chalet Hotels; Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG, Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, Concept Hospitality, and Zubin Saxena, SVP & Country Head-India, Hilton.
Zubin Saxena, Senior Vice-President and Country Head for India at Hilton shared his thoughts: “The conference was a valuable opportunity for us at Hilton. We were thrilled to have Alan Watts, Hilton’s Asia Pacific President, and Clarence Tan, SVP of Development at Hilton, contribute to panel discussions. These sessions shed light on demand growth, infrastructure opportunities, and development trends, all set against the promising outlook for the Indian hospitality industry this fiscal year. Additionally, the conference coincided with an exciting time for Hilton India as we made significant commercial announcements, including our Global Partnership with the celebrated actress Deepika Padukone for the ‘Hilton. For The Stay’ Campaign in India.”
Now It Can Be Told: Stories That Inspire
An exclusive ‘Now It Can Be Told: Stories That Inspire!’ session featuring celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Sharing his journey and challenges, Kapoor, alongside columnist, and talk show host, Vir Sanghvi, provided a motivational touch to HOPE 2024. This session not only celebrated individual achievement within the hospitality industry but also served as a powerful reminder of the perseverance and passion that underpin success in this field. Providing insights into the success stories within the hospitality industry it also served as a source of motivation and inspiration for attendees.
Opening Insights from WTTC’s Leadership
Liz Ortiguera, Managing Director of Asia-Pacific and Senior Advisor to the CEO, of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), initiated the HOPE 2024 with a keynote address, underscoring the council’s strategic vision and initiatives aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of global travel and tourism.
Liz Ortiguera shared, ” The energy around India’s travel scene is palpable, fuelled by the explosive growth in domestic travel and an optimistic outlook for what lies ahead. I was happy to present our 10-year Economic Impact forecast for India, alongside highlighting some compelling trends. Furthermore, I discussed the extensive resources WTTC offers (available to both members and non-members) aimed at bolstering industry growth, particularly through sustainable means.”
She emphasised the significance of adopting responsible travel practices, noting that with the expansion of the travel sector comes a greater responsibility. She commended “the strides toward responsible luxury and outstanding service made by our members, including Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), and our latest member, ITC Hotels. These entities are not merely pioneers in India; they’re crafting worldwide standards with their legendary properties.”
Leadership Insights into the Evolving Hospitality Landscape
LeaderSpeak with Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL with Nikunj Dalmia, Managing Editor of ET Now & ET Now Swadesh, was an interesting dialogue centring on the challenges and opportunities within the hospitality industry, drawing on Chhatwal’s extensive leadership experience.
IHCL had strong results for the third quarter. The company’s Managing Director and CEO, Puneet Chhatwal, pointed out, “IHCL reported an all-time high consolidated Q3 EBITDA margin of 38.5% and PAT margin of 22.6%, marking seven consecutive quarters of record financial performance. This robust performance was enabled by same-store hotels clocking RevPAR premium across markets and segments, the strong performance of not like-for-like growth and the scaling of new businesses.”
He added, “IHCL continues to demonstrate industry-leading growth with 28 hotels signed and 16 hotels opened this fiscal with a portfolio of 285 hotels including a pipeline of 85 hotels. This year marks the momentous occasion of reaching the 200th operating hotel milestone and the successful launch of 371 keys flagship Ginger at Mumbai Airport, presenting a vast potential to scale the Ginger brand. Indian Hotels Company Limited with its well-established brands, vast footprint across 130+ locations and a healthy balance sheet, is well placed to leverage this sustained demand upcycle the sector is witnessing.”
Unpacking Trends in Leisure and Experiential Travel
Trends & Outlook Panel Discussion saw Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – Hotel Openings & Corporate Communications at IHCL; Mary Gostelow, Global Ambassador, Travel Writer & Influencer; Santosh Kumar, Country Head – Indian sub-continent & Indonesia at Booking.com; Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts; and Vikram Madhok, Managing Director of Abercrombie & Kent India, engaging in a vibrant discussion moderated by Dilip Puri, Founder & Chairman of the Indian School of Hospitality. This panel explored the evolving dynamics of leisure and experiential travel.
Deepika Rao, Executive Vice-President of New Businesses, Hotel Openings, and Corporate Communications at IHCL, emphasized the HOPE 2024 strategic importance, saying, “With India rapidly ascending as a prime tourist destination globally, the travel and tourism sector is poised to become a crucial pivot for future development. HOPE 2024 provides an unmatched forum for a concentrated dialogue on emerging trends and contemporary opportunities.”
Navigating Digital Transformation in Hospitality and Luxury Hospitality in the Post-Covid Era
Ajay Vij, Country Managing Director of Accenture India, discussed the impact and opportunities of digital disruption in hospitality with Ajay Mehtani, President – Asset Management at HVS ANAROCK. Their conversation emphasized a human-centric approach to integrating digital innovations.
The session on Redefining Luxury in today’s context of Sustainability and AI was a lively discussion led by moderator Rakhee Lalvani, a Global Public Relations and Corporate Communications Consultant. She was joined by industry leaders Anil Chadha, Divisional Chief Executive at ITC Hotels; Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts; Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer of The Oberoi Group; Parveen Chander Kumar, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing at IHCL; and Rohan Lamba, Co-Founder & Director of Isprava & Lohono Stays.
They delved into the shifts in luxury hospitality post-COVID and offered their insights on the future of luxury travel. The discussion was filled with sharp humour and engaging exchanges, providing a meaningful discussion into what luxury means for the new-age traveller.
The Impact of AI on Travel and Future-proofing Hospitality with Innovative Design
Sanjay Mohan, Group Chief Technology Officer at MakeMyTrip Limited, shared insights on leveraging Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize travel experiences and enhance operational efficiencies within the hospitality sector.
Future-proofing Hospitality with Innovative Design was a great discussion helmed by Esha Gupta, Founder of Design Pataki and taken forward by Hemant Khurana, Managing Director – Mortars and Homes Business at Saint-Gobain India Private Limited; Khozema Chitalwala, Founder & Principal Architect at Designers Group; Reema Diwan, Vice President – Design & Technical Services at Accor Hotels; Reza Kabul, President of ARK Reza Kabul Architects; and Vikram Choubal, Sr. Vice President, Design & Technical Services at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. The conversation focused on innovative design solutions for sustainability and comfort in future hospitality projects.
Exploring Collaborations Between Restaurants and Hotels and Forecasting Hospitality Investments and Funding
Exploring the potential for synergies between free-standing restaurants and hotels was an interesting discussion by panellists Nikesh Lamba, Co-Founder of Pricol Gourmet; Pawan Shahri, Founder of Chrome Asia Hospitality; Udai Pinnali, CEO of Hospitality at Aditya Birla; Vikramjit Singh, Founder & CMD of ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts; and Vir Sanghvi, a renowned Journalist, Author, Columnist, and Talk Show Host. The session was moderated by Anuj Kejriwal, CEO & MD of ANAROCK Retail. The panel
Forecasting Hospitality Investments and Funding was a topic of dynamic discussion by Anoop Bali, Whole Time Director & CFO at TFCI; Ashank Kothari, Managing Director – Investments Real Estate at Brookfield Asset Management; Dr Binod K. Chaudhary, Chairman of CG Corp Global and Chaudhary Group; Raghu Sapra, Head of Hospitality at Embassy REIT; and Sameer Nayar, CEO of CapCity. They shared their perspectives in a session moderated by Shobhit Agarwal, MD & CEO of ANAROCK Capital. The discussion provided a comprehensive view of the current investment and funding landscape in the hospitality sector.
Inspirational Discussions ranging from the evolving dynamics of Adventure Travel to Air Travel
Mandip Singh Soin, an esteemed Explorer, Mountaineer, Environmentalist, and Adventure Travel & Eco-tourism Professional, captivated the audience with tales of exploration and advocacy for environmental conservation.
LeaderSpeak with Aditya Ghosh was an interesting session. Aditya Ghosh, Co-Founder of Akasa Air, in a conversation moderated by Ajay Mehtani, President – Asset Management at HVS ANAROCK, shed light on the evolving dynamics of air travel in the post-Covid landscape, focusing on innovation and customer expectations.
The Evolving Landscape of Hotel Development
Discussing the current and future trends in hotel development was a brilliant panel that included Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President Development at Hilton; Dhruv Hoon, Vice President of Strategic Development at The Oberoi Group; Elie Younes, Executive Vice President & Global Chief Development Officer at Radisson Hotel Group; Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer at The Ascott Limited; and Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development at IHCL, under the moderation of Akash Datta, President – Consulting & Valuation at HVS ANAROCK,
Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice-President of Real Estate & Development at IHCL, shared, “This is a pivotal gathering point for the industry to exchange actionable insights and jointly sculpt the trajectory of our field. Amidst rapid changes and evolving markets, the collective wisdom shared here is aimed at driving our industry to new heights with purpose and innovation.”
An Evening of Creative Brilliance
Celebrity Showtime@HOPE with Javed Akhtar featured Javed Akhtar – the legendary Poet, Scriptwriter, and Lyricist, sharing his experiences and insights in a session moderated by Vineet Panchhi, Communication Consultant, Filmmaker, and Writer, providing a unique blend of entertainment and inspiration.
Celebrating Excellence in Hospitality
HVS ANAROCK #HASHTAG & FLAGSHIP Awards, a glittering event concluded the prestigious HVS ANAROCK awards ceremony, celebrating innovation and excellence within the hospitality industry.
A Testament to Adaptability and Innovation
HOPE 2024 was a testament to the adaptability, innovation, and collaborative spirit of the hospitality industry. HOPE 2024 provided invaluable insights and outlined strategic growth paths, fostering a strong sense of community among participants.
KB Kachru, Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor for South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group complimented the HVS ANAROCK team for putting together a successful event. He noted that HOPE 2024 was an impressive platform that brought global industry leaders together for two days of meaningful discussions. “These conversations delved into the intricacies of the industry, plotted a course for the future, and discussed strategies for growth,” he said.
The acclaim from leaders and delegates highlighted HOPE 2024 success in facilitating meaningful exchanges and underscored the dynamic future of Indian hospitality.
Looking Forward
As the hospitality industry continues to evolve amidst rapid transformations and shifting market dynamics, HOPE 2024 has established itself as a beacon of forward-thinking and collaboration. HOPE 2024 set a high standard for future editions and reinforced the Indian hospitality sector’s global stature, heralding an exciting and vibrant future.
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