THRIVING IN THE DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY: EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES

By Rajesh Ghadge Images by Rajesh Kumar

An MBA from the University of Pondicherry in 2012s Rajesh Kumar did his Diploma in Hotel Management from the IHM Madras in 1998 Born into a family of doctors and Indian Army personnel, he chose a career in Hotel Management and never looked back since.

Working for nearly a quarter century in the hospitality industry Rajesh Kumar has worked with many premium properties across the country. Currently, Rajesh Kumar is serving as a General Manager at La Paz Gardens Beacon Hotel in Vasco da Gama, Goa which is a Fern Hotels property in Goa. His journey with the Fern Hotels & Resorts as the pre-opening General Manager for The Grand Victoria the Fern in Panchgani. I met Rajesh Kumar to find out more about his journey into the Hospitality Industry. Here are the excerpts from the interview.

Hello Rajesh Ji, Please tell us about your early days and your background.

With my career spanning over 24 years in the hospitality industry, I have had the pleasure of managing a variety of hotels and resorts across India. My journey began with The Fern Hotels & Resorts as the pre-opening General

Manager for The Grand Victoria the Fern in Panchgani, Maharashtra, India in 2021, and am currently serving as the Hotel General Manager at La Paz Gardens Beacon Hotel in Vasco da Gama, Goa, India.

Prior to this, I managed boutique and heritage hotels as the Group General Manager in Puducherry, India, and have also held positions as the Pre-Opening General Manager of the Luxury Resort "Woods at Sasan" in Sasan GIR, Gujarat, India, and as a General Manager and Resort Manager in Andaman Islands, Havelock Island, India.

How did you choose Hospitality as a career, was it intentional, or happened by chance?

Throughout my formative years, I discovered a passion for cuisine and found joy in experimenting with various cooking techniques As I pursued higher education, I was drawn to the prospect of becoming a skilled chef, then to the broader field of hospitality management. During my college years, I was fortunate to receive hands-on training in culinary arts, ultimately, I decided to pursue a career in food and beverage management.

How is this entire experience has been for you and what are the challenges you faced while in this position? Specialty with the current assignment?

My tenure in the hospitality industry has been a fulfilling experience that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I find the industry to be a great fit for individuals, like myself, who take pleasure in providing exceptional service The hospitality industry provides opportunities for individuals to hone their leadership skills while managing businesses that are recognized in society. Additionally, it offers a unique opportunity to develop professional relationships across various industries and businesses hotels in Goa, India. Managing this hotel is an honor that comes with the responsibility of upholding the values of our managing company We work closely with the developers of our properties, recognizing them as stakeholders in our success, and ensuring that we protect their assets, enhance their reputation, and provide them with a good return on investment.

Challenges are inherent in every industry, and the hospitality sector is no exception. In my experience, the most significant challenge for any leader in this industry is effective people management While textbooks are valuable resources, the experience remains the best teacher in this regard.

What are your greatest strengths and your biggest weaknesses?

In terms of strengths, I pride myself on upholding the values of any organization I am a part of and delivering exceptional customer experiences. Additionally, I possess a talent for identifying new opportunities that can drive revenue growth and am skilled in communicating assertively while still showing respect to all parties involved.

However, as with any individual, I acknowledge that there are areas where I can continue to develop my weakness, in particular, I recognize that managing and retaining talented employees in a highly competitive hospitality industry is an ongoing challenge. Additionally, while I remain committed to keeping up with the latest technological advancements and digital marketing strategies, there may be instances where I face difficulties in adapting to these changes.

My current assignment as the General Manager of LA PAZ GARDENS

Beacon

HOTEL, Vasco da Gama, Goa, India, is the most exceptional opportunity in my career I am proud to be a part of The Fern Hotels and Resorts, Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd (A member of CG Hospitality), which manages this prestigious hotel.

The organization has been operating in Goa for almost 50 years and is one of the oldest

As a team leader, how do you cope with bad business days and keep your team motivated?

As a team leader, I understand the importance of staying resilient during challenging business days. I strive to approach every situation as a learning experience and use it to make informed decisions that prioritize the needs of our guests and employees. I maintain an opendoor policy and make myself available to provide guidance and mentorship to my team, creating a supportive and unbiased work environment that fosters motivation and engagement among all employees

What are the key USPs of the property that you are currently associated with, and how have you nurtured them?

The LA PAZ GARDENS BEACON HOTEL, situated in Vasco da Gama, Goa, is a wellestablished property that has been operating for nearly five decades One of its key USPs is its advantageous location in the proximity of business houses in Vasco da Gama, which has been complemented by its long-standing reputation for providing high-quality services. Over the years, I have worked diligently to nurture and enhance these USPs by establishing and maintaining excellent relations with public sector units of the central government, private companies in the defense sector, and the marine industry. By fostering a culture of excellence in the work environment and adhering to the Brand standards set by our management company, I have been able to facilitate a turnaround in the property's performance, leading to remarkable growth and focused performance toward profitability. How do you think Goa’s tourism business is different from other parts of the country?

Goa's tourism industry sets itself apart from other regions in the country due to its focus on policies that cater to various segments of tourism, including domestic and international visitors, as well as niche markets such as adventure, wellness, and eco-tourism

Furthermore, Goa has a diverse cultural heritage and a wealth of historical sites, including temples, churches, and forts, that attract many visitors. The hospitality and service standards in Goa's tourism sector are highly regarded, with a wide range of accommodation options available for all budget ranges and preferences. Our company, The Fern Hotels, and Resorts, a leader in environmentally sensitive hotels, Concept Hospitality Pvt Ltd (a member of CG Hospitality), are proud to contribute to the growth of Goa's tourism industry by operating six hotels in the region and continuing to expand The company has grown from strength to strength with 6 brands in its portfolio and is nearing its vision of touching 100 hotels by the year 2023.

Which Hotels & Resorts do you personally appreciate in Goa or beyond?

In my experience, I have found that each hotel brand in Goa or beyond endeavors to provide exceptional service to its guests. Every property has its distinct attributes and adheres to a specific set of brand standards that are tailored to meet the needs of its discerning guests

How much do you think social media and influencers help in spreading the word for businesses these days?

In today's digital era, social media has become an essential marketing tool for businesses to reach out to customers directly Influencers, with a substantial and authentic following, have the potential to generate business by influencing their target audience's behavior. Hotels can benefit from carefully selecting an influencer whose audience aligns with the hotel's customer profile and target audience, leading to a mutually beneficial partnership with influencers to promote their business. Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Five years from now, I envision myself in a senior management role within the hospitality industry, leveraging my extensive experience in pre-opening, and managing hotels and resorts to drive business growth and focused performance toward increased profitability I am passionate about mentoring and developing talent within the organization and strive to cultivate a positive and supportive work environment that inspires creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement. As a forward-thinking professional, I remain committed to staying abreast of the latest industry trends and emerging technologies, which I believe will be critical to staying competitive and achieving success in the years to come. Thank you!