9 minute read
Resha Naik - In a candid conversation with ItsGoa, Mrs. Resha Naik, Marketing & Communications Manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa
Resha Naik SERVES AS THE Marketing and Communications Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji. A native of Goan soil, Resha’s incredible journey in the hospitality industry has seen her serve in various positions at starred hotels like Fairmont Dubai and Novotel Hotels and Resorts.
In a candid conversation with ItsGoa, esha shared insights into her life, her journey in the world of hospitality, the various marketing initiatives that she has employed to drive the growth and brand awareness of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa, Panaji and lots more.
Excerpts
1.Tell us a bit about your self.
I hail from the beautiful state of Goa and was raised in the bustling city of Caranzalem, despite my parents originally coming from the quaint village of Camurlim in Bardez. My father, Govind Naik, is a commercial artist who ran an advertising agency in the pre-digital era when creatives were hand-drawn. Growing up, I had the opportunity to learn firsthand from him and inherited a wealth of knowledge about advertising and printing, which has proved invaluable to me in my career.
After completing my graduation in Commerce with a specialisation in Accounting, Auditing, and Taxation, I embarked on my professional journey and joined a BPO. There, I gained valuable experience in customer service, communication, and problem-solving, which has helped me develop into a versatile professional. I strongly believe that my education and work experience have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a positive contribution to any organisation that values hard work and dedication. Furthermore, I am passionate about continuous learning and am currently undertaking skill enrichment courses in digital marketing and public relations alongside my work.
2.What was your childhood ambition?
My mother, who is an excellent seamstress, instilled in me a strong passion for fashion from a young age. As a result, I had always dreamed of pursuing a career in fashion design.
3.What inspired you o choose hospitality as your career choice?
My foray into the hospitality industry can be traced back to my childhood visits to my aunt, who worked as an executive secretary at a renowned standalone hotel in Goa. Whenever I visited her, the hotel staff would often offer me ice cream treats, which left a lasting impression on me. Subconsciously, I developed a soft spot for the hospitality industry, and the idea of working in such an environment felt exciting and fulfilling.
As I grew older, I began to explore different career options, but my love for hospitality persisted. Eventually, I found my way back to the industry, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.
4.Take us through the journey of your career in the hospitality industry
My career in the hospitality industry started at the Fairmont Dubai, where I initially applied for a job as a telephone operator. However, the reservations director believed that I could achieve more and offered me the position of reservations executive. I began by handling leisure reservations and worked closely with travel agents and wholesalers. Over time, I was promoted to the role of sales coordinator, where I continued to excel.
Seeking new opportunities, I moved to a standalone boutique hotel in Goa, where I worked in sales and marketing. Later, I joined Novotel Hotels and Resorts, Goa as an executive assistant to the General Manager as I wanted to get back into the 5-star hotel space, and eventually, I was promoted to assistant marketing manager and then marketing manager. After almost seven years at Novotel, I moved to DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji in 2023, where I currently work. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work with many talented individuals, learn from them, and contribute to the growth and success of the properties I have been associated with.
5.The competition amongst hotels in Goa is growing day by day What are the various marketing initiatives that you have employed to drive the growth a d bra d awareness of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji to ensure that the brand visibility of the property is not overshadowed by this rising competition?
The competition among hotels in Goa has undoubtedly become more intense in recent years, and as a marketing manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, I have taken several initiatives to ensure that our brand visibility remains strong amidst this growing competition.
First and foremost, we have focused on creating a brand recall that sets us apart from our competitors. We have invested in creative marketing campaigns that highlight the distinctive features, experiences and activities of our resort and are best suited for families and kids coupled with the exceptional service, and strategic location. By highlighting these unique selling propositions, we have been able to differentiate ourselves from other hotels in the region.
Another key initiative has been our focus on digital marketing. We have leveraged social media platforms to engage with our target audience and build brand awareness. We regularly share visually appealing content that showcases our hotel's offerings and encourages our followers to book their stay with us.
Finally, we have also explored collaborations and partnerships with influencers, to expand our reach and tap into new customer segments.
In conclusion, by focusing on creating a unique brand image, leveraging digital marketing, and exploring collaborations, we have been able to effectively drive the growth and brand awareness of DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji and stay ahead of the competition.
6.Could you list the pillar of communication for DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji and what went behind curating them?
DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji has always been committed to delivering an exceptional experience to our guests. Our communication pillars reflect this commitment and include three key areas that we believe set us apart from other resorts in the region.
Firstly, we pride ourselves on providing personalised service with a focus on comfort and relaxation for families and children. We understand that each guest is unique and that their needs and preferences may vary. That's why we go the extra mile to ensure that our guests have everything they need to feel at home, from cozy rooms and suites to tailored experiences that cater to their specific needs.
Secondly, we have recently launched our new ballroom and professional event management services for meetings and conferences. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide the perfect backdrop for any event, whether it's a corporate conference, a wedding, or a celebration with friends and family. Our expert team of colleagues work closely with our guests to ensure that every detail is taken care of, leaving them free to relax and enjoy the experience.
Finally, we are committed to supporting the community and have always believed in giving back through our CS initiatives. We believe that by standing strong together as a team, we can make a positive impact on the world around us. Whether it's supporting local charities, being part of community events, or engaging in environmentally responsible practices, we are always looking for ways to contribute to the well-being of our community and the planet as a whole
7.What are you like when you are not working?
I enjoy spending time at home with my furry friend, Jinger. When possible, I love to take trips to the beach and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Alongside my love for my dog and the outdoors, I have a passion for creativity and crafting. That's why I co-founded TwoKnottyKrafters with a friend. Our small business specialises in creating unique, personalised gifts and celebration decor that capture your vision and bring it to life.
8.What have the tourist footfalls been like during the monsoon season at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji?
Our season was fantastic in terms of domestic tourism, with plenty of local visitors enjoying our resort. While we haven't seen as many international tourists as we might have liked, we've still been thrilled to serve all of our guests and provide them with the best possible experience. We're always looking for new ways to attract visitors from all around the world and hope to continue growing our international customer base in the future
9.Any upcoming events/initiatives at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa - Panaji that people can look forward to during the new tourist season that starts in September?
We have a range of activities and events planned throughout the year, such as seasonal promotions, special dining experiences, wellness retreats, and cultural celebrations. suggest checking the resort's social media pages to get the latest information about all upcoming events planned for the new tourist season that starts in September
10.Finally, what thought would you like to leave our readers with?
I would like to encourage readers to always keep learning and growing in their personal and professional lives, and to embrace new opportunities and challenges with an open mind.
I would also like to invite them to occasionally come over to DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, during weekends and on holidays to take a much needed break from their daily routines and spend quality time with their family and friends. We have a lot of amazing restaurants at the hotel where they can spend time enjoying the various dishes crafted by our well qualified chefs. They can also spend time having fun in our pools. we also occasionally have serval kinds of food festivals showcasing cuisines from different parts of ndia.
