THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS...

Inside the high-stakes judging process of the 16th Hotelier India Awards at Fairmont Mumbai...

- By Vinodini Rao

It's that time of the year again — the season when the Indian hospitality sector turns its gaze towards one of its most respected platforms of recognition: the Hotelier India Awards.

As anticipation builds for the 16th edition, the industry's most influential leaders gathered at the newly opened Fairmont Mumbai for the prestigious Grand Jury Meet — a day marked by rigorous assessments, spirited conversations, and the unmistakable energy of excellence in motion.

Set within the opulent, artfully crafted Fairmont, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Jury members, each a stalwart of the hospitality world, arrived ready to review, evaluate, and celebrate the very best across the industry.

Playing the consummate host, General Manager Rajiv Kapoor ensured the day unfolded seamlessly, with every detail reflecting Fairmont's signature service ethos.

A Record-Breaking Year for Nominations

The 2025 edition of the Hotelier India Awards stands out not just for its scale but for its overwhelming response. With around 2,000 nominations pouring in — a new milestone in the platform’s history — the Grand Jury Meet began on a note of both pride and responsibility.

In his welcome address, Bibhor Srivastava, Managing Director, Events & Conferences, ITP Media India, emphasised the significance of this year’s surge: “The overwhelming volume of entries reflects the remarkable talent, innovation, and resilience that define our hospitality industry. We are privileged to have such an esteemed jury guide the selection of this year’s winners.”