FIRST WOO, THEN WOW

With business recovery on the horizon, Nikita Ramchandani explains how JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu is set to meet dynamic challenges with finely-tuned service and product differentiation as well as enhanced guest experience

- VINITA BHATIA

Most people sigh after perusing the newspaper every morning, but not Nikita Ramchandani. It puts a pep in the step of this newly appointed General Manager of JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu. No, it is not the news about Tokyo Olympics or the incessant political drama that gets her fired up. Instead, the steadily rising vaccination numbers bolster her hope that the hospitality sector will soon turn the corner.

She anticipates the industry will touch pre-COVID levels by the latter half of 2022. And she is busy is planning differentiated product offerings and curated experiences at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu to fully capitalise on this economic rebound, taking along all stakeholders.

“The second wave led to heightened awareness and agility in our decision-making process with more pronounced strategies. Our partners and vendors are better equipped to adapt and flex with the changing dynamics of the environment,” Ramchandani noted.

Functions of most departments were rebuilt at the hotel to imbibe more efficiency and flexibility in its processes. Additionally, it is better prepared to extend medical support to its associates and their families, taking a cue from Marriott International's ‘Take Care Virtual Centre’ initiative.

SWEET REVENGE

After months of being cooped up, people are boldly stepping out to holiday destinations like Manali, Shimla, Kodaikanal, Ooty, Lonavala and Mahabaleshwar. Even metro cities are witnessing a resurgence in enquires and bookings, often recording an average 50% occupancy.

Following a lengthy period of non-existent occupancies, hoteliers like Ramchandani are welcoming this bout of revenge tourism, which could very well hold the key to business recovery. “With international borders closed, we have elevated our offerings to local guests who are seeking unique and refreshing experiences closer to home,” she stated.