Hotelier India - June 2018

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The unassuming Vivek Bhalla, regional VP, South Asia of InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) likes to let his work do the talking. Since joining IHG in November 2017, he has been overseeing the operational performance of the company’s 33 hotels in India. He is guided by Pascal Gauvin, COO, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG; as the duo aim to open 100 hotels within three years in India, which is also one of the biggest growth markets for the company. In the cover story, Gauvin and Bhalla disclose how IHG is working on creating long-term value for all its stakeholders, from the owners to customers. Rather than overwhelm the market with its complete portfolio of 13 brands, it is focusing on four mid-scale ones that are more relevant – InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express. After all, it is better to be prudent than exuberant when it comes to ensuring profitability in hospitality. Talking about business profitability, this issue dwells on sustainability, a topic that is gaining increasing attention from all quadrants. While many hotel chains initially invested in sustainability programmes because of the positive press it garnered them, they are now realising that it can give them a competitive edge and most importantly, keep the socially aware guests coming back. And hoteliers have learnt that the best and quickest way to implement sustainability programmes is by leveraging technology. Interestingly, the role technology will play in hospitality was a key topic of discussion at the recent Hotel Build 2018. While some panelists felt technology would be a game-changer when it comes to elevating guest experiences, others felt that it would end up isolating customers, if not used judiciously. This is just a primer of what this power-packed issue contains. There’s a lot more to explore.