Crafting Dream Weddings by the Sea with Sourav Panchanan

Crafting Dream Weddings by the Sea with Sourav Panchanan

Sourav Panchanan

Published on January 2, 2025

Sourav Panchanan, General Manager of Caravela Beach Resort, Goa, has over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Under his leadership, the resort has become synonymous with luxury and bespoke weddings, set against the backdrop of Goa's serene beaches.

When asked about the role of weddings in India's economy, Sourav highlighted the industry’s $130 billion valuation and its impact on various sectors. “Initiatives like ‘Wed in India’ position the country as a global hub for grand celebrations,” he said. Sourav also noted that Caravela Beach Resort contributes to this vision by attracting domestic and international couples with tailored experiences.

Goa’s beaches have long been a favorite for destination weddings, and Sourav elaborated on the synergy between Goa’s natural beauty and its thriving hospitality sector. "Couples love the romantic ambiance of a beachside ceremony, which has driven growth in both tourism and local businesses," he remarked.

Caravela Beach Resort stands out for its secluded beachfront and personalized services. From Goan-inspired decor to bespoke menus, the resort creates unforgettable experiences for couples. Sourav explained, “We go the extra mile to ensure that every detail aligns with the couple’s vision.”

image

The resort also offers curated packages, unique services like sunset pheras, and sustainability-focused initiatives, reflecting the growing demand for eco-friendly and intimate weddings. “Our focus on sustainability and cultural themes resonates with modern couples,” he added.

Looking ahead, Sourav sees tremendous growth in India’s destination wedding market, driven by resorts like Caravela, which balance opulence and personalization. The resort plans to introduce live-streaming services, eco-friendly packages, and enhanced concierge services to elevate the guest experience.

For couples planning a beach wedding in Goa, Sourav advises early planning and leveraging the expertise of Caravela’s dedicated wedding team. “Every step of the journey contributes to unforgettable memories,” he shared.

With its blend of luxury, charm, and innovation, Caravela Beach Resort continues to redefine destination weddings in India. 

Catch the complete interview in the January edition of HospitalityNews Magazine, available on our website.


Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla Redefines Loyalty Through Purpose-Driven Hospitality

Vivek Shukla

Published on September 1, 2025

In today’s world of hospitality, where loyalty programs are often defined by free nights, discounts, and upgrades, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has chosen a different path, one that blends guest rewards with social good. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Vivek Shukla, CEO of the Group, offered rare insights into how luxury and purpose can converge to create a new standard for the industry.

With more than 35 years in luxury hospitality and two decades shaping The LaLiT’s vision, Shukla is widely known for his people-first approach and strategic foresight. His leadership during the pandemic, marked by initiatives that supported frontline workers and vulnerable communities, underscored his conviction that hospitality is about much more than service, it is about responsibility.

This ethos is at the heart of the Group’s new loyalty program. Unlike traditional models, this initiative empowers guests to transform everyday indulgences into acts of giving. Partnering with Points for Good, The LaLiT allows loyalty members to channel their points towards diverse causes ranging from child education and sustainability to LGBTQIA+ empowerment. Shukla describes it as a shift “from transactional exchanges to purposeful, meaningful connections”.

The innovation lies in embedding impact seamlessly into daily guest interactions. Shukla believes that over time, members will begin to associate loyalty not only with luxury but also with generosity and social change. “When routine stays or meals become part of something greater, it fosters a culture of care and giving back”, he says.

Perhaps most compelling is the vision behind it: small contributions from thousands of guests, collectively sparking a wave of impact across India. By aligning hospitality with social responsibility, The LaLiT is rewriting the future of loyalty, one that is not just about repeat business but about emotional connection and shared purpose.

Our conversation with Vivek Shukla was both inspiring and thought-provoking, challenging the industry to see loyalty in a whole new light. For the complete interview and exclusive insights, dive into the Hospitalitynews Magazine September Edition- available now on our website and in print. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this transformative dialogue shaping the future of hospitality.


Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Exclusive Insights with Dr. Anshu Jalora on AI-Powered Pricing

Dr Anshu Jalora

Published on September 1, 2025

In an era where unpredictability has become the only constant in travel and hospitality, few voices carry the weight of experience, foresight, and innovation like Dr. Anshu Jalora, Founder and Managing Director of Sciative Solutions. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Dr. Jalora shared sharp insights on how technology, behavioral economics, and AI-driven pricing are rewriting the rules of hotel revenue management.

With over 23 years of global expertise, stints at Starbucks, Overstock.com, and PROS Revenue Management, and a patent in pricing software, Dr. Jalora is not only a leader but a pioneer. His ability to bridge the precision of academia with the dynamism of the hospitality market makes his perspectives especially compelling.

When asked about this year’s unexpected monsoon surge in travel demand, Dr. Jalora explained how AI-powered systems like ZettaRMS can detect weather shifts, booking pace, and competitor rates in real time allowing hotels not just to react, but to stay ahead of market waves. The difference, he notes, lies in “explainability,” enabling revenue managers to understand why pricing shifts occur while preserving guest trust.

What followed was a fascinating look into the speed of pricing decisions. With ZettaRMS updating rates every 15 minutes, Dr. Jalora emphasized how short-lived surges can now be monetized with precision, often lifting ADRs by 4–5% in ways static pricing could never achieve. His revelations about post-pandemic booking patterns in India last-minute clusters, OTA user behaviors, and the surprising profitability of “shoulder nights” offered a rare, data-driven lens into the evolving market.

From tackling OTA leakage with parity checks to preparing hotels for the unpredictable, Dr. Jalora stressed one recurring theme: context-specific pricing is the future. The hotels that adapt in real time will not only safeguard revenues but thrive in an increasingly volatile market.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Dr. Jalora, one that promises to reshape how we think about pricing in hospitality.

Want More? You can explore the full in-depth interview and exclusive coverage in the September edition of Hospitalitynews magazine, available both on our website and as a beautifully curated print magazine. Don’t miss your chance to engage with the future of hospitality, one conversation at a time.


Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Scoops of a Dream: Shaariq Akhtar on Yura’s Artisanal Journey

Shaariq Akhtar

Published on September 1, 2025

At the heart of ITC Grand Chola, one of Chennai’s most iconic star hotels, a frozen dream has been delighting the city. Yura, the artisanal gelato and sorbet destination, has quickly become a favourite among dessert lovers for its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and culinary artistry. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Shaariq Akhtar, General Manager of ITC Grand Chola, shared insights into Yura’s journey, its inspirations, and the philosophy behind its one-of-a-kind creations.

Shaariq describes Yura as more than just gelato. For him, it is the realisation of “a beautiful dream”, a place where childhood memories and sensory indulgence meet. This philosophy is at the heart of Yura’s handcrafted flavours, whether it’s the ethereal balance of Miso Caramel, the gold-touched elegance of Idukki Vanilla, or the playful indulgence of Filter Kaapi and Rose & Paan. Each flavour tells a story, designed to surprise and comfort at the same time.

What makes Yura stand apart is its ability to balance bold creativity with the warmth of familiarity. In a country where traditional sweets are deeply loved, Yura offers reinterpretations that spark nostalgia in a new form. Whether it’s Aam Papad Gelato or French Raspberry Sorbet, the intent remains the same, to bring people closer to cherished memories, now served in scoops of artisanal perfection.

Shaariq also spoke about the painstaking process of creating new flavours, from the very first spark of inspiration to the final tasting session. Each step is guided by the idea that every scoop should stir emotions and leave behind an unforgettable experience. Sustainability too lies at the core, with Yura relying on mindful sourcing and renewable energy, ensuring that indulgence remains both luxurious and responsible.

Our conversation with Shaariq revealed that Yura is more than a frozen treat, it’s an experience of comfort, wonder, and artistry. Every scoop tells a story, waiting to be discovered.

It was truly a delightful conversation with him, and to read the complete interview, you can check out the September edition of Hospitalitynews Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy today.