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Published on February 6, 2024
Vaishakh Surendran, currently serving as the General Manager at Mercure Chennai Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, has accumulated a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry. With over a year and five months in his current role, Vaishakh oversees the operational aspects of the hotel, ensuring a seamless and high-quality guest experience.
"Mercure, a product of Accor, has been actively involved in sustainable practices, notably in the elimination of single-use plastics throughout the hotel. With few exceptions, the hotel has successfully removed single-use plastics from various areas," Vaisakh said while talking about the initiatives taken by the establishment to enhance guest experiences. "Another distinctive feature is our commitment to electric vehicles (EV) for transportation services. Currently, we operate a fleet of 5 EVs, utilized for office transfers and airport transportation. This initiative sets us apart from other hotels in the vicinity, as we promote an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation. Despite the higher cost, we have phased out all diesel and petrol vehicles in our fleet, emphasizing a commitment to sustainability," he added.
"Additionally, our diverse food offerings make us unique. Unlike many hotels, we serve a wide variety of meats, including chicken, mutton, pork, beef, and prawn. While we may not be the ideal choice for pure vegetarians, we strive to cater to non-vegetarian guests by offering an extensive range of options. We recognize the importance of providing familiar food options to guests from different regions, considering their tastes and preferences," he explained about their catering specialities.
Furthermore, the establishment prioritizes organic cooking and has established an organic garden to grow vegetables used in its cuisines. This commitment extends to buffet offerings, where the active promotion of the use of organic vegetables supports local farmers within a 10 km radius. The dedication to organic produce not only contributes to healthier options but also empowers local entrepreneurs and farmers. Additionally, the establishment advocates for the use of organic eggs, including duck and quail eggs, in the buffet breakfast. This approach aligns with their goal of supporting local suppliers and promoting sustainability in its operations.
The hotel actively engages with its team, referred to as "Heartists," a blend of heart and artist. Unlike typical hotels, the employees are equipped with phones and have access to Wi-Fi, enabling them to create content and access training apps during work hours. The hotel embraces technology to cater to the preferences of millennials and Gen Z. Recognizing the importance of mobile devices to the team, the hotel encourages responsible use.
Vasiakh said, "To foster a positive work environment, we organize events such as parties to appreciate our hardworking staff during festive seasons. Our team enjoys outings, movie trips, and even restaurant visits. We provide accommodation, pick-up, and drop-off services, particularly for those working on rotational shifts. About 50% of our employees benefit from transportation services."
Accor conducts an annual employee survey, and they are proud to report that their score surpassed the brand average by 8 points, showcasing employee satisfaction. Additionally, Accor offers competitive salaries, exceeding minimum wage standards. The starting salary is uniform across all positions, promoting equality and growth. Accor avoids on-the-job favoritism, either hiring through industrial training or direct selection.
He also explained that their industrial trainees receive competitive compensation, far exceeding what was offered during management training. Accor maintains limited designations, ensuring swift career growth for employees. From a Guest Service Intern (GSI), one can directly progress to a Duty Manager, significantly increasing their salary. Accor emphasizes continuous engagement and encourages all team members, irrespective of their roles, to interact with guests, ensuring a spotlight on their contributions.
"Our ultimate goal is guest satisfaction, knowing that happy guests lead to sustained business success. By fostering a guest-centric approach across all departments, from kitchen to housekeeping, we aim to consistently exceed expectations and leave a positive impact on our guests," Vaisakh said.
Watch the complete interview at HospitalityNews Official YouTube Channel.
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Published on September 1, 2026
What does it take to create a hospitality experience that guests remember long after they leave? Is luxury defined by the setting, the service, or by the ability to make every guest feel genuinely understood? For Dushyant Singh, Hotel Manager, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, the answer lies somewhere deeper, in the art of thoughtful hospitality.
With more than two decades of experience with Marriott International, Dushyant brings a leadership perspective shaped by diverse cultures, markets, hotel operations and multiple successful openings. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, he takes us behind the philosophy guiding Mulberry Shades and shares how the resort is evolving as a wellness and lifestyle destination.
From leadership and financial performance to personalised service, Dushyant explores the delicate balance between commercial discipline and creating experiences that build loyalty. His insights reveal why engaged teams, empowered associates and genuine human connections remain central to delivering meaningful hospitality.
The conversation then moves into one of the most significant shifts in luxury travel - the growing demand for wellness and experiential stays. Dushyant discusses how Mulberry Shades, located at the foothills of Nandi Hills, is responding through wellness retreats, culinary experiences, outdoor activities and personalised itineraries designed to help guests reconnect with themselves, nature and loved ones.
But the future of hospitality is not only about wellness. Technology is rapidly transforming the guest journey, raising an important question: Can hotels embrace automation and digital convenience without losing the human warmth that defines hospitality? Dushyant offers his perspective on how technology can support teams while keeping genuine interaction at the centre.
He also shares his vision for Mulberry Shades and the opportunities ahead - from corporate well-being programmes and bespoke celebrations to fitness, mindful activities and nature-based experiences.
Our conversation with Dushyant Singh offers a thoughtful look at how luxury hospitality is evolving and what it takes to remain relevant in a changing travel landscape. It was a great conversation exploring leadership, innovation, wellness and the future of guest experiences.
Discover the complete interview with Dushyant Singh in the September issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website, and explore the physical edition for the full story and more insights from the world of hospitality.
India’s hospitality landscape is entering a phase of transformation, where evolving traveller expectations, technology, emerging destinations and operational resilience are reshaping the way brands approach growth. At the forefront of this conversation is Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, whose leadership reflects a strong focus on quality, innovation and meaningful guest experiences.
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Parvez shared his perspective on how his understanding of hospitality has evolved from operational excellence to creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections. “My understanding of the hospitality industry has grown from focusing mainly on service delivery and operational excellence to recognising its bigger purpose of creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections,” he says.
Looking at the wider industry, Parvez believes India’s hospitality sector is positioned for sustained growth, supported by rising domestic travel, improved infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes and growing demand for experiential stays. His insights also highlight how emerging destinations are creating opportunities beyond traditional tourism hubs.
But how are hospitality brands responding to the rapidly changing expectations of today’s travellers? At Essentia Hotels & Resorts, Parvez explains that the focus extends beyond accommodation, with business travellers seeking seamless, technology-driven solutions and leisure guests looking for authentic experiences, wellness and connections with local culture.
The conversation also explores some of the industry's pressing challenges. From rising fuel costs and market uncertainties to talent retention and changing guest expectations, Parvez discusses the importance of operational efficiency, smart cost management, sustainable practices and agility in building long-term resilience.
Technology emerges as another important part of this transformation. While digital tools are increasingly helping hotels streamline operations and personalise guest engagement, Parvez emphasises that technology must remain an enabler rather than a replacement for human connection.
And as Essentia Hotels & Resorts continues to grow, what does leadership mean in an increasingly competitive market? For Parvez, the answer comes down to three principles: people, purpose and sustainable value creation. Keeping guests at the centre while empowering teams, encouraging innovation and maintaining operational excellence remains central to his vision.
It was a great conversation with Mohammed Parvez, offering valuable perspectives on leadership, technology, growth and the evolving meaning of hospitality. Discover the complete interview with Mohammed Parvez in the September edition of Hospitality News, available on our website, and get your physical copy to explore the complete collection of stories shaping hospitality and beyond.
What truly makes a guest feel at home in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape? Is it personalised service, operational excellence, flexibility, or the ability to understand what a traveller needs before they ask? For Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru, the answer lies in bringing these elements together while never losing sight of the people at the heart of hospitality.
With more than three decades of experience across India and the Middle East, Wajeed has built his career around hotel operations, F&B, pre-openings and leadership. His professional journey includes some of the industry's leading names, including Taj, Oberoi, The Leela and Radisson Hotel Group, along with the successful opening, rebranding and refurbishment of five award-winning hotels in Dubai.
In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Wajeed takes us beyond the day-to-day functioning of a hotel to explore the thinking behind successful hospitality businesses. He shares insights into leadership, operational agility and the challenge of balancing business performance with consistently high guest satisfaction.
The conversation also explores one of the industry's evolving travel segments: bleisure. With travellers increasingly combining business with leisure, Wajeed discusses how Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru is responding through spacious accommodation, flexibility, wellness facilities and personalised services.
Food, too, remains an important part of the conversation. Wajeed shares his perspective on how regional influences, global flavours and thoughtfully curated dining experiences can transform a stay into a memorable journey.
As the industry looks increasingly towards responsible growth, sustainability takes its place among the priorities shaping modern hotel operations. Wajeed discusses the property's approach to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable sourcing, while highlighting the importance of involving both associates and guests.
Our conversation with Wajeed Bagwan offers a compelling look at the priorities shaping hospitality today — from people and performance to changing traveller expectations and responsible operations. It was a great conversation filled with practical insights from an experienced hospitality leader.
Discover the complete interview with Wajeed Bagwan in the September issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website. You can also explore the physical copy of the magazine for this and other conversations shaping the hospitality industry.
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