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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 February 1, 2025
Vilas Pawar, CEO of the Managed & Franchise Division at Lemon Tree Hotels, is steering the brand’s ambitious expansion with a focus on an asset-light growth model. With an illustrious career spanning top hospitality brands like Taj Hotels, Hyatt, Radisson, and Choice Hotels International, Pawar brings a wealth of experience in franchise development. Recognized among the Top 50 Leaders in Franchising by Franchise India, he is now leading Lemon Tree’s push toward 20,000+ rooms in the next five years while maintaining high-quality service and operational efficiency.
In his conversation with Hospitality News, Pawar discusses how Lemon Tree is tapping into Tier II, III, and IV cities, bringing quality accommodation to emerging markets like Chandausi, Marpalle, and Sri Ganganagar. He highlights the role of the Keys brand—Keys Prima, Keys Select, and Keys Lite—in driving franchise growth while maintaining flexibility. Pawar also delves into the company’s eco-friendly initiatives, ensuring sustainability remains at the forefront of their expansion.
Technology is another game-changer for Lemon Tree, with AI-driven dynamic pricing, automation in revenue management, and an e-concierge system enhancing guest experiences. Pawar also sheds light on an unexpected strategy that has set Lemon Tree apart—On-Demand In-house Service Associates (ODIs), a unique approach that blends efficiency with personalized hospitality.
As the franchising model gains momentum in India, Pawar believes it will play a significant role in shaping the future of the hospitality industry over the next decade.
Want to dive deeper into his insights? Read the full interview in Hospitality News’ February issue! Subscribe today or DM us to order your copy.
Namu Kini is at the forefront of India’s vegan revolution. As the founder of Namu Recommends, she has built a thriving platform that champions plant-based businesses and sustainable living. Since launching the Namu Recommends Vegan Market in 2021, she has hosted 13 successful events, making veganism more accessible to the masses. Additionally, her work with the Veganuary Festival has created a vibrant space for individuals to explore and embrace a plant-based lifestyle. Beyond food, her efforts extend to fashion, eco-friendly products, and wellness, fostering a strong, conscious community.
In an exclusive interview featured in our February magazine, Namu shares how her journey began as a simple initiative on Instagram and quickly transformed into a full-fledged movement. She recalls how her early markets had only a handful of stalls, yet the demand was so high that they sold out within hours. Today, her events host over 120 vendors, drawing thousands of attendees, including non-vegans who are curious about plant-based alternatives.
She also discusses the challenges of mainstreaming veganism in India, emphasizing that while passion is important, vegan businesses must adopt strong market strategies to thrive. She highlights key milestones, such as having brands from her market supply dairy-free alternatives to Bangalore International Airport, proving the growing demand for plant-based options.
For insights into Namu Kini’s inspiring journey, her vision for the future of veganism in India, and how she’s fostering a more sustainable world, read the full interview in our February edition of Hospitality News magazine.Subscribe today or DM us to order your copy.
In an exclusive interview featured in our February issue, Akshay Gupta, the Executive Director of Tivoli Group, takes us on a journey through the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality in India. Known for his blend of global education and local expertise, Akshay’s leadership has been instrumental in steering the renowned Tivoli Group toward sustainable growth and unparalleled guest experiences.
Tivoli Group, established in 1988, is synonymous with luxury and elegance, offering a range of properties across India, from stunning wedding venues to exclusive resorts. Under Akshay's guidance, Tivoli has expanded its footprint with new properties in prime locations like Noida, Dwarka, and Jim Corbett. His approach to hospitality revolves around innovation, ensuring each property reflects Tivoli’s core values of elegance, sophistication, and personalized service.
In the interview, Akshay discusses the importance of sustainability in today’s luxury hospitality market, highlighting how Tivoli’s eco-conscious initiatives, like energy-efficient systems and sustainable sourcing, are redefining the luxury experience. He also shares his vision for diversifying Tivoli’s offerings, such as the iconic 'The Upper HSE,' which seamlessly combines innovation and exclusivity, making it a go-to venue for high-profile events.
Akshay’s leadership focuses on one core idea: delivering unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s a lavish wedding or a corporate gala, Tivoli Group’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence shine through.
To discover more about Akshay Gupta’s insights on the future of luxury hospitality, sustainability, and his vision for Tivoli Group, read the full interview in the February issue of Hospitality News Magazine. Subscribe today or DM us to order your copy.
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