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Published on March 4, 2024
Transitioning from an illustrious 8-year tenure in audit and taxation at a prominent Chartered Accountants firm, Meghal Shah embarked on a career pivot, driven by a desire to explore fresh horizons within the corporate landscape. Drawn by the allure of the hospitality sector, Meghal embraced a new role as Manager of Finance and Accounts at Suba Group. With a foundation of expertise honed in the intricacies of financial management, Meghal now ventures into the dynamic realm of hospitality, poised to bring her unique blend of skills and experience to chart new successes in this vibrant industry.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotel finance and accounting?
My previous work experience was with Chartered accountants firm for 8 years in Audit and taxation. As a professional, i wanted to switch my career from firm to industry and explore new areas on my professional front. As an industry, hospitality sector has always fascinated me and i got the opportunity to work with Suba group as Manager- Finance and Accounts.
Can you share some key initiatives you've implemented to optimize financial performance within Suba Group Of Hotels amidst the challenges posed by the hospitality industry?
We have successfully done demerger and merger of our group companies as per the Act post covid to strengthen the financial growth of the Suba group.
How do you foster a collaborative environment within your team to ensure effective financial management and accounting practices?
I always believe that Together Everyone Achieves More and that's what is Team for. As a team leader, i have set target deadlines for specific task for better finance management. We keep communications very clear amongst us and work in harmony.
Could you highlight a particularly successful financial initiative or project you've led within the hotel chain, and how it contributed to the business's overall success?
As stated earlier, post covid we have done demerger and merger of our group companies. The whole project was successfully lead by me right from filing applications to NCLT till getting final approval order from NCLT.
As a woman in a leadership role within the hospitality sector, what advice would you give to other aspiring women looking to advance their careers in this industry?
Someone has nicely said that its easier to lead when doing what you love and i suggest to other aspiring women to love the work and have passion to succeed in the career.
In your opinion, what are the most pressing issues facing the hotel industry today, and how can finance and accounting professionals like yourself address these challenges?
Staff retention and rising salary cost, Operational issues, high financing cost, changes in guest expectations, OTA costs are some of the pressing issues of the industry.
With International Women's Day approaching, how do you personally celebrate and advocate for gender equality within your professional sphere?
By spreading appreciation messages to all the lovely women in my life.
Can you discuss the role of innovation and technology in modernising financial operations within the hotel industry, and how Suba Group Of Hotels embraces these advancements?
Suba Group has always belived in innovation and technology. As a group, we are providing contactless payments, digital menus, mobile ordering for room services, streamlined check in and check out, advanced PMS to integrate financial data.
Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of finance and accounting in the hospitality sector, and how do you plan to stay ahead of industry trends and developments?
The industry has rebound strongly post covid and with increased growth in Indian tourism, Hospitality sector will flourish in future and as a group we have strategis to open more and more hotels in tier 2 tier 3 cities.
This Interview is Published Exclusively in HospitalityNews.in.
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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.
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.
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.
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