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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 November 1, 2026
What separates a growing hotel business from a profitable one? Is it stronger sales, smarter revenue management, effective marketing, or the ability to recognise opportunities before the market does? In an industry shaped by changing traveller behaviour and increasing competition, commercial strategy has become central to long-term hospitality growth.
For Akshay Thusoo, Senior Vice President – Commercial at Sarovar Hotels, the answer lies in looking beyond individual business functions and understanding how every operational and commercial decision contributes to profitability.
With experience spanning engineering, sales, marketing and hospitality, Akshay brings a distinctive cross-industry perspective to commercial leadership. Having previously worked with The Oberoi Group, ITC Ltd and the Times of India Group, his professional journey has shaped an approach that combines analytical thinking, market understanding and operational efficiency.
In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Akshay shares his perspective on the changing dynamics of India's hospitality market and the strategies guiding Sarovar Hotels' commercial growth. From integrating sales, revenue management, marketing and distribution to understanding the financial impact of decisions across hotel departments, he explains why profitability requires a broader organisational perspective.
The discussion takes an interesting turn towards the influence of changing weather patterns on travel behaviour. As travellers increasingly explore destinations based on climatic conditions, hotels must rethink traditional seasonal demand and adapt their pricing and inventory strategies.
He also examines how social media creators and digital communities are influencing destination discovery, while highlighting why authenticity and credibility matter more than visibility alone.
Beyond marketing, Akshay discusses the opportunities emerging in India's smaller cities and developing destinations, where branded hospitality can unlock new business and leisure demand. With Sarovar working towards a network of 400 hotels by 2029, identifying commercially viable markets remains an important part of its expansion strategy.
The conversation also explores brand positioning, guest-centricity and the importance of balancing consistency with the distinct requirements of different hotel segments.
Our conversation with Akshay Thusoo offers valuable insights into the commercial thinking behind modern hospitality and the factors that will influence its next phase of growth.
Discover the complete interview with Akshay Thusoo in the November issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website. Get your physical copy of the magazine to explore the full conversation and more perspectives from hospitality industry leaders.
What makes a hospitality brand stand the test of time? Is it the destinations it enters, the experiences it creates, or the values it refuses to compromise on? For Pooja Ray, Managing Director of MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts, the answer lies in understanding that true luxury begins with a strong sense of place.
With over 24 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Pooja Ray leads one of India's prominent homegrown hotel groups, overseeing a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts across the country. Guided by the philosophy, "Stay With Us. Stay With Nature.", MAYFAIR has built its identity around destinations where architecture, landscape, local culture and personalised service come together.
In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Pooja takes us through the brand's journey of more than four decades, reflecting on the values that have remained central to its growth. She shares how her family legacy has influenced her leadership philosophy and why people, rather than infrastructure or technology, remain the foundation of memorable hospitality.
The conversation also explores an interesting dimension of luxury, the ability to bring culture and heritage into contemporary hotel experiences. From regional craftsmanship and traditional materials to art collections, antiques and destination-inspired architecture, Pooja explains how MAYFAIR approaches design as a form of storytelling.
Looking ahead, the discussion turns towards the group's next phase of expansion. With upcoming developments such as MAYFAIR Chilika, Mayfair Sanctuary and MAYFAIR Vizag, she offers insights into the thinking behind creating distinctive properties rather than following a standardised expansion model.
Beyond expansion, Pooja also addresses the growing role of technology, the importance of responsible growth and the qualities young professionals need to succeed in an increasingly competitive hospitality industry.
Our conversation with Pooja Ray offers a compelling perspective on building a hospitality legacy while remaining receptive to changing traveller expectations. It was a wonderful exchange exploring leadership, heritage, innovation and the importance of staying connected to nature.
Discover the complete interview with Pooja Ray in the November issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website. Readers can also get their physical copy of the magazine to explore the full conversation and more stories from the hospitality industry
What makes a luxury stay truly unforgettable? Is it the grandeur of a palace, the beauty of its surroundings, or the people who turn every moment into a memorable experience? At Raffles Udaipur, it is the thoughtful combination of these elements that defines its approach to hospitality.
Set against the scenic beauty of Udai Sagar Lake, Raffles Udaipur brings together royal elegance, personalised service, and distinctive guest experiences. Leading this vision is Gurnoor Bindra, General Manager of the property, whose hospitality journey reflects a strong belief in people, attention to detail, and the importance of making every guest feel valued.
In an exclusive interview with HospitalityNews, Gurnoor shares his perspective on luxury hospitality, reflecting on the professional experiences that have shaped his leadership and the inspiration behind his career. Having been recognised among the 30 Best GMs in the UAE, he highlights the importance of empowering teams and creating a culture where thoughtful service goes beyond expectations.
The conversation also explores Udaipur's growing prominence as a destination wedding hub. With its 21-acre private island, distinctive venues, and picturesque surroundings, Raffles Udaipur offers couples opportunities to create celebrations that reflect their individual stories. From intimate gatherings to grand multi-day weddings, the property brings together personalised planning and the cultural charm of Rajasthan.
Beyond celebrations, the interview takes readers closer to Lakeshore – A Distinct Experience by Raffles Udaipur. Featuring 36 rooms and suites, Lakeshore offers an intimate lakeside setting where private boat journeys, distinctive dining, and seamless service add another dimension to the guest experience.
But what truly connects these experiences is the property's relationship with its surroundings. Gurnoor discusses how Rajasthani craftsmanship, local traditions, regional cuisine, and nature-inspired activities help guests discover Udaipur beyond its architectural beauty.
The conversation also highlights a significant achievement: Raffles Udaipur receiving Two MICHELIN Keys for the second consecutive year. Gurnoor reflects on the Heartists behind this recognition and shares his vision for developing meaningful wellness experiences and personalised celebrations in the years ahead.
It was a pleasure to speak with Gurnoor Bindra and gain a deeper understanding of the leadership, people, and philosophy shaping Raffles Udaipur's distinctive hospitality experience.
What goes into creating luxury that guests remember long after their stay? Discover the complete conversation in the November edition of HospitalityNews Magazine, available on our website in e-magazine format. Readers can also explore the physical edition for more exclusive interviews, industry perspectives, and inspiring hospitality stories.
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