Shaping the Future of Indian Hospitality: A Conversation with FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal

Shaping the Future of Indian Hospitality: A Conversation with FHRAI President Surendra Kumar Jaiswal

Surendra Kumar Jaiswal

Published on February 1, 2026

At a time when India’s hospitality and food services sector is entering a decisive phase of transformation, strong leadership and clear policy direction have never been more critical. In an exclusive and in-depth conversation, Hospitality News brings forward the perspectives of Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal, President of the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), who is steering the industry through a period of opportunity, reform, and reinvention.

A second-generation hotelier and a respected industry voice, Mr. Jaiswal combines hands-on entrepreneurial experience with a deep understanding of policy, sustainability, and talent development. Leading a diverse hospitality portfolio across Uttar Pradesh and actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, his journey reflects both scale and sensitivity, qualities increasingly essential in today’s hospitality landscape.

In this featured interview, Mr. Jaiswal speaks candidly about FHRAI’s evolving role as a proactive policy partner, the structural changes needed to keep Indian hospitality globally competitive, and the urgent reforms required to unlock long-term, sustainable growth. He also sheds light on how hospitality-led development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities can reshape India’s tourism economy while creating inclusive regional opportunities.

Beyond policy and expansion, the conversation delves into the future, where sustainability, skilling, and digital transformation intersect. From responsible operations and workforce development to the growing influence of contactless guest management technologies, Mr. Jaiswal outlines how the industry can embrace innovation without losing its human essence.

What makes this interaction especially compelling is its balance of vision and pragmatism. Each response reflects not just ambition, but actionable pathways for hotels and restaurants of all sizes, making this discussion particularly relevant for industry leaders, investors, and emerging professionals alike.

The complete and unfiltered conversation with Mr. Surendra Kumar Jaiswal is featured in the Hospitality News February Magazine. Readers can explore the full interview on our website e-magazine or experience it in print by getting their physical copy of the February edition, a must-read for anyone invested in the future of Indian hospitality.


Dinesh Yadav on Fine Acers’ Next Chapter with Dolce

Dinesh Yadav on Fine Acers’ Next Chapter with Dolce

Dinesh Yadav

Published on May 4, 2026

Fine Acers, a recognised name in hospitality-led real estate, has partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to introduce the Dolce brand in India, marking a significant step as the country’s tourism and hospitality sector is projected to reach USD 59 billion by 2028. Reflecting on this milestone, Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers highlights how the collaboration aligns with rising demand for premium leisure travel, destination weddings, and experiential stays. With existing resorts in Jaipur, Pushkar, and Goa, the company currently operates 200 rooms across three properties and plans to add 700 more keys over the next three years across Jaipur, Jawai, Udaipur, Pushkar, and Coorg, backed by an investment of around ₹600 crore. This expansion will take the total inventory to 1500 rooms across seven properties.

The introduction of Dolce by Wyndham comes at a time when India’s luxury hospitality segment faces a supply gap, with only around 29,000 luxury rooms available nationwide. Positioned to bridge this gap, Dolce integrates business, leisure, and large-scale event capabilities, making it ideal for high-demand markets like Goa and Udaipur, known for strong occupancy rates and wedding-driven demand. Fine Acers’ sale-and-leaseback model supports growth by enabling investors to purchase around 70% of its inventory, which is leased back and professionally managed, offering attractive returns without operational involvement, a model gaining traction among HNIs and NRIs seeking financial and experiential value. Backed by strong industry fundamentals, with hotel demand projected to grow at 10.8% annually against 8% supply growth, the company is expanding into high-demand destinations with a vision to surpass 1500 keys by 2030 and establish itself as a leading player in resort and lifestyle hospitality, while destination weddings and MICE remain central to the strategy, supported by India’s USD 130 billion wedding industry, driving memorable guest experiences and sustained growth.

This engaging exchange offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of India’s luxury hospitality sector and the strategic vision driving Fine Acers forward. It was truly a great conversation with Dinesh Yadav, and readers can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May Magazine, available on our website and in print.


Redefining Luxury Through Human Connection: The Anand Mishra Way

Redefining Luxury Through Human Connection: The Anand Mishra Way

Anand Mishra

Published on May 1, 2026

In an exclusive and engaging interaction, Anand Mishra, Director of Operations at Sayaji Vadodara, Offers a thoughtful glimpse into the evolving world of hospitality in the May edition of Hospitality News magazine, where every detail matters and every guest experience carries meaning. Known for his strong operational expertise and people-first approach, he shares perspectives that go beyond processes, diving into the emotional core of hospitality.

Reflecting on his journey, he describes it as a story that began unexpectedly but soon transformed into a fulfilling career. “I began my journey as a management trainee at ITC, more by chance than by choice. What followed was a true rollercoaster filled with ups and downs, challenges, fun, and excitement. This industry has a unique way of shaping you, pushing you to grow, and transforming who you are. Looking back, I have no regrets. In fact, today I can proudly say that I enjoy my job every single day.”

What truly stands out is his deep commitment to guest care. Recalling a touching moment at Sayaji Hotel Vadodara, he shares, “I remember a single woman traveller who approached me at check-in with a strict, medically prescribed diet and asked if we could accommodate it…” What followed was a coordinated effort by his team to ensure precision and care. “At the time of checkout, she had tears in her eyes… It reaffirmed that when we truly commit, we can create an unmatched guest experience.”

Speaking about today’s travellers, he highlights a shift in expectations. “Luxury is not materialistic, it is deeply personal.” His approach focuses on understanding guests, anticipating their needs, and delivering warmth that feels like home.

Even in moments of operational challenges, such as a sudden system failure during peak service, his emphasis remains unchanged. “It was a perfect example of teamwork, quick thinking, and resilience,” he recalls, underlining the importance of seamless guest experience.

For him, the smallest details create the biggest impact. “Luxury is always human, it is never just materialistic.” At Sayaji, this philosophy comes alive through their “Yours Truly” experience.

This insightful exchange captures the essence of modern hospitality, where emotion meets excellence. It was truly a great conversation, and you can explore the complete feature in the Hospitality News May magazine on our website, or grab a physical copy to experience it in full.


Redefining Readiness in Hospitality: A Conversation with Sanjeev Kumar

Redefining Readiness in Hospitality: A Conversation with Sanjeev Kumar

Sanjeev Kumar

Published on May 1, 2026

The hospitality industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, yet a fundamental question continues to challenge its growth, are we truly preparing talent for the realities of the job? In an exclusive and thought-provoking interaction, Sanjeev Kumar, Founder of HOSPI Sigma™, shares his perspective on this critical shift, offering a fresh lens on performance, capability, and industry readiness.

With over three decades of experience across globally respected brands such as Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Premier Inn, Sanjeev Kumar brings unmatched operational depth combined with strategic foresight. His journey, further enriched by his tenure at Lloyds Banking Group, has shaped a unique approach that bridges hospitality with structured, data-driven methodologies.

In this featured conversation, he delves into the pressing gap between ‘qualified’ and ‘job-ready’ professionals, highlighting how traditional education often stops at knowledge, while the industry demands decisive action under pressure. Through HOSPI Sigma™, he introduces a transformative framework that shifts the focus from learning to real-time performance, an approach that is steadily redefining how talent is trained, evaluated, and empowered.

What sets this dialogue apart is its clarity and relevance. From addressing why performance under pressure has long been overlooked, to explaining how structured thinking can significantly reduce operational inefficiencies, Sanjeev Kumar offers insights that resonate with both industry leaders and emerging professionals. His emphasis on measurable outcomes, fewer guest complaints, reduced training costs, and consistent service delivery, adds a compelling business perspective to the conversation.

As the discussion unfolds, it builds a strong sense of anticipation around the future of hospitality talent. With India’s rapid expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets, frameworks like HOSPI Sigma™ are no longer optional, they are becoming essential. The conversation also touches upon the evolving role of policy, particularly in light of the Union Budget’s focus on skill development, and the urgent need to align intent with execution on the ground.

This is more than just an interview, it is a window into the future of hospitality operations and talent transformation.

It was truly a great conversation with Sanjeev Kumar, filled with insight, clarity, and forward-thinking perspectives. To explore the complete interview and gain deeper understanding, you can check it out in the HospitalityNews May magazine on our website, or experience it in its full depth through our physical edition.