The Clarion Hotel Approach to Hospitality Excellence

Admin

Published on March 4, 2024

Join us in exploring the scenes behind the Clarion Hotel's exceptional sales strategies and unparalleled guest experiences, where every detail is meticulously crafted to exceed expectations and foster long-term loyalty.

Reena Tomar is a seasoned Sales Manager with over five years of experience in the hospitality industry. Currently serving as a Sales Manager at Clarks Collection in Dehradun since July 2021, she is responsible for driving sales and revenue growth. Prior to this role, Reena held positions of increasing responsibility, including Manager - Sales & Marketing at V One Pride Premnager, where she honed her skills in sales strategy and marketing management from July 2020 to July 2021. With a strong foundation in sales, she previously served as Asst. Sales Manager at V One Hotel - The Competent Palace, gaining valuable experience in client relationship management and team leadership from November 2018 to March 2020. Reena's career journey began as an Executive - Banquet Sales at Regenta lp Vilas By Royal Orchid and later as a Sr. Banquet Sales Executive at Hotel Saffron Leaf, where she demonstrated her aptitude for sales and customer service. Her diverse background in sales and marketing equips her with the expertise to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.

Can you describe your experience in the hospitality industry and how it has prepared you for the role of Sales Manager at Clarion Hotel?

With over a decade in hospitality, I've handled everything from guest services to sales. My experience has fine-tuned my people skills, setting me up nicely for the Sales Manager role at Clarion Hotel, where I aim to leverage my expertise to cultivate strategic partnerships and exceed sales targets.

What strategies have you found most effective in generating leads and driving sales within the hospitality sector, particularly in the Dehradun market?

For the Dehradun market, I've discovered that hosting exclusive events and networking opportunities, leveraging customer referrals, and offering enticing loyalty programs are powerful strategies for generating leads and boosting sales in the hospitality sector. By creating memorable experiences, nurturing relationships, and rewarding repeat businesses, we can cultivate a loyal customer base and stay ahead in this competitive landscape.

How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with clients and partners to ensure repeat business and foster long-term loyalty?

Well, I prioritize building genuine connections by actively listening to clients' needs, delivering exceptional service, and consistently exceeding expectations. Additionally, I actively seek out opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth, demonstrating our commitment to long-term partnerships and ensuring our clients and partners feel valued and appreciated.

Clarion Hotel likely caters to a diverse range of guests and events. Can you discuss how you tailor your sales approach to meet the specific needs and preferences of different client demographics?

Absolutely! Understanding the unique needs and preferences of diverse client demographics is key. By customizing our offerings and communication to align with the priorities of each demographic, we ensure a tailored and memorable experience that resonates with our guests, fostering satisfaction and loyalty.

In a competitive market like Dehradun, how do you differentiate Clarion Hotel's offerings and effectively communicate its unique value proposition to potential clients?

In Dehradun's competitive market, Clarion Hotel stands out by emphasizing our unique blend of luxurious amenities, personalized service, and convenient location. Through targeted marketing campaigns, we highlight our distinct features such as spacious accommodations, world-class dining options, and comprehensive event facilities. By effectively communicating these key differentiators, we ensure potential clients recognize the unparalleled value proposition Clarion Hotel offers in the market.

Can you share an example of a successful sales campaign or initiative you led that significantly contributed to revenue growth or business expansion?

I led a successful corporate partnership initiative, offering exclusive discounts to conference attendees and forging preferred vendor relationships. This not only secured steady business but also expanded our network and brand visibility. The result was significant revenue growth and establishing us as the top choice for business travelers in the region.

Collaboration between sales and other departments, such as marketing and operations, is crucial in a hotel setting. How do you ensure alignment and synergy between these departments to achieve common goals?

To ensure alignment and synergy between sales, marketing, and operations, I prioritize open communication and cross-departmental collaboration. Regular meetings and shared goal-setting sessions help us align our strategies and priorities. Additionally, fostering a culture of mutual support and transparency enables us to leverage each department's strengths effectively, driving towards our common objectives of guest satisfaction and revenue growth.

Lastly, in a dynamic industry like hospitality, adaptability is key. How do you stay updated on industry trends and adjust your sales strategies accordingly to remain competitive?

In the fast-paced hospitality industry, I prioritize staying updated on industry trends through continuous research, networking with industry professionals, and attending relevant workshops and conferences. By closely monitoring market shifts and gathering insights from customer feedback, I ensure our sales strategies remain dynamic and responsive to changing demands, enabling us to maintain our competitive edge in the market.

This Interview is Exclusively Published in HospitalityNews.in.

Crafting Destinations with Character: Ramit Sethi on Redefining Boutique Hospitality

Ramit Sethi

Published on August 1, 2026

Boutique hospitality is steadily redefining the way travellers experience destinations, placing greater emphasis on authenticity, meaningful connections, and memorable stays. Among the brands leading this shift is Seclude Hotels, known for transforming unique homes into immersive hospitality experiences that celebrate heritage, local culture, and personalised service.

In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, Ramit Sethi, Co-founder and Director of Seclude Hotels, shares the vision that has shaped the brand's remarkable journey. From the inspiration behind the successful Creators Club initiative to Seclude's commitment to responsible tourism, Sethi discusses how the company continues to build experiences that extend far beyond accommodation.

The conversation also explores Seclude's role in strengthening local tourism ecosystems by creating employment opportunities, collaborating with surrounding communities, and encouraging travellers to discover offbeat destinations through authentic experiences. Drawing from his corporate leadership background and entrepreneurial journey, Sethi reflects on the guest-first philosophy rooted in seva bhav that continues to guide every decision at Seclude.

Readers will also discover how the brand's carefully curated 'Rent Your Home' model helps preserve the individuality of every property while ensuring consistent quality and personalised hospitality. In addition, Sethi shares Seclude's long-term vision for purposeful expansion, explaining why the company prioritises destinations with heritage, character, and unique stories over rapid growth. The discussion further highlights why Seclude's boutique properties have become preferred venues for intimate weddings, milestone celebrations, anniversaries, and family reunions, where every occasion becomes part of a memorable story.

Packed with insights on boutique hospitality, destination development, experiential travel, creator-led marketing, and evolving guest expectations, this exclusive feature offers an engaging perspective on one of India's most distinctive hospitality brands.

It was a truly insightful conversation with Ramit Sethi, offering valuable perspectives on the future of experiential hospitality and destination-led travel. To read the complete exclusive interview, pick up the August edition of Hospitality News magazine or visit our website to explore the full feature.

Exclusive Feature: Sanjeev Kumar FIH on Building the Future of Hospitality with HOSPI Sigma™

Sanjeev Kumar FIH

Published on August 1, 2026

As India's hospitality industry accelerates into a new era of growth, conversations around talent, operational excellence, and future-ready leadership have never been more important. While the sector continues to expand with strong government support and increasing investment, one question remains at the heart of its success, how can hospitality professionals be better prepared for the realities of modern hotel operations?

In this exclusive feature for Hospitality News August Magazine, we had the opportunity to engage with Sanjeev Kumar FIH, Founder of HOSPI Sigma™, whose decades of leadership across some of the world's most respected hotel brands have shaped a unique perspective on hospitality capability and operational excellence.

Drawing from over 30 years of experience spanning Taj Hotels, ITC Hotels, Starwood Hotels & Resorts (now Marriott International), Premier Inn, and international leadership assignments, Kumar shares the journey that led to the creation of the world's first Unified Lean Six Sigma-based capability framework designed exclusively for hospitality. His insights go beyond conventional training, exploring how structured thinking, operational discipline, and decision-making under pressure can transform hospitality professionals at every stage of their careers.

The feature also explores the industry's widening skills gap, the growing importance of capability-based learning, HOSPI Sigma™'s expanding collaborations with hospitality institutes and hotel groups, and how the framework aligns with India's ambitious vision for hospitality education and workforce development.

Adding further depth to the conversation, the leadership team behind HOSPI Sigma™ discusses the importance of globally recognised professional development, stronger academia-industry collaboration, inclusive talent development, and building an ecosystem that prepares professionals for long-term success.

Rather than revealing every insight here, this feature offers only a glimpse into a conversation that examines where hospitality education stands today and where it must go next. From operational challenges to leadership philosophy, and from structured capability development to the future of hospitality talent, the discussion presents valuable perspectives for hotel leaders, educators, students, and industry professionals alike.

It was a privilege to engage in such a thoughtful and forward-looking conversation with Sanjeev Kumar FIH and the HOSPI Sigma™ leadership team. To explore the complete feature and gain deeper insights into their vision for transforming hospitality capability, read the full interview in the Hospitality News August Magazine, available on our website, or experience it in the print edition by getting your physical copy.

Exclusive Conversation with Rahul Makhija: Leading Hospitality Through People, Purpose, and Innovation

Rahul Makhija

Published on August 1, 2026

With over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, Rahul Makhija, General Manager at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited, has consistently championed a guest-first philosophy while leading The Park Navi Mumbai with a vision rooted in innovation, service excellence, and meaningful hospitality.

In an exclusive featured conversation with Hospitality News, Rahul Makhija shares valuable insights drawn from his extensive leadership journey, offering readers a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics shaping India's hospitality landscape. From building resilient hospitality businesses and creating personalised guest experiences to navigating global uncertainties, embracing sustainability, and responding to changing food, beverage, and nightlife trends, the conversation explores the priorities that define modern hotel leadership.

The interview also highlights how The Park Navi Mumbai continues to strengthen its presence as Navi Mumbai evolves into one of India's fastest-growing business and infrastructure destinations. Rahul Makhija discusses the hotel's role in supporting this transformation through world-class hospitality, talent development, community engagement, and experiences that reflect the brand's distinctive lifestyle philosophy.

Readers will also discover his perspectives on balancing innovation with operational excellence, understanding changing guest expectations, leveraging technology without compromising the human touch, and creating long-term value for guests, employees, partners, and stakeholders alike. His thoughtful responses offer meaningful takeaways for hospitality professionals, industry leaders, aspiring hoteliers, and business enthusiasts seeking to understand the future direction of the sector.

Whether it is adapting to global market conditions, delivering memorable guest journeys, or building a more responsible and sustainable future, every response reflects a leadership approach centred on trust, consistency, and continuous evolution. The conversation offers practical insights into how hospitality brands can remain relevant while staying true to their identity in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

It was truly a meaningful and insightful conversation with Rahul Makhija, whose perspectives reinforce the importance of people, purpose, and innovation in shaping exceptional hospitality experiences.

To read the complete exclusive interview, explore the Hospitality News August Magazine on our website or grab your physical copy and discover the full conversation along with many more inspiring stories, industry insights, and exclusive features from the world of hospitality.