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.

PGC Chennai: Where Lifestyle, Leisure and Family Experiences Come Together

Ms. Sonali Jain,

Published on December 1, 2025

Ponneri Gymkhana Club (PGC) has emerged as one of North Chennai’s most dynamic lifestyle and hospitality destinations. Spanning 60,000 sq. ft., it stands as the region’s largest and most integrated family club, offering a unique blend of recreation, sports, celebrations, wellness and stay experiences under one expansive space.

In an engaging conversation with Hospitality News, Ms. Sonali Jain, Managing Partner of PGC, shared the vision that guides the club’s growth. Her clarity, warmth and community-first approach define PGC’s identity. “Our goal at PGC is simple. We want every guest and every member to feel valued, cared for and connected. Hospitality should make people feel at home, and that is what we strive for,” she notes.

Her vision translates into a thoughtfully designed destination for every member of the family. The club features over 170 rooms and suites, a grand 800-seater banquet hall, a 5,000-capacity open lawn and facilities for 12 sports including badminton, squash, cricket, golf and table tennis. It also houses a pool party lawn, gym, spa, salon, private theatre, multi-cuisine restaurant, café and business lounge. Enhancing its culinary offerings, PGC now includes a dedicated Pure Vegetarian Kitchen, ensuring elevated hygiene, tradition and comfort.

PGC has become a preferred venue for weddings, corporate events, celebrations, vacations and fitness experiences. Its membership offers strong lifestyle value with complimentary stays, full facility access, priority bookings and a vibrant community environment.

Founder & Managing Director Mr. Rajeev Ajmera reinforces this purpose, “North Chennai deserved a world-class leisure and sports destination. Our objective was to build a space that families can truly call their own.” His vision continues to shape PGC as a benchmark for hospitality and community living.

Guests and prospective members are invited to explore a destination that truly feels like home, Read more details and the full article in our Hospitality News December edition, available on our website and in print.

Moth to Flame – A Hotelier’s Journey Illuminating Indian Hospitality

PK Mohankumar

Published on December 1, 2025

"Moth to Flame” is one of those rare stories that lingers in the heart long after the final page. Authored by veteran hotelier P. K. Mohankumar, fondly known as PKMK, the book transcends the boundaries of a traditional memoir. It is a poetic reflection on a life shaped by humility, purpose, and an unwavering devotion to the art of hospitality. Born in the serene city of Trivandrum, Mohankumar chose a path less travelled when he pursued hotel management at the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai, an unconventional decision at a time when engineering, medicine, and civil services dominated aspirations.

The book gracefully follows his rise through the Indian Hotels Company Limited (Tata Group), where he spent over four decades contributing to the soul of Indian hospitality. From the corridors of the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, to his leadership roles as Managing Director and CEO of Taj Gateway and Ginger Hotels, his journey reflects a deep belief that hospitality is not merely a profession but a calling built on empathy and service. Along the way, readers encounter rare insights from his interactions with visionaries such as the late J. R. D. Tata and the late Ratan Tata.

Mohankumar also offers an intimate look at balancing an intense career with family life, anchoring his journey in discipline, integrity, and meaningful moments despite the demands of the industry. Honoured with the Hall of Fame Award by IHM Dadar and the Lifetime Achievement Award by TajLifers Collective, he continues to guide the next generation.

“Moth to Flame” stands as an inspiring tribute to passion, purpose, and the timeless spirit of hospitality.

It was a truly inspiring journey and knowing about PK Mohankumar, whose leadership continues to redefine the essence of modern hospitality. This was an engaging and insightful conversation, and readers can explore the complete article in the Hospitality News – December Edition, available on our website and in print.

About the Book

Title: Moth to Flame

Author: P. K. Mohankumar

Genre: Memoir, Hospitality and Leadership

Now available for readers and dreamers who believe that true hospitality begins with heart.

To order your hard copy of “Moth to Flame,” please fill out the form below and complete the payment via GPay: https://forms.gle/dbt5BM4u3iMZtP726

After payment, share a screenshot for confirmation. Your copy will be delivered within 10 working days.

The Future of Resort Investments in India by Dinesh Yadav

Dinesh Yadav

Published on December 1, 2025

In an exclusive feature for Hospitality News, we spoke with Dinesh Yadav, Founder & MD of Fine Acers, who shared sharp insights into the fast-evolving landscape of luxury resort investments in India. He explained that branded resorts operating on a sales-leaseback model are increasingly appealing as they offer consistent yields and long-term value appreciation.

With higher occupancy, premium pricing, and rising operating margins, branded properties continue to strengthen investor confidence. As India’s luxury hospitality segment matures, these resorts also command stronger resale values, lower operational risks, and predictable cash flows, especially when professionally managed by reputed hospitality brands.

Yadav highlighted that the Fine Acers model focuses on accessibility and risk mitigation by partnering with established hotel operators and creating structured opportunities that allow even smaller-ticket investors to participate in high-quality assets. Clearly outlined revenue-share models, lease arrangements, profit-sharing mechanisms, fixed returns, or minimum guarantees enhance transparency and reduce downside risk, while branded assets naturally enjoy greater appreciation due to sustained demand and brand credibility.

He further noted that India’s hospitality sector is poised to attract nearly USD 1 billion by 2028, supported by rising occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR across leisure segments. Fine Acers evaluates key indicators such as brand strength, tourism potential, contract structures, projected cash flows, and exit opportunities while assessing their resort portfolio.

According to Yadav, their structured sales-leaseback model stands apart from traditional real estate or independent hotel investments by offering minimal operational involvement, stronger brand advantages, and a more secure path for investors seeking exposure to luxury hospitality.

It was a truly inspiring conversation with Dinesh Yadav, whose leadership continues to redefine the essence of resort investmensts. This was an engaging and insightful conversation, and readers can explore the complete interview in the Hospitality News – December Edition, available on our website and in print.