Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

Abdeali Zoomkawala Joins The Khyber Himalayan Resort as Director of Operations

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 14, 2024

Abdeali Zoomkawala has been appointed as the new Director of Operations at The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, Gulmarg. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Zoomkawala brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role at this luxury property, located in the pristine Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas.

Welcoming Zoomkawala to the team, Vinit Chhabra, General Manager of The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, expressed enthusiasm for the appointment. “We are happy to welcome Abdeali on board The Khyber as he brings with him a solid and varied experience in the hospitality industry. With The Khyber completing twelve years this year, his contribution to taking it to greater heights is eagerly anticipated,” Chhabra stated.

Zoomkawala’s career journey spans several prestigious brands, including The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, The Trident Mumbai, The Leela Palace Bangalore, The Ritz Carlton Bangalore, and Trident Hyderabad. He has also held roles at Oakwood Premier Prestige Bangalore, The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi, Bookmark in Manali (part of Justa Hotels & Resorts), and more recently at IF.BE Ice Factory Ballard Estate—a historic 140-year-old ice factory in Mumbai that now serves as a community space.

image

Known for his expertise in hotel management, pre-opening operations, and strategic leadership, Zoomkawala has a proven track record of enhancing operational performance, increasing revenue, and prioritizing guest satisfaction.

Academically, Zoomkawala is an alumnus of IIHM Aurangabad and Huddersfield University in Yorkshire, where he earned a BA in Hotel/Motel Administration and Management. His skill set is further enriched through various certifications and training programs, including sessions on Positive & Effective Communication, Sales Advantage Training by Dale Carnegie, and a program on Team Synergy by the Academy of Human Excellence. He also holds a Butler Training Certification from the Ivor Spencer School of Butlers in the United Kingdom.

On his new role, Zoomkawala shared his excitement about contributing to The Khyber’s reputation as India’s only luxury ski resort. “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Khyber, India’s only luxury ski Resort. As a team, we will strive to keep the flag flying high with world-class services, while continuously innovating to exceed the expectations of our guests. I hope to curate bespoke experiences, enhancing the property’s brand identity,” Zoomkawala remarked.

The Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa, perched at 8,825 feet in the Himalayas, is known for its luxurious ambiance and dedication to sustainable practices. Since its opening in December 2012, the 85-room resort has been celebrated for its stunning views of the Affarwat peaks, The Khyber Spa by L’OCCITANE, and wellness facilities that include a gym and a heated indoor swimming pool. Located close to Gulmarg’s renowned Gondola and the world’s highest golf course, the resort is a popular destination for both ski enthusiasts and leisure travelers alike.


SkyJumper Expands Footprint with 2 New Indoor Amusement Parks in Maharashtra and Punjab; Aims to Launch 10+ Parks by End of 2025

SkyJumper Expands Footprint with 2 New Indoor Amusement Parks in Maharashtra and Punjab; Aims to Launch 10+ Parks by End of 2025

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 4, 2025

SkyJumper Sports and Amusements Pvt. Ltd., a rapidly growing homegrown brand that champions the 'Make in India' vision, has recently made strides in its national expansion by unveiling two new indoor amusement parks in Ambernath, Maharashtra, and Bathinda, Punjab. This expansion brings the company's total to 20 operational family entertainment centers across India, with ambitious plans to open 10+ more parks by the end of 2025.

The two new centers represent a total investment of ₹7 crore. The Ambernath Park, a ₹3 crore project, spans 10,000 sq. ft. and is located at Master Business Center, K.B. Road, Ambernath West. The park is expected to attract around 15,000 visitors per month and create 15 to 20 local job opportunities. Key attractions at this location include a trampoline arena, a laser tag arena, a soft play area, a Sky Lounge Café, and a party room, catering to visitors of all ages (3 years and above).

Similarly, the Bathinda Park was developed with an investment of ₹4 crore and also covers 10,000 sq. ft. This park, located at Mittal City Mall, Goniana Road, Bathinda, is projected to draw 20,000 visitors per month and will provide local job opportunities. Its key features include the Sky Verve trampoline arena, laser tag, soft play, a dynamic arcade zone, a Sky Lounge Café, and a party room that provides entertainment for families and groups of all ages, with no upper age or weight restrictions.

image

SkyJumper's Vision for the Future

Commenting on the expansion, Mr. Suneel Dhar, Co-Founder of SkyJumper Sports and Amusements Pvt. Ltd., shared, “We are thrilled to unveil our two brand-new indoor amusement parks in two strategic locations. Reaching 20 operational parks is a major milestone for SkyJumper, and we are now focused on accelerating our growth to launch 10+ new parks by the end of 2025.

Mr. Jitender Chhabra, Co-Founder, added, “Exciting times lie ahead as we diversify into new formats, including SkyLuxe, a premium entertainment experience; Curious Kids (Earn Your Fun), an edutainment concept; and the SkyJumper Sports Bar for adults. SkyJumper is no longer just about adventure; it's a complete destination for family outings, birthday parties, school trips, corporate events, and social celebrations. We remain committed to providing safe, high-quality entertainment for all age groups.

About SkyJumper

SkyJumper has revolutionized family entertainment by blending amusement, fitness, and sports into a dynamic experience for visitors of all ages. The brand continues to grow as a leading destination for birthday parties, school trips, corporate outings, and family fun, providing a high-quality experience for every guest.


SKIL Events Delivers Record-Breaking Corporate Spectacle with AWPL 2.0 Launch

SKIL Events Delivers Record-Breaking Corporate Spectacle with AWPL 2.0 Launch

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 3, 2025

SKIL Events Delivers the Largest Corporate Spectacle in Direct Selling History — 20,000+ Witness the Historic Launch of AWPL 2.0 at Indira Gandhi Stadium

In what has become a milestone moment for India's direct selling and event management landscape, SKIL Events brought to life the largest corporate event in the history of direct selling — the grand launch of AWPL 2.0, held at the iconic Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi.

With a staggering 20,000+ attendees, 8 diverse product categories, and over 250+ product launches completed in a single day, the event was not just an execution marvel — it was a spectacle of ambition, precision, and next-level scale.

This show-stopping finale marked the culmination of AWPL’s 34-city Vijay Rath Mahotsav, embodying a transformation in scale, vision, and entrepreneurial celebration.

At the helm of this evolution stands Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Managing Director of AWPL, whose vision for AWPL 2.0 is rooted in empowerment. “This wasn’t just an event; it was the beginning of a new era,” he said. “SKIL Events ensured that this statement was delivered with impact, precision, and grandeur.”

image

A Masterclass in Execution and Scale

Executing over 250 product launches in front of a live audience of 20,000, amidst live performances, tech integration, and high-stakes logistics, is no small feat. But for SKIL Events, known for turning pressure into performance, it was another opportunity to raise the bar.

Every aspect — from concept to curtain call — reflected AWPL’s future-forward philosophy, with world-class production design and immersive audience experiences:

  • A stirring live performance by a legendary singer, unveiling AWPL's Asclepius Anthem.

  • Launch of the Spices Category by Celebrity MasterChef Gaurav Khanna.

  • Energetic hosting by Vishal Malhotra and Priyanka Bhalla, who kept the momentum high throughout.

  • Electrifying acts, including:

    • A high-octane Bhangra performance by Folking Desi.

    • A surprise Flash Mob that brought the crowd to its feet.

    • Innovative experiences like the LED Touch Cube, an interactive LED act, and a Tron Dance Performance that fused storytelling with tech.

Pulling off 250+ launches in one day isn’t just about execution — it’s about creating legacy,” said Ramanpreet Singh, Vice President – Growth & Strategy, SKIL Events. “We’re proud to have transformed a bold vision into a lasting memory.”

image

About SKIL Events

SKIL Events is a leading name in experiential event management, known for delivering high-impact corporate events, MICE solutions, and immersive brand experiences. From concept to celebration, SKIL transforms ambitious ideas into unforgettable realities — one landmark event at a time.


Santhakumar S Joins The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru as Restaurant Manager – F&B Service

Santhakumar S Joins The Ocean Pearl, Mangaluru as Restaurant Manager – F&B Service

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 3, 2025

The Ocean Pearl Mangalore has welcomed Santhakumar S as the new Restaurant Manager – F&B Service at its flagship Tide Restaurant, marking an exciting chapter in its food & beverage leadership.

A passionate professional with over 5 years of experience in F&B service, Santhakumar’s journey spans renowned brands such as Hilton Chennai, ITC Hotels, Tamara Leisure Experiences, and Sarovar Hotels. Prior to joining The Ocean Pearl, he served as Banquet Executive at Sarovar Hotels in Rajahmundry and as Team Leader at The Tamara Kodaikanal.

An alumnus of MGR IHMCT, he holds a BSc in Hotel Management and brings a well-rounded understanding of service quality, banquet operations, and guest experience. His hands-on exposure across India’s hospitality hotspots—from Chennai to Coimbatore, Kodaikanal to Rajahmundry—adds depth to his operational insight.

At The Ocean Pearl Mangalore, Santhakumar will oversee daily restaurant and banquet operations at Tide Restaurant, known for its refined coastal cuisine and warm hospitality. His role will be key in enhancing guest satisfaction, team training, and service excellence across F&B touchpoints.

Speaking about the new chapter, Santhakumar shared, “I’m excited to be part of The Ocean Pearl family and contribute to the legacy of great service. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences for our guests.”

With his rich background and passion for hospitality, Santhakumar is all set to elevate the F&B offerings at The Ocean Pearl—one of Mangalore’s most respected luxury hospitality brands.

HospitalityNews congratulates him on this new role and wishes him success in his journey ahead!

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.