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.

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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.


Grand Hyatt Mumbai Appoints Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager to Strengthen People-First Culture

Grand Hyatt Mumbai Appoints Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager to Strengthen People-First Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 11, 2025

Grand Hyatt Mumbai, one of India’s most iconic luxury hotels, has announced the appointment of Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager.

With over 18 years of experience across leading global hospitality brands, Prasad brings a strong background in talent development, leadership capability building, service culture enhancement, and colleague engagement. His appointment highlights Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s focus on nurturing a people-first culture built on care, continuous learning, and professional growth.

In his new role, Prasad will spearhead the hotel’s learning and development strategy, focusing on leadership development, embedding Hyatt’s values through a culture of learning, enhancing colleague engagement, and aligning training initiatives with business goals.

An alumnus of the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai (PGDBA in General Management), Institute of Hotel Management, Goa (B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration), and Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai (Food Production Craft Course), Prasad has built an impressive career with prestigious hospitality brands such as The Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Hotels), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), The Leela Kempinski, The Zuri Hospitality Group, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Before joining Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Prasad served as Learning Manager at Grand Hyatt Goa, where he played a dual role, leading property-level learning initiatives and contributing as an ASPAC Master Trainer for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. In this capacity, he designed and facilitated impactful leadership and trainer capability workshops across the Asia Pacific region.

Speaking on his appointment, Prasad Prabhu said,

“I am delighted to join Grand Hyatt Mumbai and continue my Hyatt journey. I believe that when colleagues feel respected, supported, and motivated to grow, they naturally deliver better guest experiences. My vision is to build a workplace where learning is not just a function, but a culture.”

As one of Hyatt’s flagship hotels in India, Grand Hyatt Mumbai continues to strengthen its reputation for excellence in service and colleague care. With Prasad’s leadership, the hotel aims to further its vision of fostering empowered teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences through a culture of continuous learning and growth.


The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on November 8, 2025

The Machan Lonavala, one of India’s most recognised eco-luxury resort brands, has announced the appointment of Vikas Toksya as its new Resident Manager.

With an impressive 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience from his time with prestigious names such as the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, Radisson Blu, and Hyatt Hotels. His expertise spans operations management, guest experience, and team leadership, making him well-suited to drive The Machan’s next chapter of growth.

In his new role, Vikas will oversee the resort’s day-to-day operations, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction and reinforcing The Machan’s core values of sustainability and experiential hospitality.

We are delighted to welcome Vikas to The Machan family. His rich operational background and deep understanding of luxury hospitality will play a pivotal role in driving our next phase of growth,” said Rakshit Sharma, COO, The Machan.

Renowned for its award-winning tree-house accommodations and commitment to eco-sensitive practices, The Machan continues to redefine responsible tourism — offering guests a truly immersive retreat amidst nature


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper. With a proven track record of excellence and over a decade of experience in hospitality operations, Mr. Mishra has been instrumental in maintaining the hotel’s high standards of cleanliness, guest comfort, and sustainability. In his new role.

he will continue to lead the housekeeping team with a focus on service innovation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, further strengthening Welcomhotel Guntur’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and ensuring an impeccable stay experience for every guest

About Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur

Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur blends modern luxury with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and signature warm hospitality. With sustainable practices at its core, Welcomhotel Guntur embodies ITC Hotels’ “Responsible Luxury” philosophy, offering guests an experience that is both refined and environmentally conscious.

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