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.


Shubhamoy Banerjee Joins MAYFAIR Lagoon Bhubaneswar as General Manager

Shubhamoy Banerjee Joins MAYFAIR Lagoon Bhubaneswar as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 4, 2024

MAYFAIR Lagoon and Convention, Bhubaneswar, a renowned luxury hotel known for its exceptional hospitality and world-class amenities, proudly announces the appointment of Mr. Shubhamoy Banerjee as its new General Manager.

With a stellar track record in the hospitality industry, Mr. Banerjee brings extensive experience and expertise to his new role. Over the years, he has worked with some of the most prestigious brands in the sector, earning a reputation for his innovative approach, people-centric leadership, and commitment to excellence.

In his new position, Mr. Banerjee will oversee the operations of both MAYFAIR Lagoon and MAYFAIR Convention, focusing on enhancing guest experiences, driving operational efficiency, and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. His strategic vision is expected to further solidify the property’s standing as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers alike.

Speaking about his appointment, Mr. Banerjee said, “It is a privilege to be part of the MAYFAIR family. MAYFAIR Lagoon and Convention is an iconic property, and I am excited to work with the talented team here to elevate the guest experience and strengthen our position in the market. Together, we will continue to set benchmarks in luxury hospitality.”

Located in the heart of Bhubaneswar, MAYFAIR Lagoon is celebrated for its lush landscapes, elegant architecture, and state-of-the-art facilities, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and tranquility. The adjoining MAYFAIR Convention is a premier venue for conferences, weddings, and events, offering unparalleled service and amenities.

With Mr. Banerjee at the helm, the property is poised for a new era of growth and innovation, ensuring that it remains a leader in the luxury hospitality segment.

The MAYFAIR Group extends a warm welcome to Mr. Shubhamoy Banerjee and looks forward to his invaluable contributions in shaping memorable experiences for guests.


Novotel Goa Panjim Appoints Vinayak M. Prabhavalkar as Director of Sales & Marketing

Novotel Goa Panjim Appoints Vinayak M. Prabhavalkar as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 4, 2024

Novotel Goa Panjim is pleased to announce the appointment of Vinayak M. Prabhavalkar as its new Director of Sales & Marketing. With an impressive 17-year career in the hospitality industry, including extensive expertise in Goa, Prabhavalkar is set to bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to this pivotal role.

A Proven Leader

Prabhavalkar’s career began in 2006, and he has since worked with leading hospitality brands like Marriott International and IHG. His vast experience has helped him develop a strong understanding of the unique market dynamics of Goa, making him well-positioned to drive revenue, optimize customer satisfaction, and lead successful sales teams.

Focus on Market Visibility and Client Relationships

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In his new role, Prabhavalkar will focus on enhancing market visibility, fostering long-term client relationships, and leading sales and marketing initiatives for Novotel Goa Panjim. His in-depth local knowledge and collaborative leadership style are expected to be key factors in the hotel’s continued success in the region.

Surajit Chatterjee, General Manager of Novotel Goa Panjim, expressed, “Vinayak’s extensive experience in Goa, combined with his proven track record in sales and marketing, makes him an ideal fit for our team. His strategic vision and deep understanding of the local market will be essential as we continue to elevate the guest experience and expand our presence in the region.”

About Novotel

Novotel Hotels, Suites & Resorts, part of Accor, is known for offering destination hotels designed for guests to take time to enjoy the moments that matter. With over 530 locations across more than 60 countries, Novotel caters to both business and leisure guests, offering spacious rooms, dedicated meeting spaces, family-friendly zones, and a wide range of services designed for comfort and convenience.

With Prabhavalkar’s leadership, Novotel Goa Panjim is poised to enhance its offerings and make a significant impact in the local market.


RCI Names Lucas Ramos as Senior Director for Asia, Pacific & India

RCI Names Lucas Ramos as Senior Director for Asia, Pacific & India

By Nishang Narayan

Published on December 4, 2024

RCI, a global leader in membership travel services, has announced the appointment of Lucas Ramos as Senior Director, Travel & Membership – Asia, Pacific & India. Based in Australia, Ramos will oversee operations and spearhead strategic growth initiatives across the region, including for affiliated brands 7Across and @Work International, which are part of the Travel + Leisure Co. portfolio.

Strategic Leadership and Expertise

With over 16 years of experience, Ramos brings a strong foundation in finance and analytics, excelling in data-driven decision-making that ensures sustained business growth. He previously led 7Across and spent a decade at Mantra Group, where he successfully repositioned the brand and optimized business functions with a focus on efficiency and impactful member service.

In his new role, Ramos will leverage this expertise to enhance operational efficiency, financial performance, and strategic development, reinforcing RCI’s position as a leader in the membership travel industry.

Vision for Growth

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Expressing his enthusiasm, Ramos said, "I am elated to join RCI and lead the Asia, Pacific & India region. This is an incredibly dynamic and thriving market with significant opportunities for growth. I look forward to working closely with the talented RCI team to further strengthen our leadership position and deliver exceptional experiences to our members and affiliates."

About RCI

RCI is a pioneer in the vacation ownership industry, offering the world’s leading vacation exchange platform to its 3.5 million members, with access to 4,100 affiliated resorts across 110 countries. Through RCI Travel, members enjoy flexible, year-round travel options.

With Ramos at the helm, RCI is poised to continue expanding its footprint and delivering unparalleled value to its members and affiliates in the Asia-Pacific and Indian markets.

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