Dare to Dream: Women in Hospitality Who Show You It’s Possible

Dare to Dream: Women in Hospitality Who Show You It’s Possible

By Author

Published on November 6, 2023

In the heart of the hospitality industry, where warmth meets service, women are not just participants; they're trailblazers crafting remarkable experiences. Their presence is a testament to the power of inclusivity and the diverse strengths they bring to the table. Encouragement is not in short supply, and for women contemplating a venture into this vibrant sector, know this: you stand on the sturdy shoulders of giants. Here are six shining examples of success who prove that in hospitality, sisterhood thrives.

1. Isadore Sharp - Founder of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

While not a woman, Isadore Sharp's inclusion is pivotal as he championed women in leadership roles within his luxury hotel chain, setting a precedent for diversity and empowerment. Four Seasons is renowned for its exceptional service, a standard often attributed to the empathetic leadership and attention to detail that women bring to the industry.

2. Christina Ong - The Mind Behind COMO Hotels and Resorts

Christina Ong, dubbed "The Queen of Bond Street," ventured into the hospitality scene with her unique brand of luxury resorts and city hotels. Ong's establishments are more than just a place to stay; they are sanctuaries that reflect her philosophy of holistic well-being, blending culture with comfort—a space where women, especially, can flourish in leadership.

3. Katara Hospitality - A Company Elevating Women Leaders

Based in Qatar, Katara Hospitality has been a forerunner in empowering women within the Middle East, showcasing that gender diversity is key to innovative and sustainable growth. They've shattered ceilings, proving that women in hospitality are not just present but are driving progress and excellence.

4. Priya Paul - The Chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels

Priya Paul is a force to be reckoned with, steering her group’s collection of boutique hotels to new heights. Under her guidance, The Park Hotels have become synonymous with contemporary luxury and cultural vibrancy. Her leadership style is a blueprint for women eyeing the hospitality summit.

5. Ritu Dalmia - Celebrated Chef and Restaurateur

Ritu Dalmia, a chef extraordinaire, adds her zest to the hospitality industry with her chain of restaurants. She has not only brought a spotlight to culinary art but also shown that the kitchen, often a male-dominated space, can be helmed excellently by women with passion and panache.

6. Niki Leondakis - Former CEO of Equinox Fitness Clubs and Hotels

Niki Leondakis has made waves with her dynamic approach to leadership in the hotel sector. With a career that has spanned various hospitality giants, she has become a role model for women who aspire to reach executive roles, proving that with tenacity, the glass ceiling is but an illusion.

These icons, among countless others, are proof that women are crafting the narrative of hospitality with every successful venture. For every woman on the cusp of stepping into hospitality, let these stories embolden you. The industry doesn't just need women; it thrives because of them. So step in, the stage is set, and the audience is eager to witness your story unfold in the splendid theater of hospitality.


India Becomes a She-Planned Nation as Women Lead 7 in 10 Trip Decisions: Thrillophilia Report

India Becomes a She-Planned Nation as Women Lead 7 in 10 Trip Decisions: Thrillophilia Report

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

Thrillophilia has released its Women & Travel Decisions 2025 report, and the findings point to a strong shift inside Indian homes. Women are now at the centre of India’s leisure travel decisions, quietly driving 72% of trip planning across the country. The study is based on 212,000 itineraries and 8.9 million planning signals, showing how women are choosing destinations, curating experiences, handling budgets, and shaping how the entire family travels.

The report highlights that women prefer to plan early, compare more carefully, and double-check before confirming anything. On average, they book nine days earlier than men, which helps keep prices steady, prevent last-minute changes, and brings cancellations down by 18%. They also spend more time reading reviews, checking photos, and sharing itineraries within family and friend groups to make sure every detail is right. Still, even though women lead the planning, 62% of payments on women-planned couple trips are made by men.

Thrillophilia’s data also shows a clear theme in women’s choices: a smart luxury approach. This doesn’t mean flashy spending, but thoughtful indulgence, boutique stays, spa sessions, wellness walks, and slow mornings. Women add 28% more premium upgrades to their carts, yet their total spending stays only 6% higher than men’s. It’s not overspending; it’s making sharper choices.

Safety remains a major focus. Women apply more than three times the number of safety filters, resulting in fewer travel emergencies and a 23% drop in SOS calls. Their deeper research directly leads to smoother trips.

Chitra Gurnani Daga, Co-founder, Thrillophilia, said, "Indian leisure is increasingly a She-Planner economy. Women are curating smarter itineraries, earlier bookings, safety-first choices, and meaningful upgrades without blowing the budget. As women continue to lead India's travel decisions, the industry is shifting toward more thoughtful planning, better value choices, and deeply curated experiences."

For domestic trips, women prefer easy-paced and high-value destinations such as Rajasthan and Kerala, with Goa following closely. Internationally, they lean towards places that mix value and comfort  Bali, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Women travelling with kids and families tend to favour slow mornings, one main activity for the day, and early dinners. This planning style leads to 7% fewer reschedules, keeping trips smoother and more predictable.

Tier 2 India is showing the strongest rise in women planners. Cities like Indore, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Jaipur are rapidly emerging, with Indore alone growing 31% YoY. With this rise, the She-Planner trend is set to shape not just travel choices but a growing ecosystem built around women-led planning.

About Thrillophilia
Thrillophilia is India’s leading AI-powered platform for discovering and personalizing multi-day trips. With over 100M+ users and 300,000+ travellers a year, it helps couples and families discover and book trips through verified local partners across 1,000+ locations. Based in Jaipur and operating in the UAE and the U.S., Thrillophilia combines technology, trusted supply, and human support to offer the right trip at the right price.


Ginger Steps Into Nagaland with New Hotel Signing in Dimapur

Ginger Steps Into Nagaland with New Hotel Signing in Dimapur

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

India’s largest hospitality company has announced the signing of a new Ginger hotel in Dimapur, Nagaland. This greenfield project marks IHCL’s debut in the state, further strengthening its presence in Northeast India.

“Dimapur plays a pivotal role as an economic and cultural centre in Nagaland. With increasing travel demand and infrastructure development in the region, this signing aligns with our strategy to expand our presence in the Northeast. We are delighted to partner with T.K. Enterprises for this project,” said Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL.

Located near Dimapur Airport, the 90-key Ginger Dimapur will reflect the brand’s lean luxe philosophy, offering a balance of comfort and functionality. Guests will have access to city views and thoughtfully designed spaces suited for both work and relaxation. The hotel will feature Ginger’s signature all-day diner, Qmin, serving global and local favourites. It will also include a bar, a fully-equipped fitness centre and flexible meeting spaces designed for business and social gatherings.

“We are happy to partner with IHCL to bring the Ginger brand to Dimapur. We look forward to Ginger Dimapur contributing to the region’s growth with quality hospitality experiences,” said Mr. T.K. Angami of T.K. Enterprises.

Dimapur, the largest city in Nagaland, has a diverse economic base spanning trade, manufacturing, services and transportation. With this addition, IHCL’s portfolio in Northeast India will include 19 hotels, with 10 currently under development.

About the Owning Company

M/s T.K. Enterprises, promoted by Mr. T.K. Angami, is a diversified business group with investments across retail, automobile dealerships and multiple real estate assets in Dimapur.


‘My City My Heritage’ Walk Highlights Puducherry’s French and Tamil Charm

‘My City My Heritage’ Walk Highlights Puducherry’s French and Tamil Charm

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 18, 2025

IndiGoReach, the CSR arm of IndiGo, and InterGlobe Foundation, the philanthropic arm of InterGlobe Enterprises, jointly hosted an engaging ‘My City My Heritage’ walk in Puducherry. The theme, “Through the French and Tamil Quarters, A Tale of Two Towns,” gave participants a chance to explore the city’s unique blend of French elegance and Tamil vibrancy.

The walk began at the well-known Notre-Dame-des-Anges Church and took participants through historic churches, temples, and lively marketplaces. The experience offered a close look at Puducherry’s cultural depth, architectural mix, and everyday life that reflects the spirit of both communities.

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The session was led by Ashok Panda, Heritage Coordinator and Project Manager at INTACH Pondicherry, who has over 15 years of experience in heritage conservation and urban restoration. He was joined by Puviarasan, Founder of Outdoor Being, a conservationist and experiential educator, and recipient of the Jane Goodall Templeton Prize for India, 2024. Together, they shared stories that brought Puducherry’s past and present to life.

‘My City My Heritage’ is an ongoing initiative by InterGlobe Foundation in collaboration with Sahapedia, focused on spreading awareness about India’s cultural and historical richness. Through meaningful partnerships, the campaign encourages people to reconnect with the traditions, architecture, and stories that define their regions. Under this initiative, IndiGoReach and InterGlobe Foundation have already conducted heritage walks in nine cities, Prayagraj, Bhubaneswar, Shillong, Nashik, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahmedabad, each offering an immersive cultural experience.

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Sharing her thoughts on the Puducherry walk, Rohini Bhatia, Chairperson, InterGlobe Foundation, said, "Our 'My City My Heritage' walk in Puducherry offered a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the city's distinct blend of French and Tamil cultures. By exploring its historic quarters, we aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for Puducherry's rich, layered heritage and promote responsible tourism that celebrates its architectural diversity and vibrant local life."

Both organisations have been actively supporting heritage conservation across India. InterGlobe Foundation has contributed to major projects, including the conservation and cultural revival of Abdur Rahim Khan-I-Khanan’s mausoleum in Delhi, cultural mapping of ten cities, restoration of the ‘Indra Kund’ stepwell in Delwara, the tile restoration of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum, and Heritage Fellowships. IndiGoReach has also supported initiatives such as the conservation of Qutb Shah’s Mausoleum at the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park in Hyderabad and the restoration of interiors at the Lal Bagh Palace in Indore.

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