Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

Exclusive: Alisha Chitalwala on Crafting Luxury & Inclusivity in Hospitality Design

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 8, 2025

Great hospitality design goes beyond aesthetics—it creates experiences that stay with guests long after they’ve left. For Alisha Chitalwala, Associate Designer at Designers Group, the focus is on crafting spaces that seamlessly blend comfort, functionality, and brand identity.

“My role revolves around ensuring each project exudes a distinct character, setting the property apart with its unique charm,” she shares. From conceptualization to execution, every detail is carefully curated to enhance the guest experience, making hospitality spaces more than just places to stay—they become destinations in themselves.

A Commitment to Sustainable Luxury

Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a necessity. Designers Group has been at the forefront of integrating eco-conscious practices into hospitality design without compromising on luxury. “We believe in delivering luxury through a thoughtful, sustainable approach,” Alisha explains. “By prioritizing environmentally conscious practices, we contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the design industry.”

With travelers increasingly valuing responsible tourism, hotels and resorts are now looking at design as a way to minimize their environmental footprint while maintaining high-end appeal. This shift is shaping the next generation of hospitality spaces—ones that are both indulgent and environmentally responsible.

Innovation & The Role of AI in Hospitality Design

Technology is revolutionizing the way designers conceptualize and execute spaces, and AI is leading the charge. “The future of design is being reshaped by AI-driven solutions, offering boundless opportunities to push creative boundaries,” Alisha shares.

From AI-assisted space planning to immersive 3D visualizations, technology is making it easier to create more precise, functional, and engaging hospitality interiors. This not only enhances efficiency but also allows for greater customization, ensuring every space meets the evolving expectations of modern travelers.

Fostering Inclusivity & Women in Design

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The design industry has long been a space where creativity thrives, and at Designers Group, gender is never a barrier to success. “Creativity knows no gender,” Alisha states. “We champion equal opportunities and take immense pride in having a significant number of female professionals who bring innovation, passion, and excellence to every project.”

As more women step into leadership roles, the industry is witnessing a positive shift towards inclusivity and representation. By fostering talent without bias, hospitality design continues to evolve as a field where fresh perspectives and diverse voices shape the future.

A Vision for the Future

The hospitality industry is embracing change, with sustainability, adaptive reuse, and immersive experiences leading the way. Looking ahead, Alisha envisions smart, responsive spaces that elevate guest interactions while prioritizing eco-conscious luxury. “Opportunities lie in redefining hospitality through a forward-thinking approach,” she says.

As hospitality design continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity will be at the heart of the industry’s transformation.

A Message for Women’s Day

On International Women’s Day, Alisha shares an empowering message:
“We are empowered women shaping the world, and our strength multiplies when we uplift and support one another. Together, we create, inspire, and lead with unwavering confidence.”

A fitting reminder that when women support each other, the industry—and the world—flourishes.


Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Achint Singh as Associate Director of Revenue

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida Appoints Achint Singh as Associate Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 24, 2026

Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida has announced the appointment of Achint Singh as its Associate Director of Revenue.

With more than 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Achint brings extensive expertise in revenue management, reservations, forecasting, distribution strategy and hotel operations. Over the years, he has built a strong professional track record with leading hospitality brands, including Marriott and The Lalit, among others.

His experience spans several key areas such as revenue management, demand forecasting, pricing strategy, OTA and channel management, reservations operations, budgeting, business planning and competitive benchmarking. He is also skilled in analysing market trends, optimising room inventory, maintaining rate parity and developing strategies that improve profitability and operational performance.

Throughout his career, Achint has led revenue and reservations teams, supported hotel pre-opening projects and managed large hotel portfolios. In his previous role, he was responsible for revenue strategy and forecasting across multiple hotels with a combined inventory of more than 750 rooms. He has also worked closely with sales, marketing, finance and front office teams to drive commercial performance.

In his new position, Achint will oversee the Revenue Management function at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. His responsibilities will include identifying revenue opportunities, strengthening the hotel's market position and supporting the achievement of its overall commercial goals.

Anurag Rai, General Manager at Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida said, "We are delighted to welcome Achint Singh to Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida. Achint brings with him a wealth of experience in revenue management, distribution strategy and commercial operations along with a proven track record of driving business performance across renowned hospitality brands. His strategic mindset, analytical expertise and collaborative leadership approach will play a key role in strengthening our revenue initiatives and supporting the hotel's growth objectives. We look forward to his valuable contributions as we continue to enhance our market position and deliver exceptional results."

Expressing his enthusiasm, Achint Singh said, "I am honored to join Holiday Inn New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida and become part of a dynamic team committed to excellence and guest satisfaction. The hospitality industry continues to evolve rapidly, creating exciting opportunities to leverage data-driven strategies, innovation and market insights to optimize performance. I look forward to working closely with the hotel's leadership team to further strengthen revenue management practices, maximize commercial opportunities and contribute to the continued success and growth of the property".

Known for his analytical approach and collaborative leadership style, Achint is committed to driving business growth while fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous learning and teamwork. His appointment further strengthens the hotel's leadership team as it continues to focus on delivering strong commercial performance and guest experiences.


Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Appoints Girish Divekar as Director of Sales & Marketing

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport Appoints Girish Divekar as Director of Sales & Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport has announced the appointment of Girish Divekar as Director of Sales & Marketing, marking a significant homecoming for the hospitality professional who previously held key leadership roles at the property.

Girish first joined the hotel as Associate Director of Sales in 2017 before being promoted to Director of Sales, a position he held until 2022. Having developed a deep understanding of the property's commercial landscape, market dynamics, and guest segments during his earlier tenure, he now returns to lead the hotel's sales and marketing function during an important phase of growth.

With more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Girish has built expertise across sales, revenue generation, business development, and commercial strategy. His experience spans multiple operational segments, including rooms, food and beverage, banqueting, and catering, giving him a comprehensive understanding of hotel performance and revenue optimization.

In his new role, he will focus on driving revenue growth, strengthening market share, enhancing customer engagement, and reinforcing the hotel's positioning within Mumbai's highly competitive hospitality market.

Speaking about his return, Girish said his passion for hospitality was inspired by the ability of hotels to create meaningful guest experiences and foster a sense of belonging. He described his return to Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport as a particularly meaningful milestone in his professional journey.

Prior to this appointment, Girish successfully led business development and revenue enhancement initiatives, contributing to a 30 percent increase in revenue through strategic occupancy and average daily rate (ADR) optimisation. He also played a key role in strengthening corporate business relationships and enhancing food and beverage positioning to drive new demand streams.

Looking ahead, Girish highlighted the growing opportunities within Mumbai's hospitality sector, driven by strong domestic travel demand, expanding MICE business, and evolving guest expectations. His focus will be on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while building long-term value for guests, associates, and stakeholders.

With Girish Divekar returning to the leadership team, Courtyard by Marriott Mumbai International Airport aims to further strengthen its commercial performance and capitalize on the continued growth of one of India's most dynamic hospitality markets.


Alila Diwa Goa Appoints Takshila Chheda as Area Director – Digital Marketing

Alila Diwa Goa Appoints Takshila Chheda as Area Director – Digital Marketing

By Hariharan U

Published on June 24, 2026

Alila Diwa Goa has announced the appointment of Takshila Chheda as Area Director – Digital Marketing, strengthening Hyatt’s digital leadership across key markets in India.

Prior to this appointment, Takshila led digital marketing initiatives for North, East, and West India at Hyatt Hotels. In her expanded role, she will now oversee digital marketing efforts across Goa and Pune in addition to West and Central India, supporting the brand’s growth and visibility objectives across the region.

Takshila will be responsible for developing and executing digital and performance marketing strategies aimed at driving business growth, enhancing online presence, and strengthening customer engagement across Hyatt’s portfolio. Her expertise spans digital marketing, brand management, social media, public relations, and performance-driven campaigns.

Before joining Hyatt, Takshila served as Digital Marketing Strategist at the Jio World Centre under Reliance Industries, where she played a key role in the launch and digital promotion of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Her work focused on building visibility and audience engagement for one of India’s most significant cultural destinations.

She also held the position of Senior Manager – Digital Marketing at Tata Motors, contributing to the company’s digital communications and customer engagement initiatives across multiple campaigns and platforms.

Earlier in her career, Takshila gained extensive experience across leading communications agencies and the hospitality sector, working with a diverse portfolio of brands and developing expertise in strategic communications and digital storytelling.

Academically, she holds a Master of Science in Corporate Communications and Reputation Management from Alliance Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media (Advertising) from University of Mumbai.

Her appointment reflects Hyatt’s continued investment in digital transformation and data-driven marketing as the hospitality industry increasingly focuses on personalised guest engagement and stronger online brand presence.

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