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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on February 4, 2026
Hyatt Pune has announced the appointment of Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, Glen brings strong expertise across hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand leadership in diverse international markets.
In his new role, Glen will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers, while further enhancing the hotel’s dining and social experiences. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive, experience-led hospitality, operational excellence, team engagement, and building meaningful guest connections.
Glen joins Hyatt Pune from Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he served as Pre-Opening General Manager. During his tenure, he played a key role in establishing the property as a prominent lifestyle destination in the city. The hotel’s dining venues gained strong local recognition, and under his leadership, the property received multiple industry accolades in 2025.
Before joining Hyatt, Glen spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across key global markets including Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His professional journey includes involvement in seven hotel pre-openings and experience across six brands spanning the Luxury, Premium, Extended Stay, and Select service segments. This wide exposure has given him a strong understanding of brand standards, evolving guest expectations, and market-driven growth strategies.
Commenting on his appointment, Glen D’Souza said, “Hyatt Pune is a dynamic property in a vibrant and growing market. I look forward to working closely with the team to build on its strengths, elevate guest experiences, and continue creating a hotel that fosters connection, creativity, and growth.”
With Glen’s appointment, Hyatt Pune aims to further enhance its market presence while delivering consistent, high-quality experiences aligned with Hyatt’s global brand promise.
By Hariharan U
Published on February 3, 2026
JW Marriott Kolkata has announced the appointment of Gorav Arora as its new General Manager, effective January 23, 2026. The move reflects the hotel’s continued focus on strengthening leadership, driving operational excellence, and nurturing a people-first culture.
A seasoned hospitality professional, Gorav Arora brings with him over 24 years of experience across some of the world’s most respected hotel groups. His career includes leadership tenures with Hyatt Hotels, The Oberoi Group, and Accor, where he successfully handled multiple senior assignments and played a key role in business growth and service excellence.
Over the years, Arora has worked across major Indian markets including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. This wide exposure has given him a strong understanding of varied guest expectations, regional market dynamics, and culturally rooted luxury hospitality. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he has consistently focused on building high-performing teams while delivering memorable guest experiences.
At JW Marriott Kolkata, Arora will lead the hotel’s overall operations, brand positioning, and growth strategy, with a focus on elevating guest satisfaction, strengthening employee engagement, and reinforcing the property’s standing as one of Eastern India’s leading luxury destinations.
Published on February 2, 2026
Le Méridien Navi Mumbai has announced the appointment of Mr. Firoz Sarwar as Director of Sales at the newly launched property. With more than 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Firoz brings deep expertise in sales and business development strategy, revenue generation, and leading high-performance teams.
Known for his strategic business acumen, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership style, Firoz has played a key role in driving market expansion and brand growth across several leading luxury hotel portfolios. His professional journey includes associations with renowned hospitality brands such as Marriott, Accor, and The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts.
An MBA (Marketing) institute topper and scholarship holder, with a B.E. in Information Technology, Firoz blends strong analytical skills with a solid understanding of market dynamics. He began his hospitality career with The Leela Goa (now The St. Regis Goa) and later contributed significantly to the grand launch of Accor’s first luxury hotel in India, Sofitel Mumbai BKC, supporting its successful positioning in the market.
Prior to his new role, Firoz served as Associate Director of Sales at Le Méridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa, where he led sales teams across Mumbai, Pune, and Mahabaleshwar. His focused approach towards developing the wedding and social events segment resulted in notable revenue growth and strengthened the resort’s overall market presence.
In his new role at Le Méridien Navi Mumbai, Firoz will lead sales strategy and business development initiatives, with a focus on positioning the hotel as a premium urban lifestyle destination. His responsibilities will include driving sustainable revenue growth and market share, enhancing brand visibility, and contributing to an elevated guest experience.
Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Saurabh Chowdhury, General Manager, Le Méridien Navi Mumbai, said, “We are happy to welcome Firoz to Le Méridien Navi Mumbai. His understanding of the market, strong sales leadership and experience with some of the finest hospitality brands make him a great fit for our team. As we build the hotel’s presence in the city, his perspective and energy will be key to our journey ahead.”
Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Firoz Sarwar shared, “It’s an exciting time to join Le Méridien Navi Mumbai at the very start of its story. The brand’s creative spirit, combined with the scale and potential of this market, is truly inspiring. I’m looking forward to shaping strong relationships, building momentum and creating a distinct sales narrative that positions the hotel as a dynamic urban lifestyle destination.”
Outside of work, Firoz enjoys long drives, exploring new destinations, and has a keen interest in advanced astrology. His appointment marks a new chapter for Le Méridien Navi Mumbai as the hotel strengthens its leadership team and market presence.
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