Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

Gaurav Sharma Appointed as General Manager of Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi

By Nishang Narayan

Published on November 13, 2024

Holiday Inn Katra Vaishno Devi has announced the appointment of Gaurav Sharma as its new General Manager, marking another milestone in his illustrious career in the hospitality industry. Backed by over 18 years of experience, Gaurav is well-positioned to lead the property, focusing on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and team development.

Joining the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2019, Gaurav has held pivotal roles across several properties. His most recent assignment as Task Force General Manager at Holiday Inn Amritsar highlighted his ability to drive results under challenging circumstances. Gaurav also made significant contributions to Holiday Inn Goa Candolim and Holiday Inn Agra, successfully implementing revenue growth strategies and enhancing guest experiences. Before IHG, he worked with esteemed brands such as Lemon Tree, The Leela, Radisson, Pride Hotels, Trident, and Renaissance.

Through IHG’s Room to Grow program, Gaurav has capitalized on professional development opportunities, taking on multiple responsibilities and excelling at each. His leadership style emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and delivering personalized, memorable guest experiences.

Expressing his excitement, Gaurav shared, “I am honoured to take on this new role and excited to lead the team at Holiday Inn Katra. Katra is a unique destination, rich in culture and spirituality, and I am focused on offering millennials and Gen Z travellers an immersive, authentic experience. We will also strengthen our local partnerships to ensure Katra becomes a more vibrant and accessible destination for travellers worldwide.”

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Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager for IHG South West Asia, praised Gaurav’s dedication, stating, “Gaurav is the kind of leader who thrives on challenges. He has always stepped in whenever needed—whether for task forces or managing key operations—and brings boundless energy, problem-solving capabilities, and a solutions-driven mindset. We are confident that his leadership will help elevate Holiday Inn Katra as a premier destination in the region.”

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Gaurav was honoured with the Best Manager Award in 2022 by India Biz, presented by the Honourable Union Minister of State for Tourism. This accolade highlights his ability to drive excellence in the hospitality industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Gaurav is an avid traveller and enjoys playing volleyball in his leisure time. His well-rounded persona and commitment to hospitality promise to bring a fresh perspective to Holiday Inn Katra, ensuring the property remains a top choice for travellers seeking an enriching stay at this spiritual destination.


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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