HotelKey Fortifies Global Team with Harish Chandra as MD of Technology

HotelKey Fortifies Global Team with Harish Chandra as MD of Technology

By Author

Published on August 27, 2023

HotelKey, a renowned name in hospitality management software, is proud to announce the addition of Harish Chandra to its esteemed international team. With an impressive career spanning nearly three decades in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector and Digital, Harish Chandra is set to lead the organization's technological innovation and strategic growth as the new Managing Director, Technology.

Chandra's rich experience encompasses hospitality and travel technology, making him an ideal fit to steer HotelKey's vision for the future of the industry. His expertise underscores the company's commitment to progress.

Chandra's influence on travel and hospitality technology demonstrates not just leadership but also innovation and collaboration. His dedication is evident as he steps into his new role, driven by the limitless possibilities ahead. Chandra recognizes that HotelKey's technology is shaping guest experiences while also revolutionizing the hospitality and travel landscape. His mission is to drive innovation, expansion, and build upon HotelKey's stellar reputation.

Chandra's global leadership in the travel and hospitality domain is highlighted by his roles as a former Executive Board member of Hospitality Technology Next Generation (HTNG)-American Hotel & Lodging Association and Founder of Global Hospitality Technology Professionals Group (GHTP). This active community serves as a knowledge-sharing hub for technology professionals in the industry.

His skill set in designing technology-driven business solutions and digitalization strategies is evident through his accomplishments, including spearheading digital services in more than 70 properties. Notable establishments like The Park Chennai, Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa, and IHG - Crowne Plaza Gurgaon have benefited from his expertise.

Chandra's international experience is marked by his contributions in the Middle East, where he implemented PMS/POS solutions across countries like UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen. As CTO at Sarovar Hotels, he led ICT planning for 95+ hotels, managing IT functions and costs across South Asia and Africa.

HotelKey's expansion continues, and Chandra's addition reinforces its growth. As the company serves around 25 hospitality clients in India, its influence in the APAC region becomes more significant.

Aditya Thyagarajan, Co-Founder and President of HotelKey, expresses excitement about Chandra's inclusion: "As we continue our growth in the global market, we are excited to add Harish Chandra to the HotelKey family. His exceptional experience in the hospitality and technology industries represent the dynamic future of what is to come for our evolving team."

As we continue our growth in the global market, we are excited to add Harish Chandra to the HotelKey family, His exceptional experience in the hospitality and technology industries represent the dynamic future of what is to come for our evolving team.


Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

Saurabh Arya Appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 8, 2025

Saurabh Arya has been appointed as Associate Vice President – Domestic MICE at FCM Meetings & Events in India.

With more than two decades of experience in the travel and events industry, Saurabh brings a strong background in contracting, vendor management, liaising, and project execution. He began his career with MakeMyTrip and most recently served as Senior General Manager – Procurement and Execution at Thomas Cook India Ltd.

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At FCM Meetings & Events, Saurabh will lead the domestic MICE segment, focusing on elevating event experiences and driving strategic growth across the Indian market. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening FCM’s position in the MICE domain, combining operational excellence with innovative event delivery.

With his deep industry knowledge and leadership, FCM is set to achieve new milestones in the domestic events landscape.


India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

India Flexes Readiness with Operation Sindoor Led by Women in Uniform and Nationwide Mock Drill

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

On May 7, 2025, India witnessed a rare alignment of strategic action and civil preparedness. As part of a national push to enhance wartime readiness, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed 244 districts to conduct a large-scale Civil Defence Mock Drill, simulating real-time emergency scenarios like air raids, blackouts, evacuations, and first-aid training. This exercise marked the first such nationwide drill since the 1971 war.

Coinciding with this drill was a decisive military action—Operation Sindoor, a meticulously planned strike by the Indian Armed Forces targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was launched in direct response to the recent brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives.

The operation’s name, Sindoor, carried deep cultural significance. Named after the red vermilion worn by married Hindu women, it was a tribute to the widows and families of those who perished in the Pahalgam attack. The symbolism wasn't just in the name—it extended to the leadership behind its announcement.

For the first time, two decorated women officers—Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army—led the press briefing from the National Media Centre, New Delhi. Their poised presence on national television not only conveyed India's military intent but also marked a historic shift in the representation of women in defence communication.

Meanwhile, the mock drill exercises included city-wide blackouts, activation of air raid sirens, school evacuations, public training at community centers, and protection simulations of critical infrastructure such as hospitals and power stations. Volunteers, students, health workers, police, and district officials coordinated the drill to identify gaps and improve emergency response mechanisms.

Government officials emphasized that the timing of the drill and the military strike was no coincidence. It was a dual-layered show of strength—one on the battlefield, the other in civil society. Together, they reflected India’s evolving national defence doctrine that blends military precision, civilian readiness, and symbolic unity.

With Wing Commander Singh and Colonel Qureshi leading from the front, India sent a powerful message—not only about its strategic capabilities, but also about the inclusive, resilient, and forward-looking spirit of the nation.

List of All 244 Locations for the Mock Drill

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Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

Spectrum@Metro and Fever FM Bring Cricket Fever to Life with ‘Ball Kids’ Bash

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 7, 2025

Spectrum@Metro Mall, in a spirited collaboration with Fever FM, turned up the excitement with a two-day cricket extravaganza — Ball Kids — celebrating the boundless energy and cricket dreams of young fans.

Hosted by popular RJs Rahul Makin and Ilahi, the event featured engaging commentary, lively interactions, and nonstop fun. The box cricket format brought kids together for friendly matches filled with enthusiasm, team spirit, and plenty of memorable moments.

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Participants vied for exciting rewards including signed bats, jerseys, and exclusive merchandise, while the mall buzzed with cheer and cricket-themed excitement.

Ajendra Singh, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Spectrum@Metro, shared,

“We were thrilled to see the incredible talent and enthusiasm of these young cricket fans. At Spectrum@Metro, we are committed to creating engaging experiences that bring families and communities together, and this event was a perfect example of that spirit.”

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With community-focused initiatives like these, Spectrum@Metro continues to reinforce its role as not just a retail hub, but a vibrant destination for connection, celebration, and shared joy.

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