Kennesaw State University and AURO University Partner to Shape Global Hospitality Leaders

Kennesaw State University and AURO University Partner to Shape Global Hospitality Leaders

By Author

Published on October 5, 2023

The global hospitality industry is poised for significant growth by 2027, but it also faces a severe staffing shortage. To tackle this challenge head-on, Kennesaw State University in Atlanta, Georgia, has joined hands with India's AURO University. Together, they aim to equip students with the skills needed to meet the global demands of the hospitality sector.

Recently, Kennesaw State and AURO University formalized their partnership with an agreement. This collaboration will involve faculty and student exchanges between the hospitality management programs at both institutions throughout the year. These exchanges will offer students from India and the U.S. valuable international insights into the hospitality industry, fostering cross-cultural awareness.

Robin Cheramie, Dean of the Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State, emphasized the global nature of the hospitality industry, stating, "Almost any organization our students work for will have international guests and clients or will operate in multiple countries. Partnering with AURO means our students will be better able to compete in the global marketplace."

Leaders from both universities gathered at Kennesaw State to formalize this partnership. Among them were H.P. Rama, Founder and President of AURO University, Suresh Mathur, AURO's Chief Operating Officer, and Leonard Jackson, Director of Kennesaw State's Hospitality Management program.

AURO University, established in 2011 by H.P. Rama, who is also the founding chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association and current chairman of Auro Hotels, has earned a global reputation for producing quality hospitality professionals. AURO students in the hospitality program already undertake a one-year internship in the U.S. as part of their studies. With this partnership, these students will spend part of their time at Kennesaw's campus, interacting with peers, faculty, and gaining insights into the Metro Atlanta hospitality industry.

H.P. Rama highlighted the significance of this partnership, emphasizing that it goes beyond academic knowledge. He stated that students and faculty from both institutions would gain a deep understanding of cross-cultural values and diverse experiences. He also mentioned that the collaboration extends to Auro Hotels in the United States and India.

This partnership is a two-way street, allowing Kennesaw State students to visit India. The hospitality management faculty is planning an education abroad experience to India for Spring 2024. During this program, students will visit AURO's campus in Gujarat, Surat, and explore the surrounding region.

In addition to student exchanges, the agreement includes faculty exchanges. Both institutions are developing virtual and in-person exchanges, where faculty will share ideas on incorporating global perspectives into their teaching. Furthermore, there is interest in expanding these exchanges to include students and faculty from other disciplines.

With the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India projecting a shortage of 150,000 skilled workers in the luxury hotel market alone by 2029, and the American Hotel & Lodging Association reporting that 81 percent of hotel owners struggle to fill open positions, there's a bright future for well-trained, globally-focused hospitality professionals. The partnership between Kennesaw State University and AURO University positions students from both institutions to excel as leaders in this thriving industry.

AURO University, Surat, is one of the fastest-growing universities in Gujarat, inspired by the vision and teachings of Sri Aurobindo Ghosh and The Divine Mother. It offers programs in Business, Hospitality Management, Law, Information Technology, Design, Journalism & Mass Communication, Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, and Sri Aurobindo Integral Life Centre (SAILC). For more information, please visit AURO University's website.


Elevating Guest Experience Through Technology – EYTE’s Cutting-Edge Work at Marriott Vashi

Elevating Guest Experience Through Technology – EYTE’s Cutting-Edge Work at Marriott Vashi

By Hariharan U

Published on August 13, 2025

In today’s hospitality landscape, technology is no longer an afterthought – it is the heartbeat of exceptional guest experiences. At the recently launched Marriott Vashi, EYTE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. has redefined what it means to blend comfort, convenience, and innovation. As trusted AV, IT, Acoustics, and IoT consultants with a presence in Singapore, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad, EYTE has delivered a seamlessly integrated technology ecosystem that enhances every touchpoint of the guest journey.

A Vision of Immersive Hospitality

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From the moment guests step into Marriott Vashi’s lift lobby, they are greeted by a carefully orchestrated audio-visual environment. Strategically placed ceiling speakers set a warm, inviting tone, while dynamic signage displays deliver real-time updates and brand messaging. Centralized AV racks ensure all systems operate flawlessly, reflecting Marriott’s commitment to sophistication and reliability.

Enhancing Every Space – Tailored to Function & Mood

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Whether it’s the soothing ambient music in the restaurant, high-brightness LED walls in the ballroom, or precision audio in the pre-function area, EYTE’s designs adapt to the unique atmosphere of each zone. Meeting rooms are equipped with dual high-resolution displays, cable cubbies for clutter-free connectivity, and beamforming microphones for crystal-clear hybrid conferences. Even the gym, spa, and terrace pool benefit from thoughtful technology integration – from motivational soundscapes to weather-resistant outdoor speakers.

Smart Solutions for Modern Hospitality

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EYTE’s work goes beyond hardware. Intelligent volume controls, Bluetooth-enabled audio streaming, and synchronized BGM systems across connected spaces make managing the guest experience effortless for hotel staff. Floor boxes, discreetly embedded in lounges and event spaces, ensure power and AV connections are always accessible yet invisible, preserving Marriott Vashi’s refined aesthetic.

Driving Brand Experience Through Technology

By creating immersive atmospheres, streamlining communication, and supporting seamless event execution, EYTE has helped Marriott Vashi elevate its service standards. This project demonstrates how smart technology design can not only meet but anticipate guest needs – from the energy of a ballroom gala to the tranquility of a spa retreat.

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EYTE Technologies, led by Managing Director Abdul Waheed, has transformed Marriott Vashi’s guest experience with a fully integrated audio-visual, IT, and IoT system. Their tailored solutions, combining innovation with comfort, set a new benchmark for hospitality technology in India.

EYTE Technologies’ expertise proves that in luxury hospitality, technology isn’t just a support system  it’s a signature of the brand. With projects like Marriott Vashi, they continue to set new benchmarks for integrated hospitality technology across India and beyond.

To learn more about EYTE Technologies’ hospitality solutions, visit www.eyte.sg.


EquateMe Launches QuickPlay: Customised Mobile-Based Games Transforming Cafés, Bars, Restaurants, Malls & Hotels

By Author

Published on August 13, 2025

EquateMe, a Gurugram-based hospitality tech startup, has unveiled QuickPlay, a cutting-edge mobile-based gaming platform designed specifically for cafés, bars, restaurants, malls, and hotels. The concept is simple yet powerful — transform ordinary wait times into moments of fun, engagement, and brand interaction.

With QuickPlay, guests can instantly jump into retro-inspired, snackable games such as branded Tic-Tac-Toe, Tap Battles, Puzzles, Keno, and more — all without downloading any app. Whether solo (against the computer) or 1v1 with a partner, QuickPlay keeps guests entertained and connected while their order is being prepared.

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The platform also offers customisation for venue branding — from themed game designs to in-game scrolling banners promoting specials, events, or partner brands. A live leaderboard feature adds a competitive edge, perfect for driving repeat play and increasing dwell time.

For hotels and resorts, QuickPlay extends beyond restaurants to lounges, pool bars, and waiting areas, providing guests with an effortless entertainment option while showcasing in-house promotions, F&B offers, and upcoming events.

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Mr. Jatin Nanda, Founder of EquateMe

Speaking about the launch, Jatin Nanda, Founder of EquateMe, said:
"Hospitality venues are always looking for ways to stand out, engage guests, and drive more repeat visits. QuickPlay is designed to do exactly that — while creating new opportunities for venues and brands to connect with customers in a fun, memorable way."

Email: contact@equateme.com 


MakeMyTrip Launches Multilingual Generative AI Trip Assistant for Conversational Travel Planning

MakeMyTrip Launches Multilingual Generative AI Trip Assistant for Conversational Travel Planning

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 9, 2025

MakeMyTrip has launched its multilingual Generative AI-powered Trip Planning Assistant, designed to transform how travellers plan and book their journeys by enabling real-time, conversational interactions.

Currently in beta, the assistant is built on an agentic AI framework and supports travel categories including flights, hotels, holidays, ground transport, visas, and foreign exchange. It allows users to engage in back-and-forth conversations through both voice and text, making the experience more natural and accessible.

Initially available in English and Hindi, the platform will expand to include more Indian languages after user feedback and further testing. The assistant is capable of handling both open-ended and specific queries, such as “Where can I go in August for a relaxing holiday with my children?” or “Mujhe Udaipur mein 3-star hotel 3500 ke budget mein chahiye”, providing results based on live availability, pricing, and preferences.

Unlike traditional travel tools that stop at suggestions, the MakeMyTrip assistant allows users to move from discovery to booking within the same conversation. The company aims to make travel planning more intuitive for non-English-speaking audiences and to improve accessibility in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said: “This assistant converts intent into action, particularly for users from the Bharat heartland who have been underserved by previous online travel interfaces.”

Group CTO Sanjay Mohan highlighted the platform’s technical sophistication, noting that it uses multi-agent architecture, custom language models, and verification protocols to provide accurate, real-time responses. The assistant builds on MakeMyTrip’s previous AI-led innovations, including Fare Lock, Zero Cancellation, voice-led support, and predictive rail booking tools.

Future updates will add image and video-based interactions as well as semantic search, enabling travellers to plan trips using visual and abstract inputs for more personalised recommendations.

The launch reinforces MakeMyTrip’s commitment to investing in AI infrastructure to create a highly responsive, multilingual platform capable of supporting complex travel decisions.

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