Leadership Change at WTTCII: Deep Kalra Takes the Helm for 2024-2025 Term

Leadership Change at WTTCII: Deep Kalra Takes the Helm for 2024-2025 Term

By Author

Published on December 14, 2023

In a significant announcement, the World Travel and Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII), has appointed Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman of MakeMyTrip India Pvt. Ltd, as Chairperson and Dr. Jyotsna Suri, Chairperson & Managing Director of the Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, as Vice Chairperson for the upcoming term from 2024 to 2025.

Deep Kalra expressed his respect for WTTCII's distinguished heritage and visionary initiatives, emphasizing the organization's commendable 23-year legacy. Kalra highlighted the importance of collaborating with states, citing their active engagement with the Goa Tourism Board and a recently formalized strategic MoU with the Government of West Bengal to craft a comprehensive marketing and PR roadmap. He stressed the need for impactful partnerships with states and active collaboration to contribute insights to the central government's priorities, aligning with Prime Minister Modi and the Ministry of Tourism initiatives.

Dr. Jyotsna Suri reflected on the evolution of India's tourism landscape since the inception of WTTCII in 2000. She commended the substantial progress made under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Ministry of Tourism, emphasizing the organization's commitment to contributing to the ongoing tourism revolution. Dr. Suri highlighted the recent whitepaper, 'Policy Reforms for Indian Hotel and Hospitality Sector,' calling upon states to streamline business environments, foster increased investments, employment, and local livelihood opportunities.

The leadership change sees Deep Kalra taking over from Dinesh Khanna, Executive Director of Eastern International Hotels Ltd, who served as Chairman of WTTCII for the 2022-2023 term. The appointments aim to leverage the collective expertise within the membership base to elevate tourism initiatives, especially at the state level. WTTCII's emphasis on advancing tourism initiatives within states aligns with their goal of stimulating local tourism economies.

In related developments, former Union Secretary of Tourism and Secretary General of WTTCII, Sujit Banerjee, has joined the Advisory Board of the GSTC India Working Group. Banerjee expressed enthusiasm for advancing India's tourism sustainability agenda, aiming to position the country as a global focal point for sustainability initiatives through collaborative efforts.

As Deep Kalra assumes the role of Chairperson and Dr. Jyotsna Suri takes on the responsibilities of Vice Chairperson, WTTCII looks forward to continued contributions to India's tourism growth and sustainability. The organization remains committed to fostering partnerships, streamlining policies, and supporting initiatives that enhance the overall tourism landscape in India.


Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Front Office Manager

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences Appoints Subhadeep Saha as Front Office Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on December 1, 2025

Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences has announced the appointment of Subhadeep Saha as its new Front Office Manager. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings deep expertise in front office operations, guest engagement, and loyalty programme management.

Subhadeep began his hospitality career with Hilton Bangalore in 2013 and has since worked across properties in Bangalore, Goa, and Trivandrum. Over the years, he has been part of multiple pre-opening teams and task force assignments, strengthening operational systems and driving consistent service quality.

In his most recent role at DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road, Subhadeep led several initiatives focused on enhancing guest satisfaction, improving loyalty metrics, and elevating overall experience delivery, contributing to stronger brand positioning in a competitive market.

Announcing the appointment, Rajneesh Kumar, General Manager, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, said, “At Novotel Kolkata, our success is driven by the people who bring our vision to life every day. With over 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Subhadeep embodies the spirit of dedication, warmth, and excellence that defines our brand. His leadership and commitment to creating seamless guest experiences truly reflect the standards we strive for at Novotel Kolkata.”

With this addition to the leadership team, the hotel aims to further elevate its guest experience, strengthen front office efficiency, and reinforce its position as one of Kolkata’s prominent hospitality destinations


DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji Appoints Jitin Kapoor as General Manager

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji Appoints Jitin Kapoor as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on December 1, 2025

DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji has appointed Jitin Kapoor as its new General Manager, marking a key leadership addition for the property. A seasoned hotelier with 23+ years of hospitality experience, Jitin brings deep operational knowledge, commercial acumen, and a strong commitment to guest satisfaction.

Before joining DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji, Jitin served as Hotel Manager at Fairfield by Marriott Belagavi, where he played a key role in improving guest experience, enhancing operational efficiency, and strengthening team culture. His professional journey spans a mix of luxury and upscale brands including The St. Regis Goa Resort, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, Radisson Hotel Group, along with restaurant experience in Scotland.

Over the years, he has gained rich exposure across Food & Beverage, Rooms Division, and pre-opening hotel operations, giving him a holistic understanding of hotel functioning. His strong commercial focus and people-first approach are expected to drive the next phase of growth for the Goa property.

Jitin holds a Diploma in Hotel Management from IHM Lucknow and an Executive MBA from the National Institute of Business Management, combining academic depth with practical industry expertise. Known for his collaborative leadership style, he is also multilingual and team-oriented, aligning seamlessly with Hilton’s service culture.

Speaking about his new role, Jitin said, “I am truly honored to take on the role of General Manager at DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji. The property has a strong legacy of warm hospitality, and I am excited to work with the exceptional team here to deliver memorable experiences, drive operational excellence, and continue strengthening our market presence.”

With this appointment, DoubleTree by Hilton Goa Panaji looks ahead to elevating its service standards, enhancing guest experience, and strengthening its presence in the competitive Goa market.


voco Amritsar by IHG Appoints Manish Kumar Yadav as General Manager

voco Amritsar by IHG Appoints Manish Kumar Yadav as General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on November 29, 2025

voco Amritsar by IHG has announced the appointment of Mr. Manish Kumar Yadav as its General Manager, Yadav brings over 17 years of hospitality leadership across luxury, upscale, and mid-scale hotel brands. In his new role, he will lead the hotel’s pre-opening efforts, along with overseeing operations, commercial strategy, guest experience, and service excellence.

Before joining voco Amritsar by IHG, he served as Multi-Property General Manager for DoubleTree by Hilton and Wyndham Chandigarh, where he played a key role in elevating operational performance and strengthening brand delivery. He is also a two-time National Best General Manager Award winner, recognised by BW Hotelier and HVS.

Known for building strong operational frameworks, enhancing guest experience systems, and developing high-performance teams, Yadav brings a blend of strategic insight and hands-on leadership. His financial expertise and deep pre-opening experience position him to establish voco Amritsar by IHG as a standout premium hotel in the region.

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