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.


The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

The LaLiT Group Appoints Ms. Harmeet Kaur as GM – Corporate Marketing & CX

By Hariharan U

Published on October 9, 2025

The LaLiT Group has announced the appointment of Ms. Harmeet Kaur as General Manager, Corporate Marketing & Customer Experience. With nearly 28 years of experience in customer engagement, marketing strategy, and business transformation, Ms. Kaur brings a wealth of expertise to the hospitality giant.

An MBA in Marketing and an alumna of the Management Development Program at IIM Ahmedabad, Ms. Kaur began her career with Direm (now Direxions), focusing on loyalty and CRM. She later spent seven years at OgilvyOne Worldwide, working with iconic brands such as ITC Hotels, British Airways, and Benetton, delivering holistic 360° brand communications across ATL, BTL, digital, CRM, and loyalty marketing.

For over 18 years, she was associated with DishTV India Ltd., where she most recently served as Head – Customer Engagement (Retention & Usage) for brands including DishTV, D2H, Zing, and Watcho. She led communications for over 15 million subscribers, managed major transformation initiatives, designed emotionally intelligent customer journeys, and fostered a culture of customer-first excellence.

A recognized thought leader, Ms. Kaur has earned several national and international awards and has been a speaker and jury member at leading industry forums.

Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO of The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ms. Harmeet Kaur to The LaLiT family. Her exceptional experience in customer-centric marketing and deep understanding of brand transformation will strengthen our connection with guests and enhance our brand experience.”

Her appointment highlights The LaLiT Group’s commitment to innovative marketing strategies, transformative communication, and unmatched customer experiences across all touchpoints.


Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

Chetana Suryawanshi Appointed Director of Services at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar

By Hariharan U

Published on October 8, 2025

JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar has appointed Chetana Suryawanshi as its new Director of Services. With more than ten years of experience in hospitality, Chetana brings strong expertise in operations and housekeeping, strengthening the hotel’s executive leadership team.

In her new role, she will lead the Services Division, overseeing housekeeping, laundry, guest services, and operational efficiency. Her focus will be on enhancing luxury standards, driving service innovation, and ensuring every guest enjoys a smooth and memorable stay.

Chetana has previously held senior roles with top hospitality brands including The St. Regis Mumbai, Marriott International Bengaluru, and the Ramee Group. Known for combining strategic insight with operational excellence, she has consistently raised service benchmarks while nurturing high-performing teams.

Speaking about her appointment, Chetana Suryawanshi said, "Luxury is not defined by grand gestures alone, but by the consistency of care guests feel in every interaction. This opportunity at JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar allows me to strengthen the very backbone of guest comfort our services and create a culture where every team member takes pride in the details."

With Chetana leading the Services Division, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar continues to uphold its promise of world-class hospitality, seamlessly blending comfort, sophistication, and memorable guest experiences.


Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

Soham Dhar Joins Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 8, 2025

Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru has announced the appointment of Chef Soham Dhar as Chef de Cuisine at CUR8, the hotel’s renowned all-day dining destination. Bringing with him over a decade of global culinary experience and a distinctive expertise in Indian cuisine, Chef Dhar is set to elevate CUR8’s offerings with his innovative and authentic approach to food.

Chef Dhar’s journey began at IHM Bhubaneswar, where early exposure to international cuisines sparked a lifelong fascination with the culinary arts. For him, cooking goes beyond flavour; it is an art form, a celebration, and a medium of human connection. His philosophy has guided a career spanning Michelin-recognized restaurants and prestigious hotels worldwide. He was recently honoured with the TOI Food & Nightlife Award, Chef of the Year 2023, recognising his contribution to the culinary landscape.

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Kazim Mehdi, Director of Food & Beverage at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru, said,

“At Four Seasons, we believe that the strength of our culinary offerings lies in the calibre of talent we bring to the table. Chef Soham Dhar embodies this ethos. His expertise, discipline, and creativity will ensure our guests enjoy an authentic yet elevated dining experience that matches the intuitive hospitality we are known for.”

Chef Dhar adds, “Joining Four Seasons is an exciting new chapter in my journey. The brand is synonymous with excellence and represents some of the most distinguished dining venues globally and in India. It is a privilege to be part of this legacy.”

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With Chef Dhar at the helm, CUR8 continues to strengthen its position as one of Bengaluru’s most sought-after dining destinations. Known for lavish buffet spreads, indulgent Sunday brunches, and pet-friendly lunches, CUR8 also offers an inviting alfresco setting. Guests can now look forward to culinary experiences that blend traditional Indian flavours with contemporary flair, curated under Chef Dhar’s expert guidance.

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