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.


Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar Appoints Ranjita Das

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar has appointed Ranjita Das as Assistant Manager – Learning & Development, strengthening its focus on talent development and service excellence.

With over five years of experience in the hospitality industry, Ranjita brings expertise in team development, guest engagement, operational efficiency, and training. In her new role, she will lead the hotel’s learning and development initiatives, focusing on enhancing employee capabilities, building leadership skills, and fostering a culture of continuous learning aligned with global brand standards.

Commenting on the appointment, Rahul Janve said, “We are delighted to welcome Ranjita to our leadership team. Her passion for people development and strong operational understanding makes her a valuable addition. We are confident she will play a key role in nurturing talent and elevating the associate experience.”

Prior to this, Ranjita was associated with The Leela Palace New Delhi, where she served as Assistant Restaurant Manager. She played an active role in training, onboarding, and driving operational efficiencies, while also leading initiatives such as festive gifting projects aligned with market trends.

Her earlier experience includes roles at Four Seasons Hotel Bengaluru and Lemon Tree Premiere Hyderabad, where she built strong capabilities in guest service, team coordination, and high-end hospitality operations.

Ranjita holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Management from National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology and has completed certifications in Inclusive Leadership and Unconscious Bias, reflecting her focus on progressive workplace practices.

With a people-first approach, she is set to contribute to strengthening the hotel’s service culture and overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru Appoints Ayush Saraf as Training Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on April 29, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has appointed Ayush Saraf as Training Manager, reinforcing its focus on people development and service excellence.

With over a decade of experience in hospitality learning and development, Ayush brings a structured and people-centric approach to training. His expertise lies in associate engagement, capability building, and fostering service-driven cultures, aimed at enhancing guest experiences.

Prior to this role, Ayush was associated with Coorg Marriott Resort & Spa, where he led key initiatives to strengthen service culture and team performance. His professional journey also includes stints with leading hospitality brands such as The Tamara Coorg, Woods at Sasan, and Evolve Back Resorts, contributing to learning and leadership development across teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Gaurav Sinha said, “At JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, our associates are at the heart of every guest experience. Ayush’s passion for developing people and fostering a culture of continuous learning will further strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality.”

Sharing his perspective, Ayush Saraf added, “I am excited to be part of JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, a brand that places people and purpose at the centre of everything it does. I look forward to building meaningful learning experiences and empowering associates to deliver intuitive service that resonates with our guests.”

In his new role, Ayush will lead the hotel’s learning and development function, focusing on leadership capability, service culture, and consistent delivery of refined guest experiences.

Part of Marriott International, JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru continues to position itself as a leader in luxury hospitality, combining premium infrastructure with a strong emphasis on people and service excellence.


Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

Hyatt Ahmedabad Elevates Three Leaders Across Key Roles

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on April 29, 2026

Hyatt Ahmedabad has announced the elevation of three team members into key leadership roles across Human Resources, Revenue, and Rooms Division. The move reflects Hyatt’s continued focus on nurturing talent from within and recognising consistent performance and dedication.

Anshita Detha has been elevated to Assistant Director of Human Resources from her previous role as Human Resources Manager. With 10 years of industry experience, her journey with Hyatt began in 2016 as a Learning Coordinator at Hyatt Ahmedabad. She later gained experience at Park Hyatt Hyderabad before returning to Hyatt Ahmedabad in 2023. In her new role, she will focus on shaping people strategies, strengthening workplace culture, and supporting long-term growth across departments. “This elevation is a milestone that reflects both my growth and the trust Hyatt places in me to drive people strategy with greater impact,” she shares.

Naved Chaudhry steps into the role of Cluster Revenue Manager for Hyatt Ahmedabad and Hyatt Regency Dharamshala. Previously serving as Revenue Manager, he brings 14 years of experience in the industry, including 3 years with Hyatt. His expanded role involves leading revenue strategy across both properties, balancing business goals while maintaining the brand’s people-first approach. “This elevation is a reflection of consistent growth and trust earned over time,” he shares.

Shezad Nagori has been elevated to Room Division Manager from his role as Front Office Manager. With 15 years of experience across three cities, his journey reflects steady growth within the industry. Starting as a Front Office Associate, he brings strong operational understanding and guest-focused insights into his leadership role. “Moving closer to where I'm meant to be,” he says, reflecting on this milestone.

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Commenting on the leadership changes, Mr. Gaurav Chandna, General Manager, Hyatt Ahmedabad, said, “At Hyatt Ahmedabad, we don't just fill positions. We build careers and we build people. Anshita, Naved, and Shezad have each demonstrated what it means to lead with integrity and care. Their elevations are a natural progression and a reflection of the culture we work hard to protect every single day. Hyatt's strength has always been its people, and these three are a proud example of that.”

With these elevations, Hyatt Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its leadership team while reinforcing its commitment to building careers and supporting growth from within.

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