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.


Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore Welcomes Rahul Uppal as Food & Beverage Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is delighted to welcome Rahul Uppal as its new Food & Beverage (F&B) Manager. Bringing a wealth of experience in hospitality, culinary innovation, and guest-centric dining, Mr. Uppal is set to enhance the hotel's food and beverage offerings with fresh concepts and operational excellence.

A Vision for Culinary Excellence

In his new role, Mr. Uppal will oversee the entire food and beverage division, focusing on:

  • Enhancing guest satisfaction with unique dining experiences
  • Developing innovative culinary concepts tailored to modern travelers
  • Driving operational efficiency and excellence across F&B services
  • Introducing locally inspired flavors while maintaining global culinary standards

With a strategic approach to F&B management, he brings expertise in menu engineering, cost management, and guest engagement, ensuring a seamless and memorable dining experience for every guest.

A Legacy of Innovation in Hospitality

Prior to joining Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, Mr. Uppal held key leadership positions at renowned hotels and restaurants, where he successfully:

  • Launched new dining experiences
  • Streamlined F&B operations
  • Implemented best practices for exceptional service

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His passion for the culinary arts and deep understanding of evolving dining trends make him a valuable addition to the hotel’s leadership team.

Excited to Lead a Dynamic Culinary Team

Expressing his enthusiasm, Rahul Uppal shared:
"I am truly honored to join Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore, a brand that embodies modern hospitality with a strong local touch. I look forward to working with the talented team to create unique and memorable dining experiences for our guests while introducing innovative concepts that cater to the evolving preferences of today’s travelers."

Elevating Hyatt Centric’s Culinary Reputation

Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore is known for its vibrant culinary scene, featuring signature restaurants and bars that celebrate global flavors with a regional touch. Under Mr. Uppal’s leadership, the hotel is poised to:

  • Strengthen its gastronomic reputation
  • Offer immersive and personalized dining experiences
  • Deliver impeccable service with an innovative approach

With his expertise and vision, Rahul Uppal is set to take Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore’s food and beverage offerings to new heights, ensuring guests experience exceptional flavors and world-class hospitality.


From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

From Nobody to Somebody: The Story of Thejus Shivarama

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 20, 2025

Thejus Shivarama, Founder and CEO of Juliet and 2Moons, has carved a unique path in the hospitality industry, turning passion and perseverance into a thriving business. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Alliance University, Thejus’s love for food and networking became the driving force behind his entrepreneurial success.

His journey began with Serene Mist Resort, a 9-key boutique property set in a coffee estate in Chikmagalur. This venture laid the foundation for his deep-rooted understanding of hospitality, seamlessly translating into his later successes with Juliet and 2Moons—now among the top three hospitality brands in Bangalore’s Central Business District (CBD).

A Customer-First Philosophy

Thejus believes that many hospitality brands remain rigid in their offerings, often missing out on genuine guest satisfaction. His approach is simple: give customers what they truly want.

"If a guest at an Asian restaurant craves curd rice or rasam rice, I make sure they get it," he shares. This flexibility and personal touch have become key differentiators for his brands, creating a loyal customer base that values his commitment to personalized service.

Overcoming Hardships & Learning the Ropes

Thejus’s journey wasn’t smooth. As a newcomer to the industry, he faced significant challenges, including misleading consultants who took advantage of his inexperience. Financial setbacks followed as he unknowingly overspent on unnecessary expenses—over-ordering cutlery, crockery, and food trials that inflated costs by 200%.

A three-month delay in launching one of his projects only added to the pressure, forcing him to cover staff salaries and rent before the doors even opened. Despite these struggles, he emerged stronger, learning to trust his instincts, build reliable teams, and streamline operations.

Building a Hospitality Powerhouse

Today, Thejus is credited with creating Boho Sunsets, Bangalore’s only true sundowner experience. What many initially thought would last just six months is now a well-established brand. His ability to connect personally with customers and adapt to their evolving needs has made Juliet and 2Moons a go-to destination for Bangalore’s hospitality scene.

His next big venture? Minx—a craft cocktail club set to redefine Bangalore’s nightlife. Unlike the many cocktail bars in the city, Minx aims to be Bangalore’s first true cocktail club, bringing a premium and immersive drinking experience.

A Unique Leadership Style

Rejecting the traditional corporate approach, Thejus fosters a culture of freedom and learning within his team. He encourages his staff—both Front of House (FOH) and Back of House (BOH)—to take ownership of their roles, make mistakes, and grow from them.

"My job is not to micromanage but to mentor," he says. By empowering his team to take the lead, he has built a strong, resilient, and motivated workforce, which he considers his biggest asset.

Racing with Cheetahs, Not Horses

For Thejus, staying ahead of the competition doesn’t mean following trends or copying others—it’s about staying true to his brand’s strengths. His personal mantra, "Race with cheetahs, not with horses," reflects his belief in setting his own pace, breaking conventions, and redefining hospitality on his terms.

From being an underdog in the industry to a recognized hospitality entrepreneur, Thejus Shivarama’s journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With Juliet, 2Moons, Boho Sunsets, and now Minx, he continues to shape Bangalore’s hospitality landscape, proving that the real secret to success lies in passion, personalization, and persistence.


Rohit Bajpai Appointed as Cluster General Manager for Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

Rohit Bajpai Appointed as Cluster General Manager for Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

By Nishang Narayan

Published on March 19, 2025

Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel has announced the appointment of Rohit Bajpai as the Cluster General Manager, where he will oversee the operations of both Renaissance Ahmedabad and Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad. With over 25 years of expertise in the hospitality sector, Rohit is known for his strategic leadership, operational excellence, and guest engagement skills.

A seasoned professional with a strong background in food and beverage operations, Rohit has spent a significant part of his career working with leading hotel brands across northern India. He joined Marriott International in 2018 as the Hotel Manager at Courtyard by Marriott Siliguri, before moving to Sheraton Grand Palace Indore, where he successfully positioned India’s only pure vegetarian five-star hotel. His experience spans pre-openings, project management, hospitality training, and revenue optimization.

A Vision for Excellence in Ahmedabad’s Hospitality Scene

As Cluster General Manager, Rohit’s priorities include:

  • Enhancing guest experiences across both Renaissance and Fairfield properties
  • Driving revenue growth through innovative hospitality strategies
  • Strengthening the F&B experience to elevate culinary offerings
  • Optimizing hotel operations for greater efficiency and service excellence

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Rohit Bajpai shared:

“I am pleased to take up this opportunity as a challenge with Renaissance and Fairfield by Marriott in a city like Ahmedabad. I am humbled to be entrusted with the responsibility of managing overall hotel operations for both properties.”

About Renaissance Ahmedabad Hotel

Renaissance Ahmedabad is a five-star premium luxury hotel located in Ahmedabad’s commercial district, close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport and the Narendra Modi Stadium. The hotel boasts contemporary rooms, a rooftop infinity pool, a multi-specialty spa, and a 24-hour fitness center. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at:

  • R Kitchen – All-day dining with Indian and international cuisine
  • Mill & Co. – A café specializing in signature coffee blends
  • Kuro – The Asian Bistro – An award-winning Pan-Asian restaurant

The exclusive Club Lounge provides a perfect setting for business meetings or a relaxing evening.

About Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad

Located centrally on Ashram Road, Fairfield by Marriott Ahmedabad offers 147 elegantly furnished rooms, ergonomic workstations, and a 24-hour business center. The hotel features 5,500 sq. ft. of conference space, ideal for hosting seamless events. Guests can dine at Cafe 1st Story, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.

Marriott International’s Legacy

Marriott International, Inc. is a global hospitality leader with approximately 9,000 properties across 141 countries. The company’s Marriott Bonvoy® program offers exclusive travel rewards and experiences.

For more details, visit www.marriott.com.

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