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.


Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

Suba Hotels Limited Appoints Hakimuddin Kanorwala as Chief Finance Officer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Suba Hotels Limited has announced the appointment of Hakimuddin Kanorwala as its Chief Finance Officer (CFO), strengthening its financial leadership team.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he completed a one-year Executive CFO Programme, Kanorwala brings a strong academic and professional foundation to his new role.

With over 15 years of experience in finance and accounts, he has built deep expertise across financial planning and analysis, budgeting, treasury, taxation, compliance, risk management, governance, strategic finance, and financial reporting.

Over the course of his career, Kanorwala has been associated with leading hospitality brands such as Hilton Hotels, Accor Hotels, and The Indian Hotels Company Limited, gaining strong domain expertise across global and Indian markets.

Prior to joining Suba Hotels Limited, he served as Corporate Director – Finance at Roots Corporation Limited, which operates the Ginger Hotels brand under the IHCL Group. In this role, he was part of the key management team and oversaw the organisation’s overall financial function.

Known for his strategic approach, Kanorwala has played a pivotal role in driving financial decision-making, supporting business growth, strengthening financial planning and discipline, and enhancing governance frameworks and internal controls. He has also led process transformation initiatives through technology and automation.

With this appointment, Suba Hotels Limited continues to reinforce its leadership structure, aiming to drive financial efficiency and sustainable growth in the competitive hospitality landscape.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Sumeet Ahire as Cluster Revenue Director

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Sumeet Ahire as Cluster Revenue Director

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has announced the appointment of Sumeet Ahire as Cluster Revenue Director, reinforcing its strategic leadership in revenue management.

Bringing close to two decades of experience in hospitality revenue management and reservations, Sumeet is known for blending analytical expertise with a strong understanding of guest dynamics and market trends.

In his new role, he will lead the overall revenue strategy across properties, focusing on pricing, forecasting, distribution, and performance analysis. His mandate includes driving sustainable revenue growth, strengthening market positioning, and enhancing overall profitability.

Over the course of his career, Sumeet has been associated with globally respected hospitality brands such as Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Taj Hotels, and Ventive Hospitality. His diverse experience across leading hotel groups has equipped him with a strong commercial perspective and operational insight.

Recognised for his collaborative leadership style and sharp analytical acumen, Sumeet has consistently contributed to improving commercial performance and driving strategic outcomes. His ability to align revenue goals with guest experience makes him well-positioned to support the hotels’ long-term business objectives.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sumeet Ahire said, “I am excited to take on this new role and be part of the Hyatt family. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at the property to drive revenue growth and maintain the stellar reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences.”

With this appointment, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad continues to strengthen its commercial leadership, further enhancing its positioning as one of the city’s leading business hospitality destinations


Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Vijay Singh as Chief Engineer

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur Appoints Vijay Singh as Chief Engineer

By Hariharan U

Published on April 16, 2026

Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur has announced the appointment of Vijay Singh as its new Chief Engineer, further strengthening its operational leadership team.

With over 15 years of experience in hotel engineering and facilities management, Singh brings a well-rounded skill set spanning preventive maintenance, energy optimization, safety compliance, and operational efficiency within the hospitality sector.

Prior to this role, he served as Chief Engineer at Accor IBIS Jaipur, where he successfully led engineering operations for a multi-facility property. His professional journey also includes tenures with leading hospitality brands such as Hilton Jaipur, Radisson Blu Nagpur, Marriott Renaissance Ahmedabad, The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur, and Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Jodhpur. This diverse experience has equipped him with deep insights across luxury, upscale, and business hotel environments.

Recognized for his hands-on leadership approach, Singh has consistently implemented effective preventive maintenance programs, energy conservation initiatives, and cost-optimization strategies. His contributions have enhanced operational performance while ensuring elevated guest comfort and seamless service delivery.

His expertise also extends to managing critical infrastructure, conducting safety audits, and mentoring engineering teams to uphold high operational standards. Over the years, Singh has been honoured with several accolades, including the prestigious Marriott Asia Pacific Promises of the Year Award 2018, along with multiple performance and leadership recognitions.

With this appointment, Fairfield by Marriott Jaipur reinforces its commitment to operational excellence and infrastructure strength, aiming to deliver consistent and high-quality guest experiences under Singh’s leadership.

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