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.


Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

Raffles Hotel Le Royal Appoints David Eldridge as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on December 18, 2025

Raffles Hotel Le Royal, the iconic luxury landmark in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, has announced the appointment of David Eldridge as its new Executive Chef, as the historic property continues to enhance its fine-dining and culinary offerings.

A South African national, Chef David brings over 20 years of international luxury hospitality experience, having worked across eight countries, including the Maldives, Thailand, Vietnam, Tanzania, the UAE, Qatar, Seychelles and South Africa. Prior to joining Raffles Hotel Le Royal, he served as Director of Food, Beverage & Culinary at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort.

image

His career includes senior culinary leadership roles with some of the world’s most respected hospitality brands, including Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Kempinski Hotels, and The Luxury Collection by Marriott, giving him a strong foundation in both destination dining and refined hotel gastronomy.

At Raffles Hotel Le Royal, Chef David will oversee the hotel’s celebrated dining venues, including Restaurant Le Royal, known for its elevated Khmer fine-dining experience, and Le Phnom 1929, a classic French-style brasserie that draws inspiration from the hotel’s colonial heritage.

Welcoming the appointment, Dagmar Lyons, General Manager, Raffles Hotel Le Royal, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Chef David and his wealth of culinary expertise to Raffles Hotel Le Royal. His vision and talents will help us continue to deliver the finest dining experiences in Cambodia and the region to both hotel guests and the local community.”

Originally opened in 1929, Raffles Hotel Le Royal features 175 rooms and suites, restored in 2019 to seamlessly blend modern comfort with French colonial elegance, Khmer influences, and Art Deco design. Chef David’s appointment aligns with the hotel’s commitment to preserving heritage while evolving its contemporary dining narrative.


Four Points by Sheraton Appoints Chef Saroj Kumar Sah as Executive Chef

Four Points by Sheraton Appoints Chef Saroj Kumar Sah as Executive Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on December 17, 2025

Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments has announced the appointment of Chef Saroj Kumar Sah as its new Executive Chef, marking a key leadership addition to the hotel’s culinary team.

Chef Saroj brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with renowned hotel brands in India and abroad. His professional journey includes roles at Grand Hyatt Goa, Hyatt Regency Ludhiana, Park Regis Goa, and Le Méridien Nagpur, where he played a key role in delivering consistent dining experiences and developing innovative menus. His international exposure with P&O Cruises (UK/USA) has further strengthened his ability to blend global flavours with local culinary traditions.

Over the years, Chef Saroj has led several operational and culinary initiatives, including themed buffet concepts, outdoor catering services, and standardised recipe systems aimed at maintaining quality and consistency. He has been recognised as Employee of the Month at Grand Hyatt Goa and is also a certified Hyatt trainer, reflecting his strong focus on team development and skill-building.

His appointment aligns with Four Points by Sheraton’s vision of enhancing its food and beverage offerings while delivering approachable, high-quality dining experiences. Known for his hands-on leadership style and commitment to continuous learning, Chef Saroj brings a balance of creativity and operational discipline to the role.

Outside the kitchen, Chef Saroj enjoys music and travel, interests that continue to inspire his culinary ideas and approach to hospitality. The team at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Serviced Apartments looks forward to his contribution in shaping the hotel’s evolving culinary identity.


The LaLiT Jaipur Appoints Soumyajit Ghosh as Hotel Manager

The LaLiT Jaipur Appoints Soumyajit Ghosh as Hotel Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on December 17, 2025

The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh as the Hotel Manager of The LaLiT Jaipur, strengthening the leadership team at the heritage luxury property in Rajasthan.

With over 16 years of experience in luxury and international hospitality, Mr. Ghosh brings strong expertise in Rooms Division operations, guest experience strategy, large-team leadership, and operational excellence. His appointment comes at a time when The LaLiT Jaipur continues to enhance its service standards and elevate its guest offerings in one of India’s most culturally rich destinations.

Mr. Ghosh has held leadership roles with several renowned hospitality brands, including ITC Hotels, Novotel Kolkata, Sheraton Hyderabad, Courtyard by Marriott Bengaluru and Bhopal, along with a significant tenure with GMR’s airport hospitality vertical at IGI Airport, New Delhi. Across these roles, he has consistently delivered improvements in service quality, introduced efficient operational systems, supported revenue optimisation, and built high-performing teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Vivek Shukla, CEO, The LaLiT Suri Hospitality Group, said, “At The LaLiT, we strongly believe in nurturing talent from within and creating leadership pathways for our people. We are delighted to promote Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh, who has been an integral part of The LaLiT family and most recently served as Resident Manager at The LaLiT Mumbai, to the role of Hotel Manager and Unit Head at The LaLiT Jaipur. His strong operational acumen, people-centric leadership style, and deep understanding of luxury hospitality make him an excellent fit for this role. We are confident that under his leadership, The LaLiT Jaipur will continue to set new benchmarks in guest experience while staying true to our ethos of refined Indian hospitality.”

Mr. Ghosh’s appointment further reflects The LaLiT Jaipur’s commitment to delivering culturally rooted, personalised, and immersive luxury experiences, inspired by the grandeur and heritage of Rajasthan.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Soumyajit Ghosh said, “I am truly honoured to join The LaLiT Jaipur, a property that beautifully reflects Rajasthan’s heritage, architecture, and gracious hospitality. My vision is to enhance the hotel’s guest experience by combining heartfelt service with operational precision and innovative practices. I look forward to working closely with our talented team to deliver memorable moments for every guest and to strengthen The LaLiT’s legacy as one of Jaipur’s most distinguished luxury destinations.”

With this leadership appointment, The LaLiT Jaipur enters a new phase focused on growth, innovation, and elevated guest engagement, while continuing to celebrate the spirit of Indian luxury hospitality.

Stay up-to-date with the latest Hospitality news and trends in the Hospitality industry!

Subscribe to Hospitality news e-magazine for free and never miss an issue.

By clicking subscribe for free you agree to the Terms & Conditions and acknowledge our Privacy Policy.

Advertise With Us

We have various options to advertise with us including Events, Advertorials, Banners, Mailers, etc.