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.


ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

ibis Styles Mysuru Appoints Zenith U as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 13, 2026

ibis Styles Mysuru has announced the appointment of Zenith U as its new Operations Manager. With more than a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, he brings extensive knowledge in operations management, guest experience enhancement, and team leadership across Premium, Midscale, and Economy hotel segments.

Zenith began his hospitality career over ten years ago and has since held several key roles with leading international hotel brands. Throughout his career, he has focused on improving operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of guest service.

Before joining ibis Styles Mysuru, he served as Rooms Division Manager at Grand Mercure Bangalore. In that role, he worked closely on strengthening operational processes, supporting sustainability initiatives, ensuring health and safety compliance, and continuously improving guest satisfaction. His dedication to service excellence and leadership has earned him several recognitions, including the titles of Manager of the Year and Best Personality in the Rooms category.

Zenith holds a degree in Maritime Hospitality Studies and has also completed certifications in bartending and maritime safety, adding to his diverse professional background.

Speaking about his new role, Zenith said,

“I am truly excited to begin this new chapter at ibis Styles Mysuru. I look forward to collaborating with the team to deliver seamless operations and memorable guest experiences that reflect the brand’s vibrant spirit.”

Outside of work, Zenith enjoys travelling and exploring different cultures. A fitness enthusiast, he also values staying active and spending quality time with his family. With his experience and people-focused leadership approach, ibis Styles Mysuru aims to further strengthen its operations and enhance the overall guest experience.


JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

JW Marriott Bengaluru Appoints Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at UNO Izakaya

By Hariharan U

Published on March 12, 2026

JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru has added a strong culinary voice to UNO Izakaya with the appointment of Chef Shubham Dhar as Sous Chef at the hotel's acclaimed Japanese Bar and Lounge.

Chef Dhar brings over seven years of fine-dining and luxury kitchen experience to the role, a career that has taken him across India, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, and through some genuinely impressive establishments along the way. His expertise sits firmly in Japanese cuisine, with particular depth in sushi, sashimi, and omakase-style cooking the kind of technical mastery that takes years to develop and is immediately felt in the quality of what lands on the plate.

His international experience is equally compelling. Most recently serving as Head Sushi Chef, Chef Dhar has been part of notable pre-opening projects including NOZOMI in Riyadh and La Mer at Sindalah Island, NEOM, Saudi Arabia two high-profile openings that demand both precision and the ability to build something from scratch. In India, his resume includes time at The Oberoi Bengaluru, ITC Gardenia, and The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, a strong set of names that reflect his standing within the industry.

Gaurav Sinha, Hotel Manager at JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru, welcomed the appointment, "Chef Shubham Dhar brings exceptional technical skill and international experience to UNO Izakaya. His expertise will play a vital role in ensuring the restaurant continues to offer high-quality, authentic Japanese cuisine, reinforcing its reputation as one of Bengaluru's premier dining destinations."

In his new role, Chef Dhar will focus on menu execution, culinary consistency, and supporting the kitchen team in delivering the high standards UNO Izakaya is known for. For a restaurant that has built a loyal following among Bengaluru's Japanese cuisine enthusiasts, this is a well-timed and well-considered appointment


Utsa Majumder Appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a Strong Start for the Brand's India Chapter

Utsa Majumder Appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, a Strong Start for the Brand's India Chapter

By Hariharan U

Published on March 12, 2026

THE OZEN COLLECTION has made a strong leadership call for its much-anticipated India debut. Utsa Majumder has been appointed General Manager of OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR, the brand's newest property and its first in the country, a 181-villa luxury resort nestled in the Aravalli ranges.

It's a significant appointment, and one that reflects how seriously Atmosphere Core is approaching this launch. Utsa brings over 20 years of luxury hospitality experience across some of the most respected international brands in India. She's known for a people-centric leadership style that doesn't come at the cost of sharp operational thinking or revenue focus, a combination that's earned her recognition well beyond her own organisations.

Her accolades speak for themselves, General Manager of the Year 2024 at the Hozpitality Excellence Awards, and Leading Hospitality Icon at the World Leadership Congress Awards in 2022. But what sets her apart equally is her work beyond the corporate world. She currently serves as President of the WICCI Hospitality & Tourism Council in Himachal Pradesh and is an active mentor with the WICCI mentorship outreach programme, championing women in hospitality at a time when that advocacy genuinely matters.

Ashwin Handa, Chief Operating Officer at Atmosphere Core, commented on the appointment, "THE OZEN COLLECTION represents refined luxury within our portfolio, and OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR will be a remarkable addition to the brand's growing footprint. Utsa's extensive experience in high-end resorts, combined with her inspiring leadership style, makes her the ideal choice to lead this exceptional resort. We are delighted to welcome her and look forward to seeing her bring the vision of THE OZEN COLLECTION to life in Jaipur."

About the Property

OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated luxury openings in India. Spread across 20 acres of lush landscape in the Aravalli ranges, the resort will offer 181 one- and two-bedroom villas, each with a private pool. The low-rise design keeps the property feeling exclusive and peaceful, making it ideal for travellers who want genuine seclusion without sacrificing luxury.

The location works beautifully too. Sitting within India's Golden Triangle, the resort is just an hour from Jaipur International Airport, about two and a half hours from Gurgaon, and three hours from Agra, well-connected enough for destination travellers while still feeling removed from the urban rush.

For events and weddings, the property is particularly well-equipped. A 20,000 sq. ft. indoor event space, along with a selection of sophisticated outdoor venues, positions OZEN VILLAS JAIPUR as a premier destination for large Indian weddings and corporate celebrations, a segment that continues to grow strongly in Rajasthan.

With Utsa Majumder at the helm and THE OZEN COLLECTION's brand DNA behind it, this Jaipur property is one to watch closely in the months ahead.

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