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.


Celio Opens Grand 4,572 Sq. Ft Store at AIPL Joy Gallery Gurugram

Celio Opens Grand 4,572 Sq. Ft Store at AIPL Joy Gallery Gurugram

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

AIPL Joy Gallery continues to make waves in Gurugram’s retail scene with the grand opening of Celio, the popular French menswear brand. The newly launched store spans 4,572 sq. ft on the ground floor, joining an impressive lineup of global fashion labels including Calvin Klein, Arrow, and Tommy Hilfiger.

The launch of Celio marks another significant milestone in AIPL Joy Gallery's journey to becoming Gurugram’s most fashion-forward and experiential retail destination. Designed to reflect the pulse of urban lifestyle, the store blends effortlessly with the mall’s premium aesthetic and cosmopolitan appeal.

AIPL Joy Gallery is the first development on the Golf Course Extension–SPR belt to bring together such a curated selection of international apparel brands under one roof. With a strategic location and an architectural layout that enhances customer flow and experience, the destination offers a seamless journey across fashion, dining, and entertainment.

Ishaan Singh, Director, AIPL, commented on the launch:

“We are delighted to welcome Celio to AIPL Joy Gallery. This addition strengthens our commitment to bringing top-tier global and national brands to our retail mix, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience for our visitors. AIPL Joy Gallery is a hub where fashion, dining, and entertainment converge seamlessly. With Celio's international appeal and stylish offerings, we're continuing to deliver on our vision of creating an immersive, world-class experience for today's urban consumer.”

With a well-zoned layout featuring apparel, accessories, home concepts, F&B, and entertainment, AIPL Joy Gallery is fast becoming the preferred destination for both global and homegrown brands seeking to connect with the modern Indian shopper.


Ankur Tiwari Joins Hyatt Regency Chennai as Revenue Manager

Ankur Tiwari Joins Hyatt Regency Chennai as Revenue Manager

By Nishang Narayan

Published on May 13, 2025

Hyatt Regency Chennai has announced the appointment of Ankur Tiwari as its new Revenue Manager, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to strategic growth and commercial excellence.

Ankur, a seasoned hospitality professional, takes on this role after a successful tenure at Hyatt Centric Chandigarh. With nearly a decade of experience across prestigious hospitality brands such as Marriott International, The Lalit Hotels, and Purple Seas Hospitality, he brings a wealth of knowledge in revenue optimization, strategic distribution, and data-driven decision-making.

In his new role, Ankur will focus on enhancing the property’s market positioning, unlocking new business opportunities, and deepening Hyatt’s revenue management capabilities. His international exposure—having worked across India, Singapore, Japan, and Bangladesh—equips him with a global perspective essential for today's dynamic hospitality landscape.

A proud graduate of IHM Chandigarh, Ankur is currently pursuing his Master’s in Travel & Tourism Management from IGNOU. Off the clock, he’s a passionate traveler who enjoys exploring different cultures, a trait that aligns with his global approach to hospitality.

Ankur’s appointment signals a strong forward step for Hyatt Regency Chennai as it continues to strengthen its leadership team and reinforce its presence in the South Indian market.


Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala Appoints Sandeep Singh Sikarwar as People & Culture Manager

Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala Appoints Sandeep Singh Sikarwar as People & Culture Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 13, 2025

Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala has announced the appointment of Sandeep Singh Sikarwar as its new People & Culture Manager. With over 15 years of extensive experience in human resources and people management, Sandeep brings a wealth of knowledge in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and fostering a healthy workplace culture.

Sandeep’s HR journey is marked by a strong focus on employee well-being, performance management, and organizational development. His leadership approach is rooted in inclusivity and motivation, making him an ideal fit for Radisson’s commitment to building a people-first culture within its hospitality framework.

Known for his strategic thinking and ability to connect with people at all levels, Sandeep has consistently driven positive change in workplace environments. His deep understanding of team dynamics and focus on nurturing talent will be pivotal in enhancing employee satisfaction and strengthening Radisson Lonavala’s reputation as a great place to work.

“We are delighted to welcome Sandeep Singh Sikarwar to the Radisson family,” said a spokesperson for the resort. “His experience and people-centric vision align perfectly with our values, and we look forward to the impact he will create as we continue to evolve our workforce and culture.”

With Sandeep joining the leadership team, Radisson Resort & Spa, Lonavala aims to further elevate its employee engagement strategies and uphold its standards of excellence in the hospitality industry.

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