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.


Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur Appoints Ashutosh Jayee as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur has announced the appointment of Ashutosh Jayee as its general manager. In his new role, Jayee will be responsible for overseeing the hotel’s staff and operations, along with managing sales and marketing to strengthen the hotel’s overall performance.

Jayee previously served as the head of sales and marketing at Radisson Blu Jammu, where he contributed to driving commercial strategies and enhancing business development.

“Ashutosh Jayee is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the community,” said Subash Singh Jamwal, owner of the Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Jammu Vijaypur.

Jayee is a native of Jammu and a 2003 graduate of Thames Valley University in Cambridge, UK, where he received a B.A. (Hons) in Hospitality Management. He later completed his master’s in business administration and master’s in tourism management in 2010 and 2012 respectively.


Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

Ramada by Wyndham Alleppey Appoints Sreejith Kottla as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Ramada by Wyndham, Alleppey at Nehru Trophy Finishing Point, Punnamada, Alappuzha has announced the appointment of Sreejith Kottla as its general manager. In his new role, Kottla will be responsible for overseeing the hotel operations, ensuring guest satisfaction, maximizing revenue, managing staff and maintaining overall quality and financial performance. He will also focus on promoting Alleppey as a premier MICE destination.

Kottla previously served as the general manager for Joys Hotels & Resorts, a hotel group based in Thrissur, Kerala, where he managed hotel operations and sales. His experience in leadership, guest servicing and operational efficiency has consistently contributed to improved hotel performance and enhanced guest engagement.

“Kottla is a talented and experienced hospitality professional and will play a key role in ensuring that the Ramada By Wyndham continues providing guests with the same high-quality service and exceptional value that it has become known for in the Alleppey community,” said Reji Cheriyan, chairman of the Ramada By Wyndham, Alleppey.

Kottla is a native of Payyanur, Kerala, and a graduate of Srinivas College of Hotel Management in Mangalore, Karnataka, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in hotel management. He also holds an MBA from Xavier Institute of Management, Mumbai.


Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

Hyatt Regency Chennai Appoints Anirudhya Basu as Director of Food & Beverage

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 19, 2025

Hyatt Regency, Chennai has announced the appointment of Anirudhya Basu as its director of food and beverage. A seasoned hospitality leader with over 17 years of experience across India’s finest luxury hotels, Basu brings extensive operational expertise, creative vision and a strong passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

In his new role, Basu will spearhead all food and beverage operations across the hotel, including its restaurants, bars, banquets, in-room dining and culinary events. He will focus on strengthening the hotel’s dining identity, introducing innovative gastronomic concepts and ensuring that every guest experience reflects Hyatt’s warm hospitality and world-class excellence.

Basu’s career spans some of the country’s most prestigious hotel brands, where he has excelled in both operational precision and creative leadership. Most recently, he served as the multi-property director of food and beverage at Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre and Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad. In this role, he led multiple F&B outlets and large-scale banqueting operations, with his strategic initiatives significantly contributing to enhanced profitability and guest satisfaction.

Before joining Marriott, Basu held key leadership positions at Hilton Hotels & Resorts, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore, and Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces. His wide-ranging experience includes managing multi-outlet operations, high-volume banquets and premium dining concepts, and he has consistently set new standards in service quality and culinary excellence.

A graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, Basu is known for his forward-thinking leadership style, team mentorship and his ability to blend innovation with hospitality in every project he leads.

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