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.


Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

Novotel Jodhpur Appoints Rajinder Singh as Food & Beverage Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Novotel Jodhpur has announced the appointment of Rajinder Singh as its new Food & Beverage Manager, strengthening its leadership team in the culinary and dining segment.

With over a decade of experience in the hospitality industry, Rajinder brings solid expertise in handling end-to-end food and beverage operations across well-known hotel brands. He has worked closely on enhancing guest experiences, improving operational efficiency, and leading teams to maintain consistent service standards. His experience also includes involvement in pre-opening projects, revenue strategies, and developing new dining concepts.

In his new role, Rajinder will oversee all food and beverage operations at Novotel Jodhpur, including restaurants, banquets, and in-room dining. His focus will be on building a stronger culinary identity for the hotel, introducing fresh and innovative offerings, and ensuring a high level of guest satisfaction, in line with the brand’s standards.

Sharing his thoughts on the appointment, Ritesh Mudgal, General Manager, Novotel Jodhpur, said, “We are delighted to welcome Rajinder to our leadership team. His rich experience and passion for hospitality will play a key role in enhancing our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his vision and leadership will further elevate the dining experience for our guests.”

Speaking on his new role, Rajinder Singh said, “I am excited to join Novotel Jodhpur and be part of a brand that stands for quality and innovation. I look forward to creating memorable dining experiences and contributing to the continued success of the hotel.”


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Srinath Ravindranath as Director of Sales

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 20, 2026

Park Hyatt Chennai has announced the appointment of Srinath Ravindranath as its Director of Sales, adding to its leadership team as the hotel continues to strengthen its position among the city’s leading luxury destinations.

In his new role, Srinath will head the Sales function, working closely with internal teams to drive strategic growth, build stronger client relationships, and expand the hotel’s presence across key market segments.

He brings over 13 years of experience in sales and marketing within the hospitality industry, including a long association of 12 years with IHCL. Most recently, he served as Director of Sales at Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield, where he led key commercial initiatives and played an important role in strengthening the hotel’s positioning in a competitive market.

Srinath’s career also includes leadership roles across IHCL’s multi-property portfolio, along with an earlier stint at Hyatt Hyderabad. These experiences have helped shape his approach, combining strategy, relationship-building, and execution to deliver consistent results.

An alumnus of the Oriental School of Hotel Management, Wayanad, he is known for his focus on long-term client engagement, steady growth, and mentoring teams to perform at their best. Outside of work, he enjoys motorcycles and hiking, reflecting his energetic and driven personality.

His collaborative and results-focused approach aligns well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s commitment to offering refined, intuitive, and personalised guest experiences.

Located in the heart of the city, Park Hyatt Chennai blends contemporary luxury with understated elegance. Overlooking Guindy National Park and situated close to the airport and major business districts, the hotel offers a peaceful escape for travellers. It features 200 well-designed guestrooms and suites, along with dining experiences such as Park Brasserie, The Flying Elephant Bar and Mr. Ong, The Flavours of Singapore. The property also includes a luxury spa, rooftop infinity pool, and modern event spaces, making it a preferred choice for both business and leisure guests.


ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

ITC Maurya Appoints Gaurav Lavania as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on March 19, 2026

ITC Maurya has announced the appointment of Gaurav Lavania as its new Executive Chef. With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he will lead the hotel’s culinary operations, overseeing its portfolio of award-winning restaurants along with large-scale banquet services.

Chef Lavania is known for his ability to create refined flavours using simple ingredients, presenting dishes with a minimalist aesthetic while preserving authenticity. His culinary philosophy reflects a strong focus on sustainable sourcing and a deep respect for India’s rich culinary traditions, while also embracing modern techniques.

Before this role, he was part of the leadership team at ITC Narmada. Over the years, he has contributed to several acclaimed restaurants within the ITC Hotels portfolio, including Yi Jing, Dakshin, The Pavilion, Fabelle, and Peshawri, earning recognition for his culinary excellence and innovation.

Commenting on the appointment, Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) and General Manager, ITC Maurya, said, “We are delighted to welcome Executive Chef Gaurav Lavania to lead the culinary team at ITC Maurya. His deep expertise, commitment to Responsible Luxury and passion for authentic flavours align perfectly with our vision of delivering exceptional culinary experiences. We look forward to the distinctive culinary vision he brings, further elevating ITC Maurya’s celebrated dining legacy.”

With this appointment, ITC Maurya aims to further strengthen its position as one of the country’s leading luxury dining destinations, continuing its legacy of delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

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