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.


Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Announces Key Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on May 12, 2026

Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Yogesh Sharma as Executive Housekeeper and Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. The appointments reflect the hotel’s continued focus on operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and employee growth.

Yogesh Sharma joins the property with more than 17 years of experience in housekeeping and hospitality operations. He began his career as a Housekeeping Associate at The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata, and has since worked with several leading hospitality brands including Trident Bandra Kurla, Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort, Marriott International, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Taj Group of Hotels.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, Yogesh served as Executive Housekeeper at Le Méridien Kochi, where he played a key role in improving guest satisfaction, streamlining departmental operations, and leading large housekeeping teams. He is also recognised for his expertise in pre-opening operations, having successfully established housekeeping systems and processes for multiple hotel properties.

Speaking on the appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay, General Manager, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, said, “Yogesh's proven track record and leadership in housekeeping will be invaluable as we continue to uphold Crowne Plaza Greater Noida's high standards of guest service and operational excellence.”

The hotel has also welcomed Shailesh Kaushik as Learning & Development Manager. With over eight years of specialised experience in employee training and capability building, Shailesh brings strong expertise in organisational learning and team development.

Prior to this role, he was associated with Baskin Robbins India, where he led Learning & Development initiatives for more than 330 stores across North India. His work focused on improving employee engagement, operational efficiency, and service standards.

Shailesh has also worked with Cinepolis India Pvt. Ltd. as Regional Trainer – South India and with Cafe Coffee Day, contributing to leadership training, talent development, and process improvement initiatives. He is a graduate of the Institute of Hotel Management, Jaipur, and holds certifications in Food Safety (FOSTAC) and Soft Skills Training.

Commenting on his appointment, Sharad K Upadhyay added, “Shailesh's passion for building high-performing teams and enhancing learning culture will strengthen our organizational capabilities and further elevate the guest experience.”

With these strategic appointments, Crowne Plaza Greater Noida continues to reinforce its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences while investing in operational and people-focused growth.


Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

Four Seasons Bali Appoints Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay and Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan have announced the appointment of Nicolas Laufrais as Senior Director of Commercial, overseeing both properties under a unified strategic leadership structure.

With over 15 years of international experience across sales, marketing, and revenue management, Laufrais brings a strong combination of analytical capability and creative commercial thinking. His appointment is aimed at driving long-term, sustainable growth while strengthening the global positioning of both resorts.

Most recently, Laufrais spent two years in Bali leading the commercial positioning and launch strategy at Regent Bali Canggu, gaining deep insight into the island’s evolving luxury hospitality landscape.

Prior to that, he served as Head of Commercial at InterContinental Cascais-Estoril, where he focused on strengthening luxury partnerships and lifestyle positioning in a competitive European market. Earlier in his career, he held the role of Director of Sales and Marketing at Conrad Bora Bora Nui, further building his expertise in ultra-luxury resort operations and global luxury demand generation.

In his new role, Laufrais will oversee commercial strategy across both Bali properties, integrating sales, marketing, and revenue management functions while ensuring each resort retains its distinct identity and sense of place.

Speaking about his appointment, he said, “Luxury travel today is about emotional resonance. These resorts offer distinctive experiences in two remarkable settings. My focus is to strengthen global positioning while ensuring each initiative reflects the authenticity, heritage, and sense of connection that define them.”

Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, set along the Ayung River, is known for its serene jungle landscape and spiritual design influences, while Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay offers a beachfront experience rooted in Balinese coastal culture and relaxed living.

Laufrais will be responsible for aligning commercial planning across both resorts, ensuring a cohesive strategy that respects their individual character while leveraging their shared brand strength in the global luxury market.


voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

voco Goa Arpora Appoints Vivek Sharma as Food & Beverage Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on May 12, 2026

voco Goa Arpora has announced the appointment of Vivek Sharma as its new Food & Beverage Manager, further strengthening its leadership team within the F&B division.

With over 11 years of experience in food and beverage operations, Vivek Sharma brings a strong background in hospitality excellence, having worked with leading global and luxury hotel brands including Taj Hotels, The Oberoi Group, Five Palm Jumeirah, The Postcard Hotel, Marriott International, and IHG Hotels & Resorts.

Throughout his career, Vivek has been recognised for his strong operational expertise, guest-centric approach, and ability to build and lead high-performing teams. He has consistently focused on enhancing guest experiences while driving operational efficiency and service excellence across diverse hospitality environments.

Known for his people-first leadership style, Vivek believes in empowering teams through coaching, mentoring, and continuous development. His approach fosters a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation, enabling teams to consistently exceed guest expectations in dynamic service environments.

Beyond his professional commitments, Vivek enjoys travelling and playing chess, reflecting his strategic thinking and balanced personality.

At voco Goa Arpora, his appointment is expected to further elevate the hotel’s food and beverage offerings and enhance overall guest satisfaction through refined service standards and innovative dining experiences.

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