RAS AL KHAIMAH Tourism development authority appoints Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director

RAS AL KHAIMAH Tourism development authority appoints Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director

By Author

Published on April 19, 2025

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed Vishal Bhatia as India Market Director, a strategic move to reinforce its commitment to expanding the emirate’s presence in the India market.

Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will be responsible for leading RAKTDA’s strategy and operations across the Indian market to position Ras Al Khaimah as a destination of choice for Indian travellers. Bhatia will be responsible for strengthening Ras Al Khaimah's business relations to accelerate its growth in India, which remains one of the top five key source markets for Ras Al Khaimah.

Bhatia joins RAKTDA with more than two decades of expertise in the travel and tourism business, having led market development initiatives, and driven sustainable visitor growth across India. Bhatia served as Country Manager at VisitBritain, where he played an important role in shaping the UK’s tourism strategy in the Indian market. Over his tenure, he managed integrated market strategies, executed effective B2B and consumer campaigns, and built significant collaborations to strengthen Britain’s brand position. His market insights, people leadership, and collaborative mindset were critical to maximising India’s tourism potential.

On his appointment, Iyad Rasbey, Vice President, Destination Tourism Development, RAKTDA, said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year-round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”

Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”

Ras Al Khaimah, the Destination of Future, has emerged as a preferred getaway for Indian travellers seeking authentic experiences, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly attractions. With enhanced air connectivity, a growing array of luxury resorts, and visa-on-arrival access for Indian passport holders, the destination is well positioned for long-term growth in the Indian outbound market.

With this appointment, RAKTDA reaffirms its strategy emphasis on high-growth markets in South Asia and its long-term commitment to India.

For more information about Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, please visit www.raktda.com.


Grand Hyatt Mumbai Appoints Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager to Strengthen People-First Culture

Grand Hyatt Mumbai Appoints Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager to Strengthen People-First Culture

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 11, 2025

Grand Hyatt Mumbai, one of India’s most iconic luxury hotels, has announced the appointment of Prasad Prabhu as Learning and Development Manager.

With over 18 years of experience across leading global hospitality brands, Prasad brings a strong background in talent development, leadership capability building, service culture enhancement, and colleague engagement. His appointment highlights Grand Hyatt Mumbai’s focus on nurturing a people-first culture built on care, continuous learning, and professional growth.

In his new role, Prasad will spearhead the hotel’s learning and development strategy, focusing on leadership development, embedding Hyatt’s values through a culture of learning, enhancing colleague engagement, and aligning training initiatives with business goals.

An alumnus of the Welingkar Institute of Management, Mumbai (PGDBA in General Management), Institute of Hotel Management, Goa (B.Sc. in Hospitality & Hotel Administration), and Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai (Food Production Craft Course), Prasad has built an impressive career with prestigious hospitality brands such as The Indian Hotels Company Limited (Taj Hotels), InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), The Leela Kempinski, The Zuri Hospitality Group, and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

Before joining Grand Hyatt Mumbai, Prasad served as Learning Manager at Grand Hyatt Goa, where he played a dual role, leading property-level learning initiatives and contributing as an ASPAC Master Trainer for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. In this capacity, he designed and facilitated impactful leadership and trainer capability workshops across the Asia Pacific region.

Speaking on his appointment, Prasad Prabhu said,

“I am delighted to join Grand Hyatt Mumbai and continue my Hyatt journey. I believe that when colleagues feel respected, supported, and motivated to grow, they naturally deliver better guest experiences. My vision is to build a workplace where learning is not just a function, but a culture.”

As one of Hyatt’s flagship hotels in India, Grand Hyatt Mumbai continues to strengthen its reputation for excellence in service and colleague care. With Prasad’s leadership, the hotel aims to further its vision of fostering empowered teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences through a culture of continuous learning and growth.


The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

The Machan Lonavala Appoints Vikas Toksya as Resident Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on November 8, 2025

The Machan Lonavala, one of India’s most recognised eco-luxury resort brands, has announced the appointment of Vikas Toksya as its new Resident Manager.

With an impressive 19-year career in the hospitality industry, Vikas brings a wealth of operational and leadership experience from his time with prestigious names such as the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, Radisson Blu, and Hyatt Hotels. His expertise spans operations management, guest experience, and team leadership, making him well-suited to drive The Machan’s next chapter of growth.

In his new role, Vikas will oversee the resort’s day-to-day operations, focusing on enhancing guest satisfaction and reinforcing The Machan’s core values of sustainability and experiential hospitality.

We are delighted to welcome Vikas to The Machan family. His rich operational background and deep understanding of luxury hospitality will play a pivotal role in driving our next phase of growth,” said Rakshit Sharma, COO, The Machan.

Renowned for its award-winning tree-house accommodations and commitment to eco-sensitive practices, The Machan continues to redefine responsible tourism — offering guests a truly immersive retreat amidst nature


Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur Announces the Promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper

By Hariharan U

Published on November 7, 2025

Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur, is pleased to announce the promotion of Mr. Arvind Mishra as Executive Housekeeper. With a proven track record of excellence and over a decade of experience in hospitality operations, Mr. Mishra has been instrumental in maintaining the hotel’s high standards of cleanliness, guest comfort, and sustainability. In his new role.

he will continue to lead the housekeeping team with a focus on service innovation, efficiency, and guest satisfaction, further strengthening Welcomhotel Guntur’s commitment to delivering world-class hospitality and ensuring an impeccable stay experience for every guest

About Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur

Nestled in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Guntur blends modern luxury with the region’s rich cultural heritage. Designed for both business and leisure travelers, the hotel features contemporary accommodations, diverse dining experiences, and signature warm hospitality. With sustainable practices at its core, Welcomhotel Guntur embodies ITC Hotels’ “Responsible Luxury” philosophy, offering guests an experience that is both refined and environmentally conscious.

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