Singapore Appoints Lim Kean Bon as Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa

Singapore Appoints Lim Kean Bon as Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa

By Author

Published on September 11, 2023

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has announced the appointment of Lim Kean Bon as the Area Director for India, South Asia, and Africa, effective September 1, 2023. In this role, Kean Bon will succeed Raymond Lim as the India market lead, based in New Delhi, where he will oversee STB's promotion and travel trade engagement activities in Northern and Eastern India. Kean Bon's responsibilities also include driving business development efforts to attract visitors from India to Singapore, particularly in the Cruise and Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) segments. Additionally, he will focus on engaging consumers in regional markets like Bangladesh and South Africa.

GB Srithar, Regional Director, India, Middle East, South Asia & Africa (IMESA), STB, expressed a warm welcome to Kean Bon. He said, “We extend a hearty welcome to Kean Bon as he joins our dynamic team. I believe Kean Bon’s leadership in driving experience development for a leisure precinct and his past tenure in the Singapore Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB) places him in good stead to take on this role in STB New Delhi, particularly in this pivotal moment of anchoring Singapore as the premier lifestyle and business destination for Indian travellers.”

Kean Bon's career began in the Singapore public service as an urban planner, and he later joined the STB infrastructure planning and management division in 2015. Before assuming his current role, he led STB's Lifestyle Precinct Development team from 2020 to 2023, focusing on projects to enhance Orchard Road, Singapore's leading lifestyle precinct.

Kean Bon expressed his excitement to join the STB IMESA team and build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Raymond. “I am excited to join the STB IMESA team and look forward to building on the good work and strong partnerships forged by my predecessor Raymond. Together with my team in New Delhi, we will continue our efforts to promote Singapore and inspire the Indian audience with the sheer breadth of vibrant experiences the city has to offer for leisure and business travellers,” he said.

This appointment marks a strategic move for Singapore's tourism efforts in the Indian, South Asian, and African markets.


Amish Mathur Appointed as General Manager of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur

Amish Mathur Appointed as General Manager of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur

By Nishang Narayan

Published on January 21, 2025

Stonewood Hotels & Resorts is proud to welcome Mr. Amish Mathur as the new General Manager of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur, a distinguished luxury property in the City of Lakes.

With an impressive 27-year career in the hospitality industry, Mr. Mathur has gained diverse experience across QSR chains, international hotel brands, and independent properties. His expertise includes pre-opening projects, managing remote locations, and developing sustainable business models.

A Remarkable Journey in Hospitality

A hotel management graduate from Mangalore University (1994–97), Mr. Mathur began his career with The Taj Rambagh Palace, Jaipur as a management trainee. He later played a key role in reservations and sales for the North Zone and the Taj Reservation Network.

In his most recent role at Zone Palace by The Park, Phalodi, Mr. Mathur successfully renovated a 300-year-old haveli, transforming it into a thriving business while implementing his philosophy: “Sell the destination to sell the hotel.”

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Personal Passions and Vision

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Mathur is a passionate wildlife enthusiast and an avid wildlife photographer. Music also plays an integral role in his downtime, reflecting his well-rounded personality.

About Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier, Udaipur

Situated just 1 km from Sajjangarh Biological Sanctuary and a short 27 km drive from Maharana Pratap Airport, Maan Vilas is a premier luxury hotel offering breathtaking views of Pichola and Fateh Sagar Lakes. Guests can indulge in an unforgettable dining experience at the rooftop restaurant, blending culinary excellence with scenic beauty.

Expressing excitement over his appointment, Mr. Mathur stated, “I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the guest experience at Maan Vilas, while continuing to promote Udaipur as a must-visit destination.”

With his wealth of expertise and passion for hospitality, Amish Mathur’s leadership promises to further elevate the legacy of Maan Vilas by Stonewood Premier as one of Udaipur’s finest luxury destinations.


Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue Welcomes Ravi Dhankhar as General Manager

Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue Welcomes Ravi Dhankhar as General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 18, 2025

Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue is delighted to announce the appointment of Ravi Dhankhar as its new General Manager. With a career spanning over two decades, Ravi brings a wealth of experience and expertise, having worked with esteemed hotel brands such as The Leela Palace, Taj Hotels, Sarovar Hotels, Lemon Tree Hotels, Narendra Bhawan Bikaner, Pride Group of Hotels, and Ramada Jaipur.

In his new role, Ravi will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, with a strong focus on guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and enhancing service standards. His appointment reflects the hotel's commitment to maintaining its reputation as a premier destination for both leisure and business travelers in Amritsar.

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A Vision for Growth

Ravi’s extensive background equips him with the insights necessary to navigate the evolving hospitality landscape in Amritsar, a city celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and its appeal to both tourists and business professionals. He aims to deepen the hotel’s engagement with the local community by fostering collaborations with Amritsar’s tourism board, heritage sites, and business hubs, creating a harmonious blend of the city’s culture and the hotel’s offerings.

Sharing his enthusiasm, Ravi Dhankhar remarked, “I am truly excited to join Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue and contribute to its growth in this dynamic market. Amritsar is not only a city rich in history and culture, but it is also an increasingly significant destination for both leisure and business travelers. Together with my team, I look forward to forging strong partnerships with local businesses, tourism stakeholders, and cultural organizations to provide guests with experiences that are unique, memorable, and reflective of the warmth and vibrancy of this incredible city.”

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Leadership Backed by Expertise

Pankaj Gupta, Area General Manager for IHG SouthWest Asia, expressed his confidence in Ravi’s leadership, stating, “Ravi's vast experience and leadership in the hospitality industry make him the ideal choice to lead Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue. His deep understanding of the region's market dynamics, commitment to local partnerships, and innovative approach will be pivotal as we continue to strengthen our presence in Amritsar and the broader North Indian region.”

Beyond the Office

On a personal note, Ravi is an avid traveler and passionate about off-roading, hobbies that align with his dynamic approach to life and work. His adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for exploring new terrains mirror his dedication to offering distinctive experiences to the guests at Holiday Inn Amritsar Ranjit Avenue.

With Ravi Dhankhar at the helm, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in hospitality, reinforcing its position as a preferred choice for travelers visiting Amritsar.


Kashyap Ruparel Appointed Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Pune, Viman Nagar

Kashyap Ruparel Appointed Director of Food & Beverage at Hyatt Regency Pune, Viman Nagar

By Author

Published on January 16, 2025

Hyatt Regency Pune, Viman Nagar, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Kashyap Ruparel as the Director of Food & Beverage. With an impressive background in hospitality, customer service, guest relations, event management, and facility management, Kashyap brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this crucial role.

Throughout his career, Kashyap has demonstrated exceptional leadership, successfully developing and implementing innovative Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) across departments. His focus on team engagement and operational efficiency has consistently delivered remarkable results, making him a valued leader in the industry.

In his new role, Kashyap will oversee the food and beverage division, concentrating on elevating operational standards, enhancing guest satisfaction, and curating innovative dining experiences that resonate with the hotel’s vision of excellence.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Kashyap shared his commitment to creating memorable guest experiences while working with one of the world’s most respected hotel chains. A well-rounded personality, he enjoys listening to music, playing football and cricket, gardening, and cooking in his leisure time.

Kashyap lives by the inspiring mantra:
"All our dreams can come true if we dare to pursue them."

Hyatt Regency Pune extends a warm welcome to Kashyap Ruparel and eagerly anticipates the positive impact of his leadership in driving the hotel’s food and beverage operations to new heights. His passion for innovation and guest-centric approach perfectly align with the hotel’s mission to deliver unparalleled experiences.

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