Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway has announced the appointment of Mr. Shashi Pal as its new Food & Beverage Manager. With a rich experience spanning over 15 years, Shashi brings deep expertise in nightlife, luxury dining, and large-scale event operations to his new role.

In his position, Shashi will oversee food and beverage operations at the hotel’s premium outlets within The World Trade Center – including The World Café, High Ultra Lounge, and Horizon. He will focus on enhancing guest experiences, streamlining operations, and introducing innovative culinary initiatives.

Prior to joining Sheraton, Shashi held senior roles such as General Manager at Terre and Reset by Plan B BYOB, and Associate General Manager – Operations at Belcibo Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., managing popular venues like Khubani and Imperfecto. His career also includes stints with leading brands like The Westin Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza, and Olive Bar & Kitchen. Shashi has led numerous high-profile events for diplomats, celebrities, and corporates, establishing his reputation as a dynamic hospitality leader.

A certified beverage trainer by Moët Hennessy, Shashi has earned accolades such as the Emerging Leader of the Year 2023 and CARE FOR GUEST Award from The Westin Hyderabad. Known for his strategic thinking and innovative approach, his track record includes revenue growth, brand partnerships, and operational excellence.

He holds a Master’s degree in Airline Tourism and Hospitality Management from Punjab Technical University and a Bachelor of Arts from Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.

Mrs. Sushma Khichar, General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment:

"We are delighted to welcome Shashi Pal to our leadership team. His diverse experience, creative mindset, and result-oriented approach make him an excellent fit to lead our food and beverage operations. We are confident that his passion for hospitality and expertise in delivering memorable dining experiences will further elevate our culinary offerings."

Shashi Pal’s appointment underscores the hotel’s commitment to nurturing exceptional talent and strengthening its position as a leading hospitality destination in Bangalore.

Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli has announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals to its leadership team, Mr. Sagar Tukaram Jadhav as Food & Beverage Manager and Mr. Jitendra Mugurdekar as Executive Housekeeper.

Mr. Sagar Tukaram Jadhav brings over nine years of valuable experience in the hospitality industry, having worked with several renowned Marriott properties across India. His career includes impactful roles at JW Marriott Mumbai, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai, and most recently, The Westin Hyderabad, where he served as Assistant Director of Events. Known for his strategic mindset and operational excellence, his leadership is expected to elevate the hotel’s food and beverage offerings.

Joining him is Mr. Jitendra Mugurdekar, a hospitality veteran with more than 19 years of experience in housekeeping and hotel operations. Prior to this, he was with Westin Powai Lake, Mumbai, where he played a vital role in maintaining high service standards. Passionate about travel and music, Mr. Mugurdekar brings a detail-oriented and guest-centric approach to his role.

With these appointments, Novotel Imagicaa Khopoli reaffirms its commitment to delivering world-class guest experiences. The expertise and vision of Mr. Jadhav and Mr. Mugurdekar are set to usher in a new era of excellence at the property.

The Karnataka Tourism Forum (KTF), a key body representing travel, tourism, and hospitality stakeholders across the state, has announced its newly appointed office bearers for the 2025–27 term. The new leadership team brings a strong blend of experience and innovation, with a renewed focus on collaborative growth, sustainable tourism, and enhancing Karnataka’s position as a leading destination on the global map.

Mr. Patrick George of Prakruthi Holidays has been elected as the President. He shared his vision, stating:

“This is a pivotal time for our industry, and I look forward to working closely with our members, government bodies, and stakeholders to position Karnataka as a leading year-round tourism destination.”

Joining him is Mr. Vaibhav D Kamat of Kamat Eco-Tours & Jungle Holidays as Vice President, who emphasized the need for strong industry partnerships and inclusive tourism:

“This platform plays a vital role in bringing together tourism professionals and policymakers to shape the future of tourism in our state.”

The newly appointed office bearers are:

• President: Mr. Patrick George (Prakruthi Holidays)

• Vice President: Mr. Vaibhav D Kamat (Kamat Eco-Tours & Jungle Holidays)

• Secretary: Mr. Ganesh Basavaraj (Rainforest Retreats Pvt. Ltd.)

• Joint Secretary: Ms. Vinutha Kiran (Travel Lounge Inc)

• Treasurer: Mr. Vinay KN (Cruise and Travel Pvt. Ltd.)

Core Committee Members include:

• Mr. SN Krishna Chidambara (Sri Sathya Sai Tourists)

• Mr. Prashanth BS (Safe Wheels Tours and Travels)

• Mr. Arvind (Crimson Holidays LLP)

• Mr. Prashanth Shenoy (Dravidian Trails Destination Management)

• Mr. Dinesh SD (Amazing India Travelxp)

• Mr. Sudhir KR (Vizi Tours)

• Mr. Ramesh Chandran (Soukhya Holidays)

The Forum has played a critical role in organizing trade events, capacity-building workshops, and facilitating public-private partnerships. Under the new leadership, KTF plans to scale up outreach initiatives, develop thematic travel circuits, and strengthen responsible tourism practices through community engagement.

The team is committed to working closely with Karnataka Tourism, allied associations, and local stakeholders to foster a more vibrant and resilient tourism ecosystem for the state.