Up Norway Expands Leadership Team Amid Growing Demand for Luxury Travel

Up Norway Expands Leadership Team Amid Growing Demand for Luxury Travel

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on September 16, 2024

Up Norway, a sustainable luxury travel company, has appointed Karoline Hoff as its new Managing Director. Founder Torunn Tronsvang, who has led the company since its inception in 2016, will now take on the role of Chief Experience Officer (CXO). This leadership change marks a significant step in Up Norway's continued commitment to providing luxury travel experiences rooted in Norwegian culture and sustainability.

Tronsvang expressed her excitement about the transition, emphasizing the company's mission to become a leading expert in value-driven luxury travel. "Karoline's strategic expertise guiding our growth allows me to focus on innovating exceptional travel experiences and inspiring positive change through our journeys," said Tronsvang.

Hoff has worked in various industries, including at Møller Mobility Group, WiMP Music (now Tidal), Orkla ASA, and McKinsey & Company. Hoff holds both Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Economics and Business Administration from The Norwegian School of Economics and Business Administration (NHH). With her background in project management, strategic planning, and team leadership, Hoff is expected to play a key role in Up Norway's future.

Erik Jakobsen, a board director at Up Norway, praised Hoff’s appointment, noting her leadership will help meet the growing demand for value-driven travel experiences. "Hoff's leadership will be instrumental in refining our strategic direction and meeting the increasing demand for value-driven travel experiences that reflect Norwegian authenticity, respect for nature, and community engagement," he stated.

Hoff, in turn, expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "I'm thrilled to join Up Norway and lead the team in creating unforgettable experiences for our travelers. I'm incredibly impressed by what the team has accomplished so far, and I'm excited to be part of this journey to make Norway the world's most attractive travel destination."

Tronsvang’s move to CXO reflects her dedication to Up Norway’s mission of offering authentic, sustainable travel experiences. Since founding the company, she has sought to counter the superficial travel experiences often associated with Norway. Under her leadership, Up Norway has become a top sustainable travel curator, offering bespoke itineraries that highlight Norwegian culture while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility.

Tronsvang will now focus on her passion for destination and experience development, working closely with local partners to continue shaping Up Norway's unique offerings. "I am excited about my new role as Chief Experience Officer," Tronsvang said. "This transition is part of our vision for the company's future. Collaborating with Karoline will be vital as we advance our mission to make Norway the world's most attractive travel destination."

Up Norway’s leadership changes come at a time of significant growth. The company has already added five new team members in 2024, reflecting increasing demand for its eco-friendly, luxury travel experiences. Up Norway’s expansion strategy, guided by B Corp principles, aims to offer high-quality travel experiences without sacrificing sustainability.

For more details on Up Norway, visit their website at upnorway.com.


Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

Toscano Restaurant Appoints Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as Cluster Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on February 6, 2026

Toscano Restaurant has announced the appointment of Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt as its Cluster Chef, a move aimed at strengthening culinary leadership, consistency, and innovation across its restaurant portfolio.

 Chef Bhatt brings with him an extensive career spanning luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants, and high-volume culinary operations in both India and international markets. Prior to joining Toscano, he served as Chef de Cuisine at Elements by Rosetta in Varca, Goa, and as Head Chef at Patang Re-Evolve Restaurant in Ahmedabad, where he led contemporary concepts and premium dining operations. His international exposure includes roles at Black Spoon Restaurant in Riyadh and multiple TDIC properties in Abu Dhabi, including Caramel Restaurant and Lounge, BOA Steakhouse, and Fanr at Saadiyat Island. His culinary expertise spans Modern Indian cuisine, Indian curries and tandoor, Italian fine dining, molecular gastronomy, American cuisine, tapas concepts, banquets, formal sit-down dinners, outdoor catering, and multi-ethnic buffets, reflecting a balance of tradition and modern global techniques.

In his role as Cluster Chef, Chef Bhatt will oversee pre-opening operations, kitchen setup and maintenance coordination, central kitchen production, supplier management, menu engineering with detailed food costing, staff training, audit compliance, and strict adherence to hygiene and food safety standards.

 Speaking on his appointment, Chef Dinesh Parshad Bhatt said, "I am honoured to join Toscano Restaurant as Cluster Chef. Toscano has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency, and I look forward to working closely with the team to create innovative menus, strengthen operational systems, and deliver memorable dining experiences that exceed guest expectations while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and culinary excellence." With this appointment, Toscano Restaurant continues to reinforce its commitment to culinary innovation, operational discipline, and delivering world-class dining experiences across its locations.


Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Appoint Amit Sangwan as Cluster General Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on February 6, 2026

Novotel has announced the appointment of Mr. Amit Sangwan as the Cluster General Manager of Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. In this role, he will oversee the overall leadership and performance of both properties, further strengthening their presence in one of India’s most popular leisure destinations.

A seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience, Amit brings strong expertise in operational excellence, guest experience enhancement, and people-focused leadership. His career spans luxury, upper-upscale, and business hotel segments, where he has led large teams and managed complex operations across multiple brands.

Prior to this appointment, Amit served as General Manager at Novotel Ahmedabad since May 2023. During his tenure, he successfully drove strong commercial results, improved operational efficiencies, and maintained consistently high levels of guest satisfaction, contributing to the hotel’s overall growth and performance.

Amit is widely recognised within the industry for his leadership and achievements. His accolades include being named among the Top 5 General Managers of Business Hotels at the Hospitality Horizon Awards 2024, Gujarat’s Best General Manager by the CMO Asia Awards, and Most Admired GM of the Year at the International Hospitality & Travel Awards. Over the years, he has also led pre-opening projects, destination-led resorts, and diverse food and beverage portfolios.

In his new position, Amit will be responsible for shaping the strategic direction of both Novotel Goa properties. His focus will be on enhancing brand positioning, elevating guest experiences, and driving sustainable growth across leisure, MICE, and food and beverage segments.

Commenting on his appointment, Amit said, “I am delighted to take on this new role at Novotel Goa Candolim and Novotel Goa Resort & Spa. Goa is a vibrant leisure destination, and I look forward to collaborating with the teams to build on the hotels’ strong foundations, deliver memorable guest experiences, and achieve long-term success through innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.”


Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

Hyatt Pune Appoints Glen D’Souza as New General Manager

By Hariharan U

Published on February 5, 2026

Hyatt Pune has appointed Glen D’Souza as its new General Manager, effective January 4, 2026. With more than two decades of experience in the global hospitality industry, D’Souza brings a strong background in hotel pre-openings, operations, and brand-led growth across key international markets.

In his new role, D’Souza will focus on strengthening Hyatt Pune’s positioning among business and leisure travellers, while also enhancing its reputation as a preferred destination for dining, social gatherings, and experiential hospitality. His leadership approach will centre on intuitive guest experiences, operational excellence, and team engagement.

Prior to joining Hyatt Pune, D’Souza served as the Pre-Opening General Manager at Hyatt Centric Ballygunge Kolkata, where he played a pivotal role in establishing the hotel as a prominent lifestyle destination. Under his leadership, the property earned multiple industry recognitions in 2025, with its dining venues gaining strong local traction.

Before Hyatt, D’Souza spent over 20 years with Marriott International, holding senior leadership roles across Hong Kong, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. His experience spans seven hotel pre-openings and six brands across luxury, premium, extended stay, and select service segments.

Commenting on his appointment, D’Souza said he looks forward to building on Hyatt Pune’s strengths and creating meaningful guest connections in a dynamic and growing market.

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