The Leela Gandhinagar, known as the symbol of true Indian luxury in the twin cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, has announced the appointment of seasoned culinary expert Ashish Thakre as Executive Sous Chef.

With a distinguished career spanning several prestigious hospitality brands, including Accor, Taj, Marriott International, and Hyatt, Ashish Thakre brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having worked at multiple national and international destinations, he is recognized for his innovative culinary approach, strategic kitchen management, and operational excellence. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered memorable dining experiences, making him a valuable addition to The Leela Gandhinagar team.

Welcoming Ashish to the team, Vikas Sood, General Manager of The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre managed by The Leela, shared, "His extensive experience, combined with his passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences, will play a key role in enhancing our F&B experiences and strengthening the complex’s position as the true Indian luxury."

Ashish Thakre’s expertise spans across food and beverage quality assurance, banquet planning, team development, and maintaining high standards of kitchen hygiene. His leadership is expected to bring fresh energy and creativity to the culinary operations at the property.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Ashish Thakre said, "It is an honour to join The Leela Gandhinagar and Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre. I look forward to working with the team to further enhance our culinary journey and create memorable dining experiences for our guests."

Beyond the kitchen, Ashish Thakre enjoys playing cricket, reading, and exploring new destinations through his travels.

Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar is proud to announce the appointment of Siddharth Chitnis as the new Operations Manager. With a distinguished career spanning nearly 13 years with Marriott International, Siddharth brings a wealth of operational expertise, leadership acumen, and a deep understanding of guest service excellence.

In his new role, Siddharth will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless guest experiences, enhancing operational efficiencies, and supporting the strategic direction of the hotel. His proven track record in hospitality operations across multiple Marriott brands makes him a strong asset to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar leadership team.

Siddharth joins the property from Fairfield by Marriott Goa Calangute, where he served as Operations Manager for two years. Prior to that, he held key leadership positions across several prominent Marriott hotels including Hyderabad Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and Fairfield by Marriott Goa Anjuna. His journey through varied roles—from Front Office Associate to complex Front Office Manager—highlights his growth mindset, operational excellence, and dedication to elevating service standards.

Speaking about his new role, Siddharth said, "I am excited to join Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar, a destination known for its scenic beauty and warm hospitality. I look forward to contributing to the guest experience by fostering a culture of service excellence and innovation."

Siddharth is known among peers for his strong team leadership, guest-centric approach, and hands-on operational style. His commitment to Marriott's core values and passion for hospitality continues to inspire those around him.

Please join us in welcoming Siddharth Chitnis to the Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar family. We look forward to his leadership in taking operational excellence to greater heights.

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.