Radisson Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Nikhil Sharma as the Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President (ASVP) for South Asia, effective April 1, 2024. Earlier this position was held by Zubin Saxena, who moved to Hilton late last year and assumed the role of Senior Vice President and Country Head – India.
In his new role, Sharma will lead Radisson Hotel Group’s operations in the dynamic South Asia region, which comprises over 165 hotels in operation and development. “With a wealth of experience, he will play a crucial role in strengthening the Group’s leadership in the Indian market, fostering partnerships, driving revenue growth, and ensuring operational excellence. Nikhil will also spearhead the Group’s vision of becoming an employer of choice for dynamic talent in the hospitality industry,” the hotel chain said in a statement.
Sharma joins Radisson Hotel Group from Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (WHR), where he served as Market Managing Director Eurasia, overseeing Business Development, Operations, New Openings, and Sales & Marketing. Prior to that, he held the position of Chief Operating Officer at Ginger Hotels, a prominent brand under the IHCL conglomerate. His contributions as a founding member of the Lemon Tree Hotel Company have also been instrumental in the growth of India’s upscale hotel segment.
Commenting on the development, Chema Basterrechea, Global President & Chief Operations Officer at Radisson Hotel Group, expressed confidence in Sharma’s strategic vision and industry understanding, emphasising the Group’s commitment to strategic growth in South Asia. “Nikhil’s appointment reflects our commitment to strengthening our leadership team and driving strategic growth in South Asia. This region is a key market for us. With Nikhil’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry, we are confident in our ability to further elevate our presence and deliver exceptional experiences to our guests,” he said.
KB Kachru, Chairman, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, also extended a warm welcome to Sharma, highlighting his dynamic leadership qualities. “We are pleased to welcome a dynamic leader like Nikhil to steer us ahead in this journey and wish him the best for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s next phase of growth in South Asia,” he mentioned.
The HAI election took place during HAI’s milestone 100th Executive Committee (EC) meeting, where Kachru succeeded Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of IHCL. The new management committee, including Dr JK Mohanty as Honorary Secretary and Sanjay Sethi as Honorary Treasurer, will steer the Association’s initiatives until 2025.
Sharma, in response to his appointment, expressed enthusiasm for leading Radisson Hotel Group’s growth in South Asia. “I am thrilled to be part of Radisson Hotel Group and to lead South Asia during this exhilarating period of growth. With a diverse portfolio of brands and hotels, the Group is poised to be the top choice for travellers and asset owners alike. I am grateful for this opportunity to drive innovation, deliver exceptional results, and elevate the brand while creating value for our stakeholders,” he stated.Apart from his role at Radisson Hotel Group, Sharma is actively involved in the hospitality sector in India, serving on committees for various federations, associations, and industry bodies. He is also a published author and contributes regularly to leading hospitality publications.
Radisson Hotel Group remains a dominant player in the Indian market with over 165 hotels in operation and development. Its strategic presence spans tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 markets, offering a diverse portfolio of brands that cater to travellers’ varying needs. The Group’s upcoming addition, Radisson Collection, signifies its commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality experiences across India.
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The global pandemic, with all its disruptions and challenges, served as a catalyst, transforming the very essence of travel. No longer confined to sporadic vacations, it has become a dynamic and integral part of modern living. In fact, the travel and tourism sectors are among India’s largest industries, making a substantial contribution to the nation’s GDP, estimated at approximately USD 122 billion.
This paradigm shift in consumer preferences and behaviours has given rise to three remarkable tourism trends: Solo Adventures, Wellness Getaways, and the Digital Nomad Lifestyle. So, how is the hospitality sector managing the upswing in trends in travel, you may ask?
To leverage these burgeoning tourism trends, businesses in the travel and hospitality sector have introduced innovative products and crafted strategies to cater to the evolving travel landscape. They have recognised the need to adapt to changing customer demands and have responded with agility. Here are some key ways in which the hospitality sector is addressing this transformative wave of travel:
For the travel industry, meta search engines have presented opportunities for growth. Smaller hotels and airlines can reach a global audience without the need for an extensive marketing and distribution network. OTAs have allowed them to compete effectively with larger players, leveling the playing field and driving competition. However, it’s not all smooth sailing.
Customised experiences: Personalisation is the topmost service in today’s travel landscape. Providing tailored, flexible experiences that align with a traveller’s unique preferences is paramount. It begins with the initial contact, be it through social media or the website, where the messaging should resonate with the traveller’s preferences. From there, travel and tour suggestions can be finely tuned to match their desires. By offering such customer-oriented services, the clients are better satisfied and increase the likelihood of repeat visits.Ensuring connectivity and productivity: The rise of digital nomads, a distinct group seamlessly blending work and travel, underscores the importance of connectivity. These individuals, comprising freelancers and remote workers, rely on technology to work remotely from anywhere in the world, making high-speed Wi-Fi and reliable signals essential. Travel establishments that can provide this connectivity effectively cater to the unique needs of digital nomads, setting them apart from traditional vacationers who typically disconnect from work while on holiday.
Planning services for bleisure travel: Coined to represent a blend of business and pleasure, bleisure travel is distinct from digital nomadism as it primarily involves business-related trips, including conferences and meetings, intertwined with leisure. This trend, where India stands as the world’s second-ranking destination, offers extended stays that alleviate stress, enhance productivity, and foster a healthier work-life balance.
Business travellers now embrace a multi-dimensional approach, as CEOs research projects from poolside recliners and marketing executives work on hilly slopes while their children enjoy nearby recreational areas. Hotels and resorts can offer extended spa hours, diverse menus, family-friendly activities, healthy breakfast options, and personalised city experiences. This trend is underpinned by the shift towards more frequent short holidays, departing from traditional lengthy annual vacations.
Fostering community and social interaction: Solo travel is a growing trend, with solo travellers comprising a notable 11% of the overall travel market in India, showing a substantial growth rate of approximately 131% since 2016. These solo adventurers are drawn to the freedom of planning their own schedules, meeting new people, and stepping out of their comfort zones. As a result, they often seek interaction with local communities to gain richer cultural experiences and perspectives. This highlights the importance of hospitality establishments that facilitate social interaction, helping solo travellers create meaningful connections during their journeys.
Participants at the roundtable held in Delhi also unanimously agreed on the necessity of facilitating consultations with a broader range of stakeholders, especially from the industry. They emphasised the need for a collaborative approach to ensure that regulatory efforts are aimed at promoting fairness, contestability, ease of compliance, and overall growth within India’s travel and tourism segment of the digital economy.
Skilled staff for wellness services: The wellness tourism sector is experiencing a significant upswing. In 2023, travellers seek transformative retreats to enhance their physical and mental well-being. These retreats help individuals overcome grief, find purpose, and nurture their bodies. The market size of wellness tourism in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5% by 2028. In 2020, the Indian wellness market was valued at nearly 78 billion U.S. dollars, ranking India 12th among the top twenty markets for wellness. This indicates a substantial opportunity for hospitality providers to offer skilled staff and services that cater to the wellness needs of travellers seeking holistic experiences such as spas, wellness programs, ayurvedic cooking and more.
These trends signify a broader shift towards more personalised and wellness-oriented travel experiences, reflecting the growing convergence of work and leisure in the digital era.
However, the impact of these trends extends beyond the realm of hospitality alone. The travel gear industry, which encompasses luggage, backpacks, duffel bags, and business bags, is poised to grow significantly. This market is estimated at a substantial INR 53,000 crore annually in India.
Brands offering travel gears should prioritise product quality, durability, and designs that align with these evolving trends. Consider offerings like lightweight luggage with convenient laptop compartments or sturdy backpacks designed for back and shoulder support while emphasising sustainability to embrace the shifting consumer demands and maintain the competitive edge in an ever-evolving market.
As travellers continue to seek diverse and enriching adventures, the tourism, hospitality and travel gear industries must collaborate to meet these dynamic needs, ensuring that each journey is not just a trip but an unforgettable experience.
The author is Managing Director, Swiss Military
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETTravelWorld.com does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETTravelWorld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly.
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MR Synrem, a seasoned IAS officer from the 2002 Batch, Assam-Meghalaya Cadre, has assumed the position of Managing Director at India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC). In this new role, he will add to his current responsibilities as Joint Secretary and Additional Director General within the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Throughout his impressive career, Synrem has held significant positions such as Secretary in the Health & Family Welfare Department, Mission Director of the Meghalaya State National Health Mission, and CEO of the Megha Health Insurance Scheme in Meghalaya.
Over the course of more than two decades, he has showcased his administrative prowess by overseeing various projects, schemes, and initiatives in his parent cadre, covering domains like the Information Technology & Communications Department, the Transport Department, the Urban Affairs Department, and the Commerce & Industries Department, among others.
BJP leader Sambit Patra is currently the Chairman of ITDC. The position of ITDC MD was vacant after former Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, G Kamala Vardhan Rao moved to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) as its new CEO.
Established in 1966, ITDC is a hospitality, retail and education company owned by the Government of India, under the administration of the Ministry of Tourism. Beyond its role in managing hotels, ITDC has diversified into non-hotel sectors, including Ticketing, Tours and Travels, Event Management, Duty-Free Shopping, Publicity & Printing Consultancy, Engineering Consultancy, Sound & Light Shows, as well as Hospitality education and skill development – all under one comprehensive umbrella.
The Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), as the central body for Services Export Promotion, has played a pivotal role in boosting India’s services exports. Its primary responsibilities include providing trade insights, fostering a conducive business environment, offering policy recommendations, and organising events and activities related to export development and promotion.
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