National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management(NITHM), Gachibowli Hyderabad conducted a “Tourism Townhall” for the students or anyone interested to know about the Tourism and Hospitality Industry. On 7th Aug, 4 pm at the NITHM campus. Faculty Mrs. RV Vijayalakshmi hosted the program, The guests were invited onto the Dias 1) Smt. Ila Tripathi IAS, Director of Tourism Govt. of Telangana & Director-NITHM 2) Mr.Sandeep Joshi – Area General Manager, West India, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia and General Manager, Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara hills 3) Mr.Rubin Cherian – General Manager Novotel Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre. 4) Mr.Pankaj Sampat – Area Director Operations and General Manager – Taj Krishna. The panel discussion was moderated by Mr.Pankaj Sampat – Area Director Operations and General Manager – Taj Krishna. The program began with The welcome address and brief note on NITHM by Dr.M.K.Ganesh, Principal i/c. NITHM is known as a green campus, with advanced infrastructure; our courses are BBA, MBA in Tourism and Hospitality and B.Sc in Hospitality. Nithm students have the opportunity for internships in India and abroad. NITHM’s strong alumni association – helps with student recruitment as well. NITHM has been conducting the Government Training Programs over the years for SKill Development; mostly for Food Production and Food Services. The upcoming program is for SHG women as part of the Mahila Shakti Programs in Event management and Canteen Management and also few more.
Panel discussions on topics related to the Tourism and Hospitality Industry mainly focusing on Long-Term Career Growth * Emphasis was on Industry growth and opportunity; the need for skilled manpower; a students long term career growth in 5yrs; steps the industry is taking on sustainable activities and also to sustain employees; the benefits to employees for their future and their management training programs. The panel was led by Mr.Pankaj Sampat – Area Director Operations and General Manager – Taj Krishna. Discussions were on sharing of the fruits of the handwork. individually the panelist began their sharing
1) Mr.Sandeep Joshi, started his journey in 1994. Quoted, Industry is tough but each one has their climb, with the grind. He took 15 yrs to become a general manager. Today you can become a GM within 7 yrs. “Learn every skill you can” Then he said that if you look at any Industry today – there’s always a hotel management student. Hotels give one the feel of People to people interaction, learning and skilling to excellence. Chefs have an opportunity to become entrepreneurs.
2) Rubin Cherian quoted* It is always your passion that keeps you going. The Industry is also for girls. Today 80% hotel employees are joining other Industries; it’s good for those industries. Atithi Devo Bhava has been the Indian mantra. We Indians have a lot of values; so hotel management students should cultivate values. The message to students for the first 2-3 yrs, do not waste time, if you are patient you will rise. First 5 yrs are crucial, don’t waste time. Learn and skill you will surely grow. 3) Mr. Pankaj, Joined Taj Mumbai at 19yrs, he sustained with the brand Taj. It’s an attachment and now hard to leave. Message wsa we all look for competition, but we realize you can improve looking at yourself. The elements of hardwork and good work will take you a long way.He came from a family of engineer’s. He was the odd one who took Hotel Management and he loves what he does. Most Landmark hotels are runned by dedicated and refined Hoteliers. Today there’s more choices for placements in revenue management,training, marketing and sales departments, apart from just the 4 operational areas. Students should sharpen their skills.
The panelists discussed a few questions:- Q1. About Work life balance! Ans Work life balance has changed in the hotel industry. It’s because of technology and digitalization which is time saving and work hours lessened have helped the work life balance for employees. Now flexi time is also introduced for better work life balance. In today’s market Sales & Marketing people are leaving other companies and joining hotels and say it’s much more growth oriented and they have a work life balance. Q2. Mr Rubin mentioned that he has travelled overseas around 13 countries in the last 2 yrs. So 70% of Accor business comes from Mice. The international events, trade fairs and travel marts. The exposure you get while overseas helps you to try the same in your hotel. How our mind sets also need to change with international cultures. Q3. Mr. Sandeep, when he was with Itc shared a memory of 2013 at a new hotel, when Mr. Amitabh bachchan called for his booking. He thought it was a prank call. In another incident at the hotel when water flooded the hotel; how he handled the crisis asking all of the staff to help each other and the guest. Q4. Mr. Rubin, shared an incident during Covid-19; 110 guests were at the hotel when the lock down was announced. At the Accor Airport he made a decision to ask 40 outstation employees to stay in the hotel to take care of the international guest. The 3 months all worked like a family, guests also helped make their own rooms, farming and gardening. Q5. Mr. Pankaj, shared while he worked at the bar, and Mr Tata, chairman of Taj paid his bill and due to no change 50pisa less was returned by him. Mr. Tata mentioned if there’s less change give 1 Rs. Because we should have a good value system. So good value systems should also be maintained. The industry is growing, so disposable income is on the rise. People are traveling and staying in hotels. So students should grow with the hotel industry and be a part of it.
After the 45 minutes discussion the floor was open for questions. 1. Importance of grooming, if you look good you will feel good. Body odor, you should smell good. Grooming brings discipline to your life. Sharpen communication skills was advised to students. 2. Women security in hotels and gender diversity is rising to reach 50%. Hotels are the safest for women. After 8pm, ladies are ascotted to their doorstep. GPS tracking, police association. The vote of thanks was given by NITHM’s director Smt. Ila Tripathi IAS, Director of Tourism Govt. of Telangana & Director-NITHM. Director thanked guests, staff and students who made the program a success, and mentioned that she will do her best to revive NITHM making it a center for excellence. The evening ended with guest and student interaction over hi tea.