India is the best

Newly opened in time for the CWG, Barun Jolly, GM, Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, tells Punam Mohandas that hotels ought to be positioned for long-term success.

What qualities do you have that you think make you the right choice for this role? What is the most challenging part of your job?
I have been in the hospitality industry for over 12-years now. In various capacities, this is my fourth pre-opening for a hotel. Since I have worked over a decade in Delhi, I have an in-depth knowledge of the market. The sheer fact that I love interacting with people makes hotels a natural career option for me, so my passion for hotels and experience in this city works in my favour.

The most challenging part of the job is multitasking and wearing various hats at the same time, so at one moment you are discussing food and beverage and next minute you dealing with an engineering issue. This is also the part I enjoy the most.

What do you expect from the CWG? And after the CWG – what?
CWG means a host of infrastructure is being built up for the city which is a great advantage for us as hoteliers. And after CWG, I foresee a cleaner, greener and even more hospitable Delhi.

Business-wise of course it will peak during CWG and then it will stabilise but, being Delhi, there will always be a strong demand for rooms in the city pre-and-post event too and therefore, hotels have to be positioned for long-term success and not just for the Games period.

Besides room revenues, we also expect a sizeable amount of our business arising from our differentiated and upscale F&B offerings.

Delhi/NCR is going to see a lot of new hotels opening in time for the CWG; what are your business strategies going to be in light of the same?
As I said earlier, we have to be positioned for long-term success, so we are a custom-built business hotel which has been designed keeping the corporate traveller in mind. Our hotel has a universal appeal and will cater to the international travellers’ need. We are amongst the closest hotels to the Games sites and will be do customised packages for that period. Also, we are planning cultural tours of the city pre-and-post event and we have special food promotions around the Games theme during that period.

What is the last book you read?
The Quest.

What has been the most unusual experience of your career so far?
Getting an offer to run and partly own a hotel in the Middle East just because my finger got slightly injured while closing the door for an affluent traveller.

Where in the world would you like to work the most and why?
India of course. India gives you rich cultural experiences wherever you work and staff is always easy to train. Above all, hospitality is natural in India’s traditions.

Is life a series of escapades?
Yes - and beautiful ones at that.

You say you love travelling. Is travel for you a journey – or an escape?
It is a journey to different cultures and experiences and towards discovering one’s self in light of varying circumstances.

Away from your work, what do you do to relax?
Reading and travelling across various destinations has been my best way to relax. I enjoy reading fiction a lot, along with regular newspapers and business magazines.

What destination stands out most in your mind – and why?
Bali. Beautiful beaches and uncluttered life... a bliss. What I like the most about Bali is the atmosphere. It’s a combination of the climate, the friendliness of the people, beautiful beaches, palm trees and tropical bars. Also, Balinese music and dance is something that’s really completely unique.