A well-known face in the hospitality industry, Tanveer has been revolutionizing the Goan hospitality landscape since 2016, first as the Director of Cuisine for W Goa, and today, as General Manager leading a team of over 320 employees.
He shares exclusive insights on his hospitality journey and future vision for the hotel.
1. What triggered your interest in the hospitality industry? Where did it all begin?
As the General Manager of a five-star hotel, my passion for the industry started at a young age. My journey in hospitality began when I studied at the William Angliss Institute, where I was initially drawn to the kitchen. It was then that I realized that hospitality was the perfect career choice for me, as it combined my love for cooking with my desire to connect with people and create lasting impressions. I quickly developed a passion for the entire spectrum of the hospitality industry, from culinary arts to front-of-house management. Over the years, I worked diligently to hone my skills and rise through the ranks, starting as a chef and working my way up to become the General Manager of W Goa. I have found that the hospitality industry is a challenging yet rewarding field that demands a high level of dedication and commitment. It is my pleasure to be a part of this industry, and I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and evolution.
2. What according to you makes your hotel stand out amongst its contemporaries?
W Goa’s unique positioning between sleek luxury and hip boutiques creates an unconventional style of luxury that is accessible to all. The hotel prides itself on being inclusive rather than exclusive, making it a welcoming destination for all travelers. By prioritizing guest experience and offering a distinctive brand of luxury, W Goa has carved out a niche in the Indian hospitality industry that sets it apart from other luxury brands.
Our signature Whatever/Whenever®️ service, which features a 24-hour concierge to fulfil guests’ every desire, is a fundamental part of what sets us apart from other luxury hotels in the region.
As part of our efforts to get to know our guests better, our guests have an Ambassador assigned to them, who serves as their dedicated point of contact at the hotel, creating a tailored and personalised experience that goes above and beyond expectations. We believe that this level of service is crucial in maintaining our position as a leader in the luxury hospitality industry in India. Additionally, we continually evaluate and improve our amenities and offerings to meet and exceed the evolving needs and expectations of our guests.
3. What are the challenges faced by hotel management?
The hotel industry is dynamic and diverse, and hence the hotel management faces numerous challenges in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the hotel. One of the biggest challenges is managing the high level of competition in the industry. Hotels have to compete with each other in terms of pricing, service quality, amenities, location, and marketing strategies to attract and retain guests.
Another challenge is maintaining high levels of guest satisfaction. Hotel management has to ensure that guests receive exceptional service, comfortable accommodations, and access to amenities that meet their needs and expectations. In addition, hotels must maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene to ensure the safety and well-being of guests.
The hotel industry is also heavily regulated, and hotels must comply with various local, state, and federal laws and regulations, including health and safety codes, zoning regulations, and employment laws. This can be challenging for hotel management, especially as laws and regulations are subject to frequent changes.
Finally, managing a diverse workforce can also present challenges for hotel management. Hotels employ staff from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, and ensuring effective communication and teamwork among staff can be a challenge. In addition, hotels must provide training and development opportunities to ensure that staff members have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their jobs effectively.
4. A message to all the aspiring GMs out there?
To all the aspiring GMs out there, my advice would be to work hard and be persistent in your pursuit of excellence. The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. Be adaptable, flexible, and willing to learn new things. Remember that success in this industry is not just about providing great service, but also about building lasting relationships with your team, guests, and stakeholders. Above all, always lead by example, and never compromise on the quality of your service. If you remain dedicated and passionate about your work, there’s no limit to what you can achieve in the world of hospitality.
5. Can you share some guest-driven strategies to ensure repeat visits?
At W Goa, we believe in providing a personalized experience to each guest. We keep a close eye on guest preferences and feedback to tailor our services accordingly. Our team is trained to anticipate the needs of our guests and to exceed their expectations. We also offer loyalty programs and exclusive benefits to our returning guests. Additionally, we focus on maintaining the highest level of cleanliness, hygiene, and safety standards, which is crucial in building trust with our guests.
6. What is your vision for the future of the hotel?
My vision for the future of the hotel is to continuously evolve and innovate in order to exceed the expectations of our guests. We aim to create a unique and personalized experience for each guest that is unforgettable and authentic. Our focus is on providing exceptional service, unparalleled amenities, and creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters a sense of community. We will continue to invest in new technologies and designs that enhance the guest experience and ensure our position as a leader in luxury hospitality. Ultimately, our goal is to remain relevant and stay ahead of the competition while maintaining the core values and standards of the W brand.
7. How would you describe your relationship with the hotel in 2-3 words?
A symbiotic relationship.
