TMS. How did you land up here? Please shares with us your role at Hyatt Regency Chennai.
Saurav Datta. Coming back to the Hyatt family is always a pleasure. I embarked on my professional journey 19 years back as part of the pre-opening team at Grand Hyatt Mumbai, then followed a career path, working with Novotel Hyderabad Convention & Hyderabad International Convention Centre. I also completed two successful assignments with Marriott group, one with Le Meridian Hyderabad and ultimately concluding my tenure at Le Meridian Nagpur, where I held my last assignment.
As the newly appointed Director of Sales & Marketing, my responsibilities will involve spearheading the Sales and Marketing team’s initiatives to enhance business retention and expansion, ultimately driving revenue growth. Additionally, I will play a pivotal role in invigorating the hotel’s branding and communications endeavors too.
TMS. A “Hyatt Regency” hotel is always strategically located in a business district so that it is convenient for all business travellers. Please tell us about some key services that Hyatt Regency Chennai offers to its guest to make their stay the most memorable one?
Saurav Datta. Hyatt Regency Chennai stands out with its impressive range of dining options, featuring a multi-cuisine buffet restaurant, an Italian restaurant, a vibrant bar, a Chinese restaurant, a cozy coffee shop and a delightful all day dining lounge. The hotel is well-equipped with state-of-the-art conference and business facilities, making it an ideal choice for corporate guests, exhibition venues and weddings venue to attract the social guest. To unwind, guests can indulge in the luxurious spa and enjoy a refreshing swim in the inviting pool. The attentive concierge services cater to individual preferences, while the hotel’s commitment to exceptional hospitality guarantees a memorable and delightful stay.
TMS. Since there are so many brands to choose from it becomes super important to stand out in the market. What makes Hyatt Regency Chennai stand out from others?
Saurav Datta. Hyatt Regency Chennai boasts of being situated at a prime location with numerous advantages. It is in close proximity to the US Consulate and other consulate offices, major shopping hubs like T-Nagar, and medical hospitals like Apollo, the hotel offers convenience and accessibility. Additionally, being near the cricket stadium and just 200 meters away from the metro station adds to its appeal. The guest rooms at Hyatt Regency Chennai are renowned for their spaciousness, being among the largest in the city, with a starting size of 400 square feet.
TMS. Hospitality industry stages strong recovery after the travel resumption. What has been the story of Hyatt since the pandemic, has the hospitality industry recovered to its profitable phase?
Saurav Datta. With the resumption of travel and the revival of business activities, the hospitality industry, including business hotels like Hyatt, is expected to witness a surge in demand and a path towards profitability. The year 2023 holds great promise, and there is an optimistic outlook of surpassing previous years’ topline numbers. This positive trend is not unique to a single hotel but is observed across many business hotels in India. As the market continues to recover, hotels are eagerly anticipating a strong performance and are poised to break previous records, reflecting the renewed confidence and momentum in the industry. Hotels see uptick in revenue on strong show from wedding & MICE events.
TMS. In the age of social media and online marketing, hotels are increasingly interacting with their guests on these platforms. How well have your social media and online marketing strategies worked for you?
Saurav Datta. Our social media and online marketing strategies have been effective in engaging with our guests and enhancing their experience. We have successfully utilized platforms to showcase our offerings, share promotions, and gather feedback. Our online presence has increased visibility and driven bookings, while metrics help us refine strategies for continuous improvement. Overall, our strategies have fostered guest interaction and strengthened our brand presence.
TMS. What have been the crucial lessons learned and how has that helped changed your strategy?
Saurav Datta. Our social media and online marketing journey has taught us valuable lessons that have led to strategic changes. We now prioritize active listening, authentic storytelling, user-generated content, adaptability to emerging platforms, and data-driven decision making. These changes have resulted in enhanced guest engagement, authenticity, and exceptional experiences through our digital marketing efforts.
TMS. In your experience, what do the customers want in 2023?
Saurav Datta. In 2023, customers are seeking personalized experiences, convenience, sustainability, wellness, and authentic local immersion. At Hyatt, we prioritize meeting these customer demands by curating personalized experiences, integrating technology, promoting sustainability, prioritizing wellness initiatives, and providing opportunities for guests to connect with the local culture.
TMS. Any message that you would like to share with us.
Saurav Datta. As a representative of Hyatt, I would like to share a message of gratitude and appreciation to our valued guests and partners. We are truly grateful for their continued support and trust in our brand. At Hyatt, our commitment remains unwavering in providing exceptional hospitality experiences that exceed expectations. We continuously strive to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of our guests, ensuring their comfort, safety, and satisfaction. We look forward to welcoming them to our hotels and creating memorable moments that will stay with them long after their stay. Thank you for being a part of the Hyatt journey, and we are excited to continue creating remarkable experiences together.
