TMS. Please tell us about your early days when you started your journey in the hospitality industry. Please share some of the milestones achieved over the years ?
Tarun Thakral. Currently working as the Executive Director at CJ International Hotels Ltd, New Delhi that owns and manages Le Meridien New Delhi. I started my career in the Hospitality business in 1986 at Le Meridien New Delhi after completing my Diploma in Hotel Management from Madras. In 1990 I won the French Government scholarship to pursue a 2 year full time MBA program in International Hospitality Management from ‘Institut de Hotelier Management International’, Paris (A joint program run by Cornell University, USA and ESSEC, France). While in France, I worked with Le Meridien Etoile Paris and upon completion of my MBA worked with Le Meridien Newport Beach, California, USA. I returned to Le Meridien New Delhi in 1993 and after working as the Accommodations Manager and Resident Manager was promoted as the General Manager of the Hotel in 1997. I was elevated to the position of C.O.O. in 2005 and as Executive Director of the Company in 2019.
TMS. Being in the role of ED, what are some major operational responsibilities that you cater to, and from managing day-to-day operations to providing strategic advice, please give a glimpse of your routine ?
Tarun Thakral. I start my day early and am in the Hotel at 8.30 am. After reviewing last night’s reports I have a meeting with the Hotels General Manager where we discuss the ongoing strategies. My core focus remains on the upcoming up gradations in the Hotel, the legal issues and overall efficiencies desired. Also, scheduled appointments with the owner and with guests. I usually wrap up my day by 5.00 pm
TMS. What is the unique cultural ethic at Le Meridien that makes it a standout in the race of leisure MICE venues ?
Tarun Thakral. Le Meridien New Delhi, since its inception in 1988 has been the most preferred MICE destination of the Capital. From its undisputable city centre location, to the elaborate readiness for large events, the spaces at our hotel more that exceed the needs of the MICE planners. Our ongoing up gradations, adding state of the art technology and progressive approach has really made it easier for the
customers. However above all what counts is our experience and manpower capabilities, the flexibility and adaptability, personal attention to detail and customer engagement, all this has really contributed in developing a strong reputation, high level of customer confidence and a powerful brand image.
TMS. Tell us about the perks Le Meridien has to offer for MICE centric events and what are the plans to promote the venue in the same regard?
Tarun Thakral. I think the key here is the robust infrastructure back up, both in terms of space & machinery and human resources. We value each event, small or big, local or international and work alongside our customers to ensure that each event is distinctive, personalized and ensure that the end goal of the customers success is supported by our team. We fortunately have dedicated well trained teams that support each event end to end.
TMS. The hospitality industry anticipates a spike in wedding bookings with a rough growth rate of 20%, in terms of business, how has the venue’s performance been this wedding season ?
Tarun Thakral. Exceptionally good, especially as an aftermath of the two long years of closure. However the city hotels face a bit of a shortfall of large scale weddings, lost to either due to spurt in availability of other spacious high quality venues or destination weddings moving to Rajasthan, South , Goa and overseas.
TMS. In this post pandemic era, how has the revival been like for Le Meridien ?
Tarun Thakral. 2023 has been a great year for the Industry, across the globe and more so that of India. While India is going through its best ever time, the year was marked by iconic events of G-20.This not only fetched business but has given India its well deserved visibility globally, finally. Of course we should also give credit to the Ministry of tourism for its efforts, during and after Covid. Its initiative to keep Indian story alive with Dekho Mera Desh during Covid and then the distribution of global events around the country has made a phenomenal difference to enhance the Brand India.
TMS. We know that you are Founder and Managing Trustee, Heritage Transport Museum, kindly tell us about the institution, what does is display and its rich legacy ?
Tarun Thakral. To pursue my hobby and passion in vintage & classic cars, in 1996 I founded Heritage Transportation Trust (HTT) a registered not for profit Trust to promote the preservation of modes of transportation that have been used in India. As its Founder & Managing Trustee, HTT has developed India’s first comprehensive Transport Museum: Heritage Transport Museum, which opened to visitors in December 2013.
Heritage Transport Museum is located on the outskirts of New Delhi near Gurgaon and has being built on a 3.01-acre land encompassing 95,000 square feet area with Exhibition Galleries, Library & Reference Centre, Mini Auditorium, Museum Souvenir Shop, Seminar Rooms, and a Refreshment Area.
The Museum sets the standard for Indian museums with its dramatic displays, in-depth interpretation, extensive collection and exciting opportunities for visitor participation. I have donated my entire personal collection to the Heritage Transport Museum that includes 75 Vintage & Classic cars, 15 Vintage & classic commercial vehicles, 25 classic two wheelers, 25 non motorized modes of Transport, a vintage 1930 rail saloon, a vintage aircraft, a huge collection of aquatints, lithographs, books, manuals, philately, memorabilia, etc.
The museum is home to more than 3,500 curated objects on display that weave a tale of India’s colorful transportation history. The Museum has inspired over 1.5 million visitors till date and they have comprised of: school children through organized school trips, university students, domestic & foreign tourist groups, families from Delhi, Gurgaon & adjoining areas, members of various automobile clubs, architects, designers, researchers, etc The Museum is the recipient of The National Tourism Award for being the most Innovative & Unique tourism project in the country alongside many domestic and international awards.
TMS. Please share a brief message to the industry
Tarun Thakral. The tourism sector has seen a rise in domestic travel, driven by a growing middle class and increased disposable income. The hotel industry is expanding with new projects from international chains, driven by increased travel and government efforts to boost tourism. Despite the headwinds to the global economy in the form of recession, inflation and labor crunch, the Indian hospitality industry’s performance in the new financial year is expected to be largely stable, driven by strong domestic demand and a rise in international arrivals Domestic demand will continue to be strong and international travel is also expected to pick up, despite the looming threat of a recession in the US and Europe, growing global geopolitical issues, and an increase in COVID cases in some countries. In conclusion, the Indian hospitality industry is optimistic about its future growth as it expects further increase in demand and rates despite new supplies entering the markets.
