Sujith Herbert
I got the hospitality bug at a very young age when I saw my cousin working in our kitchen . He was one of the earliest trainee to pass out of The Ashok Bangalore & currently working as Exec.Chef with Hilton in Aruba Islands.
Editor: What do you think it takes to succeed in this industry?
Willingness to put in long hours/(hard work/ commitment/ open to new ideas/self-belief/ run the business as if you own it/ delegate / Team work
Editor: What are the attributes you look for while selecting or hiring?
Basic intelligence /Integrity/ attitude
Editor: What according to you can trainees do while they are training at hotels to make it a win-win for them & the hotel/unit?
Never treat them as trainees/ give them equal exposure as your own full time employees/ give them the tools to be successful & in turn be successful
Editor: Tell us a little about your average day
I start my day by meeting clients at breakfast/ check out/ Try to meet all arrivals/ morning meeting/ property round/ trip advisor comments /admin work/ Accommodations meeting to review next day’s arrivals & special requests etc
Editor: How do keep abreast of all that is happening in hospitality?
I am an avid reader which keeps me abreast
Editor: Two reasons why this industry is awesome!
You meet different guest’s with different needs/requirements which can be challenging at times on the hind sight helps you think outside the norm & to improvise. We deal with people & not room numbers
Editor: Two things you would like to change about the industry.
Floor rates to be set for each category of hotels below which they should not be allowed to sell. Poaching of staff to be banned
Editor: What are some of the challenges of managing a luxury property in Kashmir?
To change the perception Security issues in Kashmir Negative media coverage
Editor: What can we expect from Khyber in the coming months?
2nd year into operation The Khyber has won the following prestigious awards- To associate Khyber with – Luxury/quality/character/
Best Luxury Ski Resort in Asia at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2014
Favourite Boutique Hotel – Winner 2014, Reader’s Choice, Condé Nast Traveller, India
Favourite Boutique Hotel - Runner Up 2013, Reader’s Choice, Condé Nast Traveller, India
Favourite Boutique Hotel - Winner, Travel + Leisure, India & South Asia
Indian Hotel Debut of the Year - Winner, Special Jury Award, Outlook Traveller