India - 2
ABC, the beginning of the alphabet. And in this case, the Annual Business Conference, 16 -18 June at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon, for well over 500 corporate and on-property leaders of IHCL. IHCL boss, Puneet Chhatwal, was a more than competent ringmaster. He seemed to run the entire show, with help on stage from Avanne Dubash above, MC of the event, and best known as television star of Business Review.
Throughout the conference news came at lightning pace. Taj is joining airline alliance OneWorld. This is the first link-up between a hotel brand and an airline alliance membership gives Taj’s 18-million Taj Circle members access to American Airlines, British Airways, and Cathay - ABC. It's also significant in that Taj, part of IHCL, is owned by Tata and Sons, who are majority shareholders of Indian Airlines, a member of rival consortium Star Alliance. Chhatwal seems to think this hiccup can easily be overcome.
IHCL’s EVP Commercial, Parveen Chander Kumar, shared ‘incredible ‘2025 figures, new acquisitions – The Claridge’s, Clarks, and 51% of the Kapurs’ Atmantan integrated wellness, headquartered near Pune. There’s a big push into the safari category – IHCL already has lodges in India. Now, under newly-promoted boss Africa, Mark Wernich, the first Kruger facility is open, with sights set on Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and further afield. Separately, Wernich shared how he’s turned Cape Town Taj around, or rather up, with a myriad of initiatives that include personally walking guests to and from local restaurants when they choose to eat out.
The very personable Minister for Tourism in the Government of Goa, Rohan Khaunte, below left, called by the first evening (an indoor beach party, shirts provided). He also holds the portfolios for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, and Printing & Stationery in the Goa government. In fact India’s and global personalities, all charmingly appealing, came thick and fast.
