The much-anticipated HOPE 2025 (Hospitality Overview Presentation & Exchange), hosted by HVS ANAROCK, successfully concluded its third edition, at Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage, Goa solidifying its position as India’s most exclusive hospitality and travel summit
With the theme “From Incredible India to Irresistible India”, this year’s summit brought together global hospitality leaders, investors, developers, and policymakers for three days of dynamic discussions, high-impact networking, and industry-defining insights at Taj Cidade de Goa Horizon. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with nearly 600 attendees and 60+ distinguished speakers sharing their perspectives on the future of hospitality.
A High-impact Agenda: 3 Days of Thought Leadership and Deliberations
Day 1: ECHO – the Exclusive Conclave for Hotel Owners
The summit commenced on February 26, 2025, with ECHO (Exclusive Conclave for Hotel Owners), an invitation-only forum designed for India’s leading hotel owners to engage in candid discussions on industry challenges, investment strategies, and operational efficiencies.
The day began with an inaugural address by Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO (South Asia), HVS ANAROCK, setting the tone for the summit. Key sessions included:
- Real Estate Trends Presentation – Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK, provided key insights into how real estate dynamics are influencing the hospitality sector and where the next big opportunities lie.
- India Hotel Performance Analysis – Michael Grove, CEO, HotStats, delivered a deep dive into hotel profitability, revenue trends, and operational efficiencies across the Indian market.
- New Generation of Hotels for a New Generation – Harold Coenders, Partner & Chief Strategy Officer RE, Colliers Netherlands, shared a visionary presentation on evolving hotel models and innovations catering to the next generation of travelers.
- Branded Segment: The Next Big Opportunity! – Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, HVS ANAROCK, highlighted what lies ahead for the branded hotel segment, and where’s the next big opportunity for hotel owners.
- Hotel Management Agreements: Trends, Trials, and Triumphs – A deep dive discussion led by Sujjain Talwar, Partner, Economic Laws Practice, in conversation with Akash Datta, shedding light on evolving industry contracts and owner-operator relationships.
- Crystal Gazing: 2025 and Beyond – A visionary discussion featuring Rajesh Magow (Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip) in conversation with Dilip Puri (Founder, Indian School of Hospitality).
- Showtime@HOPE – The evening ended on a high note with a mind-blowing performance by renowned mentalist Karan Khanna, leaving the audience amazed and entertained.
The second day transitioned into the main conference, HOPE 2025, focusing on the theme “From Incredible India to Irresistible India”. The day began with a powerful Inaugural & Welcome Address by Mandeep Lamba, President & CEO (South Asia), HVS ANAROCK, and Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK, highlighting India’s hospitality growth trajectory and the transformative role of infrastructure.
A compelling keynote address by Ridham Desai, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley India, provided insights into India’s economic trajectory and its impact on hospitality.
Global Outlook And Future Trends: 2025 And Beyond
Moderator:
Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK
Panellists:
1. Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton
2. Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
3. Michael Grove, CEO, HotStats
4. Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International
LeaderSpeak@HOPE
Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO, IHCL in conversation with Ridham Desai, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley India
LeaderSpeak @HOPE
Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MakeMyTrip, in Conversation with Dilip Puri, Founder & Executive Chairman at Indian School of Hospitality
LeaderSpeak@HOPE
Anthony Capuano, President & CEO, Marriott International, in conversation with Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK
Unlocking India’s Inbound Potential Through Data-Driven Insights: Presentation by Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer, Agoda
LeaderSpeak@HOPE
Geoff Ballotti, President and CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts in conversation with Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK
Midscale – India’s Next Growth Engine
Moderator:
Rattan Keswani, Industry Stalwart & Former Deputy Managing Director Lemon Tree Hotels
Panellists:
1. Ashish Vohra, CEO and Founder, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, Bookmark Resorts
2. Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses, Hotel Openings and Corporate Communication, IHCL
3. Jatin Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Sarovar Hotels
4. Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels
5. Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts
With Domestic Consumption Booming, Is Anyone Even Missing The FTAs?
Moderator:
Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels; Director, Louvre Hotels India
Panellists:
1. Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC)
2. K.B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group
3. Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General Tourism, Government of India
4. Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip
Luxury Travel In Focus: Trends Shaping Today’s Premium Travel at HOPE 2025
Moderator:
Ragini Chopra, Group Head, Corporate Affairs, InterGlobe Enterprises
Panellists:
1. David Keen, Founder & CEO, QUO
2. Mary Gostelow, Global Ambassador, Travel Writer & Influencer
3. Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group
4. Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels
Key discussions during the day included:
- Global Outlook and Future Trends: 2025 and Beyond – A panel discussion featuring Alan Watts, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Dimitris Manikis, President for Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts; Michael Grove, CEO, HotStats; and Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International; moderated by Mandeep S. Lamba.
- LeaderSpeak@HOPE – A one-on-one discussion with Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, and Ridham Desai, discussing investment, growth, and market opportunities in Indian hospitality.
- Unlocking India’s Inbound Potential Through Data-Driven Insights – A deep dive by Omri Morgenshtern, CEO, Agoda, into leveraging data for India’s growing tourism market.
- LeaderSpeak@HOPE – Now It Can Be Told: Stories That Inspire – A candid conversation with Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MakeMyTrip, and Dilip Puri, Founder & Executive Chairman, Indian School of Hospitality, discussing entrepreneurship, resilience, and the evolution of India’s travel sector.
- LeaderSpeak@HOPE – Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels in conversation with Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK.
- Midscale – India’s Next Growth Engine – A panel discussion exploring how midscale hotels are driving industry expansion, featuring Ashish Vohra, CEO and Founder, jüSTa Hotels & Resorts, Bookmark Resorts; Deepika Rao, Executive Vice President – New Businesses, Hotel Openings and Corporate Communication, IHCL; Jatin Khanna, Chief Executive Officer, Sarovar Hotels; Vikram Cotah, CEO, GRT Hotels; Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO, Sterling Holiday Resorts and moderated by Rattan Keswani, Industry Stalwart & Former Deputy Managing Director Lemon Tree Hotels.
- With Domestic Consumption Booming, Is Anyone Even Missing the FTAs? – An insightful discussion moderated by Ajay K. Bakaya, Chairman, Sarovar Hotels; Director, Louvre Hotels India and featuring Jyoti Mayal, Chairperson, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC); K.B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group; Mugdha Sinha, IAS, Director General Tourism, Government of India; and Rajesh Magow, Co-Founder & Group CEO, MakeMyTrip
- Luxury Travel in Focus: Trends Shaping Today’s Premium Travel – A discussion on the evolving luxury market featuring David Keen, Founder & CEO, QUO; Mary Gostelow, Global Ambassador, Travel Writer & Influencer; Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group; Puneet Dhawan, Head of Asia, Minor Hotels; moderated by Ragini Chopra, Group Head, Corporate Affairs, InterGlobe Enterprises.
- The Patu Perspective: Unfiltered & Unplugged – A candid and insightful conversation between Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels, and Vikramjit Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts.
- LeaderSpeak @HOPE – Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotels, in conversation with Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK
- Is India The Next China? – a powerful discussion moderated by Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, HVS ANAROCK; featuring Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton; Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotels; Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Ltd.; and Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL
- New Generation Of Hotels For A New Generation – Presentation by Harold Coenders, Partner, Chief Strategy Officer RE, Colliers Netherlands.
Have Hotel Performances Finally Come Of Age for The Long Term Or Is This a Bubble Waiting to Burst?
Moderator:
Anuj Puri, Chairman ANAROCK
Panellists:
1. Atul Chordia, Chairman – Panchshil Realty
2. Harshavardhan Neotia, Chairman, Ambuja Neotia Group
3. Jitu Virwani, Chairman and Managing Director, Embassy Group
Patanjali (Patu) G. Keswani, Chairman & Managing Director, Lemon Tree Hotels took the stage in conversation with Vikramjit Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
Larry Cuculic, President & CEO, BWH Hotels, in conversation with Mandeep S. Lamba, President & CEO, HVS ANAROCK at HOPE 2025
Is India The Next China?
Moderator:
Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, HVS ANAROCK
Panellists:
1. Clarence Tan, Senior Vice President Development, Asia Pacific, Hilton
2. Omar Romero, Chief Development and Luxury Officer, Minor Hotels
3. Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, The Ascott Ltd.
4. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL
New Generation Of Hotels For A New Generation by Harold Coenders, Partner, Chief Strategy Officer RE, Colliers Netherlands
Day 3: The Road Ahead – Visionary Leadership & Industry Celebrations
The final day of HOPE 2025 began with EDGE (Excellence Development for Global Executives), a specially curated masterclass designed exclusively for General Managers. Focused on ‘Reimagining Hospitality: AI Driven Innovations in Hotel Service Operations,’ the session was hosted by Dr. Recep Karaburun, Clinical Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism at New York University. This thought-provoking session provided GMs with actionable insights into how AI can optimize guest experiences, streamline operations, and redefine service excellence in the hospitality industry.
India’s Hospitality Boom: Is It Sustainable?
Moderator:
Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia
Panellists:
1. Rahul Pandit, Managing Director & CEO, Advent Hotels International Limited
2. Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, Director, Maharaja Heritage Resort Ltd.
3. Vikramjit Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
Beyond the Suite Spot: AI as Hospitality’s Ultimate Differentiator by CP Gurnani, Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, AIonOS, Chairman, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited
Money, Money Everywhere, Not Enough To Buy!
Moderator:
Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK
Panellists:
1. Anoop Bali, Managing Director, Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited
2. Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SAMHI Hotels
3. Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels
Room to Grow? Exploring the Dynamics of India’s Hotel Market by Matthew Burke, Regional Director, Asia Pacific ex. China, STR
The Growth Of India’s Hospitality Sector: Are We Living The Dream?
Moderator:
Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, Inauguration and Welcome by Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK
Panellists:
1. Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia
2. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG
3. Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt
4. Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels
5. Zubin Saxena, SVP & Regional Head South Asia, Hilton
The day continued with a powerful agenda, reflecting on the industry’s future, innovation, and excellence:
- Branded Segment: The Next Big Opportunity! – A strategic presentation by Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, HVS ANAROCK, on what lies ahead for the branded hotel segment.
- India’s Hospitality Boom: Is It Sustainable? – A panel discussion moderated by Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group South Asia; featuring, Rahul Pandit, Managing Director & CEO, Advent Hotels International Limited; Samir MC, Managing Director, Fortune Park Hotels Ltd, Director, Maharaja Heritage Resort Ltd.; and Vikramjit Singh, Chairman & Managing Director, ALIVAA Hotels & Resorts
- Beyond the Suite Spot: AI as Hospitality’s Ultimate Differentiator – A thought-provoking presentation by CP Gurnani, Co-Founder & Executive Vice Chairman, AIonOS & Chairman, Mahindra Holidays & Resorts, on the revolutionary impact of AI in hospitality.
- Money, Money Everywhere, Not Enough to Buy! – A deep dive into the hospitality investment landscape, moderated by Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK, featuring Anoop Bali, Managing Director, Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited; Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SAMHI Hotels; and Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels
- Room to Grow? Exploring the Dynamics of India’s Hotel Market – An insightful presentation by Matthew Burke, Regional Director, Asia Pacific ex. China, STR.
- The Growth of India’s Hospitality Sector: Are We Living the Dream? – A panel featuring Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and Area Senior Vice President, Radisson Hotel Group, South Asia; Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, IHG; Sunjae Sharma, Managing Director, India & Southwest Asia, Hyatt; Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels; Zubin Saxena, SVP & Regional Head South Asia, Hilton, moderated by Akash Datta, President, Consulting & Valuation, HVS ANAROCK
Showtime@HOPE. HVS ANAROCK HOPE Exclusive
A special closing session featuring Indian actor, producer, filmmaker, photographer, and voice artist Boman Irani. The celebrated actor captivated the audience with his inspiring journey, sharing personal anecdotes and the lessons that shaped his career. His charismatic storytelling set the stage for a mesmerizing live performance, a key highlight of HOPE 2025, leaving attendees entertained and inspired.
#HASHTAG Awards
The grand finale of HOPE 2025, the much-anticipated #HASHTAG Awards, honored the trailblazers of the hospitality industry. These prestigious accolades celebrated outstanding achievements across multiple categories, recognizing innovation, operational excellence, and leadership in the sector. From the best business and leisure hotels to game-changing General Managers and visionary industry leaders, the awards highlighted those redefining hospitality in India. The electrifying atmosphere, filled with anticipation and celebration, made it an unforgettable evening, as the industry’s finest gathered to applaud excellence and set new benchmarks for the future.
With nearly 600 industry professionals, 60+ high-profile speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities, HOPE 2025 was a testament to India’s growing dominance in global tourism and hospitality. From luxury to midscale brands, AI-driven innovations to investment strategies, this summit was a blueprint for shaping the future of hospitality, transforming Incredible India into Irresistible India.
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