Nikita Harisinghani

Co-founder; Chrome Asia Hospitality

In the dynamic realm of hospitality, women are increasingly making their mark, shaping the industry’s future landscape. As emerging trends redefine the sector, opportunities and challenges abound for women seeking to thrive in this traditionally male-dominated field.
One significant trend is the rising recognition of women’s leadership potential. Indeed, some of the most thriving hospitality brands in Mumbai, such as Masque, Magstreet Kitchen, Le15, La Folie, and Sassy Spoon, are all being led by women entrepreneurs who are not only acing the game but also reshaping the industry. These visionary women are breaking barriers, defying stereotypes, and setting new standards for excellence in hospitality.

However, challenges persist. Gender bias and stereotypes still linger, affecting hiring, promotion, and workplace culture. Achieving gender equality requires concerted efforts to address these biases and create inclusive environments where all voices are heard and valued.
Despite challenges, the future of women in hospitality is bright. Mentorship programs and networking initiatives provide vital support, while technology opens new avenues for innovation and growth. Women entrepreneurs are carving out their space, challenging the status quo, and driving positive change.

Utsa Majumder

General Manager of Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort

The hospitality industry stands at the threshold of transformation, with women playing a pivotal role in shaping the industry’s trajectory like never before. In this ever-evolving industry, women are not just a part of the narrative—they’re shaping it. From the boardroom to the front lines, emerging trends indicate a rise in female entrepreneurship, diversity, and innovation.

However, as we envision the future, where gender diversity is celebrated, and inclusion is the norm. By fostering a culture of openness, respect, and empowerment, we can create an industry where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Through advocacy, mentorship, and innovation, we can chart a course towards a future where every woman can thrive and inspire.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s reaffirm our commitment to inspiring inclusivity in every aspect of life. Today, and every day, let’s honour the achievements of women, amplify their voices and empower them to thrive, where diversity is celebrated, and where inclusivity is the foundation of progress. Together, let’s build a future where all individuals, regardless of gender, are valued, respected, and embraced for their unique contributions to society.

Utsa Majumder
General Manager of Hyatt Regency Dharamshala Resort

Fino Babu

General Manager, Holiday Inn Cochin

In the journey of hospitality, women have forged paths of excellence, shaping the industry’s past and future. Holiday Inn Cochin proudly maintains a workforce with at least 20% women, recognizing their invaluable contributions. Our women leaders inspire innovation, fostering inclusivity and empowerment at every level of operation.

IHG’s RICE (Rising in Careers and Empowerment) program stands as a beacon of progress, aiming to develop future female General Managers while ensuring a diverse workforce. Through mentorship and skill development, the program nurtures talent and fosters a supportive environment for women to thrive.

As we reflect on the past achievements and present realities, we envision a future where women continue to drive progress and set new standards of excellence in hospitality. Their resilience, leadership, and dedication pave the way for a dynamic and inclusive industry. Together, we celebrate diversity and commit to creating environments where everyone can flourish, regardless of gender.

Subhankar Bose

General Manager Kochi Marriott

In the current dynamic realm of hospitality, we witness a remarkable evolution in gender dynamics. At Marriott, and likewise at Kochi Marriott, we embrace this transformation wholeheartedly. Women’s empowerment stands as a cornerstone of our ethos, fueling our commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce.

Across the hospitality sector, we observe a surge in women assuming leadership roles, driving innovation, and shaping the future landscape. At Marriott female leaders spearhead initiatives across Operations, Sales, Finance, HR, and Marketing, showcasing their talent and expertise.

Opportunities for women in hospitality are burgeoning, as we recognize and celebrate their unique perspectives and contributions. Our lady pioneers exemplify resilience and strategic prowess, setting new standards and inspiring future generations.

Nevertheless, challenges persist, particularly in balancing work and family commitments, especially with single parenting & the phase following childbirth for women. Acknowledging this, we advocate for flexible work schedules, ensuring that every individual, irrespective of gender, can thrive in their professional journey.

At Kochi Marriott, echoing the principles upheld by Marriott globally, we remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling barriers and cultivating a culture of gender equality. Together, we pave the way for a future where women in hospitality not only succeed & thrive.

Amrita Ghosh

Director of Sales & Marketing, Holiday Inn Cochin

Delving into the evolving landscape of women in hospitality, let’s explore the emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges that shape their journey in the industry.

Today, women in hospitality are at the forefront of innovation and leadership, enriching guest experiences with diverse perspectives. However, as we look to the future, we must acknowledge the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Emerging trends, such as personalized guest experiences and sustainable practices, present exciting avenues for women to showcase their creativity and expertise. Yet, persistent challenges, including gender bias and unequal representation in senior management roles, must be addressed.

Initiatives like IHG’s RICE (Rising in Careers and Empowerment) program play a crucial role in fostering gender diversity and inclusion. By developing future female General Managers and ensuring a diverse workforce, RICE stands as a beacon of progress, empowering women to thrive in leadership positions.

Envisioning the future, let us remain committed to creating a hospitality industry where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to excel. Together, we can build a future where diversity, inclusion, and empowerment are integral components of our industry’s fabric.

Ritu Solanki

Marketing and Communication Manager, Holiday Inn Jaipur City Centre

As a Marketing Manager at Holiday Inn Jaipur, envisioning the future of women in hospitality excites me! Emerging trends showcase a surge of female entrepreneurs and leaders, bringing innovation and a fresh perspective. Opportunities abound for women to shine in diverse roles, from management to culinary arts.

Challenges persist, notably the need for more women in top-tier positions. Yet, these challenges are catalysts for change. At Holiday Inn Jaipur, HR and HODs are actively fostering an inclusive culture to empower women at every level.

Envisioning the future, I see a vibrant landscape where gender diversity is the norm. Imagine female chefs curating culinary masterpieces, women leading teams with flair, and our guests enjoying a stay enriched by the diverse talents of our fantastic team. It’s not just a vision; it’s the exciting reality of Hospitality Industry – where every woman’s journey in hospitality is celebrated with warmth, creativity, and a dash of the extraordinary! Here’s to celebrating the evolving tapestry of women’s roles – inspiring inclusion every step of the way!

Malabika Das

Assistant Director of Sales, Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences

The future of women in the hospitality industry is poised for significant evolution, driven by emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges. While women have made notable strides in leadership roles within the sector, there remains ample room for advancement and inclusion.

Emerging trends indicate a growing recognition of the value of diversity and inclusion, with more hospitality organizations prioritizing gender parity in their workforce. Being part of Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, opportunities for women to excel are expanding, with initiatives such as mentorship programs, leadership development workshops, and networking events tailored to their needs. Additionally, the rise , of digital platforms like RiiSE, has democratized access to more inclusive education and networking opportunities, enabling men and women equally to access resources and support systems like never before.

However, the challenges persist, including gender bias, lack of representation in senior leadership positions, and work-life balance issues. Addressing these challenges requires proactive measures such as implementing diversity training, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and promoting flexible work arrangements.

Looking ahead, the future landscape of gender diversity and inclusion in the hospitality industry is promising. As organizations continue to prioritize diversity and inclusivity, women will increasingly occupy leadership roles across all sectors of the industry. With concerted efforts to overcome barriers and create supportive environments, the hospitality sector can realize its full potential as a beacon of gender diversity and inclusion, driving innovation, and excellence. It is great to see women pave way for more successful path and their presence is shaping the industry and creating more opportunity for others by breaking barriers and obstacle.

ANKOURA VERMA

Marketing and Communications Manager, Park Hyatt Chennai

The Future of Women in Hospitality is quite promising.

It is being finally recognized that brands benefit with women in leadership roles and this is becoming an emerging trend. Multi-tasking and wearing multiple hats comes naturally to them.

This is also one sector that is inspiring inclusion on a wide scale.  

Opportunities are immense and gone are the days when this industry was looked down upon. In fact, this sector is the most stable because people will always travel, no matter what.  

Women are known to be more stable, loyal, responsible and sincere when it comes to productivity. Gaining higher degrees of education is important to them.

Because compassion and empathy come naturally they make good leaders and service providers.  

Vaishali P Sinha

Cluster Executive Housekeeper (West), Meluha The Fern Powai, Mumbai 

The future of the hospitality industry will likely see increased representation of women in leadership positions, driven by efforts to promote diversity and inclusion at all levels of organizations.

Leadership opportunities:In the realm of leadership, there’s a palpable shift towards recognizing the immense value of gender diversity in driving success. Notably, an increasing number of hospitality companies are proactively championing the advancement of women into executive and board-level positions. As this momentum continues to build, the industry is poised to unlock new heights of innovation and excellence by empowering female leaders to thrive in prominent roles within the sector.

Mentorship and Networking: We are witnessing a rise in specialized mentorship programs and networking initiatives tailored specifically for women in the hospitality industry.

Flexible Work Arrangements: With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, there’s an opportunity for women to balance their personal and professional lives more effectively, which could lead to increased retention and advancement.

Skills Development: Hospitality companies are actively investing in comprehensive training and development programs tailored to enhance various skills crucial for career advancement, particularly for women in the industry.

Entrepreneurship: There is a growing trend of women-owned and operated hospitality businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and event planning services. These ventures provide opportunities for women to create their own paths within the industry.

Global Expansion: The global expansion of the hospitality industry presents exciting opportunities for women to embark on international careers. Overall, the global expansion of the hospitality industry presents women with unparalleled opportunities to pursue fulfilling and rewarding international careers.

Akshaya Valanju

Pastry- DCDP, Novotel Juhu, Mumbai

I reckon, the future of women in hospitality is marked by emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges. At Novotel Juhu and Accor, we foster women empowerment and diversity with inclusivity. The kitchens are dominated by male colleagues ofocurse but there is a sense of belonging and unity. While strides have been made towards gender equality, challenges such as gender bias and unequal opportunities persist. However, there is growing recognition of the value of gender diversity and inclusion in driving innovation and enhancing guest experiences. Emerging trends include initiatives promoting gender equality, mentorship programs, and leadership development opportunities tailored to women. Opportunities for women in hospitality span various roles, from management to entrepreneurship. To envision the future landscape, it’s essential to prioritize creating inclusive work environments that empower women to thrive professionally. By addressing challenges and embracing diversity as a strategic imperative, the hospitality industry can foster a more equitable and inclusive future for women.

Sonali Malik

Operations Head & Mixologist, Bayroute

As we contemplate the future of women in the dynamic worlds of hospitality, it is definitely boundless. Despite historical gender disparities, today’s landscape presents unparalleled opportunities for women to excel and lead with innovation and resilience.

In my role as Operations Head and a mixologist at Bayroute, I am acutely aware of the challenges that women face in these predominantly male-dominated industries. However, I am also fueled by the immense potential for change and progress that lies ahead of us. This industry thrives on diversity, and women bring unique perspectives, creativity, and expertise to the table. With a growing recognition of the value of gender diversity, there is a significant shift witnessed towards inclusivity and equality.

Undoubtedly, women have long been underrepresented in leadership positions in the hospitality sector, despite their invaluable contributions to guest experiences and operational excellence. But, it’s time to break through the glass ceiling and claim our rightful place at the forefront of this vibrant industry.

As a mixologist, I take pride in challenging stereotypes and surpassing expectations, demonstrating that gender is no obstacle to excellence behind the bar. Also, as a leader, I take it as my duty to cultivate a culture that empowers women to achieve their full potential, whether as chefs, managers, mixologists, or entrepreneurs. By breaking down barriers and promoting diversity, we are not only elevating the industry but also paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future, where every woman can flourish and leave her mark on the tapestry of Indian hospitality and F&B.