TravTalk ThinkTank 9 brought together three women leaders in hospitality — Meena Bhatia, Vice President & General Manager, Le Méridien New Delhi; Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach; and Preeti Makhija, General Manager, The Leela Palace Chanakyapuri — for a candid discussion on *‘Hospitality’s balancing act: People, profit and innovation’. The closed-door session examined the industry’s pressing challenges, including talent retention, changing employee expectations, profitability, evolving luxury, guest personalisation and the growing role of AI and technology. The leaders also discussed how hotels can embrace innovation and commercial growth while retaining the human touch that remains central to hospitality.
Shreya Bansal is a reporter at TravTalk India, covering the travel and tourism industry. She brings a keen eye for emerging trends, trade developments, and the stories shaping the travel landscape. Through in-depth reporting and on-ground insights, she connects industry stakeholders with news that matters. Beyond travel, Shreya has a growing interest in the premium lifestyle space, particularly the world of fine jewellery and is eager to explore the craftsmanship, culture, and commerce that define luxury living.