Speaking at the TravTalk ThinkTank, Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said that exceptional guest experience and profitability do not have to conflict. Hotels can build commercial performance by making guests feel valued rather than relying only on discounts, she added. “They can go hand in hand. If we take care of the guest and if the guest feels they are valued, I think the business will automatically fall into place,” she said. While hotels must meet targets and achieve required average room rates, Sridhar said experience remains critical to building loyalty. “Every time it is not only the discount that matters to the guest, it is also the kind of a guest experience we deliver at our hotel.”
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.