1. Being one of the known luxurious hotels of NE India, what are the problems that your entity faces apart from the management costs? What steps have you taken to surpass these problems?

Northeast India is a unique destination and bears no other resemblance to any other destination in India, both in terms of its beautiful landscape and the challenges pertaining to the hospitality industry. Having said that, the problems of the Northeast are unique to the region alone and we are still in the stage of development. There is a very good scope and potential that this industry holds, but for that one has to overcome certain obstacles that might come into play.  Firstly would be overcoming the lacking of skilled manpower or staff for that matter, secondly, the unavailability of hospitality professionals in senior positions can hamper the organizational structure, last but not least the tourism sector of Assam should be improvised into a much more prosperous way so that it can attract more tourists and eventually bring growth in the economy.

2. Being the first one to provide an Online Booking facility via the website in North East India, how do you think the digital platforms have been able to generate more audience and revenue.

Digital transformation is not just about technology investment, but it refers to the ways an organization restructures itself with the rapid world of modernization by adapting and altering corporate culture to empower innovations that eventually leverage technology and take their businesses to a new level of growth. This has been helpful in many regards and we as a team are trying our level best to get accustomed to it and provide a better place for the people.

3. Being such a large hotel what’s the approx turnover. Also, has Gateway Grandeur been involved in any sort of CSR activities?

The pandemic created a very havoc situation for the hospitality sector. Before this situation, we were able to generate an approx turnover of 12 crores which was allowed every employee of the team and Gateway Grandeur as a whole to grow and create new opportunities, but during the pandemic following post covid, the turnover almost came down to half of what it was pre covid. Considering that we all were much more involved in covering the loss than in any CSR activity, but as the situation is hopefully getting better, we believe that we shall be able to carry out certain activities in the coming months and gradually be socially active with welfare works and related activities like before.

4. The pandemic was really harsh for many, specifically for the hotel industry. How was it for Gateway Grandeur? How has the life of the employees got affected post-pandemic? What measures did the team take to sustain their livelihood?

Yes, it was really a very harsh situation; Gateway was also affected like the others in the hotel industry. Though the situation was very difficult and it was almost zero business for a couple of months, we were providing support to our employees like our own family members as it’s only because of them, we have been able to be where we are now so somehow we at least support their basic needs that could be fulfilled by paying them.

5. Gateway institute for hotel management being a new institute has been able to deliver good placements. Kindly explain how the team has been able to help students in this professional sector?

Gateway Institute of hotel management has a dedicated placement forum that looks at the training and placement efficiently. We have tie-ups with India’s topmost hotel brands like The Leela, JW Marriot International, Oberoi Group, Taj, and so on. I am very proud to say that last year we had a 100 % placement record which could only be possible due to our partners and not to forget the efforts of our valuable faculties who put in everything to prepare our students by conducting mock interviews, GDs and continuous grooming sessions apart from the technical knowledge.

6. Has any Govt. schemes (if any) been helpful in your regards be it for the Hotel as well as the Institute?

No, not as of now, but we are really looking forward to any kind of initiative by the Government. We will be very glad if Government helps us financially by providing different schemes and subsidies.

7. Last but not least, tell us about the upcoming projects and vision of  Gateway Grandeur and a message for the youth willing to be in this sector.

A degree in hospitality management can be a very good step toward versatile job opportunities. The degree in this professional course may be the perfect first step toward a career in the hospitality industry for an individual who has keen interest in this field but that’s not where it really stops. Hospitality management is an excellent field of study for learning to provide a high level of service and human interactions, which is very valuable to win, retain and satisfy customers and build a highly functional team.