I was part of a pilot programme in hospitality management that combined theoretical and practical training in the initial days of my career. I was fortunate to work across Southeast Asia – Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Africa, Europe and the Middle East. This early experience laid the foundation for my career in hospitality.
Currently, I’m serving as the pre-opening and operative General Manager at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel for Marriott International in Nepal.
Every person’s first job is true Baptism by Fire! I learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. It truly involved ‘start from the basics first’, which helped me develop a strong work ethic and resilience. These core skills were essential for my growth in the industry. I always focus on innovation and excellence to garner the best outcome with the collaborative effort of the team.
My first job required me to take on various responsibilities and make mistakes, which was a valuable learning experience. It taught me how to learn from those mistakes, a crucial aspect of preparing for senior positions.
Initially, I wanted to join the army, but hospitality came into my life later. Once I started working in the field, I grew to love it and never thought about switching careers again.
Nepal’s hospitality sector has undergone a significant transformation, becoming more professional and modern. For instance, the Radisson Hotel opened in 1998, followed by Fairfield by Marriott in 2017 after a long gap. This wave of new branded hotels has transformed Kathmandu into a city rich with four- and five-star options. Nepal’s cultural roots in hospitality have always been strong, and it’s wonderful to see them evolving.
While talking about my contributions in the hospitality sector, I would like to recall that the Covid was a significant period when we had to innovate to survive. My contributions have largely been about sharing my knowledge, mentoring, and grooming Nepali hospitality professionals so they can rise in the industry.
One of my happiest achievements was during Covid, when our hotel managed to stay open without any layoffs, thanks to an amazing Chairman and Board of Directors. Marriott is a great company that truly values its employees, which brings me joy and a sense of fulfillment in my role. The team spirit and support here make my work rewarding.
Marriott International, as the world’s largest hospitality company, has a wealth of resources and expertise. Our strategies have focused on innovation, long-term planning, and adaptability. We approach challenges by preparing for the best and worst-case scenarios and adapt strategies as situations evolve. This forward-thinking approach has helped us stay prepared and responsive to any challenges.
Nepal’s hospitality is rooted in its culture, with genuine care and honesty being its biggest strengths. The country’s natural beauty adds to its appeal. However, infrastructure, particularly the airport, roads, and connectivity, could improve to make Nepal even more attractive. Additionally, there’s a need for more concrete data on tourism’s contribution to the economy, and more incentives from the government could further support the sector.
I believe that the hospitality sector brings unique daily challenges due to the diversity of guest expectations. Each day involves managing a large team and ensuring that we meet our guests’ needs, which constantly tests my experience and knowledge. Each situation is different, requiring adaptive thinking, so my skills and knowledge are always being put to use.
At Aloft, we have established a positive work culture from the beginning. We focus on values such as honesty, dedication, work-life balance, and adaptability to guest needs. This culture is shaped by our incredible HR, senior management, and departmental heads. It ensures every team member, from all levels, embrace these values, making our service consistent and guest-centred.
The hospitality industry, like many others, evolves every few years. Fresh graduates need to have a genuine passion for hospitality; otherwise, the hard work involved may be overwhelming. The glamorous front-facing side of hospitality can be misleading, as the industry requires a lot of behind- the-scenes effort. If they can endure the demanding first few years, hospitality offers rich rewards, including international opportunities, diverse interactions, and a broadened worldview. So, my advice is to be sure of their passion for this field and be prepared for the challenges, as these early years will set them up for a fulfilling career.
