Optimistic about the future of the hospitality industry, Rajesh Ramdas, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, says there has been a surge in bookings and restaurant business is fast picking up too

With the ease in lockdown, the hospitality industry in Kathmandu has been picking up slowly though steadily. Staycations have been on the rise with the guests preferring to step out and stay at hotels in and around the valley. 

One of the foremost choices for most of them is Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, an urban resort spread over 37 acres and a tranquil oasis of well-manicured gardens. Over the past few weeks, there has been a surge in the booking pattern and the restaurant business is fast picking up at the property, given the fact that families and friends were unable to socialise during the period of lockdown. The property’s open-air dining experience is equally popular among the locals and expat guests. “We are optimistic about the future and look forward to the movement from India, especially in the leisure and corporate segments,” says Rajesh Ramdas, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.

“The guests love this property for its large expanse of landscaped garden and the tranquility that surrounds it. Our patrons also come back for the warm hospitality which is reflective of the culture in Nepal,” he says.

Hyatt Regency Kathmandu

MAJOR SOURCE MARKETS AND SEGMENTS 

“Our major source markets are India, China, the US and Europe. Movement from these countries are spread through the year. Leisure, corporate, weddings, MICE and airline crew form the bulk of our business. We have a lot of guests who have been connected to Nepal culturally, spiritually or on the adventure front. Over the years, many of these guests have been our frequent visitors,” shares Ramdas.

IMPORTANCE OF INDIA AS A MARKET

“India is a huge market for us in terms of leisure, weddings, MICE and corporate. More than 30 per cent guests come to us from India and we promote the property through our brand website and leverage the Hyatt Hotels in India to cross-promote with the existing sales and marketing teams. We are also active on online platforms to be visible in the digital space for the markets that we service,” he explains.

Reception, Temple Court

ROLE OF SMART TECHNOLOGY IN REVIVAL OF HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

“Technology is pivotal in today’s time and age, thereby its influence is bound to shape and change our day-to-day experience, even in the hotel industry. Contactless experiences are being sought to give guest comfort in their dealings when in a hotel environment. My belief is that smart technology will keep evolving with time but it necessarily would not be substantial in helping revive the industry for now at least,” avers Ramdas.

TOP USPs OF THE PROPERTY 

“Unlike other properties, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is almost something out of a fairy tale and is difficult to explain in a few words. Some USPs of the property include 37 acres of landscaped gardens; largest guest rooms in the city; The Living Room – The Lounge situated beside the Chaitya Court in the lobby with indoor and outdoor seating spaces overlooking the swimming pool and large expanse of the garden, Rox Restaurant, an all-day dining restaurant with seating overlooking gardens on three different levels; 280 rooms and suites with 33,000 sq ft of covered and banqueting spaces, 1.6 km jogging track around the gardens; the largest pool in the city; three large tennis courts with seating spaces; organic farming for guest consumption; Taragaon Cultural Centre & Museum and an amphitheatre,” shares the General Manager, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'SMART MANTRAS ISSUE VOL 7, ISSUE 4'