Sustainable growth practices essential for long-term success of hospitality sector

Having an unparalleled desire to serve in the hospitality industry, he aims to uphold the legacy established by his father, VM (Raj) Shetty, and is determined to expand his business globally. In 2018, he opened his first ever restaurant ‘Tanatan’ in Juhu, Mumbai which has turned out to be one of the best restaurants in that area. During Covid-19, he took the pandemic in his stride and opened multiple cloud kitchens such as Munchieez, Crumble Chef, Biryani Box and Veggie Station. With experience and popularity in the same industry, Rajit V Shetty, COO of Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts & Apartments and Ramee Group of Companies, is known for introducing new, innovative and immersive concepts in the F&B industry, to provide an unforgettable experience to their guests and create personlized memories for them. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, Rajit V Shetty, says, “Ramee Group of Hotels has ambitious expansion plans in the near future, focusing on expanding its F&B brands and opening new resorts in the north and south regions of India. The group may also consider converting properties and expanding its presence in the Middle East through the Rami Dream project, positioning itself as a leading hospitality brand in the market”

What has been the track record of Ramee Group of Hotels?

The Ramee Group of Hotels has demonstrated a proactive approach to business expansion by continuously adding F&B brands to its portfolio. This strategy has allowed the group to diversify its offerings, cater to different customer segments, and tap into various markets. The addition of F&B brands has not only enhanced the group's revenue streams but also strengthened its position as a leading player in the hospitality sector.

How would you describe Ramee Group's expansion strategy in India and the Middle East?

In India, the Ramee Group has pursued expansion through the addition of different lines of hotels and F&B brands in popular tourist destinations such as Goa, Kerala, and Bangalore. This approach allows the group to cater to different market segments and meet the diverse needs of travellers in these regions. Additionally, the group has undertaken the conversion of four-star hotels into five-star properties, and three-star hotels into four-star properties, indicating a strategic focus on elevating the quality of its offerings to meet the demands of the evolving market. In the Middle East, the Ramee Group has been actively involved in the Ramee Dream project, a large-scale development that aims to expand the group's presence in the region. This project reflects the group's ambitious growth plans and its commitment to expanding its operations in the Middle East. The Ramee Group expects to expand to different regions of the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia, showcasing its strategic vision and intent to tap into new markets in the region.

How would you describe the hospitality industry post Covid?

As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic, the hospitality industry has witnessed a resurgence, with people eagerly seeking to reconnect, socialize, and travel once again. There is a palpable sense of renewed energy as individuals strive to make up for the time they spent at home during the pandemic. There is a pent-up demand for travel, dining out, and experiencing new places and cultures, leading to a surge in bookings and reservations.

What steps did Ramjee take during Covid to be back on track as soon as the restrictions were lifted?

We catered and helped the city, by providing hospital beds, and letting people stay in the hotels while providing delivery services. The Ramee Group took proactive measures during the Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting the community, implementing health and hygiene measures, financial planning, rate adjustments, monitoring customer preferences, and effective communication, to ensure a swift recovery and be back on track once restrictions were lifted. These measures reflected the group's commitment to the safety and well-being of its guests and staff, while also adapting to the changing market dynamics and customer expectations.

With war clouds in the air are you expecting another disruption?

It is always prudent for businesses to stay prepared and adaptable to changing circumstances. But as of now, the geopolitical event won’t affect our business in India as the war is happening in Ukraine.

What are the primary reasons guests come to your hotels?

For hotels located in popular nightlife destinations like Juhu, guests may come specifically for the vibrant party scene and nightlife. Ramee Group hotels also cater to business travellers who are visiting the area for work-related purposes. We also attract families who are looking for a comfortable and family-friendly accommodation option for their vacation. These guests may seek spacious rooms, kid-friendly facilities, and activities to keep the whole family entertained during their stay. As I always say, we are in the business of ‘making memories’.

What are your expansion plans in the near future?

Ramee Group of Hotels has ambitious expansion plans in the near future, focusing on expanding its F&B brands and opening new resorts in the north and south regions of India. The group may also consider converting properties and expanding its presence in the Middle East through the Rami Dream project, positioning itself as a leading hospitality brand in the market.

How important is sustainable growth for the hospitality industry and for your hotel group?

Sustainable growth is highly important for the hospitality industry as well as for Ramee Group of Hotels. In today's global landscape, sustainable practices are increasingly being recognized as essential for the long-term success and viability of businesses, including those in the hospitality sector.

Are you looking at refurbishing your hotels?

Yes, Ramee Group of Hotels acknowledges the importance of continuous improvement and upgrading its properties to enhance guest experience. Refurbishing hotels is a strategic initiative to ensure that the properties meet the evolving needs and preferences of guests while maintaining high-quality standards. Our main focus right now is, upgrading from a four-star to a five-star property or from a three-star to a four-star property can enhance the guest experience and meet the expectations of discerning travellers.

What kind of financial growth are you looking at this fiscal year?

Ramee Group's actual financial growth for the current fiscal year may vary depending on a multitude of factors and variables. But our strategic planning during and post pandemic will result in a solid 30 per cent growth by the end of the current fiscal year.