The hospitality industry is undergoing a quiet revolution. As travelers seek more than just a place to sleep, businesses are shifting their focus toward personal connections, comfort, and tailored experiences. In an industry once defined by tradition, new players are embracing bold strategies, blending technology with human touch to redefine what it means to feel at home away from home. Amid this shift, one company is making its mark—steadily growing from a local name to a national brand.
Leading this fresh wave of change is Parth Sharma, Director of The Whitestone Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand based in Manali, Himachal Pradesh. At just 25 years old, Sharma has already carved a name for himself in a traditionally conservative industry. Under his leadership, the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts has evolved from a single property into a growing brand, earning recognition with awards like the TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice and the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice.
A graduate of Lancaster University in the UK and a former international kickboxing athlete, Sharma brings discipline and a global perspective to the table. His approach blends tech-savvy innovation with a deep understanding of what modern travelers value: personalization, authenticity, and a sense of belonging. With plans to expand the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts footprint across India, Sharma represents a new generation of hospitality entrepreneurs who are reshaping the guest experience from the inside out.
In this interview, Parth Sharma shares insights into his journey, leadership approach, and vision for the future of hospitality in India.
Rooted in Legacy, Driven by Belonging
Parth Sharma shared with us the early influences that shaped his path as an entrepreneur and the deeper purpose guiding his work at the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts.
“My entrepreneurial journey was inspired by my parents and my predecessor in the industry, whose values and work ethic left a lasting impression on me.”
These early role models instilled in him a strong foundation for leadership.
“The core vision that drives my leadership is to create a space where guests genuinely feel at home—where every interaction fosters a sense of belonging. At the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts, we’re not just building a hospitality brand; we’re building a lifelong family.” Parth added, emphasizing how his vision goes beyond offering luxury stays and making sure that every interaction at the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts feels personal and sincere, reinforcing the idea that guests aren’t just customers—they’re part of a larger family. This philosophy defines the brand’s identity and shapes how it delivers its services.
Leading Hospitality’s Next Chapter
To Parth there are two major forces driving change in the hospitality sector: technology and personalization. He sees the industry moving toward more tailored guest experiences powered by digital innovation.
“The hospitality industry is evolving rapidly, with a strong focus on technology and personalization. Over the next five years, I see the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts transitioning from a regional name to a national brand—leading the charge with innovative service models and tech-driven experiences. Our goal is to set new benchmarks in guest satisfaction through hyper-personalization and seamless digital integration.”
Parth Sharma’s vision for the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts aligns with key trends in the hospitality industry. Technology and personalization are driving the sector’s evolution, with AI and data analytics projected to boost guest satisfaction by 15% and revenue by 20% by 2025. Travelers now prefer contactless services, with over 70% opting for digital check-ins and touchless payments. The Whitestone Hotels and Resorts focus on innovation and tech-driven guest experiences positions it to lead in this transformation making it easier to turn Parth’s goal into reality–to elevate guest satisfaction by making every aspect of the stay—from booking to checkout—seamless, efficient, and uniquely customized.
Parth is also spearheading a new venture in AI-powered hospitality through Whitestone Defense and Technologies, in partnership with EazyGuest. Together, they are developing personal AI butlers that offer 24/7 hyper-personalized service, seamlessly integrating with hotel systems to anticipate and fulfill guest needs before they’re even voiced.
Leadership Built on Integrity and Consistency
Parth shared with us his leadership principles that guide his decisions at the Whitestone hotels and Resorts. For him, simplicity and integrity are the cornerstones of effective leadership.
“My leadership philosophy is rooted in simplicity and integrity. I believe in the age-old principle: “My word is my bond.” Staying honest with myself and those around me ensures consistency and trust, which are vital in building a strong, value-driven team.”
This approach ensures that every decision made is aligned with the core values of the organization, helping maintain a strong, unified vision.
Innovating Marketing with Bold Strategies
“One of the most impactful strategic shifts we made at the Whitestone Hotel and Resorts was abandoning traditional marketing in favor of bold, guerrilla-style campaigns. Coupled with our commitment to hyper-personalized guest experiences, this approach has given us a clear competitive edge in an otherwise conventional industry.” Parth shared when talking about how embracing bold, guerrilla-style campaigns, the brand captured attention in fresh and unexpected ways. This, combined with a focus on hyper-personalized guest experiences, gave the Whitestone Hotels and Resorts a distinct competitive edge, helping it break through the conventional mold of hospitality marketing.
Navigating Challenges and Building a Path for the Future
According to Parth, one of the biggest challenges in hospitality is the subjective nature of guest comfort.
“The most significant challenge in hospitality is that we work with people—and every person is different. Comfort is subjective, and creating a universally satisfying experience isn’t easy.” Parth shared.
“Finding the right team members and maintaining consistency can be tough, but we’re constantly evolving to better meet our guests’ diverse needs,” he added.
On an ending note, Parth left a couple of words for aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Invest in yourself. Travel the world. Stay curious and open to learning. Most importantly, be clear about what you want and stay true to your intentions. Don’t let fear hold you back—every step, even the uncertain ones, will shape your path.”
