The hospitality industry has undergone significant changes over the years, with several individuals making notable contributions to the field. KB Kachru, the Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor of the Radisson Hotels Group – South Asia, is one such person who has helped shape the hospitality landscape in South Asia over the past three decades.
KB Kachru, the Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor of the Radisson Hotels Group – South Asia is a well-known name in the hospitality industry. With over three decades of experience, he has helped shape the hospitality landscape in South Asia and is widely respected for his contributions to the industry. KB Kachru has played a significant role in building the company’s hospitality business in ASEAN and South Asian markets since 1991, with a focus on South Asia. He has served as the Executive Vice President responsible for the overall strategy, hotel development, management, and functional support of key markets before being appointed as the Chairman, of South Asia, and then as CE & PA, RHG.
Apart from his contributions to the Radisson Hotels Group, KB Kachru has been recognized for his contributions to the hospitality industry through numerous awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hotel Investment Forum India in 2012. The National Tourism Committee of the CII, the Hotel Association of India (HAI), the board of directors for the Tourism Corporation of various states, as well as religious trusts like the Shrine Board of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Trust in Katra, all have active memberships in Kachru’s list of associations. He is also an executive member of various travel and hospitality associations and serves on the board of several charitable organizations.
As India’s tourism industry stands at a crossroads, Geographically, India is perfectly positioned between the emerging East and the wealthy West. India has a large, friendly, and largely English-speaking population. With over 40 UNESCO-listed sites, a pleasant climate, a diversified and abundant wildlife population, and a well-known and well-loved national cuisine, India has a rich and varied legacy. India is home to deserts, mountains, beaches, forests, and thriving megacities.Being one of the world’s growing economies, India has immense possibilities, including huge domestic tourism. KB Kachru believes that the country has all the ingredients to become one of the world’s premier tourism destinations. For example, wellness and mindfulness are one of the biggest emerging sectors of the industry, and many Indian destinations are capitalizing on this trend by offering yoga and meditation retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, and other wellness experiences to attract tourists seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. Kachru emphasizes the need to focus more on the economic segment, besides the dependence on existing segments.
India is tapping into the big millennial travel trends, such as wellness and mindfulness, which were previously considered niche. Many Indian destinations are capitalizing on this trend by offering yoga and meditation retreats, Ayurvedic treatments, and other wellness experiences to attract tourists seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, and self-care. As we enter a new decade, India must move in the right direction to continue its growth in the tourism industry.
Kachru emphasizes the need for the government to focus on infrastructure development, skill development, and marketing initiatives to promote tourism in India. He believes that there is a need for more investment in the hospitality industry to support growth and innovation. Kachru also suggests that the government should work towards creating a more tourism-friendly environment by addressing issues such as visa regulations, safety, and security, and by providing better connectivity to various parts of the country.
KB Kachru’s contributions to the hospitality industry and his vision for the future of tourism in India are significant. His efforts to promote the economy segment and tap into emerging trends like wellness and mindfulness demonstrate the potential for India to become a world-class tourism destination. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be essential to build upon Kachru’s legacy and innovate in ways that meet the changing needs and preferences of travellers.
