HICSA 2025 Special - The Uncensored Hotelier

In conversation with Manav Thadav, Founder Chairman, Hotelivate. 

What role do you believe HICSA plays in the hospitality industry, and how has it impacted the sector over the years?

We act as the gatekeepers for new hotel projects to be successful. We are extremely honest and transparent in our opinions, and many times, this means the project needs to be abandoned. When we do asset management, we marry ourselves to the bottom line of the hotel. For us, three things are important, and we look at the issues, opportunities or problems at hand from the prism of owners, owners and owners.

Having said that, we also often end up working with hotel brands and management companies. These are generally strategic projects where they are either investing on their own or, in some cases, launching or figuring out what to do with a particular brand. Again, over the past 3 decades, it’s our frank opinions backed with facts that have stood us good.

Which speakers or sessions are you most looking forward to attending at HICSA 2025, and why?

We have three global CEOs attending HICSA this year. Sébastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor will be interviewed by me and is something to look out for. He is one of the best global keynote speakers and does not hold back. The fact that I get to interview him is a personal bonus for me. Watch this space for some fireworks of announcements – after all, did he not say last year he is planning to conquer India!

In another interview titled “Redefining Global Living”, we have Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Lodging, CapitaLand Investment Limited, Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited, be interviewed by Megha Tuli, Partner & Co-Founder, Hotelivate. We are looking forward to this conversation, as I’m sure it will provide valuable takeaways for investors, developers, and operators looking to capitalize on emerging trends in the hospitality sector.

In a session titled “From the CEO's Office”, Kenneth Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, will have a candid conversation with Achin Khanna, Managing Partner - Strategic Advisory, Hotelivate

The transition from “General Manager to CEO” in the hospitality industry is a path defined by leadership, adaptability, and strategic vision. While a GM masters operations, guest experience, and team management, stepping into the CEO role demands a broader perspective—driving growth, shaping brand strategy, and navigating investments. An exclusive session by stalwarts who have made this journey will be insightful as we will have quite a few operational heads in the audience. Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels, Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer - The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, Dr. Sanjay Sethi, Managing Director & CEO, Chalet Hotels and Rajeev Menon, President - Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International, will be on a panel, and it will be moderated by Mohit Nirula, Chief Operating Officer, The Oberoi Group.

It's always a privilege to have Vikram Oberoi, CEO & MD of The Oberoi Group, take the stage. In the session “Luxury, Legacy & Leadership,” he will share his insights in an engaging conversation with Rattan Keswani.

Let’s not forget the fun Roasted & Toasted! This being the 20th edition, it had to be something fun! And then, as per tradition, there is the hot seat. The only difference is that I am not the moderator and am being grilled as well (much to the amusement of my team!) and possibly may be on fire!

As HICSA 2025 marks the 20th edition, what significance does this milestone hold for you, and how do you envision the event evolving in its new avatar?

Time has really flown. Not too sure where the last 2 decades have gone. Except the industry has become 10 times bigger in the past 20 years. Look 20 years ago

We did not have Google or smartphones, no social media to disturb us during sessions, no WhatsApp and lets say, fewer distractions. There were no PR / Communications Managers guarding what the CEO’s said on stage. More CEO’s back then, more CEOs were made of stranger metal than today. Today, far too many of them have fragile egos. This is more of a global phenomenon than an Indian one. Nobody knew much about experiential hospitality. Life was more in “survival-mode”. I think in terms of HICSA evolving, we have also changed with the times. We have embraced technology, social media, and the whole nine yards! I have seen many things that were predicted – actually happen. One example being that the number of hotel companies have actually shrunk as there has been consolidations. Starwood, Movenpick, Raffles, Fairmont, Carlson simply don’t exist anymore.

To bring HICSA where it is today, I have needed to think beyond the present, always. In terms of conferences in the region, I would proudly say that we are one of the best and I do plan to retain that position! This year, HICSA plans on bringing in fresh formats, deeper engagement opportunities, and more curated discussions.

What insights or takeaways do you think the industry can expect from this year's theme, "Past, Present & Prophecies," and how will it shape the discussions and outcomes at HICSA 2025?

Look 20 years is a long time – hopefully we will learn from the incredibly talented speakers and their past experiences over the 2 decades and where they think the industry is headed. HICSA 2025 is about strategic foresight—understanding market cycles, capital flows, and consumer shifts to better prepare for what’s next. The conversations we aim to foster here will influence decision-making, partnerships, and investments for years to come. This year, we plan to take a holistic view of the industry’s evolution, examining the key lessons from the past, the challenges and opportunities of the present, and most importantly, the bold predictions for the future. Someone needs to do a bit of crystal ball gazing, and I am incredibly proud that I am able to facilitate that for the larger hospitality space.

Are there any special celebrations or initiatives planned to commemorate the 20th edition of HICSA, and if so, what can attendees expect?

For this year’s edition we are planning to roast and toast the industry a bit. Afterall, some laughter on the side is just what the doctor has ordered. We sometimes take ourselves too seriously.

Given HICSA's reputation for setting high standards, what can attendees expect from HICSA 2025, and how will it exceed their expectations?

Conferences are becoming boring. Therefore, the past two years particularly post Covid we have decided to make our events more experiential. Look we cannot let all our secrets out. Will let the audience be the judge of all our planning.

1. HICSA is renowned for creating unique experiences. What "HICSA Experiences" can attendees look forward to this year?

With our 20th edition of HICSA, we have planned the following experiences.

1. Owners’ Only Workshop

2. Fly Away with Qantas Airways

3. Breakfast Club

4. Roasted & Toasted

5. "SPIRIT"UAL Experience

6. After-Hours

The Owners ' Only Workshop at HICSA 2025 will be an exclusive, closed-door gathering for hotel owners, investors, and key stakeholders. A highly anticipated prelude to the conference, it aims to foster meaningful networking, idea exchange, and collaboration among the region’s top hospitality leaders.

"Fly Away" with Qantas offers delegates a chance to win two round-trip Economy tickets or one Business Class ticket. Winners, chosen randomly by Qantas, will be announced on April 10th before the program begins.

We are excited to introduce the Breakfast Club—a private networking opportunity for select industry leaders to engage with selected partner design firms, share insights, and foster meaningful connections before the day’s sessions.

And then this one that is not what it sounds like! The "SPIRIT"ual Experience will be an evening dedicated to the finer things in life. A curated tasting journey featuring premium spirits and expertly crafted cocktails aimed at encouraging attendees to unwind and indulge.

And then, when the conference ends, the fun and networking will still continue! “After-Hours” at the Fairmont Mumbai will offer an exclusive, laid-back setting to connect with industry leaders over drinks, music, and engaging conversations. With that, we plan to close the curtains on the 20th edition of HICSA.

RAPID FIRE

· What one word best describes your expectation from HICSA 2025?

Lot more signings and investment announcements

· Vision for HICSA 2026?

Too early to call

· If Biography to be written or a biopic to me made on Mr Manav Thadani, what title would it be?

The Uncensored Hotelier

· One line for Hotelivate?

Trustworthy friends to everything hospitality

· What are you passionate about

My restaurant INJA – recently ranked 87th in Asia top 50 best restaurant guide.

· If not a hotelier then what?

Architecture

· Top three trends in the hospitality industry?

i) F&B restaurants are dying in Hotel’s

ii) Payroll costs are rising sharply

iii) Quality of manpower is declining.