Queen of The Park.

HospiBuz Desk

Priya Paul, expanding her father’s legacy in Hospitality Sector

Age is never a hindrance for those who understand their responsibility.

Priya Paul is one of the renowned name in the Hospitality sector. She is the brain behind Hotel The Park, which is one of the country’s leading collection of luxury boutique hotels. In addition, she is also the chairperson of Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and one of the directors of Apeejay Surrendra Group. She is an Executive Committee Member and Ex-President of Hotel Association of India (HAI).

The mentioned brand is running 13 five star hotels in India 11 in metro cities and 2 in resort spots in Goa and Visakhapatnam. The hotel running under the respective brand is famous for their Design led Boutique Properties.

She has been involved in the working of the hotels from a very early age under the guidance of one of the accomplished businessmen Surrendra Paul. After the dismissal of Surrendra Paul she took over the entire responsibility of the business.

Priya has always been interested in art and design hence she is keenly involved in the design decisions of the hotel. One of the reasons of her being so accomplished in the hospitality sector is bringing fresh design to the every hotels and turning their look completely by giving it a new food and beverage concept. Currently, under her guidance and leadership qualities, The Park Hotels are soaring high.

She has received numerous accolades for her dedication in Hospitality Industry. She has received Padma Shri in 2012 by President of India for her services in Trade & Industry. The list of award starts from the year 2000. In 2000, FHRAI (Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Association of India) awarded her with Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Thereafter, in 2006 she was recognized by Forbes online as one of India’s 100 most powerful businesswomen. In 2008, she took home the Zee Astitva Award in the Business category. She has also been awarded the ‘Spa Personality of the Year’ for the year 2009-10 by Asia Spa India. In 2009-2010 she was awarded India Today Woman in Business and PHD Chamber-Distinguished Women Entrepreneur Award had inducted her into the FHRAI Hall of Fame in 2010. She was also awarded “Excellence in Design Innovation 2011” by Condé Nast Traveller India for her love for contemporary art.

The list doesn’t end here in 2011 she was awarded with Aatithya Ratna Award by Hotel Investment Forum India. In 2011 ‘Hall of Fame 2011’ was bestowed to her by Hotelier India for her contribution to the Hospitality Industry.

Apart from the Hospitality sector, Priya Paul is a Trustee of Indira Gandhi National Center for the Arts (IGNCA) and Board Member, National Council of Science Museums. She is a founder member as well as the Ex-Chairperson of World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) – India Initiative. She is also the Chairperson of South Asia Women’s Fund, and a member of Harvard Business School’s India Advisory Board.