From April 2–4, 2024, Hotelivate’s 19th Edition of the Hotel Investment Conference—South Asia (HICSA) will take place at the JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa. This edition of HICSA will be based around the hospitality palate, in contrast to the previous several editions, which have focused on post-pandemic resilience, industry recovery, and thereafter exponential growth opportunities. This year’s HICSA theme, “Savouring South Asia: Innovations in Food Tech and Design,” aims to develop a technologically advanced, delightful, and sustainable hospitality environment while also exploring the potential of South Asia’s culinary future. The conference will act as a focus for information exchange, encouraging discussions aimed at influencing the direction of the sector.
Manav Thadani, Founder and Chairman of Hotelivate, commented on the 19th anniversary of HICSA, saying, “We are pleased to present HICSA 2024 again this year to the ‘Silicon Valley of India.’ This year, we are concentrating on the role technology plays in our company, and this city could not be more suitable. The vibrant hospitality sector in South Asia is centred in India, and this year’s conference appears to be a great way to network with the top minds in the field and learn about new trends, best practices, and investment opportunities. We think HICSA will pave the way for more investment projects in this rapidly evolving area.”
Hotelivate is pleased to announce that three CEOs from across the world will be attending their esteemed conference, which attracts a wide spectrum of attendees from the real estate, investment, and hospitality sectors. Federico J. González, Executive Vice President of the Radisson Hotel Group, Mark S. Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, and Sébastian Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor, are all scheduled to speak at this year’s 19th edition of the conference.
Accor’s tagline, “Live Limitless,” suggests endless possibilities. Sébastian Bazin, Group Chairman & CEO of Accor, will discuss his vision for the constantly changing hospitality landscape in a thought-provoking keynote address at HICSA 2024 titled “Live Limitless: Going All the Way.” Our partnership with Hotel Investment Conference South Asia for their 2024 event fills us with pride. HICSA is a fantastic platform that unites the global hospitality industry in India, a nation brimming with opportunities for the tourism industry and unique experiences. India is undoubtedly having its time now, actively influencing travels of the future and laying the foundation for hospitality in the future. Our partnership with HICSA reflects our dedication to India and our goal of being a true trailblazer in this vital market,” said Sebastian.
Ashish Jakhanwala, Chairman, Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of SAMHI Hotels, will engage in conversation with Mark Hoplamazian, Chief Executive Officer of Hyatt Hotels, in an exclusive interview titled “Heart of Hyatt: Enjoy Life Everyday.” Mark Hoplamazian responded to a question by saying, “It is beneficial to have a platform like HICSA that brings together important voices from the business. I am thrilled to highlight the critical role that Southwest Asia and India play in Hyatt’s strategic growth strategy for the upcoming 19th edition of HICSA. I am thrilled about the potential prospects that lie ahead because this region is a catalyst for innovation in everything from events to F&B to guest experiences.
Manav Thadani, the founder and chairman of Hotelivate, will speak with Federico J. González, the CEO of Louvre Hotels Group and Executive Vice Chairman of the Radisson Hotel Group, in an exclusive interview focused on “Happiness and Change”. Federico made the following statement regarding this edition of HICSA: “HICSA is a platform to explore and capitalise upon untapped growth opportunities within the multitude of destinations in India. The Radisson Hotel Group is dedicated to expanding its footprint in this dynamic sector, as it is one of the biggest international hotel chains in the nation. HICSA’s stimulating conversations will offer a chance to brainstorm solutions for the industry’s problems as well as jointly identify opportunities for improvement.”
To enhance the conference’s essence, Day 1 will include keynote speeches and some inclusive interviews. The ‘HICSA Hotels of the Year’ awards, sponsored by MakeMyTrip, will mark the end of the day, and honour the most outstanding new hotel projects in South Asia. Six hotel categories are included among the nominations: Luxury/Upper Upscale Hotel, Upscale Segment, Upper Mid-Market Segment, Mid-Market Segment, Budget/Economy Segment, and Boutique Hotel Segment. The designated jury will shortlist the winners, who will subsequently be decided by a voting process conducted by the HICSA 2024 attendees and announced as part of the conference schedule.
The JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort and Spa will host a “Culinary Carnival” on the first full day of the conference, which is a celebration of gastronomy that brings together renowned chefs, artisanal food vendors and passionate hoteliers. The focus will be on gastronomic extravaganza in keeping with this year’s theme. The cuisines of influential restaurants in India, including both standalone as well as hotels, will be showcased through an extensive and scrumptious menu featuring everything from street food classics to gourmet delicacies. Atelier House Hospitality, The Leela Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, Marriott International, ITC Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, Massive Restaurants, and Hyatt International would be among the brands exhibiting their top restaurants.
Specialised panel discussions and brief keynote presentations with prominent industry figures will take place on Day 2 of HICSA. The conference’s grand conclusion, the renowned “Hot Seat: Leaders on Fire,” will highlight leadership dilemmas and culminate in the esteemed MakeMyTrip General Manager of the Year Awards 2024. As a component of the main conference, HICSA, these awards have been seamlessly integrated. The General Managers who tirelessly oversee the operation have an amazing opportunity to be honoured for their exceptional effort and hard work with these awards. Falak, The Leela Bharatiya City, will host the closing dinner, which will be the perfect way to end this event. The 19th HICSA edition promises to be a remarkable meeting point for innovation, inspiration and insights, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will leave a lasting impression. Join us as we embark on this fascinating and intellectually stimulating journey together.
