Stepping into his new role as CEO of Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Shreenath Shastry brings with him a vision that bridges the brand’s trusted legacy with the evolving demands of modern hospitality. With over four decades of heritage behind it, Fariyas has been synonymous with warmth, trust, and a genuine sense of belonging. Under Shastry’s leadership, the brand is poised to embrace innovation, sustainability, and technology while maintaining its soul of personalised guest experiences. In this conversation, he shares his outlook on India’s growing hospitality sector, the brand’s expansion plans, and how Fariyas aims to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Congratulations on your new role as CEO of Fariyas Hotels & Resorts. How do you anticipate leading the brand under your leadership?
Leading Fariyas Hotels & Resorts is both an honor and a responsibility. My focus will be on building a future that stays true to our legacy of warm, trusted hospitality while evolving to meet the changing needs of modern travellers. Strategically, this means driving innovation, strengthening our guest experience, and creating sustainable value for all stakeholders. At the same time, I want our culture to reflect empathy, care, and a genuine sense of belonging, qualities that have always defined Fariyas. It’s about staying rooted in who we are while thoughtfully shaping who we aspire to become.
What is your outlook on the Indian hospitality industry’s growth over the next five years, and where do you see Fariyas positioned within that landscape?
The Indian hospitality industry is entering an exciting phase of growth, fueled by rising domestic tourism, enhanced global connectivity, and a growing appetite for authentic, curated experiences. Over the next five years, the industry will be defined by deeper personalisation, technology-driven convenience, and a strong commitment to sustainability. Fariyas Hotels & Resorts is well-positioned to thrive in this landscape, anchored by our legacy properties and strengthened by new developments such as the Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport. Our vision is to be recognised as a brand that seamlessly blends authenticity with contemporary excellence, creating experiences that resonate with both domestic and international travellers.
What is your long-term vision for Fariyas in terms of growth, positioning, and guest experience?
Our long-term vision for Fariyas Hotels & Resorts rests on three pillars: thoughtful growth, distinctive positioning, and elevated guest experiences. Growth will come through intelligent expansion into key markets, ensuring each property strengthens our portfolio while staying true to our identity. In terms of positioning, we want Fariyas to be recognised as a trusted heritage brand that is also forward-looking and progressive. Most importantly, guest experience will remain at the heart of our journey redefined through personalisation, innovation, and the kind of warmth that makes every stay memorable, whether for business, leisure, or life’s special celebrations.
Are there any strategic initiatives or transformations you are planning to implement shortly?
In the immediate future, our focus is on strengthening our digital ecosystem to enhance every touchpoint of the guest journey from effortless booking to highly personalised in-stay experiences. At the same time, we are investing in leadership development and team empowerment, because our people will always be the cornerstone of our success. We are also forging strategic partnerships with global brands, such as Hilton Garden Inn, which mark an important step in diversifying our portfolio and elevating our service benchmarks. Together, these initiatives lay the foundation for a more agile, guest-centric, and future-ready Fariyas.
How do you see the organisation evolving to meet the changing preferences of modern travellers, both domestic and international?
Modern travellers are looking for a thoughtful balance of authenticity, convenience, and meaningful engagement. At Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, we’re shaping our journey around these evolving preferences, with the franchised Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport as a showcase of this vision. The property blends global hospitality standards with local character offering business travelers ergonomic workspaces and cultural design elements, while also creating enriching leisure experiences through amenities like the rooftop pool, fitness center, and our all-day dining restaurant, Together & Co. we aim to ensure that every guest, whether traveling for work or relaxation, enjoys a stay that is seamless, personalized, and truly memorable.
With competition in the hospitality sector intensifying, what unique strengths will Fariyas focus on to differentiate itself?
Fariyas has always distinguished itself through the warmth, trust, and genuine sense of belonging we create for our guests. Our focus now is on amplifying these emotional strengths with tangible innovations, whether through strategic brand partnerships, thoughtfully curated experiences, or a stronger commitment to sustainability. What truly sets us apart is our ability to balance heritage with modernity, offering guests an experience that feels both authentic and forward-looking. This unique blend ensures that every stay with Fariyas is not only comfortable but also memorable in a way that few competitors can replicate.
How important will sustainability, technology, and innovation be in shaping your strategy for the group?
Sustainability, technology, and innovation are central to the future of hospitality, not optional. At Fariyas Hotels & Resorts, with our 2 flagship Fariyas properties and the newly launched Hilton Garden Inn Mumbai International Airport, we’re making these pillars part of everything we do. Technology helps us create smoother guest experiences through digital check-in, smart rooms, and modern event spaces. Sustainability keeps us accountable, guided by Hilton’s Travel with Purpose framework, with a focus on reducing our footprint and supporting local communities. Innovation allows us to stay ahead of guest expectations, whether through wellness-focused offerings, eco-friendly practices, or unique curated experiences. Together, these priorities ensure we grow as a brand that is future-ready and responsible.
Finally, as the new CEO, what message would you like to share with your team and loyal guests about the future of Fariyas Hotels & Resorts?
To the Fariyas family, this is an opportunity to shape the future together through passion, innovation, and shared purpose. To our valued guests, thank you for being at the heart of our journey. Our commitment is to deliver hospitality that is progressive yet personal and to grow into a brand that sets new benchmarks while staying true to its soul.
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