Responses from Dr. Vikram Kamats, Managing Director of Vikram Kamats Hospitality Limited
Table of Contents
What inspired you to start VITSKAMAT Group, and how has your vision evolved with changing market dynamics?
Hospitality is in my blood, but more than that, it has been my passion. Growing up, I saw the impact a well-run hotel or restaurant could have—not merely in terms of business but in creating experiences, memories, and livelihoods. When I started the VITSKAMAT Group, the goal was simple: to build a brand that combined the warmth of Indian hospitality with the professionalism of international standards.
Over the years, we have continuously grown to keep up with market shifts. Right from expanding our hotel portfolio to adapting to tech-driven hospitality solutions, our core belief remains the same, i.e. offering quality service, consistency, and memorable experiences. Today, it’s not limited to providing a stay or a meal. It’s about curating a holistic experience for guests who are more informed and demanding than ever before.
What are your expansion plans for VITS Hotels & Resorts, and how do you plan to stand out in today’s competitive hospitality landscape?
Expansion is a natural step when you believe in your product. We are aggressively scaling up our VITS Hotels & Resorts portfolio through management contracts, ensuring we partner with like-minded property owners who share our vision for quality and service. Our goal is to have a strong presence in key business and leisure destinations across India and beyond.
Standing out in today’s market requires more than a well-located property. It’s about a unique value proposition – one that combines operational excellence, personalized service, and smart pricing. We focus on blending technology with tradition, ensuring our guests enjoy seamless stays while experiencing the warmth of Indian hospitality. Sustainability is also a key driver in our expansion plans, as we strive to be responsible hoteliers.
How is VITSKAMAT Group integrating technology to enhance guest experiences, and what future innovations are you most excited about?
Technology is not a luxury anymore. It’s a necessity. We’ve integrated AI-driven booking systems, contactless check-ins, and smart room automation to enhance guest convenience. Our goal is to ensure a seamless, hassle-free stay from the moment a guest books a room to their check-out experience.
One of the innovations I’m particularly excited about is the use of predictive analytics in hospitality. Through analysing guest preferences and behaviour, we can anticipate their needs and personalize their experiences even before they arrive. Additionally, we’re exploring VR and AR technologies for virtual hotel tours and digital concierge services, making travel planning more immersive and engaging. In past, we had 360° virtual tour already incorporated.
With changing guest expectations and emerging industry trends, how is VITSKAMAT Group adapting to stay ahead?
The key is to listen. Guest expectations today are diverse. They want efficiency, authenticity, and sustainability. We continuously adapt by imbibing flexible booking policies, offering hyper-personalised services, and incorporating local cultural elements into our hotels to enhance the experience.
We’ve also introduced wellness-focused initiatives, such as healthier food options, mindfulness spaces, and eco-friendly practices. With the rise of ‘bleisure’ travel (business + leisure), our properties are being designed to cater to both professional and personal needs, ensuring a work-life balance even on the go.
Kamats – The Food People has been a household name for decades. How do you maintain the authenticity of traditional recipes while catering to modern preferences?
Authenticity is the backbone of Kamats. We have built trust over generations, and that means staying true to our roots. Our recipes are crafted using age-old techniques, high-quality ingredients, and secret spice blends that have been passed down over time. At the same time, we recognize that today’s diners have different tastes.
To balance tradition with modernity, we focus on presenting classic dishes in innovative ways. Health-conscious adaptations, regional food festivals, and menu engineering ensure that we stay relevant without compromising on authenticity. It’s about respecting heritage while embracing the future.
Kamat’s Legacy highlights South Indian cuisine with age-old recipes and premium ingredients. What inspired you to create this sub-brand?
South Indian cuisine is an art. It’s simple yet complex, light yet flavourful. Kamats Legacy was born out of a desire to showcase this cuisine in its purest form, using premium ingredients, heirloom recipes, and expert culinary craftsmanship.
While Kamats has always been about quality vegetarian food, Kamats Legacy upscales the experience further, focusing on a curated dining experience that transports people to the heart of South India. This brand is a tribute to our culinary traditions and a step towards preserving and celebrating India’s rich food culture.
KHAS Academy is a unique initiative blending education with real-world experience. What inspired you to launch this venture, and what impact do you hope to create?
Hospitality education has always been theoretical-heavy, and I wanted to change that. KHAS Academy was born from a simple idea – why not train students in real-world hotel environments rather than just classrooms?
The goal is to bridge the skill gap between education and industry needs. Through KHAS, students gain hands-on experience while learning the nuances of hospitality management, making them job-ready from day one. The impact? A generation of professionals who are skilled, confident, and ready to redefine the hospitality industry.
The “Earn While You Learn” model at KHAS Academy is a game-changer in hospitality education. How does this benefit students and the industry as a whole?
Financial barriers should never be a reason for talented students to miss out on quality education. With the ‘Earn While You Learn’ model, we’re ensuring students not only get the best training but also financial independence during their studies. For the industry, this model is a win-win. Hotels get well-trained interns who are already familiar with real-world operations, reducing training time and costs. Students, on the other hand, graduate with experience, making them far more employable than traditional hospitality graduates.
How do you see the future of hospitality education evolving in India, and what role will KHAS play in shaping it?
Hospitality education needs to be more dynamic and aligned with industry needs. In the future, I see a shift towards experiential learning, micro-certifications, and AI-driven personalised training.
KHAS is at the forefront of this evolution. We are constantly upgrading our curriculum, introducing tech-driven learning tools, and collaborating with industry leaders to ensure our students get the best exposure. We aim to set new benchmarks in hospitality education, making it more accessible, practical, and industry-relevant.
What key leadership lessons have shaped your journey, and what advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs in hospitality?
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that leadership isn’t about authority. Instead, it’s about responsibility. The hospitality industry is people-centric, and as a leader, you need to inspire, empower, and constantly innovate. For aspiring entrepreneurs, my advice is simple: Be passionate, stay adaptable, and never compromise on quality. Hospitality is an industry that thrives on experience and trust. Build a brand that people can rely on, and always remember – your guests are your best brand ambassadors. Period.
Read more at TravelMail | Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | and Instagram for on-the-go news
