It was a pleasure experiencing the twin properties of Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. But the delight was catching up with my dear old friend, the soft spoken and team motivator, Manish Dayya, General Manager, Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity. As he completes a decade with Accor Group and leads one of Delhi’s largest MICE facilities with 670 rooms and six distinctive F&B outlets, our editor, Chandragupta Amritkar, thought it an ideal opportunity to get some insights.

Q. Firstly, congrats on completing a decade with Accor. Your views.

Completing a decade with Accor is a milestone I look back on with immense gratitude. It has been a journey of continuous learning, meaningful relationships, and opportunities to grow alongside some exceptional teams. Every hotel I have been part of has shaped my perspective as a leader and reinforced my belief that hospitality is ultimately about people. My journey with Accor began at Novotel Resort & Spa, earlier known as Grand Mercure & Novotel Goa Shrem Resort, followed by Novotel Mumbai Juhu Beach, where I gained valuable operational experience in one of the country’s most dynamic hospitality markets.

I then moved to Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre & Hyderabad International Convention Centre, where managing large-scale events and conventions broadened my understanding of business hospitality. My tenure at Sofitel Mumbai BKC further refined my approach to luxury hospitality and personalised guest experiences.

Today, I have the privilege of leading Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, one of Accor’s flagship hospitality complexes in India. With 670 rooms, six distinctive food and beverage outlets, and one of Delhi’s largest MICE facilities, it offers an incredible platform to innovate, elevate guest experiences, and showcase the very best of Accor.

Looking back, every transition has prepared me for the next chapter, and every challenge has been matched by an equally rewarding opportunity. None of this would have been possible without the remarkable teams I have worked with over the years. Their passion, resilience, and commitment have been the foundation of every success we have achieved together.

Q. How do you and your team cater to expectations of the new gen customers?

Today’s travellers, especially the new generation of guests, value experiences that feel personal, intuitive, and authentic. While technology certainly plays an important role, I believe the real difference comes from human connection. I always encourage my team to take the time to engage with our guests. Even a two-minute conversation can reveal valuable insights into their preferences, the purpose of their visit, or what matters most to them during their stay.

Those small interactions enable us to anticipate needs, personalise the experience, and create moments that guests genuinely remember. There is no fixed formula for understanding evolving guest expectations. You learn by staying curious, listening, and constantly exploring. That mindset helps us remain relevant while delivering hospitality that feels warm, thoughtful, and tailored to every guest.

Q. Gastronomy is important for the growth of any hotel. Your comments.

Gastronomy is one of the strongest drivers of a hotel’s identity today. Guests are increasingly seeking immersive dining experiences, and food has become a key reason to visit a hotel not just to stay, but to explore, celebrate, and connect. At Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, we have consciously built our food and beverage experiences around discovery and authenticity.

We regularly collaborate with regional and international chefs to showcase diverse cuisines, host themed food festivals, and curate unique dining experiences. From experiential brunches and regional culinary showcases to bar takeovers with renowned mixologists and bars, our objective is to offer something fresh and engaging throughout the year.

As part of Pullman’s broader culinary vision across Asia and the Pacific, we are also serving an exclusive selection of signature dishes curated by Chef Nat Thaipun, winner of MasterChef Australia 2024 and Pullman’s Food & Beverage Ambassador. Her menu reflects the brand’s commitment to bringing globally inspired, contemporary dining experiences to guests across the Pullman network. Our focus is to keep our culinary offerings dynamic, relevant, and experience-led, ensuring there is always something new for our guests to discover.

Q. Enlighten us about your MICE and weddings business?

At Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity, we take pride in being one of India’s most versatile MICE destinations. What sets us apart is our strategic location near the IGI Airport, proximity to convention spaces like Yashobhoomi, along with the business hubs of Gurgaon and Delhi.

Moreover, the banqueting spaces offer the flexibility which is utmost important for such large-format events. With a 40,000 sq ft banqueting space including a pillarless ballroom at the lobby level along with 13 breakout rooms with a pre-function area all around and an open courtyard at the centre for theme breaks etc., Pullman and Novotel Aerocity is the ideal destination for large-format conferences, exhibitions, product launches etc. With regards to weddings, a key highlight is the ALL For Love campaign, which brings a distinct focus on weddings and social celebrations within the larger MICE framework.

As a brand-led initiative, ALL For Love positions hotels as destinations for contemporary, design-led, and experience-driven celebrations, going beyond traditional banqueting. It allows us to showcase our strengths across large-format venues, curated F&B, and personalised event design, while creating a strong emotional connection with clients. The campaign also enables us to engage more meaningfully with wedding planners, partners, and new-age audiences, expanding our reach within this high-value segment. In essence, All For Love strengthens our MICE portfolio by adding a strong, experience-led narrative to weddings, further enhancing both visibility and revenue for the hotel.

Q. Going ahead, what are your plans for the properties?

Our long-term vision is to reinforce Pullman & Novotel New Delhi Aerocity as icons of modern hospitality, synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and exceptional guest experiences. Over the next three to five years, our focus will be on strengthening our brand equity through digital transformation, advanced data-driven personalisation, and differentiated experiences that resonate with both business and leisure travellers.

We also see significant opportunity in further establishing the complex as a preferred destination for weddings and social celebrations. With our extensive event spaces, diverse culinary offerings, and experienced teams, we are committed to creating memorable celebrations that set new benchmarks in hospitality. At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our positioning as a lifestyle and culinary destination while expanding strategic partnerships that enhance our global visibility.

Equally important is investing in our people by fostering a culture that attracts, develops, and retains the next generation of hospitality leaders. Ultimately, our objective is to achieve sustainable growth while creating lasting value for our guests, our people, and the communities we serve. Lastly, since the hotel has completed ten years of successful operations, we are also working towards renovation plans for the complex.

 Q. What motivated you to pursue a career in the hotel industry?

I often say that I didn’t choose the hospitality industry; the industry chose me. It all began with a recommendation from my sister, who also happens to be part of this amazing industry and who believed hospitality would be the right career for me. Looking back, that single piece of guidance and motivation changed the course of my life. From there, everything seemed to fall into place naturally. Every opportunity led to another, every role brought new learning, and it gradually felt as though becoming a hotelier was what I was meant to do. More than a career, it has become a way of life. It’s been an incredibly fulfilling journey, and I can honestly say there hasn’t been a single day when I’ve looked back or questioned that decision.

If anything, every new experience has only reaffirmed that I found the profession I was destined for.

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