Hi AiM 2024: Championing ‘glocal’ sustainability in hospitality

KATHMANDU: The Hi AiM 2024 conference, themed 'Hospitality & Its Social Responsibility', took place on February 1 and 2 at Aloft Kathmandu Thamel. 

The first day featured presentations and panel discussions from companies and stakeholders, with hotel owners, developers, architects, interior designers, and hotel brand representatives in attendance.

The conference was inaugurated by Matthieu Ricard, a French neurophysicist turned Buddhist monk, now residing in Kathmandu, Nepal, as part of Schenshen Monastery. He is often referred to as the 'happiest man' on earth.

The focus was on 'GLOCAL', advocating for the use of local talent and materials to fulfil our social responsibility towards Earth.

Around 250 delegates attended the two-day event, including hotel owners, hospitality industry representatives, architects, and interior designers. Key decision-makers from the sub-continent were present.

The conference was guided by Romesh Koul, founder of Naaz Hotel Consultants, and Anil Sharma, architect and founder of A Sharma Associates.

Attendees included Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China) at Marriott International; K B Kachru, Chairman Emeritus and Principal Advisor of Radisson Hotel Group; Rajeev Kaul, Advisor at the Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts; Ajay Bakaya, Chairman and Managing Director of Sarovar Hotels and Resorts; Cyrus Madan, Senior Vice President Business Development at Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts; Suresh Kumar, Hospitality Mentor, Director & Board Member at KUE Management Services; Rakesh Mathur, industry expert; Pushpendra Bansal, COO at the Lords Hotel and Resorts.

From the owner side, attendees included Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director and CEO at CG Corp Global; Umar Khurshid Tramboo, Manager Director of The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa; and Shahil Agrawal, Managing Director, Shanker Group.

Academicians such as Gaurav Raheja, Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture and Planning at the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee; Shrawan Kumar Acharya, Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Sakar Shrestha, Chairman/Chief Architect SONA Committee, Green and Sustainable Architecture/ Reverie Designs, were also present.

The arrangements by Aloft Kathmandu Thamel exceeded expectations. Attendees appreciated the personal service of the hotel staff, with General Manager Vikram Singh taking personal care to ensure the event's success. Asian Paints Nepal was the Title Sponsor of Hi AiM 2024.

The local cuisine served at the venue was well-received by all.