Aditya Mata has over 30 years in hospitality. He has held several responsibilities in the areas of Hotel Operations and general Business Development and has resurrected businesses in challenging locations such as India, Nepal, East Africa and West Asia. Aditya concluded his Management Training program from The Oberoi School of Hotel Management and has been associated with some of the leading international hospitality brands such as Oberoi Hotels in Delhi, Mumbai and Udaipur, Doha Sheraton in Qatar, Shangri-La Village Resort in Pokhara Nepal, Angsana Spa & Resort and The Lalit Ashok in Bangalore, Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa, Diani Reef Beach Resort & Spa Mombasa, Elite Group of Hotels in Bahrain, Niraamaya Retreats pan South India, PrideInn Hotels Kenya, among many others. As a hands-on mentor and a visionary team leader, Aditya is widely travelled with an immense in depth analysis on trends and hotel operations, and astute while renovating, launching or pre-opening properties. He has been instrumental in the development of homegrown brands like Lalit Ashok, Zuri Hotels & Resorts and Niraamaya Retreats which today have global acclaim for hospitality standards, ROI and brand value.
PROFESSIONAL INSPIRATION
My professional inspiration is very much a cultural indoctrination. I come from India and we have a saying “atithi devo bhava” which means ‘the guest is God’. It is a core principal of Indian Culture and I see it resonating across the many countries I have stayed in and with people I have had the pleasure to work with. We bring out our best food, drink and manners and as hosts we welcome visitors that bring happiness, joy and prosperity. My initial training in hospitality also prepared me to not only meet but to exceed the expectation of the guest, to anticipate and empathize with what a traveller will experience. My inspiration comes through my desire and upbringing to make people happy and to ensure I offer love, respect and hospitality which stays with people and gets them back for more.
THE THREE PILLARS OF LIFE
My family, my colleagues and our guests. But also my integrity, commitment and ability.
SECOND PROFESSIONAL CHOICE
If I weren’t in the hotel industry I would probably be in the finance department of some other business area, due to my adaptability. If I could “dream”, something linked to motorsport (mechanics, driver, management).
THREE PEOPLE WHO MADE MY CAREER
My mentor Mr PRS Oberoi – who taught me the art of fine hospitality through personalisation and details; Mother Teresa – who inculcated in me the art of giving, of being in service; and my wife Andrea – who educated me on self love and self respect.
MAIN HOBBY
I am committed to make people happy. I am passionate, committed and constantly looking at ways and means to appreciate and create memorable experiences. I like to meet people, I like to talk to the taxi driver, the server in the restaurant, the man on the street, the security guard or any passer by, and strike a conversation and develop a bond while learning.
TODAY I WOULD GO TO
If I could travel today, I would go home (India). I never know what to expect when I get there. It is always a place to feel belonged, loved, and welcomed.
By Carla Branco