Radhika Tata, General Manager of Grand Mercure Mysore, is a dynamic leader known for her strategic vision, data-driven approach, and operational excellence. With a proven track record of driving sales and business growth, she has successfully led multiple Accor properties across India, steadily advancing through leadership roles.
Grand Mercure Mysore, a premium hotel in the heart of Karnataka’s cultural capital, is located along the iconic Dasara procession route on New Sayyaji Road. Inspired by the grandeur of Mysore’s royal heritage, the hotel offers a blend of luxury and tradition. Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at La Uppu, the all-day dining restaurant, unwind at Silk Bar, or enjoy rooftop dining at By The Blue. The hotel’s elegant banqueting spaces, Edmuri and Balmuri, provide the perfect setting for weddings and special events. As a certified Green Key hotel, Grand Mercure Mysore also upholds a strong commitment to sustainability.
2024 has been a dynamic year for the hospitality industry. How has Grand Mercure Mysore navigated the challenges and opportunities so far?
Grand Mercure Mysore has successfully navigated the evolving hospitality landscape by embracing the growing trend of authentic, heritage-driven experiences and wellness-focused retreats. We’ve responded to traveller preferences by offering culturally immersive experiences, such as local heritage tours and traditional culinary experiences, to create meaningful connections with Mysore’s rich history.
Additionally, we’ve prioritized sustainable tourism practices, aligning with the rising demand for eco-conscious travel. From implementing energy-efficient systems to promoting local artisans, we’re attracting mindful travellers who value sustainability. Through these initiatives, we’ve been able to not only address the changing needs of our guests but also enhance the overall experience at Grand Mercure Mysore.
Looking ahead, what are your primary goals and targets for Grand Mercure Mysore in 2025? Are there specific initiatives you are excited about?
Looking ahead to 2025, Grand Mercure Mysore’s core goals are to drive excellence and adopt sustainable practices throughout its operations. A key focus will be enhancing the guest experience, ensuring a delightful stay for every visitor. Another important objective is to invest in professional development, empowering our team to deliver exceptional service. In line with international sustainability standards, we are committed to furthering sustainable practices across all areas of the hotel. Lastly, we aim to achieve a sustainable level of business performance, ensuring the long-term resilience and growth of Grand Mercure Mysore.
How do you plan to further strengthen the hotel’s position as a top leisure destination in Mysore?
To strengthen the hotel’s position, we plan to use a myriad of strategies, with a key priority being repositioning the hotel amongst inbound travellers, maintaining local traditions blended with international standards of hospitality. The hotel’s strategic location on the famed Dasara Procession Pathway, among prominent sights like Mysore Palace and Mysore Zoo, provides unsurpassed convenience and access to the city’s cultural and historical icons.
Sustainability is an essential focus for the industry. As a Green Key certified hotel, could you share some key sustainability initiatives undertaken at Grand Mercure Mysore?
Grand Mercure Mysore’s Green Key certification is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to sustainable practices. We have eliminated single-use plastics, improved waste management through recycling, minimized food waste, and implemented energy and water conservation policies. Additionally, we promote eco-friendly travel options by offering electric auto-rickshaws for guests to rent. These initiatives are part of our broader vision to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
What are some emerging trends in hospitality that you believe will shape the industry in 2025?
From the year 2025, hospitality will shift its focus to technology and personalization. Personalized services such as custom travel itineraries, certain menu patterns, and room arrangements will play an important part in customer satisfaction. In addition, Artificial Intelligence and big data technologies provide the ability to analyze people’s behavior and uniquely designed services, increasing customer satisfaction and retention.
With leisure travel rebounding strongly, how do you see the leisure segment evolving in destinations like Mysore?
As leisure travel recovers, places such as Mysore are seeing an increase in experiential tourism, with visitors seeking immersive cultural and historical experiences. Digitally enhanced travel is becoming increasingly important, providing ease and personalisation. Theme-based packages, such as family-friendly educational tours, and a focus on multi-generational travel, with activities targeted to all age groups, are influencing the leisure segment’s evolution.
How is Grand Mercure Mysore adapting to changing traveler preferences, especially in terms of wellness, experiential travel, and digital innovation?
Grand Mercure Mysore caters to changing tourist preferences by providing holistic wellness programs such as yoga and meditation workshops, as well as an in-house spa that combines Ayurvedic and modern therapies. Healthy dining options that use organic, plant-based, and locally produced ingredients meet nutritional demands. These initiatives, when paired with cultural and digital innovation, provide a seamless and enriching guest experience.
Mysore has always been a favored tourist destination, especially during festivals like Dasara. How does the hotel leverage its location on New Sayyaji Road to offer a unique guest experience during such events?
To provide a unique celebration experience, Grand Mercure Mysore takes advantage of its strategic location on New Sayyaji Road, along the Dasara Procession Pathway. Guests may enjoy direct views of the big procession from the hotel and exclusive viewing locations including rooftop lounges and terraces, giving them a front-row seat to Mysore’s exuberant celebrations.
Could you elaborate on how Grand Mercure Mysore differentiates itself in the competitive Mysore market, especially in terms of dining, events, and guest services?
Grand Mercure Mysore stands out for its original regional cuisine and seasonal, theme-based dining experiences. We host spectacular events and celebrations designed to leave a lasting impact. Exceptional guest services, including personalised attention and family-friendly features like kids’ play spaces, specialised menus, and babysitting, guarantee every guest has a customised and pleasurable stay.
Guest experience has become a key differentiator in hospitality. What innovative guest experience initiatives have you introduced at the property?
At Grand Mercure Mysore, we focus on personalized guest experiences, offering tailored services like custom room amenities and curated local experiences such as heritage walks on request and culinary tours. We’ve also embraced technology with seamless check-ins and mobile room service requests. To promote sustainability, we provide eco-friendly transportation through electric auto-rickshaws. These innovations ensure a luxurious, convenient, and culturally rich experience, setting us apart in the competitive Mysore hospitality market.
With Grand Mercure Mysore being a preferred venue for weddings and social events, how do you see the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and wedding segment evolving in Mysore?
The MICE and wedding segments in Mysore are expected to grow significantly, driven by increased demand and evolving trends in hospitality. At Grand Mercure Mysore, we are enhancing our facilities and services to meet these needs, offering advanced event technology and personalized experiences for both business and leisure events. In the wedding segment, we foresee a growing interest in bespoke, culturally rich weddings that combine Mysore’s traditions with modern luxury. Our commitment to innovation and service ensures we remain a preferred venue for these evolving markets.
As a proven leader with extensive experience across multiple Accor properties, how has your leadership style evolved over the years?
My leadership style has developed over time to emphasise empowering people, establishing ownership and accountability, and allowing my team to make their own decisions. Mentorship is important to me, as is coaching team members through problems and promoting their progress. Prioritising emotional intelligence, team cohesion, adaptability, and agility enables me to lead effectively in a dynamic context.
What inspires you the most as General Manager at Grand Mercure Mysore?
As General Manager of Grand Mercure Mysore, I get inspired every day by the hotel’s wonderful position, which is surrounded by natural beauty and Mysore’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s charm, energetic inhabitants, and legacy make it simple to fall in love with the hotel and its environs, inspiring me to strive for excellence every day.
How do you leverage data analytics and operational strategies to drive business growth and enhance customer satisfaction?
We use data analytics as a strategic asset to promote business and improve client satisfaction. Analysing guest input allows us to uncover patterns, preferences, and areas for improvement. This continuous learning approach enables us to understand what motivates our customers and what additional experiences they seek, allowing us to personalise our offerings and exceed their expectations.
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in the hospitality industry?
My recommendation to new professionals is to approach the hospitality sector with enthusiasm and love for their work. It’s a career in which you’re continuously learning new skills and challenging the status quo. The sector has something for everyone; all you have to do is discover your passion and seize opportunities for advancement.
Do you foresee any specific partnerships or collaborations in 2025 that could further elevate the guest experience or expand the hotel’s offerings?
Yes, we anticipate additional strategic partnerships and collaborations in 2025 to improve the guest experience and broaden our products.
Would you like to share any upcoming plans for new dining concepts, wellness programs, or other signature experiences at Grand Mercure Mysore?
We have exciting plans for sustainable dining at Grand Mercure Mysore, with a focus on local delicacies and organic products. We are also offering interactive dining concepts that will engage customers in the region’s culinary heritage. These projects will provide a distinctive and enriching eating experience that reflects our dedication to sustainability and local culture.
Finally, how do you envision the hospitality landscape in Mysore and India evolving over the next five years?
Mysore’s hospitality landscape will prosper over the next five years as the industrial corridor expands and the IT and industrial industries grow. As a gateway to Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and other lovely cities, Mysore will draw more visitors, resulting in major growth in the hotel industry.
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