TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI | 14 MARCH 2026
The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) successfully hosted AHP Aatithya Mandapam, powered by Hotremai, during Hospitality Challenges – AAHAR Edition 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Held from 10th to 14th March 2026, the five-day initiative brought together hospitality professionals from across the country to participate in skill competitions, masterclasses and industry discussions.
The platform witnessed participation from over 400 hospitality professionals competing across multiple categories including housekeeping, front office, hospitality sales and service skills. The competitions were evaluated by 70 jury members from the hospitality fraternity, while the event also saw the presence of over 200 senior hospitality leaders, including Vice Presidents, CEOs and General Managers.
The initiative also featured the participation of persons with disabilities, who competed alongside other professionals in hospitality competition categories, reflecting AHP’s continued focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity within the hospitality industry.
Day One – Housekeeping Skills in Focus:
The opening day of AHP Aatithya Mandapam was graced by Sonica Malhotra, Joint Managing Director, MBD Group, as the Chief Guest. Competitions such as Art of Bed Making, Stain Removal and Guess the Linen were conducted, highlighting the technical expertise required in housekeeping operations. The day also featured a masterclass on Sustainable Practices in Housekeeping, focusing on operational efficiency and environmentally responsible hospitality practices.
Day Two – Hospitality Strategy and Design:
Day two featured competitions including Situation Handling and Design Your Hotel, where participants demonstrated their operational decision-making and creative planning abilities. The pavilion also hosted a masterclass on Hospitality Sales along with a session on Emerging Trends in Hospitality, bringing together professionals and industry experts.
Day Three – Sales Skills and Industry Dialogue:
The third day featured sessions such as The Fragrance experience and a Sales Pitch for Housekeeping Equipment, allowing participants to showcase their sales and product knowledge skills. The day also included a masterclass on Work-Life Balance and a panel discussion on Artificial Intelligence in hospitality, highlighting how technology is transforming hotel operations and guest experiences.
Day Four – Creativity in Hospitality Presentation:
Competitions such as Art of Towel Folding and Sales Pitch for Linen Housekeeping Equipment were conducted, where participants showcased presentation skills and product communication techniques. The pavilion also hosted a panel discussion on Inclusivity, focusing on creating equal opportunities and inclusive workplaces within the hospitality sector.
Day Five – Service Presentation and Guest Experience:
The final day featured the Art of Napkin Folding competition along with a masterclass on Creating Wow in Hospitality, highlighting the importance of presentation and memorable guest experiences in modern hospitality operations.
Recognition of Hospitality Leaders:
During the event, AHP honoured 50 senior hospitality leaders, including Vice Presidents, CEOs and General Managers, recognising their leadership and contributions to the hospitality industry. Prominent industry leaders honoured during the occasion included Kush Kapoor, CEO, Roseate Hotels & Resorts; Sandeep Tandon, COO, Indian Habitat World; Namrata Menon, Executive Housekeeper, Taj Vivanta Dwarka; Namrata Marwah, Former Corporate Housekeeper, The Leela Hotels & Resorts; Rahul Deb Banerjee, COO, The Clarks; Rahul Kanwar, Vice President Operations, DLF; Vipin Singhal, Vice President, Ramaji Rao Film City; Summet Gusain, Vice President, Air India; Hareleen Singh Rawal, President, Central Park; and Devinder Juj, General Manager, Eros Hotel, among others.
Speaking about the initiative, Devipshita Gautam, Founder and Chairperson of the Association of Hospitality Professionals, said, “AHP Aatithya Mandapam has been designed to recognise the professionals who contribute to the hospitality industry every day. By bringing together professionals, industry leaders and persons with disabilities on one platform, we aim to encourage skill development, inclusivity and professional growth within the sector.”
Organised by the Association of Hospitality Professionals, AHP Aatithya Mandapam continues to provide a platform for hospitality professionals to demonstrate their skills, exchange industry practices and connect with leaders from across the hospitality ecosystem.
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