Nakul Anand, former executive director of ITC Hotels, is named as the patron-in-chief of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality.
Anand served as the federation's chairman from its inception until recently. He represented the Hotel Association of India within FAITH, the umbrella body comprising 10 trade associations in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors of the industry, FAITH said in a statement.
Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of FAITH, said that the decision has been taken considering Anand’s “exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to the tourism & hospitality industry” as former chairman of FAITH and former executive director of ITC Ltd.
Under his leadership, FAITH drafted and presented a vision document for Indian tourism for 2035 and 2047, the statement added. Additionally, the International Travel Mart of India was launched. The federation also made interventions to address anomalies in GST, the ECLGS scheme of the government and more.
Anand, an economics graduate from Delhi University and holder of an AMP Degree from Australia’s Bond University, began his career at ITC Hotels as a management trainee in 1978. Over 45 years, he progressed through the ranks to reach top positions within the company, retiring as executive director earlier this year.
After retiring, Anand became an investor in Shiftz, a hotel staffing startup.
He relinquished his chairmanship at FAITH upon retirement from ITC Hotels, while Puneet Chhatwal, managing director and CEO of Indian Hotels Company Ltd, assumed his role.
