Glimpses of The recently concluded International Housekeepers Summit 2024
Akin to a Phoenix rising from the ashes, the International Housekeepers Summit 2024 was an outstanding display of the strength of the Housekeeping fraternity. Held on the 29th and 30th August at the Holiday Inn, Airport – Lucknow, IHS2024 resonated with the theme ‘Good to Great’, incorporating Hospitality, Healthcare and Corporate Housekeeping Services. Breaking away from the traditional session format, the two-day IHS2024 had the delegates entranced with an interactive Talk Show, an engaging & gripping Moot Court session, rejuvenating Sound Healing hour, thought-provoking presentations, the Image Mastery… and of course the all-time sensational Fashion Show of Uniforms and the Asian Housekeeping Awards. Veteran Hospitality Expert Avril Sule and Special Correspondent-Clean India Journal Keerthana Sundar take you through the two-day extravaganza.
‘A View From The Top – General Managers Speak’
A quick activity was used to demonstrate quite literally how viewpoints can be completely different when looking up and looking below. ‘A View From The Top – General Managers Speak’ was intended to urge General Managers to empower the Housekeeping Department to implement changes that will benefit the Accommodation Services provided by the Hotel. The session was facilitated and moderated by Sareena Kochar: Senior Vice-President-Housekeeping, Lemon Tree Hotels. It was an insightful session that delved into various facets of hospitality and operational excellence. The session was a treasure trove of perspectives, offering a deep dive into the latest trends and best practices in the industry. General managers from prominent hotels in Lucknow shared their valuable insights on how housekeepers, often seen as the silent custodians of guest experience, serve as crucial brand ambassadors. They are deeply involved in monitoring guest interactions, addressing needs, and maintaining a seamless environment, all while operating within the personal spaces of guests.
A major highlight of the session was the discussion on the evolving role of housekeepers. The general managers emphasized the importance of grooming housekeepers to uphold the hotel’s standards, addressing their concerns, and involving them in decision-making processes related to procurement and renovations. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with the latest industry trends.
The session also covered significant advancements in hygiene and cleanliness practices across hotels and other institutions. Topics such as laundry management, sustainability practices, and innovative solutions for waste reduction were extensively discussed. Participants highlighted various measures, including water recycling, green chemicals, and waste converters, which contribute to reducing manual costs and enhancing environmental sustainability.
Sustainability was a recurring theme, with insights into how hotels and healthcare institutions are implementing green energy solutions, like wind and biodegradable energy. The discussion also touched upon the importance of training staff on sustainability practices to support India’s broader environmental goals.
Furthermore, the session explored the enhancement of guest experiences through wellness initiatives. General managers detailed how hotels are curating personalized wellness experiences, aligning with guests’ food preferences and health needs, and how infrastructure improvements are tailored to specific patient requirements in healthcare settings. For instance, maternity wards are being designed with calming colours to enhance comfort.
The role of technology in bridging gaps between academic training and real-world applications was another key discussion point. General managers are increasingly focused on educating their employees and trainees about new industry practices and technological advancements.
