Puneet Chhatwal, the Managing Director and CEO of IHCL (Indian Hotels Company Limited), which owns the Taj Hotels brand, has said that the tourism, hospitality, and aviation industries will stand together to deal with the aftermath of the recent Pahalgam attack. He stated that despite current military tensions following the attack, the sectors involved are determined to bring back business and tourism to Kashmir.
CEO Speaking on Crisis Management
Chhatwal made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the convocation ceremony of the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur. When asked how the hospitality industry would respond to the situation created by the terror attack and military conflict, he emphasized that dealing with such challenges is part of a leader’s role. According to him, every crisis also brings with it a chance to act, adapt, and find new opportunities.
Chhatwal added that the real test will come after things settle down. He explained that the tourism, hospitality, and aviation sectors must work together as one group to bring business and visitors back to Kashmir. He stressed that recovery will only be possible through collective efforts and strong partnerships within the industry.
Taj Hotels Expansion Plans
Despite the current crisis, Indian Hotels Company Limited is continuing its plans for growth. Chhatwal shared that the company is preparing to open new Taj properties in several international locations. These include Frankfurt in Germany, Bahrain, Mecca and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, and the kingdom of Bhutan. These plans show the company’s long-term vision of expanding its global footprint, even during uncertain times.
New Projects In Nagpur
Chhatwal also revealed that Taj will open two new hotels in Nagpur. In addition, the company will develop a new resort near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, which is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra. The Tadoba region is well known for its wildlife and attracts many eco-tourists, making it a strategic location for a luxury resort.
Hope For Recovery
Chhatwal’s comments reflect a hopeful and strategic mindset during difficult times. While the situation in Kashmir is tense, the combined strength of the tourism-related sectors and ongoing development plans suggest a strong effort to bring stability, growth, and renewed interest in the region. The Taj brand is positioning itself not just as a business, but as a leader that supports long-term recovery and unity in the face of adversity.
