Sunitta Jagdish
Gurgaon
Summary
Currently serving as the Director of Sales & Marketing at Aalia Collection, a distinguished Luxury Hotel Group featuring unique boutique high-end properties across India.
With over 30 years of expertise in the luxury travel industry, I specialize in elevating guest experiences while driving substantial revenue growth. I bring a strong foundation in digital marketing and strategic planning, successfully leading and executing premium luxury travel initiatives. My leadership is marked by the development of high-impact sales strategies and nurturing long-lasting client relationships. Renowned for delivering exceptional marketing campaign performance and unlocking the full business potential within the luxury hospitality sector.
I am a U.S. citizen currently settling in India, where I hold an Indian OCI card, allowing for lifelong residency and work. With a Master's Degree in Tourism & Travel Industry Management and 30 years work experience in the Luxury Travel & Hospitality sector across India, UK and The United States of America. I've collaborated with prestigious companies like Thomas Cook and Abercrombie & Kent. As a Luxury Travel Advisor, In my previous roles, I specialized in curating high-end luxury trips, working with top luxury hotel brands such as Aman, Peninsula, Ritz Carlton, Oberoi , Taj, J W Marriott, Armani Hotel, Bulgari Hotel among extensive travels to over 188 countries have allowed me to assess luxury hotels from a client's perspective, having stayed at renowned brands such as Aman, Peninsula, Ritz Carlton, Belmond, Six Senses, Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Singita, and Liz Biden’s Folio, featuring The Silo, Royal Malawane, Necker Island, Londolozi, and Cuixmala in Mexico. My experiences include notable luxury hotel brands such as One & Only, Banyan Tree, Shangri La, and Jumeirah, as well as designer properties like Versace and Bvlgari. Additionally, I have worked with distinguished hotels like Taj, Oberoi, Leela, Kauri Cliffs, and Blanket Bay Lodge, along with royal residences transformed into luxury accommodations, including Ashford Castle, Rambagh Palace, Maid Bhawan Palace, Bari Kothi, and Rocco Forte.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director - Sales & Marketing
AALIA COLLECTION BY JPL HOSPITALITY GROUP
New Delhi
11.2024 - Current
- Managed successful operations for 130-room hotel, including bar lounge, spa, and banquet facilities.
Aligned hotel systems with IHG global standards to improve operational efficiency across departments.
Directed recruitment and training initiatives to build a strong team focused on superior guest experiences.
Provided personalized guest services exceeding expectations typically found in higher-tier accommodations.
Optimized setup of services and facilities catering to needs of business and leisure travelers.
Ensured operational excellence consistent with international mid-scale brand requirements. - Directed operational strategies for hospitality services within luxury collection properties.
- Oversaw staff training programs focused on delivering exceptional service quality and elevating overall guest satisfaction.
- Implemented cost-control measures across multiple venues to ensure effective budget management and resource allocation.
General Manager
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
La Porte
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Successfully managed hotel transition from pre-opening to official launch per brand standards.
Directed recruitment and training, establishing a high-performing guest service team.
Led operational streamlining initiatives, aligning processes with IHG global benchmarks.
Enhanced efficiency and comfort standards to meet international mid-scale brand expectations.
Coordinated operational setup to effectively serve business and leisure clientele.
Established comprehensive dining options, including bar lounge and spa services for guests.
Exceeded guest service expectations through personalized touches typical of upscale hotels. - Managed daily hotel operations, maintaining high service standards to ensure guest satisfaction.
- Developed and implemented operational policies that enhanced guest experience, aligning with brand expectations.
- Oversaw staff training and performance evaluations across departments, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Front Office Duty Manager
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
Houston
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Delivered attentive, courteous service to guests before arrival and throughout stays.
- Oversaw V.I.P. and special guest requests to guarantee timely service.
- Resolved guest complaints while providing complimentary services to bolster satisfaction.
- Streamlined customer service processes and managed budgets to elevate service delivery.
- Optimized pricing strategies during peak seasons to drive revenue growth.
- Supported front desk and general managers in daily operations to enhance service efficiency.
- Fostered a welcoming environment to uphold superior guest relations.
- Interacted with guests and team members with a friendly, service-oriented approach.
Private Luxury Travel Advisor and Luxury Travel Sales & Marketeer
KORA
Houston
03.2015 - 09.2022
- Specialized in luxury cruises with Silversea, Seabourn, and SeaDream Yacht.
- Customized luxury journeys for individual clients in Asia and Central Asia, enhancing personalized travel experiences.
- Designed small group and family travel experiences in exotic destinations worldwide, creating memorable adventures for clients.
- Facilitated adventurous itineraries for honeymooners, ensuring unique and tailored experiences.
Global Destinations - Sales & Marketing Manager
KER & DOWNEY TRAVEL
Katy
03.2010 - 02.2015
- Cultivated strategic relationships with global travel industry suppliers (airlines, hotels, tour operators), resulting in enhanced travel experiences for clients.
- Customizing private luxury journeys for individual clients across K&D's Portfolio with special focus & expertise on Asia/Central Asia (Silk Road/Mongolia)/East & Southern Africa/The Middle East/Europe/South Pacific.
- Negotiated competitive contracted rates for travel services by meeting with suppliers overseas and reviewing their offerings.
- Partnered with local tour operators to select top tour guides, drivers, and vehicles, ensuring high-quality services in foreign destinations.
- Ensuring company's branding, ethos and services are impeccably delivered on the ground during clients' trips.
- Delivered destination training and webinars to travel agents at key accounts, generating increased leads through focused presentations.
- Resided in Katy, TX, managing travel operations.
Sales & Marketing Manager - Global Destinations
COX & KINGS, THE AMERICAS
Tampa
03.2008 - 12.2009
- Developed marketing strategy for custom travel itineraries and group tours to S.E.Asia, enhancing product appeal and market presence.
- Created sales tools, including tour brochures and ads in travel magazines, and coordinated road shows with tourism boards to promote FIT trips and group tours to travel agents in U.S. and Canada.
- Conducted online training webinars for travel agents across U.S. and Canada to enhance their ability to sell company’s group tours and FIT trips.
- Consulted with product development teams to enhance products based on customer data.
- Oversaw financial aspects of files to support sales team in achieving annual sales goals, ensuring compliance with company policies and procedures.
- Located in Tampa, Florida, the U.S.A..
Education
Enhancing Leadership Capacities & Potential among Professional Women - Educational Leadership And Management
Indian Institute of Management IIM , Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad 11-2025
Post Graduate Program - Marketing Management
L.N.Welingkar Institute of Management Development And Research
Mumbai04-2007
International Travel Consultant & Airline Sales Maximization -
IATA - International Air Transport Association
Geneva, Switzerland06-2005
Masters - Tourism & Travel Industry Management
University of Mumbai, GICED, Kalina Campus
Mumbai06-2004
Bachelor of Science - Zoology and Fishery Biology
University of Mumbai, SIES College
Mumbai04-2002
Skills
- Sales strategy formulation
- Digital marketing platforms
- Social media interaction
- Technical skills proficiency
- Microsoft Office capabilities
- Data research and collection
- Sales funnel optimization
- Problem-solving methods
- Attention to detail
- Presentation effectiveness
- Excellent written communication to win reader's heart
- Interpersonal communication
- Active listening skills
- Conflict management strategies
- Motivational initiative
- Time management techniques
- Expertise in storytelling techniques
- Team leadership
- Agile marketing strategies
Affiliations
- Virtuoso Travel Network
- Signature Travel Network
- PURE - Travel Life Experiences
- ILTM - International Luxury Travel Members
- Women's Business Enterprise Alliance, Houston, TX
- National Association of Women Business Owner NAWBO, USA
- Rotary International Club of India
Pronouns
she/her
Awards
- President's Award (Rashtrapati Puraskar), 1989, Prestigious Girl Guide Award from the ex President of India, Dr. R Venkatraman.
- Best Luxury Travel Advisor, 2021-2024, By Luxe Travel Magazine, UK.
- Conde Nast World Travel Specialist, 2021-2024, For South East Asia & Exotic Destinations.
Hobbies and Interests
- Yoga
- Cooking
- Art
- Museums
- Travel
- Outdoors
- Food-Sampling
- Writing Travel Blogs & Food Blogs
- Volunteer work for Visually Impaired & Cancer Patients
- Learning new languages
Languages
English, Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Farsi, Spanish, Tamil, Sindhi, Telugu, Arabic, Spanish
Personal Information
- Residency: Indian OCI
- Citizenship: US Citizen
Timeline
Director - Sales & Marketing
AALIA COLLECTION BY JPL HOSPITALITY GROUP
11.2024 - Current
General Manager
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES
01.2023 - 07.2023
Front Office Duty Manager
HOMEWOOD SUITES BY HILTON
03.2022 - 12.2022
Private Luxury Travel Advisor and Luxury Travel Sales & Marketeer
KORA
03.2015 - 09.2022
Global Destinations - Sales & Marketing Manager
KER & DOWNEY TRAVEL
03.2010 - 02.2015
Sales & Marketing Manager - Global Destinations
COX & KINGS, THE AMERICAS
03.2008 - 12.2009
Enhancing Leadership Capacities & Potential among Professional Women - Educational Leadership And Management
Indian Institute of Management IIM , Ahmedabad
Post Graduate Program - Marketing Management
L.N.Welingkar Institute of Management Development And Research
International Travel Consultant & Airline Sales Maximization -
IATA - International Air Transport Association
Masters - Tourism & Travel Industry Management
University of Mumbai, GICED, Kalina Campus
Bachelor of Science - Zoology and Fishery Biology
University of Mumbai, SIES College