Karambir Singh Kang, general manager of Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, has been awarded the prestigious Virtuoso Hotelier of the Year Award 2009 at the Virtuoso “Best of the Best” Hotel Awards held in Las Vegas recently during Virtuoso’s 21st Annual Travel Mart Conference.
Kang was recognized for commitment and dedication in making Taj Mahal Palace & Tower, Mumbai, one of the best hotels in the world.
Kang said, “This is indeed a humbling experience for me. I am very happy to have been awarded this prestigious honor for a job that I am so passionate about. I am also very thankful to Taj for having given me this opportunity. This award is testament to our hotel’s commitment to customer satisfaction and I would like to applaud every staff member and employee whose relentless efforts have resulted in this award.”
Raymond Bickson, managing director and chief executive officer of Taj Hotels, Resorts & Palaces, said, “This is a very exciting moment for the entire Taj family. We congratulate Karambir and take pride in his honor. Karambir’s contribution to Taj has been unparalleled; he has exhibited great resolve and strength.”
Kang began his career with Taj over 17 years ago. His leadership was given the ultimate test when the hotel was devastated by a terrorist attack last November 26. Despite overwhelming property damage, the grief of personal family and Taj colleague loss, Kang reopened the hotel 23 days later.
Under his leadership, Taj Mahal Palace & Tower has won many awards and accolades such as Conde Nast Traveller UK Reader’s Travel Awards 2008 for Best Overseas Business Hotel; Conde Nast Traveler USA Gold List 2009 for Best Places to Stay in the World; National Tourism Award – Atithi Devo Bhava: Pride of India for exemplary service going beyond the call of duty; Economic Times Special Corporate Citizen Award for its brave staff putting service before self and for saving the lives of others at the risk of their own; and Travel & Leisure 2009 – World’s Best City Hotels in Asia.
www.tajhotels.com
