INDUSTRIAL VISIT TO HOTEL HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS, BENGALURU BOMMASANDRA

DATE – 03 DECEMBER 2024

For students pursuing hotel management and related fields, industrial visits to hotels are an essential part of their professional training. These visits provide a unique opportunity to observe and learn the intricacies of the hospitality industry, bridging the gap between classroom theories and real-world practices. Industrial visits are a vital educational tool that enhances students’ learning experiences, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to excel in their careers. By fostering a deeper understanding of industry operations and expectations, these visits prepare students for the dynamic and competitive professional world.

The First Semester BHM students of BGS Institute of Hotel Management participated in an Industrial Visit to Hotel Holiday Inn Express, Bengaluru Bommasandra on December 03, 2024. The visit was a critical component of their academic program, aimed at bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience. It offered students a chance to observe hotel operations, understand the coordination between various departments, and explore the intricacies of hotel services, including room management, ancillary departments, F&B outlets, and banquet facilities.

Objective of the Visit

1. To provide students with hands-on exposure to hotel operations.
2. To familiarize the students with the roles and functions of various hotel departments.
3. To demonstrate the importance of inter-departmental coordination.
4. To enhance their understanding of guest services and operational standards.
5. To understand the role and importance of the ancillary departments

Key Learnings

1. Food & Beverage Operations – Students gained detailed insights into the F&B department, including:

• Kitchen Operations: A tour of the kitchen highlighted processes like inventory management, mise en place (pre-preparation), and hygiene practices.
• Menu Planning: The Executive Chef explained how guest demographics, preferences, and costs influence menu design.
• Service Styles: The restaurant manager demonstrated different service methods, including buffet, a la carte, and room service.
• F&B Outlets – Students were introduced to beverage service standards, including coffee brewing techniques, cocktail preparation, and the role of pairing beverages with food.

• Express Café: A modern café offering quick-service breakfast and light meals, catering to business travelers.
• In-room Dining: The 24/7 service focused on convenience and customization to meet guest expectations.

2. Rooms Division Operations

• Front Office Management: They learned about the check-in/check-out processes, guest interaction, and reservation systems. The staff highlighted the use of advanced Property Management Systems (PMS) and the role of guest satisfaction in driving hotel success.
• Housekeeping Operations: Students were introduced to the meticulous processes involved in room maintenance, inventory control, and the significance of cleanliness in enhancing guest experience.

3. Role of Ancillary Departments – The visit highlighted the crucial contribution of ancillary departments to the hotel’s operations:

a.Human Resources (HR) – Recruitment and Training, Employee Engagement, Compliance

b. Finance – Budgeting and Cost Control,  Revenue Management, Payroll Management

c. Sales and Marketing – Brand Promotion, Event Sales, Guest Loyalty Programs,

d. Maintenance – Preventive Maintenance, Energy Management, Handling Guest Complaints

e. Security – Safety Protocols, Guest and Staff Safety

4. Coordination Between Departments – Students learned how effective communication ensures a seamless guest experience:

• Front Office & Housekeeping: Coordination for room readiness.
• F&B & Banquets: Collaboration for event planning and execution.
• Maintenance & Security: Prompt handling of technical and safety concerns.

Learnings from the Visit: The students gained the following insights:

1. Practical exposure to hotel management processes.
2. Understanding of operational challenges and strategies to overcome them.
3. Importance of teamwork and communication in delivering exceptional guest experiences.
4. Knowledge of hospitality technology, including PMS and inventory management tools.

Impact of the Visit on Students – The visit inspired students by providing a clear picture of the industry’s expectations and standards. It boosted their confidence and motivated them to pursue excellence in their chosen careers. By interacting with professionals, they developed a deeper appreciation for the hard work and coordination that goes into running a hotel successfully.

Feedback from Students

• Students found the visit informative and engaging.
• They appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and interact with experienced hotel staff.
• Many expressed that the visit deepened their interest in specialized fields like Front Office, F&B, and Event Management.

The industrial visit to Hotel Holiday Inn Express, Bengaluru Bommasandra, was an enriching experience that complemented the students’ academic learning. It provided them with a realistic perspective on hotel operations and encouraged them to strive for excellence in the hospitality industry.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Vinod M, General Manager and Mr. Imran, HR Manager, the management and staff of Hotel Holiday Inn Express for their hospitality and willingness to share their expertise, as well as the faculty members who organized the visit.