By Neha Mehrotra
Kapil Chopra is a dynamic figure in the hospitality sector, renowned for his steadfast commitment to a transformative mission. Recognised for his boundless energy and results-driven approach, Chopra is a notable entrepreneur who has carved a niche in the industry. Here, we take a look at his entrepreneurial journey and impressive portfolio in the hospitality sector. It’s also noteworthy that he is the Chairman of the Board at EazyDiner, the founder of an NGO called Charity Beds, and the founder of the country’s first e-magazine on art called ‘The Wall’.
A Spectacular Journey
Formerly the president of Oberoi Hotels, Chopra’s journey began in the mid-1990s as a management trainee at the Oberoi. His career path included roles at Grand Hyatt and Taj before returning to the Oberoi in the early 2000s. Returning to the Oberoi in the early 2000s and assuming the role of president at the Oberoi Group in 2013, he swiftly distinguished himself, ascending to the A-league of hoteliers in India.
During his tenure, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts not only earned accolades such as the ‘World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand’ and ‘World’s Best Hotel Brand’ but also expanded its footprint internationally under his leadership. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the growth and development of Trident and Oberoi in Gurgaon. This strategic move not only placed Gurgaon on India’s luxury destination map but also positioned the Oberoi and Trident Gurgaon as the country’s best luxury hotels.
Taking a Leap
With such huge accomplishments under his belt, where does one go from here? In 2017, he decided to leave the Oberoi Group after serving for over a dozen years during his second stint with the chain. When he was posed the anticipated “why” question, his response was straightforward: he felt compelled to challenge the existing norms. Relying on his more than two-decade experience, he launched The Postcard Hotel (TPH) in 2018 with the belief that luxury hospitality’s future lay in small experiential hotels with high levels of personalised service.
The Postcard Hotel, launched five years ago, already has nine operational properties with assets worth over Rs 2,672 crore locked in for two decades, with six more to be launched soon. On the international stage, The Postcard Hotel has extended its presence to the Kingdom of Bhutan and Sri Lanka—The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu and The Postcard Galle, respectively. With a steadfast commitment to unveiling a new hotel every three months, Kapil further envisions constructing twenty hotels from the ground up, each at various stages of development.
Putting India on the Global Map
The Postcard Hotel recently clinched the prestigious ‘World’s Leading Emerging Boutique Hotel Brand 2023’ award at the World Travel Awards hosted at Burj Al Arab in Dubai. Additionally, it earned the accolade of ‘World’s Leading Boutique Beach Hotel 2023’ for its coastal property, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka. With these global honours, Kapil Chopra has not only highlighted India’s standing in hospitality excellence but also emphasised the nation’s increasing impact on the global hospitality stage. The triumph at the World Travel Awards for The Postcard Hotel signifies his keen determination and ability to not only preserve India’s cultural essence but also deliver world-class services that cater to the sophisticated preferences of contemporary travellers.
