Gaurang Alagh: Crafting Hospitality Excellence Across India and Thailand |The Rising Star of Luxury Hospitality – Gaurang Alagh’s Inspiring Journey |Blending Tradition with Modern Luxury: The Story of Gaurang Alagh
Early Life and Inspiration
In the world of hospitality, where passion meets precision, few stories shine as brightly as that of Gaurang Alagh. Born on 28 December 2000, Gaurang’s upbringing was steeped in values of discipline, learning, and cultural appreciation. From a young age, he displayed an innate curiosity about people, food, and the way experiences could transform simple moments into lasting memories. This fascination eventually evolved into a determined pursuit of a career in hospitality—a field that aligned perfectly with his strengths in communication, adaptability, and leadership.
As a child, Gaurang often stood out for his ability to connect with people across diverse backgrounds. His exposure to different cultural experiences during his formative years, including a student exchange program in Singapore (2015) and his representation of India at the International Friendship Week in Japan (2017), broadened his worldview early on. These experiences taught him the importance of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the joy of global connections, all of which later became vital qualities in his career as a luxury hospitality professional.
Academic Foundation: Building a Strong Base in Hospitality
Gaurang’s journey into hospitality was supported by a robust academic path that gave him both theoretical grounding and practical expertise. He pursued Hotel Management at the ITC Hospitality Management Institute (2019–2022), one of the country’s leading institutions for luxury hospitality education. His time here under the prestigious WelcomLEAD Program with ITC Hotels laid the cornerstone of his professional journey.
Alongside this, Gaurang also completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Studies at IGNOU (2019–2022), which provided him with a broader understanding of global tourism trends, destination management, and the interplay between hospitality and travel. This dual academic pursuit gave him the rare advantage of blending operations-focused learning with a macro-level view of tourism and its impact on the hospitality sector.
Never one to stop at the basics, Gaurang pursued several professional certifications that enriched his expertise:
- The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (2022) gave him specialized knowledge in viticulture, wine tasting, and pairing, which later played a key role in curating fine dining experiences.
- A Food Safety Supervisor certification (FOSTAC – FSSAI, 2022) ensured he upheld the highest hygiene and safety standards, an essential in luxury dining.
- His Barista certification (2022) under Winston Thomas, a three-time Barista World Championship competitor, exposed him to the art of coffee craftsmanship, adding depth to his beverage knowledge.
- Further strengthening his business acumen, he began pursuing an MBA in Marketing and Business Management from Manipal University (2025), supported by certifications in marketing strategy from the University of London and research methodologies from Queen Mary University of London.
These academic achievements were not just degrees on paper—they became tools that allowed Gaurang to bridge the gap between service artistry and strategic management.
Professional Journey: From India to Thailand
The ITC Hotels Experience (2019–2022)
Gaurang’s professional career began as part of the WelcomLEAD program at ITC Hotels, one of the most respected hospitality chains in India. He rotated through multiple properties, including:
- Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, Saket
- ITC Maurya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Delhi
- ITC Grand Bharat, A Luxury Collection Retreat, Gurugram
- WelcomHotel Jodhpur, Rajasthan
This early exposure immersed him in diverse hospitality environments—from the grandeur of ITC Maurya, known for hosting diplomats and global leaders, to the leisure-driven luxury of ITC Grand Bharat, which catered to discerning travelers seeking holistic experiences.
During this period, Gaurang learned the intricacies of fine dining service, event management, guest relations, and operations optimization. His ability to quickly adapt to different settings, whether urban corporate hotels or resort properties, set him apart as a young professional with immense potential.
Sheraton New Delhi – F&B Executive (2022–2023)
After successfully completing the WelcomLEAD program, Gaurang was appointed as F&B Executive at Sheraton New Delhi Hotel. Here, he managed the Bar Operations, overseeing both the Lounge Bar and the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge, designed for elite Marriott Members.
This role was significant as it allowed him to integrate his wine and beverage expertise (WSET certification) with guest service. Handling premium clientele required precision, attentiveness, and an understanding of international standards. He was not just managing drinks—he was curating experiences. His attention to detail ensured that every guest interaction reflected a blend of sophistication, personalization, and efficiency.
Accor Journey – Management Trainee to Assistant Manager (2023–2025)
In 2023, Gaurang joined Accor Hotels, one of the world’s leading hospitality groups, as a Management Trainee. His placement was at the Avista Hideaway Patong Resort & Spa Phuket – MGallery Collection, where he was entrusted with a prestigious project: the pre-opening of “Tambu,” the flagship Indian fine-dining restaurant in Phuket.
Gaurang played a pivotal role in conceptualizing the restaurant’s guest journey, dish storytelling, tasting menu designs, and wine pairings. His contributions were so impactful that Tambu was recognized in the Michelin Guide 2025, highlighting its innovative service and cultural authenticity.
By March 2025, Gaurang’s performance earned him the promotion to Assistant Restaurant Manager at Tambu, where he continued to refine operations, enhance guest experiences, and develop innovative beverage programs. Two months later, in May 2025, he was transferred to TRIBE Phuket Patong, Thailand’s only TRIBE brand property by Accor, where he now serves as Assistant Restaurant Manager.
Key Contributions and Innovations
Throughout his career, Gaurang has consistently gone beyond routine responsibilities, introducing unique ideas and programs that elevated the overall guest experience. Some of his standout contributions include:
- Representing India on International Platforms: His role in representing India at the International Friendship Week in Japan (2017) reflects his cross-cultural adaptability and communication excellence.
- Celebrity Hospitality: At Sheraton New Delhi, he personally served as a Butler to filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, actor Dhanush, and Olympian Mirabai Chanu, ensuring seamless service for high-profile guests.
- Guest Speaker & Mentor: Invited as a Guest Speaker at CookADream Cooking Challenge (2020), he shared his knowledge and inspired aspiring hospitality students.
- Fine Dining Collaborations: Worked closely with Chef Deepanker Khosla of Haoma Bangkok (Michelin Star & Green Star), gaining valuable insights into sustainable fine dining and innovative restaurant practices.
- Innovative Beverage Programs:
- Developed the Whiskey Trolley concept in Thailand, curating Indian spirits with pairing bites.
- Researched and crafted the “Sapt” Cocktail Program, giving beverages a storyline-driven approach.
- Introduced the “Rasa Yatra” Non-Alcoholic Beverage Journey, pairing zero-proof drinks with tasting menus at Tambu—a concept applauded by the Michelin Guide.
These contributions reflect not just operational skill but visionary thinking, combining storytelling, cultural depth, and modern hospitality trends.
Recognition in the Michelin Guide 2025
One of the most defining moments in Gaurang’s career was his contribution to Tambu’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide 2025. His work in developing dish stories, wine pairings, and guest journeys transformed the dining experience into an immersive cultural celebration. Tambu’s recognition was not just a win for the restaurant but also a testament to Gaurang’s ability to bridge Indian culinary traditions with global fine-dining expectations.
Blending Hospitality with Academics
Unlike many professionals who choose either academics or hands-on experience, Gaurang has pursued both paths simultaneously. His ongoing MBA in Marketing and Business Management signifies his dedication to integrating operational expertise with strategic thinking. His certifications in social media marketing and research methodologies also highlight his awareness of how modern hospitality must intersect with digital presence, branding, and market analysis.
This holistic approach ensures that Gaurang is not just a restaurant manager but a hospitality innovator equipped to lead the industry into the future.
Impact and Vision for the Future
Today, at just 24 years old, Gaurang Alagh represents a new generation of hospitality leaders who combine youthful energy, global exposure, academic excellence, and cultural sensitivity. His career demonstrates how passion, discipline, and innovation can intersect to create unforgettable guest experiences.
Looking ahead, Gaurang envisions a future where hospitality blends storytelling, sustainability, and personalization. His ability to design beverage journeys, curate unique cultural experiences, and lead luxury dining operations across international locations positions him as a rising star in the industry.
His impact extends beyond immediate guest satisfaction—he is actively shaping the future narrative of luxury hospitality in Asia, one experience at a time.
The Journey of Excellence
From his beginnings in India’s leading hotel chains to his growing influence in Thailand’s luxury dining scene, Gaurang Alagh’s journey is one of resilience, adaptability, and vision. Every role, from being a trainee at ITC Hotels to becoming an Assistant Restaurant Manager at Accor’s TRIBE Phuket Patong, reflects his consistent growth and ability to innovate.
His recognition in the Michelin Guide 2025, collaborations with top chefs, and leadership in luxury dining at such a young age establish him as an emerging global hospitality leader. More than just a manager, Gaurang is a storyteller of experiences, a curator of moments, and a visionary shaping the future of hospitality.