Trailblazer Raj Bhatt, Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group, in this exclusive interview talks about his leadership journey, entrepreneurial evolution, and the bold vision that shaped his path from hotel operations to building a global hospitality ecosystem. The industry leader Raj Bhatt also shares insights on industry transformation, executive hiring, community building, and his strategic plans for expanding Hozpitality Group’s presence globally
Raj Bhatt is a globally recognized hospitality entrepreneur, executive recruitment strategist, and the Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group — one of the industry’s most dynamic and influential talent ecosystems. With 30+ years of global experience across hotel operations, leadership hiring, and industry platform building, Raj Bhatt has redefined how hospitality professionals connect, grow, and lead on a global stage.
With qualifications in Hotel Management and Business Management, Raj Bhatt began his career with leading international hotel brands across India, Kenya, and Tanzania, including The Oberoi Group, Holiday Inn, and Ramada Plaza, building a strong operational and leadership foundation. In 2008, he transformed a bold vision into reality by launching Hozpitality Group — evolving it from a niche job portal into a powerful global platform serving industry giants including Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott International, IHG, and Caesars Palace. Raj Bhatt has supported executive hiring, large-scale pre-openings, employer branding, and industry-wide recognition initiatives across multiple continents.
Currently based in the United States, Raj Bhatt is spearheading Hozpitality Group’s North American expansion, forging strategic partnerships, and shaping leadership pipelines for the future of hospitality. Guided by a people-first philosophy and powered by technology, Raj Bhatt has built more than a platform — he has built a movement.
For Raj Bhatt, true success is not measured by numbers alone, but by impact: empowering professionals, elevating brands, and shaping the global future of hospitality. “The focus,” Raj Bhatt says, “Is on expanding Hozpitality Group’s US presence, building strategic partnerships, supporting hospitality brands.”
“Adaptability, for me, comes from a balance of long-term vision and short-term experimentation. We stay flexible in execution, open to innovation, and unafraid to evolve our models, while remaining anchored to our core purpose. That combination allows us to grow with the industry, not chase it.”
– Raj Bhatt – Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group
Hozpitality Group is also widely known for its industry awards and recognitions, celebrating excellence across hotels, restaurants, chefs, leaders, and hospitality professionals. These platforms have become respected benchmarks in the industry, strengthening employer branding and recognizing talent across the Middle East, Asia, and now North America. In this exclusive interview, Raj Bhatt talks about his inspiring journey of leading entrepreneurship, industry transformation, leadership hiring, and his bold vision for expanding Hozpitality Group.
Tell us the story behind your venture. What inspired its inception, and how has the journey evolved so far?
Hozpitality was born out of a simple yet powerful idea — to create a global platform that truly connects hospitality professionals, not just through jobs, but through community, knowledge, and opportunity.
After spending years in the hospitality industry and media, I saw a clear gap: incredibly talented professionals lacked a unified space to be seen, heard, and supported beyond their immediate networks. That insight became the foundation of Hozpitality.
What started as a niche industry portal has now evolved into an international ecosystem — spanning careers, content, awards, events, education, and networking across multiple countries. The journey has been one of constant learning, building, and adapting, but the vision remains the same: to elevate hospitality as a profession and empower the people behind the industry.
Today, as Hozpitality expands into the US and new global markets, it feels less like a startup and more like a movement — one driven by passion, purpose, and the belief that hospitality professionals deserve a powerful voice on a global stage.
“What truly sets Hozpitality apart is that we are not just a platform, but an ecosystem built around people, not just transactions. While most industry platforms focus on one aspect — whether it’s jobs, content, or networking — Hozpitality brings together careers, media, education, events, and recognition under one global umbrella.” – Raj Bhatt
Every brand has a signature edge. What would you say truly sets your business apart in today’s competitive landscape?
What truly sets Hozpitality apart is that we are not just a platform, but an ecosystem built around people, not just transactions. While most industry platforms focus on one aspect — whether it’s jobs, content, or networking — Hozpitality brings together careers, media, education, events, and recognition under one global umbrella.
Our signature edge lies in combining technology with community. We don’t just connect professionals to opportunities; we amplify their voices, celebrate their achievements, and help shape their personal brands. In a highly competitive landscape, that human-centric approach — where growth, visibility, and credibility go hand in hand — is what makes Hozpitality truly distinctive.
Looking back, what has been the single biggest game changer for your business? A decision, moment, or mindset shift that made all the difference?
The biggest game changer for me was shifting from thinking of Hozpitality as a digital platform to building it as a global brand and community. That mindset shift changed everything — from how we designed our offerings to how we engaged with partners, talent, and markets.
Once we stopped operating like a traditional startup and started thinking like a long-term ecosystem, the growth became more intentional, more strategic, and more sustainable. It allowed us to move beyond scale for the sake of numbers, and instead focus on impact, credibility, and global relevance.
“What excites me most is how these trends are democratizing opportunity. Hospitality is no longer confined to traditional spaces — it’s expanding into lifestyle, community, and culture. That shift opens doors for innovation, for new kinds of experiences, and for talent from diverse backgrounds to lead, create, and redefine the industry.” – Raj Bhatt
As someone deeply involved in the industry, how do you view the current market trends, and what excites you most about where it’s headed?
The hospitality industry today is undergoing a fascinating transformation — driven by experience-first thinking, digital acceleration, and a new generation of professionals who value purpose as much as opportunity. We’re seeing talent seek not just jobs, but meaningful careers; brands creating immersive experiences rather than transactions; and technology enabling deeper human connection rather than replacing it.
What excites me most is how these trends are democratizing opportunity. Hospitality is no longer confined to traditional spaces — it’s expanding into lifestyle, community, and culture. That shift opens doors for innovation, for new kinds of experiences, and for talent from diverse backgrounds to lead, create, and redefine the industry.
How do you stay relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing business environment?
Staying relevant today is less about reacting to change and more about staying curious. I make it a point to continuously listen — to the market, to our community, to emerging talent, and to evolving consumer behavior. That feedback loop keeps both me and the brand grounded in reality rather than assumptions.
Adaptability, for me, comes from a balance of long-term vision and short-term experimentation. We stay flexible in execution, open to innovation, and unafraid to evolve our models, while remaining anchored to our core purpose. That combination allows us to grow with the industry, not chase it.
Dubai is a global hub for innovation and growth. What has been your personal and professional connection with the city?
I started my career in Dubai in 1995 as a trainee waiter, so my connection with the city is deeply personal. Dubai didn’t just give me a job — it gave me my foundation in hospitality, discipline, and ambition.
Over the years, I’ve grown alongside the city — from being on the frontlines of service to building a global platform in the same industry. Watching Dubai evolve into a global hub while I evolved professionally has been incredibly meaningful. In many ways, Dubai shaped the way I think about work, leadership, and opportunity.
“Dubai taught me to think big, move fast, and stay adaptable — while never losing sight of the human element behind every brand and business.”
– Raj Bhatt – Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group
How has operating in Dubai influenced your business strategy, culture, or vision?
Operating in Dubai has had a profound influence on both my business mindset and leadership style. Starting my career here as a trainee waiter in 1995 taught me the fundamentals of service, humility, and multicultural teamwork — values that remain at the core of how I build businesses today.
Strategically, Dubai exposed me early to a truly global environment. Working with people from different nationalities, cultures, and markets shaped my vision of building platforms that are international by design, not limited by geography. It’s why Hozpitality was always conceived as a global ecosystem, not a local product.
Dubai taught me to think big, move fast, and stay adaptable — while never losing sight of the human element behind every brand and business.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs looking to build a sustainable and impactful business in your industry?
My advice would be to build with purpose first, profit second. In hospitality, and especially in a people-centric industry like ours, the businesses that endure are the ones that focus on creating real value for people — whether it’s employees, customers, or partners.
Stay deeply connected to your community, listen more than you speak, and build systems that allow both people and ideas to thrive. Don’t chase trends blindly; invest in long-term relationships, quality, and credibility.
Sustainability and impact come from consistency, empathy, and the courage to innovate responsibly. If you do that, the growth and recognition will follow naturally.
Looking ahead, what’s the way forward for your brand? Any upcoming plans, expansions, or aspirations you’re excited about?
Looking ahead, Hozpitality’s way forward is about global growth, deeper community impact, and innovation in hospitality engagement. We’re expanding further into the U.S., while strengthening our presence in the Middle East and other international markets.
Beyond geographic growth, we’re focused on creating more opportunities for professionals — through awards, education, events, and content that empower them to grow, be recognized, and shape the industry.
Ultimately, our aspiration is to position Hozpitality not just as a platform, but as a global ecosystem for hospitality talent and innovation — a space where ideas, careers, and experiences converge, and where the industry’s best are celebrated worldwide.
“If the work we do helps others grow, find opportunities, and feel recognized, that’s success to me. Everything else — scale, revenue, visibility — becomes a byproduct of that purpose.”
– Raj Bhatt – Founder & CEO of Hozpitality Group
Success means different things to different people. How do you personally define success today?
Today, I define success less by numbers and more by impact. It’s about building something meaningful that creates real value for people — empowering professionals, opening doors, and contributing positively to the industry and community.
If the work we do helps others grow, find opportunities, and feel recognized, that’s success to me. Everything else — scale, revenue, visibility — becomes a byproduct of that purpose.
What has been your biggest lesson through your journey?
The biggest lesson for me has been that people matter more than ideas. You can have the best concept or strategy, but without the right people, culture, and relationships, nothing truly scales. Building trust, listening deeply, and investing in people — whether it’s your team, partners, or community — has been far more impactful than any business tactic. In the end, sustainable success is always built on human connection.