Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025 Honours Trailblazers of Travel, Tourism & Hospitality
A Night of Industry Recognition, Thought Leadership, and Celebration at Fairmont Mumbai
Mumbai, 2 September 2025 — The Infinity Ballroom at Fairmont Mumbai came alive with industry luminaries, thought leaders, and innovators as the Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025 unfolded in a grand celebration of excellence across the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors. Hosted by PICTURE N KRAFT on behalf of Mohomed Morani, Mazhar Nadiadwala, Shafquat Ali, and Rajeev Kapoor, the evening seamlessly blended a high-powered press conference, award ceremony, and a celebratory gathering to mark Mohomed Morani’s birthday.
Spotlight on Visionaries and Changemakers
The summit brought together a distinguished lineup of guests whose contributions have shaped the contours of India’s tourism and hospitality landscape. Among the honorees were:
- Anuraag Bhatnagar – Inducted into the Hall of Fame for his enduring impact on luxury hospitality
- Vikram Oberoi – Named Hotelier of the Year for his leadership and innovation in the Oberoi Group
- Sabbas Joseph – Recognized as the MICE & Events Trailblazer, highlighting his pioneering work in experiential events
- Madhavan Menon – Awarded Tourism Trailblazer for his strategic vision in travel services
- Zubin Saxena – Honoured as Hospitality Trailblazer for driving transformation across hotel operations
- Rikant Pitti – Celebrated as Travel Trailblazer for his disruptive role in online travel platforms
- Rajan Bahadur – Commended for his contributions to education in tourism and hospitality through THSC
These accolades not only acknowledged individual excellence but also underscored the evolving dynamics of India’s travel ecosystem, where innovation, sustainability, and customer-centricity are redefining benchmarks.
Drona Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute to Legacy
The emotional high point of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Drona Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr Ajit B. Kerkar, former CMD of the Taj Group of Hotels. Widely regarded as a visionary who transformed Indian hospitality, Dr Kerkar’s legacy was celebrated with heartfelt tributes from peers and protégés alike. His pioneering work in positioning India as a global luxury destination continues to inspire generations of hoteliers.
Industry Dialogue and Strategic Insights
The press conference preceding the awards featured engaging discussions on the future of Indian tourism, the role of technology in hospitality, and the importance of skill development. With stakeholders from across the sector in attendance, the dialogue emphasized collaboration between private enterprise and public policy to drive sustainable growth.
The Lighthouse Summit also served as a platform to spotlight emerging trends—from experiential travel and wellness tourism to AI-driven guest services and green hospitality practices. The presence of influential voices like Shantanu Mehrotra and Nidhi Verma added depth to the conversations, bridging corporate strategy with consumer expectations.
A Celebration of Excellence and Camaraderie
In association with Dome Entertainment, Hospitality Horizon, and Fairmont Mumbai, the event was not just a recognition platform but a celebration of the spirit that drives the industry forward. The evening concluded with a birthday celebration for Mohomed Morani, adding a personal touch to an otherwise formal gathering.
From awards to insights, and from legacy to innovation, the Lighthouse Summit & Awards 2025 reaffirmed the resilience and creativity of India’s travel and hospitality sector. As the industry continues to evolve, events like these serve as vital touchpoints for reflection, recognition, and renewal.
