The Journey of Excellence: A Biography of Gaurang Alagh
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Introduction
Hospitality is not merely about serving food and beverages—it is about creating experiences, building emotions, and delivering moments that remain etched in the memory of guests forever. Among the young professionals carving their space in this highly competitive and global industry, Gaurang Alagh stands as a shining example of passion, dedication, and innovation.
Born on 28 December 2000, Gaurang has already achieved remarkable milestones in the world of hospitality at a young age. With a blend of academic brilliance, global exposure, and professional versatility, he represents the future of luxury hospitality leadership. His journey—from a curious student to becoming the Assistant Restaurant Manager at Accor’s TRIBE Phuket Patong—is a story of resilience, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
This biography explores the life and career of Gaurang Alagh in depth—his background, education, professional achievements, contributions to the hospitality industry, and the values that define him.
Early Life and Personal Background
Gaurang Alagh was born on 28 December 2000, into a generation where globalization and cultural exchange were reshaping industries. His formative years were influenced by an innate passion for service and leadership. Unlike many who stumble into hospitality by chance, Gaurang consciously chose this path, driven by a vision to redefine guest experiences and elevate service standards in the luxury segment.
His early exposure to diverse cultures, including participation in international student exchange programs and competitions, sowed the seeds of cross-cultural adaptability. These experiences not only nurtured his communication skills but also instilled in him an appreciation for global standards of excellence.
Even as a teenager, he showcased qualities of leadership, discipline, and creativity. Representing India at international events and handling responsibilities in competitive environments gave him the confidence to pursue a career where people, culture, and excellence converge—hospitality
Academic Journey
A strong academic foundation has always been central to Gaurang’s journey. He pursued a carefully curated educational path that balanced theory with practice, ensuring he developed both intellectual understanding and operational expertise.
Hotel Management at ITC Hospitality Management Institute (ITC HMI)
From 2019 to 2022, Gaurang studied Hotel Management through the WelcomLEAD Program at ITC Hotels. This rigorous program is recognized for shaping future leaders in hospitality by blending classroom learning with hands-on training at some of the country’s finest properties.
During this phase, Gaurang gained exposure to luxury operations across various ITC Hotels including:
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, Saket
ITC Maurya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Delhi
ITC Grand Bharat, Gurugram
WelcomHotel Jodhpur, Rajasthan
This period laid the foundation for his professional discipline and introduced him to the intricacies of guest engagement, service excellence, and operational efficiency.
Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Studies – IGNOU
Parallel to his hotel management studies, Gaurang completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Studies from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) (2019-2022). This degree widened his perspective beyond operations, equipping him with insights into the global tourism ecosystem, market trends, and cultural tourism.
Specialized Certifications
Gaurang has always believed in continuous learning, which is evident in his multiple certifications:
WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (2022) – A globally recognized certification that enhanced his wine expertise and enabled him to design sophisticated dining experiences.
Food Safety Supervisor – FOSTAC (2022) – Ensuring compliance with international food safety standards.
Total Barista Certification (2022) – Trained under Winston Thomas, a 3-time Barista World Championship competitor, enhancing his coffee artistry.
Marketing and Research Courses (2025) – Including certifications from Meta, University of London, and Queen Mary University, reflecting his interest in integrating marketing with hospitality leadership.
MBA in Marketing & Business Management – Manipal University
Currently, Gaurang is pursuing his MBA in Marketing and Business Management at Manipal University, Jaipur (2025). This academic pursuit complements his operational expertise, preparing him for strategic leadership roles in the hospitality and luxury lifestyle industry.
Professional Journey
Early Experience at ITC Hotels (2019–2022)
As part of the WelcomLEAD Program, Gaurang trained across multiple ITC luxury properties. His responsibilities exposed him to fine dining operations, guest management, event handling, and leadership skills. Each property enriched his knowledge and polished his ability to maintain service excellence in high-pressure luxury environments.
F&B Executive – Sheraton New Delhi Hotel (2022–2023)
After completing his training, Gaurang was appointed as F&B Executive at the Sheraton New Delhi Hotel, where he oversaw bar operations, including the Lounge Bar and the exclusive Sheraton Club Lounge for Marriott Members. His role required balancing creativity in beverage offerings with operational efficiency, while also handling high-profile clientele.
Management Trainee at Accor (2023–2025)
In 2023, Gaurang embarked on an international journey with Accor Hotels, a global leader in hospitality. He joined Avista Hideaway Patong Resort & Spa Phuket – MGallery Collection during the pre-opening phase of Tambu, an Indian fine-dining restaurant.
Here, he played a pivotal role in shaping the restaurant’s identity, guest experience, and beverage programs. His contributions included:
Designing stories behind dishes to enhance guest engagement.
Developing wine pairings and tasting menu descriptions, which were later highlighted in the Michelin Guide 2025.
Conceptualizing the Whiskey Trolley, sourcing Indian spirits in Thailand, and pairing them with small bites.
Innovating welcome experiences with signature drinks.
Researching and curating the upcoming cocktail program “Sapt.”
Introducing “Rasa Yatra – A Non-Alcoholic Beverage Journey”, pairing beverages with tasting menus.
His ability to merge cultural authenticity with global fine-dining expectations positioned Tambu as a standout restaurant in Phuket’s luxury dining scene.
Assistant Restaurant Manager – Accor’s TRIBE Phuket Patong (2025–Present)
By 2025, Gaurang’s leadership and creativity earned him the role of Assistant Restaurant Manager at TRIBE Phuket Patong, Thailand’s only TRIBE brand hotel under Accor. This role signifies not just a promotion but recognition of his leadership skills, operational acumen, and guest-centric mindset.
Key Contributions and Highlights
Beyond his professional roles, Gaurang has contributed significantly to events, collaborations, and industry innovations:Represented India at the International Friendship Week 2017 in Japan.Competed at IIT Bhubaneshwar and IIT Delhi in national-level competitions.Acted as Butler for film celebrities like Aanand L Rai and Dhanush during long stays.Hosted Olympian Mirabai Chanu at Sheraton New Delhi Hotel.Guest Speaker at the CookADream Cooking Challenge 2020 Webinar.Collaborated with Chef Deepanker Khosla of Michelin-starred Haoma Bangkok, gaining fine dining expertise.Each of these experiences reflects Gaurang’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead in diverse settings, strengthening his credibility as a global hospitality leader.
