Top hospitality professionals honoured at AHP Excellence Awards 2025 in Delhi

The Association of Hospitality Professionals (AHP) held its annual Hospitality Excellence Awards 2025 in New Delhi on Wednesday, recognising the hard work and talent of people working in India’s hospitality and tourism sector.

The event took place at The Suryaa Hotel in New Friends Colony and brought together hotel staff, chefs, managers, students, and senior industry figures from across the country. The awards were given to individuals and institutions who have shown outstanding work in areas like hotel service, food and beverage, housekeeping, and leadership.

Aman Nath, founder of Neemrana Hotels, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to heritage hotels in India. Member of Parliament Bansuri Swaraj was the Chief Guest at the event.

Devipshita Gautam, who started the AHP organisation, said the awards aim to appreciate the people who make the hospitality industry work—from chefs and cleaners to managers and trainers. “Behind every good hotel experience, there are people who work hard every day. These awards are to recognise their efforts,” she said.

One of the major awards of the night went to Sharad Kumar Upadhyay from Crowne Plaza Greater Noida, who was named Outstanding General Manager. Others who were recognised for their work included Bharat Alagh, awarded for excellence in culinary arts; Shashank Gulati for food and beverage service; Ayesha Ali for her work in housekeeping; Vijayendra Thapa for front office operations; Yamini Malhotra for contributions in human resources; Tushar Abrol for training and development; and Naresh Saini for his role in procurement and supplies.

Parmeet Singh Nayar, who manages Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, was given the award for Outstanding Contribution to the Hospitality Industry. Two well-known chefs, Vivek Saggar and Sireesh Saxena, were added to the AHP Hall of Fame.

Vinod Gulati, Chairperson of AHP’s Executive Committee, said the awards are a way of supporting and encouraging hospitality workers. “We want to build platforms where their work is recognised and celebrated,” he said.

Several hotels and restaurants were also recognised for their performance. Confectioner from Pride Plaza Aerocity won the award for best bakery. Oro Bar at Radisson Blu in Paschim Vihar was named best bar. Spice Art at Crowne Plaza Greater Noida was awarded best fine dining restaurant. New York Café – NYC at Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi, won best casual dining restaurant. Kiyan at The Roseate was recognised as the best multi-cuisine restaurant, while Kheer at Roseate House, New Delhi, was named the best overall restaurant.

In the hotel category, Radisson Blu Plaza, Delhi Airport stood out by winning both best 5-star deluxe luxury hotel and best green initiatives. Crowne Plaza Today, Okhla was awarded best 5-star hotel, while Regenta by Royal Orchid in Dehradun was recognised as the best budget hotel. Mastiff Grand La Villae received the award for best wedding destination hotel, and Novotel New Delhi City Centre was honoured as the best debut hotel. The host venue, The Suryaa, received a special jury award in the 5-star deluxe category.

Also Read: 8th AHP Hospitality Challenge underway in Delhi with focus on inclusion 

The event ended with a dinner, where participants shared their experiences and celebrated the evening together.

Earlier this month, AHP also organised the 8th Hospitality Challenge 2025, where over 350 students and young professionals from across India took part in competitions to showcase their skills. These contests were held at various locations including Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute, The Suryaa, Novotel City Centre, and Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar.

A special segment called Sashakt focused on giving specially-abled participants a chance to compete equally. A panel of 50 senior professionals judged the events.

The Association of Hospitality Professionals is a not-for-profit group that works to support skill development and career growth in the hospitality industry. Through awards, training programmes and competitions, the organisation hopes to make the sector more inclusive, skilled, and recognised.