Épisodes

  • Why One Leela Palace Is Worth ~70 Hotels | Leela CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar | IS - EP 21

    Why One Leela Palace Is Worth ~70 Hotels | Leela CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar | IS - EP 21
    Oct 3 2026
    Why is one Leela palace worth ~70 managed hotels? CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar on Indian luxury, pricing power, zero Covid layoffs & India’s luxury gap.In Episode 21 of Innside Scoop, Anant Kumar (co-founder, Brij Hotels) sits down with Anuraag Bhatnagar, Whole-time Director & CEO of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts — ranked the world’s No. 2 hotel brand in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026.They discuss what “true Indian luxury” means, why a luxury brand should not grow too fast, how a parking lot became a ballroom and a dumping ground became a speakeasy, why The Leela laid off no one and kept hiring through Covid, what Brookfield’s ownership changed, the pipeline from Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah to Agra, Ayodhya, Srinagar and Coorg, and why India’s luxury hotel supply is far behind demand. Plus: 10 years at Oberoi, lessons from PRS Oberoi, Starwood, Marriott, and advice for anyone starting a hospitality career.Note: operating and market figures are as stated by the guest at the time of recording and are not company guidance.CHAPTERS00:00 Inside The Leela with CEO Anuraag Bhatnagar01:51 True Indian luxury05:12 28% growth, NPS 86 & pricing power09:25 Parking lot to ballroom, dump to speakeasy11:56 The pipeline: Dubai, Mumbai BKC, Agra & more15:37 Why a luxury brand must not grow fast (1 palace = 70 hotels)17:23 Branded residences & ARQ19:49 Aujasya wellness23:07 “My biggest nightmare is a Sunday”28:02 10 years at Oberoi & PRS Oberoi31:10 Starwood, Marriott & career lessons36:02 Joining The Leela before Covid39:30 Covid: zero layoffs, 1,300 hires & six-room rule41:02 Culture, green power & 5-year plan45:12 India’s luxury gap: under 30,000 luxury rooms47:28 Books & the meeting that changed his life51:56 Favourite Leela: Coorg & quiet luxury53:51 Hospitality’s blind spots57:24 Advice for starting a hospitality career59:31 Inbound vs outbound: India’s missed tourism opportunityABOUT THE GUESTAnuraag Bhatnagar is Whole-time Director & CEO of Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts Ltd (NSE: THELEELA), India’s listed pure-play luxury hospitality company, backed by Brookfield. An alumnus of IHM Pusa, he spent about a decade with The Oberoi Group, followed by senior roles with Starwood and Marriott International, including leading the St. Regis Mumbai. He joined The Leela in January 2020.FOLLOW ANURAAG BHATNAGARInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/anuraag.bhatnagar/X: https://x.com/anuraag999LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anuraag-bhatnagar/THE LEELAYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeelaHotelsOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theleela/Website: https://www.theleela.com/WATCH NEXTEP 17: Amruda Nair on selling The Leela: https://youtu.be/ANZYCQGOkCkPrevious episode, EP 20: https://youtu.be/llJxW3uYap8GUEST SUGGESTIONSinnsidescooppodcast@gmail.comFOLLOW INNSIDE SCOOPYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcastLINKEDINhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brij-hotels/https://www.linkedin.com/company/theclarkshotelsresorts/YOUTUBEhttps://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672https://www.youtube.com/@theclarkshotelsandresortsINSTAGRAM@brijhotelshttps://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/https://www.instagram.com/theclarkshotelsandresorts/WEBSITEShttps://www.brijhotels.com/https://www.theclarkshotels.com/ABOUT INNSIDE SCOOPInnside Scoop is the ULTIMATE podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, the podcast provides deep insights and expert advice for people entering or already working in hospitality.#InnsideScoop #TheLeela #AnuraagBhatnagar #LuxuryHospitality #HospitalityIndia
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Inside the World's Biggest Travel Company - Booking.com's South Asia Head ft. Santosh Kumar | EP 19

    Inside the World's Biggest Travel Company - Booking.com's South Asia Head ft. Santosh Kumar | EP 19
    Sep 1 2026

    Santosh Kumar is the Regional Head for South Asia at Booking.com - the world's largest online travel company, with over a billion room nights booked a year. But his path here was anything but ordinary: from playing cricket at the state level, to a master's in the US, to consulting, to American Express, and finally to leading one of the most powerful travel platforms on earth.

    In this episode of Innside Scoop, host Anant Kumar (Co-founder, Brij Hotels) sits down with Santosh to unpack what it really takes to run travel at global scale - and why he believes generalists, not specialists, will win the AI era.

    We get into:

    → Why "talent doesn't win championships, culture does" - and what sport taught him about business
    → Whether ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude are actually a threat to Booking.com
    → Why India isn't one market, but "many Indias"
    → The Booking.com vs Agoda question every hotelier asks
    → Why Booking won't just acquire a local Indian player
    → Alternative accommodation now driving ~38% of room nights
    → How Genius, payments, and the "connected trip" are reshaping travel
    → His rapid-fire: biggest fear, dream job, and the book that changed his life

    A candid conversation on leadership, AI, responsible travel, and the future of the industry.

    _____

    If you have any guest suggestions for our podcast, mail us at:
    innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Innside Scoop's Social Media Handles:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast

    For any other queries EMAIL:
    innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Santosh Kumar's Social Media Handles:
    LinkedIn: in.linkedin.com/in/kumarsantosh

    Follow Booking.com:
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCde5lyhz54IYdyrbGA5F5rg
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bookingcom/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookingcom/
    Website: https://www.booking.com/

    We hope you will enjoy this episode and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

    __

    Follow Anant Kumar:
    LinkedIn: @anant-apurv-kumar
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/

    YouTube: @brijhotels672
    https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672

    Instagram: @brijhotels
    https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/

    Website: Brij Hotels
    https://www.brijhotels.com/

    ----------------------------------------------

    About:

    Innside Scoop is the ULTIMATE podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, this podcast is designed to provide deep insights and expert advice for those entering or already in the hospitality industry.

    Why Listen to Innside Scoop Podcast?

    • Expert Host: Anant Kumar brings years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the table. Learn from his journey and the invaluable lessons he’s gathered along the way.

    • Industry Secrets: Discover the untold stories, insider tips, and strategies that drive success in the hospitality sector.

    • Diverse Perspectives: Hear from a variety of industry leaders who have been mentored by top professionals in the field. Gain insights from their unique experiences and strategies that have driven their success.

    Join us as we explore the dynamic world of hospitality, from luxury escapes to innovative service strategies. Tune in to Innside Scoop and get the insights you need to excel in the hospitality industry.
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    1 h et 1 min
  • Inside India’s Hotel Boom: Data, Demand & Insights | Karan Mahesh - STR, CoStar Group | EP 15

    Inside India’s Hotel Boom: Data, Demand & Insights | Karan Mahesh - STR, CoStar Group | EP 15
    Jul 1 2026

    In this episode of Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar, we sit down with Karan Mahesh, Senior Sales Manager – South & Southeast Asia at STR (CoStar Group), to decode the data behind India’s hotel and hospitality boom.

    From occupancy and RevPAR trends to how pricing power has returned post-pandemic, Karan shares data-driven insights that reveal what’s really happening in India’s hotel market. He also explains how STR’s analytics shape strategic decisions for hotel owners, investors, and brands across the region.

    In this conversation:

    • The real story behind India’s hotel recovery
    • What hotel data reveals about demand patterns
    • How hoteliers can use analytics to make smarter decisions
    • Advice for aspiring hospitality professionals

    Whether you’re a hotel owner, investor, or an aspiring hotelier, this episode offers a rare inside look at how data drives success in hospitality today.

    Subscribe to Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar for more deep-dive conversations with the people shaping the hospitality industry.

    Guest Suggestions:
    Email: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Innside Scoop

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innsidescoop_podcast

    Follow Karan Mahesh

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanmahesh/

    Follow CoStar

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoStar
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costar/
    • Website: https://www.costar.com/

    Follow Anant Kumar

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anant-apurv-kumar/

    Follow Brij Hotels

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brijhotels672
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brijhotels/
    • Website: https://www.brijhotels.com/

    About Innside Scoop

    Innside Scoop is the ultimate podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, Co-founder of Brij Hotels, the podcast delivers deep insights, industry trends, and practical advice from leaders shaping the future of hospitality.

    Why listen?

    • Expert insights from hospitality leaders
    • Industry secrets, trends, and strategies
    • Real-world experiences from successful professionals
    • Actionable advice for hotel owners, investors, and aspiring hoteliers

    Join us as we explore the dynamic world of hospitality—from luxury hotels and boutique stays to data, technology, and service innovation.
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    1 h et 17 min
  • Patu Keswani on The Lemon Tree Hotels Story | Anant Kumar | EP 14 | Innside Scoop

    Patu Keswani on The Lemon Tree Hotels Story | Anant Kumar | EP 14 | Innside Scoop
    Jan 23 2026

    In this episode of Innside Scoop, we sit down with Patu Keswani, the visionary founder of Lemon Tree Hotels, to explore how he built one of India’s most respected hospitality brands.

    This is not just an inspiring story – it is also the most information-packed episode yet. From the economics of hotel growth to the realities of entry-level work, Patu shares candid insights into the hospitality industry in India, leadership, and building a purpose-driven company.

    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • How the Indian hospitality industry has evolved and where it’s heading
    • The realities of working in hotels at the ground level
    • Why Lemon Tree Hotels made inclusion and dignity of work its foundation
    • Leadership lessons on humility, growth, and purpose
    • Practical takeaways for entrepreneurs building in India

    Timestamps:
    00:00 | Introduction
    03:13 | Early life and family values shaping leadership
    05:45 | Lessons from Tata and Taj
    06:17 | Entry-level hotel work
    11:23 | Building company culture
    13:52 | Mentors and leadership lessons
    19:26 | Pet-friendly hotels & inclusion
    24:56 | Passion for pets
    27:56 | Funding Lemon Tree
    31:47 | Taking Lemon Tree public
    42:03 | Future plans & expansion
    51:00 | Family influences & legacy
    54:23 | Industry myths & lessons
    57:43 | Creating leaders
    01:01:28 | Books & business challenges
    01:04:54 | Reflections
    01:07:18 | Advice for youngsters
    01:09:56 | Favourite hotel stays & closing thoughts

    Follow Innside Scoop:
    YouTube | Instagram

    Guest Suggestions: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Lemon Tree Hotels:
    YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Website

    Host - Anant Apurv Kumar:
    LinkedIn

    Tune in and get the insights you need to excel in the world of hospitality.
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    1 h et 12 min
  • From $10 Million Exit Talks to Raising $3 Billion: The Deep Kalra Story | MakeMyTrip | Anant Kumar | Udit Kumar | EP 13

    From $10 Million Exit Talks to Raising $3 Billion: The Deep Kalra Story | MakeMyTrip | Anant Kumar | Udit Kumar | EP 13
    Jan 9 2026

    How do you go from sleeping in second-class train containers to raising a $3.1 billion fund? In this power-packed episode, host Anant Kumar and his brother Udit Kumar—co-founders of Brij Hotels—sit down with Deep Kalra, the legendary founder of MakeMyTrip, to unpack his gritty entrepreneurial story, hard-won fundraising lessons, and the leadership mindset behind building a global travel giant.

    What you’ll learn
    • Early struggles, bold bets & the vision that launched MakeMyTrip.
    • How MMT scaled into a global travel leader—wins, pivots, and near-misses.
    • Fundraising principles every founder should know.
    • Actionable insights on hospitality, travel, culture, and leadership.

    If you’re an aspiring hotelier, a startup founder, or just love stories of grit and execution—this episode is a goldmine.

    Chapters
    • 00:00 | Introduction
    • 02:45 | The Founding Story of MakeMyTrip
    • 09:55 | Rajesh Magow’s IPO Roadshow Experience
    • 17:45 | Deep Kalra’s Biggest Regret
    • 18:42 | Offsites in Second-Class Trains: Humble Beginnings
    • 20:52 | Building Ebookers: The Full Journey
    • 24:55 | Why Deep Quit Banking (and Family Support)
    • 31:33 | Is Deep Protective About the MMT Brand?
    • 33:36 | MakeMyTrip Almost Sold for $10M?
    • 37:18 | Deep’s Toughest Decision
    • 41:14 | Risk vs Opportunity in AI: MMT’s Move
    • 44:28 | Building MMT’s Work Culture
    • 48:57 | Staying Composed in Adversity
    • 52:39 | Does Deep Face Imposter Syndrome?
    • 56:16 | A Day Off in Deep’s Life
    • 58:43 | Why MakeMyTrip & Goibibo Merged
    • 01:04:27 | What Led to the Ctrip Buyout?
    • 01:05:02 | Transitioning from CEO to Chairman
    • 01:07:03 | MakeMyTrip’s Next 25 Years
    • 01:08:17 | The Story Behind Ashoka University
    • 01:11:50 | Deep vs. Rajesh: Who’s Better at What?
    • 01:12:34 | 25 Years of Trust: What Customers Say
    • 01:15:36 | Gut Instinct: When It Works (& When It Doesn’t)
    • 01:17:16 | Slippery Slope: Fast-Paced Q&A
    Watch & follow
    • YouTube (Innside Scoop): youtube.com/@UCjEI8Hl3bFNm9_ZBFtxx_nw
    • Instagram (Innside Scoop): @innsidescoop_podcast
    Guest: Deep Kalra
    • Instagram: @deepkalra__
    • X: @deepkalrammt
    • LinkedIn: Deep Kalra
    MakeMyTrip
    • YouTube: @MakeMyTripOfficial
    • Instagram: @makemytrip
    • Website: makemytrip.com
    Hosts: Anant & Udit Kumar
    • LinkedIn (Anant): @anant-apurv-kumar
    • Instagram (Udit): @tidukumar
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    1 h et 26 min
  • Meet the Woman Who Brought Boutique Hotels to India ft. Priya Paul | THE Park Hotels | EP 12 | Innside Scoop

    Meet the Woman Who Brought Boutique Hotels to India ft. Priya Paul | THE Park Hotels | EP 12 | Innside Scoop
    Dec 26 2025

    At just 23, Priya Paul stepped into the family business at Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels and began a journey that would redefine Indian hospitality. From introducing boutique hotels to India to transforming them into vibrant cultural hubs, she has shaped The Park Hotels into an experience where art, design, and community meet.

    In this conversation, she reflects on her path, the challenges of leading change, and the creativity that continues to inspire her work today. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn hotels into cultural landmarks, this is a story worth hearing.

    🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell icon to catch the full episode.

    Video Chapters
    • 00:00 | Introduction to Priya Paul & The Park Hotels
    • 02:09 | Starting in Hospitality at 23: Priya Paul’s Early Journey
    • 05:04 | Lessons from Leading The Park Hotels: The First Lady of Indian Hospitality
    • 06:48 | Redefining Hotel Design: Priya Paul’s Vision for Indian Hospitality
    • 10:26 | Iconic Architecture of The Park Hotels: A Design-Driven Approach
    • 15:13 | Growth Strategy Behind The Park Hotels’ Success
    • 17:29 | How The Park Hotels Achieves the Highest Occupancy in India
    • 18:58 | Challenges as a Woman in Indian Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Perspective
    • 20:35 | Joining the Family Business: Priya Paul’s Career Story
    • 26:14 | Running a Family Business vs. a Listed Company in Hospitality
    • 30:49 | The Park Hotels’ Succession Planning Explained
    • 32:55 | Receiving the Padma Shri: Priya Paul’s Proud Moment
    • 33:57 | The Park Hotels’ Tie-ups with International Brands & Loyalty Programs
    • 35:10 | Toughest Times in Hospitality: Priya Paul’s Leadership Lessons
    • 39:38 | Expanding The Park Hotels Across India: State-by-State Challenges
    • 40:25 | Slippery Slope
    Contact & Guest Suggestions

    If you have any guest suggestions for our podcast, mail us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    Follow Innside Scoop
    • YouTube
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    • Email: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com
    Follow Priya Paul
    • Instagram
    Follow The Park Hotels
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Website
    Follow Apeejay Group
    • Instagram
    • Website
    Follow Flurys
    • Instagram
    • Website
    Follow Brij Hotels
    • LinkedIn: @anant-apurv-kumar
    • YouTube: @brijhotels672
    • Instagram: @brijhotels
    • Website: Brij Hotels

    #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel #PriyaPaul #TheParkHotels #InnsideScoop #IndianHospitality #WomenInHospitality #LeadershipJourney #YoungLeaders #PodcastClip #AnantKumar #BrijHotels #WomenEntrepreneurs #HotelIndustry

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    46 min
  • How AI is Revolutionizing Hospitality? ft. Dilip Puri, Founder of ISH | EP 11 | Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar and Aryavir Kumar

    How AI is Revolutionizing Hospitality? ft. Dilip Puri, Founder of ISH | EP 11 | Innside Scoop with Anant Kumar and Aryavir Kumar
    Dec 12 2025
    Step into the Future of Hospitality with Dilip Puri | Innside Scoop Podcast

    Step into the future of hospitality in this powerful conversation with Dilip Puri, founder of the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH). In this episode of Innside Scoop, hosted by Anant Kumar (Co-founder of Brij Hotels) and Aryavir Kumar (Managing Director at The Clarks Hotels & Resorts), we explore how AI is transforming the hospitality sector, redefining customer experience, and reshaping how we educate future leaders.

    Discover how data, sustainability, and automation intersect with human-centric service, and gain insights into:

    • How AI will impact hotel management, training, and decision-making
    • How hospitality education must evolve
    • How future-ready hoteliers can thrive in this digital age

    🔔 Subscribe for more behind-the-scenes insights and expert advice in the world of hospitality.

    📩 Guest Suggestions?

    Email us at: innsidescooppodcast@gmail.com

    🔗 Follow Innside Scoop:
    • YouTube
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    🔗 Follow Dilip Puri:
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    🔗 Follow Indian School of Hospitality (ISH):
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Website
    🔗 Follow Anant Kumar:
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    🔗 Follow Brij Hotels:
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Website
    🔗 Follow Aryavir Kumar:
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    🔗 Follow The Clarks Hotels and Resorts:
    • Website
    • Instagram
    🎯 Hashtags:

    #hospitalityindustry #AIinhospitality #ISH #DilipPuri #hoteltech #futureofhospitality #innsidescooppodcast #innsidescoop #brijhotels #anantkumar #clarks #hospitalitypodcast #hotel
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    1 h et 38 min
  • StayVista’s 3% Marketing Secret: Scaling to 90,000 Room-Nights ft. Founder of StayVista - Amit Damani | Innside Scoop EP 10

    StayVista’s 3% Marketing Secret: Scaling to 90,000 Room-Nights ft. Founder of StayVista - Amit Damani | Innside Scoop EP 10
    Nov 28 2025

    Anant Kumar (Founder, Brij Hotels) dives deep with Amit Damani, Co-founder of StayVista, to uncover:

    • The 3 biggest pivots in StayVista’s journey (from near-death moments to ₹200Cr revenue!)
    • Luxury segmentation: Vieda (₹10K+/night) vs. Vista vs. VEO – what’s the difference?
    • Weirdest guest request they’ve handled (Spoiler: A shower crisis went viral!)
    • AI in hospitality: How StayVista uses AI to transform operations
    • Why they’re NOT expanding internationally yet ("India has unlimited potential!")

    We hope you enjoy this episode — let us know your thoughts in the comments!

    🔔 Subscribe for more hospitality gold: YouTube Channel

    📌 Follow Amit Damani
    • Instagram
    • X (Twitter)
    • LinkedIn
    📌 Follow StayVista
    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Website
    🎬 Video Chapters
    • 00:00:00 - Introduction
    • 00:02:17 - StayVista’s pivots: From budget hotels to luxury villas
    • 00:08:14 - The founders of StayVista
    • 00:09:37 - Vacation rental market overview
    • 00:15:26 - Unit Economics: How Homeowners Earn ₹1L/Month
    • 00:21:57 - Marketing Magic: How StayVista Spends Only 3% on Ads
    • 00:28:57 - Unit economics of StayVista
    • 00:38:51 - StayVista Segmentation: Vieda vs. Vista vs. VEO Explained
    • 00:43:28 - AI in Hospitality: StayVista’s Tech Edge
    • 00:51:46 - Weirdest Guest Request: The Shower Crisis Story
    • 00:52:45 - Slippery Slope: Amit’s Favorite Travel Spot, Book, and Motto
    📌 Follow Anant Kumar & Brij Hotels
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Website
    About Innside Scoop 🎙️

    Innside Scoop is the ULTIMATE podcast for hospitality enthusiasts, aspiring hoteliers, and industry professionals. Hosted by Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels, this podcast provides deep insights and expert advice for those entering or already thriving in the hospitality industry.

    Why Listen to Innside Scoop Podcast?
    • Expert Host: Anant Kumar brings years of experience and knowledge to the table.
    • Industry Secrets: Discover untold stories, insider tips, and strategies for success.
    • Diverse Perspectives: Insights from industry leaders mentored by top professionals.
    • Target Audience: Perfect for travel lovers, aspiring hoteliers, vacation rental owners, and hospitality entrepreneurs.
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    1 h