Harsha Chanrai

Harsha Chanrai is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saira Hospitality, a non-profit organization that focuses on creating partnerships between luxury hotels and local communities to enhance hospitality education and employment opportunities. She has a strong background in the hospitality industry, having worked in various roles, including Director of Marketing for Six Senses Resorts and Residences in Asia, and in hotel operations at the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore and Aman Resort in Sri Lanka.

Chanrai's passion for hospitality is deeply intertwined with her commitment to philanthropy, influenced by her father's charitable work in healthcare and education. This led her to pursue a Master of Management in Hospitality at Cornell University, where she developed the concept for Saira Hospitality. The organization aims to address the high turnover rates in the hospitality industry by training local talent through pop-up hospitality schools, thereby providing communities with the skills needed for employment in the sector.134

Under her leadership, Saira Hospitality has successfully graduated numerous students, achieving a 100% return on investment for participating hotel partners. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also enhances the service quality within the communities involved, fostering a sustainable model of hospitality education.125