Situ Shrestha is a dynamic and dedicated hospitality professional who currently heads the Sales and Marketing Department at Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort, Dhulikhel — a prestigious luxury resort set amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Himalayas. As a committed working mother and seasoned leader, she brings a unique blend of empathy, strategic insight, and resilience to her role. With over a decade of diverse experience in the hospitality sector, Situ has cultivated a deep passion for crafting meaningful and memorable guest experiences. Her approach is rooted in the belief that hospitality is not just about service, but about creating authentic connections that resonate long after a guest’s stay. Through her leadership, she continues to drive innovation, foster strong client relationships, and elevate the resort’s presence in a competitive market.
What first sparked your interest in hospitality, and how did your journey begin?
My journey into hospitality began quite unexpectedly. While awaiting the final results of my MBA, I joined Hotel Shangri-La Pvt. Ltd. as a trainee — partly out of curiosity, partly to make productive use of my time, and also because the hotel was conveniently located near my home. Coming from a family involved in the pashmina business, a career in hospitality was neither planned nor initially encouraged. However, once I stepped into the industry, I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed the dynamic environment and the opportunity to interact with people from all walks of life. What began as a short-term experience soon turned into a genuine passion. After completing my training, I was offered a full-time role, and that marked the true beginning of my career. I found it deeply fulfilling to be part of creating memorable experiences for guests — moments that stay with them long after their stay.
Before you stepped into leadership, what were some of the early challenges you faced as a young woman navigating this fast-paced industry?
Early in my career, entering the hospitality industry with little prior experience, I found myself in a fast-paced, “learn as you go” environment. One of the biggest challenges was securing appointments with high-profile clients without a proven track record. As a young woman in a competitive field, earning trust and credibility didn’t come easily.
These early hurdles, however, played a vital role in shaping my professional growth. They taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of presenting myself with confidence and clarity. Over time, I developed a more proactive approach and learned how to turn challenges into opportunities. These experiences laid a strong foundation for my transition into leadership and continue to guide my approach today.
How do you mentor or lead your team to think beyond traditional hospitality marketing and embrace entrepreneurial thinking?
I encourage my team to approach their roles with an entrepreneurial mindset — to think beyond traditional marketing and view themselves as strategic partners in driving business growth. In hospitality sales and marketing, relationships are our greatest assets. Even when we move between companies, the market and clients often remain the same, which makes professionalism, accountability, and responsiveness essential.
I promote a culture of clear, proactive communication, especially when challenges arise. Addressing issues early prevents escalation and builds trust. By fostering openness, ownership, and creative thinking, I empower my team to take initiative, solve problems independently, and continually look for new ways to add value — both to our clients and to the organisation.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to take on leadership roles in hospitality sales and marketing?
My advice to young women aiming for leadership in hospitality sales and marketing is to focus on building a strong foundation of skills, knowledge, and credibility. Develop genuine expertise in your field — when you're truly capable and committed, opportunities will find you. In my own journey, every role I’ve taken on was offered to me based on my performance, not through applications. That’s the power of consistent dedication and delivering results.
Believe in your potential, even when others may underestimate it. Stay curious, embrace feedback, and never stop learning — the hospitality industry evolves constantly, and those who adapt and grow with it are the ones who thrive. Resilience is key; setbacks will come, but how you respond to them will define your path forward.
Finally, lead with authenticity and integrity. Women bring unique strengths to leadership — empathy, communication, and the ability to connect deeply with people. When combined with strategic thinking and confidence, these qualities can truly transform teams, organisations, and guest experiences.
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