Shyam Tandukar is a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of experience spanning hotel operations, leadership, and strategic management. Currently serving as the Pre-Opening General Manager of Soaltee Westend Lakeside Pokhara, he is not only leading the launch of a new property but shaping its culture, operational framework, and long-term vision. A member of the second BHM batch at NATHM and a postgraduate in Hospitality Management from the University of West London, he brings a strong foundation in international service philosophy and structured leadership. Throughout his career, Shyam Tandukar has successfully bridged global hospitality standards with Nepal’s unique context aligning international best practices with local realities while focusing on sustainable systems and people development.
What inspired your career in hospitality, and what continues to motivate you in your role today?
Hospitality appealed to me because leadership is practised every day: in guiding teams, welcoming guests, and managing challenges with discipline. Early on, I was drawn to the structure and precision of hotel operations. The industry’s standards and consistency aligned with my academic training and shaped my respect for operational excellence.
Over time, I realised that hotels succeed not because of infrastructure or brand names, but because of people. When individuals feel trusted and supported, they exceed expectations.
Today, I am driven by developing leaders rather than managing employees. Building a culture of ownership, accountability, and confidence continues to motivate me.
What makes a guest’s stay memorable, and how does the Soaltee Westend Lakeside Pokhara showcase Pokhara’s hidden charms?
A memorable stay is defined by feeling, not luxury alone. True hospitality is intentional, gracious, and sincere. While comfort is essential, it is warmth, attentiveness, and the ability to anticipate needs discreetly that leave a lasting impression.
At Soaltee Westend Lakeside Pokhara, we uphold the trusted legacy of The Soaltee Hotels & Resorts while embracing Pokhara’s quiet spirit. The city reveals itself gently through serene lakes, mountain backdrops, and an unhurried rhythm.
Our approach mirrors that character. We prioritise balance over excess, weaving subtle local influences into the experience to reflect Pokhara’s understated charm.
With Pokhara growing as an international destination, how do you see its role evolving in Nepal’s hospitality landscape?
Pokhara is moving beyond its identity as a scenic retreat and emerging as an international hospitality hub. Its growth, however, must be defined by quality rather than speed.
Elevated service standards, skilled professionals, and respect for ecological and cultural integrity should guide its progress. Managed responsibly, Pokhara can become a benchmark for destination hospitality in Nepal where refinement and sustainability coexist.
What part do hotels play in preserving Nepal’s environment and culture for travellers?
Hotels shape how travellers perceive Nepal, and with that influence comes responsibility. Environmental care and cultural preservation must be embedded in daily operations and long-term strategy.
Through responsible practices and community engagement, a philosophy long reflected by The Soaltee Hotels & Resorts, hotels can act as custodians of place. When guided by integrity, tourism becomes a sustainable force benefiting guests, communities, and the nation.
What has been the most challenging decision you’ve faced as a General Manager, and which personal principle ultimately guided your choice?
One of the most demanding aspects of my role is navigating decisions that touch both people’s lives and the long-term health of the organization. It is never just about operations or numbers; it is about understanding the human impact of every choice. There are moments when tough calls around financial discipline, restructuring, or performance standards become unavoidable. These decisions are rarely easy or immediately popular, but they are essential to ensure the sustainability and integrity of the hotel.
The real test of leadership comes in balancing empathy with accountability. It is simple to lead when circumstances are smooth and outcomes predictable. True leadership emerges when you must uphold standards while remaining fair, compassionate, and humane when every decision is both principled and people-centered. For me, the guiding principle in these moments is integrity. I strive to make choices that are transparent, consistent, and aligned with the long-term vision of the organization. A decision feels right when it protects the institution, reinforces professional standards, and is communicated honestly and respectfully, even if it is difficult. Leadership, I have learned, is less about avoiding hard choices and more about facing them responsibly, with clarity, courage, and conviction.
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