From Mumbai to the World: The Hospitality Hustle of Zuhayr Kazi

Every Mumbaikar has that one moment that changes everything.

For Zuhayr Kazi, it wasn't a classroom, a cricket ground, or a football stadium—it was a walk into the iconic Taj Hotel in Mumbai. Born and brought up in Mumbai, Zuhayr grew up in a supportive family that always encouraged him to dream big. Like many youngsters, he chose the Science stream and imagined a future in engineering.

At the same time, he nurtured another dream—representing India in cricket or football.

Life, however, had other plans. A visit to the Taj Hotel left him fascinated by the elegance, the professionalism, and the warmth with which guests were treated. That single experience sparked a passion for hospitality and changed the direction of his life forever.

Backed by his family's unwavering support, Zuhayr pursued a Diploma in Hospitality Studies from Atharva College, followed by a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management from Anjuman-I-Islam College. During his training with Hilton and Marriott, he explored different departments before discovering where he truly belonged—Sales and Marketing. "I realised I loved connecting with people, building relationships, and creating memorable experiences." Today, Zuhayr is part of the Accor Group's Global Sales team, managing outbound travel business from India while promoting Accor hotels across the globe. His role takes him beyond hotels—it allows him to connect cultures, strengthen partnerships, and showcase world-class hospitality.

But success in hospitality doesn't come with a check-in confirmation. It comes with resilience.

Starting from the ground up meant proving himself every single day in one of the world's most competitive industries. Sales taught him one simple truth—you don't stop after achieving a target. The next one begins immediately. "The hustle never stops, and that's exactly what keeps me motivated."

Then came COVID-19. Like the rest of the hospitality industry, Zuhayr faced one of the toughest periods of his career. Travel came to a standstill, strategies had to be reinvented, and relationships had to be rebuilt from scratch. Instead of giving up, he embraced adaptability, continuous learning, and a positive mindset—qualities that continue to define his professional journey.

Away from work, Zuhayr is every bit the Mumbaikar. Family remains his biggest strength, football is his biggest passion, and travelling continues to fuel his curiosity about people and cultures. He strongly believes that every person you meet has something valuable to teach you. For youngsters considering hospitality, his advice is simple yet powerful.

Master the basics. Build exceptional communication skills. Gain practical experience through internships. Stay updated with technology, AI, social media, and evolving travel trends—but never forget that genuine human connection remains the heart of hospitality. He also believes passion alone isn't enough. "Passion must be supported by discipline, continuous learning, smart career decisions, and financial stability."

For anyone aspiring to enter the industry, Zuhayr is always willing to mentor, guide, and share his experiences because he believes hospitality offers limitless opportunities to those willing to learn and work hard.

The Mumbaikar Hustle Take

Dreams evolve. Careers take unexpected turns. Success rarely follows a straight line.

From dreaming of wearing the India jersey to representing one of the world's largest hospitality brands on the global stage, Zuhayr Kazi's journey proves that sometimes a single moment of inspiration can change the course of your life. And when passion meets perseverance, Mumbai has a way of opening doors you never imagined.

Every Saturday, Mumbaikar Hustle brings you another inspiring story of a Mumbaikar who dared to dream, worked relentlessly, and built something remarkable.

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