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RP Rama: Pioneering Hospitality Technology and Leadership

Raman P. Rama, fondly known as RP, is a strategic hotel operator-owner and technology guru in the hospitality industry with over 40 years of experience. Growing up in Africa and schooling in India, RP went to the United States in 1981 in the hope of chasing the American dream. Lacking even a single penny in his pocket, RP began with the clean sweep jobs in a hotel and rose to the top through his sheer hard work and commitment to learning new skills. Without any previous knowledge of this vast and complicated industry, RP sacrificed all comforts and luxuries. He carried his instilled family values and ethics with him to guide him in his career journey. His innate, determined entrepreneurial spirit combined with his compassionate and humble nature motivated and geared him towards the success he is able to share and extend to industry leaders and his family today.

As Partner and CTO/CIO of JHM Hotels, RP was responsible for technology, including thirty-six hotels with major brands like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Wyndham, and Choice. His creativity in deploying IT tools for improving organizational performance introduced benchmarks that are associated with best practices today. RP implemented enterprise accounting systems in the early years and developed original software interventions for integrated reporting across multiple hotels.

In addition to technology, RP also operates and manages hotels. His years of experience in the industry help make efficient technology decisions in his dual role as the president of Sarona Hotels and Holdings and the company’s chief technology officer/ chief information officer. As an owner and technologist, he has supported innovative and affordable solutions.

RP has served on university and industrial advisory bodies as an education advocate. He delivers lectures in hospitality technology conferences on current and emerging trends as well as advanced innovations. The $101,000 fund that RP provides to young people to attend educational events indicates the seriousness of his commitment to building a pipeline of leaders in the industry.

In appreciation of his work and impact on the growth of the hospitality industry, RP has been honored several times. He has received honors such as The HFTP Paragon Award, The HFTP Hall of Fame, The AAHOA Family Hotelier of the Year, and The Most Valuable CIO-CHTA award. He has one of the significant designations of the American Hotel & Lodging Association through CHA Emeritus.

RP himself was instrumental in taking HFTP international as the founder of the association and the former president of the organization. In 2021, he established the HFTP India Chapter for the sharing of information regarding worldwide hospitality cooperation.

His modest and practical approach distinguish him. His involvement in hospitality operations continues despite his numerous triumphs and ownership of twenty-four big-brand hotels. His love for the job remains as strong as when he began- welcoming guests in hotel parking lots. RP strives to continue to learn and teach daily and believes strongly in the philosophy that through the strength of his team and like-minded industry experts and leaders they will “Grow Together” to strive to achieve excellence in their field. RP’s ability to combine strategic thinking with hands-on problem-solving inspires industry experts and beginners.

“My goal is to share my journey with industry leaders and my family so they can avoid the same fall backs I have experienced. I wish to continue to inspire all the young minds and encourage them to attain success with the same vigour and genuine passion as myself.    I do not wish to die without sharing all the knowledge I have attained despite many trials and tribulations these last 40 years- I chose to persevere. I want to leave my legacy behind for the seekers.”

Accomplishments and Rewards

Professional Certifications:

• Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) Emeritus
• Certified Hospitality Technology Professional (CHTP) Emeritus
• Certified Hospitality Accounting Executive (CHAE)

Leadership Roles:

• Partner and CTO/CIO, JHM Hotels
• President and CTO/CIO, Sarona Hotels and Holdings
• Past President, HFTP (2012-2013)
• Founder and Director, HFTP India Association (2021)

Awards and Recognitions:

• Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Paragon Award
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) Family Hotelier of the Year
• China Hospitality Technology Alliance (CHTA) Most Valuable CIO Award
• Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and Red Lion Hotels Technology Innovation Award

Contributions to the Industry:

• Pioneered custom software for centralized hotel reporting.
• Implemented paperless office and digital accounts payable workflow.
• Designed technology systems for Auto University in India
• Presented on future technology trends at HITEC Dubai

Educational Involvement:

• Advisory Board Member: Greenville Technical College, University of Delaware, and University of South Carolina
• Set up a $101,000 scholarship fund to help students attend the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP)and the Hospitality Industry Technology Expo Connection (HITEC) events.

Promotion of Global Industry:

• Established partnerships and signed memorandum of understanding with international hotel associations.
• Took part in establishing HFTP student chapters globally.

Philanthropic Efforts:

• Family built 140 houses and concrete roads in the home village in India.
• Funded water tank and supply system for the village in India
• Built a small school in the village in India.
• Donated oxygen machines and plants to hospitals in India during COVID-19 pandemic in India
• Donated to The Happy Faces Foundation to assist windowed ladies to be self-reliant.

Speaking Engagements:

• Presenter at HITEC, AAHOA, HITEC Dubai, and various international hospitality conferences

Board Memberships:

• South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association (past and present)
• Advisory committees for HFTP, AAHOA, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (past and present)
• Central Florida Lodging Association (CFHLA) committee member for government advisory (past and present)

Personal Achievement:

• Successfully transitioned from immigrant with no funds to industry leader and hotel owner.