PRS Oberoi, pioneer of Indian hospitality industry, passes away at 94

PRS Oberoi, pioneer of Indian hospitality industry, passes away at 94

The Chairman Emeritus of the Oberoi Group, Prithvi Raj Singh Oberoi passed away on Tuesday, November 14 morning. He was 94 years old. Popularly known as "Biki", Oberoi had retired from his positions as executive chairman of EIH Ltd and chairman of EIH Associates Hotel Limited. The Oberoi Group runs a chain of luxury hotels, including The Trident Hotels and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts.

Oberoi is known for transforming the hospitality industry in India. He received his education in India, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. He earned a degree in Hotel Management from Lausanne, Switzerland. In 2008, Oberoi was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, for his contributions to the hospitality industry.

He is survived by his son Vikram, CEO and managing director of EIH, and two daughters. Oberoi was recognised by the International Hospitality Institute in the Global 100 in Hospitality as one of the Most Powerful People in the Global Hospitality industry.

PRS Oberoi received numerous awards and accolades, amongst the most noteworthy the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the country in tourism and hospitality. Additionally, he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at ILTM ( International Luxury Travel Market), recognising his exceptional leadership and vision.

Mourning the death of PRS Oberoi, the Oberoi Group said that the Chairman Emeritus of The Oberoi Group left an indelible mark on the hotel industry.

The cremation ceremony will be held at the Bhagwanti Oberoi Charitable Trust, Oberoi Farm, Kapashera, starting at 4.00 pm today. Additionally, prayers will be held for him at our hotels and the Corporate Office today, a press note released by the Oberoi Group said.

The Oberoi Group, founded in 1934, operates 32 hotels, Nile Cruisers. According to the website of the Oberoi Hotels, the group has a presence in 7 countries under the luxury 'Oberoi' and five-star 'Trident' brands. The group is also engaged in flight catering, airport restaurants, travel and tour services, car rentals, project management, and corporate air charters.