Visakhapatnam, Oct 08: Mr. V. Prabhu Kishore, Founder & Chairman of the Varun Group, has been conferred the IHC-IIHM Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Industry Award 2026-27, a distinguished recognition presented by the International Hospitality Council, London, in association with the International Institute of Hotel Management. The award honours his exceptional entrepreneurial vision, sustained commitment to hospitality, and defining role in strengthening South India’s hospitality and tourism landscape.
The prestigious accolade celebrates Mr. Prabhu Kishore as a respected business leader, institution builder and hospitality visionary whose work has contributed meaningfully to the evolution of high-quality hospitality infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh and the wider southern region.
Under his leadership, the Varun Group has grown into a diversified business group with interests across hospitality, automobiles, infrastructure, real estate and allied sectors. In hospitality, the Group is associated with prominent Accor-managed properties including Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, and Novotel Vijayawada Varun, each contributing to the region’s growing stature as a preferred destination for leisure, business and MICE travel.
The honour acknowledges his contribution to raising hospitality standards, creating employment opportunities, advancing destination-led tourism, and supporting the region’s economic growth through world-class hospitality assets.
Presented by representatives of IHC and IIHM, the award stands as a significant industry recognition of Mr. Prabhu Kishore’s long-standing contribution, leadership and influence in shaping the hospitality landscape of the region.
Speaking on receiving the honour, Mr. V. Prabhu Kishore, Founder & Chairman, Varun Group, said,
“It is a privilege to receive this distinguished recognition from the International Hospitality Council and IIHM. This award is not only a personal honour, but also a tribute to the dedication and excellence of our teams across the Varun Group. Hospitality has always been about creating meaningful experiences, building trust and contributing to the communities we serve. We remain committed to advancing South India’s hospitality and tourism potential with the same spirit of excellence, responsibility and long-term vision.”
Commenting on the honour, Ms. Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, said:
“This prestigious award is a proud and defining moment for everyone associated with the Varun Group’s hospitality business. Mr. Prabhu Kishore’s vision, leadership and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in building a strong hospitality legacy in the region. At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach and The Bheemili Resort Managed by Accor, we are honoured to be part of this journey and to carry forward his vision of delivering exceptional guest experiences while contributing to the growth of Visakhapatnam as a leading leisure, business and MICE destination.”
The IHC-IIHM Outstanding Contribution to Hospitality Industry Award 2026-27 reinforces Mr. Prabhu Kishore’s standing as an influential hospitality leader and recognises the Varun Group’s continued contribution to the sector. Through its hospitality portfolio, the Group continues to strengthen the tourism landscape of Andhra Pradesh and South India, with a focus on guest experience, culinary excellence, wellness, MICE, leisure and destination-led tourism.
