Cultural insight, and innovative thinking

Suhail Ahmad, a local entrepreneur known for his versatility and foresight, has redefined Kupwara’s hospitality sector by opening Vintage House , a boutique hotel that promises to enhance the region’s tourism potential. Inaugurated on July 10, 2024, this hotel is designed to meet the growing needs of tourists flocking to the picturesque northern Kashmir.

Vintage House boasts nine elegantly furnished rooms, a conference room, an open-air barbecue space, and a cosy family hall infused with traditional Kashmiri decor. It provides guests with an experience that merges modern comfort with cultural authenticity.

Suhail, whose career path has been anything but conventional, has taken on many roles across various industries before setting his sights on the hospitality sector. He began his professional journey in 2008 as an Aircel distributor, excelling in customer service and business operations. Reflecting on his early days, Suhail said, “My time as a distributor taught me the value of building relationships and delivering what customers truly need. It laid the groundwork for everything I’ve done since.”

In 2016, he ventured into Sopore’s fruit mandi business, gaining insight into market dynamics and distribution. “The mandi business was an eye-opener for me. It taught me how vital logistics and supply chains are to any operation. Those lessons have been invaluable,” Suhail explained.

Always eager to explore new opportunities, Suhail made another shift in 2018, this time managing operations in the feed and fodder industry until 2021. “Every new venture gave me a chance to learn. When I stepped into the feed industry, it wasn’t just about running a business—it was about understanding the rhythm of different markets and how to adapt.”

Suhail’s pivot to hospitality was driven by his vision for Kupwara’s growing tourism industry. “Kupwara has so much to offer, and yet, it lacked the kind of accommodations that could really make visitors feel at home. That’s when I knew my next step had to be creating a space that would cater to this demand,” Suhail shared.

With Vintage House, he has done just that. Designed to blend modern luxury with the charm of traditional Kashmiri aesthetics, the hotel offers an experience that reflects both the beauty and heritage of Kupwara. “I wanted to create something that would not only attract visitors but also give them an authentic taste of Kupwara’s culture,” Suhail added. Looking ahead, Suhail is optimistic about Kupwara’s tourism potential. “This is just the beginning. The tourism sector here is poised for tremendous growth, and with Vintage House, we’re ready to be at the heart of that transformation.”

While reflecting on the project, Suhail Ahmad remarks, “I wanted Vintage House to be more than just a place to stay. It had to reflect the essence of Kashmiri culture while offering modern amenities that meet today’s travel expectations.The design incorporates traditional Kashmiri elements, such as intricate woodwork and local textiles, seamlessly integrated with contemporary comforts”.

The menu is another highlight, featuring traditional Kashmiri cuisine prepared with locally sourced ingredients. “Food is a central part of our culture, and I wanted to ensure our guests could experience authentic Kashmiri flavours,” Suhail adds. The menu offers a range of regional dishes, providing guests with a genuine taste of the area’s culinary heritage.

With a dedicated team of fourteen employees, Vintage House is more than just a lodging option; it is a celebration of Kashmiri hospitality and culture. “I am happy to be the source of rendering employment to over a dozen youth. Almighty has chosen me to be an employer rather than an employee,” he said. The positive feedback from both locals and visitors has been overwhelming. “The response has been fantastic.It is gratifying to see our vision come to life and be appreciated by our community and our guests” Suhail notes.

“It has been a great experience to visit this restaurant with my family. We enjoyed the food here. The availability of a separate family hall makes it different from others in the town. Availability of car parking is another feature which adds more weight to the restaurant,” said Dr Basharat Khan.

Suhail Ahmad’s transition from telecommunications to the hospitality industry exemplifies his ability to identify and seize new opportunities. His journey highlights how adaptability, cultural insight, and innovative thinking can drive success.