( ECO HOTELS WILL SURPASS 500 ROOMS THIS FISCAL, WITH NEW HOTELS COMING UP IN SHIRDI, AURANGABAD, VADODRA, MYSORE,NAGPUR)
BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY
NEW DELHI | 18 APRIL 2025
1. What sets Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited apart from other hospitality players in India, particularly when it comes to sustainable tourism?
A) Eco Hotels is devoted to net carbon neutrality and carbon offset, actively working to reverse carbon emissions. By prioritizing sustainable product usage, alternative energy sources, and resource preservation, every property under our brand is designed to protect the environment. Our hotels carry the suffix “Satva,” signifying an all-vegetarian offering that celebrates healthy, conscious eating. With a strong emphasis on vegan cuisine, plant-based proteins, and organic ingredients, we deliver a diverse and sustainable hospitality experience. Additionally, we’ve significantly reduced the use of paper and plastic by opting for eco-friendly consumables made from materials like rice husk, reinforcing our commitment to a greener future.
2. Eco Hotels has made impressive strides in expanding its portfolio. Can you tell us more about your expansion strategy and what the future holds for the company?
A) We are on track to surpass 500 rooms within this fiscal year, with new hotels set to open in Shirdi, Aurangabad, Vadodara, Mysore, and Nagpur. This will bring our combined portfolio of operational and signed hotels to nine, with a few more in the pipeline expected to further add to the tally.
3. The Eco Satva in Kota and the Eco hotel in Kochi are two unique additions to your portfolio. What makes these properties special for the region, and what can guests expect from it?
A) Each of our hotels is thoughtfully designed to reflect regional sensibilities, offering guests a sense of place and authenticity. Our dining venues are curated to suit local tastes—“Sahar,” our signature coffee shop, features a delightful selection of regional specialties, while “GG’s” presents an inventive take on fusion Asian cuisine for a wholesome culinary experience. For those looking to unwind, “Kick in the Brick” sets the mood with lively music, mezze platters, and a vibrant beverage menu.
4. As a company committed to sustainability, how do you ensure that Eco Hotels remains eco-friendly while maintaining comfort and value provided for your guests?
A) Our processes are designed with a guest-first approach, ensuring a seamless and comfortable stay at every touchpoint. We streamline hospitality to keep our guests at the heart of everything we do. As part of our eco-conscious ethos, we actively inform guests about our sustainability initiatives and encourage them to participate in our mission to reduce the collective carbon footprint.
5. What are some of the key steps your company is taking to reduce its carbon footprint, and what is the kind of impact the company wishes to create to promote overall sustainability goals for India?
A) To reduce our carbon footprint, we have implemented several key initiatives across our hotels. These include minimizing reliance on fossil fuels, significantly reducing paper and plastic consumption, and actively promoting recycling. We are also developing robust carbon offset programs as part of our assurance to achieving net carbon neutrality in the coming years. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute meaningfully to India’s broader sustainability goals by ensuring responsible hospitality and safeguarding the environment.
6. What are your key goals for Eco Hotels in the next 5-10 years, and how do you plan to scale up operations to meet those targets?
A) Over the next 5–10 years, our key goal is to significantly expand our hotel portfolio while promoting sustainability within the hospitality sector. We aim to build greater awareness among hotel owners about the importance of eco-friendly practices and are focused on partnering with like-minded individuals who share our vision for environmentally responsible hospitality. Our growth strategy includes scaling up to over 5,000 hotel rooms within the next five years, all while staying true to sustainable operations and guest-centric experiences.
7. As you expand, what are some key trends you foresee in sustainable hospitality, and how is Eco Hotels preparing to adapt to these changes?
A) As sustainable hospitality continues to evolve, we foresee a growing shift towards tech-driven efficiency and accountability. At Eco Hotels, we are proactively adapting to this trend by incorporating technology to expedite workflow. To achieve this, we are developing our own enterprise software that links all hotel tasks. This will ensure greater accountability and reduce dependency on conventional methods that rely on manual checks and approvals. By streamlining operations through technology, we’re preparing to meet the evolving demands of sustainable hospitality while maintaining efficiency and transparency across our expanding portfolio.
8. In the long term, how do you envision the role of eco-friendly hotels in shaping the future of travel and tourism in India? Would you like to send a message to all the frequent travelers regarding adopting mindful choices when it comes to tourism.
A) I firmly believe that with heightened environmental awareness and evolution of sustainable hotels, more travelers will actively seek out guilt-free, eco-conscious stay experiences. At Eco Hotels, we aim to lead this shift by illustrating the carbon offset impact of each stay, helping guests understand how their choices contribute to a greener future. To all frequent travelers, I encourage you to make mindful tourism a priority; every responsible decision you make not only enhances your travel experience but also plays a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for travel and tourism in India. Together, we can build an eco-friendlier travel ecosystem, one choice at a time.
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