Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, reflects on the evolving landscape of hospitality in 2024 and shares his insights into the group’s strategic direction for 2025. With a focus on experiential travel, sustainability, and luxury, he highlights how The Leela is adapting to changing guest preferences and the increasing demand for personalised, immersive experiences. His vision for 2025 promises continued innovation and growth in guest offerings and operational efficiency.
At The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, each property is a celebration of its unique location, art, culture, and cuisine, offering thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences. Embodying the essence of true Indian luxury hospitality, The Leela is dedicated to providing guests with unforgettable stays in environments that beautifully capture the spirit and heritage of India.
Embracing Constant Change
In 2024, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts saw a significant shift in guest expectations, with travellers increasingly seeking authentic, immersive experiences prioritising culture, wellness, and sustainability. “Guests today are looking for more than just luxury; they want experiences that reflect India’s rich heritage while aligning with their sustainability and well-being values,” says Anuraag.
The Leela adapted its offerings to meet these evolving demands by blending modern luxury with traditional Indian hospitality. The brand introduced bespoke culinary journeys, wellness retreats, and cultural experiences celebrating India’s diverse art and traditions. With its expansive accommodations, award-winning dining, and wellness sanctuaries, The Leela created a holistic ecosystem where guests could relax, rejuvenate, and immerse themselves in India’s cultural fabric.
Leading the Way in Sustainability
In 2024, sustainability continued to be at the forefront of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts’ strategy. Across properties in Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, and Udaipur, 51 per cent of the electricity consumed was sourced from renewable energy, marking a significant step in their commitment to environmental responsibility. With a near-zero waste-to-landfill goal, 98.9 per cent of waste was successfully recycled, including an innovative collaboration with ‘Phool’ to upcycle 2.3 metric tonnes of floral waste into charcoal-free incense sticks and cones. This sustainable initiative, which began in 2023, was continued in 2024, further elevating the brand’s eco-conscious practices.
Anuraag elaborates, “In guest experience, we introduced sustainably packaged amenities certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and reduced plastic use by an estimated 33.8 metric tonnes through our in-house water bottling process. Our properties have also incorporated EV charging stations at 58 per cent of our hotels, supporting green mobility. These efforts, alongside advanced water-saving measures like smart irrigation and rainwater harvesting, were recognised with multiple certifications, including Platinum Ratings from the Indian Green Building Council and accolades for energy efficiency across our properties.”
Anticipating Demand in 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Anuraag believes the hospitality industry is expected to witness increasing demand for sustainable, personalised luxury experiences. Guests will continue to seek high-touch services tailored to their specific needs, with a growing emphasis on wellness, spiritual tourism, and branded residences. These trends will be fuelled by India’s strong economic growth and a rise in affluence. He notes, “Additionally, the revival of MICE and large-scale events will further enhance the demand for premium hospitality offerings.”
Innovative Offerings for 2025
To cater to the increasing demand for luxury, experiential travel, and workations in 2025, The Leela plans to expand its focus on offering bespoke experiences that combine modern luxury with rich cultural heritage. The brand will expand its focus on luxury experiential travel by offering bespoke experiences such as immersive heritage stays and wellness retreats. “Our properties, designed as modern palaces, already cater to a diverse clientele seeking exclusivity and cultural richness. For workations, we are enhancing our offerings with technology and flexible meeting spaces, ensuring guests can seamlessly blend work and leisure. Our asset management initiatives will continue to drive innovation and operational efficiency,” says Anuraag.
Expanding Presence
In November 2024, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts expanded its footprint with the opening of its 14th property in Hyderabad, a 156-room hotel in the prestigious Banjara Hills. Its other award-winning properties are spread across key cities and leisure destinations in India, including the flagship hotel in New Delhi, as well as properties in Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, Jaipur, Gurugram, East Delhi, Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Kovalam, and Ashtamudi. With a strong pipeline of upcoming projects, The Leela continues to solidify its presence in India’s luxury hospitality landscape.