WelcomHeritage, with its impressive portfolio of palaces, havelis, forts, and resorts in some of the most picturesque locations in India is the frontrunner in preserving India’s rich cultural legacy of hospitality.
As international and domestic travel opens once again, the brand is taking its legacy forward forging new partnerships and strengthening existing ones.
“The Indian Hospitality space is undergoing a transformation post-Covid with discretionary leisure destinations getting a lot of travellers and investment attention,“ says Abinash Manghani, Chief Executive Officer, WelcomHeritage Hotels.
He adds,“ This is welcome as domestic and increasingly international tourists foray beyond the traditional Indian itineraries of the Golden Triangle, Kerala, and Goa. The “Discovery of India“ by Indians has spurred the industry to start exploring their own country and the Hospitality industry has been the beneficiary.”
WelcomHeritage, a joint venture between ITC Ltd. and Jodhana Heritage Resorts Pvt. Ltd. began with a commitment to preserve and present the diversity of India, its’ eclectic and inspiring history through its hotel, service, and experiential stays.
The brand’s journey began in 1997 with 5 hotels, and today has expanded to 43 properties in 38 scenic locations.
It included the choicest of forts, palaces, Havelis, and nature resorts, for every type of holiday and interest – adventure, wildlife, history, and culture or simply to rejuvenate in the lap of nature and luxury.
The brand’s USP is bridging the gap between old-world hospitality and the demands of modern travellers, pioneering boutique stays with their own signature style and spirit.
Traditionally concentrated in the Northern states, the brand’s landmark hotels include the WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Palace in Jodhpur, WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace and WelcomHeritage MohanGarh Fort in Jaisalmer and more recently the WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa in Jawai, Pali all in Rajasthan.
In Himachal and Uttarakhand, the Group veritably covers Shimla, Mussourie, Kasauli, Solan, and Nainital with excellent Nature resorts in the Hill Stations of the North.
The brand is expanding in the South as well with the WelcomHeritage Fernhills Royal Palace (Ooty), WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace (Sandur, Near Hampi), WelcomHeritage Azora by Ayatana (Fort Kochi) showcases southern colonial history while WelcomHeritage Ayatana (Coorg) is a slice of living amidst fragrant coffee plantations.
WelcomHeritage Gurkha Houseboats in Kashmir depicts the famed houseboat living, gliding through the waters of Nagin Lake in Shikaras while soaking in the sights and sounds of Kashmir, literally a ‘Paradise on Earth’ moment. The Group’s properties in Ladakh, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh embrace the destination’s local culture and immersive experiences that are seldom advertised.
Offbeat to accessible locations
Manghani says, “The discerning Indian tourist has arrived. I am decidedly upbeat as our destinations have become accessible to our guests due to enhanced connectivity in the form of excellent highways, better air connectivity, and superior train travel ushered in over the last few years”.
He adds, “With the opening of inbound travel, we expect this segment to continue with renewed Foreign arrivals and resume its growth path albeit tempered with the fact that Indian outbound tourism will also flourish.”
Sustainable travel
Green is the new black in the travel trade, and the company is decidedly focussed on making it a brand practice to reduce environmental impact and pave the way for a greener guest experience. The pandemic too has changed the focus and demands of Indian and international travellers and reducing carbon footprint is no longer lip service. Luxury today is being authentic, and a balance between commerce and community.
The Group’s properties in ecologically sensitive locations and destinations mean that it works closely with organizations and local authorities to ensure the business respects and restores the environment and ecosystem it operates.
For its new properties, the Group has drafted stringent construction protocols, which use sustainable and local architectural materials. WelcomHeritage Jungle Home in Pench, Madhya Pradesh, and WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Vilas Resort and Spa has received the prestigious TOFT rating for Quality practices. The brand has partnered with TOFTigers PUG certification, which represents South Asia’s highest standards in eco-auditing for nature and eco-friendly-based accommodation providers.
At other properties, single-use plastics have been replaced with eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient LED lighting is being standardized across all new and upcoming properties. These aside, renewable energy use, EV charging stations, smart energy sensors, paperless collaterals, eco-friendly toiletries, locally sourced farm produce, and solar energy use are some of the other green initiatives found across the Group’s properties.
On-point technology
WelcomHeritage has its pulse on the latest technology, for its guests and patrons. To give ease of booking to its guests, its room inventory and special rates for travel agents are managed on the brand website which allows guests and travel agents to receive a booking confirmation. ‘Book Now, Pay Later’ special packages for the holiday season are extremely popular, and guests can choose to book on the website and invest in a holiday with flexible payment options.
The Group’s partnership with the ‘GetSimpl’ system integration allows it to manage flexible payment options with comfort and ease. The brand has been steadily investing in service touchpoints digitally to cash into the world of digital payments and customer relationship and Reputation management by partnering with Pinelabs and Revinate respectively to name a few.
The Future of Heritage and Hospitality
A successful 2021 and a focused 2022 have ensured that the company is poised for greater growth in the years to come. The brand has welcomed new members into its portfolio, notably the WelcomHeritage Elysium Resort & Spa, Shimla, WelcomHeritage Badi Kothi, Allahabad, and WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Pali – a total of 85 keys in 2021.
In 2022, the brand also opened the WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas & Spa in Kasauli Hills, Solan thus strengthening its footprint in Himachal Pradesh. In 2023, 132 new keys are being added including WelcomHeritage Azora, Fort Kochi, WelcomHeritage Ayatana, Ooty & the WelcomHeritage Santa Roza in Kasauli.
Agreements have been signed for 2023-24 the group will be adding hotels in Dungarpur, and Gangtok. As the post-pandemic business resurgence starts to pick up strength, the Group is aiming to widen its footprint in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan & Goa.
As the skies open up once again, the roads vibrate with energy and the post-pandemic business resurgence takes wings; WelcomHeritage is making sure that it encapsulates a slice of history and culture for all those who enjoy refined hospitality. Far from the madding crowd.
Read more: Hotels and Resorts
