Latest news with #Arq
Khaleej Times
25-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Inside India's luxury travel boom: Where heritage meets high-end hospitality
While 2024 held the promise of a tourism boom for India, a destination celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and vibrant cities, international tourist arrivals have experienced a slower recovery post-pandemic. But there's one sector of the country's travel market that is booming, the realm of ultra-luxury. Fuelled by a growing number of high-net-worth individuals and aspirational luxury travellers, the global luxury tourism sector is anticipated to grow from $239 billion (Dh877 billion approx.) in 2023, to an estimated $391 billion by 2028, according to McKinsey & Company. And as India's luxury travel market witnesses its share of this unprecedented growth, the nation is increasingly catering to the discerning desires of ultra-high-net-worth holidaymakers who are seeking exclusive, authentic and transformative experiences. 'India's luxury travel landscape is undergoing a beautiful transformation, where heritage meets modernity in the most immersive, meaningful way,' says Abhishek Dadlani, founder of Lushescapes, a UAE-based luxury travel brand. Born and raised in Delhi, Dadlani has dedicated years to building Lushescapes, a company that promises travellers bespoke itineraries and unparalleled access to many of India's hidden treasures. With an intimate understanding of the Indian market, Dadlani believes the country's luxury travel boom is rooted in the transformative moments it offers. 'Today's India doesn't just offer five-star stays, it offers transformative moments in places that feel both grand and grounded. It's no longer just about where you stay, but how you're made to feel. India delivers that in ways that surprise even the most seasoned luxury traveller,' he tells KT Luxe. More than a five-star stay It's a sentiment that's mirrored in the recent unveiling of Arq by The Leela, a collection of ultra-luxury villas at The Leela Palace Udaipur, billed as the ultimate sanctuary for the global elite. Nestled along the tranquil shores of Lake Pichola, Arq elevates travellers' experiences with its hyper-personalised, albeit unoriginally named, 'Palace within a Palace' concept. Spanning tailored programming, it encompasses everything from private culinary journeys with local chefs to Pichwai painting classes or exclusive opportunities to attend prayer rituals at the ancient Shiva temple. 'The launch of Arq at Pichola at The Leela Palace Udaipur represents our vision of reimagining luxury for the most discerning travellers,' said Shweta Jain, chief sales and marketing officer at The Leela. 'This isn't just another destination, it's a continuous ascent into the true essence of luxury, where every detail is designed to be a personal exploration of beauty, creativity, and indulgence.' Travellers aspiring to a stay that is befitting of a modern-day maharaja can find their haven at Ran Baas, The Palace in Patiala, a Relais & Châteaux property housed within a meticulously restored palace that dates to the 18th century. Originally a royal guesthouse within a wing of Qila Mubarak, a sprawling ten-acre complex in Punjab that once housed the royal family, the property fell into disrepair after India's independence. Recently renovated by renowned Indian conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, celebrated for her work on preserving India's architectural heritage, the hotel boasts many of the palace's original features with a design that integrates intricate wooden carvings, gilded frescoes, marble floors and silk carpets to create a royal retreat where guests are immersed in the splendour of bygone eras. Notably, the hotel holds the distinction of being Punjab's first luxury palace hotel and has rapidly gained popularity as a destination for weddings and discerning travellers seeking authentic Punjabi hospitality. Mastering the art of anticipation This unwavering focus on personalised service is a defining characteristic of several of India's elite accommodations. 'Service needs to be intuitive, as every single guest is unique,' Jaisal Singh, chief executive of Sujan, tells KT Luxe. 'Our ethos has always been to be genuine; our experiences are not contrived, but stem from our family's deep-rooted connection to the landscapes where our properties reside.' Beyond this, affluent travellers are seeking meaningful experiences and connections when they travel, adds Singh. 'People want to experience connection, be that to nature, to a landscape, culture, heritage, and with people.' At Sujan's Jawai Leopard Camp, guests can look forward to expertly guided wildlife safaris that foster a deep connection with Rajasthan's dramatic granite hills and the region's elusive leopard population. Immersive cultural encounters with local Rabari tribesmen offer insights into their traditional way of life, offering travellers a unique human connection. For another luxurious immersion in India's wildlife, the recently opened The Oberoi Vanyavilas Wildlife Resort in Bandhavgarh stands out. Situated adjacent to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, the resort is an ideal base for those looking to partkate in a private safari experience to get up close and personal with the Royal Bengal Tiger. The resort's architecture with its opulent communal spaces and sophisticated tented accommodations, thoughtfully reflects the region's rich cultural heritage, and blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings to enhance the sense of connection with the wilderness. Making conscious choices Luxury travel in India is also increasingly intertwined with a sense of responsibility. According to a 2023 report by 83 per cent of global travellers believe sustainable travel is vital. Several of India's most esteemed luxury establishments are championing eco-friendly practices. From the ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, a LEED Platinum-certified hotel utilising renewable energy and striving for net-zero carbon emissions, to Sujan's commitment to conservation across their properties through habitat restoration and community engagement, these examples underscore that luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist harmoniously. 'We are a brand rooted in a legacy of conservation and responsible, conscious travel. Guests who stay with us feel they're part of something meaningful and become invested in our vision. Through our conservation contribution, by simply choosing to stay with us, they know they are making a positive impact in the area,' says Jaisal Singh of Sujan. Celebrating 25 years in Uttarakhand, the luxury wellness retreat Ananda in the Himalayas is reinforcing its commitment to the region by relaunching the Ananda Institute with the Ambuja Foundation. This provides vital hospitality and wellness training to local youth, especially women, creating sustainable career paths. Ananda's deep connection to nature is further highlighted by its new birdwatching activity and efforts to enhance local biodiversity, solidifying India's role in conscious luxury travel. India's luxury travel landscape today transcends extravagance. Instead, it lies in the deeply personal and transformative experiences offered to holidaymakers, from intuitive service to a profound connection to nature, or an unwavering commitment to heritage. For the global elite who are seeking more than just a lavish getaway, India presents a compelling invitation to discover a destination where unparalleled luxury is imbued with genuine soul and lasting significance, and the opportunity to forge memories as rich and vibrant as the subcontinent itself.
Trade Arabia
24-03-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Global Hotel Alliance showcases India's luxury hospitality
As India's luxury travel sector experiences unprecedented growth, Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and two of its hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their commitment to the market, unveiling new initiatives to elevate the country's high-end hospitality landscape. India is a key development market for GHA, with GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme membership in the country growing by 18% in 2024 to 623,000 members. The Leela and Minor Hotels are both tapping into this demand with new luxury offerings appealing to high-end Indian travellers. In a notable shift, international spend by Indian GHA DISCOVERY members (54%) surpassed domestic revenue (46%) for the first time, with Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore as the top international destinations. The Indian travel market's significant growth potential was highlighted at two events staged in Delhi this week, with GHA citing recent research and The Leela and Minor Hotels discussing their market strategies and development plans. Speaking at the Skift India Forum on 18th March, Chris Hartley, CEO, GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, revealed how luxury hotel brands are responding to India's burgeoning demand for premium experiences. The conversation continued at a press briefing hosted at The Leela Palace, New Delhi the following day, where Hartley, Bhatnagar and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels, highlighted India's growing influence in global travel and luxury hospitality. These discussions explored key trends, including evolving guest preferences, the impact of loyalty programmes, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality. 'The rapid growth of India's luxury travel market is reflected in the soaring engagement of Indian travellers with our brands worldwide,' said Hartley. 'With record-breaking stay revenue and membership growth in 2024, we are committed to enriching their experiences through an ever-expanding portfolio of world-class hotels and innovative travel benefits.' INTRODUCING THE LEELA'S NEW ULTRA-LUXURY CONCEPT: ARQ BY THE LEELA The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts continues to set new benchmarks for luxury with the introduction of Arq at Pichola - an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for the discerning elite from around the world. Debuting at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Arq offers an intimate collection of exclusive accommodations, blending Indian heritage with modern sophistication. This evolution aligns with the growing aspirations of affluent Indian and global travellers seeking tailored, high-end experiences. 'India is at the forefront of a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by its dynamic economy, cultural richness and a discerning new generation of travellers seeking immersive experiences. With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels by creating bespoke sanctuaries that blend India's timeless heritage with innovation. As the country cements its position as a premier luxury destination, The Leela remains committed to setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of luxury hospitality on a global stage,' said Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. MINOR HOTELS EXPANDS IN INDIA WITH ANANTARA'S DEBUT Minor Hotels recently made its foray into India, launching its first luxury property, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, in November 2024. The luxury retreat marks the beginning of an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to open 50 new properties in India over the next decade. With India's outbound travel forecast to exceed 50 million trips by 2030, Minor Hotels is strategically positioned to cater to this demand across its luxury and premium brands, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, and NH Collection. 'The Indian market presents a remarkable opportunity for luxury hospitality, both domestically and internationally,' said Rajakarier. 'With Anantara's debut in Jaipur and our expansion plans, we aim to redefine experiential luxury while deepening our engagement with Indian travellers through our expanding brand portfolio.' He added: 'Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. Our strategy is to cater to these evolving preferences by expanding our footprint with brands that align with these aspirations.' LUXURY TRAVEL AND LOYALTY IN INDIA There are more GHA hotel rooms in India than ever before, growing to nearly 3,400 in 2024 to meet the rising demand for luxury stays across the country. But the alliance's commitment to India extends beyond its hotel brand presence, as its latest market research reveals. GHA DISCOVERY, which now includes more than 30 million travellers worldwide, is playing a pivotal role in shaping high-end travel trends. Indian members are increasingly engaging with GHA's 'Signature Luxury' hotels, with premium experiences, room upgrades, and the DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards currency ranking among the most valued benefits. As inbound travel to India flourishes, the country remains a magnet for high-spending travellers, with the US, UK, and Australia leading the top source markets. The combined presence of The Leela and Minor Hotels within GHA's ecosystem positions them at the forefront of India's luxury hospitality growth.
Associated Press
05-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Arq to Participate in Water Tower Research Fireside Chat Series on March 10, 2025
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., March 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GlobeNewswire - Arq, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARQ) (the 'Company' or 'Arq'), a producer of activated carbon and other environmentally efficient carbon products for use in purification and sustainable materials, today announced today announced that Bob Rasmus, CEO of Arq, will participate in the Water Tower Research ('WTR') Fireside Chat Series on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM Eastern Standard Time. This event is open access for all investors to participate. Interested parties can register for the event at the following link, The event will also be available through the Events and Presentation section of Arq's investor relations website at A replay of the webcast will also be available at this website after the event. Arq (NASDAQ: ARQ) is a diversified, environmental technology company with products that enable a cleaner and safer planet while actively reducing our environmental impact. As the only vertically integrated producer of activated carbon products in North America, we deliver a reliable domestic supply of innovative, hard-to-source, high-demand products. We apply our extensive expertise to develop groundbreaking solutions to remove harmful chemicals and pollutants from water, land and air. Learn more at: Source: Arq, Inc. Investor Contact: Anthony Nathan, Arq Marc Silverberg, ICR
