Monday, June 23, 2025

In an exclusive conversation with Travel and Tour World, Mr. Mahesh Singh Jasrotia, Vice President of Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, outlines the resort’s robust sustainability vision through a month-long plantation initiative and far-reaching environmental efforts. Nestled in the ecological richness of Rajasthan’s Aravalli hills, the resort is actively setting a benchmark in responsible tourism for the Indian hospitality industry.

The inspiration behind the plantation drive, which took place in , stems from the resort’s deep connection to its natural surroundings. With urbanisation and climate concerns on the rise, the initiative aimed to rejuvenate the region’s green cover and support . More than a symbolic event, the drive included tracking and maintenance of each sapling, community engagement, and collaboration with local horticulturists—ensuring a long-term ecological impact.

The campaign was further elevated by the participation of and , whose presence brought public attention and emphasized the power of in environmental sustainability. Their engagement encouraged broader involvement from both local communities and authorities.

Beyond the plantation drive, . With practices such as , and , the resort continuously works to minimise its ecological footprint. A standout effort includes sourcing through a power purchase agreement with a plant near Bikaner—cutting dependency on non-renewable power and aligning with government-led green energy goals.

The plantation effort itself focused on native tree species like , all selected for their adaptability, biodiversity value, and ecological functions. These species improve air quality, prevent soil erosion, and create habitats for wildlife—thereby enriching the overall .

From a design perspective, the resort integrates like a naturally lit atrium lobby, high-reflectivity exterior paint, insulated roofs, and double-glazed windows—all promoting and reducing energy use.

Radisson Blu Udaipur’s ESG mission aligns seamlessly with , including goals like , 30% reductions in energy and water usage by 2028, and community engagement through inclusive employment and local sourcing. Regular ESG audits and reporting ensure these targets are consistently pursued and measured.

Guests and local communities are integral to this ecosystem. Through , linen reuse programs, and school collaborations, the resort empowers both visitors and residents to actively participate in environmental stewardship. Support for local artisans and farmers further extends the resort’s impact into the social and economic fabric of the region.

By merging environmental action with heritage hospitality, Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, is setting a in India—proving that luxury can indeed coexist with purpose.

Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, is located amidst the scenic Aravalli hills and serene lakes of Rajasthan—a region with a delicate ecological balance. The month-long plantation drive was born out of a desire to give back to this environment that defines our identity. With rising concerns around climate change and urbanisation, the initiative is a proactive step toward rejuvenating green cover and protecting indigenous flora. The campaign aligns with World Environment Day in June and reflects the resort’s commitment to long-term environmental stewardship, beyond symbolic gestures.

Unlike single-day activations, the plantation drive spans the entire month and is integrated with the resort’s ongoing green strategy. Each planted sapling is tagged, monitored, and maintained in collaboration with local horticulturists to ensure survival and long-term impact. This initiative is supported by annual follow-ups and community engagement activities, such as tree care workshops and eco-awareness programmes for staff and school children. This continuity ensures that the project leaves a lasting ecological impact rather than being a ceremonial exercise.

The presence and participation of Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, and Minister of State, Shri Sanjay Sharma, lent significant support and recognition to the campaign. They inaugurated the plantation drive, addressed resort guests and staff on the importance of sustainable living, and joined hands with the team in planting the first batch of native trees. Their involvement not only encouraged local authorities and communities to participate but also reinforced the importance of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful change.

Sustainability at Radisson Blu Udaipur is embedded in daily decision-making across departments. The resort practices rainwater harvesting, efficient wastewater treatment through STPs, and energy conservation via motion-sensor lighting and solar heating systems. In the kitchens, efforts are made to minimise food waste and source ingredients locally to reduce the carbon footprint. Plastic usage has also been significantly curtailed, with biodegradable or reusable alternatives introduced for amenities and packaging. Staff are also trained regularly on sustainable protocols, ensuring that eco-consciousness becomes an inalienable part of the resort’s business operation.

The plantation includes a thoughtful selection of native species such as neem, gulmohar, amaltas, banyan, Indian rosewood (sheesham), and bamboo. These trees are chosen for their adaptability to the local climate and minimal water requirements. Neem and amaltas act as natural air purifiers; banyan and gulmohar support biodiversity by providing shelter to birds and insects; bamboo helps prevent soil erosion and sequesters carbon rapidly. Collectively, these species enhance air quality, stabilise soil, support native wildlife, and improve the overall ecological health of the region.

The resort sources a portion of its energy needs from a solar plant near Bikaner through a structured power purchase agreement. This not only reduces its dependency on conventional grid electricity but also significantly cuts down its carbon emissions. The energy received is used to power guest facilities, service areas, and administrative blocks, reflecting the resort’s transition toward cleaner energy solutions. This collaboration also aligns with broader government goals around renewable energy adoption and sets an example for other hospitality brands to emulate.

The architectural planning of the resort emphasises natural ventilation and lighting. The grand atrium lobby is designed to maximise daylight and minimise the need for artificial lighting during the day. The resort uses high albedo (reflective) exterior paints to reduce heat absorption, which in turn lowers the reliance on air conditioning. Insulated roofs and double-glazed windows further contribute to temperature regulation. These elements are not just aesthetic but are deliberately chosen to improve thermal efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and maintain guest comfort naturally.

Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, aligns closely with the Radisson Hotel Group’s global “Responsible Business” strategy. This includes objectives like achieving Net Zero by 2050, reducing energy and water consumption by 30% by 2028, and fostering inclusive communities. The resort’s focus on renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, local sourcing, and gender-diverse employment mirrors RHG’s pillars of Think People, Think Community, and Think Planet. ESG reporting is conducted regularly, and efforts are benchmarked against global sustainability indicators to ensure measurable progress.

What steps is the resort taking to involve guests and local communities in its environmental initiatives?

At the resort, guests are encouraged to participate in tree-planting sessions, opt for linen reuse programmes, and attend guided sustainability walks around the resort. Informational signage educates guests about eco-friendly practices they can adopt during their stay. The resort also partners with nearby schools to conduct environmental education workshops, plantation days, and green drives involving children and teachers. Local artisans and farmers are engaged in sourcing organic produce and handicrafts, thus creating a sustainable ecosystem where both guests and communities are stakeholders in positive environmental action.

In what ways does Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa aim to set a benchmark for responsible tourism in India through its environmental and social practices?

Radisson Blu Palace Resort & Spa, Udaipur, aspires to be more than a luxury retreat—it aims to be a conscious destination that harmonises hospitality with heritage and sustainability. By integrating green design, renewable energy, community partnerships, and inclusive employment practices, the resort presents a replicable model for responsible tourism in India. It actively participates in local environmental campaigns, supports rural livelihoods through skill development, and upholds strict sustainability benchmarks in line with international standards. In doing so, it sets an example of how luxury and responsibility can coexist beautifully.

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