Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, a lakeside resort is well poised to become the next hotspot for M!CE & Weddings segment, reveals Sandipan Bose
Lipla Negi
What are your key focus areas for now?
Being a part of 1st luxury brand managed by ITC Hotels and the debut hotel is exhilarating. Creating, establishing and opening our resort and watching the efforts of the team come to life when we serve our guests is a prize in itself. Our key focus area at Mementos Udaipur is ensuring the satisfaction and contentment of both our internal and external guests.
Mementos by ITC Hotels is a unique collection of luxury hotels focussing on modern marvels, hidden retreats to historic treasures. Every Memento hotel endeavours to create everlasting memories and special moments which become prized mementos long after the guest’s visit. Staying true to our promise, Memories Available, the brand focusses on constructing the residue of sensory experiences where everything during a guest’s stay is intricately customized and curated to conjure a vivid picture of the past event. We are not just a brand but an experience that lives with you forever.
How do you define your category & type? And what is your target audience?
Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur is a luxury resort. The hidden gem offering the unseen Udaipur. Nestled away from the noise and chaos of city life, we cherish the serenity of the Aravallis, and the abundant beauty of nature that surrounds us. Our target audience is an intrepid traveller, a luxury connoisseur in the search for a haven of serenity. While your marketing strategies come hand in hand with every launch and sustenance, our purpose is to create guest loyalty through our team and the services that we offer. Forming an abiding emotional bond with the guest is our approach.
How do you plan to carve niche for debut brand in Indian wedding market?
Weddings are a time of celebrations for everyone involved, including the teams helping the families to make their dreams come true. At our resort, whatever wedding the guest is dreaming of, we have the venue to cater to every request. Be it a glamorous big fat Indian wedding or an intimate family affair. The backdrop of the Aravalli Hills, the skies from sunrise to sunset, the elysian views and surroundings not only offer the best décor but also helps you in controlling the cost of the décor. The extensive food and beverage expertise and offerings is a crowning achievement for all weddings and celebrations. The weddings for a buyout are from `1 lakh onwards, excluding taxes per room which also gets you our dedicated wedding team that goes above and beyond to corroborate ideas or desire.
Luxury travellers, today, are seeking unique, immersive experiences. How are you working towards this?
Each Mementos Hotel is being designed to offer the true experience of the destination, celebrating the traditions, arts, crafts and cuisines of the region it belongs to. At Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur, each experience is thoughtfully crafted to offer inspiration and solace, whether you are here on business or simply seeking a reprieve from the monotony of everyday life. Being in the midst of the marvellous Aravalli Hills, paired with the luxury of bewitching views, there is no end to the things that can be offered. Be it a hike to the waterfalls, private dining options on a hilltop with a specially curated gourmet meal, stargazing or rejuvenating yourself with midnight Yoga on a full moon night, Mementos Hotel ensures all.
In your opinion, how can challenge of talent crunch & retention be overcome?
The hospitality and service industry are led by the human touch. No matter how technologically inclined and progressive the world becomes, the soul of our industry lies in compassion, considerate behavior and kindness towards one another. If we can instill these qualities in our teams and the coming generations, the talent and passion for hospitality will continue to rise. The skillsets can be taught and practiced.
Driven by the purpose and values of ITC Hotels, we strive to not only focus on retention but also drive talent to the brand. This is only possible when we create programmes to train and offer growth within our organizations. ITC Hotels was one of the very few companies to keep employment values intact during COVID and has earned an additional reason for being one of the sought after names to work in. Our
effort at Mementos Udaipur in coordination and support with the brand is to create opportunities within the region and have consistent manpower for operational departments.
What are your leadership strategies as GM of debutant property?
As a leader, for me the happiness quotient of my talent and team is of utmost importance. A happy family at work directly results in great and exceptional service. Taking care of your internal and external guests is imperative. My focus here as a leader is to educate and promote sustainability and renewability not just within the resort and the team but also in our local areas. With the support of my team, we are also largely concentrating on building the infrastructure in the neighbouring areas of the resort. While the major revenue stream for any hotel continues to be rooms and
food & beverage, we wish to offer designed experiences to stimulate all senses and create unforgettable memories.
