Let’s explore Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts empowers independent hotels to maintain their unique identity while operating independently. Representing over 600 properties globally, Preferred have grown in India and South Asia with 30 hotels and key partnerships. Seema Roy, Area Managing Director – South Asia, Middle East & Africa at Preferred Hotels & Resorts has made remarkable contributions to Preferred Hotels & Resorts. Let’s know more about the brand..
What are the steps taken by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts towards sustainability.
In 2021, Preferred Travel Group – our parent company – established Beyond Green as a brand that represents sustainability leadership in action and impact, with a mission and purpose of transforming the global travel and tourism industry, where sustainability is the rule and not the exception. We are pleased to currently have four members in India as part of Beyond Green (Hidden India Mahavan, Suryagarh in Jaisalmer, The Leela Palace Bengaluru, and The Leela Palace Udaipur) with considered and thoughtful regional growth in the pipeline.At a corporate level, Preferred Travel Group has just announced the official launch of its Climate Action Plan, a strategic initiative that underscores our commitment to mitigating climate change impacts and reducing carbon emissions.
Tell us about the upcoming projects of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts. What is in store for the travellers in 2025?
Highlights for the year 2025 include the the launch of The Newman in London in the summer season. Other notable new launches for next year include Royal Hideaway Corales Villas in Tenerife, ÓROS in Crete, and Romègas Hotel in Valletta, Malta.
Additionally, our recently launched “Live Like a Legend” experience collection caters to the growing demand for immersive, bespoke travel. It offers one-of-a-kind adventures at the world’s most luxurious hotels, combining personalized services with unforgettable stays in extraordinary destinations.
Where do you see the global hospitality Industry in next five years.
I believe that sustainability will move from optional to essential, driven by increasing consumer demand. Technology, particularly AI, will revolutionize operations and enhance personalized guest experiences. Independent hotels will thrive by leveraging their expertise in offering authentic, local experiences that create a strong sense of place. Wellness and well-being will grow as central focuses, catering to health-conscious travelers. Together, these trends shape the future of hospitality, requiring a thoughtful and proactive approach to meet evolving guest expectations.
Which is your favourite hotel and why.
I would say one of my most favorite hotels is The Leela Palace Udaipur. It is a perfect blend of a stunning product with exceptional food, outstanding service, and a true embodiment of authentic Indian hospitality, with strong commitment to sustainability, which is seamlessly integrated into their operations and guest experience.
What makes your hotel group different than the rest.
As a global soft brand, Preferred Hotels & Resorts empowers independent hotels and small regional groups to preserve their unique identity while allowing owners to operate on their own terms.
We remain the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Our presence in India and South Asia has seen a lot of growth over the last two decades and we now have a portfolio of about 30 hotels including a 15-year strategic partnership with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and exciting new partnerships with both Chalet Hotels and Aurika Hotels & Resorts
Local support in the form of on-the-ground expertise and an expanded India-based team is a key differentiator. Our commitment to the region remains very strong, complementing our international infrastructure and network.