ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have been recognized for their exceptional water efficiency practices, winning the Special Jury Award in the “Industrial Water Efficiency” category at the FICCI Water Awards 2024. This prestigious accolade underscores their commitment to Responsible Luxury, sustainability, and advanced water management.

Sustainability at the Core

Both hotels are LEED Platinum-certified and follow global eco-friendly standards in design and operations. ITC Sonar is also the second hotel in the world to receive the LEED Zero Water Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, setting a benchmark for sustainable water management. This certification ensures that the hotel balances total potable water consumption with alternative or recycled water use, pushing the boundaries of sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Pioneering Water Efficiency Initiatives

ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar have implemented cutting-edge water-saving measures to enhance efficiency and reduce their environmental footprint. Key initiatives include:

✅ Scale and Bio-Removal System (SBR) for efficient wastewater treatment
✅ High-efficiency laundry machines & dishwashers that use minimal water
✅ Automatic chiller tube cleaning system to optimize cooling processes
✅ SunyaAqua (Zero Mile Travelled Water) – a sustainable in-house water bottling system
✅ Water pressure management across the entire property
✅ Rainwater harvesting for conservation and reuse
✅ 100% wastewater recycling for room flushing, HVAC cooling towers, and irrigation

These initiatives ensure that the hotels not only optimize water performance but also actively contribute to decarbonization and Net Zero Carbon goals.

Leaders in Green Hospitality

Commenting on the achievement, Gaurav Soneja, Cluster General Manager, ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, said:

"This accolade highlights our dedication to integrating sustainability into our core operations. At our hotels, we believe that luxury and sustainability can seamlessly coexist. This recognition underscores our ongoing commitment to offering a one-of-a-kind experience in a carefully nurtured environment, defining our ethos of Responsible Luxury."

Amitava Bhattacharya, Head of Technical Services at ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar, added:

"Our journey towards Net Zero Water includes advanced water-efficient systems, high-efficiency laundry machines, automatic chiller tube cleaning, and rainwater harvesting. These innovations optimize water performance, ensuring our hotel leads in water efficiency."

Setting a Benchmark for Sustainable Hospitality

With their grand architecture, cultural integration, and commitment to environmental stewardship, ITC Royal Bengal and ITC Sonar stand as icons of sustainability in Kolkata. Their success at the FICCI Water Awards 2024 reaffirms their leadership in green hospitality, proving that luxury can be both opulent and environmentally responsible.

The Fern Hotels & Resorts, India’s leading environmentally sensitive hotel chain, has expanded its presence in Pune with the launch of The Fern Residency, Woodland, Pune. This marks the group’s 5th operational property in Pune and 39th in Maharashtra, reinforcing its commitment to eco-friendly hospitality.

A New Standard in Comfort and Convenience

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Suhail Kannampilly, Managing Director, The Fern Hotels & Resorts, expressed his enthusiasm:

"We are pleased to launch The Fern Residency, Woodland in the bustling city of Pune. This launch marks the group’s 5th operational property in Pune city. With its strategic location and commitment to sustainability, we are confident the hotel will provide a refreshing hospitality experience to all those who visit."

Modern Accommodation & Premium Facilities

The Fern Residency, Woodland, Pune offers 87 well-appointed rooms and suites, thoughtfully designed with contemporary amenities to ensure a relaxing and comfortable stay. The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers, providing:

• The Senate Banquet Hall – Ideal for corporate conferences, seminars, and social gatherings
• The Spice Restaurant – A multi-cuisine vegetarian restaurant offering a diverse selection of local and international delicacies
• 24/7 In-Room Dining – A special selection of snacks, meals, and beverages delivered to the comfort of guests' rooms

Prime Location for Easy Access

The hotel’s strategic location makes it a convenient choice for travelers:

• 8 km from Pune Airport
• 1 km from Pune Railway Station
• 2 km from Main Street & MG Road
• 3 km from Shaniwarwada

With its prime location, modern amenities, and sustainability-driven approach, The Fern Residency, Woodland, Pune is set to become a preferred choice for travelers visiting the city.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, has unveiled Wyndham Grand Fatehsagar Lake, Udaipur, a landmark addition in the “City of Lakes.” Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, along with Owner Chirag Maroo and his family, debuted the stunning hotel earlier this week, offering an exclusive preview ahead of its grand opening later this year.

Udaipur continues to solidify its status as a global travel destination. Travel + Leisure recently announced its 2024 World’s Best Awards, ranking Udaipur as the second-best city in the world and the number one city in Asia. Last year, the city welcomed over 2,000,000 visitors from India and abroad, reinforcing its reputation as a must-visit destination.

Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Udaipur is a city that embodies the very essence of Incredible India with its royal heritage, cultural richness, and breathtaking beauty. The addition of this spectacular hotel, our first Wyndham Grand in the region, reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class hospitality in one of India’s most sought-after destinations. With its stunning lakeside setting, state-of-the-art amenities, and signature Wyndham service, Wyndham Grand Udaipur is a must-visit destination for both Indian and international travelers.”

A Luxurious Stay for All Seasons

Nestled near the picturesque Fateh Sagar Lake, Wyndham Grand Udaipur spans 9.5 acres and embodies a seamless blend of opulence and serenity. With 140 luxury rooms, an array of world-class dining experiences, and top-tier amenities, this magnificent hotel is poised to become a premier destination for travelers, wedding seekers, and corporate events.

Beyond its breathtaking palace architecture and luxurious accommodations, Wyndham Grand Udaipur offers one of the largest event spaces in the region. The Vintage Lawn, a sprawling venue ideal for grand destination weddings, enhances Udaipur’s reputation as India’s top wedding hotspot. The property also features:

A grand banquet hall
A convention center & meeting rooms
An entertainment zone with outdoor sports
Udaipur’s largest amphitheater with a seating capacity of 240

Wyndham Grand Fatehsagar Lake, Udaipur, is a pure vegetarian resort, offering a curated culinary experience at its signature restaurants:

Pyaala – Casual all-day dining
Shakahari – Authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine
O Sian – A contemporary vegetarian fine-dining experience

Chirag Maroo, Owner of Wyndham Grand Udaipur, shared 

“Wyndham has been an integral partner in bringing Wyndham Grand Fatehsagar Lake, Udaipur to life, helping us deliver a world-class Palace resort that perfectly balances local character with best-in-class service and amenities. What’s more, through The Wyndham Advantage, we’ve been able to tap into Wyndham’s robust global network, including its industry-leading distribution platform and the #1 rated hotel rewards program, Wyndham Rewards. We are honored to be part of Wyndham’s growing presence in India and look forward to welcoming guests to this exceptional destination in the City of Lakes.”

Expanding Wyndham’s Presence in India

As Wyndham Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its footprint in India, the launch of Wyndham Grand Udaipur underscores the company’s commitment to growth in key destinations across the country. Currently, Wyndham operates more than 65 hotels in India, spanning economy, midscale, upscale, and luxury segments.

About Wyndham Hotels & Resorts:

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: WH) is the world’s largest hotel franchising company by the number of franchised properties, with approximately 9,300 hotels across over 95 countries on six continents. With a portfolio of 25 hotel brands, including Super 8, Days Inn, Ramada, Microtel, La Quinta, and Wyndham, the company serves a vast network of travelers. The Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, with 114 million enrolled members, offers exclusive opportunities to redeem points across hotels, vacation clubs, and resorts worldwide.

For more information, visit www.wyndhamhotels.com.