ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Win Special Jury Award for Water Efficiency at FICCI Water Awards 2024

ITC Royal Bengal & ITC Sonar Win Special Jury Award for Water Efficiency at FICCI Water Awards 2024

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 27, 2025

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.

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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

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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.


Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Launches ‘Redefine Your Workday’ Workspace Experience at Tech Tonic

Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Launches ‘Redefine Your Workday’ Workspace Experience at Tech Tonic

By Hariharan U

Published on June 11, 2026

Responding to the growing demand for flexible and comfortable work environments, Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park has introduced “Redefine Your Workday” at Tech Tonic, a day-use workspace experience tailored for freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote professionals, creators, and business travellers.

Designed as an alternative to conventional cafés and co-working spaces, the offering combines productivity, convenience, and hospitality in a contemporary setting. Starting at INR 999, guests can access complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited coffee and tea selections accompanied by cookies, and a comfortable workspace designed to support focused work and collaboration.

Located within the hotel, Tech Tonic provides a versatile environment suited for virtual meetings, brainstorming sessions, networking opportunities, and individual work. Guests can choose between the stylish indoor lounge and the alfresco seating area, offering flexibility to work in a setting that best suits their preferences.

The experience extends beyond workspace facilities. Guests can also enjoy a curated menu featuring wholesome bites, signature dishes, artisanal beverages, and nourishing meal options prepared by the hotel’s culinary team. The dining offerings are designed to complement the workday while enhancing the overall experience.

A key aspect of the initiative is Hilton’s signature hospitality, ensuring guests benefit from attentive service, seamless connectivity, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout the day. The hotel aims to create a setting where professionals can remain productive without compromising on comfort.

As the workday concludes, Tech Tonic transitions into a vibrant social space, allowing guests to continue conversations, network with peers, or unwind after a productive day. The concept reflects the evolving needs of modern professionals who increasingly seek flexible environments that blend work and leisure.

With remote and hybrid work models continuing to shape workplace culture, “Redefine Your Workday” positions Hilton Garden Inn Bengaluru Embassy Manyata Business Park as a destination that caters to the changing expectations of today’s workforce.

The workspace experience is available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Tech Tonic, with bookings and inquiries open through the hotel


Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

Dusit International Expands India Presence with Signing of Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand

By Hariharan U

Published on June 10, 2026

Dusit International, the Thailand-based hospitality group, has announced its continued expansion in India with the signing of a hotel management agreement for Dusit Princess Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. The agreement has been signed with Atmosphere, a luxury real estate and hospitality development company focused on destination-led projects.

The upcoming development will be located in the Tehri Garhwal region near Rishikesh, one of India’s most prominent destinations for spirituality, wellness, and adventure tourism. Scheduled to open in 2031, the project is envisioned as an upscale mixed-use development combining contemporary hospitality with wellness-driven experiences inspired by the Himalayan landscape.

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Dusit Princess Rishikesh will feature approximately 300 keys, including hotel rooms and luxury duplex villas. Designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers, the property will offer a wide range of facilities including an all-day dining restaurant, lobby lounge, business centre, outdoor swimming pool, gymnasium, yoga room, and multipurpose event spaces.

The development will also include an expansive clubhouse offering additional lifestyle amenities such as a spa, infinity pool, restaurant with 250 covers, squash court, mini-plex, bowling alley, and indoor recreational facilities, positioning it as a comprehensive lifestyle destination in the region.

According to Dusit International, the signing reinforces its long-term strategy to expand thoughtfully across India, focusing on destinations aligned with growing demand for wellness, leisure, and experience-led travel. The company highlighted Rishikesh as a natural fit for its brand philosophy, given its blend of spirituality, nature, and tourism potential.

Speaking on the announcement, Siradej Donavanik, Vice President – Development (Global) at Dusit International, said India remains a key strategic market for the group. He noted that the company aims to build in destinations that align with evolving traveller preferences and strong market fundamentals, with a focus on wellness-oriented hospitality experiences.

Sanchit Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Atmosphere, said the collaboration with Dusit International reflects a shared vision of creating luxury hospitality destinations that integrate nature, wellness, and elevated living experiences. He expressed confidence that Dusit Princess Rishikesh will emerge as a distinctive retreat in Uttarakhand’s growing luxury hospitality landscape.

The signing follows the opening of dusitD2 Fagu Shimla in 2024 and further strengthens Dusit International’s development pipeline in India as it continues to expand its presence across emerging leisure and wellness destinations


The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Celebrates World Environment Day with Green Initiatives

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on June 10, 2026

The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, recognized as India’s first eco-friendly hotel, celebrated World Environment Day with a range of green initiatives aimed at encouraging environmental awareness and sustainable living among guests and visitors.

The hotel used the occasion to promote simple yet meaningful actions that help individuals reconnect with nature and adopt greener habits in their daily lives. Through engaging activities and community participation, the celebrations reflected The Orchid’s continued commitment to sustainability and responsible hospitality.

As part of the initiative, the hotel’s Green Team distributed planters to guests in the lobby, encouraging them to bring home a touch of greenery and contribute to a healthier environment. The gesture was well received by guests and added an eco-conscious element to the day’s celebrations.

The hotel also organized a plantation activity for young guests, giving children an opportunity to plant saplings while learning about the importance of caring for the environment. The activity combined education with hands-on participation, making sustainability both accessible and engaging for the younger generation.

By turning the celebration into a platform for environmental awareness, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai highlighted how collective efforts and conscious choices can contribute to a greener future.

For the hotel, sustainability extends beyond annual observances and remains an integral part of its operational philosophy. Over the years, The Orchid has implemented several measures designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high hospitality standards.

Some of the hotel's key sustainability initiatives include water-saving Geberit flush tanks, aerators in taps and showers to reduce water consumption, natural sunlight atriums that lower electricity usage during the day, and in-house vermicomposting systems that convert wet waste into eco-friendly compost. The property also follows dedicated waste management practices, uses environment-friendly construction methods, and incorporates energy conservation measures throughout its infrastructure.

Speaking about the initiative, Varun Sahani, Senior Vice President, Kamat Hotels India Limited, said, “World Environment Day is a reminder that even small actions can create a meaningful impact on our environment. At The Orchid Hotel Mumbai, sustainability has always been at the heart of our hospitality philosophy. Through initiatives like planter distribution and plantation activities for children, we aim to encourage our guests and the younger generation to become more conscious towards nature and greener living. As India’s first eco-friendly hotel, we remain committed to promoting sustainable practices every day.”

Over the years, The Orchid Hotel Mumbai has demonstrated that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand. Its continued focus on resource conservation, environmental awareness, and community engagement reflects its commitment to creating a positive impact for future generations.

Through its World Environment Day celebrations, the hotel not only planted saplings but also encouraged greater awareness and responsibility towards building a greener and more sustainable future.

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