Reflections and Projections: Net Positive Hospitality in 2025

Reflections and Projections: Net Positive Hospitality in 2025

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 19, 2025

To mark the beginning of 2025, the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is releasing its latest podcast episode, "Reflections and Projections for 2025 – The Net Positive Hospitality Podcast," available now on Spotify. Alongside this, CEO Glenn Mandziuk shares his thought leadership, highlighting the achievements of 2024 and laying out an ambitious roadmap for the coming year.

2024: A Year of Transformative Achievements

Reflecting on 2024, Glenn emphasizes the industry's resilience and its strides in sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.

  • Universal Sustainability KPIs: A milestone launch at COP29, these metrics provide a framework for measuring environmental performance, including greenhouse gas emissions and waste management.

  • Nature Positive Report: This collaborative guide offers actionable strategies to halt biodiversity loss, developed with UN Tourism and the World Travel and Tourism Council.

  • World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality: A groundbreaking platform, offering tailored sustainability training for hospitality professionals across all departments.

Empowering Through Inclusivity

The first graduation of the Employability Programme in Egypt was a standout moment in 2024. By addressing barriers to workforce participation, this initiative empowered young women, showcasing the industry’s role in fostering equitable growth.

Leading Change in Food Systems

A bold leap in decarbonising food systems was achieved with the Decarbonising Hotel Food Systems report. This collaboration outlined the sector’s ability to cut 70 million metric tons of CO₂ annually through sustainable practices, paving the way for global impact.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Goals

Under the leadership of Chair Daniella Foster, the Alliance is steering its ambitious five-year strategy toward measurable outcomes. Key initiatives for 2025 include:

  • Releasing a comprehensive environmental guidebook and unveiling social KPIs.

  • Scaling the reach of the World Academy for Sustainable Hospitality to foster a global network of sustainability champions.

  • Strengthening partnerships to enhance inclusivity and sustainability in the hospitality industry.

As Glenn Mandziuk puts it, “Progress is only possible when we work together.” By uniting almost 30 new members and partners, the Alliance is driving meaningful change through shared commitment and collaboration.

A Call for Unity

The hospitality industry, long known for bringing people together, is now focused on doing so sustainably, ensuring a thriving future for all. As we step into 2025, the Alliance remains committed to its mission of creating a Net Positive Hospitality landscape.

Visit https://sustainablehospitalityalliance.org/ to learn more about the Alliance’s initiatives for 2025.


UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Unveils Hinduja Foundation Book on Ancient North Indian Coinage

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Unveils Hinduja Foundation Book on Ancient North Indian Coinage

By Hariharan U

Published on January 10, 2026

The Hinduja Foundation unveiled its latest publication, Early North India and Its Coinage, at a distinguished ceremony in New Delhi, with Shri Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, formally releasing the book. The event was attended by scholars, historians and dignitaries, including Shri Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Prakash P. Hinduja, Trustee, Hinduja Foundation, and Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation.

Published in both English and Hindi, the book is India’s first comprehensive and illustrated study of early North Indian coinage, documenting coins dating from 300 BCE to 300 CE. Authored by historian Devendra Handa, the publication features over 850 coins, making it the largest documented assemblage of indigenous coinage from this period in North India.

The book examines coinage from republics, tribes and monarchies that emerged after the Mauryan period, covering regions such as Mathura, Kannauj, Panchal and Kaushambi in the Ganga–Yamuna doab, along with parts of Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. Through detailed visuals and commentary, it reflects the religious, cultural and geopolitical context that shaped early Indian society.

Plans are underway to showcase select coins from the collection at the Lucknow Museum, allowing the public to engage closely with this aspect of India’s heritage. The Hinduja Foundation’s numismatic collection today includes over 34,000 historically significant coins, with around 7,000 from North India and nearly 4,200 from Uttar Pradesh alone.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Yogi Adityanath said, “Understanding and preserving history is a national responsibility, and I commend the Hinduja Foundation for this remarkable initiative. The book sheds light on the economic, cultural and political fabric of early North India and highlights the importance of preserving the region's historical heritage for future generations. This book not only chronicles India's heritage but also underscores the enduring contributions of our civilisation to world history, making it an invaluable resource.”

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ashok P. Hinduja, Chairman, Hinduja Foundation, said, “I extend my sincere gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath ji, for unveiling this important volume and supporting the plan for public display of these coins at the museum in Lucknow. With a legacy rooted in India, the Hinduja family has always seen itself as a custodian of the country’s cultural and civilisational heritage.”

Mr. Raman Kalyanakrishnan, CEO, Hinduja Foundation, added, “This publication marks an important step in introducing a significant part of North India’s glorious heritage to the public. By showcasing these coins, we enable scholars, students and the wider public to engage with India’s early civilisations first-hand.”

The book showcases a wide variety of coin shapes, metals and symbols, including early depictions of deities such as Kārttikeya, Śiva and Lakṣmī, as well as temples and cultural motifs. Drawing on archaeological findings and the Foundation’s collection, it demonstrates how coins provide insights into trade, governance, religion and everyday life in ancient India.

With this publication, the Hinduja Foundation reinforces its commitment to preserving India’s heritage, promoting scholarship, and ensuring that the country’s cultural legacy is documented and passed on to future generations.


Postcard Hotel Launches Exclusive Ayurveda Retreat in Old Goa

Postcard Hotel Launches Exclusive Ayurveda Retreat in Old Goa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 9, 2026

The Postcard Hotel has announced the launch of its latest wellness-focused property, The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa – A Sitaram Ayurveda Experience, marking a new chapter in experiential luxury hospitality. Set within a UNESCO-recognised heritage region and surrounded by vast reserve forests, the retreat is dedicated entirely to holistic healing and long-term wellbeing.

Developed in collaboration with Sitaram Ayurveda, which carries a healing legacy of over a century, the retreat blends authentic Ayurvedic wisdom with The Postcard Hotel’s signature philosophy of thoughtful luxury. Designed as a quiet sanctuary away from everyday distractions, the property encourages guests to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with their inner balance.

Speaking about the launch, Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Postcard Hotel, said, “With The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, we have created a pioneering wellness sanctuary in India that offers a comprehensive experience to address unique lifestyle needs and concerns of each guest. The stays here start from minimum seven nights and are all-inclusive healing journeys focused on providing highly personalised programmes for medical wellness, rather than a recreational leisure escape.”

He further added, “In an industry-first collaboration with Sitaram, our intimate retreat supports long-term health, balance and wellbeing by integrating their century-old healing legacy of Ayurveda with the calm of nature, thoughtful design, nourishing cuisine, and perceptive service offered by The Postcard Hotel.”

Dr. Vignesh Devraj, MD (Ay), Founder and Chief Physician, Sitaram Retreats, highlighted the philosophy behind the collaboration, saying, “The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat represents a meaningful convergence of place, purpose, and healing. At its core, Ayurveda is about restoring balance and tapping into the body’s innate potential to heal. Our retreat harmonises these ancient principles with guided consultations, medical insights and personalised care at every step of the tailored wellness programmes.”

Located in the serene surroundings of Old Goa, the retreat is defined by stillness and privacy. At its heart stands a majestic 300-year-old banyan tree, setting the tone for calm and reflection. With only six thoughtfully designed rooms, each featuring private balconies overlooking lush gardens and forested valleys, the property ensures complete seclusion and unhurried healing.

Each guest’s wellness journey begins with an in-depth consultation with resident Ayurvedic physicians, who curate personalised programmes based on individual doshas and health needs. Every aspect of the stay, from treatments and nutrition to rest and daily routines, is carefully designed to support deep restoration rather than leisure-driven relaxation.

Wellness programmes range from seven to fourteen or twenty-one nights, offering guests the flexibility to choose a pace that supports meaningful healing. The retreat caters not only to those seeking treatment but also to guests focused on preventive care, immunity strengthening, and long-term balance.

With this launch, The Postcard Hotel reinforces its commitment to creating transformative hospitality experiences that go beyond luxury, positioning The Postcard Ayurveda Retreat, Old Goa as a destination for mindful living and authentic healing.


juSTa Hotels & Resorts Launches Boutique Wildlife Retreat in Jawai

juSTa Hotels & Resorts Launches Boutique Wildlife Retreat in Jawai

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 8, 2026

Onora Hospitality, the parent company of boutique hospitality brand juSTa Hotels & Resorts, has announced the launch of juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai, a boutique wildlife retreat located in the heart of Jawai’s renowned leopard country near Udaipur and Jodhpur.

Situated in Village Bijapur, the newly opened resort offers a tranquil and immersive escape that reflects the rugged beauty, distinctive wildlife, and rich cultural heritage of the Jawai region. Spread across two and a half acres, juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai features 18 thoughtfully designed accommodations, including suites with heated plunge pools, each created to balance modern comfort with a deep connection to nature.

All rooms are equipped with premium amenities such as climate-controlled air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, flat-screen smart televisions, mini-bars, tea and coffee makers, electronic safes, quality linen, workspaces, wardrobes, telephones, and round-the-clock power backup. Select accommodations also feature private plunge pools, open-air showers, bathtubs, private gardens, and spacious sit-out areas.

Commenting on the launch, Ashish Vohra, Founder and CEO of Onora Hospitality Private Limited, said, “The growing popularity of Jawai as a wildlife and experiential travel destination presents a meaningful opportunity for us to introduce our signature style of intimate, design-led hospitality. With juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai, we aim to create an immersive retreat that blends comfort with adventure while celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the region. This launch also strengthens our expanding presence in India’s national parks, where we already operate boutique resorts in Sariska and Jim Corbett under the juSTa brand and in Ranthambore under Bookmark Resorts.”

The resort offers a curated range of lifestyle and wellness experiences, including a swimming pool, a multicuisine restaurant with indoor dining and an intimate al fresco space, a 1,500-square-foot banquet hall, and a spa with two treatment rooms and a steam bath. Guests can also enjoy indoor and outdoor recreational activities such as carrom, foosball, badminton, and cricket.

Easily accessible by road from both Jodhpur and Udaipur, juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai serves as a convenient base for exploring the region’s key attractions. These include the Jawai Dam, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Pola Lake, guided jungle safaris, and exceptional birdwatching opportunities that have established Jawai as one of India’s most distinctive wildlife destinations.

Known for its dramatic granite hills and its rare culture of harmonious coexistence between humans and leopards, Jawai continues to gain recognition among nature lovers and experiential travellers alike. The opening of juSTa Luxe High Point Jawai marks a significant milestone in Onora Hospitality’s journey to create soulful, experience-led stays across India’s most inspiring landscapes.

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