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.


5 Best Sites Offering Festive Flight Deals This Season

5 Best Sites Offering Festive Flight Deals This Season

By Hariharan U

Published on December 3, 2025

Festive travel in India often comes with excitement and rising airfares. With families planning reunions, quick getaways and year-end breaks, booking flights can get expensive as the season gets closer. Thankfully, several travel platforms are offering attractive festive deals, cashback options and flash discounts to make the journey easier on your budget.

Whether you’re travelling home for Diwali, planning a winter break or exploring new destinations, the right booking platform can help you find pocket-friendly fares. Here are five trusted websites offering some of the best festive flight deals this year.

1. Wego
Wego is known for its simple interface and real-time fare comparisons across airlines and travel portals. This festive season, it’s rolling out app-only offers, special discounts and fare alerts to help you catch the lowest prices. For domestic and international trips, Wego ensures you never miss a good deal.

2. MakeMyTrip
MakeMyTrip’s festive offers are popular among Indian travellers, featuring cashback on select credit cards, wallet discounts and coupon codes. Their seasonal “Festive Sale” usually includes flash deals and savings on round-trip bookings, helping you book smarter during peak travel time.

3. Skyscanner
Skyscanner helps you track price drops and find the cheapest days to travel with its smart algorithms. This season, the platform is highlighting budget airline offers and multi-city flight options — ideal for travellers planning long festive breaks or visiting multiple destinations.

4. Cleartrip
Cleartrip is offering attractive festive-season savings through its partnerships with major banks like HDFC, ICICI and Axis. With extra discounts on select card payments and the Cleartrip Rewards program that lets you earn and redeem points, it makes festive travel more affordable.

5. Ixigo
Ixigo continues to gain popularity for its AI-powered fare alerts and Ixigo Money cashback. This festive season, it’s offering limited-time deals on domestic routes and bonus rewards for app bookings, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travellers.

With these platforms stepping up with smart tools and festive offers, planning your holiday travel becomes easier, faster and more affordable.


A Sustainable Christmas Shines at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

A Sustainable Christmas Shines at Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach marked the beginning of the festive season with the unveiling and lighting of its Sustainable Christmas Tree, a thoughtful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage and the hotel’s commitment to conscious hospitality. The ceremony welcomed guests, dignitaries and members of the media, creating a warm start to a joyful and meaningful Christmas season.

This year’s Christmas tree stands out for its sustainable design. Every element has been selected to honour local artisans, represent regional traditions and promote eco-friendly living. The installation blends culture, craftsmanship and responsibility, reflecting the hotel’s dedication to mindful celebrations.

Speaking about the initiative, Ms Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “Our Sustainable Christmas Tree is not just a festive centrepiece, it is a meaningful tribute to Andhra Pradesh’s artisans, a celebration of conscious craftsmanship, and a reflection of our commitment to honouring local traditions in a responsible way. At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we take pride in championing initiatives that celebrate our community while promoting mindful hospitality.”

The tree features responsibly sourced Araku bamboo that represents purity and green living, handwoven Mangalagiri sarees that bring colour and elegance, and traditional toys from Ettikoppaka and Kondapalli that celebrate the state’s artistic heritage. Together, these elements highlight the region’s rich culture while supporting local craftspeople.

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach looks forward to welcoming guests throughout the season to enjoy Christmas celebrations that are joyful, conscious and deeply connected to the community.


Swasthya Retreat at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Unveiled

Swasthya Retreat at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal Unveiled

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 3, 2025

The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal has introduced its newest wellness experience, Swasthya Retreat, with an exclusive preview event hosted at The LaLiT Ashok Bengaluru. The gathering brought together wellness advocates, travel industry guests, and media friends for an early look at a programme that aims to redefine India’s holistic wellness landscape.

Located between the peaceful Nombili River and the Arabian Sea, The LaLiT Bekal is known as one of India’s most serene hideaways. With the arrival of Swasthya Retreat, the resort adds a new dimension to its offerings, where luxury blends with purpose to create a personalised journey of balance, healing, and renewal.

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Inspired by the Sanskrit concept of “Swasthya,” meaning a natural state of well-being, the retreat focuses on harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. Created in collaboration with Spiceology, it features six signature programmes: Panchakarma Detox, Pain & Joint Care, Weight Management, Anti-Ageing & Rejuvenation, Geriatric Care, and De-Stress & Burnout Recovery.

Each retreat is designed by experienced Ayurvedic physicians and yoga practitioners. Guests experience personalised therapies, sattvik cuisine, yoga, meditation, and lifestyle guidance. The programme also supports long-term well-being through pre-arrival consultations and post-retreat follow-ups to help guests continue their wellness journey even after their stay.

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The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal offers a setting where nature and comfort flow together. Spread across lush green landscapes, the resort features 38 luxury suites with private jacuzzis and lagoon views, along with a 20,000 sq. ft. Ayurvedic Spa that houses 11 treatment rooms. Days unfold in a calming rhythm of sunrise yoga, Ayurvedic rituals, fresh local meals, and quiet moments by the backwaters.

Swasthya Retreat is also a reflection of The LaLiT’s commitment to conscious living. The programme emphasises sustainability, inclusivity, and a deep respect for local culture, with initiatives such as farm-to-table ingredients, zero-waste kitchens, and support for regional craftsmanship.

Set across 26 acres of greenery, The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal continues to celebrate India’s heritage, art, and holistic living. With its Kerala-inspired architecture and its strong connection to the land and community, the resort brings together mindful luxury and meaningful experiences.

For reservations and enquiries, visit www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-bekal or email - resvbekal@thelalit.com spiceology.bekal@thelalit.com

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