The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts Hosts Grammy Winner Ricky Kej for ‘Rhythm of the Earth’ Concert Series

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on June 18, 2024

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts recently collaborated with three-time Grammy Award-winner Ricky Kej for an exclusive concert series titled ‘Rhythm of the Earth.’ This three-city musical tour aimed to raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability. The concerts were held at The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Palace New Delhi, and The Leela Palace Chennai, offering audiences an immersive experience that combined music with powerful environmental messages.

Ricky Kej, a globally acclaimed music composer and environmentalist, has received numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards and recognition as a UNESCO MGIEP Global Ambassador for Kindness. His music is a powerful tool for promoting climate change awareness and encouraging tangible environmental action.

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In line with its commitment to sustainability, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts launched its new campaign, #ThinkBigStartSmall, during these concerts. A significant highlight was the introduction of in-house water bottling plants under the brand ‘Aujasya by The Leela,’ replacing single-use plastic bottles across its properties. This initiative underscores the brand’s dedication to reducing its environmental footprint and promoting conscious luxury.

Last month, The Leela Palace Udaipur introduced new eco-friendly boats on Lake Pichola, equipped with the latest green technologies to minimize the hotel's ecological impact. Additionally, The Leela launched ‘Tishya by The Leela,’ a line of 100% vegan and eco-friendly bath amenities. These initiatives reflect the brand's holistic approach to wellness and sustainability.

Anjali Mehra, Chief Brand Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing at The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, “Sustainable luxury today is changing the paradigm as guests seek fulfilling experiences in harmony with nature and their sociocultural surroundings. We at The Leela are committed to providing these experiences and have in fact taken significant measures to reduce our carbon footprint, focus on holistic wellness of our guests and contribute towards community development through meaningful partnerships. Our #ThinkBigStartSmall campaign will highlight these initiatives and how each step that we are taking, no matter how small, is culminating in achieving a larger goal. Our collaboration with Ricky Kej is a testament to a shared passion and the brand’s commitment towards positive environmental impact. We are excited and feel privileged to be a part of the great work that Ricky is doing.” 

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The ‘Rhythm of the Earth’ concerts were not only musical events but also a showcase of The Leela's signature wellness program, Aujasya by The Leela. The program focuses on holistic wellness through mindful eating and restoration, featuring a special zero-food-waste menu curated for the concerts.

Ricky Kej expressed his excitement about the partnership, highlighting the power of music to communicate important messages about conservation and sustainability. He appreciated the overwhelming response from audiences in all three cities and the opportunity to reach a relevant audience who can drive change. “I am excited to have partnered with The Leela for a 3-city tour of Rhythm of the Earth,” said Ricky Kej.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, headquartered in Mumbai, operates eleven award-winning properties across India. Celebrated for its luxurious hospitality, the brand emphasizes sustainability and community development through various initiatives and partnerships. As The Leela continues to evolve, it remains committed to offering guests unforgettable experiences that honor India's rich heritage and natural beauty.

This collaboration with Ricky Kej and the launch of the #ThinkBigStartSmall campaign mark significant steps in The Leela's journey towards achieving Net Zero and setting new standards for sustainable luxury in the hospitality industry.


MakeMyTrip Partners with Tourism Ministry to Attract Global Indian Diaspora

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 19, 2024

On the eve of India's 78th Independence Day, MakeMyTrip, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, launched a heartfelt campaign titled "India: The Homecoming." This initiative calls upon the global Indian diaspora to rediscover the beauty, diversity, and transformation of their homeland. At the center of this campaign is an evocative online film featuring the legendary poet and lyricist Gulzar Saab. Through his powerful words and distinctive voice, the film captures India's evolution and invites the Indian community across the globe to experience the country's transformation.

The campaign is a continuation of MakeMyTrip's commitment to connecting the global Indian community with their roots. Rajesh Magow, Co-founder & Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating, "We are thrilled to launch 'India: The Homecoming,' inviting the Indian diaspora to rediscover a transformed India. By showcasing the progress, beauty, and rich heritage of our country, we aim to inspire pride and nostalgia, encouraging the global Indian community to visit and explore."

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The campaign also supports the Ministry of Tourism's efforts to enable the Indian diaspora to become Incredible India Ambassadors through the "Chalo India" initiative. Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, emphasized the importance of re-engaging with the Indian diaspora, stating, "This Independence Day, we call upon the global Indian community to take a trip back home, experience Incredible India in all its richness, and share that experience with the world."

As India celebrates another year of independence, this campaign serves as a powerful invitation for the Indian diaspora to return and rediscover the ever-evolving landscape of their homeland.


Medusa Beverages and Warner Bros Discovery Launch Exclusive House of the Dragon Edition

By Nishang Narayan

Published on August 17, 2024

Medusa Beverages, the renowned home-grown beer brand, has partnered with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products to unveil an exclusive House of the Dragon inspired edition. This collaboration artfully merges Medusa's brewing expertise with the captivating world of the acclaimed HBO Original drama series, offering fans a unique and immersive experience.

Drawing inspiration from the fiery essence of dragon fire and the bold, adventurous spirit of the brand, this limited-edition collection is crafted in celebration of the series' return. The partnership marks a pioneering moment in India's beverage market, promising an unforgettable experience for both fans and beer enthusiasts alike.

Each brew in this collector's series is presented in exclusive, limited-edition cans, meticulously designed to reflect the dramatic landscapes of House of the Dragon. From scorching infernos to icy realms, these cans embody the pivotal elements of the series' epic narrative, making them a must-have for collectors.

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Expressing his excitement about the collaboration, Avneet Singh, Founder & CEO of Medusa Beer, said, "We are thrilled to partner with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products to unveil the exclusive House of the Dragon-inspired limited-edition cans. This collaboration epitomizes the rich tradition, bold innovation, and epic storytelling that define both our brand and the iconic series."

This innovative partnership not only highlights the creativity and boldness of Medusa Beverages but also celebrates the rich storytelling that has made House of the Dragon a global phenomenon. Fans can now indulge in a brew that truly embodies the spirit of the series, offering a taste of the epic world of dragons and adventure.


Hilton India Relaunches ‘Wedding Diaries’ with a Fresh Approach

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on August 5, 2024

Hilton India has reimagined its flagship initiative, Wedding Diaries, first introduced in 2021, with a renewed focus on simplifying the wedding planning process. The revamped initiative introduces the concept of a Wedding Ambassador, an expert who serves as a dedicated liaison between the family and the hotel. This role is designed to provide personalized service and manage every detail from the initial consultation to the final celebration, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for couples.

To promote the refreshed Wedding Diaries, Hilton has launched a comprehensive digital campaign featuring a new video film shot at Conrad Pune, one of Hilton’s flagship luxury properties in India. The campaign, created by MagicCircle Communications, showcases the playful competition between a bride and groom, emphasizing the role of the Wedding Ambassador in curating surprise elements for the celebrations. The videos, accompanied by an original wedding song, capture the festive spirit and vibrant essence of grand Indian weddings.

Culinary excellence, a key component of Indian weddings, is a major focus of the Wedding Diaries initiative. Hilton has partnered with celebrity chefs to create custom culinary experiences that reflect each couple’s preferences and cultural traditions. Additionally, the brand’s festive gifting concept, Khushiyan by Hilton, now includes a team of expert halwais who prepare premium sweets, offering customizable options that cater to both local and international tastes.

Hilton is also committed to sustainability through its Wedding Diaries offering. Guests can opt for a carbon-neutral event by purchasing carbon offsets in partnership with ClimeCo. The Meet with Purpose initiative allows couples to reduce the environmental impact of their wedding by incorporating sustainable practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients and collaborating with vendors who adhere to strict environmental standards.

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Manish Tolani, Hilton’s Vice President and Commercial Director for South Asia, highlighted the importance of this relaunch, stating, “The launch of Wedding Diaries is a pivotal moment for us, underscoring Hilton’s commitment to providing exceptional wedding experiences in the country. Our goal is to simplify the process and deliver a personalized experience that reflects each couple’s unique style and preferences. With Wedding Diaries, we are committed to overseeing every detail to ensure reliability and excellence in execution.”

Gaurangi Mathur, Senior Creative Director at MagicCircle Communications, added, “Our goal with the Wedding Diaries campaign was to capture Hilton’s signature warmth and hospitality, highlighting the meticulous care they offer to families and couples.”

The campaign officially launched on July 31 across major digital platforms. Hilton is also pursuing strategic co-branding partnerships to extend the campaign’s reach and visibility in key markets. As part of its continued investment in India, Hilton plans to roll out additional collaborations with prominent figures from entertainment and sports, further enhancing its Wedding Diaries offering.

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