Independents Day

With a focus on authenticity, independent hotels across Rajasthan are giving stiff competition to big hospitality chains.

- Sanchita Nambiar

With its grandeur and royal hospitality, Rajasthan has positioned itself as one of the major tourist destinations in India. However, there is a rising segment of independent hotels, in addition to big chains, that is also drawing discerning travellers towards this region.

By offering personalised and authentic services, the independent hotel segment in Rajasthan is carving out a niche for itself in the Indian hospitality sector.

The changing demographics

Contrary to the notion that independent hotels only attract international guests, there is a considerable surge in the domestic segment as well — this includes well-travelled Indians who are keen on exploring what rural Rajasthan has to offer. Commenting on this, Saloni Mahajan Narang, Brand

Marketing Consultant for Samode Hotels says, “The usual notion about boutique and independent hotels is that they cater to the international audiences more than the domestic. This is not the case with Samode Hotels. Our focus in terms of markets has been equally aggressive with both, domestic and international audiences, as we believe that the Indian audience too is ready to experience and appreciate these properties, unlike the scenario a few years back.”

As far as international guests are concerned, travellers from the United States, Europe and Australia form a major clientele for independent hotels.

PAVING THE WAY FOR RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

Independent hotels also provide a platform for “responsible travellers” who wish to enjoy luxury in exquisite locations while also playing a part in conservation and community development. A case in point is SUJÁN; for every guest who visits its property, a conservation contribution is directly added into a fund with which SUJÁN offers financial support and resources to their own nature conservation projects and of their local non-profit partners’ as well.