With Government initiatives boosting eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices, India has ventured towards a new era of eco-conscious and responsible tourism. The shift helps in preserving the historical, cultural and natural beauty of the country. Brands like Pugdundee Safaris further solidify this commitment through their unique blend of hospitality and eco-conscious practices. Manav Khanduja, Director, Pugdundee Safaris elaborates on the vision of the brand that focusses on sustainable and responsible tourism, “Our vision has always been to create a unique safari experience that is both luxurious and sustainable, ensuring no compromises are made on guest service quality.”
He further adds, “Since 2007, we have focussed on blending high-end hospitality with eco-conscious practices, embedding these values into the company’s core operations. What sets Pugdundee Safaris apart is its undying commitment to sustainability, responsible tourism and conservation, making each guest’s stay memorable and valuable to the local economy. This balance between luxury and responsibility is at the heart of what distinguishes us from other eco retreats.”
Promoting responsible ecotourism
As a brand dedicated towards the safari experience, Pugdundee Safaris relies heavily on Nature. Khanduja emphasises on how the brand promotes responsible ecotourism, stating, “We are committed to promoting responsible ecotourism by integrating the ESG framework, which we adopted in 2020, aligning with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council’s standards. This shift ensures we minimise our environmental impact while benefitting local communities and offering authentic guest experiences.”
Eco-friendly practices
Guest satisfaction is an important aspect of hospitality. “Pugdundee Safaris strikes a delicate balance between guest satisfaction and environmental stewardship. The company is committed to offering high-quality hospitality that aligns with its sustainability goals,” shares Khanduja, laying emphasis on striking a balance between eco-friendly practices and penultimate guest satisfaction.
“Eco-friendly practices include energy efficient designs, use of sustainable materials, waste reduction, and water conservation. Additionally, local communities are integral to the lodges’ operations, providing labour and expertise, strengthening social ties and creating a sustainable tourism model,” he adds.
Sustainable initiatives
With sustainability as one of its core values, the brand has a special focus on promoting sustainability, Khanduja elaborates, “One of our key focusses is on the integration of local communities as vital stakeholders in India’s forest ecosystems. Pugdundee Safaris supports community development by providing employment, education, and involvement in conservation efforts.”
Shedding light on the achievements, he adds, “We have eliminated single-use plastics in six of our lodges and emphasise on green architecture using local materials. Our lodges are re-wilded with native species, and 75 per cent of our energy needs are met through solar power. Over 70 per cent of our team members are locals, who have today been promoted to managerial roles. We support local schools, engage in farm-to-table initiatives and source 70 per cent of our procurement locally, reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, our lodges are regularly audited and certified by TOFT and our managers undergo sustainability training, ensuring accountability. We aim to be carbon neutral by 2025.”
Government initiatives
Delving into the topic of Government initiatives promoting responsible and ecotourism, he opines, “The Indian Government’s recent emphasis on sustainable tourism is highly aligned with Pugdundee Safaris’ core vision. By creating an environment that encourages sustainable practices in the private sector, these initiatives help the company optimise visitor impact and behaviour, thereby fostering a deeper connection with wildlife and conservation. Government support also promotes responsible tourism, which in turn benefits us by providing frameworks and incentives to operate more sustainably. This shift enhances the brand’s ability to expand its conservation efforts while maintaining its high standards of guest experience.”
Expansion strategy
Expansion is key for any hospitality brand. With seven intimate jungle lodges in Central India, Pugdundee Safaris is planning to strategically expand its footprint in the nation. Khanduja explains the strategic expansion plan of the brand, “Pugdundee Safaris is strategically expanding its footprint while staying true to its conservation ethos. Currently established in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, the brand is looking to expand into other key wilderness areas across India. Future expansion plans focus on maintaining high standards of sustainable tourism and ensuring new lodges are developed while keeping the benefit of local communities in mind. Central India, with its rich biodiversity, will remain a core area, but the brand’s expansion will be methodical, seeking to preserve the balance between growth and sustainability.”
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