‘Staying competitive means embracing change and innovation'

As domestic travel in India surges in 2024, the hospitality sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by evolving traveller preferences. At the forefront of this shift is Kadmbini Mittal, Regional VP - Commercial for India & Southwest Asia at Hyatt. “Modern travellers are increasingly blending work and leisure in ‘bleisure’ trips, seeking shorter, more immersive getaways,” she notes and highlights a rising demand for experiences that connect travellers with local cultures and cater to their desires for slow and spiritual tourism. Gen Z’s growing emphasis on adventure and cultural immersion further fuels these trends. To meet these requirements, Hyatt is leveraging its global FIND platform and curated experiential packages. “Through our diverse offerings, including farm-to-table dining and cooking classes at Alila properties, we are enhancing our presence in India and delivering authentic, enriching travel experiences,” Mittal points out.

Hyatt's Growth and Expansion In India and Southwest Asia

As Hyatt looks towards the future in India and Southwest Asia, the strategic vision revolves around thoughtful expansion tailored to the evolving market landscape. Mittal emphasises on the importance of adapting to shifting trends and consumer preferences. “In a dynamic hospitality market, staying competitive means embracing change and innovation,” she explains, adding Hyatt’s strategy is anchored in five key areas: Loyalty, Luxury, Leisure, Lifestyle, and Wellness (LLLW).

With leisure travel booming – through workcations, staycations and weekend getaways – Hyatt aims to expand across both metropolitan areas and Tier II cities. The focus will be on integrating wellness and spiritual tourism into their offerings. “Our goal is to align our growth with guest demand, offering features like co-working spaces, high-speed internet and enhanced dining experiences through our FIND platform and Hyatt Dining Club,” notes Mittal. With 50 hotels and over 10,000 keys in the region, Hyatt is committed to becoming the most preferred choice for guests, rather than simply striving for 
scale.

Commercial Strategies to Drive Growth And Profitability
Hyatt has been at the forefront of leveraging strategic initiatives to drive growth and profitability in India and Southwest Asia. Highlighting the brand’s commitment to delivering personalised and authentic experiences amidst the evolving hospitality landscape, Mittal shares, “Catering to a diverse audience in this region presents both challenges and opportunities. To address this, Hyatt has implemented several key strategies, including a strong focus on personalised guest experiences and a significant push in the wedding segment through its Perfectly Yours initiative.”

This dedicated approach has resulted in a remarkable 50 per cent year-on-year growth in the weddings sector in 2023. Additionally, the World of Hyatt loyalty programme, with over 1.5 million members in India, has experienced robust double-digit growth since 2021, further reflecting Hyatt’s successful engagement with its customers and expansion efforts. It has also introduced several innovations and technological advancements that have significantly enhanced performance in India and Southwest Asia. One key development is the integration of digital tools that streamline guest experiences and operations.

Different From Competitors In India And Southwest Asia
Hyatt, shares Mittal, is committed to redefining the hospitality experience through personalisation, creativity and genuine care. As travel evolves into a more experiential and educational journey, with a focus on authenticity and connection, the 
initiatives are designed to meet these changing desires. “The human desire to reconnect with loved ones and explore new 
destinations is stronger than ever. To enhance guest experiences, we offer a range of tailored services. Our wellness offerings have also been reimagined to cater to increasing guest demands. From chakra healing at Andaz Delhi and the Malsi 
Forest trek at Hyatt Regency Dehradun to a unique spa experience on a houseboat at Grand Hyatt Kochi and culturally immersive culinary experiences at Hyatt Regency Dharamshala, we aim to blend local authenticity with well-being. Our goal is to provide personalised experiences that not only meet but exceed our guests’ evolving expectations,” Mittal adds.

Sustainability Operations And Initiatives
As a global brand, Hyatt is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, recognising that the health of our planet is crucial to the well-being of everyone we serve. Since launching its World of Care platform in July 2021, it has focussed on enhancing transparency and driving action in key areas: Climate Change, Water Conservation, Waste & Circularity, and 
Responsible Sourcing.

“Our sustainability efforts are centred on improving water use efficiency, especially in drought-prone regions and reducing reliance on single-use plastics. We have transitioned to large-format bathroom amenities, and properties like Park Hyatt Hyderabad and Alila Diwa Goa have implemented on-site water bottling and eliminated single-use plastic bottles and straws. 
Alila Diwa Goa further demonstrates our commitment with biodegradable Areca plates and an upcycling program for glass 
bottles. Additionally, Andaz Delhi’s upcycling projects and food-sharing initiatives are reducing waste while supporting local communities,” she shares.

Hyatt EcoTrack, Hyatt’s global environmental management tool, helps monitor and advance the sustainability goals across all properties, ensuring environmental efforts contribute to vibrant and thriving destinations for all Hyatt colleagues, guests and communities.

Key Goals And Objectives 
Looking ahead, Hyatt’s strategic goals for India and Southwest Asia revolve around thoughtful and responsive growth, tailored to meet shifting market demands and elevate the guest experience. “We aim to continue expanding in leisure destinations, particularly as demand for workcations, staycations, and weekend getaways rises,” says Mittal

She also highlights the importance of targetting Tier II cities, noting, “There is a strong demand for wellness and spiritual tourism in these regions.” To achieve these objectives, Hyatt will prioritise innovation and a reimagined approach to hospitality.

Furthermore, Hyatt is dedicated to enhancing guest personalisation with initiatives like the Hyatt Dining Club and tailored experiential packages. “Our focus is on maintaining a balanced portfolio that aligns with guest preferences and market needs,” informs Mittal, adding, “We aim to distinguish ourselves by becoming the preferred choice for unique and enriching experiences, rather than merely growing for scale.”