‘The hotel industry is experiencing a golden period of growth’

When Somesh Agarwal, Chairman and MD Radisson Blu Palace Resort, Udaipur set his sights on creating a luxury resort in the City of Lakes, he envisioned a landmark that would merge cultural heritage with modern hospitality. Reflecting on his journey, Agarwal shared, “When I began my journey in 2007, I knew the hospitality sector was full of opportunities. That is when I envisioned building a grand, one-of-a-kind property with 244 rooms.” Recognising Udaipur’s emerging appeal as a tourist destination, he saw the potential to elevate the city’s charm through a resort that exemplifies luxury and personalised experiences. “Looking back fills me with immense joy, knowing that I followed my instincts,” he states, expressing pride in the journey that brought his vision to life​.

Overcoming challenges
Launching a luxury resort in an evolving market presented several challenges, particularly as competition intensified. Agarwal remarks on the importance of staying ahead through innovation and unique offerings, “To stay ahead, we decided to focus on innovation and differentiated offerings to ensure that our guests thoroughly enjoy their stay.” In addition, Agarwal maintained close engagement with industry leaders worldwide, allowing him to anticipate trends and incorporate global standards into Radisson Blu Udaipur. This proactive approach, coupled with a dedication to customer satisfaction, has become a cornerstone of the resort’s success​.

Udaipur: A top wedding destination
The transformation of Udaipur into a much sought-after wedding destination owes to its picturesque landscapes and historical grandeur. Highlighting the city’s allure, Agarwal notes, “Surrounded by the Aravalli range, Udaipur mesmerises visitors with serene lakes and stunning historic architectural marvels.” The resort, Radisson Blu Palace, leverages this setting to host 80-100 weddings annually, creating opulent experiences complete with personalised services. “Every service exudes grandeur – from lavish decoration, bespoke romantic setups to authentic local and international delicacies prepared by well-known chefs,” he adds. This commitment to tailored experiences has solidified Radisson Blu Udaipur’s reputation as a premier wedding destination.

Expanding horizons
Following the success of Radisson Blu Palace Resort, Agarwal is set to expand his presence with luxury ventures in Mumbai, Jaipur and an upcoming Fairmont property in Udaipur. Sharing his vision, he said, “This new venture reflects our commitment to redefining luxury hospitality by delivering unparalleled guest experiences through world-class amenities.” Each new location was chosen for its strategic value – Mumbai as a commercial hub, Jaipur for its heritage appeal and Udaipur to further solidify the brand’s roots in luxury hospitality. Through these expansions, Agarwal aims to build a distinguished presence in India’s high-end hospitality sector​.

Integrating diverse industry expertise
Agarwal’s ventures extend beyond hospitality to include real estate and marble processing, industries that have enriched his approach to the hotel business. He explains how his experience in these areas fosters a unique synergy, “The real estate business can provide excellent property development locations, while the marble processing industry can assist in the procurement of high-quality materials.” By creating a vertically integrated value chain, Agarwal minimises dependency on external suppliers, enhancing the quality and sustainability of his hospitality projects​.

Embracing sustainability and wellness tourism
In response to growing demands for sustainability and wellness, Radisson Blu Udaipur has implemented green initiatives, from solar energy use to sustainable water management practices. Agarwal shares, “We rely on renewable energy generated through solar panels installed in collaboration with a plant near Bikaner, helping reduce emissions and minimise our carbon footprint.” Additionally, the hotel’s atrium lobby maximises natural lighting, while sensor-based LED lighting reduces energy use. These measures reflect Agarwal’s commitment to eco-conscious hospitality, aligning the brand with global environmental goals​.

Shaping the future of Indian hospitality industry
Looking ahead, Agarwal sees promising growth in India’s hospitality sector, especially in Rajasthan. “The hotel industry is experiencing a golden period of growth,” he observes. As guests increasingly seek unique, luxurious experiences, he anticipates further diversification in hospitality offerings, with a focus on wellness and health tourism. Agarwal foresees a future where digital transformations and climate-conscious practices will continue to reshape the industry, positioning it to meet the evolving expectations of travellers​.