Q] This is the third consecutive year of your partnership with the Rajasthan Polo Club for The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup. What makes this association the right fit?
This collaboration is a seamless extension of our shared values—heritage, excellence, and grandeur—further strengthened by our association with His Highness Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, an icon of India. Together, we celebrate India’s rich legacy and present it to the world in an immersive and contemporary way. Polo, the sport of kings, epitomises regal tradition, discipline, and finesse—values that align perfectly with The Leela’s philosophy of ‘True Indian Luxury’. Through this partnership, we not only honour India’s royal heritage but also craft experiences that exude opulence, graciousness, and our signature service ethos of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’ The Polo Cup is not merely an event; it is an embodiment of timeless grandeur, brought to life through The Leela’s world-class hospitality and deeply personalized experiences.
Q] Your campaign, ‘Time Travel with The Leela,’ features HH Sawai Padmanabh Singh of Jaipur. Did it generate the desired pull for the recently concluded Polo Cup?
‘Time Travel with The Leela’ was designed to capture the essence of India’s royal past while presenting it in a way that resonates with the modern luxury traveller. HH Padmanabh Singh perfectly represents this blend of tradition and modernity, making him the ideal ambassador for the campaign. The campaign not only elevated the prestige of The Leela Maharaja Sawai Man Singh Polo Cup but also amplified awareness of The Leela’s unique positioning—where heritage meets contemporary luxury. By embracing digital storytelling and immersive experiences, we successfully engaged a discerning global audience, inspiring them to partake in an experience that is both regal and relevant.
Q] When it comes to Polo, one would assume that the target audience is the older generation, which leans towards tradition and can easily afford luxury, but I believe you’re also trying to generate interest among the Gen Z., how challenging is that?
Today’s young, affluent travellers are not just seeking luxury; they seek meaningful experiences that connect them to history and culture. While Polo has long been a sport of tradition, HH Padmanabh Singh has played a key role in modernising its appeal, making it more aspirational for the younger generation. The challenge lies in maintaining Polo’s exclusivity while making it engaging and accessible. Through digital storytelling, influencer engagement, and curated hospitality experiences, we are redefining Polo as not just a regal sport but a dynamic, aspirational lifestyle—one that aligns seamlessly with the evolving preferences of Gen Z and luxury travellers.
Q] Luxury is associated with rarity and exclusivity, excessive marketing can also make the brand look less desirable, at The Leela Palaces how do you strike that balance?
Our marketing strategy is deeply rooted in experiential storytelling, designed to captivate the modern luxury traveller. Our omnichannel approach spans digital, print, social media, and high-touch experiential activations, ensuring a cohesive brand narrative across all platforms. We invest in rich, immersive content that highlights The Leela’s ethos of ‘True Indian Luxury’—be it through digital-first campaigns, exclusive brand collaborations, or experiential marketing initiatives. Influencer partnerships and curated events allow us to engage a younger, affluent audience, while our deep-rooted commitment to heritage and authenticity continues to resonate with discerning global travellers. Our focus remains on crafting compelling narratives that elevate The Leela as not just a hospitality brand, but an experience to be lived.
Q] Sustainability has become a key issue for the luxury sector. How close is The Leela to achieving net-zero emissions?
At The Leela, sustainability is integral to our vision of luxury with a purpose. Our commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 is supported by tangible efforts across energy conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing. In 2023, over half of the electricity at our owned properties came from renewable sources, and The Leela Palace Udaipur and The Leela Palace Bengaluru are recognised by Beyond Green, a global portfolio of sustainable luxury hotels. We are also focused on reducing our carbon footprint through energy-efficient systems, expanded EV charging infrastructure, and water-positive initiatives like rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation. Another example of our commitment to sustainability is ‘Leela Ke Phool’, where we repurpose floral waste from our hotels into eco-friendly incense sticks and cones, in collaboration with local women-led organisations. What was once discarded now finds new life—creating livelihoods, reducing waste, and bringing sustainable luxury full circle. This is just one example of how we are redefining responsible luxury, ensuring that every guest experience is not only indulgent but also deeply conscious of the world we inhabit.
Q] Has experience-driven travel overtaken comfort-led stays? Apart from Jaipur, where does The Leela Palaces prioritize experiential luxury?
Modern luxury travellers seek more than just comfort—they seek stories, cultural connections, and immersive experiences. In Udaipur, guests can step into Rajasthan’s royal legacy with curated heritage experiences, while Kovalam offers rejuvenating Ayurvedic wellness retreats that honour Kerala’s healing traditions. In Delhi, our guests experience India’s culinary evolution through signature dining experiences, while Bengaluru combines contemporary urban luxury with rich local culture. Every Leela property is designed to offer more than just a stay; it’s a passage into the heart of India’s heritage, wrapped in impeccable service and grandeur.
Q] Who do you consider your biggest competitor—Taj, ITC, Oberoi, or luxury Airbnb properties—and what differentiates The Leela from them?
The Leela stands apart through its philosophy of ‘True Indian Luxury’—where tradition meets contemporary grandeur. We craft highly personalised, immersive experiences that are deeply rooted in the cultural and historical essence of each destination. What truly sets us apart is our unparalleled service ethos. From our signature Butler Program to our unwavering commitment to gracious hospitality, The Leela is synonymous with warmth, opulence, and the deeply ingrained philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’ Each guest experience is not just luxurious but uniquely Leela—a blend of regal heritage and modern sophistication that cannot be replicated.
Q] The company last year had filed for an IPO when the market was thriving, what are your expectations from it now that the market is seeing a correction. How has the past year been for The Leela revenue wise, and what are your plans ahead?
While we do not comment on financials, what remains constant is The Leela’s commitment to evolving as the benchmark for ‘True Indian Luxury’. Over the past year, we have continued to reinforce our positioning by curating new experiences, expanding our partnerships, and redefining hospitality through personalization and cultural storytelling. Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on growth through innovation, sustainability, and experiences that offer unparalleled sense of place. Our dedication to creating timeless luxury will remain at the heart of everything we do.
Q] Is this the year for luxury travel in India? Are you seeing a significant increase in demand?
India’s luxury travel segment is indeed experiencing notable growth, driven by high-net-worth individuals, affluent millennials, and global travellers seeking unparalleled, immersive experiences. There is a clear shift towards experience-led stays, with guests now expecting more than just luxury—they desire deeply personal, culturally enriching journeys that connect them to the essence of each destination. As India continues to gain recognition as a premier luxury destination, we are seeing heightened interest from international travellers eager to explore the country’s rich heritage, craftsmanship, and hospitality.
