IHCL Goa Resorts Joins Forces with Bisleri International for the ‘Bench of Dreams’ Project
/ prabhjot bedi
In a pioneering initiative that underscores a shared commitment to sustainability and community well-being, IHCL Goa Resorts has partnered with Bisleri International on their inspiring ‘Bench of Dreams’ project. This collaboration aligns seamlessly with IHCL’s forward-thinking Paathya framework, which focuses on sustainability, social impact, and creating holistic experiences for guests and the larger community.
The partnership between IHCL Goa Resorts and Bisleri International reflects a mutual vision of promoting a sustainable future. The ‘Bench of Dreams’ project involves the creation and installation of benches crafted entirely from recycled plastic. This initiative highlights a strong commitment to reducing plastic waste while delivering meaningful community impact. Each bench stands as a symbol of environmental responsibility and serves as a functional asset for guests at Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.
Commenting on the collaboration, Ranjit Phillipose, Senior Vice President - Operations, Goa, said, “Sustainability is at the core of IHCL’s Paathya initiatives, and our collaboration with Bisleri International exemplifies our dedication to creating tangible change. Through the ‘Bench of Dreams’ project, we aim to inspire individuals and organizations to think innovatively about recycling and to join us in building a greener tomorrow.”
Commenting on the collaboration, Angelo George, CEO, Bisleri International, said, “At Bisleri International, we are honoured to partner with IHCL on our ‘Bench of Dreams’ initiative. This project highlights our commitment to closing the loop in plastic waste management and showcases how innovative solutions can drive sustainable development and a circular economy. Through this collaboration, IHCL and Bisleri International invite all stakeholders, guests, and residents to join us on this transformative journey. Together, we aspire to create a future where sustainability is an integral part of everyday life.”
Crafted entirely from recycled plastic bottle caps, the benches are a testament to hope, responsibility, and collective progress. Adding to their aesthetic appeal, the benches feature backdrops painted by artists from Mouth and Foot Painting Artists (MFPA). The initiative leverages Bisleri International’s expertise in plastic recycling and IHCL Goa Resorts’ commitment to sustainable practices, delivering a product that is environmentally friendly and community-centric.
Strategically placed in prominent locations across Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa and Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, these benches not only provide functional seating solutions but also create awareness among in-house guests and staff about the importance of recycling and reducing environmental impact.
At Kamat Hotels India Ltd (KHIL), we have embraced several sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing our environmental footprint. One key innovation is our state-of-the-art Sewage Treatment Plant (STP), which transforms wet waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost. This compost is used to enrich the greenery around our properties. Additionally, we focus on waste segregation practices, ensuring that we manage and recycle our waste efficiently. Our guest amenities are made from sustainable materials, and we incorporate energy-efficient systems across our properties, ensuring that luxury and sustainability go hand in hand.
We have implemented sustainable initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and organic waste management, reducing our carbon footprint while ensuring comfort for our guests.
Radisson Blu, Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road is rounding out an important year of sustainability-focused milestones by being awarded the prestigious LEED Zero Carbon Certification this month. LEED Zero, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, is a complement to LEED that verifies the achievement of net-zero goals and signifies market leadership. This follows the hotel’s other important accolade received earlier this year: the hotel was the first in India to be awarded the prestigious LEED V 4.1 Platinum Certificate (for Operations & Maintenance of an Existing Building).
In a world where each wasted drop of water could have saved a life, being conscious about how you use this precious, natural resource is the biggest lesson to be learned! In India, regions like Jammu have been grappling with a severe water crisis for months. This year’s 27% deficiency in rainfall in the region has already got the local farming community and residents worried about the long-term implications of a water shortage.
The Sustainability 2.0 initiative at Monday Hotels is a forward-thinking program designed to significantly reduce the hotel group’s environmental footprint. As Mr. Mateen Khan, Co-Founder of Monday Hotels, explains, “This initiative integrates cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, water conservation efforts, and waste reduction strategies to create a sustainable future for our guests and the planet.”
Awarded by the National Jury Green Key India and the Center for Environment Education (CEE), this prestigious certification is the leading standard for excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. A renewal of the certification indicates Sofitel Mumbai BKC’s commitment to continuing to adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education and highlights the establishments' efforts todevelop a sustainable and responsible business.
AI & Tech In Hospitality - A Special Feature With Varun Sahani, Vice President of Operations, Orchid Group
A few important questions that are my favourites
Tell me something that is not in your CV/Resume? This question is more of an icebreaker and sets the ball rolling for the rest of the conversation. A great opening answer can help set a good initial impression.
I prepare for every interview based on the job requirement and also the candidate profile and all the questions are customised accordingly.
we need to maintain a unique way of approaching and attracting talent rather than just selecting/rejecting the Individual basis their profile.
On a personal level, I like to ask about their family. Who are the most important people in their lives? What are the most important things in their lives? What do they value the most? This, for me, is very important so that I get to know the person I will be working with.
Lessons learnt has been majorly sour ones. We all have learnt how to survive with the resources inhand and to manage a crisis never seen before. We have seen hotels utilizing the scarcest number of resources being put forward for ensuring operations continuity. We have seen the addition of multi-tasking and multi skilling as an integral part of all operations.
What lessons do you feel you have learned from this period?
That we cannot be complacent, hospitality is one of those industries that faced a significant impact during the pandemic, situations can change significantly from one day to another, hence it is very important to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios, we need to have a back up plan for the backup plan.