Expert Insights on World Environment Day

Sustainability at the Core: Westlife Foodworld's Environmental Journey

“Environmental consciousness stands as a cornerstone of Westlife Foodworld's business philosophy. Our sustainability journey began with purpose and conviction, embedding eco-friendly practices such as eliminating single-use plastic from all customer touchpoints throughout our operations as part of our fundamental values. On World Environment Day, we reflect on how responsible corporate citizenship must balance innovation with the preservation of our planet's precious resources. Businesses today have both the opportunity and obligation to reimagine traditional models, creating frameworks where economic growth and ecological harmony coexist. At Westlife, our environmental initiatives form an integral part of our corporate DNA that influences every decision we make. We aim to inspire our entire ecosystem of stakeholders to join us in safeguarding our planet while envisioning and building a more sustainable, regenerative future for generations to come.”

Smita Jatia, Vice Chairperson, Westlife Foodworld

Sustainability in Action: WelcomHeritage's Commitment to Responsible Tourism

WelcomHeritage champions responsible tourism, seamlessly blending sustainability with cultural preservation. Each of our properties is committed to environmentally conscious practices, reflecting our profound respect for India's heritage and natural ecosystems. We don't just advocate for sustainable living—we embody it.

Many of our hotels have eliminated single-use plastics, adopted eco-friendly alternatives, and actively reduce food waste through mindful consumption. For instance, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Jawai and WelcomHeritage Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, Ranakpur are prime examples of our dedication to organic farming, sourcing local produce to ensure both authenticity and sustainability in their kitchens. We work closely with local communities, safeguarding their traditions while fostering meaningful employment and engagement at the destination level.

Our commitment to clean energy and resource conservation is evident through features like electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at properties such as WelcomHeritage Santa Roza, Kasauli and WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa, Solan. We also prioritize eco-friendly dry amenities to minimize plastic use and have implemented solar energy panels for conservation in many properties.
This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our pledge to not only protect our environment but also to celebrate and safeguard the cultural and natural legacy of India for generations to come. At WelcomHeritage, every stay contributes to a more sustainable and culturally rich future.

Ashutosh Chhibba, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of WelcomHeritage Hotels.

Pioneering Sustainability: ITC Maurya's Green Initiatives

Certified as the World’s first LEED Platinum hotel (for Existing Buildings), policies and practices of environmental stewardship have been built into every aspect of the hotel’s operations at ITC Maurya New Delhi.   

With LEED® Zero Water certification, ITC Maurya is striving to move towards a greener future, following a sustainable process which ensures that water requirements for buildings and processes are met by capturing rainwater and treating it for appropriate consumption.     

SunyaAqua - Zero Mile water is crafted with a sophisticated in-house Water Purification System using advanced technology, while conforming to Indian standards for safety and purity.      

ITC Maurya also has the World’s first On-site Solar Paraboloid concentrators. It has helped the hotel in producing thermal energy thus meeting a part of its low-pressure steam and hot water requirement.    

Amaan R Kidwai, Area Manager Luxury Hotels (North) & General Manager- ITC Maurya

Sustainable Luxury: Fairmont Jaipur's Eco-Conscious Practices

Rajat Sethi. General Manager of Fairmont Jaipur, “Fairmont Jaipur blends heritage with mindful innovation by integrating eco-conscious practices into its daily operations to safeguard the environment. From employing AI-powered systems like Orbisk to minimize food waste, to conserving water through efficient fixtures and reusing treated water for landscaping, these continuous efforts reflect a deep commitment to protecting the planet while enhancing the guest experience. The Green Globe certification further reinforces our dedication to sustainable hospitality. With a strong focus on supporting local craftsmanship and cultural immersion, the property offers stays that are both meaningful and responsible.” 

Sustainable Hospitality: Leading the Way to Responsible Travel

The hospitality sector plays a pivotal role in shaping how travel impacts the environment and local communities. Today’s travelers—particularly the younger generation—are increasingly conscious of their choices and expect hotels and resorts to operate responsibly. Sustainable travel is no longer a passing trend; it’s a necessary shift. By embracing local sourcing, reducing waste, and supporting community initiatives, the industry can drive meaningful change. Responsible tourism is about striking the right balance—offering guests a memorable and comfortable stay while preserving the natural and cultural integrity of the destination. As this awareness deepens, the hospitality sector has the opportunity to lead the movement toward more mindful and respectful travel.

Pardeep Kumar Siwach, Deputy General Manager at Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati

Innovating for a Sustainable Future: Acer's Approach to Reducing Plastic Pollution

“Plastic pollution, the focus of this year’s World Environment Day, is a pressing global challenge that calls for a fundamental rethink of how materials are produced, used, and discarded. At Acer, this urgency has shaped our approach to sustainability through initiatives like Earthion, where we are actively working to reduce plastic use by eliminating single use plastics in packaging and incorporating post-consumer recycled materials in products such as the Acer Vero series. Beyond product design, we are transitioning to fully recyclable, paper-based packaging and partnering across our supply chain to embed sustainable practices. These efforts are part of our commitment to minimizing environmental impact and moving towards 100% renewable energy by 2035. World Environment Day reminds us the responsibility to innovate thoughtfully and act decisively to create a more sustainable future.” 

Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director & Head of Marketing, Acer India

Ending Plastic Pollution: Intrepid Travel's Commitment

“This year’s World Environment Day theme, “Ending Plastic Pollution,” deeply resonates with our long-standing values at Intrepid Travel. As a certified B Corporation, we are committed to reducing our environmental footprint through practical, on-the-ground actions. 

In India, we’ve been saying no to plastic for over 18 years by providing every arriving customer with a reusable tote bag, encouraging them to avoid single-use plastic during their journey. More recently, we launched a pilot initiative with 10 hotel partners, distributing glass water bottles to replace plastic bottles for our groups—an important step toward eliminating plastic waste in our supply chain.

 Across our global operations, we actively discourage the use of plastic items such as bottles and bags, and we educate our travelers on the environmental impact of plastic pollution. In regions where plastic use remains prevalent, like India, we place special emphasis on awareness and behavior change—working closely with our teams, suppliers, and even travelers to inspire more responsible choices.

 At Intrepid, we believe that small, consistent actions lead to big change. We’re proud to be part of the solution and remain committed to playing our role in ending plastic pollution.”

Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager- India, Intrepid Travel, World's Leading adventure tourism provider company

A Century of Tea, Rooted in the Rhythms of Nature

In landscapes shaped by clouds and sun, wind and root, Luxmi’s tea gardens span the highlands of Darjeeling and Assam to the mist-laced hills of Rwanda. Across these distant geographies, generations have flourished under the canopy of abundant earth and crisp air. Here, tea is more than a crop—it is a living legacy shaped by the elements and sustained by people who know how to listen to the land.

In the emerald folds of Darjeeling, Makaibari—the world’s first biodynamic tea estate—remains a living testament to balance. Tucked into the remote Himalayas, this estate still honours the lunar rhythms and principles of permaculture, giving more than it takes. River-fed soil and mist-kissed mornings create a terroir alive with wild flora, fauna, and endemic species. At Makaibari, the silence of the mist is a kind of language. Tea is grown not with force, but with reverence. Every cup from this soil is steeped in heritage, harmony, and deep connection.

In Assam, where the Brahmaputra carves through red earth and green valleys, Luxmi’s estates are held between five national parks and the blessings of Brahmaputra. Here, the land thrives under a rare pact—between cultivation and conservation. Tea grows beside elephants and orchids, hornbills and honeybees. This is a place where biodiversity is not threatened by farming—it is part of the farming. The result is bold, malty teas with a soul as rich as the landscape.

And in the heart of Africa, in Rwanda’s “land of a thousand hills,” Luxmi’s Rugabano and Pfunda estates rise from volcanic soil, nourished by frequent rains and sustained by resilient communities. The terroir here is untouched, balanced, and brimming with life. Mist curls through the forests where silverbacks roam, while tender leaves flourish in harmony. These teas are spirited, strong, and true to their origin.

Across continents, one philosophy endures: the land is not a resource to be used—it is a relationship to be honoured. Luxmi’s gardens are sanctuaries. The people who nurture them carry forward a quiet tradition of stewardship, cultivating not just crops, but ecosystems.

Rudra Chatterjee, General Manager of Luxmi Group