Preferred Hotels & Resorts Strengthens Leadership and Expands Hotel Portfolio in India

London, United Kingdom – January 21, 2025: Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent luxury hotel brand and a global provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to member hotels, has announced significant enhancements to its India operations including three new strategic appointments and the continued growth of its hotel portfolio in the region. The India team welcomes Bharat Ratanpal as Director of Business Development, alongside the earlier additions of Mayank Tuteja as Director of Sales – South Asia and Shakun Khandelwal as Senior Sales Manager – South Asia. Operating from its New Delhi office, the team continues to bolster the brand’s presence in the region under the guidance of Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, based in Dubai.

“These appointments highlight our commitment to fostering stronger partnerships and delivering value-driven solutions for our members in this dynamic region,” said Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President of South Asia, Middle East, and Africa. “With their extensive experience and dedication, the new members of the team will enhance the support we pride ourselves on providing to our hotel partners and continue our growth momentum in India.”

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in India with an impressive portfolio of 26 member hotels across its diverse collections, including five esteemed properties in its prestigious Legend Collection. Among its notable members are 11 luxurious properties from The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, The Claridges New Delhi, The Claridges Nabha Residence in Mussoorie, THE Park Kolkata, and the serene Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa nestled in the Himalayan foothills. In 2024, the portfolio welcomed several exciting new additions, highlighting a strategic focus on emerging destinations and unique experiences. These include two standout properties from Aurika Hotels & Resorts: Aurika, Udaipur - Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels and Aurika, Mumbai Skycity. Other noteworthy entrants are The Resort Mumbai, from the Chalet Hotels’ portfolio, Kinwani House in Rishikesh, and The Leela Gandhinagar, further enriching the brand’s offerings across India.

Additionally, Beyond Green, the sustainable sister brand of Preferred Hotels & Resorts under the Preferred Travel Group umbrella, has further expanded its footprint in India. This includes the addition of dual-member hotels with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, including The Leela Palace Bengaluru and The Leela Palace Udaipur. This expansion is part of a larger strategy to meet the rising consumer demand for transformative travel experiences that emphasise authenticity and sustainability.

The India team also includes Seema Roy, Area Managing Director for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, who has been with the company for 15 years and leads the team within the region, overseeing hotel retention and development efforts, and C.S. Ramachandran, Vice President of Revenue Account Management for South Asia, Middle East, Africa, who leads the regional revenue management team. Recently, Sarvocch Mishra, was promoted to Hotel Revenue Optimization Manager for South Asia and Middle East, further strengthening the brand’s revenue optimization in the region. The addition of Bharat Ratanpal enhances the team’s capabilities, with over 21 years of experience, has been instrumental in launching landmark properties such as Grand Hyatt Mumbai and JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu and his role will spearhead new business development efforts across the region. This leadership expansion aligns with Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ broader vision to respond to the increasing consumer demand for authentic and exceptional travel experiences, ensuring its member hotels remain at the forefront of luxury and innovation.

Media interested in interview opportunities can contact Antonia Robinson, PR Director – EMEA: arobinson@preferredhotels.com.

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About Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world’s largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit www.PreferredHotels.com.   

About Beyond Green
Guided by a passion to embrace travel as a force for good, Beyond Green is a global portfolio of some of planet Earth’s most sustainable accommodations, representing more than 50 hotels, resorts, and lodges across 22 countries. Dedicated to creating a more purposeful way to explore the world, Beyond Green connects conscientious travelers with properties committed to the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally friendly practices that go beyond the basics; the protection of natural and cultural heritage; and the enhancement of social and economic well-being in local communities. To ensure these standards are met, each member property undergoes a rigorous vetting process based on over 50 sustainability indicators that align with global sustainable tourism standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Owned and operated by Preferred Travel Group, the family-owned company that also manages Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide, Beyond Green offers a new way to experience genuine hospitality, benefiting both people and the planet. For more information, visit www.StayBeyondGreen.com.