Emirates and IHG Hotels & Resorts sign MOU to explore collaboration, incentives and support travel needs of SMEs
The Voice of Chandigarh News:
Emirates and IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore joint collaborations on programmes designed to meet the travel needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across global markets. The signing ceremony was attended by Nabil Sultan, Emirates’ Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management; Matthew Jones, VP-USA, Emirates; Ashraf Baytam, Senior Manager Global Business Travel, Emirates; and Ryan Plemmons, Vice President, Global Sales Strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Together, Emirates and IHG will explore ways to reach and engage with SMEs through value-added benefits and exclusive rewards to facilitate business travel. The hotel group will provide enhanced travel incentives and seamless integration with its extensive portfolio of hotels and resorts around the globe.
Present at the signing ceremony was Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President for Passenger Sales and Country Management, who commented: “With the SME segment playing a crucial role in fostering economic growth and creating jobs, Emirates is committed to supporting them with solutions and value-added propositions to meet their travel needs. We are pleased to collaborate with the leading hotel group, IHG Hotels & Resorts, to explore programmes that will be mutually beneficial to our valued customers. Together we aim to extend valuable benefits to our customers in the SME sector, while expanding our customer base in this very important segment.”
Mark Sergot, SVP, Global Sales, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Emirates to redefine business travel for Small and Medium Enterprises worldwide. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to delivering exceptional value, seamless experiences, and exclusive rewards tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. By combining IHG’s hospitality expertise with Emirate’s global connectivity, we are unlocking new possibilities to empower businesses and drive growth across international markets.”
Heightened investor interest and evolving customer needs have made it the optimal time to open and expand new hospitality brands in India, said Anil Chadha, MD, ITC Hotels.
“India is going through a phase, and it’s not just large corporates and big-ticket investors who would be able to afford hotels anymore. A chain like ours straddles across segments to cater to all kinds of customer needs, as they changed post the Covid-19 pandemic,” Chadha told ET in an interview. “You could build a 50-room or a 30-room hotel depending on the brand and your propensity to earn in a city. If somebody came to us three years ago and said I want you to manage our 30-room hotel, we would have said no. But today, we see a need,” he said.
Cigarette-to-soap conglomerate ITC’s hotel business was demerged effective January 1, spawning a separate listed hospitality entity. Shares of ITC Hotels started trading on the stock exchanges on January 29. Chadha said ITC Hotels is exploring opportunities to take its famed Bukhara dining brand overseas. It is also in talks to enter the branded residences segment.
“With our quality of service, we can add value to the branded residences space, and we are in discussions. It’s not just about the luxury segments,” he said.
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“For instance, we also have our boutique brand Storii as a concept, and we are exploring if we can build Storii villas around a Storii property. In the Welcomhotel space, we are exploring opportunities for residences,” he added.ITC Hotels reported consolidated revenue from operations of ‘816 crore for the quarter ended June, up 16% year-on-year. Profit surged 54% to ‘134 crore.Chadha highlighted the company’s improving operational performance. “This applies to occupancies, average room rates, and commanding a much better revenue per available room. For domestic owned hotels, our occupancies have improved from 62% in quarter one of financial year 2024 to 73% in quarter one of financial year 2026,” he said. “In terms of our revenue per available room performance across markets, as per CoStar data for year to date May 2025, for our domestic owned hotels in the luxury, upper upscale and upscale segments, ITC Hotels is commanding a premium of 34% over the industry.”
New ITC hotels will be opened in locations such as Kochi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Bhopal, Bodh Gaya, Udaipur, Rishikesh, and Wayanad this year. Chadha said the newly-opened ITC Ratnadipa in Sri Lanka has received a positive response, and that the company is now getting offers for more hotel opportunities in the island nation. “We have a small Fortune hotel in Nepal, and have signed another Welcomhotel about seven months ago. We are also exploring opportunities in the Middle East,” he said.
He said ITC Hotels has a very strong zero-debt balance sheet, and is open to both inorganic growth opportunities and acquisitions.
A video that shows the front desk of a Florida hotel being manned by a virtual receptionist has sparked outrage in the United States. The video has raised concerns about American jobs being outsourced to other countries at a time when the anti-immigrant sentiment is at an all-time high.
A video of a virtual receptionist at an American hotel has sparked outcry (Instagram/@languageguy1)
Video of virtual front desk staffer sparks outrage
The video was first shared by Pete Langs (@languageguy1) on TikTok and Instagram. It shows Langs checking into his room with the help of a man who sits not at the front desk but appears on a screen during the check-in process.
“Do you need one room key or two room keys?” the virtual front desk employee asks Langs, who replies, “Two, just in case I lose one.” The receptionist, speaking over a video call through the screen, issues further check-in instructions and generates the registration form.
“Miami virtual check in at hotels!” Langs wrote while sharing the video on TikTok and Instagram.
The video was reposted on X, where it sparked outcry against Indians for ‘stealing’ American jobs. Although there is nothing in the video to indicate that the front desk employee is Indian or not living in the US, viewers surmised from his appearance and accent that he belongs to the subcontinent.
“Hire Americans”
“Miami hotel has outsourced their front desk to India. Guests are checked in virtually on video call with an Indian representative,” read the caption on X. “More American jobs outsourced overseas. At some point this should just become illegal. If you make money in America, you should hire Americans”.
The comments section of the video was therefore quickly flooded with outrage as Americans blamed Indians for taking jobs. Many people also slammed the hotel for outsourcing the front desk role to someone sitting outside the US.
“So American jobs are being taken by Indian people overseas AND AI at the same time. Two slaps in the face,” a user said.
“The irony is people will hate the Indians who are just doing a job while completely ignoring the American bosses and shareholders who actually made the decision to outsource these jobs in the first place,” another pointed out.
“It’s up to people to actually walk out. The problem is these hotels are cheaper than everyone else because they’re hiring outside the country,” a third added.
Home»PERU TRAVEL NEWS» Hacienda Urubamba And Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: A Sustainable Travel Experience In Peru
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Located in the breathtaking Peruvian Andes, Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel uniquely combine luxury, eco-friendly hospitality, and cultural immersion. These hotels have become famous for meeting the rapid market demand for sustainable travel in Peru, while simultaneously promoting sustainable tourism in the country. Because of their stunning natural and cultural beauty, these two properties have turned Peru and the ancient Sacred Valley into a go-to destination for international travellers, which has dramatically enhanced the local economy.
Hacienda Urubamba: A High-Elevation Retreat with Cultural Significance
Nestled 9,776 feet above sea level between the iconic Machu Picchu and the historic city of Cuzco, Hacienda Urubamba offers guests an unparalleled experience. The 10-year-old property features 40 luxurious units and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Sacred Valley. The hotel’s design pays homage to the colonial-era hacienda style, with its architecture and décor inspired by local history and art. Guests can marvel at the intricate Inca masks, handcrafted woodwork, and colorful wall hangings that adorn the spaces, all framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that immerse them in the surrounding landscape.
The hotel sits on a 100-acre site, home to an organic plantation farmed using traditional hand tools and oxen. Guests can enjoy fresh, locally sourced New World foods, including corn, potatoes, and quinoa, which are harvested directly from the farm. This eco-friendly approach not only provides visitors with authentic tastes but also supports sustainable agricultural practices, which are crucial to the region’s economy.
The accommodations at Hacienda Urubamba are designed for comfort and privacy, with 28 stand-alone casitas spread across the property. These spacious 484-square-foot units are accessible by foot or via a motorized cart operated by staff, offering guests a private retreat amidst nature. Each casita is equipped with modern amenities, including a fireplace, sitting/dining area, and large bathrooms, ensuring that visitors feel pampered while being surrounded by nature’s beauty. The hotel also features larger suites and the Owners Quarters, providing ample space for families or groups seeking a more luxurious stay.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: A Village Among the Clouds
A short distance away, at 6,627 feet above sea level, Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel (also known as Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel) stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury. Opened in 1991, this unique property occupies 12.3 acres of private land within the cloud forest, directly below the legendary Machu Picchu Mountain. The hotel’s layout mimics a traditional village, with 83 whitewashed casitas that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, with features like an organic tea plantation, where guests can partake in tea-making activities as part of their stay. The property is also home to the world’s largest collection of orchids, with 372 species on display, making it a prime destination for nature lovers and eco-tourism enthusiasts. Guests are encouraged to explore the local culture through activities like tea ceremonies and guided walks around the lush grounds, enhancing their connection to the area’s rich history and biodiversity.
The hotel’s culinary offerings emphasize local ingredients, particularly organic vegetables grown on-site. Two on-site restaurants serve delicious dishes, but guests can also book private dining experiences in their rooms, in select lobby areas, or even in the wine cellar. This flexibility and attention to detail contribute to the property’s reputation for offering an exclusive and intimate experience.
Luxury and Sustainability: A Winning Combination
What sets both Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel apart from other luxury accommodations is their unwavering commitment to sustainability. In 2021, Inkaterra, the parent company of Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, was recognized by the United Nations as the world’s first climate-positive hotel brand. This recognition highlights the company’s extensive efforts to reduce its carbon footprint while promoting eco-conscious tourism practices. Hacienda Urubamba, too, focuses on sustainability, integrating organic farming and environmentally friendly practices into its operations.
The emphasis on local culture and traditions is also central to both properties. Guests have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities, such as local cooking classes, ceremonies with a shaman, and guided tours of nearby Inca archaeological sites. These experiences not only immerse visitors in the rich heritage of the Sacred Valley but also contribute to preserving traditional customs and supporting local artisans.
Impact on Tourism and Local Economy
Both Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel have had a significant impact on the local tourism industry and economy. By attracting high-end travellers from around the globe, these hotels have helped put the Sacred Valley and the region surrounding Machu Picchu on the map as prime destinations for luxury tourism. Their focus on sustainability, cultural experiences, and local partnerships ensures that the influx of visitors benefits both the local economy and the environment.
The hotels’ efforts to source food and products locally have provided a significant boost to the region’s agricultural sector. By supporting small-scale farmers and artisans, these properties help preserve the region’s cultural heritage while creating jobs and opportunities for local communities. Additionally, both hotels contribute to the broader tourism industry by offering employment to local residents, from hospitality staff to guides and artisans, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism are felt across the region.
A Future of Sustainable Luxury Tourism
As the demand for sustainable travel continues to rise, Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel are poised to remain at the forefront of luxury tourism in Peru. Their focus on environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community support sets a powerful example for other properties in the region and around the world. With plans to expand and enhance their offerings, these hotels are contributing not only to the growth of Peru’s tourism industry but also to the sustainable development of the country’s economy.
Tourism in Peru has experienced a significant increase in recent years, particularly in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu area. As travellers seek authentic experiences that are both luxurious and environmentally responsible, Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel provide the perfect balance of comfort, culture, and sustainability. Their continued success will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of tourism in Peru and the broader South American region.
In conclusion, Hacienda Urubamba and Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel epitomize the blend of luxury and sustainable tourism along with cultural preservation. These hotels profoundly reshaped Peru’s image and economy, integrating it into the world’s map of eco-friendly and luxurious tourism. These stunning hotels continue to enrich tourism and the economy, providing sustainable income to the locals, improving the economy, and fostering tourism. These hotels are expected to pave the way for sustainable tourism in the blend of Peru’s culture and pristine nature.
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