The Challenge of Change is in our Own hands, Says Shriji Huzur Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar of Udaipur in this exclusive interview. Brand Udaipur has been built steadily by icons such as JRD Tata, PRS Oberoi and Capt Nair. His late father was instrumental in taking the brand further, making the city among the most sought-after destinations in the country. Here are the highlights of a conversation with Navin Berry, editor.
You have a most glorious legacy on your young shoulders, how do you see this legacy, its high points which you believe you cherish and will take forward?
Your question says it all – the legacies of Mewar are indeed glorious, rich and multidimensional. Not just me, the entire world can see it, experience it and cherish these legacies! Our history goes back a long, long way and, needless to say, it has to be respected, upheld and shared with all. Mewar does not belong to us – it belongs to all humanity. Our forefathers have emphasized that ‘we are here to serve’ and this has been the distinguishing factor in the history of Mewar in ancient and recent times. Service to humanity, the core values of remaining independent and self-reliant are equally important for us: Seva (Service), Suraj (Duty), and Sanrakshan (Heritage Conservation) sums it up! Through our Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation, and its sister trusts, our legacies are being preserved, developed and have become an integral part of the cultural experiences for millions of visitors to Udaipur and Rajasthan. Both the Foundation in 1969, and our Maharana Mewar Public School in 1974, were established by my illustrious grandfather His late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar of Udaipur. These are platforms on which we are building our today and tomorrow.
In recent years, how has your own portfolio of hospitality projects developed? You have extended your partnership with IHCL, with what direction in mind?
Hospitality is close to our hearts! With heritage hospitality, our HRH Group of Hotels has always shown the way ahead. Be it ‘destination marketing’ and ‘Regal Weddings’, we have been the pioneers. As a Group we are in the process of consolidation and planning for the future. The IHCL partnership has grown from strength to strength: in 2021, fifty years of Lake Palace Hotel and HRH Group of Hotels was an occasion for celebration. It was a proud moment when Mr N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons, visited Udaipur in October 2021. While he thanked His late Highness Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, Chairman and Managing Director of Lake Palace Hotels & Motels Private Limited, for entrusting IHCL with the palace, he acknowledged the architectural marvel and illustrious history of the island-palace on Lake Pichola. Business historians admit that the IHCL partnership with Lake Palace Hotels & Motels, now in its sixth decade, is India’s longest-running business partnership in the Indian private sector. (https://www.financialexpress.com/life/travel-tourism-taj-lake-palace-udaipur-a-record-hotel-businesspartnership-of-50-years-2617470/).
Now with Taj Fateh Prakash Palace in Udaipur and Taj Gorbandh Palace in Jaisalmer, we are taking forward our partnership and giving the city of Udaipur and Rajasthan the benefit of IHCL expertise in management and global marketing.
How has the operations panned out within the HRH portfolio, out of which I understand you run by yourself as well? How is overall profitability?
Undoubtedly these have been good years for travel and tourism after the Covid pandemic. There has been all-round recovery, and I am happy to say, that we kept our ship steady, without losing our focus. We are a closely-held family business and financial figures may not be shared. Our determination to do our best continues to drive us in good times, and the rough ones which we all experienced in 2020-21. I am an optimist and look forward to meaningful and productive years ahead for HRH Group of Hotels.
How is the business emerging? Between Indian and foreign, between groups and individual travellers? Are there any significant changes in the profiles of your guests?
Yes, the boom in tourism is visible, tangible and real! We can see it in the metro-cities and across the country. Whether it is domestic pilgrimage tourism to Nathdwara in Rajasthan or Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, one can witness a massive upsurge. It is a real challenge for travel and tourism industry to provide the best-in-class facilities, amenities and safety-hygiene measures now that airlines, highways and railways are doing a great job. Foreign travellers to India – be it from the traditional tourism markets like the UK, US or Europe – continue to be fascinated by the incredible range of tourism products. But no longer is Indian tourism solely dependent on the Euro or Dollar-paying tourist, we can safely say that. At The City Palace Museum, Udaipur and through the HRH Group of Hotels across Rajasthan, we see the rising numbers of domestic tourists and guests who are spending more time to experience our offerings. Travel connectivity of Udaipur and Rajasthan with the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka has brought more guests than ever; in fact, when I see our chefs ready with ‘Dosa and Idli’ festivals, I can smell and taste the change that’s happening!
As Brand custodian of Udaipur, how do you see the city progressing as a tourism destination? You have some high voltage brands – Raffles is one such?
This question needs tweaking and reworking! Udaipur does NOT belong to us; it belongs to its people, the state and is a heritage city, a crowning glory of Indian tourism. It is a matter of great pride that global brands are sinking their roots in the soil of Udaipur and Mewar; the more the merrier, as they say! The seeds of ‘tourism growth’ planted by my illustrious grandfather His Late Highness Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar, and my father His late Highness Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar, have borne fruit. My salutations to all the great hospitality giants – Bharat Ratna JRD Tata, Mr PRS Oberoi, Capt Nair – who built their iconic hotels in Udaipur. We owe much to them and to learn from them how to give hospitality the edge of sustainability and development.
As a luxury destination, where do you see Udaipur heading? Also, in terms of ease in travel into the city and around the city? This would mean connectivity into the city, and also commuting within?
Oh yes, the heritage-cities of Rajasthan, not just Udaipur, are small towns which have to gear up when thousands of visitors arrive every day. It is a multidimensional challenge posed by this tourism boom. Health, hygiene, safety are highly important: these can make or break a destination. The onus of responsibility rests with all stakeholders and not just the government for all visitors including the luxury segment.
Udaipur could well be another gateway city for international flights? Is there any steps being taken in this direction?
I am sure the expansion plans for Udaipur airport are being taken at the right quarters. In the years to come, an international airport will be a reality and another occasion to celebrate!
How do you see the vertical of heritage hospitality emerging? What are the constraints? Manpower, professionalism, connectivity, awareness, marketing?
The sky is the limit! I do not see constraints or restrictions; the kind of opportunities which are available today were unimaginable a few years ago! Everything is working for our benefit now. These are years when we should be GROWING on all fronts, learning and stepping ahead. As they say in cricket, we have to be on the front foot and driving through the covers!
How much can the Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) do in this regard? We would like to see you play a more significant part in the association.
Certainly! The IHHA has an important, significant role to play, year after year. I have said it time and again – the bigger brands have to support, mentor and invest in the new entrants or smaller establishments. This is how long-term growth will be sustained. As the markets grow exponentially, hospitality players will have to grow together. Not competition, we have to build ‘co-operation’ between us. Heritage hotels have unlimited potential, needs a big boost, from each and every member. It is not just the big forts and palaces, even the smaller ones, in remote areas across the country.
The movement around your segment has been slow – how can this be given a fresh momentum?
I have answered this question several times before: heritage hospitality in particular, and hospitality in general, will grow even more strongly when we come together, work together and promote each other! Yes, the potential for growth is unlimited, we are limited only by our own restrictions and mind-set. This has to change. Our transformation is in our hands, waiting to happen. “Is Himalaya se koi Ganga nikalni chahiye”, wrote the great poet Dushyant Kumar.
