Page 5 - HBiz_November_2024

5 HOSPITALITY BIZ NOVEMBER, 2024 INTERVIEW 5
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‘Shangri-La Group Taps into

Indian Wedding Market with

‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’

The Shangri-La Group is solidifying its presence in the luxury wedding
and events market in India and the wider Middle East, Europe, India, and
Africa (MEIA) region through its innovative service, “Bandhan by Shangri-
La.” Launched on October 23 at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi, Bandhan by
Shangri-La aims to offer bespoke, culturally enriched wedding experiences
that merge tradition with luxury. Chris McFall, Vice President of Sales

for the MEIA region at Shangri-La Group, shared insights into the
brand’s expanded focus on high-end weddings and corporate events.

Q With the growing focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, London, and other key cities being considered as the next potential
Conferences, and Exhibitions) across global markets, how is
hubs. These locations have been strategically selected to cater to the
Shangri-La positioning itself to capture a larger share of this segment, growing Indian diaspora, who often seek luxurious and culturally
especially with its iconic properties in the region? relevant wedding venues abroad. Additionally, Southeast Asia is a
Shangri-La leverages its expertise in luxury hospitality and prime focus, particularly cities with vibrant Indian communities, where there
locations in major cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru. Its properties are is a demand for high-end wedding venues that blend tradition with
designed to cater to MICE events, with versatile spaces and state-of-the- modern luxury. Shangri-La aims to extend its reach to destinations
art amenities, capitalizing on the global demand for high-quality venues with unique cultural settings, offering couples diverse choices for their
for corporate gatherings. dream weddings while maintaining the personalized service they
expect.
Q The recently transformed Ballroom at Shangri-La Eros New How do you plan to leverage strategic partnerships with local
Delhi is a significant investment. What was the primary
inspiration behind this renovation, and how do you see it enhancing Q wedding planners, decorators, and vendors to further elevate
not only weddings but also corporate events and MICE business? the brand’s offering?
The official launch of the ballroom, along with our new wedding service Bandhan by Shangri-La collaborates closely with local wedding
Bandhan by Shangri-La, took place on October 23rd at Shangri-La planners, decorators, and vendors to deliver culturally authentic and
Eros New Delhi in our newly refurbished ballroom. The ballroom has luxurious weddings that meet each couple’s unique expectations. These
undergone extensive renovations, featuring state-of-the-art sound partnerships allow Shangri-La to blend local expertise with the brand’s
and lighting capabilities, offering a modern and luxurious setting. The commitment to excellence. Local planners provide insights into regional
renovation reflects Shangri-La’s commitment to luxury and versatility, preferences, ensuring each wedding reflects cultural traditions and local
catering to both grand weddings and corporate events. The space is aesthetics while being elevated by Shangri-La’s high standards. From
designed to accommodate a variety of events, from intimate gatherings decor that showcases regional artistry to vendors providing traditional
to large-scale conferences. music, floral arrangements, and attire, these collaborations play a crucial
role in offering an experience that feels exclusive, intimate, and genuinely
Q How does Shangri-La integrate sustainable practices into reflective of the couple’s heritage.
opulent weddings and large events, particularly through
‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’? Q What are the primary challenges Shangri-La faces in
Shangri-La incorporates sustainability by promoting eco-friendly decor, maintaining its leadership position in the luxury wedding and
digital invitations, and minimizing waste during weddings. Bandhan by event market, particularly in the MEIA region?
Shangri-La emphasizes sustainable luxury, combining grandeur with At Shangri-La, we embrace the dynamic nature of the luxury wedding
mindful practices to ensure events are both lavish and environmentally and event market in the MEIA region by continuously refining our
responsible. services and staying ahead of evolving trends. The competitive landscape,
with both domestic and international brands, motivates us to consistently
Q ‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’ is present across New Delhi, elevate our offerings. Our unwavering focus on delivering world-class
Bangalore, Istanbul, Muscat, and Sri Lanka. Are there plans for
service, anticipating and adapting to changing client expectations, and
expansion into new markets? If so, which destinations do you foresee integrating sustainability into our luxury experiences not only helps
as the next potential hubs for this bespoke wedding service? us maintain our leadership but also allows us to set new standards of
Expansion plans are already in motion, with destinations like Paris, excellence in the industry. n

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