Page 19 - HBiz_October_2024

INTERVIEW
HOSPITALITY BIZ OCTOBER, 2024 19
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‘The growing awareness of our communities’

heightened vulnerability to climate change has

inspired us to adopt eco-conscious practices’

In today’s evolving hospitality landscape, where personalisation and purpose-driven

collaborations are becoming paramount, Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield
has embraced an innovative approach to corporate gifting. At the heart of this
transformation is Anjali Naik, Director of Sales and Marketing, who has
been instrumental in fostering meaningful partnerships with local organisations,
such as Diya Innovations, to craft unique, socially conscious Diwali hampers. In
an interaction with Hospitality Biz Naik shares the thought process behind this
collaboration, how it reflects Marriott’s core values, and the broader impact of
integrating hyper-local talent and sustainability into the hotel’s offerings.

Q Could you share the thought process with intellectual disabilities by offering them connection and stand out. As experts in
opportunities in an inclusive environment.
behind Marriott Whitefield’s decision
curating specialized and personalized
to collaborate with smaller hyper-local While these Diyas and toys could have been hampers, we’ve successfully forged strong
organisations like Diya Innovations for your sourced from wholesale dealers at a lower cost connections and have seen consistent
Diwali hampers? How did this partnership to boost profitability, we wanted to be part year-on-year growth in our revenues in this
come about? of something that is for the greater good this segment
Our intent is to give a platform to the truly festive season. By supporting small businesses
deserving artists and give back to the society that uplift talented individuals we felt we have Q Do you see this initiative with Diya
in our own way. This year, while brainstorming inched a little closer to Marriott’s core values, Innovations as part of a long-term
ways to make a meaningful impact, we heritage and what the brand stands for. relationship? How do such collaborations
decided to do more than just do the usual. We Additionally, this partnership aligns with contribute to Marriott Whitefield’s overall
wanted to do something that will have a social our focus on sustainability and reviving ethos of creating meaningful partnerships?
impact and decided to partner with a NGO childhood memories through simple, Yes for sure as both the organisations believe
to include them in our efforts, spreading love handcrafted toys—now often overshadowed in sustainability and supporting local artisans
and joy by supporting their cause through this by technology. with special needs. Our people first culture,
collaboration. giving people from different communities
Q Could you elaborate on the with different abilities a chance to shine is
sustainability practices incorporated
Q How do you ensure that working with into your collaborations, especially with what sets us apart and help create incredible
stories year after year. At the hotel we have
hyper-local vendors helps in bringing
out the cultural nuances of the region in your vendors like Diya Innovations? How do team members with special needs and are
offerings, especially in something as personal you balance luxury with sustainability in believers of being inclusive in our hiring
as festive hampers? corporate gifting? programs. This synergy with Diya Innovations
Each offering curated by the local NGOs carries The growing awareness of our communities’ made us pick them as partners.
a unique story, and we wanted these stories to heightened vulnerability to climate change
reach homes across India making the receiver has inspired us to adopt eco-conscious Q From your perspective, are you seeing
feel a part of a larger cause. We met with the practices, including the use of biodegradable a broader trend in the hospitality
artisans and had in-depth conversations to and recycled materials, while moving towards industry towards working with local
understand their history, background, and a zero-waste approach. Diya Innovations artisans or organizations for events and
how creating these handmade toys brings use toxin-free raw materials, which align gifting? How does this align with the
them fulfillment and a sense of self-esteem and seamlessly with Marriott’s commitment to changing expectations of today’s customers?
acceptance within the community. sustainability Yes, very much. The consumer today is
experiencing an overload of technology
Q In your experience, how important is it Q How has the concept of corporate and there is a disconnect with nature and
gifting evolved over the years, and
for hotels like Marriott to support local
emotions, which we all enjoyed during our
talent and organizations? What impact does how is Marriott Whitefield embracing this younger days before technology took over our
this have on both the local community and shift? lives. Hence, with our personalised hampers,
the hotel’s brand image? Corporate gifting is evolving every year, we are adding that special touch with the toys
Diya Innovations is more than just a business; with a growing emphasis on meaningful and Diyas which we feel will bring a smile and
they are on a mission to empower individuals and sustainable options that create a lasting take people back to simpler times. n

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