Asmita Mukherjee 
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.
With the growing focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) across global markets, how is Shangri-La positioning itself to capture a larger share of this segment, especially with its iconic properties in the region?
Shangri-La leverages its expertise in luxury hospitality and prime locations in major cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru. Its properties are designed to cater to MICE events, with versatile spaces and state-of-the-art amenities, capitalizing on the global demand for high-quality venues for corporate gatherings.
The recently transformed Ballroom at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi is a significant investment. What was the primary inspiration behind this renovation, and how do you see it enhancing not only weddings but also corporate events and MICE business?
The official launch of the ballroom, along with our new wedding service Bandhan by Shangri-La, took place on October 23rd at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi in our newly refurbished ballroom. The ballroom has undergone extensive renovations, featuring state-of-the-art sound and lighting capabilities, offering a modern and luxurious setting. The renovation reflects Shangri-La’s commitment to luxury and versatility, catering to both grand weddings and corporate events. The space is designed to accommodate a variety of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences.
Could you explain the vision behind ‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’? How does this service cater to the evolving tastes of luxury wedding clients?
Bandhan by Shangri-La is designed to offer a bespoke wedding experience that blends tradition with luxury. The initiative focuses on creating tailor-made weddings with personalized services, highlighting the brand’s expertise in Indian and destination weddings, making it a top choice for discerning clients.
How does Shangri-La integrate sustainable practices into opulent weddings and large events, particularly through ‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’?
Shangri-La incorporates sustainability by promoting eco-friendly decor, digital invitations, and minimizing waste during weddings. Bandhan by Shangri-La emphasizes sustainable luxury, combining grandeur with mindful practices to ensure events are both lavish and environmentally responsible.
‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’ is present across New Delhi, Bangalore, Istanbul, Muscat, and Sri Lanka. Are there plans for expansion into new markets? If so, which destinations do you foresee as the next potential hubs for this bespoke wedding service?
Expansion plans are already in motion, with destinations like Paris, London, and other key cities being considered as the next potential hubs. These locations have been strategically selected to cater to the growing Indian diaspora, who often seek luxurious and culturally relevant wedding venues abroad. Additionally, Southeast Asia is a focus, particularly cities with vibrant Indian communities, where there is a demand for high-end wedding venues that blend tradition with modern luxury. Shangri-La aims to extend its reach to destinations with unique cultural settings, offering couples diverse choices for their dream weddings while maintaining the personalized service they expect.
How do you plan to leverage strategic partnerships with local wedding planners, decorators, and vendors to further elevate the brand’s offering?
Bandhan by Shangri-La collaborates closely with local wedding planners, decorators, and vendors to deliver culturally authentic and luxurious weddings that meet each couple’s unique expectations. These partnerships allow Shangri-La to blend local expertise with the brand’s commitment to excellence. Local planners provide insights into regional preferences, ensuring each wedding reflects cultural traditions and local aesthetics while being elevated by Shangri-La’s high standards. From decor that showcases regional artistry to vendors providing traditional music, floral arrangements, and attire, these collaborations play a crucial role in offering an experience that feels exclusive, intimate, and genuinely reflective of the couple’s heritage.
In a competitive market, what are the key differentiators that make ‘Bandhan by Shangri-La’ stand out as a luxury wedding and event planning service?
Bandhan by Shangri-La stands out due to its commitment to tailored and immersive experiences that prioritize quality over quantity. A key differentiator is the brand’s portfolio of handpicked properties, each selected for its elegance, luxurious amenities, and prime location—making them ideal for Indian weddings. Additionally, the ability to accommodate every aspect of an Indian wedding—from pre-wedding rituals to the main event and post-wedding gatherings under one roof—sets it apart. Culinary excellence is another defining feature, with a dedicated Culinary Centre of Excellence for Indian Cuisineensuring the highest standard of authenticity across all locations. The platform’s all-in-one convenience, which allows couples to explore venues, consult with specialists, and book services seamlessly, is designed to simplify the planning process while delivering bespoke experiences for a global clientele.
What is Shangri-La’s strategy to attract and cater to high-end clientele for big events?
The strategy includes offering bespoke experiences, luxurious venues, and exceptional culinary expertise. The focus is on referrals, personalized service, and maintaining high standards across all properties to attract discerning clients seeking exclusive, high-quality events.
What are the primary challenges Shangri-La faces in maintaining its leadership position in the luxury wedding and event market, particularly in the MEIA region?
At Shangri-La, we embrace the dynamic nature of the luxury wedding and event market in the MEIA region by continuously refining our services and staying ahead of evolving trends. The competitive landscape, with both domestic and international brands, motivates us to consistently elevate our offerings. Our unwavering focus on delivering world-class service, anticipating and adapting to changing client expectations, and integrating sustainability into our luxury experiences not only helps us maintain our leadership but also allows us to set new standards of excellence in the industry
