Asmita Mukherjee | Hyderabad 
Renowned for its extravagant Indian weddings, the Fairmont Jaipur is now setting its sights on a wider audience. Under the leadership of its new General Manager, Rajat Sethi, the hotel is crafting curated experiences to entice both Free Independent Travelers (FITs) and the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment. Asmita Mukherjee recently spoke with Sethi to delve deeper into his exciting plans for the future of the Fairmont Jaipur.
Can you share your vision for the hotel? How do you plan to enhance its standing as a premier luxury destination in Jaipur?
As the General Manager of Fairmont Jaipur, I envision our hotel transcending traditional luxury to offer an unparalleled experience in Jaipur. We will curate personalized journeys that immerse guests in the city’s vibrant culture, such as private tours led by local experts, cooking classes that revive forgotten Rajasthani recipes, and yoga sessions overlooking iconic landmarks. Sustainability will be a priority, with eco-conscious practices allowing guests to minimize their environmental impact. Fairmont Jaipur aspires to be more than a hotel—it will be a gateway to experiencing the soul of Rajasthan.
Guest experience is paramount in the luxury hospitality industry. How will you ensure that Fairmont Jaipur continues to exceed guest expectations?
To ensure Fairmont Jaipur continues to exceed guest expectations, we will implement several key initiatives. We will utilize the Accor Customer Digital Card to personalize guest experiences before arrival, ensuring that we cater to their individual preferences. Our Five Senses Arrival Experience will engage guests’ senses right from their arrival, to interactive and tailored dining experiences, setting the tone for their stay.
Can you share some specific initiatives or changes guests can look forward to?
Guests at Fairmont Jaipur can look forward to several exciting initiatives that redefine luxury. Our chefs will offer live cooking demonstrations and personalized menus featuring lost Rajasthani recipes, providing a unique and interactive dining experience. We are also curating a range of daily activities, including yoga sessions overlooking the Aravalli Hills, historical tours, and cultural workshops on miniature painting and block printing.
How do you see the landscape of luxury hospitality evolving in the coming years?
The future of luxury hospitality will be driven by personalized experiences, advanced technology, and sustainability. Wellness offerings will expand, and we will enhance privacy and security measures. We will deepen our integration with local communities, emphasizing cultural engagement and social responsibility. This evolution is influenced by India’s young population and increasing disposable income, with the hospitality industry in India expected to reach USD 31.01 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.73%. Luxury hotel chains, with their personalized services, will play a crucial role in meeting the evolving expectations of discerning consumers.
What trends do you believe will shape the future of the industry, and how is Fairmont Jaipur adapting to remain at the forefront?
Fairmont Jaipur believes the future of luxury hospitality hinges on sustainability and exclusiveness. To lead in this evolving landscape, we are committed to implementing eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient designs and local sourcing. We also focus on delivering personalized experiences and high-end amenities tailored to each guest’s preferences, ensuring a unique and luxurious stay. By combining these elements, we continue to meet and exceed our guests’ expectations, maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry.
What strategic initiatives do you plan to implement to drive revenue growth for Fairmont Jaipur?
At Fairmont Jaipur, we plan to implement several strategic initiatives to drive revenue growth. Weddings will be a key focus, leveraging auspicious dates and offering comprehensive wedding packages to maximize this revenue stream. During the summer months, we will target the transient and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segments. Additionally, we will create a diverse event mix and offer bundled experiences to attract a wide range of guests, optimizing our revenue across different segments.
How do you aim to maximise operational efficiency while maintaining high service standards?
To maximise operational efficiency while maintaining high service standards, we have segregated teams for group bookings and individual travellers (FITS). We allocate separate floors for FIT guests to ensure their comfort, tailored amenities and experiences, enhancing their overall experience while maintaining efficiency in our operations.
What strategies will you implement to optimize RevPAR and occupancy rates at Fairmont Jaipur?
To enhance RevPAR and occupancy rates at Fairmont Jaipur, we will adopt a multifaceted approach. To leverage seasonal demand fluctuations, targeting transient and corporate segments to maximize occupancy during peak periods. Additionally, we will craft enticing packages that appeal to various guest preferences and needs, ensuring a balanced and profitable operation throughout the year.
Fairmont Jaipur is a popular venue for weddings and special events. How do you plan to enhance this aspect of the business?
Fairmont Jaipur is the leading wedding destination hotel in Rajasthan, and to maximize wedding bookings, we offer competitive rates and tailored wedding packages with comprehensive benefits. These packages are designed to enhance the overall wedding experience, ensuring unforgettable celebrations against the palatial backdrop of our hotel. By focusing on providing exceptional value and unique experiences, we aim to solidify our position as the premier wedding destination in the region.
Are there any new packages or experiences being introduced to cater to this market?
Yes, we are introducing several new packages to cater to our diverse market. During the summer months, we offer curated packages aimed at boosting transient demand, such as summer staycation and daycation packages to attract guests from Delhi and Jaipur markets. Additionally, we have also introduced the MICE Package for executive teams from organizations like YPO and EPO, catering to their specific event needs. Each package is thoughtfully designed to offer unique experiences and value-added services, ensuring an unforgettable stay for our guests.
