Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest independent luxury hotel brand and a global provider of sales, marketing, and distribution services to member hotels, has announced significant enhancements to its India operations, including three new strategic appointments and the continued growth of its hotel portfolio in the region. The India team welcomes Bharat Ratanpal as Director of Business Development, alongside the earlier additions of Mayank Tuteja as Director of Sales – South Asia and Shakun Khandelwal as Senior Sales Manager – South Asia. Operating from its New Delhi office, the team continues to bolster the brand’s presence in the region under the guidance of Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, based in Dubai.

“These appointments highlight our commitment to fostering stronger partnerships and delivering value-driven solutions for our members in this dynamic region,” said Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President of South Asia, Middle East, and Africa. “With their extensive experience and dedication, the new team members will enhance the support we pride ourselves on providing to our hotel partners and continue our growth momentum in India.”

Preferred Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in India with an impressive portfolio of 26 member hotels across its diverse collections, including five esteemed properties in its prestigious Legend Collection. Among its notable members are 11 luxurious properties from The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts, The Claridges New Delhi, The Claridges Nabha Residence in Mussoorie, THE Park Kolkata, and the serene Aalia Jungle Retreat & Spa nestled in the Himalayan foothills. In 2024, the portfolio welcomed several exciting additions, highlighting a strategic focus on emerging destinations and unique experiences. These include two standout properties from Aurika Hotels & Resorts: Aurika, Udaipur – Luxury by Lemon Tree Hotels and Aurika, Mumbai Skycity. Other noteworthy entrants are The Resort Mumbai, from the Chalet Hotels’ portfolio, Kinwani House in Rishikesh, and The Leela Gandhinagar, further enriching the brand’s offerings across India.

Beyond Green, the sustainable sister brand of Preferred Hotels & Resorts under the Preferred Travel Group umbrella, has expanded its presence in India by adding two dual-member hotels: The Leela Palace Bengaluru and The Leela Palace Udaipur, which are also part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. This expansion is part of a larger strategy to meet the rising consumer demand for transformative travel experiences that emphasize authenticity and sustainability.

The India team also includes Seema Roy, Area Managing Director for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, who has been with the company for 15 years and leads the team within the region, overseeing hotel retention and development efforts, and C.S. Ramachandran, Vice President of Revenue Account Management for South Asia, Middle East, Africa, who leads the regional revenue management team. Recently, Sarvocch Mishra was promoted to Hotel Revenue Optimization Manager for South Asia and the Middle East, further strengthening the brand’s revenue optimization in the region. The addition of Bharat Ratanpal enhances the team’s capabilities; with over 21 years of experience, he has been instrumental in launching landmark properties such as Grand Hyatt Mumbai and JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, and his role will spearhead new business development efforts across the region. This leadership expansion aligns with Preferred Hotels & Resorts’ broader vision to respond to the increasing consumer demand for authentic and exceptional travel experiences, ensuring its member hotels remain at the forefront of luxury and innovation.