In a grand celebration of vision, values, and meaningful hospitality, Preferred Travel Group, in collaboration with The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, hosted an elegant evening bringing distinguished leaders from the hospitality industry, media, and tourism sector. Held at one of The Leela’s flagship properties, the event underscored the shared ethos of partnership, sustainability, and purposeful growth.

A Warm Welcome and Powerful Introductions
Opening the evening with grace and gratitude, Seema Roy, Area Managing Director – South Asia & Middle East at Preferred Travel Group, set the tone by acknowledging the guests’ presence amidst Delhi’s bustling traffic. She introduced key global and regional colleagues, including Saurabh Rai, Executive Vice President; Sarah Maxwell and Antonia Robinson from the London office; C.S. Ramachandran, Vice President – Hotel Resortisation; and Tarun Ratan Kaur, Business Development Lead – India, reflecting the brand’s robust leadership in the region.

Honouring a 16-Year Legacy
Anjali Mehra, Senior Vice President of Marketing at The Leela, took the stage to highlight the enduring 16-year partnership between The Leela and Preferred Travel Group. She emphasized their joint commitment to delivering authentic, transformative travel experiences that reflect a growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible luxury. A key announcement was the inclusion of The Leela Palace Bengaluru and The Leela Palace Udaipur in the Beyond Green portfolio—a significant milestone that aligns with Leela’s dedication to conscious hospitality.

Celebrating Inclusive Leadership
In a landmark moment, the event introduced Preeti Makhija as the General Manager of the host property—marking her as The Leela’s first female GM. This milestone resonated with attendees and reaffirmed the Group’s strides toward inclusive leadership and empowerment in hospitality.

Strategic Growth & Global Milestones
Adding a personal dimension to the evening, Saurabh Rai shared reflections from his extensive travels—visiting 74 properties over the past year—personifying the Group’s ethos of “living the brand.” He presented a comprehensive overview of Preferred’s continued evolution, noting the Indian portfolio’s expansion to 27 properties, with strategic partnerships forged with Lemon Tree Hotels (Aurika) and Chalet Hotels.

Globally, Preferred Hotels & Resorts now represents over 600 independent properties across 80+ countries, including 80+ new additions in 2024—the most extensive portfolio expansion since 2019. The Group’s Legend Collection has grown to over 100 elite properties, featuring distinguished names such as Armani Hotel Milano, Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, and Necker Island under the recently announced partnership with Virgin Limited Edition.

Beyond Green and the Climate Action Plan
The event also spotlighted Beyond Green, Preferred Travel Group’s global collection of the world’s most sustainable accommodations. With the addition of new members in India—The Leela Palace Bengaluru, The Leela Palace Udaipur, and Suryagarh, Jaisalmer—the brand continues to promote purpose-led luxury rooted in environmental stewardship, community engagement, and cultural preservation.

In alignment with its Climate Action Plan, Preferred has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These efforts position the Group as a forerunner in climate-conscious hospitality, dedicated to redefining luxury through a lens of sustainability.

Looking Ahead with Purpose
The evening concluded with a refined networking soiree—complete with curated conversations, artisanal teas, and celebratory bubbles—providing an ideal platform for meaningful dialogue and future collaborations.

In an era defined by authenticity, values, and innovation, the event served as a compelling reminder of the power of visionary partnerships and the transformative potential of independent hospitality.

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