Cautiously optimistic

Pinning Raffles Udaipur on Accor’s global map, Kerrie Hannaford, VP – Commercial, Accor India & South Asia talks about raising the bar with immersive hospitality and emotional luxury.

- Lipla Negi

Kerrie Hannaford

What have been your considerations behind coming to India? We are confident that India’s luxury hotel industry has a bright future. Raffles is the 10th brand that Accor is introducing in India. There is a promising future for such brands in the region as there are discerning customers that are looking for memorable, inimitable luxurious experiences which a brand like Raffles delivers.

Were M!CE, big fat Indian weddings, a consideration for entering India?

M!CE and weddings are segments that remain a focus area for most hotels. In a country like India, weddings will always see traction, as they are firmly entrenched in the culture. The ongoing global pandemic has brought in a wide range of new trendsetting patterns in the big fat Indian weddings industry.

There has been a complete shift towards contactless food services, micro wedding ceremonies, in addition to the present norms of socially distanced gatherings, with a focus on highly sanitised venues. As modern-day business travellers look for an accommodation or event venue where they can experience exclusivity, peace and tranquillity, Raffles Udaipur aims to be a workcation destination that keeps them inspired.