NEW DELHI, 22 MARCH 2022.
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality company today announced a
framework to drive its sustainability and social impact measures under Paathya. Derived from the Sanskrit term
Paathya, inferring a path, Paathya encapsulates initiatives to lead
positive change with IHCL’s core values of Trust
of all stakeholders, Awareness around
the needs of our ecosystem and Joy
at heart.
Speaking on the
occasion, Hon’ble Union Minister of
Tourism, Culture and Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Government of
India, Shri G Kishan Reddy, said “Sustainable and responsible tourism is
the way forward and the Government of India is already working in this
direction. The government and the industry together are exploring ideas,
solutions, and strategies to face the environmental and societal challenges. I
applaud IHCL for its holistic approach of Paathya and for leading the path for
the sector.”
The
function was graced by Ms. Rupinder
Brar, Additonal DG, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Taking ahead IHCL’s over a
century old legacy, Paathya forges a journey focused on Environmental Stewardship, Social Responsibility, Excellence in
Governance, Preserving Heritage, Value Chain Transformation, and Sustainable
Growth.
Mr. Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director
& Chief Executive Officer, IHCL,
said, “Today, it has become even more important to chart a new tomorrow - one
that is more sustainable and inclusive. We believe this is the only way to
drive India’s journey to being among the top travel and tourism economies. The
launch of Paathya is in line with IHCL’s commitment to strengthen its resolve
of contributing to the society with an integrated approach towards creating
sustainable growth and positive impact. This reaffirms our founder, Jamsetji Tata’s vision of keeping
community at the heart of business. ”
IHCL has
defined several short and long-term goals to be fulfilled by 2030 under
Paathya. From 100% elimination of
single-use plastic across all its hotels to ensuring 100% of waste water is reused, the company’s 100% of hotels will be certified to a global sustainability standard.
Representing best practices, 78 IHCL
hotels have achieved EarthCheck certification
with 47 Platinum recognitions,
largest in the global tourism industry. Furthermore, all business meetings and
conferences will go green with the introduction of Innergise - Green Meetings, reducing their environmental impact.
Taking ahead its commitment to skill building, and create employability for
the deserving and the marginalized, IHCL aims to
impact the livelihood of over 100,000
youth. Long heralded as the custodian of Indian heritage, IHCL’s
collaboration with UNESCO, will see
adoption of 100% of Intangible Cultural
Heritage (IHC) projects in the geographies it operate in.