In Conversaton with Anirban Sarkar, GM Radisson Blu Gr Noida

As the Radisson Blu Greater Noida celebrates 14 years of excellence, I had the pleasure of speaking with General Manager Anirban Sarkar, whose leadership and vision for sustainability and flawless luxury service inspire staff and guests alike.

Can you tell us about your career path in the hospitality industry?

Certainly! I was part of the opening team at Olive when it launched in 2003 and spent nearly 8 years with that company. After that, I returned to hotels and had two stints in standalone restaurants before joining the Radisson Hotel Group brand, Park Plaza which has since been rebranded as Radisson. Over the years, I worked at three other Radisson properties, and for the last 5 years, I have been managing this hotel.

Interestingly, this property is the first Radisson Blu brand to open in India, and this year marks its 14th year of operation in Greater Noida. The city has been evolving rapidly, with an increase in hotel rooms and other developments.

What challenges and growth have you experienced with your establishment in Greater Noida?

Over the past 5 years, we’ve seen almost 30% growth in hotel inventory in the area, which has significantly changed the landscape. The upcoming opening of the Jewar Airport in April will be pivotal for our growth. The Uttar Pradesh government is heavily focused on developing Noida and Greater Noida into significant economic hubs, promoting various infrastructure projects, including expressways and logistical connectivity with the new airport.

Overall, I believe, we are perhaps entering into the best phase of the hospitality industry in India.’ Here’s to a bright future filled with exceptional experiences!

What are your thoughts on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices in your hotel?

Sustainability is a major focus for us at Radisson Blu Greater Noida. We assess both macro and micro aspects of sustainability and adhere to policies aimed at reducing our carbon and water consumption. Annually, we set targets to lower electricity and water usage, especially by utilizing seasonal ingredients to minimize energy spent on storage and logistics. Our menu is designed to reduce our carbon footprint by emphasizing local produce. We also place great importance on waste management.

What challenges does the hospitality and tourism industry face regarding pollution?

The industry does face significant environmental challenges. As a hospitality business, we must take proactive measures to become more environmentally friendly. We at RBH focus on carbon compensation, making us an attractive partner for companies that prioritize sustainability and have Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

How does your hotel cater to corporate and business travellers?

We provide comprehensive packages for corporate guests, including a certificate that certifies the carbon units compensated during their meetings/workshops/stay.

Our conference food program is designed to be both delicious and healthy, ensuring that guests feel light and energized during their meetings. Additionally, we offer a popular staycation program on weekends, which allows even guests from nearby areas to enjoy a relaxing getaway with luxury amenities, such as the spa and swimming pool.

What about weddings? What services do you offer for wedding events?

We specialize in residential weddings, providing a fantastic setup with both indoor and outdoor options, including poolside ceremonies. Since COVID, we’ve seen a rise in demand for small, customized weddings, and because of our expertise in curating these events, we have become one of the leading venues in the area for such occasions.