Founded in 1985 under the leadership of Chairman Raj Shetty, the Ramee Group of Hotels, Resorts & Apartments, along with Ramee Hospitality, has grown into a trusted name in the global hospitality landscape. With a presence spanning over 40 hotels worldwide and a strong portfolio of acclaimed F&B outlets, the group has continually evolved to meet the changing expectations of modern travellers.
This year, the monsoon season has emerged as a surprising high point for travel across India, fuelled by pent-up demand, attractive deals, and a growing preference for scenic getaways. Ramee Group has capitalised on this trend, reporting a 15% surge in bookings from domestic leisure travellers, with Munnar, Udaipur, and Bhuj among its top-performing destinations.
In this exclusive conversation with Voyager’s World, Mr. Saurabh Gahoi, Senior Vice President, Ramee Group, shares insights into what’s driving this growth, how the brand is evolving with traveller trends, and what lies ahead for the group in India’s increasingly experience-driven hospitality market.
How is your brand responding to the growing demand for scenic and experiential stays among today’s travellers?
At Ramee Group, we recognise that modern travellers seek more than just a place to stay—they want a story to tell. Guests today are drawn to scenic locales and immersive cultural experiences. To align with this shift, we’ve strategically expanded our portfolio to include properties in destinations known for their natural charm and heritage. Beyond just location, we curate meaningful in-house experiences like local cuisine pop-ups, wellness retreats, and guided city explorations to help our guests truly engage with the spirit of the destination.
How are digital platforms and dynamic pricing strategies influencing your approach to attracting and retaining guests?
Digital innovation is at the heart of our guest engagement strategy. We harness the power of social media, influencer collaborations, and real-time storytelling to bring our experiences closer to potential guests. From a revenue management perspective, we rely on dynamic pricing tools that allow us to stay agile, responding swiftly to demand fluctuations and seasonal trends. This synergy between marketing and pricing not only optimises occupancy but also nurtures deeper loyalty among tech-savvy travellers.
What trends are you observing in the rise of corporate offsites and bleisure travel post-pandemic?
There has been a marked shift in the way organisations approach off-sites. Post-pandemic, companies are placing greater emphasis on wellness, meaningful team interactions, and refreshing environments that foster creativity. This has given rise to “bleisure”—a blend of business and leisure travel—where guests often extend their stays to explore the destination. We’ve responded with flexible meeting spaces, wellness-focused team-building options, and extended-stay offers that cater to both corporate needs and leisure indulgence.
Do monsoon packages contribute to improving occupancy during what was traditionally considered an off-season?
Absolutely. The monsoon season has evolved from being an off-peak period to a unique selling point. We’ve designed monsoon-centric packages that celebrate the season—think serene spa getaways, hyperlocal culinary trails, and scenic nature drives. These curated experiences tap into the romance and tranquillity of the rains, transforming the monsoon into a desirable travel window and significantly boosting our occupancy rates.
Are you witnessing an increase in last-minute midweek bookings, and what do you think is driving this trend?
Yes, we’re seeing a surge in spontaneous midweek getaways. This trend is driven by a mix of flexible work arrangements, compelling weekday promotions, and a growing desire for quick rejuvenation. Digital outreach plays a key role, with flash deals and engaging content encouraging guests to book on impulse. It’s all about enabling that last-minute decision to escape and unwind, even if just for a night or two.