Chennai – Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay (part of GRT Hotels & Resorts) hosted a special Green Press Conference today at Radisson Blu Hotel & Suites GRT Chennai to celebrate Pondicherry’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Top Destinations to Travel in 2025.
In the presence of Hon’ble Minister of PWD, Tourism & Aviation, Shri. K Lakshminarayanan, and Mr. Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels & Resorts, three major announcements were unveiled.
Puducherry has earned a prestigious spot on Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2025” list, ranking it 2nd in the world to visit – and notably, it’s the only Indian destination featured this year. A dynamic leadership and the utilization of Government of India initiatives have sustained this town as a preferred destination. The presence of Shri K. Lakshminarayanan, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Puducherry, this evening is a celebration of this award with Puducherry-centric programs.
Launch of “Experience Pondicherry – Lonely Planet’s Pick” Travel Package
Radisson Resort Pondicherry Bay introduced a new experiential offer crafted to celebrate Pondicherry’s global recognition. The package offers guests a curated itinerary including a sunshine buffet breakfast, welcome amenities, a half-day city tour, a Franco-Tamil dining experience at Bay Bistro, discounts on F&B and spa services, and a special farewell gift — delivering a truly immersive and memorable Pondicherry experience.
Launch of the GReaT Green Meetings Initiative
Furthering its commitment to sustainability, GRT Hotels announced the launch of GReaT Green Meetings across its properties. The initiative empowers corporate guests to host eco-friendly MICE events through carbon footprint tracking, tree planting offsets, reduced plastic use, low-carbon menus, and other green practices — redefining responsible hospitality in India.
Key differentiators include:
- A strategic partnership with Viruksham Foundation to plant trees and offset event-related carbon footprints.
- Collaboration with EcoIndex to calculate emissions using their efficient carbon footprint calculator app.
Release of “The GReaT Butterfly Effect” – A Book on GRT’s Sustainability Journey
Mr. Vikram Cotah unveiled his book The GReaT Butterfly Effect, documenting GRT Hotels’ inspiring journey toward sustainability. The book showcases how small conscious choices in hospitality can lead to transformative environmental and social change, serving as a real-world playbook for businesses embracing responsible growth.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Vikram Cotah said, “We are proud to celebrate Pondicherry’s tourism milestone while reaffirming our commitment to eco-conscious hospitality. Our GReaT Green Meetings and ‘Lonely Planet’s Pick’ offer are steps toward reimagining travel experiences through a sustainable lens. We hope to inspire both travelers and industry leaders with our journey as captured in The GReaT Butterfly Effect.”
The Green Press Conference marked a powerful moment of convergence between tourism excellence, sustainability leadership, and community celebration — all at the heart of Pondicherry’s vibrant spirit.
For more information, visit: www.grthotels.com
