Inheriting a legacy in the tourism sector can be a profound experience, especially in a culturally rich destination like Kerala. For Vignesh Nair, Executive Director of UDS Hotels & Resorts, this legacy goes beyond merely continuing a family business; it’s about embracing the values and lessons cultivated through decades of dedication to the industry.
Transitioning leadership in a family-run business presents unique challenges. At UDS, the priority is learning from the founding generation while gradually assuming day-to-day responsibilities. Building a capable team and nurturing a culture of continuous learning is essential to preserving and advancing the legacy established by the company’s founders.
Over his 25-plus years with the company, Vignesh has embraced key lessons that shape the organization’s philosophy: empowering the team through knowledge and skill development is just as important as financial success; being mindful of the impact on local communities; recognizing that growth should be sustainable and not pursued for its own sake; and viewing challenges as opportunities. These values are at the core of the UDS brand, driving a commitment to holistic growth that benefits both the business and the wider community.
Reflecting on his journey, Vignesh Nair highlights the significance of learning from seasoned individuals, particularly his father and Managing Director of UDS, Mr. Rajasekharan Nair. “It is an honour to work with my team members at UDS and learn firsthand from industry veterans,” he notes.
The hospitality industry in Kerala has faced multiple crises in recent years. What strategies did you implement to ensure the survival and recovery of your properties during these times?
The hospitality sector has undergone significant transformations, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Trends such as staycations, seamless check-in processes, and online concierge services have become the new norm. UDS has adapted to these changes by upgrading its IT infrastructure and offering engaging in-house activities that cater to guests, whether they are working remotely, vacationing with family, or travelling for business.
Are there any innovative practices or technologies you’ve adopted to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of your properties?
In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is crucial for attracting customers. UDS leverages social media and marketing to highlight the uniqueness of its destinations, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. By creating engaging content that goes beyond mere advertisements, UDS aims to entice modern travellers to choose Kerala as their destination of choice.
By integrating innovative software solutions and culturally authentic experiences, UDS aims to keep guests engaged and create memorable stays, regardless of the purpose of their visit
How do you incorporate sustainability into your operations?
Sustainability and authenticity play pivotal roles in UDS’s approach to tourism. Travellers today seek genuine cultural experiences, and we collaborate with local artisans and communities to offer guests immersive activities that reflect Kerala’s heritage. From promoting sustainable practices to initiating farm-to-fork initiatives, UDS is committed to minimizing its environmental impact while supporting local communities.
How do you handle challenges related to hiring, training, and retaining skilled manpower across your properties?
With the rise of tech-savvy and experience-driven travellers, we recognize the shifting landscape of tourism. The transition from traditional brick-and-mortar travel agencies to online platforms presents both challenges and opportunities. Many legacy operators in Kerala have relied heavily on offline channels, but today’s travellers prefer the convenience of digital booking.
To address this shift, we have taken proactive measures by enhancing our online presence and implementing revenue management strategies within the reservation team. This forward-thinking approach aims to increase revenue yield from online bookings, ensuring that the organization stays competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
To remain competitive, we continuously enhance our guest experience by embracing new technologies and optimizing service delivery. Advanced tools like Rannkly and Geedesk enable our team to efficiently respond to guest needs and feedback, allowing us to enhance services through data-driven insights.
As a hospitality entrepreneur, what are your plans for expanding your business?
As competition intensifies, UDS emphasizes the importance of marketing Kerala’s cultural richness alongside its natural beauty. Highlighting local festivals, traditional practices, and community stories will resonate with travellers seeking authentic experiences. The focus is not only on attracting international tourists but also on engaging domestic travellers, who have increasingly become the backbone of Kerala’s tourism industry.
Despite facing competition from global destinations, Kerala’s geographical diversity, pleasant climate, and vibrant culture position it as an attractive tourism hub. To capture the attention of younger, experience-seeking travellers, we aim to promote social engagements and cultural interactions beyond traditional sightseeing.
The organization plans to expand its portfolio to include upcoming destinations like Vagamon and Introducing luxury wellness and eco-adventure concepts will diversify our offerings,
As UDS navigates the evolving landscape of Kerala’s tourism sector, it remains committed to its core values of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural authenticity. By blending traditional hospitality with modern innovations, UDS is poised to carry forward its legacy while adapting to the changing preferences of today’s travellers.
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