Aditi Balbir Pioneering Sustainable Tourism with V Resorts

In the face of rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and erratic weather patterns, the need for sustainable practices has never been more urgent. Climate change is not a distant threat but a present reality. Adapting to this new reality requires a fundamental shift in our approach to businesses and lifestyles, and Aditi Balbir, the founder and CEO of V Resorts, is leading the way by nurturing ecotourism in India. Aditi Balbir‘s journey into entrepreneurship began after a successful decade-long career in finance, working with prestigious firms like McKinsey and Baring Equity. Her love for travel, cultivated since childhood, led her to explore more than 50 countries and 200 destinations worldwide. In 2014, inspired by the success of travel solutions companies like Airbnb, she decided to invest in a travel venture in India. However, when the original promoters withdrew, Aditi found herself at the helm of what would become V Resorts.

A Sustainable Evolution:

Initially conceived as a marketplace for vacation homes in India, V Resorts soon realized that small boutique properties lacked professional management, hindering their popularity. This realization prompted a pivot towards becoming a management company that curated experiences for travellers. It was during this transformation that the principles of ecotourism and sustainability began to take root. V Resorts currently operates over 170 properties across 20 Indian states, offering travellers’ experiences in some of India’s most pristine and untouched destinations. Adhering to the tenets of ecotourism, the company employs 90 percent local staff, ensures 100 percent local procurement, immerses guests in local culture, and empowers communities without harming the natural environment.

Creating Circular Economies:

V Resorts‘ commitment to sustainability extends to creating circular economies. By working with small resorts in remote locations, the company jumpstarts local economies. A small resort with just 15 rooms can generate substantial employment, income, and environmental benefits, with ancillary advantages such as women’s empowerment, skill development, and local craft revival. This approach aligns with 12 of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, exemplifying the creation of a circular economy. V Resorts actively promotes women’s empowerment by ensuring that at least five percent of its staff are women, with plans to increase this to 10 percent in the coming years. The company also collaborates with local women’s groups, like the one in Sattal, Uttarakhand, which produces natural fruit squash, pickles, spices, and essential oils sold at V Resorts’ souvenir shop. The proceeds directly benefit these women.

Aditi Balbir’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond her business. As a member of The Cherie Blair Foundation, she mentors women entrepreneurs in developing countries, sharing her experiences in the travel and healthcare sectors.

Adapting to the New Normal:

Like many industries, the travel sector faced the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic. Travel came to a standstill, forcing the industry to adapt rapidly. Aditi believes that the “new normal” will emphasize heightened hygiene practices, with hotels implementing rigorous standards. Personal protective equipment (PPE) may become a necessity for staff and guests alike.

In these uncertain times, Aditi Balbir and V Resorts exemplify the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in a changing world. With a focus on sustainability, circular economies, and community engagement, they’re not only transforming tourism but also demonstrating how businesses can make a positive impact on society and the environment. Aditi Balbir‘s journey from finance to ecotourism is not just a business pivot; it’s a commitment to a better, more sustainable future.