You’ve just come back from India. What was the purpose of the trip, and what was your very first impression on the ground?
The purpose of the trip was to spend time on the ground, feel the country, especially Himachal Pradesh, its people, the current hospitality offering, meet potential partners, better understand the market and explore how Kerten Hospitality could bring its brands and philosophy to India in a meaningful way.
My first impression was the incredible energy of the country. India has this rare combination of history, nature, tradition, creativity, entrepreneurship and deep human warmth. You immediately feel that hospitality is not just an industry there; it is part of the culture, part of daily life. With spirituality that is always there around.
Indian hospitality is famous for the philosophy of “Atithi Devo Bhava” - the guest is god. How did you experience this first-hand, and how does it compare to hospitality elsewhere in the world?
I experienced it in a very genuine way. There is a natural generosity in the way people welcome you in India. It is not forced or scripted; it comes from the heart.
In many parts of the world, hospitality can be very polished and professional, but in India it often feels more emotional and personal. There is a sense of care, respect and pride in receiving a guest. This is very powerful, and it connects beautifully with Kerten Hospitality’s own belief that hospitality is about people, community and creating meaningful connections.
You visited Shimla. What makes it special as a destination, and what kind of traveller will fall in love with it?
Before visiting Shimla, many people warned me about overtourism and over-urbanisation, so I was honestly afraid I might be disappointed.
In reality, I felt the complete opposite. While it is true that overtourism and urban development are risks that need to be managed carefully, Shimla is a very large and layered destination, with so many authentic places, beautiful landscapes and hidden gems still waiting to be discovered.
Shimla has a very special soul. It has history, mountain charm, beautiful landscapes, colonial architecture, fresh air and a slower rhythm that feels very different from the big cities.
It is a destination for travellers who are looking for more than just a hotel stay. It attracts people who love nature, heritage, authenticity, wellness, local culture and meaningful experiences. It is also a place where travellers can reconnect with themselves, with the mountains and with the local community.
Why is India such an important market for hospitality right now, and why is this the right moment for Kerten Hospitality to enter?
a is one of the most exciting hospitality markets in the world today. Domestic travel is growing strongly, new destinations are emerging, infrastructure is improving and Indian travellers are increasingly looking for lifestyle-driven, experience-led hospitality.
It is also a market where hospitality has depth. Guests are not only looking for rooms; they are looking for places to meet, dine, work, celebrate, discover and belong. This is exactly where Kerten Hospitality can add value.
For us, the timing feels right because India is ready for brands that are flexible, locally connected and community-driven.
How do you see Kerten’s brands and philosophy fitting into the Indian context? What do we bring that’s different?
Kerten Hospitality is not a traditional hotel company. We create mixed-use lifestyle destinations where hospitality, community, culture, work, food and local experiences come together.
This fits very naturally with India, because India is not a one-dimensional market. Every city, every region and every community has its own identity. Our approach is not to copy-paste a brand, but to adapt, listen and create something that belongs to the place.
What we bring is a more human and flexible approach to hospitality. We focus on lifestyle, community, local relevance, entrepreneurship and guest experiences that feel personal rather than standardised.
What’s next for Kerten in India? What can our readers look forward to?
India is a very important market for Kerten Hospitality, and we are looking at it with long-term commitment.
The next step is to continue building the right partnerships and identify projects where our brands can truly add value. Readers can look forward to concepts that are lifestyle-led, locally rooted and experience-driven, with a strong focus on community, culture, wellness, food and meaningful guest journeys.
For us, India is not just another market. It is a country where Kerten Hospitality’s values can come to life in a very authentic and powerful way.