The Visionary Journey of Aditi Balbir: Empowering Sustainable Tourism and Women’s Leadership
In a time marked by growing global awareness of the environmental repercussions of travel and the pressing need to empower women in business, Aditi Balbir emerges as a beacon of inspiration. As the Founder & CEO of V Resorts, she has revolutionised the landscape of the Indian leisure industry by championing a sustainable and inclusive approach. Aditi’s journey epitomises her unwavering dedication to reshaping the travel sector while fostering women’s entrepreneurship.
The Genesis of V Resorts
Aditi Balbir’s career trajectory took a significant turn with the establishment of V Resorts in 2014. This innovative venture offers a fresh perspective on tourism, focusing on providing upscale, offbeat travel experiences across India. V Resorts transcends the conventional notion of resorts; it embodies the authentic essence of India, unveiling hidden gems away from mainstream tourist circuits. The brand prides itself on discovering, engaging, and managing distinctive resorts, hotels, and B&Bs, ensuring genuine and locally immersive experiences for its patrons.
Aditi’s vision for V Resorts extends beyond providing a typical tourist getaway. Her steadfast commitment to sustainability and community involvement sets her venture apart. Over the years, V Resorts has seamlessly integrated local villages into its operations, with 90% of the staff comprising locals, sourcing ingredients from local markets, and promoting regional handicrafts and cuisines. Each V Resort is built on a sustainable foundation, capturing the essence of authentic India while adhering to global service standards.
Champion of Sustainable Tourism
Aditi’s efforts in sustainable tourism have earned her well-deserved recognition. V Resorts was honoured by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at ITB Berlin in 2015 and received the prestigious “Best Upcoming Resort Chain” award from Lonely Planet in 2016. Her focus on aligning her venture with the 12 sustainable development goals endorsed by UNWTO underscores her commitment to establishing circular and inclusive economies.
Empowering Women in Leadership
As a trailblazer in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Aditi Balbir acknowledges the vital role of empowering women in business. She envisions a future where more women hold leadership positions in India. This vision is evident within her own organisation, where women are actively encouraged to explore their potential and assume challenging roles. Aditi challenges stereotypes by appointing women to key positions such as pre-operations and content creation, roles that often entail extensive travel and interaction with local staff.
Aditi’s dedication to fostering women’s entrepreneurship extends beyond her business. In 2009, while serving as faculty at the Infinity Business School, she launched the Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP). This initiative aimed to equip and empower women to initiate or manage their own businesses, offering essential business knowledge, networking opportunities, and nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among the next generation of female entrepreneurs.
Awards and Accolades
Aditi Balbir’s significant contributions to entrepreneurship and sustainable tourism have earned her numerous prestigious awards. In 2016, she was recognised as one of the “Dell Foundation’s 200 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in the World.” The following year, CNBC TV 18 honoured her with the “Young Women Business” award, and she received the “Exceptional Women of Excellence 2017” award from the Women Economic Forum.
Aditi’s sense of social responsibility extends to her involvement in organisations such as TIE, Jan Madhyam (an NGO focused on employability for mentally challenged girls), and Round Table International, where she actively promotes community service through fellowship.
A Visionary in Travel and Entrepreneurship
Aditi Balbir’s transition from a finance career to a trailblazing entrepreneur in the travel industry reflects her resilience, dedication to sustainability, and passion for empowering women in business. Her unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and entrepreneurship has not only transformed the travel experience in India but also serves as a compelling example for aspiring women entrepreneurs worldwide. Aditi’s story stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, commitment, and a profound sense of purpose.