Views & Interviews

Q&A: Conversations with Ramesh Ramanathan, MD,
Sterling Holiday Resorts (India) Limited: Part II

December 2012

Ramesh Ramanathan is an Economics graduate and a rank holder from Madras University, with a Management Degree from the Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata. Ramesh has over 33 years of work experience across a range of industries - including paints, consumer durables, tyres, organized retail, IT and yes … hospitality. Ramesh has been an early pioneer in the Vacation Ownership industry in India. He was with Sterling Holiday Resorts in the early 1990s, did a migration to help set up Mahindra Holidays and Resorts in 1996, and has just rejoined Sterling, to infuse new thinking and strategies.

This interview is the final segment in the two-part series. Segment 1 was in our November 2012 update of Q&A. Continued from > “What’s different about a timeshare vacation with Sterling?”

Q: In the timeshare business, is it easy to anticipate what the customer is looking for?

A: At Sterling Holidays we are constantly looking at things from a customer’s perspective and the results are there to see. We have recently embarked on a resort renovation program, taking steps to upgrade the furnishings in the rooms and introduce amenities such as flat screen TV sets and a self-help tea/coffee maker. Broadband internet facilities are being ramped up and additional telephone extensions are being provided. Entertainment facilities like discotheques are being set up at some resorts, while salons and spas are coming up at others. Through creative landscaping, green cover is constantly being added to the resorts. In addition, we have also introduced Wellness Spas under the brand name, Subuthi.

Sterling Holidays and its employees are committed to service excellence, good corporate governance and sustainable development to create wealth for all stakeholders – we want to be seen as a responsible corporate citizen.

Q: What holiday options does Sterling offer its customers?

A: What a customer gets from us is the benefit of investing once at today's prices – and that translates to a dream vacation for 7 days every year, for the next 25 years. With the Vacation Ownership Plan, you have the flexibility to design your holidays around your breaks. Choose the destination, the season and type of accommodation you want, and enjoy carefree holidays.

The Vacation Ownership Plan is available as Vacation Ownership Points. Every time you plan a holiday, you can choose any of the destinations in the Sterling Holidays network or take your pick from the resorts in the RCI network. You can also trade in your Vacation Ownership Points for accommodation at a resort apartment of your choice. Your holidays are now inflation-proof and you get to holiday at current prices.

 

Q: Can you tell us something about your MICE packages?

A: In addition to being India’s leading Vacation Ownership and Leisure Hospitality Company, Sterling Holidays is also the ideal getaway for our corporate customers. Located at spectacular destinations, each resort in the Sterling Holidays network provides stunning views and top-of-the-line amenities.

We offer end-to-end solutions for MICE trips, right from airport transfers to conference facilities, banquets, comfortable rooms, in-house recreation and sightseeing. No wonder, MICE at Sterling Holidays is a rejuvenating experience for businesses.

After day-long work sessions, our Holiday Activities Team will help your employees de-stress and unwind. Fun activities include DJ nights, bonfire sessions, team building games, karaoke nights, movie nights, folk & bollywood performances, day/night jeep safaris, trekking, camping and bird watching.

Q: What does the resort’s affiliation with RCI mean to your customers?

A: RCI is the worldwide leader in vacation exchange with over 4,000 affiliated resorts in approximately 100 countries. RCI pioneered the concept of vacation exchange in 1974, offering members increased flexibility and versatility with their vacation ownership experience. Today, through RCI^® Weeks, the traditional week-for-week exchange system, and RCI Points^®, the industry's first global points-based exchange system, RCI provides flexible vacation options to its 3.7 million RCI subscribing members* each year. RCI is part of Wyndham Exchange & Rentals and the Wyndham Worldwide family of brands (NYSE: WYN).

* RCI subscription on a Sterling membership plan is optional.

This is the concluding segment in the two-part interview with Mr Ramesh Ramanathan. For the latest on news, updates and plans check out their website www.sterlingholidays.com