Welcome to the World of AIRDA

Greetings from the All India Resort Development Association! As we step into another edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to bring you curated insights from the evolving landscape of vacation ownership and tourism in India. Whether you're part of our member network or a resort considering AIRDA affiliation, this newsletter is your gateway to staying informed, involved, and connected with India’s vacation ownership industry.

Each issue serves as a reference point for industry stakeholders—resort owners, associates, investors, and policy advocates—who are shaping the future of timeshare and experiential travel. We also extend a warm welcome to resorts considering AIRDA membership, offering a window into the conversations, innovations, and best practices associated with the organized sector in vacation ownership.

Here’s a quick look at what we’ve bookmarked for you in this edition:

• Industry News – Updates and observations from the broader landscape of timeshare and tourism
• Feature Stories – Perspectives on resort operations, sustainability, and evolving trends in hospitality
• Member Updates – Highlights from our member network, including news, initiatives, and community engagement

We hope you enjoy this edition. Stay connected, share your thoughts, and help us shape the future of vacation ownership in India.

Message from Mr. Ravee Shanker, Secretary, AIRDA

This message is about Spiritual Tourism and the Timeshare Connection: A Personal Reflection by Mr. Ravee Shanker, Hon. Secretary, AIRDA

Spiritual tourism is evolving. It's no longer just about rituals or temple visits—it's about immersive journeys that blend devotion, wellness, and cultural discovery. Families are seeking meaningful escapes, where travel becomes a path to inner renewal. And this is where timeshare can play a powerful role—by offering continuity, comfort, and a sense of belonging.

Instead of navigating hotel bookings or short-term stays, families can return to familiar sacred spaces year after year, or explore new spiritual destinations through exchange partnerships. Timeshare transforms a one-time visit into a recurring opportunity for connection—allowing members to deepen their engagement with places that hold spiritual significance, within the convenient terms of their chosen membership plan.

For me, religious tourism is more than a hospitality offering—it's a calling. India's sacred geography holds timeless stories and transformative experiences. From the ghats of Varanasi to the forests of Vrindavan, every spiritual destination invites us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, with our heritage, and with something greater than us.

The transformation of temple-town development
India has revolutionized temple town development, transforming donation-dependent spiritual centers into economic powerhouses through strategic infrastructure investments. Ayodhya's Rs. 20,000 crore development includes a new railway terminal, an international airport, and partnerships with Taj (3 projects), Leela Palaces, and Marriott, catalyzed by the January 2024 Ram Mandir inauguration. Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Corridor expanded from 3,000 to 5 lakh square feet, is now attracting 1,20,000 daily visitors, while Vrindavan welcomes luxury developments like VRC Hotels' five-star property by Studio Symbiosis, completing in January 2028. Ayodhya is expected to attract 5 crore annual visitors, potentially creating new business models for inbound tourism.

This paradigm shift from charitable subsistence to self-sustaining ecosystems positions India's temple towns as world-class spiritual tourism destinations, where ancient heritage drives modern prosperity, generating employment and attracting global investments—while seamlessly blending devotion with contemporary luxury and convenience.

As an AIRDA member, I am happy to share how our project helps widen the opportunities for sacred journeys. We're not just offering a place to stay—we're offering a way to belong. A home in Krishna Bhumi means being part of the sacred Braj region, traditionally known as the 84 kos yatra—a pilgrimage circuit that traces the divine footsteps of Lord Krishna across 252 kilometres of spiritually resonant terrain. Every visit becomes a journey through time, devotion, and heritage.

Through Krishnabhumi Holydays, we've created a bridge between heritage and hospitality. Located in Vrindavan, our initiative offers families a spiritually immersive experience in the land of Krishna. It's a way to make your pilgrimage personal, comfortable, and deeply meaningful—year after year. And with RCI platinum privileges, members can exchange their Vrindavan stay for vacations across 4,000+ destinations worldwide.

Being part of AIRDA gives me the confidence that we're building something lasting. AIRDA's commitment to ethics, transparency, and professional standards is helping steer the timeshare industry into the organized sector. It's a collective effort—one that ensures every member, every traveler, and every stakeholder benefits from a system built on trust and long-term value.

Industry article

Immersive Cultural Journeys with Sterling Holiday Resorts

Imagine walking through a bustling spice market—the aroma of cardamom and cloves filling the air, while a local chef unveils age-old culinary secrets. Or picture yourself weaving fabric alongside artisans whose families have preserved the craft for generations. These are not just vacations—they are journeys into the soul of a destination.

“With 74% of Millennials and Gen Z valuing authentic cultural experiences, we’ve crafted unique journeys—from local culinary trails to cultural workshops—that let travelers taste, touch, hear, see, and feel the heritage, culture, cuisine, history, and geography of a place. Our focus on ‘Discoveries & Experiences’ is designed to engage all five senses, offering guests a deeper connection to the very soul of every destination,” says Harinath Mohanasundaram, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Sterling Holiday Resorts, in a recent media interview.

Transforming Resorts into Experience Hubs

Sterling Holiday Resorts understands that the true spirit of travel lies in living the culture. Whether through culinary adventures, traditional craft-making, or local storytelling, guests are invited to interact meaningfully with communities and surroundings.

The company actively collaborates with local communities and artisans, ensuring that each experience supports sustainable tourism while benefiting regional economies. Through partnerships with local guides, artists, chefs, and historians, guests gain an authentic understanding of indigenous traditions and practices.

For families and young travelers, interactive learning experiences make cultural immersion educational and fun. Children can enjoy storytelling sessions with local historians, attend eco-awareness workshops, and take part in craft and cooking classes—ensuring that these journeys foster lasting knowledge and appreciation.

A Responsible Approach to Immersive Travel

Sterling Holiday Resorts stands out in the hospitality industry for its commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage preservation. From supporting indigenous craftsmanship to eco-friendly resort operations under its ESG initiative—Sankalp—the company ensures that tourism contributes positively to communities and the environment.

By integrating sustainability into its approach, Sterling ensures that local artisans thrive, environmental conservation is prioritized, and conscious travel choices are upheld. This commitment includes sourcing organic ingredients for resort kitchens, reducing the carbon footprint of its properties, supporting ethical trade initiatives, and partnering with local organizations to preserve traditions.

With personalized service, expert-led experiences, and exclusive access to regional culture, Sterling Holiday Resorts invites travelers to immerse themselves in India’s diverse heritage. Whether engaging in traditional craft-making, savoring local delicacies, or exploring hidden gems, every journey is designed to create unforgettable connections with the heart of a destination.

A Portfolio of Over 60 Properties, Spanning 55+ Unique Destinations

Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited stands as one of India’s premier hospitality brands, managing over 3,000 keys across a portfolio of more than 60 resorts, hotels, and retreats spanning 55+ unique destinations. The company serves a wide spectrum of travel occasions—from leisure vacations and destination weddings to corporate meetings (MICE), reunions, group getaways, and picnics.

Operating under its flagship brands, Sterling and Nature Trails, the company’s properties are strategically located across the country—from hill stations, beaches, jungles, and waterfronts to heritage sites, religious centers, and popular drive-to escapes.

As part of its commitment to expanding vacation choices, Sterling Holidays is affiliated with RCI, the world’s largest holiday exchange network. This affiliation allows Sterling members to exchange their vacation weeks and holiday at over 4,000 RCI-affiliated resorts across 100+ countries worldwide.