How Summit Hotels & Resorts Is Redefining Destination-First Hospitality In India

Summit Hotels & Resorts, led by Founder & CEO Sumit Mitruka, has steadily but emphatically emerged as one of India’s most destination-driven hospitality brands, shaping travel experiences across the Himalayas and beyond. With more than 30 properties rooted deeply in their local settings, the brand champions sustainability, cultural authenticity, and community integration as core pillars of its growth. From employing local residents and sourcing regionally to designing eco-sensitive resorts that mirror their surroundings, Summit conflates responsible tourism and genuine Himalayan hospitality. As traveller expectations shift more and more towards mindful, meaningful, and experiential stays, Mitruka’s vision positions Summit not just as a hotel chain, but as a custodian of the destinations it represents, creating immersive journeys that remain imprinted in memory.How does Summit Hotels & Resorts integrate sustainability into its operations, particularly when it comes to supporting local communities and employment?Sustainability for Summit goes beyond green practices, it’s about creating symbiotic relationships with the regions we operate in. Most of our 30+ properties employ local residents, empowering communities through training and long-term careers in hospitality. We consciously source ingredients and materials locally, supporting small producers while reducing carbon footprint. In sensitive mountain regions, eco-friendly landscaping, waste segregation, and energy-efficient systems are standard. Recently, our Lamahatta resort in West Bengal was designed around a farm-to-table philosophy, blending natural materials and local craftsmanship to reflect the area’s ecology. We’ve eliminated single-use plastics and follow strict FSSAI-certified hygiene protocols. For us, sustainability means integrating our business success with community well-being, enabling guests to experience genuine Himalayan hospitality while leaving a lighter footprint.What role does Summit Hotels & Resorts play in promoting and developing the destinations where your properties are located?Summit sees itself as a custodian of the destinations it operates in, not just an accommodation provider. By expanding into lesser-explored regions like Sunderbans, Lamahatta, and Kalimpong, we help distribute tourism more evenly and stimulate local economies. Our resorts often act as anchors that draw new visitor segments, encouraging off-season travel and year-round employment. We collaborate with local artisans and vendors, promote regional cuisine, and design experiences that introduce guests to the area’s heritage and nature. MICE facilities at destinations like Darjeeling and Gangtok have opened avenues for business tourism in leisure markets. Through such engagement, Summit contributes to holistic destination growth, balancing tourism development with environmental and cultural preservation.How does the brand curate authentic experiences that allow travellers to truly connect with the culture, cuisine, and character of each destination?Authenticity is central to Summit’s ethos. Each property is designed to mirror its surroundings, from Himalayan-inspired architecture in Darjeeling and Gangtok to river-view tranquility in Rishikesh. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in local culture through curated walks, regional cooking, and art experiences. Our restaurants focus on local ingredients and recipes, celebrating dishes that reflect the geography and traditions of each region. In Lamahatta, for instance, the CloudSong Restaurant’s farm-fresh menu highlights indigenous produce. Interiors feature local materials and craftsmanship, while our teams, drawn largely from nearby communities, embody the warmth and character of their region. These elements come together to offer travellers something deeper than a stay, a sense of place and genuine cultural connection.With traveller expectations evolving toward mindful and experiential stays, how has Summit adapted its approach to hospitality in recent years?Travellers today seek meaning and connection, and Summit has evolved to meet that mindset. We’ve transitioned from a mid-scale leisure brand to a mid-to-premium experience-driven hospitality group that emphasises wellness, sustainability, and authenticity. Our newer resorts integrate spa and wellness facilities, nature immersion, and local dining experiences. Direct booking initiatives and upcoming loyalty programs allow for more personalised engagement, aligning with the modern traveller’s desire for curated, value-rich experiences. Summit’s consistent 60%+ off-season occupancy and 25% growth in direct bookings reflect this shift toward mindful travel. Whether it’s mountain-facing rooms in Sikkim or eco-sensitive retreats in the Himalayas, our focus is to make each stay restorative, responsible, and deeply personal.As Summit Hotels & Resorts expands its footprint across India, how do you envision building a brand that becomes synonymous with the destinations it represents?Our vision is for Summit to be the go-to name for destination-anchored hospitality in India. Each property is crafted to reflect its locale—its people, nature, and heritage—so that staying at Summit feels synonymous with experiencing the destination itself. As we grow beyond the Himalayas into Goa, Uttarakhand, and Odisha, our focus remains on authenticity and consistency: distinct local character paired with warm, reliable service. Expansion will follow a “scale with sensitivity” philosophy, ensuring our footprint enhances rather than overwhelms the environment. Over time, we want guests to associate Summit with meaningful leisure travel, an assurance of quality, culture, and care, wherever they go.What is the overarching vision driving Summit Hotels & Resorts as it looks ahead to the next phase of growth and innovation?Summit’s vision is to be India’s leading destination-first hospitality brand, rooted in authenticity, service, and sustainable growth. We aim to reach 50 properties by 2030 while deepening guest engagement through loyalty programs, long-stay offerings, and premium sub-brands. Innovation will focus on technology-enabled personalisation, eco-design, and community integration. Our self-funded, profitable model allows us to expand responsibly, prioritising experience over scale alone. Whether through vegetarian-only concepts, wellness retreats, or immersive cultural stays, the next chapter of Summit is about evolution with purpose, creating enriching journeys that reflect India’s diverse landscapes and the enduring warmth of its people.FAQsWhat makes Summit Hotels & Resorts different from other hotel chains in India?Summit focuses on destination-anchored hospitality, sustainability, and authentic local experiences.How does Summit Hotels support local communities?Most properties employ local residents, source ingredients locally, and collaborate with artisans and vendors.What sustainable practices does Summit Hotels follow?They implement energy-efficient systems, waste segregation, eco-friendly landscaping, and eliminate single-use plastics.How does Summit create authentic travel experiences?Through regional cuisine, cultural activities, local craftsmanship, and immersive destination-focused stays.How has Summit adapted to evolving traveller expectations?By offering wellness retreats, experiential stays, and personalised, mindful travel options.What is Summit Hotels & Resorts’ vision for growth?To become India’s leading destination-first hospitality brand with 50 properties by 2030.A Conversation With Sayaji Hotels’ Top Brass On The Roadmap For Expansion And The Next Era Of Guest Experience