Aditi Balbir: Pioneering Sustainable Tourism and Women’s Empowerment

In an era marked by increasing global awareness of the environmental impact of travel and the growing imperative to empower women in business, Aditi Balbir emerges as an influential leader. As the Founder & CEO of V Resorts, she has revolutionised the Indian leisure industry, embracing a sustainable and inclusive approach. Aditi’s journey stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to reshaping the travel landscape while championing women’s entrepreneurship.

The Birth of V Resorts

Aditi Balbir’s career took a transformative turn with the inception of V Resorts in 2014. This innovative venture offers a distinctive perspective on tourism, focusing on delivering upscale, offbeat travel experiences across India. V Resorts transcends the conventional resort model, embodying the authentic spirit of India by uncovering hidden gems away from mainstream tourist destinations. The brand prides itself on curating and managing unique resorts, hotels, and B&Bs, ensuring genuine and locally immersive customer experiences.

Aditi’s vision for V Resorts goes beyond providing a typical tourist encounter. Her steadfast commitment to sustainability and local community engagement sets her venture apart. 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.

Championing Sustainable Tourism

Aditi’s efforts in sustainable tourism have earned well-deserved recognition. V Resorts received accolades from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) at ITB Berlin in 2015 and was honoured with the “Best Upcoming Resort Chain” award by Lonely Planet in 2016. Her commitment to aligning her venture with the 12 sustainable development goals endorsed by UNWTO underscores her dedication to establishing circular and inclusive economies.

Empowering Women in Leadership

As a trailblazer in an industry traditionally dominated by men, Aditi Balbir acknowledges the pivotal role of empowering women in business. She envisions a future where more women take on leadership roles 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 involve extensive travel and interaction with local staff.

Aditi’s commitment to fostering women’s entrepreneurship extends beyond her business. In 2009, during her tenure 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, providing essential business knowledge, networking opportunities, and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit among the next generation of female entrepreneurs.

Awards and Recognitions

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 pioneering 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 reshaped the travel experience in India but also serves as a compelling example for aspiring women entrepreneurs worldwide. Aditi’s narrative stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, commitment, and a profound sense of purpose.