Aditi Balbir, an accomplished entrepreneur, has significantly influenced India’s tourism industry by integrating sustainability and women’s empowerment into her ventures. As the founder and CEO of V Resorts, she redefined leisure travel in India, and through her subsequent initiative, EcoRatings, she continues to advocate for responsible business practices.
From Finance to Founding V Resorts
Aditi’s professional journey began in the finance sector, with roles at McKinsey & Co. and in private equity. However, seeking a more fulfilling path, she ventured into entrepreneurship. In 2014, she took over a struggling travel startup and transformed it into V Resorts, a company offering curated holiday experiences in offbeat Indian destinations. Her vision was to provide urban travelers with authentic experiences that showcase the “Real India.”
Innovating Sustainable Tourism
Under Aditi’s leadership, V Resorts expanded to over 150 properties across 18 states in India. The company emphasized sustainability by integrating local communities into its operations, employing local staff, sourcing ingredients from nearby markets, and promoting regional crafts and cuisines. This approach not only offered travelers genuine experiences but also supported local economies.
V Resorts’ commitment to sustainable tourism earned international recognition. In 2015, the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) acknowledged the company’s efforts at ITB Berlin, and in 2016, Lonely Planet awarded it the “Best Upcoming Resort Chain.”
Empowering Women in Leadership
Aditi has been a strong advocate for women’s leadership in business. At V Resorts, she ensured that women held significant roles, challenging traditional gender norms in the hospitality industry. She also initiated the Young Women’s Leadership Program (YWLP) in 2009, aiming to equip aspiring female entrepreneurs with essential business skills and networks
Venturing into Sustainability with EcoRatings
After her tenure with V Resorts, Aditi founded EcoRatings, a platform designed to help businesses meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Leveraging artificial intelligence, EcoRatings provides companies with tools to automate data collection, track sustainability metrics, and work towards net-zero objectives. This initiative reflects Aditi’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable practices in the corporate sector.
Recognition and Legacy
Aditi Balbir’s contributions have been widely recognized. In 2016, she was named one of the “Dell Foundation’s 200 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in the World.” She also received accolades such as the “Young Women Business” award from CNBC TV18 and the “Exceptional Women of Excellence” award from the Women Economic Forum in 2017.
Through her ventures, Aditi Balbir has not only transformed the landscape of Indian tourism but has also set a precedent for integrating sustainability and gender inclusivity in business
