Material Strategy for Sustainable Hospitality in Ranthambore

Abstract

Ranthambore has emerged as a prominent wildlife tourism destination, resulting in the development of hotels, resorts and other hospitality spaces to accommodate the growing number of visitors. While these spaces aim to provide comfort, luxury and memorable experiences, their construction and operation can place pressure on natural resources. The selection of materials is an important aspect of this impact, as extraction, processing, transportation, maintenance and disposal can contribute to environmental concerns. In the sensitive ecological context of Ranthambore, there is a need to explore material choices that are both environmentally responsible and suitable for hospitality environments. This research focuses on identifying strategies for sustainable hospitality while maintaining durability, functionality, aesthetics and the quality associated with luxury. The study aims to examine how locally available, renewable, recycled, reclaimed and low-impact materials can be incorporated into hospitality architecture and interiors in response to the region’s environmental, climatic and cultural context. A qualitative research approach will be adopted through literature study, analysis of selected hospitality case studies, interviews, market study and field visits to Ranthambore, with materials evaluated based on their local availability, embodied energy, transportation requirements, durability, maintenance, recyclability and overall environmental impact. The research will identify material choices and applications that can reduce resource consumption and the ecological footprint of hospitality spaces while strengthening their connection with regional identity. The study will ultimately demonstrate how thoughtful selection can contribute to more sustainable hospitality environments, where environmental responsibility, local character and the comfort and aesthetic expectations of luxury can be achieved together.