Radhika Arapally: Pioneering Sustainability in Hospitality

Radhika Arapally | Founder and CEO | Sustainability Kiosk

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Radhika Arapally is the Founder and CEO of Sustainability Kiosk, a platform committed to transforming the hospitality industry through sustainable solutions. With a passion for eco-conscious innovation, Radhika’s journey in the hospitality sector reflects her deep commitment to creating positive environmental impact while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Her company offers consulting services to help hotels implement sustainable practices and align their operations with evolving environmental goals. At EliteX, we are proud to have Radhika Arapally as part of the edition: 10 Elite Leaders in Hospitality, 2024.

Radhika’s career in hospitality began in 2006, but she didn’t stay in the field continuously. She spent six years working in other industries, gaining experience that ultimately shaped her innovative approach. When she returned to the hospitality sector, she brought with her a fresh perspective on sustainability, combining diverse business insights with her love for the industry. Radhika describes her decision to build Sustainability Kiosk as a natural outcome of her experiences. “The vibrant lifestyle and people-centric nature of hospitality drew me back,” she explains. She found excitement in traveling extensively and engaging with various aspects of the sector—marketing, data management, sales, and finance. This dynamic environment sparked her passion for delivering both guest satisfaction and environmental impact. For Radhika, success in the hospitality industry is about finding the right balance between environmental responsibility, employee well-being, and business profitability. True success, she believes, is achieved by creating sustainable practices that benefit the planet, fostering positive work environments, and ensuring financial success for hotel owners.

“Sustainability is no longer a trend—it’s the future foundation of hospitality.”

One of her key challenges has been bridging the gap between discussions on sustainability and actual investment in eco-friendly solutions. While many businesses express enthusiasm for sustainable practices, they hesitate when it comes to funding the necessary changes. Radhika and her team focus on building strong relationships and educating their clients about the long-term value of sustainability—not only in terms of financial savings but also through enhanced brand reputation, guest loyalty, and regulatory compliance. A common misconception in hospitality is that sustainability might compromise guest experience. However, Radhika is changing this narrative. At Sustainability Kiosk, her team ensures that hotels can reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing comfort or luxury. Simple practices—like minimizing plastic use or conserving energy—can be implemented in ways that enhance guest satisfaction. “Guests today are more aware and prefer eco-conscious stays,” Radhika says. “Sustainability no longer impedes guest experience—it elevates it.” Her consulting approach helps hotels align with these changing expectations, providing thoughtful, green alternatives that guests appreciate.

Radhika leads a small but dynamic team at Sustainability Kiosk, where everyone plays multiple roles and works closely toward common goals. Authentic communication and honest feedback are at the heart of the team’s culture. Radhika emphasizes the importance of shared purpose, ensuring that each team member feels valued and connected to the broader mission. Celebrating small achievements and maintaining open communication have been essential in keeping her team motivated, even when facing challenges. The hospitality industry has undergone significant changes, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotels had to rethink guest experiences and optimize operations. Sustainability emerged as a key priority, with hotels seeking ways to manage resources more efficiently while meeting new guest expectations around safety and hygiene. Radhika and her team adapted quickly, offering solutions that align with the new realities of post-pandemic hospitality—such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability tracking through digital tools.

Technology plays a vital role in Radhika’s work. Many of her clients rely on digital platforms to measure and monitor sustainability metrics like energy usage and waste management. At Sustainability Kiosk, Radhika encourages hotels to embrace technology for real-time insights and data-driven decision-making. Whether it’s tracking water usage or using apps to understand guest preferences for eco-friendly options, technology helps hotels implement sustainable practices effectively. In her view, maintaining high standards in hospitality requires continuous innovation. Sustainability, she explains, is a constantly evolving field where today’s best practices might not meet tomorrow’s standards. Radhika ensures that her strategies not only align with current trends but also anticipate future market demands and regulatory requirements, keeping her clients ahead of the curve.

Three experiences stand out as particularly meaningful in Radhika’s journey. The first was starting her podcast “Sustainability Stories: Balancing People, Planet and Profits”, where she connected with industry leaders like Sonu Shivdasani, CEO of Soneva Resorts, and Willy Legrand, a renowned author on sustainable hospitality. Their willingness to collaborate reaffirmed her belief that passion and persistence open doors in the industry. Another memorable moment came when a major hotel chain adopted one of Sustainability Kiosk’s recommended initiatives. The hotel saw measurable improvements—not only in energy savings but also in guest satisfaction. This success validated Radhika’s efforts and confirmed that sustainability is more than a passing trend; it’s a long-term shift in how the industry operates.

The most recent highlight for the team was hosting their first solo summit, the Responsible Hoteliers Summit on October 3, 2024, at Anantara The Palm Resort, Dubai. This sold-out event, attended by 140 industry professionals, brought together hoteliers and solution providers to connect, network, and upskill for a transition to sustainable hospitality. The summit marked a pivotal step toward Radhika’s vision of a more sustainable future in hospitality.

Radhika credits partnerships with organizations like Dubai Tourism (DET), the Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC), and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance (the Alliance) for helping Sustainability Kiosk grow. These collaborations have enabled her company to participate in industry-wide summits, workshops, and certification programs that promote sustainable practices across the region.

Looking ahead, Radhika sees sustainability becoming the cornerstone of hospitality operations. She anticipates a stronger focus on achieving net-zero emissions, carbon-neutral travel, and circular economies, where resources are reused and recycled to minimize waste. The digitization of sustainability efforts will also play a major role, with data and artificial intelligence helping hotels optimize their operations in real time. Her company, Sustainability Kiosk, aims to expand its advisory services, grow its educational platforms, and continue building a community around sustainable solutions. Radhika hopes to see sustainability become the norm in hospitality, where every hotel—regardless of size or location—prioritizes environmental stewardship and makes meaningful contributions to protecting the planet.

Radhika offers valuable advice for those entering the sustainable hospitality field: “Stay informed, stay connected, and be prepared to challenge the status quo.” She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and networking with like-minded professionals. In a rapidly evolving field, staying relevant requires adaptability and a willingness to think outside the box. She also encourages patience, reminding newcomers that sustainability is a long-term journey. “Progress often happens in small, meaningful steps,” she says. Building strong partnerships and staying committed to the cause can lead to significant impact over time.

Radhika Arapally’s work with Sustainability Kiosk exemplifies the powerful intersection of hospitality and environmental responsibility. Her efforts to create eco-friendly guest experiences, build strong partnerships, and leverage technology are paving the way for a more sustainable future in the industry. Through her leadership, she is not only helping hotels adopt sustainable practices but also shaping the industry’s standards for years to come. With her passion, persistence, and vision, Radhika continues to inspire others to embrace sustainability—not just as a trend but as a transformative movement that benefits businesses, communities, and the planet.

In 2023, Radhika’s team at Sustainability Kiosk made remarkable strides by diverting over 1,000 tons of waste and dedicating more than 1,000 hours to training hotel staff on sustainable practices. For 2024, they aim to expand these efforts, making an even more significant environmental impact across the hospitality sector.