Monday, May 26, 2025
Meliá Hotels International has launched the Atithi Program across Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, delivering a warm and culturally immersive experience tailored specifically for Indian group travelers. This new initiative brings together Meliá’s signature hospitality with the richness of Indian traditions, offering thoughtfully curated services that include authentic Indian cuisine, culturally sensitive event planning, and luxurious accommodations. Whether for weddings, corporate retreats, or festive gatherings, the Atithi Program ensures Indian guests feel at home while celebrating their special moments in Europe’s most iconic destinations.
Meliá Hotels International has launched a groundbreaking hospitality initiative known as the Atithi Program, crafted specifically to cater to the distinct cultural preferences and culinary expectations of Indian groups visiting Europe. Inspired by the revered Indian principle “Atithi Devo Bhava,” meaning “The guest is akin to God,” the program embraces the warmth and depth of Indian hospitality. It aims to provide Indian travelers with an effortlessly comfortable and culturally attuned experience for events such as destination weddings, corporate retreats, and festive celebrations across key European destinations.
A Dedicated Indian Hospitality Experience Across Europe
Recognizing the growing trend of Indian travelers hosting events abroad—from destination weddings to large corporate offsites—Meliá Hotels International has created a program that aligns its world-class standards with the specific preferences of Indian guests. The initiative goes beyond traditional hospitality by integrating cultural sensitivity, authentic cuisine, and personalized service across a curated collection of Meliá properties in Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Meliá’s decades-long legacy of hosting global events and group stays gives the Atithi Program a strong foundation in both excellence and experience. Now, with this dedicated offering, the hotel group strengthens its appeal among Indian families, corporations, and travel planners looking for event-ready European venues that understand the intricacies of Indian hospitality.
Carefully Selected Hotels Across Key European Cities
The Atithi Program is supported by an exclusive portfolio of Meliá hotels, each selected for its experience in hosting Indian events and its strategic location in Europe’s most frequented cities. From luxury urban escapes to seaside resorts, these properties are equipped with modern event infrastructure and attentive teams trained in cultural nuances.
In Austria, Indian guests can enjoy Meliá Vienna, known for its sleek architecture and panoramic views of the Danube. In Germany, Meliá Berlin and Meliá Frankfurt offer elegant event venues and proximity to cultural landmarks. French travelers are welcomed at Meliá Paris La Défense, combining Parisian flair with spacious meeting spaces.
Italy’s fashion capital, Milan, features Meliá Milan, a favorite for destination weddings and business events. Spain, a top choice for Indian destination weddings, is heavily represented with hotels in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Sevilla, and Tenerife. Meliá Barcelona Sarrià, Meliá Barcelona Sky, and INNSiDE Barcelona Apolo present sophisticated options in Catalonia. In Madrid, Meliá Castilla, Meliá Madrid Serrano, and Meliá Madrid Princesa cater to travelers looking for central locations with exceptional service.
Sevilla’s rich cultural heritage complements the offerings at Meliá Lebreros and Meliá Sevilla, while the coastal beauty of Tenerife is amplified by the opulence of Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora. Meliá Valencia completes the brand’s presence across Spain by offering upscale accommodations and top-tier amenities on the country’s vibrant eastern coast.
In the United Kingdom, the iconic Meliá White House in London serves as a prime venue for Indian groups visiting England, offering luxury in the heart of the city with easy access to both historic attractions and business districts.
Signature Indian Cuisine Tailored for Comfort and Celebration
One of the most defining aspects of the Atithi Program is its culinary focus. Understanding that food plays a central role in Indian culture, Meliá has introduced Atithi Cuisine, a specially designed menu celebrating beloved Indian dishes. From rich Butter Chicken and spicy Rogan Josh to vegetarian staples like Paneer Kadai, Chole, and Rajma, the menu resonates with traditional Indian palates and comforts travelers with familiar flavors far from home.
Dishes like Amritsari Fish and Indian-style desserts further enhance the experience, making weddings, receptions, and festive dinners genuinely memorable. All meals are prepared by expert chefs, many of whom have trained in or worked with Indian cuisine to ensure authenticity and excellence.
Meliá ensures that guests with dietary restrictions or cultural preferences are well catered to, including the provision of Jain meals, vegetarian options, and halal-certified ingredients when required. This attention to culinary detail adds an extra layer of care and customization, which is highly valued by Indian travelers.
Comprehensive Event Services and Cultural Sensitivity
Indian group travel often involves multi-day events with elaborate planning, intricate rituals, and large guest lists. Meliá Hotels International has trained its teams at participating properties to handle Indian weddings, business conferences, and celebrations with cultural intelligence and operational precision.
From arranging mandap setups and baraat processions to organizing henna nights and sangeet ceremonies, the Atithi Program includes cultural coordination for each phase of an event. Additionally, these hotels offer multilingual staff, dedicated event planners familiar with Indian customs, and logistical support for guest accommodations, travel arrangements, and local excursions.
Whether guests are celebrating Holi or hosting a Diwali dinner, the Atithi Program integrates cultural festivity into the overall experience. This proactive and inclusive approach not only enhances comfort but also builds long-lasting loyalty among Indian groups seeking culturally aware international partners.
A Strategic Move to Capture the Indian Outbound Market
The launch of the Atithi Program aligns with Meliá Hotels International’s strategy to capture a larger share of India’s outbound tourism market, which has grown significantly in recent years. Indian travelers are now among the top spenders globally, and group travel—especially for weddings and business—is a major contributor to this trend.
By positioning itself as a preferred hospitality partner for Indian groups, Meliá strengthens its brand equity in both the Indian and global markets. The program also positions Meliá ahead of competitors who may offer luxury but lack cultural customization.
With India expected to become one of the top three outbound travel markets globally by 2030, Meliá’s proactive approach places it at the forefront of a lucrative and growing segment.
Meliá Hotels International has introduced the Atithi Program across Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, offering Indian group travelers authentic cuisine, cultural comfort, and luxury hospitality for weddings, events, and celebrations.
Conclusion
The Atithi Program by Meliá Hotels International isn’t just a new offering—it’s a cultural bridge between India and Europe, delivering warmth, tradition, and tailored experiences. By combining impeccable service, strategic hotel locations, and a deep understanding of Indian culture and cuisine, Meliá has created a blueprint for excellence in international group hospitality.
Indian travelers now have more than just a place to stay—they have a home away from home, where every need is anticipated, and every detail is designed with heartfelt intention.
Tags: Austria Travel, Europe, France Travel, germany travel, Hospitality Industry, Hotel News, Indian travelers, Italy Travel, Meliá Hotels International, Spain Travel, UK Travel
