Face it, for urban millennials, travelling is such a fundamental part of who they are. But regrettably, these are the segment of travellers who find it quite challenging to seek quality stays in non-urban destinations. Just like many in this segment, there was one particular group of friends who also, on many occasions, struggled to find clean, comfortable, and affordable accommodations. They ended up at a crossroads having to choose between a really fancy overpriced luxurious stay or a poorly run vacation rental that invariably disappointed the entire group. “This pushed us to start Raho Hospitalities, and our aim is to bridge this very gap” says Siddarth Somana, CEO of Raho Hospitalities. Raho, a young Bangalore-based startup has now started to shake up the hospitality industry by catering to these urban millennials who are often the most overlooked segment.
With the niche that they have now discovered, it doesn’t come easy when you’re dealing with such a populous and broad target audience like the urban-class millennials. They’ve got the reputation of being an active generation. They find themselves spending their long weekends travelling to their getaway destinations rather than spending their weekends worrying about their down payments. In this energetic, thriving and freewheeling milieu, Raho of course needs to deal with an array of pain points. We are talking about the 25-40 age bracket – the solo backpackers, the young couples or even the groups who take up various forms of friends or young families. Predominantly, the growth in this segment is fueled by the rising disposable incomes and aspirations. They are mostly the working professionals who embody the growing middle income group in India. Beyond the basics of amenities and comfort that this segment seeks, travel for them is also about soaking up new cultures, pushing boundaries, and collecting memories. Forget the pre-packaged tours and tourist traps, today’s millennial travellers crave unique, curated experiences they can truly call their own. These wanderlusting souls yearn for off-the-beaten-path adventures that are authentic, unforgettable, and yes, even Instagram-worthy. But it goes beyond just aesthetics and well-designed stays; cultural immersion fuels their desire for genuine connections and a deeper understanding of the world. Studies reveal that experiencing new cultures ranks as their top travel priority, followed closely by savouring local cuisine, an essential thread in the tapestry of any culture. With all that said, there is of course something that puts a wet blanket on this segment. If you’re a millennial or you know one – oftentimes they are deterred by the lack of suitable options. They either end up having to pay through their noses for what they are seeking or in most cases run into shady shacks that leave them disappointed.
Raho has understood their pain points and offers a solution: with their well-designed units, genuine hospitality, and immersive experiences, one can seek a perfect balance, all at an accessible price point. With their maiden project in Coorg running successfully and 40 more such projects to come along, Raho has already positioned itself to capitalise on this trend by providing a refreshing escape. In this cut throat hospitality world, Raho has held onto the idea of crafting unique stays with personalised touches with aesthetic design, making them an absolute standout. Raho isn’t just about stunning design; it’s about stepping into a story – a ‘Raho’s Experience’ if you will. The aesthetics of it all only reflect their story and give a consistency to their unique theme. In addition to that, Raho’s intimate setting only fosters a genuine service with dedicated staff anticipating your needs and creating a personalised experience. “Without doubt, Raho has left an indelible mark on our hearts, and we wholeheartedly endorse it to those fellow travellers seeking an unforgettable immersive retreat” says Rohan who visited Raho at Coorg last September. Their culinary experience complements their cultural immersion, the food is cooked by local people with freshly found local ingredients too. Mansi, another guest who visited the property at Coorg was elated by the local cuisine it had to offer – “The home cooked meals were a show stopper. Big shout out to Raho for giving us the chance to experience the local flavour”. Raho also collaborates with local artisans, businesses, and events, showcasing the area’s soul and supporting its growth. This authentic integration isn’t just good for the community but also for Raho’s ethos.
But what truly sets them apart is the fact that they have studied their audience to cater to their needs, only to grant themselves the ability to curate a well thought out adventure and an unforgettable environment that resonates with an audience who strongly feel ‘life is all about the experiences’.
