Radhika Arapally: Championing Sustainability in Hospitality for a Better Future

Radhika Arapally

Radhika Arapally is not just an entrepreneur; she’s a force of nature in the sustainability movement within the hospitality industry. With a profound sense of responsibility towards our planet and a vision to create impactful change, Radhika’s journey is inspiring others to follow her lead. From her humble beginnings to founding the groundbreaking Sustainability Kiosk, Radhika’s story exemplifies the power of combining passion with purpose.

A Life-Changing Moment in Bali

Radhika’s commitment to sustainability began when she witnessed the devastating effects of climate change firsthand. During a visit to Bali, she dove into the clear waters only to be met with the shocking sight of bleached coral reefs. The experience deeply saddened her, but it also sparked a sense of urgency. This moment solidified her understanding that meaningful work requires action, and she set out to make a change.

“The urgency of addressing climate change for our kids’ future became clear to me. That moment in Bali wasn’t just a turning point—it was a call to action,” Radhika recalls. This pivotal experience led to the birth of Sustainability Kiosk, a platform dedicated to helping businesses achieve the delicate balance between people, planet, and profits. It’s more than just a startup—it’s a knowledge partner that drives sustainable solutions.

Radhika Arapally: A Dynamic Career Path

Before founding Sustainability Kiosk, Radhika’s career spanned multiple industries. She started in retail, worked in banking, and then moved into agency roles. However, it was her time in the hospitality industry that truly ignited her passion for sustainability. The dynamic nature of hospitality, where marketing, finance, operations, and people intersect, provided the perfect platform for her to make a difference.

“Hospitality is about creating memorable experiences, which is truly heartwarming. It’s where my passion for sustainability found its place,” Radhika shares. The ability to merge guest experiences with meaningful environmental action inspired her to align her work with her values.

Founding Sustainability Kiosk: Turning Passion into Impact

One of Radhika’s proudest achievements is the founding of Sustainability Kiosk. What started as a small initiative quickly grew into a recognized platform, with a team of four incredible women. Together, they’ve partnered with over 40 hotels and earned significant industry recognition for their work. In 2024 alone, the platform successfully diverted over 1,500 tons of waste and implemented 12 impactful sustainability initiatives.

“We believe sustainability isn’t just about recycling—it’s about creating lasting, positive impacts. Our work goes beyond that, collaborating with organizations like Dubai Economy and Tourism and the World Sustainable Hospitality Alliance to host events such as the Responsible Hoteliers Summit,” Radhika explains. This summit brought together 140 individuals and 30 brands to discuss and promote sustainability in the hospitality industry.

Overcoming Challenges and Learning From Setbacks

Every success story comes with its share of challenges, and Radhika’s journey was no exception. One of the most significant obstacles she faced was launching a sustainability initiative early on without fully understanding the operational challenges hotels face. Initially, the initiative didn’t gain the traction she had hoped for. However, Radhika learned a valuable lesson from this experience—the importance of aligning solutions with practical feasibility and engaging stakeholders from the outset.

“I worked closely with my Customer Success Partner, Stella Pinto, who has 20 years of experience in hotel operations. Together, we’ve refined our approach, ensuring that our solutions are not only impactful but also achievable,” Radhika reflects.

Expanding Impact Through Innovative Programs

Radhika is not content with simply staying within the confines of what she has already accomplished. She’s focused on expanding the impact of Sustainability Kiosk with a series of on-demand tools and programs designed to empower hotels and other stakeholders in the hospitality industry. Among these initiatives is the Sustainability Stories Podcast, the HOST (Hotel Operational Sustainability Training) program, and an annual Responsible Hoteliers Summit.

“These tools aim to make sustainability a seamless and accessible choice for hotels. Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and resources they need to implement sustainable practices that benefit the environment, employees, and their bottom line,” Radhika explains.

The Power of Collaboration

For Radhika, collaboration has been a cornerstone of her approach. She believes that no matter how strong a vision is, success requires working with others and listening to diverse perspectives. This belief has shaped her leadership style and helped her create solutions that are not only innovative but also practical.

“I’ve learned that progress comes from collaboration and adaptability. It’s about engaging stakeholders, listening to their concerns, and finding common ground. This approach has been instrumental in creating programs that make a real difference,” Radhika says.

The Inspiration Behind the Vision

Throughout her career, Radhika has been inspired by the visionary approach to sustainable luxury taken by Sonu Shivdasani, founder of Soneva Resorts. His commitment to creating sustainable luxury made Radhika realize that sustainability should not just be an add-on but a fundamental part of every decision made in hospitality.

“Sonu’s work inspired me to see sustainability not as a goal, but as an integral part of hospitality. I want to help hoteliers realize that sustainability can be a driving force for both profit and positive environmental impact,” Radhika shares.

Overcoming Setbacks: A Mindset of Growth

Radhika’s mindset towards challenges is something that keeps her motivated. Instead of viewing setbacks as failures, she sees them as opportunities for growth. By focusing on the bigger picture and the long-term impact of her work, she remains grounded and energized.

“Living in Dubai, a city that thrives on innovation, keeps me inspired. I stay motivated by surrounding myself with positive, like-minded people and staying true to my purpose,” she says.

The Road Ahead: Building a Legacy of Sustainability

Radhika’s vision is clear—she aims to leave a lasting impact on the hospitality industry in the UAE and beyond. She hopes to be remembered as someone who helped hoteliers embrace sustainable practices and demystified sustainability as a core business value.

“My legacy is about creating meaningful impact. I want to empower hoteliers to see sustainability as essential to their business model and as a pathway to a better future. I hope future generations will see passion, purpose, and collaboration as the driving forces behind lasting change,” Radhika reflects.

Advice for the Next Generation

When reflecting on her journey, Radhika shares advice for both her younger self and the next generation of leaders. She encourages others to embrace challenges and take risks, as these are the key ingredients for personal and professional growth.

“I’d tell my younger self to step outside my comfort zone and embrace the challenges that come my way. Most importantly, I’d remind myself that taking risks in projects and tough conversations is necessary to make meaningful progress,” she says.

Conclusion

Radhika Arapally’s journey from witnessing the devastation of bleached coral reefs in Bali to becoming a leader in sustainable hospitality is a testament to the power of passion, purpose, and collaboration. Through her work with Sustainability Kiosk, Radhika has not only advanced sustainability within the hospitality industry but has also empowered others to join her in creating a better future. Her story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change requires action, and that each of us has the power to contribute to a more sustainable world. Do follow her on Instagram.

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