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Published on February 28, 2025
The hospitality industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and leading this transformation is Sarbendra Sarkar, an industry expert with deep-rooted knowledge in hotel operations, project development, business growth, and brand management. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitality News, he shares valuable insights on navigating the ever-changing landscape of the hospitality sector. From expanding into emerging markets to integrating cutting-edge technology while retaining the human touch, his vision is shaping the future of travel and hospitality.
Sarbendra Sarkar’s journey in the industry is a testament to his strategic acumen and leadership. With an impressive background that includes an MBA and executive education from Cornell University, he has worked with some of the most prestigious hotel chains, gaining invaluable experience. Today, as the founder of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, he is redefining midscale and budget hospitality in India, focusing on guest-centric innovations and sustainable business practices.
In this insightful conversation, Sarbendra delves into the expansion strategy of Cygnett Hotels in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, where demand for quality accommodations is surging. He explains how a detailed market analysis guides location selection and how the brand tailors experiences to cater to diverse traveler segments, ensuring a seamless blend of comfort, affordability, and quality service.
With the rapid shift toward digital transformation, Cygnett Hotels has introduced Cygnett CX, a technology-driven approach to enhancing guest experiences while maintaining the warmth of traditional hospitality. Sarbendra emphasizes that while AI and analytics are crucial in optimizing operations, they are not a substitute for the human connection that defines exceptional service. This balance of innovation and personalized service is a key factor behind Cygnett’s growing success.
Looking ahead, Sarbendra discusses the rising demand for midscale and budget hotels in India. As travelers seek premium experiences at competitive prices, hotels are integrating smart technology, wellness initiatives, and sustainable practices to stay ahead of industry trends. Sustainability, in particular, is a major focus for Cygnett, with initiatives that go beyond reducing plastic waste to actively supporting local communities and responsible tourism.
Cygnett’s growth is not limited to India. The brand is actively exploring international markets, with strategic expansion plans in Africa, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and beyond. Sarbendra sheds light on the key markets that present immense potential and how Cygnett aims to make a mark on the global stage.
For aspiring hoteliers and entrepreneurs, Sarbendra offers invaluable advice: success lies in embracing innovation while staying true to exceptional guest service. The hospitality industry is filled with opportunities, and those who adapt, innovate, and prioritize customer satisfaction will thrive.
This engaging conversation with Sarbendra Sarkar provides a deep dive into the trends shaping the hospitality industry. To read the complete interview, get your Physical copy of Hospitality News March magazine on our website. Don't miss to visit the E-Magazine Section in our website to read the online edition of our March magazine and immerse yourself in more such industry-defining conversations!
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Published on September 1, 2026
What does it take to create a hospitality experience that guests remember long after they leave? Is luxury defined by the setting, the service, or by the ability to make every guest feel genuinely understood? For Dushyant Singh, Hotel Manager, Mulberry Shades Bengaluru Nandi Hills, A Tribute Portfolio Resort, the answer lies somewhere deeper, in the art of thoughtful hospitality.
With more than two decades of experience with Marriott International, Dushyant brings a leadership perspective shaped by diverse cultures, markets, hotel operations and multiple successful openings. In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, he takes us behind the philosophy guiding Mulberry Shades and shares how the resort is evolving as a wellness and lifestyle destination.
From leadership and financial performance to personalised service, Dushyant explores the delicate balance between commercial discipline and creating experiences that build loyalty. His insights reveal why engaged teams, empowered associates and genuine human connections remain central to delivering meaningful hospitality.
The conversation then moves into one of the most significant shifts in luxury travel - the growing demand for wellness and experiential stays. Dushyant discusses how Mulberry Shades, located at the foothills of Nandi Hills, is responding through wellness retreats, culinary experiences, outdoor activities and personalised itineraries designed to help guests reconnect with themselves, nature and loved ones.
But the future of hospitality is not only about wellness. Technology is rapidly transforming the guest journey, raising an important question: Can hotels embrace automation and digital convenience without losing the human warmth that defines hospitality? Dushyant offers his perspective on how technology can support teams while keeping genuine interaction at the centre.
He also shares his vision for Mulberry Shades and the opportunities ahead - from corporate well-being programmes and bespoke celebrations to fitness, mindful activities and nature-based experiences.
Our conversation with Dushyant Singh offers a thoughtful look at how luxury hospitality is evolving and what it takes to remain relevant in a changing travel landscape. It was a great conversation exploring leadership, innovation, wellness and the future of guest experiences.
Discover the complete interview with Dushyant Singh in the September issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website, and explore the physical edition for the full story and more insights from the world of hospitality.
India’s hospitality landscape is entering a phase of transformation, where evolving traveller expectations, technology, emerging destinations and operational resilience are reshaping the way brands approach growth. At the forefront of this conversation is Mohammed Parvez, CEO of Essentia Hotels & Resorts, whose leadership reflects a strong focus on quality, innovation and meaningful guest experiences.
In an exclusive interview with Hospitality News, Parvez shared his perspective on how his understanding of hospitality has evolved from operational excellence to creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections. “My understanding of the hospitality industry has grown from focusing mainly on service delivery and operational excellence to recognising its bigger purpose of creating memorable experiences and meaningful connections,” he says.
Looking at the wider industry, Parvez believes India’s hospitality sector is positioned for sustained growth, supported by rising domestic travel, improved infrastructure, increasing disposable incomes and growing demand for experiential stays. His insights also highlight how emerging destinations are creating opportunities beyond traditional tourism hubs.
But how are hospitality brands responding to the rapidly changing expectations of today’s travellers? At Essentia Hotels & Resorts, Parvez explains that the focus extends beyond accommodation, with business travellers seeking seamless, technology-driven solutions and leisure guests looking for authentic experiences, wellness and connections with local culture.
The conversation also explores some of the industry's pressing challenges. From rising fuel costs and market uncertainties to talent retention and changing guest expectations, Parvez discusses the importance of operational efficiency, smart cost management, sustainable practices and agility in building long-term resilience.
Technology emerges as another important part of this transformation. While digital tools are increasingly helping hotels streamline operations and personalise guest engagement, Parvez emphasises that technology must remain an enabler rather than a replacement for human connection.
And as Essentia Hotels & Resorts continues to grow, what does leadership mean in an increasingly competitive market? For Parvez, the answer comes down to three principles: people, purpose and sustainable value creation. Keeping guests at the centre while empowering teams, encouraging innovation and maintaining operational excellence remains central to his vision.
It was a great conversation with Mohammed Parvez, offering valuable perspectives on leadership, technology, growth and the evolving meaning of hospitality. Discover the complete interview with Mohammed Parvez in the September edition of Hospitality News, available on our website, and get your physical copy to explore the complete collection of stories shaping hospitality and beyond.
What truly makes a guest feel at home in an increasingly competitive hospitality landscape? Is it personalised service, operational excellence, flexibility, or the ability to understand what a traveller needs before they ask? For Wajeed Bagwan, General Manager of Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru, the answer lies in bringing these elements together while never losing sight of the people at the heart of hospitality.
With more than three decades of experience across India and the Middle East, Wajeed has built his career around hotel operations, F&B, pre-openings and leadership. His professional journey includes some of the industry's leading names, including Taj, Oberoi, The Leela and Radisson Hotel Group, along with the successful opening, rebranding and refurbishment of five award-winning hotels in Dubai.
In an exclusive conversation with Hospitalitynews, Wajeed takes us beyond the day-to-day functioning of a hotel to explore the thinking behind successful hospitality businesses. He shares insights into leadership, operational agility and the challenge of balancing business performance with consistently high guest satisfaction.
The conversation also explores one of the industry's evolving travel segments: bleisure. With travellers increasingly combining business with leisure, Wajeed discusses how Marriott Executive Apartments Bengaluru is responding through spacious accommodation, flexibility, wellness facilities and personalised services.
Food, too, remains an important part of the conversation. Wajeed shares his perspective on how regional influences, global flavours and thoughtfully curated dining experiences can transform a stay into a memorable journey.
As the industry looks increasingly towards responsible growth, sustainability takes its place among the priorities shaping modern hotel operations. Wajeed discusses the property's approach to energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction and sustainable sourcing, while highlighting the importance of involving both associates and guests.
Our conversation with Wajeed Bagwan offers a compelling look at the priorities shaping hospitality today — from people and performance to changing traveller expectations and responsible operations. It was a great conversation filled with practical insights from an experienced hospitality leader.
Discover the complete interview with Wajeed Bagwan in the September issue of Hospitalitynews, available on our website. You can also explore the physical copy of the magazine for this and other conversations shaping the hospitality industry.
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