"Hospitality is heart, backed by systems!"

From global boardrooms to India's tier-2 boardwalks, the journey of Sarbendra Sarkar - Founder & Managing Director of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts Pvt Ltd - is built on bold moves, grit, and guest-centric vision.

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With 24 years in hospitality, Sarbendra Sarkar is a seasoned turnaround expert with experience at IHG, Marriott, ITC, and more.

An HM graduate with credentials from Cornell, he specialises in operations, business development, brand strategy, and project management, with proven success in driving profitability and implementing strategic hospitality solutions. Excerpts from the interview...

What inspired you to take the leap from working with global hotel chains to founding your own brand - Cygnett Hotels?

When I started Cygnett Hotels & Resorts in 2014, it was a time when many domestic and international hospitality players were already ruling the Indian market. The chances of a new brand creating its niche amidst a hospitality market flooded with options were bleak. However, it was certainly my experience of many years in the business at that time which helped us to make Cygnett Hotels and Resorts a brand to reckon with in a short span of time. The hospitality industry attracted me in many ways as this industry is dynamic and kept me on my toes to remain motivated and positive all the time. The idea behind founding my own brand was to provide a wide range of hospitality solutions, upscale to midscale, budget and economy to India domestic and inbound travellers. I wanted to be responsive to the demands of a rapidly changing world without compromising on the founding tenets of hospitality which is quality, comfort and outstanding service.

With plans to add 1,000 keys annually, what's your expansion strategy?