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16 INTERVIEW HOSPITALITY BIZ OCTOBER, 2024
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Q Cygnett was expecting to have 45 coming years. Our growth strategy has been rich cultural destination is gaining prominence
as a MICE hub. The country’s economic
driven by entering markets with a high
operational hotels by 2024. Could you
share your progress toward this goal and any demand for branded, service-oriented hotels. growth, and cultural heritage also bodes well
challenges you’ve faced? I see the biggest opportunities in India’s Tier for the future growth of inbound tourism.
Cygnett Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, 2 and Tier 3 cities, where there remains a
tech-savvy, and one of the fastest-growing significant gap in branded hotel options. Q Cygnett has been active in both
hotel chains, offering a diverse range of hotels Additionally, the Northeastern region of India greenfield and brownfield projects.
from budget to upscale luxury. In just 10 offers tremendous potential. With its untapped Could you share some insights into how you
years of operation, the company has rapidly tourism resources and rapid infrastructure approach these two types of projects and the
expanded its portfolio, with nearly 50 hotels development, we’ve expanded our presence unique challenges and opportunities they
either operational, in pre-opening stages, or there, recently signing new properties in present?
under development. In terms of total aligned Dibrugarh, Tawang, Golaghat, and Borpeta. When it comes to greenfield projects, they
properties under the Cygnett brand, including Another key area of growth is the Indian are full of potential, and we are involved from
our pipeline projects, we are exceeding religious circuit, where we see increasing the very beginning. Our approach starts with
our targets. This year has been particularly demand for branded hotels due to the rising comprehensive feasibility studies to assess
significant, with multiple signings for our number of visitors year over year. Furthermore, the market needs, helping us determine the
luxury brands, Anamore and Ayurvyaas. emerging destinations, particularly those most viable product, the level of investment
Additionally, we’ve seen a strong response in gaining popularity among younger travelers, required, and anticipated ROI. Envisioning
the midscale and value segments, securing present significant opportunities for the the final product is crucial, and we focus on
12-15 new properties under the Cygnett Inn, hospitality sector. aligning the concept with market demands
Cygnett Style, and Cozzet brands. I foresee before moving forward. We also rely on our
Cygnett continuing a rapid growth trajectory, Q Domestic tourism has become meticulously developed brand manuals for
expanding our presence across India. the backbone of the tourism and each of our brands, which guide the design
As for challenges, there aren’t many, hospitality industry in India. How do you process. Our technical teams work closely to
though project timelines remain a key area view the demand from domestic tourists in ensure that execution is monitored effectively,
for improvement, especially in India, where comparison to international tourists in the ensuring the final product delivers the
developments can move at a slower pace. coming years? Cygnetture experience and right return on
That said, we are a tech-savvy company with Even with the pandemic behind us, domestic investment.
a strong fundamental, as a company we tourism remains the lifeline of hotels across In contrast, brownfield projects present
prioritize transforming and keeping ourselves India. Whether for weekend getaways or fewer opportunities for customization since
ahead of time and for future challenges. weddings, the demand from domestic we come in later during the development
travellers continues to bosting occupancy phase. However, we focus on optimizing what’s
Q As Cygnett moves closer to its goal higher and fill rooms. Over the next few years, already in place, ensuring the best use of
existing structures. Our technical team works
of 100 properties, what are the key
we expect domestic tourism to grow further
factors driving your growth strategy, and driven by leisure, business, MICE and wedding diligently to design and adapt within those
where do you see the biggest opportunities segments. parameters, while strictly adhering to our
for further expansion? Are there any specific In comparison, inbound tourism has brand standards and manuals to deliver a high-
geographical locations you plan to expand in been slower to recover as global economic quality, efficient hotel without compromise.
India and abroad? downturn. However, beginning 2025, I
We are well on track to reach the significant anticipate a strong resurgence in demand from Q Cygnett has a strong presence in
milestone of 100 operational hotels in the international markets. India apart from being a the mid-segment market. Are you
exploring opportunities in other verticals
such as luxury and wellness, or long-stay
accommodations?
From day one, we had plans to add the luxury
segment to our portfolio, and I am pleased to
tell you that we are well on track to introduce
our luxury hotel brand soon. Anamore is the
upscale brand of Cygnett Hotels & Resorts.
At Anamore, it’s more than just a hotel stay;
it’s about offering luxuriously comfortable
accommodations and a wide range of premium
facilities. We have signed more than a couple
of Anamore properties in the country, and they
are currently in the development stage.
In terms of wellness, which is one of the
top tourist trends in 2024 and a key priority
for today’s travelers, we are also ahead of
the curve. We have Ayurvyaas, a lifestyle

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