TravTalk India Online Magazine
Cygnett Hotels and Resorts is looking to enter territories like South & Southeast Asia as well as Africa. Sarbendra Sarkar, Founder & MD, Cygnett Hotels & Resorts, shares his plan of action for expansion.
TT Bureau
Q. What are your plans for expansion, especially in the Northeastern region of the country?
A majority of Cygnett hotels are present in Tier II, III cities. We focus on this segment because these markets miss the presence of a branded chain. Our plan is to capture as many cities in this segment. At the same time, we are increasing our presence in Tier I and metro cities too. In the Northeast, we have a presence in two of the seven sister states. With operations in Bongaigaon and Guwahati, we will soon be launching services in Itanagar. Cygnett will also cover a milestone by launching a hotel in Gangtok, Sikkim before the end of this year. Properties in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Yangyang are also in the pipeline.
Q. Are you also looking at global expansion? Please share your plans.
The world is experiencing an unprecedented era of globalisation. The hospitality industry is rushing to increase the global footprint like no other industry, and Cygnett is no different. We are in motion to introduce new hospitality concepts to maximise value for customers and investors. Cygnett is already operating in two countries now (India and Nepal) and is eyeing to enter territories like South & Southeast Asia and Africa. We are planning to put remote offices in certain countries to initiate development namely, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar and Indonesia. In accordance with the same line, we are identifying the markets in Africa.
We will be coming up with a getaway resort in the valley of Uttarakand by January-end next year. Situated 5 kms before Nanital, the resort could be just seven hours away from NCR
Q. How is Cygnett using technology and Artificial Intelligence to enhance its services?
We have our own next-gen engine known as the ‘Cygnett CX’ which comprises several intermeshed components that include information-rich user-friendly website, the e-Central Reservations System (Cloud-CRS), Online Reputation Management, CRM and a service monitoring module. All of our modules are supported by AI and data analytics to understand and deliver a personalised hospitality experience to every single customer. We are set to deploy an AI-powered chatbot onto our new upgraded website to ease customer navigation.
Q. What are your plans and targets for 2019?
The principle of ‘Improve, Expand & Innovate’ will drive our future plans. We are never self-satisfied as a brand; we are always going back to the drawing board to deliver maximum value to our guests and investors. For 2019, we are aiming high to develop and operate hotels in the international markets. We are targeting presence in more than three countries and consolidated key count of 2000 keys and 30 hotels.
Q. Any news or information you would like to share?
We will be coming up with a getaway resort in the valley of Uttarakand by January-end next year. Situated 5 kms before Nanital, the resort could be just seven hours away from the national capital region. Urbanites can visit this place to bring mind, body and soul to peace by getting away from their usual schedule. The resort is situated amidst the lap of the hills with tall trees and forests in surrounding area where enthusiastic bird watchers and nature lovers can visit the property. The resort will be featuring facilities like Himalayan spa to help you revive and rejuvenate.
