India’s hospitality landscape is undergoing a major transformation as travellers seek smarter, more meaningful luxury experiences beyond traditional metro destinations. Affordable luxury, Tier II and III expansion, and experience-led stays are reshaping how hotel brands grow and connect with guests.
Voyager’s World speaks to Mr. Mohammed Parvez, Chief Executive Officer, Essentia Hotels & Resorts, in an exclusive interview about evolving traveller expectations, scaling hospitality with authenticity, and the rising importance of human connection in a technology-driven era.
Affordable luxury has become a major trend in recent years. What is driving this shift in traveller expectations, and how are hotel brands responding?
The rise of affordable luxury reflects a clear shift in traveller mindset. Guests today still desire premium experiences, but they are far more value-conscious. Rising costs, global exposure, and a new definition of luxury—centred on personalisation, wellness, and meaningful experiences—are shaping this demand. Travellers are no longer chasing opulence; they are looking for smart luxury that feels premium yet justifies the price. Hotel brands are responding by focusing on high-impact experiences without unnecessary excess. This means thoughtful design, strong service, curated local experiences, and carefully chosen amenities while maintaining accessible pricing. Ultimately, affordable luxury is about delivering true value rather than compromise.
Tier II and Tier III markets are increasingly in focus for hotel expansion. What makes these cities so critical to the industry’s next growth phase?
Tier II and Tier III cities represent the backbone of future hospitality growth. Rising incomes, improved infrastructure, and increasing domestic travel are driving strong untapped demand. At the same time, there remains a noticeable gap in the supply of quality-branded hotels, creating a significant opportunity. These markets also make strong business sense, with lower development costs and high growth potential. They align naturally with the affordable luxury segment, where demand is accelerating faster than supply. Simply put, these cities are where the industry’s next wave of growth is already underway.
How important is human connection in hospitality today, especially as technology becomes more dominant?
Human connection has never been more important. Technology enhances efficiency and convenience, but it cannot replace warmth, intuition, and emotional intelligence. Guests may appreciate seamless digital processes, but they return because of how a stay made them feel. Technology should serve as an enabler, not a replacement. Genuine, personalised human interaction remains the defining element that transforms a stay into a memorable experience.
As brands scale rapidly, how do you ensure the guest experience remains consistent and authentic?
Consistency at scale comes down to discipline and culture. Standardising core elements—service standards, design language, and key guest touchpoints—creates a strong foundation while allowing teams the flexibility to reflect local character. Careful hiring, strong training, and real-time feedback ensure alignment across properties. Growth is not just about expanding the portfolio; it is about scaling a shared mindset of hospitality that preserves both consistency and authenticity.
Beyond rooms and restaurants, what new experiences are shaping the future of modern hospitality?
Modern hospitality is evolving beyond accommodation into immersive, experience-led stays. Guests increasingly seek wellness programs, curated local experiences, cultural storytelling, and spaces that foster community and connection. There is also rising demand for work-leisure integration, with seamless environments that support both productivity and relaxation. Hospitality is shifting from offering a place to stay to creating a place where guests can feel, engage, and belong.