Exclusive Interview | Arindam Sarkar, General Manager - The Fern Goregaon
/“My long-term goal is to position The Fern Goregaon as Mumbai’s leading eco-conscious hotel, harmonizing luxury with sustainability and personalized service to meet the demand for responsible travel while delivering exceptional guest experiences.”
What have been the most significant changes in the industry that have influenced your leadership approach?
Over the past decade, the hospitality industry has seen transformative changes, particularly with technology enhancing guest expectations for personalized experiences. Sustainability has also become essential, guiding our resource management and eco-friendly practices. The COVID-19 pandemic shifted health and safety standards, demanding adaptability and robust crisis management. These experiences have made me more agile, people-focused, and forward-thinking.
As General Manager of The Fern Goregaon, how do you balance sustainability initiatives with delivering exceptional guest experiences?
At The Fern Goregaon, we create a harmonious balance between sustainability and guest comfort through eco-friendly initiatives, such as energy-efficient lighting and responsible sourcing. Our guests appreciate the luxury experience while knowing they contribute to a greener future.
Your career began in Food and Beverage management. How has this shaped your broader perspective on managing overall hotel operations?
My background in Food and Beverage management has highlighted the importance of detailed service and operational efficiency, which are crucial for seamless collaboration across departments, ensuring exceptional guest experiences at every touchpoint.
What were the key challenges you faced when transitioning from managing individual departments to overseeing entire hotel properties?
Transitioning to overseeing entire properties required a broader perspective and strategic thinking. While balancing various operations was challenging, it refined my leadership style and emphasized holistic excellence throughout the property.
During your time at The Fern Residency in Bengaluru, you emphasized eco-friendly practices. How did this focus on sustainability enhance the property’s success?
Focusing on sustainability in Bengaluru reduced costs and attracted eco-conscious guests, strengthening our reputation as a responsible brand. It demonstrated that sustainability is a vital expectation from our guests and a driver of long-term success.
At The Fern Goregaon, what strategies have you implemented to maintain the hotel’s competitive edge in Mumbai’s hospitality market?
We’ve implemented key initiatives, including the opening of Garden Al Fresco outdoor dining and an upcoming rooftop venue with stunning city views. Enhanced F&B offerings combine local and global flavors, all while maintaining our eco-conscious values.
How do you ensure that The Fern Goregaon consistently meets the needs of both business and leisure travelers in a dynamic city like Mumbai?
We cater to both business and leisure travelers with top-tier conference facilities and a welcoming environment for families. New F&B outlets, like Garden Al Fresco, and a rooftop swimming pool with stunning views ensure all guests have a fulfilling experience.
Your role at Sarovar Hotels involved optimizing operational efficiency. What specific practices did you introduce to improve operations across different properties?
At Sarovar Hotels, I implemented enhanced staff training, cross-functional teamwork, and process automation, which streamlined operations across properties and significantly improved guest satisfaction.
What role does innovation play in your management style, especially in a city known for its evolving hospitality landscape like Mumbai?
Innovation is at the core of my management strategy at The Fern Goregaon. We prioritize the introduction of new technologies and the advancement of sustainability initiatives to enhance guest experiences and maintain our competitive edge in the industry. Additionally, we are proud to be ranked among the top three hotels in Mumbai on TripAdvisor for the past year, and we have also received the prestigious Travellers’ Choice Award.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for The Fern Goregaon, and how do you envision the hotel contributing to the growing demand for eco-conscious travel?
My long-term goal is to position The Fern Goregaon as Mumbai’s leading eco-conscious hotel, harmonizing luxury with sustainability and personalized service to meet the demand for responsible travel while delivering exceptional guest experiences.
