A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR IN HOSPITALITY CONSULTANCY SPACE SPEARHEADING A NEW VENTURE
The modern-day entrepreneurs have been raising the bars of services across different industries by tapping into their creative genius. The dynamic world of hospitality has also witnessed the emergence of visionaries who are the epitome of innovation and excellence establishing the parameters of success. In line with our attempts to bring the most impactful leaders in the entrepreneurial world, we found the profile of Soumya Sengupta as a perfect match for the theme of this edition. After establishing himself as one of the leading hospitality consultants in India,
Soumya Sengupta is all set to make waves across the hospitality industry with his new venture, Wormwood Hotels. The resounding success of his venture, Soumya Sengupta & Associates inspired him to start a chain of hotels based on his expertise. Wormwood Hotels started its debutant venture in Bhagalpur, Bihar and now all set to go PAN India from April 2025. There is so much to learn about the establishment for which we sat down for a virtual meet with Soumya Sengupta. In this writeup, we are going to explore how Mr Sengupta’s new venture in the world of hospitality will raise the bar of service standards.
A Trailblazer in Hospitality Consulting
Soumya Sengupta has been in the industry for the last three decades. His journey began in an era when the concept of hospitality consulting was not even known in Eastern India. As a visionary, he got to know the nuances of the hospitality world and decided to become a hospitality consultant. After gaining years of experience by working in different reputed hotel chains, he took a bold step in 2014, leaving his high-paying, secure job to build his own venture from the ground up. “Back then, the Indian market wasn’t ready for consultants. People didn’t even know what a hospitality consultant does. But that also meant there was an immense opportunity for me to tap into this industry,
” he recalls. His expertise led to collaborations with prestigious organizations like IRCTC and West Bengal Tourism, solidifying his reputation as a pioneer in the field. Here, he did an exemplary job by guiding the institution to greater heights with his years of expertise. A constant emphasis on innovation, client experience, and strategic insight propelled his success in consulting. “Hospitality is about invigorating people,”
he stresses. He suggested that stagnation in any business comes only when people don’t innovate. The innovations that endure make history, but only a small percentage do, he conveyed.
How did Wormwood Hotels come into existence?
As a veteran in this dynamic hospitality landscape, Soumya Sengupta is confident to chart new territory with the launch of Wormwood Hotels. The establishment is a smart, no-frills hotel chain designed to cater to Tier-2 & Tire-3 cities. The first property in Bhagalpur, Bihar, has already launched, with upcoming projects in Patna and Bhubaneswar. Soon, the other hotels will be inaugurated in the two cities by the end of 2025. Wormwood Hotels is built on a ‘Yes Hotel’ concept, ensuring that customer requests—no matter how small or unconventional—are met with a solution-oriented approach.
“We are not just offering rooms for people to spend one or two days; we are offering value, convenience, and a seamless experience. The secret to success in the hospitality world is customer satisfaction. Your interaction and extra efforts to make a customer’s stay comfortable never go unnoticed. Customer experience is the key to building customer loyalty. If people love your services, they are willing to consider your premium services over the cheaper options,” he says.
Wormwoods Hotels: A glance
Wormwoods Hotels Chain is poised to disrupt the hospitality industry in tier 2 and 3 cities by offering 5-star standard amenities at an affordable price point, lower than that of a typical 3-star hotel. This innovative approach is rooted in the founder’s vision to make luxury accessible to a wider audience.The following features makes it stand out in the industry:
1. Green Theory: Every room is designed to incorporate plants that purify the air and promote a healthy environment. Aloe vera and snake plants are among the selected species, known for their oxygen-producing properties.
2. 5-Star Amenities: Wormwoods Hotels promises to deliver exceptional amenities, including luxurious linens, high-end toiletries, and top-notch hospitality services.
3. Affordable Pricing: By leveraging efficient operations and smart design, Wormwoods Hotels aims to offer rooms at a price point significantly lower than that of a typical 3-star hotel.
4. Global Standards: The hotel chain adheres to international standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainability, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay for guests.
Their targeted market includes:
1. Business Travelers: Professionals seeking comfortable and affordable accommodations for work-related trips.
2. Leisure Travelers: Tourists and families looking for a luxurious stay without breaking the bank.
3. Locals: Residents of tier 2 and 3 cities seeking a premium hospitality experience for special occasions or staycations.
The Founder’s Vision
Soumya Sengupta aims to revolutionize the hospitality industry by making luxury accessible to a wider audience. With a focus on sustainability, affordability, and exceptional service, Wormwoods Hotels is poised to become a leading player in the Indian hospitality market.
Innovation Meets Human Touch
We requested the dynamo to share his thoughts on AI and its advancements altering the way industries operate. As technology transforms other industries, Soumya believes that AI and automation have their place but can never replace the human essence of hospitality. “This industry is about passion, care, and personalization. AI can assist, but the human touch is irreplaceable. The essence of hospitality services lies in making good human connection which is impossible for AI to do no matter how much advance it is. Human consciousness has its own unique existence, which cannot be copied,” he asserts.
The leadership mantra
Throughout this remarkable journey of Mr Sengupta, his leadership has been the centre of attention. The way people connect to him and look up to him for guidance is truly commendable. What is the secret to this influential presence of his?
Well, his leadership philosophy is rooted in resilience. “Never say die. Keep moving forward, regardless of challenges. People will always have opinions, but you must be your own assessor. Also, leading with empathy is something that makes a huge difference to how people connect with you,” he advises aspiring entrepreneurs.
A Vision for the Future
Spilling the beans about his plan for the future, Soumya Sengupta shared that he is positive for the growth of his new venture. With the expansion of Wormwood Hotels, Soumya envisions a 50-hotel footprint within the next decade, establishing it as a dominant player in the hospitality segment as an affordable yet premium hotel chain. Meanwhile, his consulting firm continues to lead in strategy, operations, and growth consulting for the hospitality industry. His story is a testament to the power of calculated risks, unwavering determination, and the ability to adapt.
As he continues to redefine hospitality, one thing is clear: Soumya Sengupta is not just a businessman—he is a visionary shaping the future of Indian hospitality. “Wormwoods Hotels is an innovative hospitality venture that promises to deliver 5-star standard amenities at an affordable price point, making luxury accessible to a wider audience. With its focus on sustainability, cleanliness, and exceptional service, we are set up to disrupt the hospitality industry in tier 2 and 3 cities,” Mr Sengupta concluded.
