Mehul Sharma, a respected voice in CXO circles, believes India’s next global breakthrough won’t be in IT or digital exports—but in hospitality. From yoga to Bollywood, India has shared its culture worldwide. Yet one strength remains under-leveraged: Indian hospitality.
“If we build software for Fortune 500s and food apps used globally,” Mehul asks, “why can’t our service culture become the global standard?”
He believes the answer lies in execution—and one brand is proving it.
Signum Hotels & Resorts: Redefining Hospitality
Signum Hotels & Resorts is leading this transformation. The fast-growing Indian brand isn’t just expanding—it’s exporting values.
By partnering with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts under the Trademark Collection by Wyndham brand, Signum is merging Indian service with global systems and loyalty programs. Through this strategic joint venture, Signum aims to add 5000+ keys across India, the UK, and the UAE.
It has also formed a Joint Venture with Al Waleed Real Estate LLC to launch Insignia Hotels and Resorts, a luxury hospitality brand. The Insignia brand will drive premium hotel growth across the GCC region, strengthening Signum’s presence in the Middle East.
“These partnerships aren’t symbolic,” says Mehul. “They carry Indian service ethos across borders—with credibility and scale.”
Global Recognition: A Forbes Nod
Signum Hotels and Resorts has been recognized by Forbes India DGEMS 200 as one of the companies with strong global business potential. For Mehul, this marks a shift—global audiences are embracing India-rooted hospitality.
“When Forbes notices, it’s more than media attention,” he adds. “It reflects changing perception.”
Tech-Driven, Human-Centric Service
Indian hospitality is defined by its warmth and guided by Atithi Devo Bhava—the guest is god. While the world turns to automation, India focuses on empathy and personalization.
Signum combines this with SOPs and tech to build a scalable, globally relevant model.
“This isn’t tokenism,” Mehul notes. “It’s a scalable service rooted in empathy.”
Asset-Light, Owner-First Model
Signum follows an owner-first, asset-light model. Hotel owners gain branding, tech, and operational support—while retaining identity.
This ensures consistency while honoring local flavor.
India’s Moment in Hospitality
What’s next? Mehul sees a clear path: lead with care, scale with integrity, and stay authentic.
“India doesn’t need to imitate the West,” he says. “Hospitality, humility, and heart can lead the way.”
Time to Go Global
As travelers seek value-led experiences, Signum signals India’s hospitality renaissance. Long practiced but rarely globalized, Indian service is ready for the world.
“India has exported satellites, software, and cinema,” Mehul concludes. “Now, it’s time we export something even more human—our hospitality.”