Experience as a Brand: Reimagining Hospitality in India

Hospitality in India is evolving. It’s no longer just about providing food and stay — it’s about curating memorable, brand-driven experiences. From boutique homestays and immersive dining to community-driven social spaces, the industry is redefining itself as experience-first.

In Episode 2 of Rajasthan Startup Stories (RSS), hosted by Dr. Shweta Choudhary (Founder Director, InnovHer), two ecosystem voices — Manu Sharma (Co-Founder, Gladful) and Swapnil Dangayach (Angel Investor) — dive deep into how India, and especially Rajasthan, can reimagine hospitality for the future.

Hospitality in India: More Than Just Food & Stay

The Indian hospitality industry is undergoing a transformational shift. Today’s customers seek more than convenience — they want authenticity, culture, and connections.

• Food – No longer just dining; it’s about nutrition, storytelling, and conscious consumption.
• Stay – Unique accommodations that reflect local heritage and identity.
• Social Culture – Community, co-creation, and belonging — not just transactions.

This evolution signals a new era: hospitality as a lifestyle brand.

Why “Experience as a Brand” Matters

• In hospitality, products fade but experiences last.
• Customers remember how you made them feel, not just what you served.
• Experiences drive repeat business and loyalty.
• Brands that merge aesthetics with algorithms (design + data) scale faster.
• Storytelling transforms a service into a memorable brand experience.

Rajasthan’s Role in Shaping Hospitality

• Heritage stays: Forts and palaces converted into boutique hotels.
• Cuisine & crafts: Local food and handmade products becoming global trends.
• Cultural immersion: Music, art, and festivals woven into travel experiences.

As Manu Sharma and Swapnil Dangayach emphasize, Rajasthan offers a unique startup advantage: the ability to blend heritage with innovation to build the next generation of hospitality brands.

The Need for Ecosystem & Government Support

• Government policies can boost tourism, incentives, and ease of doing business.
• Investor capital ensures scaling and market expansion.
• Community collaborations make hospitality inclusive and sustainable.

As Swapnil notes: “Rajasthanis have always been natural entrepreneurs. With the right support, the state can lead India’s hospitality revolution.”

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

• Hospitality is shifting from service-driven to experience-driven.
• Rajasthan’s heritage gives startups a competitive edge.
• Government + ecosystem support is critical for scale.
• Winning brands must integrate design, culture, and data.

Conclusion

The future of hospitality in India is about curating experiences, not just offering services. By reimagining hospitality as a brand built on culture, consumer psychology, and innovation, startups can build businesses that endure and expand globally.

👉 Watch the full conversation with Manu Sharma & Swapnil Dangayach, hosted by Dr. Shweta Choudhary - here

FAQs: Experience-Driven Hospitality in India

Q1: What does “experience as a brand” mean in hospitality?
It means positioning hospitality not just around food or stay, but around memorable experiences — combining culture, design, storytelling, and data to create lasting customer value.

Q2: Why is hospitality in India shifting from services to experiences?
Today’s consumers want authentic connections, cultural immersion, and lifestyle-driven value. Services are transactional, but experiences build loyalty and long-term engagement.

Q3: How is Rajasthan contributing to India’s hospitality revolution?
With its forts, palaces, cuisine, crafts, and festivals, Rajasthan offers natural advantages for startups to create heritage-driven, innovative hospitality brands.

Q4: What role does the government play in hospitality startups?
Government programs like Start Up India and state-level tourism incentives can provide funding, incubation, tax benefits, and infrastructure support for hospitality ventures.

Q5: How can hospitality startups attract investors?
By demonstrating a clear value proposition, strong customer experience, scalable models, and community impact, startups can appeal to both angel investors and venture capitalists.