Asuccessful business is one that not only pro­vides superlative services but also keeps evolving with time. Maharashtra based Hos­pitality Company, Monarch Group of Hotels is one company that follows this business mantra. A dentist by qualification, Purvi is a businesswoman at heart. She not only enables the company's expansion, but is constantly on the lookout for new ways to en­hance customer experiences.

Purvi’s keen interest in marketing led her to over­see the marketing of their family business, the Mon­arch Group of Hotels, which has now expanded to 18 locations across India. While continuing to practice dentistry and oversee the marketing for the family business, Purvi has recently founded Monarch Stays, a new division of the Monarch Group of Hotels that of­fers multiple kinds of accommodation. Within the very first month of the venture's inception, her marketing strategy enabled Monarch Stays to acquire more than 30 villas.

Purvi is a sound leader who, by using patience as a factor, has retained more than 600 employees and up­holds the "employees come first" philosophy. She and her team continue to stand by the Monarch Group of Hotels in the face of obstacles like COVID and work hard to offer the services of the brand all over India.

Introduce us to the Monarch Group of Hotels.

Monarch Group of Hotels is a hotel chain founded by my brother Mr. Kaushik Kurkal, which started in Maha­rashtra and later expanded to other states including Ra­jasthan. We will be starting 2023 with three new prop­erties already, two in Navi Mumbai and one in Pune.

We also facilitate other unique experiences. We own a cruise line in Thane called The C Cruise, the city's first floating restaurant. We enjoy incorporating different, unique experiences into our brand. Our primary busi­ness, however, is the operation of a hotel chain that ca­ters to the traveler and corporate segments.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience. What compelled you to switch from being a dentist to foraying into the field of hospitality?

I come from a medical background. My dental degree was completed last year. Four years ago, my brother, Kaushik Kurkal, launched the Monarch Group of Hotels. I used to manage the marketing for the Monarch Group of Hotels while I was pursuing my degree. We have rap­idly expanded over the last four years from one hotel to over 18 properties all throughout India.

Marketing and sales play an important role in the success of a firm, which is what I was interested in and gained valuable expertise in while working in the fami­ly business. I also engaged in a few other endeavors, but Monarch will always play a part in my journey.

I recently launched Monarch Stays, a new division of the Monarch Group of Hotels that offers multiple kinds of accommodations. We have already acquired more than 30 villas. I currently work for a medical tour­ism company as well, a field that fascinates me. I strive to combine the hospitality and medical industries in the coming years.

What are the different roles and responsibilities you shoulder as the Director at Monarch Group of Hotels? What are your primary focus areas in the said role?

At Monarch Group of Hotels, my major focus area would be sales and marketing. Given that everything is digital now, digital marketing has become our main focus, de­spite the fact that it wasn't previously. We realized the importance of it during COVID in particular.

Monarch Stays is a growing company, and our pri­ority is acquiring villas and marketing them, especially during the festive months as many people make week­end getaway plans.

The company currently employs more than 600 peo­ple and patience has been the key to building a great team. Although it's a cliché in the hospitality sector to put the customer first, I believe that employees should come first because they represent the business to con­sumers and are vessels for creating successful custom­er outcomes. Positivity at the workplace has a signif­icant impact on how well employees perform, which indirectly benefits clients. I, therefore, place attention on my personnel as a leader.

"I recently launched the monarch stays, a new division of the monarch group of hotels that offers luxury, leisure and longer stays"

Throw some light on the most critical business challenges you face as a leader in the hospitality sector.

Like any other travel and tourism sector, the hospitality industry as a whole has undoubtedly seen several chal­lenges during COVID. The pandemic led to the closure of numerous large hotel chains. Hotels suffered along with other connected businesses like restaurants and food services. But we made it through. Employee re­tention was a huge issue as several people returned to their hometowns. And this persisted for around 2.5 to 3 years. But every hotel that is still operating today has overcome it. However, given that the majority of our ex­pansion took place during the pandemic, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for us.

In your opinion, what are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey?

The brand has achieved numerous milestones. Initial­ly, every room sold was a milestone, and when more properties were added, each one became a milestone. My most significant milestone would be at the end of 2022, with the launch of The Monarch Stays. Now that we've grown ambitious, everything seems smaller, and we have higher aspirations for the business.

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs

The key to success is to have patience and trust that your efforts will be rewarded. Be an opportunist; work smarter, not harder. Do what seems right to you. I worked in my family business even while I was study­ing since I was interested in marketing. I believe that's what matters most. Follow your interests. Otherwise, it's quite challenging to continue working.

Dr. Purvi Kurkal, CMO & Additional Director, Monarch Group Of Hotels

Purvi Kurkal is a driving force behind the company's expansion, and she is constantly on the lookout for new ways to enhance customer experiences. She has recently founded Monarch Stays, a new division of the Monarch Group of Hotels that offers multiple kinds of accommodation.