22 October 2024
In our exclusive interview with Ramanpreet Singh, Chief Growth Officer of SKIL, we explore the innovative strategies driving growth at this leading end-to-end hospitality solutions provider.
With a wealth of experience in the industry, Singh shares insights on how SKIL is redefining hospitality through technology and customer-centric approaches, positioning itself as a market leader in a competitive landscape.
Ramanpreet Singh: My journey in this industry began with curiosity! I was always intrigued about how travel could enhance human connections and business relationships.
Now, with over 7 years in the sector, I’ve witnessed the growth and evolution of hospitality and corporate travel.
My background in business development with a strong passion for creating seamless customer experiences, eventually led me to SKIL.
At SKIL, I saw an opportunity to contribute to a client-centric organisation where growth wasn’t just measured in numbers but more about redefining how hospitality solutions are delivered.
My role as Chief Growth Officer allows me to blend my skills in strategy, innovation and customer experience.
I’m constantly exploring new ways to enhance SKIL’s offerings, through technology, expanding into new sectors and optimising existing services.
Ramanpreet Singh: Prioritising growth across SKIL’s various sectors – Accommodation, Events, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) and Ground Transportation—requires a strategic balance of market insights, client needs and operational efficiencies.
Each sector has its unique potential and our approach is driven by both demand and the potential for innovation within those segments.
For Accommodation, we continuously monitor trends in business travel and long-term stays both domestic and international.
We’re particularly focused on how digital transformation can improve booking systems and enhance the overall customer experience. In MICE, we see tremendous growth potential as India and other regions are becoming hubs for global business events.
Our strategy here is to leverage our expertise in event management and logistics to offer end-to-end solutions. Also, SKIL is known for its most innovative tech-based team building activities and engagement solutions
Ground transportation is a vital part of the overall travel experience, and we prioritise investments in safe and eco-friendly transportation options.
As sustainability is becoming increasingly important to our clients, we’re pushing towards green solutions that don’t compromise on convenience. We have many industry-first programs and this has helped us in becoming the trend-setters for the industry.
Our focus isn’t just on capturing new clients but also on improving the experience for our existing ones. The average tenure of a client with SKIL is 7+ years for any service which speaks volume about their trust and faith in our commitment and delivery.
That’s why every growth opportunity we prioritise is aligned with bettering the customer experience and fostering long-term partnerships.
Ramanpreet Singh: SKIL’s competitive edge lies in our holistic approach to hospitality solutions. We provide an integrated service all under one roof, which allows our clients to benefit from a one-stop solution (360 degree) for all their travel needs and significantly reduces complexity and increases efficiency for them.
SKIL is probably the only service provider in India today which can cater to in-house Travel solutions (Flight, Hotels, Visa), Ground Logistics (Car Rentals in 250+ cities) and end-to-end Event Management (Creative Design, Production, Artist Management, Team Building and Gifting).
And most importantly, SKIL has equal expertise in all these 3 segments to execute large scale events. In fact, SKIL also one of the largest B2B supplier to the other big travel giants for Venue Sourcing & Car Rental services.
What truly sets us apart is our emphasis on personalization. We understand that every client has unique requirements and we tailor our services to meet those specific needs.
Whether it’s offering personalised travel itineraries or curating events that align with corporate culture, our solutions are designed to provide an exceptional and bespoke experience.
Our use of technology also helps us stay ahead of the curve. Our tech-driven approach, combined with our commitment to personalised service, positions us as a leader in the hospitality solutions market.
Ramanpreet Singh: Customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of everything we do at SKIL. We achieve this by ensuring that every touchpoint in the customer journey is optimised for excellence.
One of the key ways we maintain high levels of satisfaction is through continuous feedback loops with our clients. This helps us stay attuned to their evolving needs and preferences.
We also place a strong emphasis on staff training. Every team member at SKIL is trained to deliver exceptional service, with a focus on problem-solving and anticipating client needs.
Our personalised approach ensures that each client feels valued and supported, whether they’re booking accommodation or organising an event.
Ramanpreet Singh: Over the next few years, my primary focus for SKIL is on scaling our operations while maintaining the high level of personalization that sets us apart.
We’re investing in technology to enhance our service offerings, particularly in AI-driven customer experiences, a world class self-booking tool for corporates and eco-friendly travel solutions.
Expanding our presence in emerging markets is also key, as we see tremendous potential for growth.
Ultimately, we’re committed to driving innovation, sustainability and expanding our partnerships to offer even more integrated and seamless hospitality solutions.
Ramanpreet Singh: For aspiring leaders in the hospitality industry, my advice is to stay adaptable and never stop learning. The industry is dynamic and being open to change is essential for long-term success.
Building strong relationships all across; with clients, vendor partners and within your team, is super crucial. In hospitality, your people skills and ability to understand client needs will always be your greatest asset.
And lastly, invest in innovation, be it through technology or creative thinking, always look for ways to elevate the customer experience.
Ramanpreet Singh: At SKIL, we don’t just see ourselves as a service provider. We see ourselves as strategic partners in creating memorable experiences. My vision is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hospitality.
We’re always committed to setting new standards in the industry. We want SKIL to be synonymous with reliability and exceptional service, where every client knows they’re in capable hands from start to finish and from ideation to execution.
Ramanpreet Singh’s vision for SKIL highlights a commitment to excellence and adaptability in the hospitality sector. His insights underscore the importance of innovation and customer focus in achieving sustainable growth, ensuring that SKIL continues to set benchmarks for success in the industry.