Through Atmosphere Core, he is redefining hospitality by fusing emotional storytelling, operational rigour, and cultural intelligence—creating a uniquely positioned brand for India and beyond. In an exclusive interview to Deccan Chronicle, Salil Panigrahi Founder & Managing Director, Atmosphere Core talks about balancing creativity and commercial acumen.1. From Chartered Accountancy to Hospitality – A Career ReinventedYou switched from a career in Chartered Accountancy to hospitality. What drove this decision?My first exposure to the world of hospitality came during my chartered accountancy career when I conducted audits for five-star hotels. These weren’t just about numbers—they offered me deep insights into how luxury hospitality operates, from financial control to service excellence.Over time, I became increasingly drawn to the energy, creativity, and human connection that defines memorable guest experiences. That entrepreneurial pull became more vigorous. I saw an opportunity to marry my financial expertise with a passion for hospitality, where thoughtful design, exceptional service, and strategic business decisions could come together to create something unique.2. Finance as the Foundation: Building Atmosphere CoreQ: How has your finance background influenced your approach to building Atmosphere Core?My background in finance has played a pivotal role in shaping Atmosphere Core’s growth journey. From financial modelling and investment strategy to risk management and resource optimisation, it has helped ensure that our expansion is sustainable and innovative.But I don’t believe in cost-cutting at the expense of guest experience. Instead, we optimise our resources to elevate service, design, and overall satisfaction. Every expansion decision is data-driven and evaluated through the lens of operational efficiency and long-term value.This disciplined approach, combined with a creative vision, has enabled Atmosphere Core to emerge as a premium, agile hospitality brand that evolves with market dynamics without compromising its essence.3. Designing Delight: The Science of Smart ServiceQ: What strategies or practices have you implemented to enhance guest experience?Exceptional service today isn’t just about providing luxury—it’s about intuitively anticipating guest needs. At Atmosphere Core, we’ve developed what I call “Smart Service.”This approach uses behavioural patterns and algorithms derived from guest journeys to empower our team to deliver personalised, culturally sensitive service. For instance, while most guest expectations are universal, about 10% differ based on cultural background. A guest from Russia may prefer different touchpoints than one from the UK.Smart Service helps our staff understand and respond to these nuances in real time. It’s a subtle blend of training, data, and frontline empowerment that allows us to create deeply personalized, natural interactions.4. The Creative Core: Artistic Vision Meets Business AcumenQ: How has your artistic bent of mind contributed to your work in hospitality?Creativity is at the heart of everything I do. I see myself as a business leader, storyteller, and conceptualiser. A resort without a narrative is just a building—it lacks soul.Design is not just about aesthetics—it must connect emotionally and make financial sense. That’s why I follow a three-pronged strategy for every project:● Design Strategy – rooted in storytelling and guest emotion● Cost Strategy – ensuring development within viable budgets● Revenue Strategy – aligning design with monetisation potentialThis holistic approach allows us to deliver emotional, experiential, and financial value—a rare blend that drives guest loyalty and brand growth. Creativity without commercial grounding is art for art’s sake. At Atmosphere Core, we strive for vision with viability.5. Scaling Luxury: The Challenges & the Indian OpportunityQ: Atmosphere Core is expanding rapidly. What are the key challenges in scaling luxury properties?Scaling luxury in India is both a challenge and an opportunity. Indian travellers are highly value-conscious—not necessarily seeking the cheapest, but always looking for the best value.The idea of “cost-conscious luxury” is crucial. We must deliver exceptional experiences at price points that make sense for the Indian market. That means being strategic with design, pricing, and service while maintaining high standards.Our Indian Ocean brand heritage gives us a unique edge. Our properties draw deeply from the region’s cultures, offering hospitality that feels both authentic and immersive. As we enter the Indian market, we blend this rich DNA with local flavours to offer something refreshingly different.6. Hospitality Rooted in Indian Values, Evolving with Global ScienceQ: Your approach to hospitality is deeply rooted in Indian culture. How do you see the brand contributing to India’s hospitality landscape?Hospitality is part of India’s soul. From heartfelt greetings to genuine care, India has always excelled in making guests feel at home. But in today’s world, hospitality must blend art and science.The art lies in emotional intelligence—warmth, empathy, and cultural depth. The science comes from operational excellence—leveraging data, tech, and best practices to scale this experience consistently.When I worked abroad, I carried my instinctive Indian hospitality mindset with me. But I also learned systems and tools that helped me scale that warmth globally. At Atmosphere Core, we merge Indian cultural richness with global standards to offer something deeply rooted yet internationally competitive.We’re always learning. As we grow across India and new markets, we continue to evolve, refining our approach, staying true to our values, and pushing boundaries in service innovation.
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