In this International Women’s Day Special, 18 women in India’s travel industry share their roadmap to success
“Times were extremely challenging but I always bounced back. I have no regrets because I believe that my life’s experiences are an integral part in shaping me”
– Sheema Vohra, Managing Director, Sartha Global Marketing
My Vision
Sartha was primarily created to promote destinations and products of the US market, which I believe has a lot to offer to Indian tourists as an outbound destination. Even though there is still a need to create better awareness about what I believe is one of the most wonderful destinations in the world, outbound tourism from India to USA is growing tremendously. I hope to expand our professional footprint in future and as I believe in providing quality services with integrity to all our clients, and with the hope of doing the same in future as well, recognition and rewards will automatically follow.
Countering Challenges
I have had my shares of ups and downs in life. Times were extremely challenging but I always bounced back with a lot more focus and determination to succeed. I have absolutely no regrets because I believe that my life’s experiences are an integral part in shaping me and helping me become the person I am today. Life has taught me some important lessons like learning to work with people and imparting what you have learnt. Nothing gives me more happiness to see those I have worked with progress and make a mark in their careers and society. My strength lies in my belief that there are no short cuts in life, hard work will be recognised and positive attitude always yields positive results.
Work-Life Balance
I am blessed to have support from the industry, my friends and so many people who have played an important role in my growth as a person and a professional and continue to be a part of my journey. In the recent years I have realised that all of us need to set aside some time to enjoy ourselves with our friends and family. I now ensure that I get some time off for myself and do all that I love to do. I am a professional and very driven at my work, but once I leave the office, I like to relax and do fun things. I enjoy partying and catching up with friends. I am also passionate about Indian music and am a student of semi-classical Indian singing. I also enjoy watching movies and going to the theatre.
Industry Forecast
Presently, the prospects of the tourism industry seems bright with the new government coming in and undertaking various initiatives and measures to promote India as a tourist destination. India has great potential which needs to be explored.
(As told to Archana Sharma)
“One needs to devote not just quantity but also quality time to professional life as well as to family, as it helps in maintaining a balance between the different spheres of our lives”
– Radha Bhatia, Chairperson, Bird Group
My Vision
The Bird Group focuses on the corporate sector, leveraging its knowledge, leadership and operations to add lasting value for its stakeholders and investors. At present, it is growing into five verticals and I hope that they evolve as per the requirements of the present time and the various industries. The hospitality business is already growing and the ground development sector offers a lot of opportunities which should be captured. However, my effort s are going to be focused on the educational wing, which has been concentrating and expanding only on the travel, tourism and aviation sector, so far. We need to start capturing the minds of our younger generation, and start developing, moulding and training them at an earlier stage itself, especially the underprivileged ones, as they are a part of our future workforce. I am also planning to retire in two years, if people let me and do only charity work.
Countering Challenges
In my 40 years of experience, I have faced many challenges, starting from being a student to becoming a housewife and later a working professional. Working with your family isn’t easy, especially your husband and can be quite challenging at times. But one needs to maintain a balance between their professional life and personal one, in order to manage such situations.
The Bird Group employs over 4600 people and like any other people oriented industry, it is important for the management to understand the capabilities of the employees and provide opportunities keeping them in mind. This not only helps in boosting the morale of the workforce but also helps in keeping the issues at bay.
Work-Life Balance
In my experience, one needs to devote not just quantity but also quality time to their professional life as well as to their family, as it helps in maintaining a balance between the different spheres of our lives. Also, one has to be mentally alert and present, both personally and professionally, to be able to prioritise whatever comes one’s way.
Industry Forecast
With the new government and growing economy, the prospects of tourism in India are looking better. Both the tourism and hospitality segments are growing at a faster pace, in comparison to earlier times, as the government has undertaken various initiatives and measures to promote India as a tourist destination. Being one of the oldest cultures of the world and with various and diverse destinations, India has immense potential, which is gradually being realised. Especially with the ‘Make in India’ campaign and the new visa scheme of ‘Tourist Visa on Arrival’, which are already boosting the tourism sector, the Indian government is promoting the tourism sector globally. However, I do feel that India requires another campaign to promote holidays in India better, like ‘Holiday in India’, etc.
(As told to Archana Sharma)
“I was not around when my children had their first tooth out or when they learnt new skills. I mean how do you balance all that? No pain, no gain. Life is all about choices”
– Vasudha Sondhi, Managing Director, Outbound Marketing
My Vision
Our vision in the first 10 years of business was to be among the top three tourism/ hospitality sales and marketing companies. We achieved this well within the time frame set. We also underscored our vision with the philosophy of putting sales back in the representation business thus making us accountable for the numbers delivered. This was done while keeping the overarching brand philosophy of our represented hotel and tourism clients.
Our vision since the last one year has been to scale up the business through the process of acquiring associates and mentoring talent. We will be setting up associates and smaller regional outfits to assist hotels, tourism boards and tourism attractions, in India and internationally. We will also enter into non conflicting B2C business which I hope to announce by mid year 2015.
Countering Challenges
Unfortunately with the fast growth of the hospitality industry, we are forced to hire under circumstances where personnels are coming in jump jobs and at designations without a strong foundation or knowledge base. We have however started looking across industries to find the right people. Lack of command over English, lack of general knowledge even at senior levels, lack of basic courtesies, poor body language are all challenges that we face. On a macro level we have players who are coming into the sales and marketing business (read representation business) without any knowledge or skills required for selling, positioning or branding. They undersell themselves and get clients on the basis of a low fee, clients who after a couple of years of struggle either change the company or worse still have a terrible opinion of our industry or Indians in general and leave the country.
Work-Life Balance
The verdict is out…there is no balance. You just get lucky. Just like everything else, our needs change, our lifestyles change and after a point we are beyond caring. I have gone through managing a family, work, travel, illness of elders and so on. I cannot admit to being terribly structured or balanced. I very much wanted my career, got a good back up from my husband’s family. It made me prioritise and enabled me to give time to my family and work. But you do miss out. I was not around when my children had their first tooth out or when they learnt new skills or new words. I mean how do you balance all that? No pain, no gain. Life is all about choices.
Industry Forecast
For the industry, I would like to see the following:
- There should be some government granted legitimacy to setting up of travel agencies and tour operations business. Today just anyone and everyone can set up the business and deliver mediocre services.
- We need highly skilled personnel in the industry today. I think the tourism courses offered should include besides technical, in their curriculum some soft skills as well such as something that may be taught at a finishing school. I read a famous writer and in his words I quote that we need three skills – people, persuasion and prioritisation.
People skills require courteousness and finally people deal with people they like. Persuasion requires the ability to convince, negotiate and influence to sell with integrity rather than with tactics which seem manipulative. Prioritisation leads to cutting down time spent wastefully and dealing with what’s important. - I would like to see more and more students opting for this industry as first choice because it offers so much – the satisfaction of seeing happy customers at a hotel, or the ability to create the most memorable holidays for clients, the opportunity to see the world and gain knowledge through interacting with various cultures and people, among others.
- I would like to see this industry in India embracing excellence and best practices right from the small scale to the large companies.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
“I believe that the ability to multitask is a major part of maintaining balance and can be beneficial for all the different roles that one has, professionally or personally”
– Sabina Chopra, Co-founder and EVP Operations, Yatra.com
My Vision
Being associated with Yatra.com for over nine years, I have seen it create a major brand name for itself. My current role is about developing the hotel business in the corporate segment, since the companies or employees generally have to handle their own travel arrangements due to lack of a Travel Management Company (TMC) or centralised agency for hotels. I am now concentrating my efforts to start a new line and create a TMC only for hotels in India, making us the first of our kind in India. I also wish to see Yatra.com achieve the maximum potential in the online market segment and reach new heights, and with the potential of the tourism and hospitality sector unfolding, I am hoping for Yatra.com to achieve maximum growth with optimum profitability.
Countering Challenges
My current role requires me to not just create new things but also understand the already existing concepts, and as a result there have been quite a few roadblocks in my way. The main issue was creating awareness about the online travel trade as there was no Online Travel Agency (OTA) present, when we had entered the market. Also the India market was more fragmented then, in comparison to recent times. I had to personally approach three and four star hotels and markets, as it was challenging to explain the entire concept about the potential of the online system to them. Also finding the right people for the job was extremely challenging and so was providing training to people about the online systems.
Work-Life Balance
Being married with two kids, I think I have been a bit lucky. However, I believe in prioritising and therefore have been able to create a middle path so that neither my professional or personal life has to suffer. One has to understand that there is a limit to what the organisation will be willing to take and one cannot be unavailable during major projects. At times I have even compromised on taking leaves and holidays and worked even when sick. Also, with the advent of technology, working from home has also become a convenient option.
I believe that the ability to multitask is a major part of maintaining balance and can be beneficial for all the different roles that one has, professionally or personally. It helps in switching channels between the various aspects of our lives. Also, family and spousal support is necessary, especially for working women. And lately, I think that things have changed to quite some extent as earlier working women weren’t given much support from their families and men weren’t that responsible in household matters, it was more of a female domain.
Industry Forecast
Travel trade is an open industry and both hotel and hospitality sectors are great supporters of female employees and has a large women strength and partnership from the beginning. I believe this trend will keep up and women won’t have to struggle much professionally.
(As told to Archana Sharma)
“Women have to understand that they have to be health conscious and exercise to be fit in order to handle stressful situations. It is important to refrain ourselves from petty issues”
– Veena Patil, Managing Director, Veena World
My Vision
Whatever we do, we need to work very hard to strive to excel. My vision is to keep growing the company in a healthy manner and make it more renowned. It should be a financially healthy company. I believe that the staff working for you should be happy as their support in the growth of the company is also vital. In my 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I feel happy that I have been able to establish a strong and trustworthy connection with my staff and travellers booking from the company for their travel holidays. It is due to this reason that we are able to get repeat travellers always. Ours is an emotional and commercial bond with the company and all the people are nurtured in this culture. We are a home-grown brand and I want the company to grow sustainably for smooth operations.
Countering Challenges
The experience of starting afresh and establishing Veena World in mid 2013 after moving on from Kesari Tours was a tough challenge for all of us. We had about 200 employees who supported us which was a huge encouragement for us in tough times. When Veena World started we were able to book 78,000 travellers in the first year of operations itself. This shows the strength and support that we have as a team. And going forward, this emotional and trustworthy connect that we have with our people is going to be the growth driver for the company. In terms of travel product offerings, we have been quite innovative whether it be our student tours, honeymooners tours, senior citizen tours, etc. We have started offering jubilee special tours wherein we are not just offering touring facilities but also building relationship with our travellers. I am thankful for all the support that our repeat travellers have rendered to us in whatever tour products we have been offerings. A financially strong background with emotional connect will help Veena World to progress even more in the future, and we in the company are striving hard towards reaching our goals.
Work-Life Balance
When I entered the industry I decided that I needed to have the support of everyone. We are a company of people without whose support we will not be able to move ahead. We should be emotionally strong, and fortunately I had the immense support of my parents, in-laws, husband and children. Women have to understand that they have to be health conscious and exercise to be fit in order to handle stressful situations. It is important that we refrain ourselves from petty issues.
Industry Forecast
The travel industry is going to grow and as far as the company is concerned Veena World is also optimistic of its growth. We have to be concerned of increasing our domestic tourism numbers compared to outbound tourism. We have too much competition from the South East Asian and Middle East countries, but we are blessed with abundance of natural beauty and tourism offerings. There is a need for infrastructure development for easy access to these beautiful locations in India where tourism can flourish. We have huge expectations from the centre and state governments on putting focus on tourism opportunity of India. We have to keep developing tourism offerings which continue to attract tourists to India and make it the preferred tourism destination.
(As told to Kahini Chakraborty)
“Nowadays, it is no longer enough to be a good homemaker or a successful professional but the secret lies in finding the perfect work-life balance. My way of doing this is by compartmentalising each of these roles”
– Ratna Chadha, Chief Executive, Tirun Travel Marketing
My Vision
When we started the company, our challenge was to carve a niche for the cruise travel market in India. Today, Asia has become a huge source market and we see an opportunity for tremendous growth. Royal Caribbean International will have year round deployment from Singapore starting 2015, as also the basing of Quantum of the Seas, the newest and the most futuristic ship ever in China from June 2015, will definitely provide a fillip to our efforts. Additionally with Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises liners making intermittent stops at Indian ports in the coming months, we are forecasting a spurt in the number of Indian guests opting for luxury cruise travel. As India’s premier cruise counsellors, we aim to command a lion’s share of the cruise market and enjoy top-of-the-mind recall when people plan a cruise vacation. We thus hope to capture a sizeable share of the market as exclusive India Representative for Royal Caribbean Cruises with a portfolio of three of its cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.
Countering Challenges
Running a successful business for a woman is never easy, and more so in a male dominated industry. But I have always believed in putting in my best efforts in each of my tasks and thankfully every challenge proves to be a learning one as I move ahead.
Work-Life Balance
The role of a contemporary woman in Indian society has changed with times. Nowadays, it is no longer enough to be a good homemaker or a successful professional but the secret lies in finding the perfect work-life balance. My way of doing this is by compartmentalising each of these roles so they don’t tread on each other.
Industry Forecast
India holds great potential for cruise tourism. As the middle and upper middle classes expand and purchasing propensities rise, the lifestyle aspirations are demonstrating a concomitant evolution. Presently there are a little over 1,20,000 cruisers from India, and by 2018, we are expecting a significant rise in this figure on the back of relevant deployments in Asia and rest of the world.
(As told to Akshay Kumar)
“Instead of dwelling on the issue, I tend to focus on resolving it. I believe that is what differentiates a helpless sufferer from someone who succeeds in life”
– Neelu Singh, COO, Ezeego1.com
My Vision
I aspire to make Ezeego1 a brand to reckon with, when people think of absolutely any aspect related to travel. My vision for Ezeego1.com is to create multiple opportunities for consumers to operate efficiently in the online travel space and get the best possible results. A customer will not be loyal towards your brand unless he sees value in your offerings. Our vision is to bring this value to all our customers which would transform the dynamics of holidaying for them.
Countering Challenges
Mentally I have never felt that there is anything that I cannot achieve. My mindset has always been that you can overcome any challenge that lies ahead of you. Because of this, I have never perceived a challenge to be a challenge. The only obstacles I have faced were primarily operational in nature, which are bound to emerge given how our industry is structured. But there is very little that anyone can do about these things. In fact, it is only during difficult times that you learn to innovate and conquer the challenges in your favour.
Work-Life Balance
My family plays a pivotal role in helping me manage both fronts efficiently. I make sure there is support at home. I have personally trained my staff to manage day-to-day tasks the way I would. I receive tremendous support from my 10 year old son, who is way more mature and responsible for his age. He understands that his mother is a working woman. Both my husband and I have invested a lot of time and effort in making him independent at a young age. He also understands that he is a key contributor in the house. For me, being committed to work is just as important as being committed to family. The key is being able to strike a balance. I have decided that I need to make my personal life as well as professional life work out well. Having said this, I do not pressurise myself unnecessarily. Instead of dwelling on the issue, I tend to focus on resolving it. I believe that is what differentiates a helpless sufferer from someone who succeeds in life.
Industry Forecast
India’s travel and tourism industry has a huge growth potential in terms of inbound as well as outbound tourism. Given the rise in number of global tourists and having realised India’s growth potential, many international hotel chains have invested in the tourism and hospitality sector. Similar is the case with the aviation industry, as newer airlines in the low cost as well as full service space have launched operations from India.
We expect the short haul sector to grow further as short weekend trips become a trend amongst Indian families. We are coming up with exciting domestic as well as international products specifically targeted for this audience, which looks for a quick getaway every once in a while, just to break the monotony of everyday routine. Travellers are increasingly getting experimental about their holidays and now on the lookout for offbeat experiential travel, thus encouraging unexplored destinations to prosper, along with the established ones.
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
“I think personal discipline is essential but ultimately for a woman all spheres are equally important – be it work, home or social commitments. Keep some time for yourself to keep your sanity”
– Anju Tandon, CEO, Ark Travels
My Vision
We are looking at maintaining our position at being the top seller of cruises in India. The focus is to develop new segments / events which can be held on cruises and educate and focus on our B2B partners so that they can grow the cruise market in their region. Star Cruises certainly remains the focus but since the demand for European and Alaska cruises is also on the rise, our team is successfully pushing sales for NCL for all their cruises. We are adding more B2B products such as Club Med, We believe the product has a lot of potential and we want to promote it with full dedication and fortunately we have been successful in penetrating the tip of the market for a start.
Ark Travels was established in 1981 as the manifestation of a dream. A dream, to provide India a world class, quality, and personal holiday service; that too at a time when travel, especially abroad, was still the privilege of a select few. However, it was precisely this pioneering vision, one where every Indian would have an opportunity to experience a world class vacation, that propelled Ark to persevere. Over the years, many innovative strides were made to realise this dream. We diversified our services portfolio by offering a bouquet of options hitherto unavailable in India. Cruise vacations, which was one such addition, quickly became our core focus. Our commitment to the retail travel trade and to the discerning holiday-maker directly, is on equal terms. Our painstaking efforts have borne fruit; that we are today, one of the largest sellers of Star Cruises not just in India, but among the top sellers in the world, is testimony to that hard work. Work, which for us, is a labour of love.
Countering Challenges
I think online is a challenge and also an opportunity. Every one has to grow and develop their online presence and business. Offline will always be the backbone even for the online, so we are working on improving our services so that the knowledge and the quality of service is unmatched. Client comes with too much half baked knowledge / or too many attractive offers ( he thinks) thus keeping everyone on toes. One needs to be on top of things to be in a win-win situation.
Work-Life Balance
This is a tough one especially in India where work timings extend to your private time, no one is willing to wait, and everything has to be done now. I think personal discipline is essential but ultimately for a woman all spheres are equally important – be it work, home or social commitments. One is always walking on a tight rope and in the end I think it is our personal hobbies and preferences which take a back seat. Keep some time for yourself to keep your sanity.
(As told to Kahini Chakraborty)
“This key has been honed over the years to see the challenges as an opportunity to excel further. Too often, we can’t see the forest for the trees”
– Punam Singh, Executive Director with OTOAI (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India), Director with VKonect, Representative India & SE Asia for Golden Tours, UK
My Vision
I am currently wearing three hats. First, as the executive director of OTOAI – (Outbound Tour Operators Association of India); second as director at VKonect, a foremost, outbound focused B2B events platform and recently, as the representative – India & SE Asia for Golden Tours, UK. I have joined OTOAI with a clear remit to ensure their focus remains outbound promotion through a desirable mix of active members, to promote destination knowledge and learning amongst the member tour operators, to ensure integrity in OTOAI functioning, to co-ordinate member arbitration, to facilitate all the Fam trips and OTOAI Convention and to spearhead the efforts towards government recognition of the outbound travel industry in India.
VKonect has already broken industry barriers in quality presentation of their luxury event last October which was an unprecedented success with a superb ROI. One plans to make this the foremost trade events platform amongst others.
Golden Tours is a superb option for those wishing to upsell experiences, coach tours and capsules in London, Britain and the continent asides of having a dedicated DMC arm to handle bespoke leisure, FIT, group and MICE requirements which we hope to make the first choice of sale for agents for that destination.
Countering Challenges
Speaking for myself, this key has been honed over the years to be a judicious mix of focus, delegation, prioritisation and to see the challenges as an opportunity to excel further. Too often, we can’t see the forest for the trees.
Work-Life Balance
This is the single most important balance which all of us must strive for – to remain healthy, happy, for nurturing important relationships, for making space for what is important for ourselves and definitely, for me, to make the world a slightly better place for myself and others. And, it is constant work in progress.
What works for me is also a sense of humour, compassion, gratitude for what the universe bestows on me, my spiritual beliefs and the practice of Nichiren Buddhism which grounds me and gives me courage and fortitude.
Industry Forecast
The travel industry in India is in an unimaginable state of flux. OTAs, digital marketing, Google, Trip Advisor, direct selling by airlines, offloading inventory online by hotels, the constant breaking of destination boundaries, shrinking timelines, disappearing IATA commissions, a knowledgeable and demanding market, huge amounts of disposable income, changing trends in travel temperaments, the influence of films, books, You Tube, etc., in destination choices and experiences, cutting edge marketing campaigns, hyper activity of over 70 overseas tourism boards in India, a plethora of travel trade events both pan India and overseas, VOA for 43 countries into India and so much more – sometimes it is difficult to stay still and take stock.
Currently the India outbound industry numbers at 17 million plus outnumber the inbound figures at 6.7 million almost three fold. The Indian travel trade has to get more inventive, creative and enlarge their outbound destination basket of offerings, working effectively through select DMC’s and choosing to up sell experiences and tours in a wide variety of options. Their buyers are generally much better informed than the agents and in a highly price conscious market what will clinch the deal is the knowledge, service, variety, speed and also, exclusivity of your offerings. Else, it is increasing your inventory through quality partners, good delivery and quick selling mechanisms with healthy retentions.
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
“I have been working in the industry since I was 18. There was never a challenge that could not be resolved. In fact, I take challenges in my stride. I think it’s important to have a good work-life balance”
– Ritika Modi, Regional President UNIGLOBE Travel (South Asia)
My Vision
At present we are collectively at a turnover of over Rs 2000+ crore. As we expand our membership over the next couple of years, we will be crossing the 100 location mark which ensures strong presence across the market. The aim is to grow the group’s combined turnover to Rs 5000 crore which we are very confident of achieving and that means buying power for us and sales power for our preferred suppliers. And that’s really the win/win of UNIGLOBE Travel. Our members are in business for themselves, but not by themselves. And that is why I brought UNIGLOBE Travel to India.We will eventually look for members in Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives which are part of our region. The expansion plan in the South Asia region is to invite participation that grows the network to a 100 plus locations.
The Modi Group operates the regional master franchise of UNIGLOBE Travel in the South Asia region that covers India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Maldives. The South Asia region began operations in 2002 and currently has over 55 agency locations across India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka with an annual sales volume of Rs 2700+ crore, making UNIGLOBE one of the top five travel management companies in India. With presence in over six continents, UNIGLOBE is the world’s largest single brand travel network. By adding the UNIGLOBE brand to your name, you gain business power at two distinct levels – sales power and buying power. Sales power gives you big player credentials to compete with big players, the OTAs, and even the airlines. At the same time, our buying power brings you better- than-market deals and helps share costs for technology, marketing and advertising.
Countering Challenges
I have been working in the industry since I was 18. There was never a challenge that could not be resolved. In fact, I take challenges in my stride.
Work-Life Balance
I think it’s important to have a good work-life balance. I like to spend my spare time playing golf and reading books. I am an avid reader and my current read is 13 Steps to Bloody Good Luck by Ashwin Sanghi.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
My Vision
It is our endeavour to make our service more viable, visible and available. To achieve that we are in talks with a leading international corporation which specialises in travel and logistics business with a view to grow our fleet in Mumbai and take the concept to other cities in India. Priyadarshini Taxi Service has tied up with leading medical tourism service companies for providing specialised services as per the requirements of the patients coming from around the world. We not only provide the drop and pick service from airports but the Priyadarshini women also cater to the varied medical needs during their treatments. Our services are also used by call centres, corporates, travel agents, hotels, etc for their women employees and customers, who feel more comfortable if the taxi is driven by a woman. Our service assures them with the much needed safety, security and comfort. We are the only service provider who has been granted permits for women drivers by the Government of Maharashtra. Our short term goal is to have 75 taxis on road by the end of this year and 200 by the end of 2016. With growing urbanisation and ever growing women participation in the work force, Priyadarshini Taxi Service, would definitely emerge as a safe and secure alternative to working professional and/or a regular commuter.
Countering Challenges
Priyadarshini Taxi Service is born in the gullies and chawls of Mumbai. As the president of Stree Shakti Kendra, I have helped implement welfare schemes of the government for the poor, old and destitute men and women of Mumbai. While visiting them, I came across lots of young women, who had a twinkle in their eyes and a hunger to reach out and succeed. What they lacked was the opportunity and path / direction to realise their dreams. We took this mantle and enrolled women who wanted to enter the male dominated profession of driving taxis in Mumbai.
Our focus was those women whose family income was less than Rs 10,000 per month. We received more than 100 applications and conducted interviews with the candidates and their families because it is very important that when a woman is on the road for 10 / 12 hours, the family supports them. This means and counts a lot to the lady driver. We conducted extensive training for three months which of course included amongst others, training in skillful and efficient driving. The aim of the comprehensive training programme is to ensure that the participants come out more confident, empowered and smart – ready to face the challenges of the 21st century.
Many of our drivers are widows, single mother and from the minority community. Many of them are the sole bread winners of their family. This paves the way to a definite shift from the patriarchal family to a matriarchal family, where the head of the family, the decision maker, is the Priyadarshini woman. Further, it must be stressed that the income so generated is used for a better standard of living, health and education of the family.
Priyadarshini Taxi Service, like other business entities, had competitors in the segment of its business operations. However, unlike others, Priyadarshini Taxi Service enjoys the reputation of providing women driven taxi services for all passengers, not necessarily only women, which makes it a distinct entity among its competitors. Thus, the company is naturally blessed with the advantage of near absence of any competitors in its segment of business operations today.
Work-Life Balance
Basically all women are born planners and very good at multi-tasking. I am proud to say that I am a woman in the true sense having a passion for my work and deep-rooted love for my near and dear ones. I am blessed by a very good professional team and supportive family members who are the biggest pillars and motivation for my work. At the home front, my family members who believe in my passion for women empowerment are always there to extend their help and support to me in all my initiatives.
A capable professional with well-knitted team members at work helps one entrust the greatest of responsibilities on the team members with instructions to handle them independently and derive the highest level of results from them. I am a strong believer in team work, multi-tasking and evaluating work accomplished by others with compassion.
With rapid advancements in technology and availability of more sophisticated, state-of-the-art gadgets, it has now become more easier to accomplish work responsibilities with ease and beyond the physical boundaries of office/ home at the same time. Extended long hours of working and busy work schedules arising out of sheer passion for work surely affect personal life and health. However, my regular physical exercises and routine morning walks help my body to cope up with stress and keep me physically fit to undertake more strenuous work responsibilities. Although having to share multiple roles like of a housewife, a mother and lastly as a director at work place, I enthusiastically accomplish these responsibilities associated with all the three portfolios without having to encounter any sort of difficulties.
– Susieben Shah, Founder, Priyadarshini Taxi Service
(As told to Kahini Chakraborty)
“I believe that if we truly relate to the other person as a fellow human being without judgement, they will reciprocate the trust. Fear brings out the worst in the other”
– Girija Chandran, Founder Director and Consultant, Hammock Holidays
My Vision
Hammock Holidays was started in 1996 (four years before the term ‘Domestic Tourism’ began to be officially used) with the intention of providing domestic holidays for Indians. ‘India for Indians’ was our real objective. The travel industry since then has gone through a sea change, with the arrival of online travel facilitators and availability of data on the web.
My vision for Hammock is to further professionalise and grow our core competence of delivering custom made travel solutions for the discerning traveller who prefers to see the value of using our expertise and the personal touch; at the same time branching out into niche areas in travel, ensuring that profitability is maintained. As a founder director, my personal vision also includes a dream that eventually the key employees will also become stakeholders. For the industry, my vision or wish is that we gain strength from the technology available now instead of seeing it as a threat and reposition and reinvent ways in which a brick and mortar agency is still relevant for the traveller.
Countering Challenges
When we started, travel was an industry ruled by credit. Most agencies were primarily ticketing agents and they worked on a credit of up to even 90 days. So, when we said ‘No Credit’ – we were the laughing stock of the industry at that time. Today, I am so happy and proud to say that the industry has come around to our position. Later, it was the advent of online travel portals that posed the biggest challenge. We use this to our advantage (as information is available at the click of a mouse) and retain and build up our loyal client base by providing consistently creative and innovative ways of servicing their travel needs. To counter the menace of random enquiries, we brought in a system of taking a service fee upfront to provide specific data or reservations. As a woman in this sphere, I have not encountered any major challenges. I am by nature not afraid , be it travelling alone, meeting people or addressing a group. I have usually been the one to explore a new destinations before we present it to our clients. I believe that if we truly relate to the other person as a fellow human being without judgement, they will reciprocate the trust. Fear brings out the worst in the other.
Work-Life Balance
Yes, this has been the main challenge. I have just one daughter and during her school years, I tried to be available at home most days when she came back from school, as that was the time she would open up and share her experiences of the day. Then, once she went off to play I would return to work. For this reason, we used to live near the office. Between me and my husband, we ensured that one of us was available at home when the other had to travel on work. Simultaneously, I had nurtured the spiritual side and today, that strength ensures equanimity in all spheres of life – personal and professional.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
“Life is a challenge and every human being should know how to cope with it. Everyone commits mistakes but one needs to learn from them and not drown in them”
– Jyoti Mayal, Director, New Airways Travels (Delhi)
My Vision
I think to be a woman is God’s blessings. It is beautiful, graceful and a great achievement by itself.
A woman who walks in purpose doesn’t have to chase people or opportunities. Her light causes people and opportunities to pursue her. My vision towards both my personal life and my work has always been a challenge to myself. I have always kept my goals higher than what I wanted to achieve. In my personal life, I wanted to be a lovable wife, a caring friendly mother, a good friend and a responsible and selfless human being. I have always been the one to take my life in my stride and have great faith in God and his doings. I have tried my best to adhere to all these and I think after self retrospection am happy with what I have achieved.
Countering Challenges
At work the goals are different, one wants to achieve respect and recognition from the industry one works in. I was an interior designer by profession and entered the travel industry without having the knowledge of travel. Each day was a learning experience. It was a challenge to face new people and trying to grasp new knowledge. I took baby steps exploring ticketing, fare structuring, making reservations, learning sales and trying to gain knowledge to the utmost. It was a challenge to gain knowledge and simultaneously meet clients and get new business. I loved meeting new people and made friends whom I cherish even today. I cherish my journey and can now discuss business to quite an extent and can even speak on forums and also be a friend and guide to my colleagues of the industry. I have achieved awards from various bodies under different heads. To name a few which have been conferred on me in the last few years are – Young Woman of Substance & Leadership Award, Best Entrepreneur, Most Influential person, was also included in the India’s Incredible woman’s list. I am sure I have my shortcomings but that is for the industry to decide.
Life itself is a challenge and every human being should know how to cope with the same. Everyone commits mistakes but one needs to learn from them and not drown in them. I have learnt to smile and laugh through all my road blocks. It is frustrating if you keep it within yourself. I am a vocal person and call a spade a spade. I just cannot silently take anyone saying or doing wrong. I cannot take relate to anyone who is not good to others. If I think someone is harming others I retaliate. I think being a woman doesn’t mean you succumb to any behaviour which you do not feel is befitting. The world has its share of bad wolves, one should learn to put them in place and have a no nonsense attitude towards them. Do not let any one step on your toes. One should respect oneself and in turn make others respect you.
Work-Life Balance
For every woman to balance life at work and home is a challenge because whatever you do you feel you are not justifying the other. Thus guilt starts setting in. It happened with me too when my children were small. I sat down and with a cool mind gave it a thought and came to a conclusion that I have to achieve this balance without hurting my work or my family and I did achieve it. I was always there for the family and I justified my job too. Yes, being in my own business was a great help and to have a sporting and sympathetic husband was God sent. If your priorities in life are right you will never suffer, you could be bogged down by difficult situations but you will always be able to overcome the same if you have a clear vision and you are truthful to yourself and your surroundings and to top it all a positive attitude.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
“No one had coined the buzzwords of woman entrepreneurship and empowerment back then. Having said that, I must mention that my gender in the workplace did not matter when one had the product knowledge”
– Jahnabi Phookan, Director, Jungle Travels India
My Vision
Jungle Travels India (JTI) was started on a budget of Rs 1000 as house rent, by a husband-wife team along with two peons, 25 years ago in Guwahati, the then sleepy capital of Assam. Today JTI is a family owned, professionally run entity of over 150 people. We were the first IATA travel agent of the northeast. We are also the only active IATO travel agent in the northeast and the only winner of the National Tourism Award based out of the northeast, to date.
The key is to explore the unexplored and carve out one’s own path. When everyone said it was impossible to navigate the River Brahmaputra, we went ahead and proved them wrong. Assam Bengal Navigation Company in 2003 went on to pioneer long distance river cruising in the country. This put India on the international cruising map. Our third ship ABN Rajmahal started in 2014 was the first vessel of her size to sail past the ghats of Varanasi upto Chunar. We are confident that with the new government in the centre, the waterways will open up all the way to Allahabad. Likewise, take our foray into the hospitality sector. The Government of Assam in 2004 was only too happy to lease out their 16 roomed hotel property in Manas National Park to us, as their only guests for 20 years had been the CRPF fighting insurgents.
Bringing in foreign tourists into Bansbari Lodge of Manas National Park ushered in tourism into this area and paved the way for many new tourist resorts there, thus leading to economic growth in this hitherto neglected but beautiful part of the state. Sustainable development and eco tourism are the latest mantras these days but it was our creed since our inception. As the DMC for eastern India, and northeast in particular, I believe that the time for the east has come.
Countering Challenges
When I started working 25 years ago, in Guwahati, there were societal pressures of why I needed to work at all. No one had coined the buzzwords of woman entrepreneurship and women empowerment back then. Having said that, I must mention that my gender in the workplace did not matter when one had the product knowledge and work integrity in place.
Work-Life Balance
Being passionate about one’s work meant looking forward to going to work each day. Since the last 25 years, we have raised our three children along with this baby and today, there is no greater satisfaction than seeing JTI being run by our team of like minded professionals now.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
“I love this industry and its different facets and enjoy my work as a lot of my life’s learnings like art, music, travel have translated into my different verticals”
– Vasuki Sundaram, Founder, Wings Travel and Tours
My Vision
My company Wings Travel and Tours was founded in 1991 with a vision of being a one stop solution for all travel requirements. In those days, travel agents used to either be ticketing agents or tour operators or foreign exchange dealers or handle only cruises, I was one of the few who offered all the services at one call. That was always my vision of a travel consultant, that any traveller should be able to get all his requirements at just a call. This includes, insurance, Forex, railways apart from cruises, tours, trade events, etc.
My company evolved along these lines and given my artistic background I started the art camps where we had top painters from India, France, Sri Lanka travelling to a destination and painting. We had then covered destinations like Morocco, Mexico, Turkey, China, Spain, Italy, Japan, France, Ireland, when these destination were not much known, I am talking of 1997.
I always believed agriculture is the backbone of our country’s economy. I was enthusiastic to learn about its basic tenets which led into starting of another vertical for my organisation since then. We worked with farmers and took them to Isreal on agro tours and also within India. We have worked with several industries and carved a niche on special industry tours. The vision of my company was to customise travel as per the need of the client and make it an experience. Our tag line ‘Your bespoke travel companion’ conveys it all.
Later, along with two great senior travel professionals, Rani Bachani and Chitra Bhatia who are more like an extended family, we started Travel only for Women. Bachani was the brainchild behind starting Travel only for Women which we deliberated during one of our travels and created a vertical for the shaktis of this world naming it ‘Women Explorer’. Lot of women travel within India and abroad with us and we have been extremely successful with our venture ‘Women Explorer’. Though now we see a lot of such groups for women mushrooming.
Countering Challenges
Challenges help you grow and see things in a different perspective. Of course I have faced the gender challenge when I was part of an association. Somewhere, the lady needs to prove herself to be taken seriously, whereas the male counterpart by virtue of being a male gets the red carpet treatment. For a person like me who never believed in towing the line who spoke her mind and walked her talk was not a common occurrence. As time passed people around realised that I walked my talk and things got sorted. True I am assertive but not desperate to fight or do anything to prove a point. I just live my thoughts and act on it. I look at any challenge as an opportunity, as growth for me it is more like a director of a film getting the best out of you.
Work-Life Balance
I love this industry and its different facets and enjoy my work as a lot of my life’s learnings like art, music, travel have translated into my different verticals. I have my two sisters Bharathi and Sumathi, and with Sonali who has been with me over 15 years, these three ladies handle the operations extremely well. This gives me the freedom to travel and explore new destinations for my company. Women add the extra zing and a perspective to this wonderful industry.
Industry Forecast
Tourism is going to be one of the biggest sectors in India and being the executive member of International Institute for Peace through Tourism (India), I can see how tourism as an industry is being viewed globally. One can see, tourism is being considered to galvanise the people, it is a tool being used to promote peace, to give employment, to sustain the culture and embrace other cultures. It is clearly a platform to expand one’s horizon and give oneself the thrust to enhance one’s industry. Travel is an integral part of most industries and plays a defined role in their growth.
“I feel the main challenge for a travel planner is to remain innovative and competitive in products and pricing. The Indian traveller is a last minute decision maker, so you need to be cool to accept changes till the last minute and deliver”
– Seemaa P Makhija, Managing Director, Travel Voyages
My Vision
Our vision is to grow the company to other cities. Service is of utmost importance which we have been providing to all clients. I have just been elected as an advisory board member of Lufthansa City Centre from Asia Pacific. Our focus is more on leisure and to look at minute details while servicing our clients. I am working with a dedicated team of professionals who are my main support, and hope to expand this operation.
Countering Challenges
I feel the main challenge for a travel planner is to remain innovative and competitive in products and pricing. The Indian traveller is a last minute decision maker, so you need to be cool to accept changes till the last minute and deliver service. Here strong overseas partners are a must, who understand your clients. Today you have to be able to give round the clock service to clients, this is not a nine to six job.
Work-Life Balance
It is easier to maintain a work-life balance with an understanding family and a dedicated team who accept calls round the clock and work like you. Once you have accepted that you are in the service industry then you know that you are going to get calls any time, have meetings at late hours, these are all part of this industry and has to be accepted.
Industry Forecast
Tourism is set for an upswing both inbound and outbound – the current central government has made tourism one of the focus areas. Though a lot needs to be done, steps are being taken such as – e-visas, Visa on Arrival. With the rise in disposal income, more Indians are taking holidays both within and outside India and this trend is set to grow. Budget fares have also fuelled air traffic. Tourism should boom and hopefully the government will do something to improve infrastructure. The world wants to visit India, what better time than now.
“We believe awareness campaigns such as events, festivals and promotions will go a long way in inspiring people to travel to off-beat places”
– Shoba Mohan, Founder and Managing Director, RARE – Destinations and Experiences
My Vision
RARE has always believed in crusading for new routes, destinations and experiences. Even with much being attributed to the online space, for promoting the intimate, personal and niche, we believe small owner running hotels and experiences need a strong voice that passionately talks about the stories. We believe awareness campaigns such as events, festivals and promotions will go a long way in inspiring people to travel to off-beat places and also encourage values like conservation and inclusiveness. We exist for those few who value niche vs mass, those that work towards conservation, art, community progress, wellness, sustainability and so on and those handful of people who wish to make a visible difference. Soon luxury has to have a heart, premium will have to tell its story and every hospitality product should involve and uplift the people who power it, and service will have to smile so that it reaches the eyes and endears the spirit. Travel will no longer be mindless and self-gratifying, but evolve to be a personal learning experience, a change maker.
Countering Challenges
One of the biggest challenges for a business like ours is to spread the web of awareness far and wide to people in every corner of the world, to look beyond the star hotels and come and stay with real people, people with stories to tell and skills to impart, people who will turn mundane programmes into exquisite memories. We will eventually have to look at the online space to spread information about RARE and the hotels we promote, however our offline will always co-exist. What can be better than to hear the story of a heritage haveli or a crumbling fort in a remote village in Rajasthan, restored with personal money of the owner having given up a lucrative career and the swinging city life to go back to his roots. RARE is proud to have a team that is as dedicated and driven as we began years ago.
Work-Life Balance
I am proud to state that what I am today is what my travels have made me. A poet, a writer, a crusader, a bird nut, an animal lover…. all of this from travels – ever changing, ever moving, ever learning. Every professional demands its pound of flesh. Hence the balance especially in the last few years has tipped heavily towards work. However I am grateful that RARE provided me the opportunity in its initial growth phase to be with my children and go through their difficult years of childhood and youth. There are certain perks and jolts that come with every profession, for travel it is the many days that you have to spend away from home. But then I always think about the places and people I have taken my children to, the rich experiences they have had. And I remember as small children they asked me, if a hotel they like was a RARE hotel, it was a moment of bliss!
(As told to Reema Lokesh)
“The biggest challenge for a woman in the travel industry is to prove that she can be as good if not better than her male counterparts”
– Rani Bachani, Vice President, Vice Regal Travels & Resorts
My Vision
My company Vice Regal Travels was set up by me in 1995 and many changes have taken place in the travel industry in these last 20 years. I constantly strive to keep my company updated to the changing trends in the industry and make my agency a source of travel ideas and information that my clients can tap into. I want my agency to provide ultimate travel experiences to my customers. The travel industry will get better and more profitable if the agents can give their customers new experiences and ideas. I have started a travel club exclusively for women and its called WE [Women Explorers]. It gives women the opportunity to travel and see the world and make new friends and gain confidence by travelling independently. As these women travel on their own they enjoy it so much since it is a pure holiday for them without having to take care of their spouse and children. They learn to express themselves and get a chance to do whatever they like. I find this WE club to be a great idea and I want to get women from all over the world to join and travel together and learn from each other.
Countering Challenges
The biggest challenge for a woman in the travel industry is to prove that she can be as good if not better than her male counterparts and can run a successful business. The Internet is another challenge to everyone who is in the travel business. It is up to us to prove to our customers that finally direct human contact is more valuable and worth the extra money, when they have a problem the Internet cannot help them, it is only an agent who will come to their help.
Work-Life Balance
Being in the travel industry is a 24×7 job. It is important to make sure that you are not all work and no play. We have to keep enough time for our families, children and hobbies and must learn to switch off after office hours or there is the danger of getting burned out. We have to educate our customers that though we are there for them in case of any emergency, we are not available 24×7 for trivial matters. I make sure to do my yoga in the morning, zumba thrice a week and my Sundays are exclusively for spending time with family and friends.
(As told to Reema Lokesh)