‘2023 taught us adaptability’

Karan Vakharia, Director – Business Development, Pathfinders Holidays, says they are looking for collaborations with airlines, hotels, tour operators, and local businesses to expand offerings.

TT Bureau

Resilience, collaborations, adaptability for future changes, and crisis preparedness are some of the lessons Karan Vakharia, Director – Business Development, Pathfinders Holidays, is taking away from 2023. His focus now is to enhance the overall customer experience. “Staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry means continuous innovation. We are exploring unique travel experiences, forging strategic hotel and excursion partnerships, and leveraging emerging travel trends to differentiate our offerings. Targeting the right client mix to align with our vision to create a long-lasting relation with our client,” he shares.

As a millennial, he believes in the power of social media. “It is a powerful tool for communication, marketing, and relationship-building in the travel industry. It is helping us to reach a wide audience, showcase our offerings, engage with customers, and stay connected with industry peer. But that isn’t enough; we are also introducing new products and services that can attract a different segment of travellers for which we are working on forming preferred partnerships with airlines, hotels, tour operators, or local businesses which can expand service offerings and create unique travel packages. Also, we are focusing our horizon to expand and increase the existing client base in the USA,” he says.

Vakharia believes that technology will continue to play a crucial role in enhancing the travel experience. “Integration of AI, AR/ VR will have a big role. Flexibility in bookings and travel plans will likely remain a priority. Travel agencies might continue offering more flexible cancellation policies and adaptable itineraries to accommodate unforeseen changes. I have seen my parents who co-founded the company always keeping clients at the centre of all decisions, and I continue this practice.