50 years of excellence

STIC Travel Group celebrated 50 years of its journey in the industry in New Delhi recently. Dr Karan Singh, Former Minister of Civil Aviation & Tourism, members of the group companies, and industry stalwarts graced the celebration.

Suhani Sood

STIC Travel Group commemorated five decades of excellence in travel at ITC Maurya, New Delhi on 14 September 2023. The golden jubilee celebrations witnessed the presence of Dr Karan Singh, Former Minister of Civil Aviation & Tourism, as chief guest, members of the STIC Travel Group, and influential people of the travel and tourism industry.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dr Karan Singh said, “What a joy it is to see that the seed that was planted five decades ago, has emerged out as a strong tree. I had inaugurated STIC Travel Group on 14 September 1973, when it started as two-room company, but now it has transformed into one of the biggest travel agencies in India.”

Congratulating STIC Travel Group, Dr Singh said, “I am extremely happy to be here. Congratulations to STIC Travel Group and its members. I wish them many more years of success!” To solidify its position as the industry leader, STIC Travel Group signed deals with 12 international airlines, four cruise liners, and three rental car brands.

Man behind the success Subhash Goyal, Chairman, STIC Travel Group, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all the attendees for their contributions to the company’s success. “50 years is a really long period in an individual’s life but very short duration in the history of organisation. Not even in my wildest dreams, I thought that I would make travel and tourism my profession, and by God’s grace it has been successful. I am very emotional because it has been a journey of love. People have come from all over the world is very heart warming. I feel a little sense of achievement that started from scratch,” he said.

Sharing some golden moments from the past, Goyal said, “It has become a pivotal chapter of my life. I believe that if you do something with passion and commitment, you enjoy it. My journey has been full of fun, learning, and unforgettable experiences. I have got the opportunity to travel extensively and see all five continents.”

Industry applauds STIC On behalf of IATO, its association president, Rajiv Mehra, congratulated STIC Travel Group. “It is such an honor for us to be here celebrating 50 illustrious years of STIC,” he said. He commended Goyal for his hard work and dedication. “I have known Subhash Goyal from 1999, and the kind of hard work he does, nobody can achieve that kind of level,” he said. “Goyal has also made significant contribution to IATO by giving the association its vision, mission and objectives. IATO would not have been able to achieve if he hadn’t been our guiding light,” he added. KB Kachru, Chairman, Emeritus & Principal Advisor, South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “India needs to be proud of such an excellent group. Having closely worked with Mr. Goyal, I know he is extremely hardworking, which has paid off eventually. I am happy to see Isha Goyal (daughter of Subhash Goyal) taking the legacy forward.”

Richard Nuttall, CEO, SriLankan Airlines, said, “We were the first foreign airline having 100 flights a week to India, it is all because of efforts and partnership with STIC Group for over 45 years now. What we are today, it is due to value STIC brought to us.”

Raj Bajaj, President, Perfect Travels & Tours, also congratulated STIC Travel Group. “Kudos to entire team for an incredible journey! The passion and dedication both Subhash and Isha Goyal have put in is huge, which is why they deserve every bit of love,” he said.

Taking legacy forward Isha Goyal, Chief Executive Officer, STIC Travel Group, said, “50 years, what an incredibly amazing journey, and what a legacy to follow. We are humbled by the story of STIC.” She further emphasized the company’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, adaptability, and staying at the forefront of industry trends.

“STIC will continue to follow the legacy of bringing new opportunities to India for travel fraternity. It has completed 50 years, but many more to come,” she said.