Balancing legacy with technology and innovation, he has emerged as a young, dynamic voice transforming the travel landscape. In an exclusive chat with BOTT, he speaks about his milestones, challenges, favourite destinations, family, and more.
Shreya Shimpi
Looking back on your journey so far, what inspired you to enter the travel industry, and how has it shaped you as a professional?
My family has been in the travel industry for over forty years. While growing up, I was certain that I didn’t want to follow the same path and aspired to join the banking and finance industry. After graduation, I was hunting for jobs in Singapore and Hong Kong. Around that time, we split from our earlier company and set up Veena World in 2013. Getting into the travel industry was a very incidental jump for me. I was at a point where I had to decide whether I had to pursue a job or set up a company with my parents, who bring in a lot of experience. Over the last 13 years, I have learnt a great deal and made my share of mistakes, which have shaped my personality and helped me develop a growth mindset.
Reflecting on 2025, what would you say were the three highlights of the year for you—personally or professionally?
2025 was a year of realisation for us, as it underscored the need to build a company that can withstand shocks such as terrorist attacks, natural calamities, etc. It reinforced our commitment to building an organisation that will far outrun our own lives, with the vision to build a centennial organisation. On a personal note, we welcomed a baby boy, our second child, four weeks ago—an incredibly special addition to our family!
What has been your proudest achievement to date, and what keeps you motivated to push boundaries in this industry?
I often say that our proudest achievement is yet to come. We have accomplished a great deal. Today, we serve 1,25,000 travellers annually, supported by a team of 1,100 employees, and have 150 touch points across India. In a service-oriented industry, we are growing in a resilient way. Everyone is committed to the mission, and guest satisfaction is the North Star.
Which are your top three favourite destinations, and what would be your dream destination for 2026?
Tokyo, Melbourne, and Istanbul are among my three favourite destinations because they show you a multi-cultural aspect of the world. Okinawa in Japan is on my wish list this year!
Could you tell us a bit about your family and share one cherished childhood memory that still makes you smile?
I am married to my wife Heta, and we are blessed with two children—a two-year-old daughter and a two-month-old baby boy. Growing up, my mom would take me along for recce trips to Sri Lanka, Australia, Europe, and the US—each journey was incredibly enriching and left me with lasting memories. Those trips shaped my personality. That is something that I am trying to inculcate in my daughter, who is two now and has already been to ten countries!
QUICK SHOTS
- Your Birthday / Sun Sign – 16 December, Sagittarius
- Mountains or Beaches – Beaches of Seychelles, mountains of India
- Favourite Holiday Destination – Tokyo
- Best travel hack – If you want to enjoy the best food, open Google Maps and find those hole-in-the-wall restaurants, as they will serve the best food.
- Window/Aisle seat – Window
- Best advice for a first-time traveller – Ensure that your suitcase has wheels, except in Europe where wheels and cobblestone streets are difficult!
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