Passion, Adaptability and Expertise: Keys to success

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 passion was theatre. I never wanted to be a travel agent. I taught English to students as I was translating Shakespeare to Hindi but the chalk on the blackboard got to me and I had to quit that. I worked with Air India for eight years and that’s where my travel journey started. I started Nomad Travels in 1988. I discovered it is a fascinating field and so I enjoy my work.

As a professional, the travel industry has made me more sensitive to people. It does not produce anything, except, hopefully happy memories and big smiles. It has also made me pay attention to detail because travel is very close to people’s heart. Holiday travel is a very important part of people’s lives. Hence, whoever is assisting in the planning, needs to be sensitive to what the client is looking for and be able to craft that sort of an experience with minimum things going wrong.

Reflecting on 2024, what would you say were the three highlights of the year for you—personally or professionally?

2024 was a positive year. Professionally, in terms of business, we had a decent inbound season last year. It wasn’t a spectacular year but a year of consolidation. I am satisfied the way 2024 has ended for us. Heading TAFI has also been satisfying; steering it through uncertain times with a lack of assistance from the Government to this industry. We created new Chapters and added about 100 new members last year.

As a key figure in TAFI, what is your long-term vision for the organization? Could you share a major initiative or change you’ve been proud to lead?

TAFI is a very vibrant association with 1700 plus members across the country and 12 Chapters. The idea is to have people at every level in the association involved in the activities of the association, so the young leadership can take over. The vision is to have a strong, unified and coherent voice for this industry and better lobbying efforts that the Government will listen to. We need to promote Inbound Tourism as it is a form of cultural diplomacy. When tourists go back, they become ambassadors for your country.

The biggest change that we have brought about in the last couple of years is the democratisation of TAFI. We have the ‘Joint Bank Guarantee Scheme’ for our members in which, instead of giving an individual guarantee to IATA, TAFI undertakes to give a guarantee on behalf of those agents.

What keeps you motivated to push boundaries in this industry?

I still enjoy my work and that keeps me motivated. It is gratifying when people come back from a trip and tell me they had a wonderful trip! That keeps me going.

If you could pick one dream destination to visit in 2025, where would it be, and why does it captivate you?

I will go back to Ladakh anytime. It is one of the most unique places in the world. It is within our country; language is not a problem and you can vibe with people. I also recently visited Arunachal Pradesh and loved it.

Travel comes with its ups and downs—could you share one of your most memorable trips, both one that exceeded expectations and one that didn’t go as planned?

My first visit to Corbett was amazing when elephants were still allowed and seeing a tiger ten feet away was a thrilling experience. In ten days, we saw six different tigers. Also, my first trip to Ladakh, where I drove from Manali to Leh, was memorable.

A trip that went bad was probably when I lost my phone when I landed in Toronto. Luckily, I got it back as I had accidentally dropped it below my airplane seat!

What advice would you give to young professionals in the travel trade who aspire to reach the heights of success you’ve achieved?

Be interested in people. You have to enjoy interacting with people and understand their needs. Stay updated with technology. Be product aware, specialise and create a niche. Be resilient. Understand world geography.

The travel industry has its challenges. What do you find to be the biggest obstacles, and if given the chance, what one change would you make to improve the industry?

Inbound tourism is an important part of the tourism ecosystem. Unfortunately, the perception of India as a destination has taken a bit of a hit. Two aspects particularly highlighted are safety of women and the general cleanliness. Both these require a concerted effort from the industry and the Government together. We need to sensitize our countrymen to the fact the tourist is not only providing economic benefits but they will also carry the word about India and Indians as people. We need incentives for the tourism industry. Taxation is another issue that needs to be addressed. GST is high. We need better tourist vehicles and seamless movement across state boundaries. More flights are needed for better connectivity.

Could you tell us a bit about your family and share one cherished childhood memory that still makes you smile?

I have two sons. One is working in Toronto and the other is pursuing Theatre in Delhi. I have two grandsons. My wife helps me with the inbound tourism work from October to March.

I grew up in Mount Abu. I loved the hills there. We used to walk to school across a bridge. In rains, if that bridge was under water, it was a holiday! I had a great childhood. I think I am a small-town boy.

QUICK SHOTS

Birthday / Sun Sign – July 1 / Cancer
Mountain or Beaches – Mountains
Favourite holiday destination – Ladakh and Vietnam
Best travel hack – Travel light
Window or Aisle? – Aisle
Favourite cuisine – Rajasthani
Favourite Quote – “No one is born hating anybody for the colour of their hair or skin. People must learn to hate. If they can learn to hate, they must be taught to love because love comes more naturally to human beings”- Nelson Mandela
Hobbies– Reading, listening to Rock Music and old Hindi songs, Spending time at my farm, driving my motorcycle and travelling through the country
Travel souvenirs – Love them or leave them? – Leave them
Travel advice for the first time traveller – Travel with an open mind and a gentle heart for you will discover that the differences that divide us are nothing in comparison to the similarities that can unite us!