Pranav Kapadia founded Global Destinations 18 years ago and continues to lead with the same passion, zeal, and resilience, firmly believing that travel is one of life’s greatest teachers. For him, travelling is not just about exploring destinations but also about discovering oneself along the way. In an exclusive candid conversation with BOTT, he shares insights from his remarkable journey.
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 travel professional?
My passion for travel drew me to the travel industry. My father worked in the airline industry, and we travelled extensively when I was young, especially during my school years. It naturally led me into the travel industry because I genuinely enjoyed travelling. Watching my father build his career in the airline industry made it seem like a natural progression for me.
Since we had a US Green Card, we travelled to the US frequently. We lived in Germany for the first 13–14 years of my life before returning to Mumbai. During my school holidays, we travelled across Europe and several other countries. That’s where my passion for travel truly began. My office is my happy place because my work and my passion have always gone hand in hand.
What would you say is your proudest achievement to date?
I have been part of this industry since 1989, having started my career at a very young age. Starting Global Destinations 18 years ago remains one of the biggest professional milestones of my journey. Moving from being an employee in a corporate or privately run organisation to starting my own business was a completely different ball game, and I believe it has been one of my proudest achievements.
When I look back, one of my greatest strengths has always been my family, who have stood by me throughout. Another defining milestone over the last 18 years was being appointed as the GSA for Air New Zealand in 2016. This year marks ten years of that successful partnership.
If you had to pick a dream destination for 2026, what would it be?
My dream destination is within India—I would love to visit Kashmir. It has been on my bucket list for many years.
What would be your message to youngsters who have recently joined the travel industry and aspire to achieve your level of success?
The travel industry is the first to be affected and the last to recover, but never give up on it. Despite all the challenges, people will always travel, whether domestically or internationally. Don’t be discouraged because it seems like a tough industry. It certainly is, but once you succeed, the rewards are incredibly fulfilling.
Could you tell us a little about your family and share a cherished childhood memory?
There are four of us in my family—my mother, my wife, my daughter, and me. We all live together. I spent only a few years with my father, but during those 13 years, we travelled extensively together. The places we visited, the experiences we shared, and the time we spent together as a family will always hold a special place in my heart.
QUICK SHOTS
- Birthday / Sun Sign: 30 June | Cancer
- Mountains or Beaches: Beaches
- Favourite Holiday Destination: New Zealand
- Window or Aisle Seat: Aisle
- Favourite Cuisine: Italian
- Favourite Quote: Travel is fun because you are not only exploring the destination, but also discovering yourself.
- Best Advice for a First-Time Traveller: You need a travel curator—you shouldn’t do everything on your own.
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