SO WHAT MAKES A GOOD BUSINESS PARTNER?
As you can imagine, there are many key attributes necessary for a business or businesses to be or become successful. However, it’s very clear, 99% of time, that the core component is based on the people involved and how they work. Yes, it’s all about the people!
For Select Representation, we certainly have had our greatest success with our partners who are (1) passionate (2) reliable (3) compatible (4) open minded / flexible (6) realistic (7) driven / proactive (8) fast movers (8) environmentally & ethically correct (9) keeping in pace with the market (10) good communicators. Ideally, we would want all of our clients to have these 10 traits BUT that’s not always easy to find. At the same time, we at Select Representation need to be able to follow the same rules, as a strong relationship is not based on only one side performing.
Which leads me to pin point one of our star partner performers, Ms Varsha Deshpande – Senior Vice President (Inbound) @ Trail Blazer Tours India. Varsha is someone who epitomises all of the 10 attributes that we look for in a strong working partnership and is without doubt one of the best in the DMC business. Thank you from the team @ Select Representation for being a joy to work with over the last 8 years ….and long may it continue.
We asked Varsha if she would kindly answer some questions about ‘A day in the life of …..Varsha Deshpande‘ and she happily obliged as follows:
My daily duties involve…
My day starts with a meeting with my team, followed by a quick discussion with the finance department about exchange rates, as this is crucial for our business, based on the fact that we quote in multiple currencies. My role involves guiding the team to select the right hotels, make suitable itinerary suggestions based on the customer’s requirement and importantly for them to always provide personalised / quality services to our partners all over the world. I need to be hands on for all aspects of our business, which is mainly tour operation and cruise shore excursions. Ultimately, our aim is too ensure that the customer has a great experience that is full of pleasant memories.
I’ve been in my job for…
I have been with Trail Blazer Tours (TBi) for 12 years. Prior to this, I worked for Travel Corporation India (TCI) for over 12 years, where I took care worldwide contracting. We contracted and operated on behalf of large accounts, such as, Kuoni Worldwide, DER Touristik and Meiers Weltresien.
I work in travel because…
I am really passionate about offering experiential travel to India, especially as the country has so much to offer, in addition to the Taj Mahal, Kerala and Rajasthan. It’s also a pleasure to work with various nationalities and understand their guest’s requirements in a holiday. This certainly makes each day interesting. Travelling within India has it’s challenges so there is never a dull moment! In addition to India, we actively promote tourism to Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. These neighbouring countries do things differently, as unlike India with its many industries, tourism plays a large part in their economies.
The most rewarding part of my job is…
There are many but the 2 key stand out points are. When we receive e-mails from guests/partner appreciating our efforts and photos from guests when they spot a Tiger in the national parks! Working with partners from around the world and forming long term relationship. I can easily say that I have more friends across the globe…. rather than in India.
The most challenging part of my job is…
To continuously keep a bird’s eye view on all aspects of business. My team is young and customers travelling to India are mostly in the age group of 50 and above. I need to continuously guide my team to immerse themselves in the customer’s shoes. For most visitors India is a one-time destination or a bucket list destination, so all efforts need to ensure a stress free vacation. An arrival transfer can never be missed.
The key to my success is….
Prompt responses, straightforward approach, keeping in touch with all international partners on a regular basis ….and keep smiling.
My favourite destination is…
I have many favourites in India. The desert city of Jaisalmer, Darjeeling for it’s Tea estates, Coorg for the natural beauty and coffee plantations and the quiet beaches of south Goa… to name a few. My all time favourite monument will always be the Taj Mahal. It’s constant and yet ever changing. From sunrise to sunset the Taj Mahal looks different and each time it is equally breath-taking. My favourite city in India would be Mumbai, the commercial capital on the Arabian Sea with its beautiful buildings and Marine drive promenade. The city is constantly alive with the local trains, the dabbawallas, markets and night life. I was born in the national capital New Delhi which has its own charm of Old Delhi with narrow streets and cycle-rickshaws and New Delhi which is Lutyens’s Delhi with marvellous buildings built by the British and beautiful Lodhi Gardens a contribution of the Mughal rule.
The most common thing I am asked is…
How safe is it to travel in India especially for single women travellers.
The worst thing that’s happened at work is…
I can’t think of anything in particular. Yes…. flights being cancelled due to Delhi fog in winter months is not something I really look forward to!
Things I find odd about travellers from the UK & Ireland….
I always feel that the guests from the UK are looking for colonial experiences everywhere which is amusing. Irish are looking for a good bar!
Sell India to someone who’s never been in one sentence…..
India is a land of contrasts, come with an open mind and we will ensure you enhance your senses.