In an enlightening discussion between Raamesh Chandra, our editor, and Ashwath Vyas S, the visionary founder of Amaavi Travels, we uncover the ethos behind the company’s inception, its distinctive approach to travel planning, and the pivotal moments that have shaped its journey.
Q: Can you tell us about your background and how Amaavi Travels came to be?
A: I began my career as a civil engineer and graduated from the Chaitanya Bharti Institute of Technology, one of the top private engineering colleges. During college, I was actively involved in a global youth organization called AIESEC (https://aiesec.org/) , where I was recruited into the Hyderabad chapter. My fascination with travel grew during this time, leading me to work in China for a year, which was a transformative experience. Afterwards, I worked with Worldview Education, designing travel learning programs.
Q: How did Amaavi Travels get its start?
A: I founded Amaavi in August 2017 to provide customized holiday packages. We believe that meaningful travel connects us to the world out there and within. Our team of Adventure Alchemists helps you plan hassle-free getaways to every corner of the world.
Q: What sets Amaavi Travels apart from other travel companies?
A: We focus on curating personalized travel experiences. Unlike traditional travel agencies that offer pre-designed packages, we work closely with each client to understand their interests, budget, and travel style. This allows us to create customized itineraries that provide exceptional experiences tailored to individual needs.
Q: How does Amaavi Travels ensure the quality and uniqueness of its travel experiences?
A: We take a consultative approach to travel planning, starting with a one-and-a-half —to two-hour consultation call to understand the client’s preferences. We don’t offer ready-made packages; we tailor the itinerary based on the client’s interests, budget, and desired experience. This ensures that the customer knows exactly what to expect and minimizes disappointment.
Q: What’s Amaavi Travels’ current turnover?
A: As of the last financial year, we achieved a turnover of 2 crores. For the just-concluded financial year, we are finalizing our books of accounts, and we have seen a 50% growth. So, we are close to reaching similar levels this year.
Q: How did the COVID-19 lockdowns impact Amaavi Travels and its operations?
A: The lockdowns, especially the second and third ones, brought a lot of uncertainty. Initially, we saw some positive signs with domestic tourism opening up in November 2020, and we were the first agency for safaris in the Kabini National Park in Karnataka. However, every time things started looking up, another lockdown made it very uncertain. After the third lockdown, I was still determining if I wanted to continue doing this or if I should look at taking up a job.
Q: How does Amaavi Travels continuously engage its customers and gather feedback to improve its offerings?
A: After each trip, we debrief the customer to understand their challenges, likes, and dislikes. We also request that they leave us a Google review, which helps us gather valuable feedback. Additionally, we prepare Instagram posts or reels sharing their experiences with their permission to showcase our services.
Q: What is Amaavi Travels’ approach to sustainability and responsible travel?
A: We are committed to sustainability and responsible travel practices. While plastic packaging is often unavoidable in the travel industry, we strive to minimize our environmental impact by using glass packaging and engaging in plastic recycling initiatives. We aim to contribute more to plastic recycling than we consume.
Q: What are your plans for the future of Amaavi Travels?
A: We are focused on consolidating our position in the Indian travel market and providing exceptional travel experiences to our clients. However, we have also received inquiries from international travellers interested in exploring India, so we may consider expanding our reach.
