We recently had the opportunity to interview Jatinder Paul Singh, Co-Founder and Global CEO of Viacation. He is also the Co-Founder and Global CEO of Golden Gateways and Travel Deals Online.
With a passion for exploring new places and cultures, alongwith the desire to create memorable experiences for others, Jatinder has become a renowned name in the travel industry of the region. With innovative solutions for the travel industry, Jatinder Paul Singh’s organizations are redefining the travel space. In this insightful session, the CEO shares about his career trajectory, challenges in the industry, and offers valuable suggestions for aspiring professionals of the field.
Spark Behind The Journey
We were interested to learn about the advent of Jatinder Paul Singh in this industry. So, we started the interview by asking, “What initially drew you to your field, and how did your early experiences shape your approach to business?”
Jatinder shared, “What initially drew me to the field of travel and tours was a combination of my passion for exploring new places and cultures, coupled with a desire to create memorable experiences for others. From a young age, I found myself fascinated by the diversity and beauty of the world, and I wanted to share that excitement with as many people as possible.
Travel challenges and uncertainties have fostered resilience and adaptability, crucial in an ever-changing travel industry. Embracing innovation and sustainability, I prioritize enhancing the customer experience. From a passionate traveler to CEO and Founder, my journey is driven by authenticity, empathy, and pursuit of excellence, exceeding expectations for unforgettable journeys.”
Unmet Market Gaps
Eager to learn more about the market gaps that Jatinder aims to fulfill with his organization, we inquired, “Can you tell us about the genesis of your current business and what specific need or gap you aimed to address?”
He responded, “In the last 5 years, multiple compounding factors, including the pandemic created a significant void in the travel industry. With the changing landscape, fewer national players dominate India’s consumer market, leaving room for small businesses to struggle. Viacation recognizes this opportunity and aims to compete for consumer attention and market share.
Additionally, Viacation’s B2B venture, traveldealsonline.com, empowers travel agents with segment sales capabilities such as flights, hotels, transfers, insurance, and allied services. Further, our set up Dubai is basically the destination management business focussed on incoming tourists into UAE and we are primarily focussing on India, UK & Russia markets at this point with plans to expand in other markets beyond these soon.”
Impact Of Values And Ethics
We further asked, “How have your personal values influenced the way you conduct business?”
Jatinder replied, “My personal values serve as the compass guiding my business conduct. Integrity forms the bedrock of every decision, ensuring honesty and transparency in all interactions. Reciprocity drives me to foster mutually beneficial relationships, where trust and respect are mutually upheld.
Sincerity infuses authenticity into my dealings, fostering genuine connections built on trust and empathy. Teamwork is paramount, recognizing that collective efforts yield greater results than individual endeavors. Participative leadership empowers every team member, valuing diverse perspectives and encouraging collaboration.
These values not only shape my business practices but also define the culture of my organization, fostering an environment where integrity, reciprocity, sincerity, teamwork, and participative leadership are not just ideals but lived realities.”
Overcoming Major Adversities
Challenges are a part of every business. To understand how Jatinder Paul Singh overcame the same, we asked, “What has been the most challenging project or period in your career, and what did you learn from it?”
He said, “The most challenging yet fulfilling project in my career has been my journey as an entrepreneur. Building a business from scratch demands relentless dedication, innovative thinking, and resilience in the face of numerous hurdles. From securing funding to navigating market fluctuations and managing a team, every step presents unique challenges.
However, through these experiences, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about adaptability, the importance of strategic planning, and the power of perseverance. Each setback has only fuelled my determination to succeed, reinforcing the significance of resilience and resourcefulness in achieving entrepreneurial goals.”
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
To understand Jatinder’’s perspective on staying updated with the latest market developments and incorporating them in the business, we asked, “How do you integrate new technologies or innovative practices into your business operations?”
“Integrating new technologies and innovative practices into our business operations is paramount to staying competitive and meeting evolving consumer demands. We leverage technology not to replace, but to enhance our human capital, ensuring excellence in service and experience delivery for our consumers.
By providing our team with cutting-edge tools and training, we empower them to work more efficiently and effectively. This approach fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, where every employee is encouraged to embrace technological advancements as opportunities to better serve our customers. Through this synergy of technology and human expertise, we strive to exceed expectations and drive success.” Jatinder added.
Adaptability Is The Key
We were intrigued to learn more about Jatinder Paul Singh’s experience on transformation of business routes. So, we asked, “Could you share an experience where you had to pivot your business strategy dramatically?”
He shared, “In the dynamic landscape of business, adaptability is paramount. Consistently pivoting our strategy demands a cohesive team effort, where every member is not just an implementer but also an innovator. Collaboration breeds agility, enabling us to swiftly assess market shifts and internal capabilities.
Through open dialogue, I foster diverse perspectives to challenge the status quo. Regular brainstorming sessions and collaboration help us anticipate changes. Feedback loops integrate insights from all levels, empowering each team member and fostering shared responsibility. Ultimately, our ability to pivot successfully hinges on our collective agility and adaptability. By harnessing the power of teamwork, we not only navigate uncertainty but also thrive amidst it, driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
Guidance And Unwavering Support
We asked, “What role has mentorship played in your career, both as a mentor and a mentee?”
He added, “Mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my career, both as a mentor and a mentee. As a mentee, I received invaluable guidance and support from seasoned leaders, as well as learned from the insights of smart peers. Their wisdom and encouragement helped me navigate challenges and seize opportunities, accelerating my professional growth.
Today, as a mentor, I am committed to paying it forward by empowering budding talent. I firmly believe in providing everyone with a fair chance to excel, fostering an inclusive environment where mentorship thrives. By sharing knowledge, offering support, and championing diversity, I strive to inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Plans for Viacation We Asked Jatinder Paul Singh
Intrigued to learn more about the upcoming plans for his business, we asked Jatinder, “Tell us more about your future business plans.”
He replied, “The long-term vision of Viacation is to become the most sought-after international hospitality brand made and grown in India with presence across all continents delivering exceptional experiences to discerning travelers through a omni-channel distribution ecosystem backed by a world class customer excellence center geared up to serve all travel and allied needs of consumers across product genre.
Our mission is to become a one stop travel solution for all kinds of travel and allied services with the ability to cater to all consumer segments delivering world class service and memorable experiences and thereby become. The natural and obvious choice of travelers across product genres and experiences in India and internationally.”
Words Of Wisdom To Beginners
Lastly, seeking guidance for beginners in the relevant field, we asked, “What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in your industry today?”
Jatinder shared, “To those embarking on their journey in our industry, I offer a pivotal piece of advice: embrace calculated risks. While it’s true that fortune favors the brave, it’s essential to temper bravery with prudence.
Smart work goes beyond bravery; it involves weighing risks and opportunities for informed decisions. Adaptability is crucial in a world of constant change. Don’t be afraid to explore new problem-solving approaches. Innovation is necessary, not optional, and those who dare to innovate thrive in uncertainty.
Remember, innovation doesn’t always mean reinventing the wheel; it can be finding efficient ways to tackle challenges. Stay curious, open-minded, and embrace change for growth. Collaborate with diverse perspectives for valuable insights. Succeed by upholding values and ethics. Trust and integrity bring true success. Be bold, innovative, adaptable, and ethical. Overcome challenges and build a meaningful career with the right mindset. The possibilities are limitless.”
Follow Jatinder Paul Singh on LinkedIn.
Find Viacation on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.viacation.com/
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