Shreya Ekawde, a BCA graduate from Don Bosco College in Panaji, has seamlessly transformed her passion for travel into a flourishing business. With the support of her husband, Rohir Naik, who runs a successful IT company called Coderix in Ponda, Shreya embarked on a journey to establish her own travel agency, driven by her love for exploration and adventure.
A Journey Begins
Hailing from Batim in Goa Velha, Shreya’s fascination with travel and tourism blossomed early in her life. After her marriage, she began managing operations at Coderix while nurturing her passion for travel. “I managed travel-related inquiries through the Golden Goa Facebook page, interacting with agents from across the country. This experience laid the groundwork for my dream project—my travel agency,” she shares.
Learning Through Experience
Though Shreya lacks formal education in travel and tourism, she firmly believes that knowledge and experience are paramount in any business. “I’ve completed various online courses that introduced me to the methodologies of tourism. Today, accessing the right resources has never been easier. Learning is an ongoing journey,” she explains.
Turning Passion into a Profession
Shreya’s decision to pursue a career in travel was fueled by her unwavering passion. “Travel excites me, and I can talk about it endlessly. I’ve worked hard to understand the nuances of this industry from multiple sources. Now, I feel equipped to manage my business effectively,” she states.
The seed for her travel business was planted while managing the Golden Goa page, where she developed travel packages for visitors to Goa. This role granted her valuable insights into the industry, and she began accepting bookings and curating travel plans from home. With her husband’s support, she opened her office in Ponda post-pandemic, further cementing her commitment to her new venture.
Navigating the Travel Landscape
Goa’s travel industry is vast, and Shreya’s agency aims to capture a global audience. “We have certain trade secrets that enable us to generate business efficiently from our office. Our dedicated team ensures we deliver top-notch service to our clientele,” she says, highlighting the successful tours they’ve conducted both within and outside Goa.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
In an industry marked by competition, Shreya believes that collaboration is key. “Competition pushes us to innovate and provide unique experiences. We view competitors as partners rather than adversaries, collaborating when needed, which fosters mutual growth,” she shares.
Diverse Travel Packages
As Goa gears up for the tourism season, Shreya’s agency is actively promoting local experiences alongside other popular destinations. “We offer packages not just for Goa but also for places like Kashmir, Kerala, Shimla, and Manali. For international travelers, we have enticing options in Singapore, Dubai, the Maldives, and Vietnam,” she reveals.
Overcoming Challenges
Shreya’s journey hasn’t been without obstacles. In the early days, she faced a scarcity of inquiries. “With the guidance of my mentor and my husband’s support, I implemented systems that helped us navigate those challenges, allowing our business to thrive,” she recounts.
Financial Management in a Competitive Space
Managing finances is critical in the travel industry, where significant capital is often required. “I have my mentor who guides me on financial matters, ensuring our business remains steady despite potential cash flow issues,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of sound financial planning.
Memorable Client Interactions
Among the many experiences that stand out, one unforgettable moment occurred during their first family tour to Kashmir. “The family enjoyed their trip immensely and provided us with positive feedback, boosting our confidence. To our surprise, they even sent us dry fruits and saffron from Kashmir after we completed over 20 tours within three months,” she recalls fondly.
Looking Ahead
With her sights set on the future, Shreya plans to create an intuitive online booking platform to enhance customer convenience. “We are excited to launch our website soon, making it easier for clients to book their travel experiences,” she shares.
A Message for Travelers
Shreya encourages everyone to carve out time for travel amid their busy lives. “Travel at least once a year with your family. In a tech-obsessed world, social media may tempt us to focus on capturing the perfect shot, but travel is about much more than that. It should inspire, rejuvenate, and educate you,” she advises.
“Travel to experience different cultures, to relax, to savor diverse cuisines, and to fulfill your bucket list dreams. Let your journeys contribute to a better world,” she concludes, embodying the spirit of exploration and the transformative power of travel.
Shreya Ekawde’s journey is a testament to the idea that passion, when combined with determination and support, can indeed lead to extraordinary achievements.
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