‘Travelling and exploring new places has great benefits in terms of life experience’

Vishwas Kelkar, president, Travel Agents Association, Pune addresses colleagues on the occasion of ‘World Tourism Day’ Travel Agents Association (Pune) president Vishwas Kelkar, 55, has been at the helm of affairs for two years. Around 80-Pune based agents are members of the association. The World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated every year on September 27. “Tourism brings everyone together. One should explore new places and get acquainted with new culture, traditions and local customs. It will help us to come together and bond well,” Kelkar said. He urges the beginners in this industry to follow the laid down guidelines and business ethics. Reminiscing about how he started his travel agency in the city in 1984, he said, “The focus of Sahyadri Institute of Mountaineering Adventure Sports (Simas) Travel agency was adventure sports. There were not many agencies in the city that organised trips catering to this particular sector. Activities were limited and were not explored commercially. That’s when the idea cropped up to set up this agency.” The travel agency became a pioneer in trekking, snow skiing, jungle safaris and white water rafting. In 1994, scuba diving was also included in the packages. Trips were organised from Pune to all over Maharashtra. Gradually, people from various parts of the state who were interested to participate in these trips got in touch with Kelkar. After 1995, Kelkar entered into leisure tourism. Explaining the concept of leisure tourism, Kelkar said, “Leisure tours are comfortable tours where adventure is limited. It is a holiday package for families. Adventure activities can be included as per clients’ demand. In this package, safety always comes first.” Holiday packages were specially tailor-made for families and included skiing camp at Shimla, snorkelling and kayaking at Lakshadweep, scuba diving and glass bottom rides in Andaman Islands. To make the trips more interesting, Kelkar tied up with 12 state tourism departments like Garwal, Kumaon, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep and Goa. Before coming up with packages for these particular places, Kelkar visited these sites to get a first-hand experience. He went to the remote areas and interior villages. He believes that every destination has lots to offer, besides the popular holiday sites. With offices at Sadashiv Peth and Laxmi Road, Simas Travels is known for its holiday packages. According to him, the concept of tourism has changed in the last 25 years. There are different age group of travellers — those between 30 and 40 years and the youngsters are always interested in something new. They are keen on exploring new places and adventure sports. On the other hand, senior citizens need well organised tours. “The three most important things that any traveller looks for are good food, comfortable stay and a vehicle at their disposal so that one can explore the destination according to convenience,” he said. Kelkar’s sons Aniket and Chetan assist him in his travel business. His travel agency’s third branch at Sadashiv Peth deals with corporate clients. The latest office has fund transfer, online booking and international ticketing facilities.