Published in the Sunday Sakal on 4 February, 2024

If you aspire to travel the world without spending a penny, there are two paths: become an air hostess, a flight attendant, or a pilot, or venture into the exciting world of tour management. With over three hundred tour managers at Veena World, some have explored more than seventy-five countries, while others are progressing from fifty to seventy-five. There are those who have completed twenty-five countries, and indeed, some tour managers have surpassed our own travel experiences. Isn't it an incredible profession? 

The reason I'm addressing the role of tour managers today is the upcoming interviews for positions at Veena World's Corporate Office in Vidyavihar, Mumbai on February 18th, 2024. We have ten seats available for tour managers and a total of ninety seats to be filled for assistant tour managers. 

Questions about the profession, its future prospects, dealing with situations like Covid, required academic qualifications, and other necessary skills are common queries from interested candidates and their families. I'll address these questions here. 

My own journey began as a Tour Manager at the age of twenty-two, leading tours in Himachal for ten years before expanding to various international destinations. Sudhir, Sunila, Neil, and I, the founders of Veena World, all started as tour managers. This profession taught us invaluable lessons, exposed us to diverse cultures, and instilled in us a deep understanding of the service industry. 

Recently, I received an email from Mr. Pravin Shah and Mrs. Neela Shah, who completed their 30th tour with Veena World on January 19th 2024. Starting with Veena World in 2018, they have set a remarkable record of 30 tours in India and abroad within five years, excluding the Covid year. Their positive experiences with our tour managers create happy memories that lead them to book successive tours. 

Tour managers play a pivotal role in Veena World's progress, ensuring the guest satisfaction and fulfilling their responsibilities. The career typically begins as an assistant tour manager on Indian tours, with the potential to advance to international tours based on performance. However, a misstep can send one back to the starting point, much like the snakes and ladders game. The profession demands resilience, hard work, and the ability to handle various challenges. 

Despite its glamorous appeal, being a tour manager requires maintaining good health and the mental strength to endure diverse weather conditions. It is a lucrative career for street-smart individuals, emphasizing humility, politeness, and a commitment to making others happy. 

Basic academic qualifications up to the 12th grade and proficiency in English, Hindi, and preferably Gujarati, along with Marathi, are prerequisites. Fluency in Hindi is crucial for effective communication with guests from across India. We encourage tour managers to learn multiple languages to enhance their connectivity with people, especially during tours abroad. 

In conclusion, if you know street-smart individuals up to 30 years old with a passion for travel and leading others, encourage them to attend the interviews on February 18th. 

Despite the challenges posed by Covid, Veena World and its team remain resilient. The phrase on the back cover of our office diary reflects our spirit: ‘Hum Udna Chahte Hain, Daudna Chahte Hain, Girna Bhi Chahte Hain… Bas Rukna Nahi Chahte!’ - We want to fly, run, and even fall, but we refuse to stop!

 Veena World Travel Mission

We can typically visit 227 countries, including small republics like Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, or overseas territories such as French Polynesia or the British Virgin Islands. Various countries have different visa requirements – some necessitate visas, some offer on-arrival visas, and some are visa-free. In terms of accessibility, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore, and Spain top the list, with citizens of these nations able to visit 194 countries without a visa or through visa-on-arrival facilities, making their passports the most powerful. 

The United Kingdom ranks fourth, allowing its passport holders to visit 191 countries, while the USA holds the seventh position with access to 188 countries. India is positioned eightieth, permitting visits to 62 countries through either free visas or visa-on-arrival services. The global competition for passport strength is evident, and efforts are being made by various governments, including ours, to enhance passport privileges. 

Examining tourist destinations, France consistently claims the top spot, attracting approximately eight crore tourists annually. Spain follows closely with seven crore visitors, and Turkey welcomes four and a half crores. The United Kingdom, Greece, Italy, Japan, and Germany each draw in 54 crore, three crore, 2.5 crore, two crore, and two crore tourists respectively. Austria completes the list with 1.75 lakh visitors. These countries are the top ten favourites among tourists worldwide. 

In comparison, India receives around 75 lakh foreign tourists annually, while the USA tops the chart with 6.5 crores. The United States is a coveted destination globally, as many people aspire to visit the country at least once in their lifetime. Take a moment to check which countries are still on your travel mission list and start planning your next adventure. 

#VeenaWorldTravelMission

Holiday
Just the way you like it! 

We often associate foreign travel with air journeys, but the unforgettable train journey of Raj and Simran in the movie 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge' still captivates our imagination. Such leisurely train journeys are possible in various parts of the world, thanks to the 'Veena World Customized Holidays' Division, where you can tailor your private holiday to your liking. 

Switzerland boasts the most popular trains in Europe, with the 'Glacier Express' standing out. Travelling from Zermatt to St. Moritz, this train allows you to send letters from a special onboard mailbox while crossing 291 bridges and 91 tunnels. Another Swiss gem is the 'Bernina Express,' running from Tirano in Italy to Chur in Switzerland, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The train's expansive glass windows provide a breath taking view of the surrounding beauty. 

In the UK, the iconic 'Hogwarts Express' from the Harry Potter movies is actually named the 'Jacobite Steam Train.' It features the famous 21-Arched bridge seen in the movies. Meanwhile, Japan's technological marvel, the 'Shinkansen' or 'bullet train,' reaches speeds of 320 kilometres per hour. A ride from Tokyo to Osaka offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji if seated on the right side of the train. 

For a scenic journey in Canada, consider the 'Rocky Mountaineer,' featuring a glass dome and an outdoor viewing platform showcasing waterfalls, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife. In the USA, experiences like the 'Denali Express' in Alaska and the 'Napa Valley Wine Train' in California are must-tries. 

For special meals and accommodation, explore unique trains worldwide, such as Australia's 'The Q Train.' Offering a comfortable three-hour dining experience between Drysdale and Queenscliff along the Great Ocean Road, it provides a unique culinary journey. 

In South Africa, the Kruger Shalati train stands out, with 31 rooms, 24 train carriage suites, and 7 bridge house suites overlooking the Sabi River. This train hotel even features an overhanging pool and a viewing deck on the bridge. 

To include these incredible train experiences in your holiday, reach out to the Veena World Customized Holidays team at customizedholidays@veenaworld.com. Embark on a journey that combines the magic of travel with the comfort of a tailored itinerary. 

Make a Happy New Beginning
with Veena World's Seniors Special Tours 

In the realm of business, terms like top line, bottom line, balance sheet, profit, and loss carry immense significance. However, amidst the numerical intricacies, the true essence lies in satisfaction. While conducting business, it becomes imperative to continually assess whether our endeavours contribute positively to the world. For the past eleven years, Veena World has been wholeheartedly dedicated to bringing the joy of tourism to its guests, a commitment that resonates deeply within the core of the organization. 

Amidst various offerings, what stands out as a beacon of contentment for Veena World is the immensely popular Seniors' Special Tours. Launched in 2013, these tours were envisioned as a way to cater specifically to the senior demographic, an endeavour close to our hearts. The response from our senior tourists has been overwhelming, creating a beautiful symbiotic relationship that continues to thrive. Every week, these special tours unfold in different corners of India and the world, allowing seniors to revel in the joy of travel without any reservations. 

Often referred to as ‘tours of blessings’, the Seniors' Special Tours hold a unique place in the hearts of both the guests and the Veena World team. The tour not only rejuvenates the participants but also culminates in a shower of blessings from the seniors upon our tour managers and the entire Veena World team. It is a cycle of positivity that fuels the spirit to overcome any challenges that may arise. 

In the contemporary landscape, it's increasingly evident that the next generation may struggle to allocate time for the preceding one. With children scattered across different states or countries for work, there arises a concern about how the elderly will spend their time. Veena World steps in as a reassuring presence, proclaiming, 'Hum Hain Na!' – We are here! Over the years, these tours have become a source of joy for the elders, offering a respite from worries about how to spend their time. 

As the years pass, the seniors have developed a deep affection for these tours, filling the months leading up to the journey with excitement and the months following it with cherished reminiscences. And when the memories start to fade, there are always new adventures waiting to be explored. Veena World beckons you to embark on the second half of life with happiness, promising a journey filled with joy and beautiful memories. Chalo, Bag Bharo, Nikal Pado!