Almost one and half decade back not too many people would have thought that the idea of offering travel ancillary services will brought a sea change in travel industry. It was an entrepreneur and a visionary leader in Dev Karvat, who recognised the importance of travel assistance services and established a company ‘TrawellTag’ with this concept nascent back then. It was his talent that opened a new arena in this space and paved the way for his company to become a trusted name in travel ancillary services.
Having an extensive experience of more than 16 years; well renowned for his innovative ideas, Dev Karvat has earned a reputation that is unmatched in this space. A passionate and focused Karvat is a commerce graduate from University of Mumbai and comes from a family background of insurance service providers. Under his dynamic leadership TrawellTag has grown from a single office to a network of 50+ branches in a span of 10 years. In 2012, the company achieved another feather in its cap when Cover-More, world’s leading dedicated providers of travel insurance and medical services decided to invest in TrawellTag.
Q. How has your TrawellTag Cover-More journey been over the years? Ans. It has been a journey of discovery and learning. We (TrawellTag) have grown from a single office to a network of 50+ branches in a span of 10 years. The growth has been a mix of organic and inorganic, with the latter coming in force when Cover-More, the world’s leading dedicated provider of travel insurance and medical assistance, joined us in our journey to transform the travel industry in India.
Q. What encouraged you to make your career in travel and tourism industry? Ans. Travel and tourism as a profession offers diversity and opportunities of discovery. This industry not only is lucrative also offers a lot of scope to explore. It is my passion for travelling and the inherent commitment to help travellers during times of need and help them make the most of their travel that got me into travel assistance services.
Q. What were the key turning points of your professional side? Ans. On the professional side, the key turning point has been the first assignment I received from our very first client, Kuoni-SOTC and recently, I must say it was when Cover-More decided to invest in TrawellTag and we came to be known as TrawellTag Cover-More paving the way for a sea change in the Indian travel ancillary services business.
Q. What are the best part, and most challenging parts of your job? Ans. The best part about my work is that it gets me involved in the industry that I am passionate about, and in turn provides a lot of scope of variety and innovation in work, day-in-day-out. The challenging part is converting and transforming travel ancillary services from a commodity to a ‘must-have’. One method of doing it is by educating the end users about the importance of opting for assistance services including travel insurance and with our efficiency, tact and commitment sustain the confidence gained.
Q. How do you see the growth of TrawellTag Cover-More in next couple of years? Ans. As the travel industry booms, so will the travel assistance services industry. The rise of the Indian economy will in turn boost the tourism industry and with the consumer gathering faith and knowledge, the sale of tailor-made TrawellTag Cover-More travel insurance package for the new generation traveller will only rise.
In-brief
Q. How would you describe yourself? Ans. I would describe myself as passionate and a focused person who can never lose the drive for the work, people and organisation I do it with. Above all, I would say I am a positive and enthusiastic person and relish the challenge.
Q. Where have you travelled recently with your family? Ans. I recently travelled to France (Paris) with my wife, Bhavi and before that had been to Singapore on a family vacation in the month of August.
Q. Do you have any favourite childhood travel memory? Ans. My favourite childhood travel memory would be visiting my uncle’s farm at Panchgani, which is amidst the nature’s lap. Playing on top of the mountain valley with my cousins and enjoying the serene atmosphere is a memory I will cherish all my life.
Q. How do you a make balance in your personal and professional life? Ans. I concentrate on my work completely, and make sure to devote time to my family when I am outside of the work arena. Family time is completely relaxing as I indulge and make the best efforts possible to be a good son to my parents, the perfect husband for my wife and an ideal father to my children. I am glad I can handle it all smoothly, thanks to my family, especially my wife Bhavi, who is my pillar of strength, and an efficient team at work.
Q. If not a travel and tourism professional; what would you be? Ans. The only way to do great work is to do what you love and vice versa. I cannot see myself doing anything else but making every travel experience of a traveller hassle free and most memorable.
YOU LIKE IT Destination (India/Overseas): London, Monterosso al Mare- Italy Cuisines: Asian & Lebanese Hotel: Umami – Asian, Souk – Lebanese Childhood Travel Memory: – Panchgani
