From tourism student to managing director: Meet Saurabh Vyas
ITC graduate Saurabh Vyas (now Managing Director of Vyas Travels) with ITC International Marketing Manager Lesley Brough in 2010.
One of the most rewarding things about being a tourism training provider is seeing students go on to achieve great things in the tourism industry.
Saurabh Vyas is one such student. Saurabh, an international student from India, studied with ITC from 2009-2011.
After completing a Diploma in International Tourism and Travel Management, Saurabh returned to his hometown of Raipur, central India to run his family’s travel company, Vyas Travels.
Now the managing director, Saurabh oversees two branches – Vyas Travels in Bhilai and Vyas Travel Services in Raipur, central India – and has great plans to grow the business.
Encouraging people to visit New Zealand is a particular focus for Saurabh, who feels a strong connection to Aotearoa and its people.
Saurabh returned to India at the completion of his qualification. Although no longer in New Zealand, his fascination did not end. He started his own travel product and made it his mission to let others share a similar experience to what he enjoyed in New Zealand.
“After finishing my studies, I wanted to go back to India to increase the number of outbound travellers to see the beautiful country of New Zealand. There’s nothing quite like the natural beauty found within the landscapes and the kiwi attitude anywhere else in the world,” says Saurabh.
“I returned to India in 2012. In those days, we used to book less than 10 passengers to New Zealand. Today, around 100-120 people visit New Zealand from our company.”
Vyas Travel Services primarily focuses on luxury travel, such as honeymoons and small family groups.
In addition to running the business, Saurabh is also husband to Chandni and a father to a “cute little boy” called Prayan.
“ITC helped me become the person I am today”
Life is busy, but Saurabh says he wouldn’t have it any other way. He looks back on his time at ITC with fondness and is thankful he made the decision to study tourism in New Zealand.
“It was my best decision in life to move to New Zealand in 2009. This country and ITC helped me to become the person I am today,” says Saurabh.
He has dreams of one day returning to New Zealand to start an inbound travel business.
Success runs in the family
ITC missed Saurabh once he left the college – staff described him as a “joy to be around”.
Thankfully, they stayed in touch, especially once Saurabh’s younger sister, Leena, also came to New Zealand to study at ITC in 2015.
Lesley Brough with siblings Saurabh and Leena Vyas in April this year.
Leena went on to enjoy great success in her own right, and now works as a sales specialist for JUCY Rentals.
“My whole family in India is really proud of Leena,” says Saurabh.
ITC international marketing manager, Lesley Brough, has nothing but positive things to say about the siblings.
“It was such a pleasure to have both Saurabh and Leena study with us at ITC. I remember when Saurabh joined us back in 2009, he was so friendly and positive,” recalls Lesley.
“When Saurabh contacted us years later to say his sister, Leena, also wanted to study at ITC, we were so excited. Leena is energetic, bubbly, and very bright. They are both so passionate about travel & tourism, just like us, which made them perfect students for ITC! It is just wonderful to see how well Leena is doing in the industry here in New Zealand, and the amazing growth and product development Saurabh has done with Vyas Travel Services in India.”
Inspired by Saurabh and Leena’s story?
You, too, could embark on a journey from tourism student to success story. Get in touch today to find out how we can get your travel and tourism career off to a flying start.
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