The corporate travel and event management industry is undergoing a transformation, and leading the charge is Shylender Jindal, Managing Director of SKIL Travel. In an insightful conversation, Jindal shares the strategies, innovations, and future trends shaping the industry.
SKIL started with just flights and hotels, but we’ve evolved into a comprehensive end-to-end travel management solution. We offer everything from airlines, visas, accommodation, and events to ground transportation—all seamlessly integrated to address every corporate need, whether it’s employee engagement, customer engagement, or leadership offsites. Imagine a journey where every touchpoint is managed for comfort, safety, and efficiency, right from the time the traveller/ event attendee leaves home to the time s/he returns home. By providing tailor-made, client-specific solutions and embracing real-time booking technology, we enable clients to book hotels, flights, and cabs with a click. Our integration across travel, hospitality, logistics, and events makes SKIL unique in India.
Q2. Experiential marketing has become a buzzword in event planning. How does SKIL Travel incorporate this concept into its corporate events to create impactful experiences?
Our strength lies in hiring bright, creative minds who bring events to life. We design bespoke team-building activities, interactive workshops, and immersive themes that reflect the client’s brand, creating an emotional and intellectual connection with the audience. Each experience resonates deeply and leaves a lasting impression.
One of our clients had a clear objective: to create a purposeful team-building experience. To meet this, we designed an engaging CSR-driven activity where teams worked collaboratively to build bicycles using limited resources. Through fun challenges and problem-solving exercises, teams earned the necessary components to complete their bikes.
The highlight came when each team personally gifted their completed bicycle to a child from a local NGO, turning the activity into a deeply meaningful experience. The joy on those children’s faces and the heartfelt connections created among participants left everyone profoundly moved. It’s these impactful moments that underscore the power of team-building with a purpose.
In other cases, we’ve worked with clients who prioritize sustainability as a core objective. For them, we arrange events at eco-friendly hotels and provide sustainable giveaways that align with their brand values and reinforce their commitment to responsible practices. These experiences allow us to meet diverse client goals, whether it’s through fostering connections, supporting communities, or promoting environmental consciousness.
Q4. Are there any upcoming tech innovations that SKIL Travel is excited about implementing to improve operational efficiency or customer satisfaction?
We’re focused on enhancing our digital capabilities to offer clients a comprehensive, efficient travel experience. By March 2025, we will launch a Travel and Expense Management tool for clients. This platform will bring a full suite of travel services into a single, easily accessible tool, designed to improve cost efficiency and speed. While we scale through technology, the personal touch remains at our core.
Q5. What strategies do you employ to ensure that an event aligns with the client’s brand vision and delivers measurable results?
We start by understanding the client’s brand and goals to create a tailored event blueprint. After the event, we deliver a detailed report that highlights key performance indicators, such as engagement levels, feedback, and ROI. This approach ensures our events align with the client’s vision and deliver measurable outcomes.
Q6. As someone with over two decades of experience in the corporate travel industry, what future trends do you foresee that will significantly impact corporate travel and events?
Technology is revolutionizing corporate travel, allowing for seamless transactions and transparency. From booking to real-time updates and complete end-to-end travel management, digital platforms now cover every aspect of the journey. Meanwhile, Sustainability is taking centre stage as companies choose eco-friendly hotels, electric vehicles, and responsible service providers. Personalization, supported by AI and data, will enable more customized experiences. Yet, the human touch remains essential, which is why we assign dedicated relationship managers for immediate support, fostering trust and building lasting client relationships.
Q7. How is SKIL Travel preparing to adapt to these emerging trends and continue offering top-tier solutions to its clients?
We focus intently on the customer experience, continuously learning from our clients and competitors to stay aligned with the latest market demands.
Our in-house tech team adapts our platforms to meet the expectations of a new generation, enhancing efficiency, personalization, and accessibility. We are therefore able to provide cutting-edge digital solutions as per evolving modern needs.
We are also committed to eco-conscious practices, such as incorporating electric vehicles for rentals, resonating with travellers who prioritize sustainability.
Equally critical is our commitment to HR, as we view our HR team as a direct contributor to the company’s P&L; they shape the skilled workforce that is essential to maintaining our focus on customer experience. It is their passion that fuels the innovation and service excellence our clients expect and truly powers our long-term success.
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