In the ever thriving Indian travel industry, Anjum Lokhandwala stands out as a name synonymous with excellence, integrity, and innovation. With over two decades of experience across reputed tourism brands, Anjum has gracefully charted her journey through the ever-evolving trails and routes of the travel industry, rising to become one of the most admired and inspiring women leaders in the field today.
Founder of Outbound Konnections, a venture that quickly gained prominence for its dynamic approach to travel representation, Anjum’s visionary leadership led to its acquisition by the prestigious ARK Travel Group in 2020. Today, as the Founder & Director of ARKRep, she spearheads the representation vertical with a rare blend of warmth, business acumen, and authenticity. Whether it’s building bridges across cultures or creating powerful collaborations between global travel entities and Indian markets, Anjum’s approach is always rooted in trust and value creation.
A role model for many aspiring professionals, especially women, she continues to shine brightly, leading not with loud declarations but with quiet strength, dignity, and purpose. Here, Anjum Lokhandwala talks to Sumita Chakraborty, Editor-in-Chief, TheGlitz, about her journey, the future of the travel industry, and why travel representation is more than just business… it’s a passion.
Over To Anjum Lokhandwala, Founder & Director of ARKRep
You’ve had an incredible 21-year journey in the travel industry. How has your experience across different portfolios shaped the way you approach travel representation today?
Todays, travellers are an evolved lot… they look forward to innovative experiences with unique flavours. My business approach has been to discover and experience the destination myself firsthand with an intention to explore its uniqueness as well as gauge specific activity possibilities. This way, I can present top destination choices to my esteemed customers with overwhelming experiences that are well complimented with virtual platforms that offer seamless, real-time service.
From Founding Outbound Konnections to leading ARKRep, what inspired this transition and what does this new chapter mean for you?
2020, was the turning year for me with Covid looming over as a dampening agent in my scheme of things. But my winning spirit never dampened, so I played it safe by being a part of a bigger conglomerate and contributing to its success story.
“I wanted to have my cake and eat it too” best describes my transition from being the founder of Outbound Konnections to leading ArkRep.
It has been a transformative journey till date, inspiring me with diverse challenges and creating impactful travel solutions on the way. The new chapter is a growth-filled phase that has presented me with fresh destination opportunities and continued pursuit of excellence, which will surely enrich the ARKRep portfolio.
What differentiates ARKRep in the highly competitive representation space? Could you share some unique strategies or philosophies that drive your work?
ARKREP is a part of ARK TRAVEL GROUP, one of the largest B2B companies in India with a PAN India filtered database of 15000++ agents.
My philosophy is personal passions, professional values, embracing innovation and promoting sustainable practices
With travel evolving rapidly post-pandemic, what trends or shifts are you observing in outbound tourism from India?
Its good news for ARKREP with the latest trends in travel including high international travel destination as the flavour of the year along with a sharp rise in solo international trips and a shift towards premium travel options.
How do you balance the dynamic demands of brand representation with building long-term relationships in the global tourism network?
ARK TRAVEL GROUP has been into the business of Travel since 1981, which has been well-complimented with a strong network of 15,000++ travel vendors on board; and catering to this group has been an ever-evolving process. With adaptability and innovation and through an interesting brand portfolio we are slowly but surely conquering and have been in par with the ever-shifting competitive landscape.
As a woman leader in travel, what challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them? Any advice for aspiring travel entrepreneurs?
Its high time people have a mind-set shift. With empathy, I strive hard to maintain my place in a man’s business world that is now slowly but surely evolving and giving women a chance to showcase their true resilient talent. I have valued my opinion and remained authentic to my meaningful contribution. I draw my strength and confidence through the learning experiences I have acquired throughout the years I have been in this wonderful business of Travel & Tourism. My only advice to aspiring new entrepreneurs is to be genuine and true to your business model… no false promises.
Travel is also personal, what are some of your most memorable travel experiences and which destination is closest to your heart?
I cherish the memories of travelling with my family. “Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.”: — Leigh Hunt. One destination that is close to our heart is Kenya and it was our first family holiday.
What’s next for ARKRep? Can you give us a sneak peek into your 2025 vision and beyond?
It will be to increase the portfolio of ArkRep with diverse destinations to choose from. We will have more collaborations with international DMCs to promote and serve their travel offerings to the booming Indian market. And furthermore, strengthen ArkReps position as a leading destination management company and hospitality brand in the said region and build beautiful life experiences in the process. The recent addition to the interesting portfolio of ARK Rep has been the Serena Hotels Africa, the premier collection of award-winning safari lodges and camps, city hotels and beach resorts across East and Southern Africa.
