In the dynamic realm of India’s travel and tourism sector, few names resonate as profoundly as Naveen Kundu. As Managing Director of EbixCash Travel Group, overseeing operations across India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, Kundu stands at the forefront of a transformative era for the industry.
He firmly believes that tourism holds immense potential to drive economic growth and employment generation in India. “It is time to make tourism a priority sector in India,” he asserts, advocating for policy reforms and infrastructure investments that can unlock this untapped potential.
Kundu’s journey—from a young aspirant to a prominent voice in India’s travel landscape—reflects his resilience, vision, and sharp strategic acumen. His relentless push for reform and innovation continues to shape the industry’s future, establishing him as a key player in its modern renaissance.
A vocal advocate for change, Kundu calls for a paradigm shift in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) segment. “Success in MICE is not just about seizing opportunities but about creating value in a responsible and sustainable manner,” he emphasizes, urging the industry to adopt a more strategic and profit-focused approach.
Kundu envisions a future where India’s travel and tourism industry is not only recognized but prioritized as a core economic driver.
His journey began in Srinagar, a background marked by the socio-political unrest of Jammu & Kashmir—an experience that sparked his early passion for tourism and hospitality. Launching his career with Choice Hotels, he played a pivotal role in establishing India’s first global sales office for outbound hotel sales. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial leap in 2001 with the creation of Leisure Corp, which soon became a leading MICE company in India, serving top corporate clients and competing with global giants.
Kundu’s leadership philosophy is centered on democratizing travel. Through EbixCash’s powerful B2B platform, via.com, the company supports over half a million agents across India and beyond, empowering small businesses to compete with larger online travel agencies. “Our mission is to democratize travel, making it accessible and profitable for small entrepreneurs,” he says, highlighting his commitment to inclusive growth.
Under his guidance, EbixCash has also redefined India’s MICE capabilities. The company recently executed one of the largest group travel events to Thailand, accommodating over 5,000 participants. While acknowledging challenges such as visa delays and infrastructure bottlenecks in destinations like Phuket and Koh Samui, Kundu views them as catalysts for improvement. “To truly unlock the potential of new destinations for MICE business, we need to expand our infrastructure to accommodate large groups comfortably,” he notes, underscoring the need for long-term planning and investment.
