After having finished his graduation, Kedar Gawade had the option of going abroad to do an MBA or pursuing something which he was genuinely interested in. He eventually ended up doing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) course from Geneva and began life as a travel agent. Coming from a background of customs, the airline field seemed to be the best option available in terms of business for him. Making use of the family premises he set up RA Travels, which, in Egyptian, means the rising sun.

According to Gawade, " Today it is not just the very rich who travel. Even the middle class have taken to the skies." The initial response to the travel agency was slow but the agency does enjoy a certain degree of consistency. Apart from ticketing for domestic and international airline booking and hotel bookings, RA Travels does bookings for the Germany Trade Fairs which happen all the year round. It also conducts inbound tours for foreigners who come to see India and also conducts tours for NRIs and their children. The agency also handles corporate itineraries where they combine leisure and work.

Speaking about corporate itineraries, Gawade says, "We fix up a schedule in such a way that the businessman is able to spend some leisure time as well. It is our service and relationship with our clients that really matter at the end of the day." The agency has a very glamourous clientele which includes models and film stars. There are also day to day walk-in clients as well as NRIs. Madhu Sapre, Helen Brodie, Hemant Trivedi, Malaika Arora and others are included among RA Travel's star clients. Gawade adds, "Our service ensures that you comeback not just tomorrow, but for years to come. "

Address :
RAJ Travel, 190/192, J S S Marg, Gaiwadi Girgaum, Mumbai- 400 004
Telephone : 389 8620 / 21 / 22
Fax : 389 8619
Email : ratravel@bom3vsnl.net.in

By : Sharmistha Chatterjee