THE FORCE BEHIND INDIA'S TRAVEL BOOM

WITH DECADES OF EXPERIENCE AND A PASSION FOR CONNECTING CULTURES, HIMANSHU KESARI PATIL LEADS BOTH KESARI TOURS AND OTOAI WITH VISION, COMPASSION AND A DEEP COMMITMENT TO TRAVELLERS

- BY NAMITA GUPTA

Himanshu Kesari Patil, Director, Kesari Tours Pvt. Ltd., is one of India's most respected and trusted travel brands and currently serving as the President of OTOAI. Himanshu is a distinguished name in the Indian travel industry and comes with a deep-rooted passion for tourism with an unparalleled global exposure and industry insight. He has played a pivotal role in driving Kesari Tours’ innovation, expansion, and digital transformation.

Under his leadership, the company has not only surpassed pre-pandemic growth but also established a stronger footprint across India with enhanced customer-centric services and a new corporate headquarters. As the President of OTOAI, he advocates for ethical practices, regulatory recognition, and unified representation of outbound tour operators in India. His vision focuses on elevating industry standards, ensuring consumer protection, and fostering collaboration across the global travel ecosystem. With four decades of legacy behind him and a future-focused mindset, Himanshu continues to be a guiding force in reshaping outbound tourism from India with innovation, trust and integrity.

1. Kesari Travels is a household name today. What was the original vision when you founded it and how has it evolved over time?

My father founded this company in 1984 on his name Kesari. We were kids at that point of time. Later, we took over and continue his legacy till date. We follow whatever he has taught us, from customer care to the foundation of the company is all based on trust. We need to give our customers the value of whatever they pay us.

2. What inspired you to take the leap into the travel industry, and what was the biggest challenge you faced in the early years?