Interview: Shylender Jindal, Managing Director of SKIL Travel, a leading Travel Management Company

An interview with Shylender Jindal, Managing Director of SKIL Travel, a leading homegrown comprehensive travel solutions brand

We’re excited to welcome Mr. Shylender Jindal, Managing Director of SKIL Travel, a premier homegrown brand redefining travel solutions. Under his leadership, SKIL Travel has emerged as a leading force in the industry, offering comprehensive travel services tailored to modern needs.

Today, we delve into Mr. Jindal’s vision and the innovative strategies driving SKIL Travel’s success in the competitive travel landscape.

Can you tell us about the journey of SKIL Travel and how it has evolved into a comprehensive travel solutions brand?

Shylender Jindal: The journey of SKIL Travel Mumbai has been marked by continuous growth and innovation. From humble beginnings, today we expanded our service portfolio with a relentless focus on quality and customer satisfaction.
 

Over the years, we built a robust network of partners and developed advanced digital tools to streamline operations, while providing end-to-end travel services with a unique focus on last-mile connectivity through in-house processes, unlike others who outsource this aspect.  

Today, SKIL stands as a trusted name in the travel industry, known for our commitment to excellence and personalized service.
 

We’ve evolved beyond travel to offer a comprehensive 360-degree solution that combines travel and event management. SKIL Events handles everything from ideation to execution and everything in between, ensuring seamless event planning and management.
 

Additionally, CABI by SKIL has become one of India’s largest aggregators in the car rental industry, further enhancing our end-to-end service capabilities.
 

Our commitment to personalization and innovation, leveraging advanced technology, ensures tailored travel solutions while maintaining a customer-centric approach and high satisfaction. With our diverse service offerings, we’ve become a one-stop solution for all travel and event needs.

What do you believe sets SKIL Travel apart from other players in the travel industry?

Shylender Jindal: I believe it would be SKIL Travel Mumbai’s strategic resilience and adaptive business model. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many weaker players struggled, while those focusing on customer service and excellence managed to thrive.
 

At SKIL, we prioritized excellent delivery and customer satisfaction, tailoring our services to meet individual corporate needs. This dedication helped us sustain growth and attract clients who appreciated our high service standards.
 

Key factors that set SKIL apart include: Diversification of Services, that is we offer a broad range of travel-related services which mitigates risks associated with market fluctuations.

Another key factor is Digital Transformation. We embrace advanced digital solutions for bookings, customer service, and backend operations, which has improved efficiency and customer experience.
 

Strategic Partnerships is also our forte as it is our constant endeavour to form alliances with global travel partners and local service providers, which has expanded our market reach and service offerings.
 

Nevertheless topping this list is our Customer-Centric Approach. Our focus on personalized customer service and maintaining high satisfaction levels fosters loyalty and repeat business.

We are really proud of the fact that probably SKIL is the only company in India as on today which has integrated end-to-end Travel, Hospitality, Logistics and Event Management requirements for corporates.

How has the travel industry changed over the years, and how has SKIL Travel adapted to these changes?

Shylender Jindal: The travel industry is constantly evolving, and at SKIL Travel, we view this evolution as a natural part of our growth. We learn from our customers and competitors, ensuring we stay relevant and competitive.
 

By closely monitoring market changes and adapting accordingly, we effectively map and evolve with market trends.

We’ve focused on sustainability, competitive pricing, and innovative solutions to meet the changing demands of our corporate clients. We understand the importance of integrated travel solutions, digital transparency, and sustainable practices.
 

Our digital platforms streamline booking processes, provide real-time updates, and offer comprehensive travel management solutions. By leveraging high-volume bookings to negotiate better rates and partnering with cost-effective airlines and hotels, we reduce travel costs without compromising comfort.

With the rise of digital platforms, how has SKIL Travel leveraged technology to reach and engage with customers?

Shylender Jindal: Technology is revolutionizing corporate travel by enhancing ease of transactions and ensuring transparency. Digital platforms streamline booking processes, provide real-time updates, and offer comprehensive travel management solutions. However, maintaining a personal touch and understanding non-branded options remains a challenge.

To stay ahead, we develop deep learning systems based on a solid understanding of our customers’ needs. We constantly seek feedback and engage in continuous dialogue with them, maintaining scalable technology with a personalized touch. This approach helps us stay relevant and innovative.

What are the biggest challenges you face as the Managing Director of SKIL Travel, and how do you tackle them?

Shylender Jindal: Coping with COVID was a significant hurdle two years ago. Today, our challenge lies in scaling up to meet high demand and customer interest. SKIL is currently serving 100+ global brands for their various Travel & Event related requirements.

Recruiting talented individuals is crucial, and we meticulously screen candidates to ensure we bring in the right talent. Despite these hurdles, we’re committed to managing operational scalability while upholding our high service standards.

Success hinges on three critical elements: managing finances effectively, bringing in and managing the right talent, and seizing the right opportunities at the right time. Additionally, fostering an inclusive culture is key. By focusing on these areas, an organisation can establish a strong foundation and thrive as the industry evolves.

Finding, onboarding, and retaining core team members is crucial for success. Our inclusive approach, combined with our investment in top-tier talent, has built a strong identity for SKIL in the minds of our customers. We continuously invest in and define best-in-class talent, providing them with the right platform to excel.

Looking ahead, what are your visions or goals for SKIL Travel in the next five years?

Shylender Jindal: Vision – To become India’s most preferred Corporate Travel Management company for all Travel & Hospitality requirements, including events. With an unwavering commitment to unparalleled service excellence and a relentless focus on innovation, our goal is to set new benchmarks and establish ourselves as the unrivalled market leader.

We aim to achieve remarkable growth, expanding our business by 10X in the next 5 year, solidifying our position as the epitome of the industry.

Mission – To revolutionize Corporate Travel Management in India by empowering businesses with seamless, sustainable, and tech-driven travel solutions. We combine people’s expertise, streamlined processes, cutting-edge technology, and relentless innovation to deliver service excellence.

With a deep commitment to exceptional experiences, our mission is to redefine the industry landscape, exceeding client expectations and setting new standards for Corporate Travel Management in India.

Mr. Shylender Jindal’s perspectives offer a compelling look into the future of travel with SKIL Travel. His strategic leadership and commitment to excellence highlight the brand’s role in shaping the travel industry.

With a focus on tailored solutions and customer satisfaction, SKIL Travel is well-positioned to lead and innovate in the evolving market