At TravTalk ThinkTank, Mahendra Vakharia, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Pathfinders Holidays, highlighted how travel agents are actively redirecting demand. “We have shifted clients to alternative destinations,” he said, citing Australia, Japan and South Africa as emerging choices.
Vakharia explained that travellers remain keen to travel but are flexible about destinations. By offering alternatives aligned with current conditions, agents are ensuring continuity in bookings. This approach reflects a shift from reactive selling to proactive advisory, helping sustain business momentum despite disruptions.
With over 17 years of experience in the B2B travel and hospitality sector, she brings deep insight into travel trade dynamics, industry challenges and market developments. She holds an MA in English Literature and a Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai, which underpin her strong editorial expertise. An avid nature enthusiast, she prefers outdoor and adventure-led travel, including hiking and trekking.