India’s luxury travel market is booming. And with so many hidden gems scattered throughout the country’s vast expanse, it is a perfect playground for bespoke travel operators. Glion graduate Parv Aggarwal is staking his claim for a share of the action, with his new ultra-luxe travel and experience management business, The Forbidden Journeys…
The last time The Insider caught up with Parv Aggarwal he was part of our Listening to Leaders of Tomorrow video interview series, with the conversation very much focused on the entrepreneurial mindset.
Now graduated from his Master’s in Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Parv is putting his entrepreneurial learning to good effect, becoming the latest member of our alumni family to make a foray into the world of bespoke travel.
Parv has returned to his home country of India to establish The Forbidden Journeys, an exclusive ultra-luxury travel and experience management business that invites clients to experience India in ways never imagined before.
“India really does offer unparalleled diversity and opulence. Imagine enjoying a private candlelit dinner overlooking the Taj Mahal, exploring Rajasthan’s majestic forts and palaces, or experiencing the serene backwaters of Kerala aboard a luxurious houseboat. Every journey we design is meticulously prepared so that it aligns perfectly with our clients’ personal tastes and interests,” says Parv.
Luxury your way
Although positioned within the luxury travel sphere, Parv is quick to point out that this definition carries little influence when it comes to creating the perfect travel package. “Luxury is a subjective matter. At The Forbidden Journeys, we curate experiences which coincide with what ‘luxury’ means for each client,” he notes.
Among the key attractions of bespoke travel is the exclusive access it provides; and Parv promises “insider experiences” that include private tours of India’s iconic landmarks as well as visits to hidden treasures known only to locals.
“Our brand pillars are spirituality, wellness, gastronomy, festivals, fairs, safaris and culture,” he adds. “One day you might be eating a meal with a King and the next day playing polo with his team as his wingman. Perhaps your dream is to dive in the sea to swim with turtles and find your own pearl, untouched by anyone else? And if big cat encounters are top of your wish list, then Gujarat in India is the only habitat in the world in which lions and tigers live together.”
Boom times for luxury travel
It is certainly an opportune moment for Parv to be launching his bespoke travel venture. India’s luxury travel market is forecast to achieve a healthy annual growth rate (CAGR) of close to 10% between now and 2030, reaching a total value of $124 billion by that date.
The surge in high end travel is not just being driven by international arrivals; India’s ultra-high net worth individual (UHNWI) population is soaring, with projected growth of 50% by 2028, far above the global average of 30%.
Recognizing the economic potential of this trend, government at national and state level is busy delivering programs and incentives that will help to leverage it. These include the ‘Travel for Life’ initiative to grow sustainable tourism, as well as increased funding for luxury train services. Special tax rates are also available for tourism-related businesses.
Travel with passion
While fueled by the obvious commercial opportunities, Parv’s impulse to establish Forbidden Journeys comes primarily from the heart.
He explains, “The motivation to venture into travel came out of passion. I always look for things not known to people and I quickly realized that while I share these secrets among my friends and family, there’s a whole other audience out there – especially among luxury travelers who desire once in a lifetime experiences.
“Luxury has various meanings – you could argue there’s a new meaning for every person. For me, luxury means freedom and flexibility. We want to create experiences where you can choose what you do and when you do it. While detailed planning is good for keeping things organized, we feel it is more important for our patrons to enjoy and immerse themselves in the experience we curate.
“Our ultimate ambition is to make India the go-to destination for UHNWIs from across the world who are seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
You can register for updates on The Forbidden Journeys by visiting the company’s website, or by connecting with Parv Aggarwal directly at parv@thefobiddenjourneys.com
