Helping Hand - In Conversatiion with Harish Khatri

This is the era of Artificial Intelligence, highly developed communication systems and lightning-speed automobiles. This is the era of highly skilled drones and errorless information systems. And yet, more often than not, we all face those helpless situations on the road due to some unprecedented circumstances. The recent worldwide pandemic has shown us once again the need to focus on the basic emergencies in life. Harish Khatri, Founder and MD of India Assist speaks with Anirban Dasgupta about his startup on real-time distress management and personalized help and about the journey so far.

Let us begin by congratulating you on launching India Assist with a vision to provide on-ground assistance to travellers. Specially in the context of the recent pandemic-led unfortunate situations on the road, the importance of such an initiative is extremely relevant. If you could take us back a little about how the idea came to your mind and how challenging was it to conceptualize the same?

Thank you for your kind words. The idea for India Assist was born out of a personal experience I had while travelling. I realized that even in today’s connected world, when things go wrong during a trip, finding immediate assistance and support can be a daunting task. This led me to envision a platform that would bridge this gap and provide real-time assistance to travellers, ensuring their safety and peace of mind.

Conceptualizing India Assist was indeed a challenging journey. We had to consider various aspects, including technology development, building a robust network of partners and support teams, and addressing the diverse needs of travellers. We wanted to create a user-friendly platform that would seamlessly connect travellers with the assistance they require, wherever they may be. Overcoming these challenges required extensive research, collaboration with industry experts, and relentless determination to provide a solution that would truly make a difference.

How are you finding the initial response both from the people and from the industry?

The initial response from both travellers and the industry has been overwhelmingly positive. People have embraced the concept of on-ground assistance and appreciate the convenience and peace of mind it brings to their journeys. Travellers feel reassured knowing that they have immediate access to help in case of emergencies, language barriers, or other unforeseen circumstances.

From the industry perspective, we have received tremendous support and recognition. Our partners, including hotels, travel operators, and tourism departments, have acknowledged the value of our services and the positive impact we are making on the travel experience. This initial response has motivated us to further enhance our offerings and continue expanding our network to serve a wider audience.

Representative photo by Maksim Tarasov on Unsplash

If you could share with our readers the various ‘assistance’ and services by India Assist and how one can access the same?

India Assist provides a comprehensive range of assistance services to travellers. Our core focus is on real-time distress management and personalized help. Travellers can access our services through our user-friendly mobile app, available for both iOS and Android platforms. Once registered on the app, travellers can easily request assistance in various situations, such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, language barriers, and local transportation.

Our dedicated support team, backed by advanced technology, ensures quick response times and seamless coordination to resolve any travel-related challenges. We also offer on-call translation services, access to medical professionals, and guidance in navigating unfamiliar destinations. Through our extensive network of partners, we can provide additional services such as helping travellers with their itineraries, tour arrangements, and local recommendations.

What is your opinion about the tourism industry and its prospects in the near future?

The tourism industry holds immense potential for growth and development in the near future. Despite the recent challenges posed by the pandemic, the desire to explore new destinations and experience different cultures remains strong. People are eager to resume their travel plans and create unforgettable memories.

As we move forward, there will be a greater emphasis on sustainable and responsible travel. Travellers are increasingly conscious of their impact on the environment and local communities, seeking authentic experiences that contribute positively to destinations. The industry will witness a rise in experiential tourism, where travellers immerse themselves in local cultures, engage in meaningful interactions, and support local businesses. Technology will play a vital role in shaping the future of the tourism industry.

Advancements in digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and data analytics will provide personalized and seamless travel experiences. Additionally, there will be a focus on health and safety measures, ensuring travellers’ well-being and providing them with the confidence to explore new destinations.

Overall, I believe the future of the tourism industry is bright, and with the right strategies, collaborations, and innovation, we can create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for travellers.

What marketing mix are you using to reach out to a wider audience presently?

To reach a wider audience, we have adopted a comprehensive marketing mix. Our strategy includes digital marketing campaigns to create awareness and engage with potential travellers. We utilize various online platforms, social media channels, and search engine optimization techniques to increase our online presence and visibility.

Additionally, we collaborate with industry partners, such as hotels, travel operators, and tourism departments, to extend our services directly to their customers. We also have travel agents and designated sales partners for the push working in a franchise-based model. We participate in trade shows, exhibitions, and events to showcase our offerings and connect with key stakeholders in the travel industry.

Word-of-mouth referrals and customer testimonials have also been instrumental in spreading the word about India Assist. We strive to provide exceptional service and ensure that every traveller’s experience is positive and memorable. This has helped us build a strong reputation and gain credibility among our target audience.

What is the roadmap for India Assist in the coming years?

In the coming years, India Assist will focus on expanding its services globally, forging strategic partnerships, and embracing innovative technologies. Our roadmap involves strengthening collaborations with key industry stakeholders, enhancing our mobile app with advanced features, and leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to provide personalized and efficient assistance. With a strong commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, we aim to establish India Assist as a trusted global leader in travel assistance, delivering unparalleled support to travellers worldwide.