The Western Connect Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Sandeep Bangara, President and Director of Assist Card, one of the world’s leading companies providing comprehensive travel assistance services. Sandeep has always had a passion for travelling, and he believes that it connects people from different countries and allows them to realize and mitigate the voids and problems associated with their life. As a traveller, he realized that as much as people love to travel, travelling also brings specific unavoidable challenges. In this interview, Sandeep shares his journey and experiences in the travel industry and how he makes it easier for people to travel around the globe.
Can you take us through your professional journey? How has the experience been?
I began my career in the travel industry 24 years back and worked for different travel agencies since then. During the course, I have worked with several renowned organizations. I have been the Assistance Sales Officer at Global Aviation Services, Assistant Manager for Trach Representation India and Ascon Travel. Furthermore, I have been associated with Traveljini.com being its Deputy Manager. I also have experience working with ICICI Lombard, Zonal Manager at Bajaj Allianz and I have also been the President Director for Hospital. For 12 years now I have been playing an integral part in Assist Card being their President Director for the offices in Indonesia.
Define Assist Card as an organization. What is the unique proposition that it offers to the clients?
Assist Card is the world’s leading company in comprehensive travel assistance. It was founded in Switzerland in 1972 and has been a member of the Starr Companies group since 2011. It is a pioneer in developing the concept of assisting people on trips, offering them immediate service. It manages the world’s largest network of providers with high-quality standards and the ability to efficiently solve problems through a single contact from any mobile device with the Assist Card application. We provide a wide range of services, including medical assistance abroad, legal assistance, luggage insurance, personal accident insurance, Sanitary transfer, and annuity for delayed flights under one roof. Our vision is to help travellers in any situation, at any time and place.
How is your professional experience helping you manoeuvre Assist Card to greater heights?
Every day is a learning experience. I built a hospital network in Indonesia that has helped our local and international offices tremendously since having a solid network is the key to the travel assistance business. Trust and faith from the head office have enabled us to make quick changes or decisions to adapt to market requirements. One needs to have a vision for a hundred years ahead and an excellent team to execute the same.
How has your response been to the challenges posed by the pandemic? How would you describe your role in tackling those challenges?
The pandemic has affected the travel industry on a large scale. During this challenging time, our first positive move was in March 2020. We successfully included the Covid cover into our product line, and we were the first in Indonesia to execute it. I actively played the role of an employer, a friend, a motivator, and an advisor and helped our company to move smoothly even at the time of its downfall. We had to tighten our belts and work harder than ever to maintain our clientele and retain our staff.
What changes do you anticipate in market behaviour, and what opportunities do you foresee? Also, tell us about your future goals as an entrepreneur and an industry leader.
As an entrepreneur, I have always believed in staying ahead of the curve and adapting to ever-changing market conditions. The pandemic has been a game-changer for the travel industry, and we have had to make significant changes to our business model to keep up with the changing market behaviour. We have seen an increase in demand for domestic travel, and we have been quick to adapt to this trend by launching new products and services that cater to the needs of domestic travellers. We have also launched several initiatives to promote sustainable tourism and eco-friendly travel, a growing trend among travellers.
Looking ahead, our goal is to continue to innovate and expand our range of products and services to meet the changing needs of travellers. We are also looking to expand our presence in new markets and strengthen our position as a global leader in travel assistance services. We are confident that our strong vision, experienced team, and unwavering commitment to excellence will help us achieve these goals and continue to provide exceptional travel assistance services to our customers worldwide.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs in the travel industry?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs in the travel industry is to follow your passion and stay true to your vision. Travel is a dynamic and ever-changing industry requiring passionate, innovative, and adaptable entrepreneurs. It is essential to keep up with the latest trends and technologies and be willing to take risks and make bold decisions. Building a solid team is also critical, and it is essential to surround yourself with talented and dedicated individuals who share your vision and values. Success in the travel industry comes down to providing exceptional customer service and building long-lasting customer relationships. If you can do this, you will be well on your way to achieving your goals and positively impacting the world of travel.