From a modest Kochi office to a national powerhouse – the remarkable journey of a company that revolutionized Indian travel
In the landscape of Indian tourism, few success stories resonate as profoundly as that of Intersight Tours & Travels. As the company enters to its 30th anniversary in 2026, it stands as a testament to visionary leadership, unwavering commitment to excellence, and a deep-rooted belief in giving back to society. What began in 1996 as a three-member operation with a modest turnover of ₹1.2 million has evolved into one of India’s most respected Destination Management Companies (DMCs), commanding a turnover of ₹1.9 billion and serving over 100,000 customers annually.
A Legacy Built on Values, Not Just Business
At the heart of Intersight’s extraordinary journey lies a philosophy that transcends commercial success: Commitment, Caring, and Collaboration. These aren’t mere corporate buzzwords for the Kochi-born enterprise – they represent the foundational pillars upon which every relationship, every service, and every innovation has been built.
Today, Intersight’s footprint is impressive by any measure: 14 offices across India, international branches in the Germany, and Canada, and associate office in UK dedicated team of 250 tourism professionals, and a network of over 5,000 associate travel agents nationwide. But numbers tell only part of the story. The real narrative lies in how the company has consistently chosen the road less traveled, pioneering initiatives that have reshaped the industry while maintaining an unwavering focus on social responsibility.
Pioneering Spirit: Industry Firsts That Changed the Game
Intersight’s legacy is marked by bold, innovative moves that demonstrated remarkable foresight and a willingness to challenge conventions.
The Rail Tourism Revolution
Long before “experiential travel” became an industry catchphrase, Intersight identified India’s vast railway network as an untapped storytelling canvas. The company became the first DMC in India to introduce Rail Tourism as a structured, curated offering. This wasn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B – it was about experiencing India “window by window,” allowing travelers to witness the country’s incredible diversity through carefully designed rail journeys.
These packages opened unprecedented opportunities for domestic travelers, student groups, senior citizens, and inbound tourists to experience authentic India in ways that conventional tourism had never offered. The initiative demonstrated Intersight’s ability to see beyond the obvious and create products that resonated with emerging traveler sensibilities.
A CSR Milestone That Stunned the Industry
In what remains one of the most remarkable corporate social responsibility initiatives in Indian tourism history, Intersight gifted brand-new cars to its long-serving drivers. This unprecedented gesture went far beyond traditional employee benefits – it was about dignity, empowerment, and recognizing the fundamental importance of ground-level staff in the tourism ecosystem.
This initiative didn’t just uplift these families; it sent a powerful message throughout the industry about the kind of company Intersight aspired to be. It demonstrated that success isn’t measured solely in balance sheets but in the lives transformed and the communities uplifted along the way.
Award-Winning Excellence and Responsible Tourism
Intersight’s commitment to excellence has been repeatedly recognized through multiple Kerala State Tourism Awards, including consecutive wins for Best Inbound Tour Operator. The company has also been honored for its groundbreaking Sarathi Sauhrudham Project, which brought humanity, safety, and dignity into the driver-tourist relationship – a pioneering effort in responsible tourism that aligned perfectly with Kerala’s internationally celebrated Responsible Tourism Mission.
These accolades reflect not just operational excellence but a holistic approach to tourism that considers environmental sustainability, community engagement, and local empowerment as integral components of business success.
Visionary Leadership: The Abraham George Factor
Behind Intersight’s remarkable trajectory stands Abraham George (Johny) – a name synonymous with integrity, innovation, and industry leadership in Indian tourism. His credentials speak volumes: former President of the Kerala Travel Mart Society, Kerala Chapter President of the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), National Advisory Committee Member, and current member of the Kerala State Tourism Advisory Board.
But what truly distinguishes Johny’s leadership is his ability to balance aggressive business growth with deep social commitment and industry statesmanship.
On Building an Organization Ground-Up
Reflecting on the 30-year journey, Abraham George shares with characteristic humility: “When we began in 1996 with a tiny office and a three-member team, I never imagined that Intersight would one day touch a hundred thousand travellers annually. Our journey has been built step by step=on trust, on relationships, and on the belief that sincerity and commitment can create lasting impact.”
This philosophy of patient, relationship-driven growth has been central to Intersight’s success. Rather than pursuing shortcuts or compromising on quality for quick gains, the company has consistently chosen the harder but more sustainable path of building trust, one customer and one partner at a time.
A Voice for Industry Transformation
Abraham George has emerged as an influential thought leader, consistently advocating for transformative changes in Indian tourism. He has been vocal about Kerala’s need to reinvent its tourism identity, calling for contemporary rebranding that matches global trends while the state’s tourism sector faces challenges from rising air travel costs and competition from emerging destinations.
“The next decade belongs to innovative, responsible, experience-led tourism,” he emphasizes. “Our focus now is on technology, local entrepreneurship, and new circuits – especially in tier 3 and 4 regions. As we complete 30 years, our responsibility is greater than ever: to shape the future of travel with integrity, inclusiveness, and sustainability.”
Social Commitment: Beyond Profit to Purpose
What distinguishes Intersight from many of its competitors is its genuine commitment to social responsibility that extends far beyond mandatory CSR requirements or public relations exercises.
Empowering the Ecosystem
Intersight’s approach to business has always been collaborative rather than extractive. The company’s network of 5,000+ associate travel agents – set to double to 10,000 by 2027 – isn’t just a distribution channel; it’s an empowerment ecosystem. These partners receive exclusive deals, productivity-linked incentives, privileged access to premium properties, and comprehensive support through a soon-to-be-launched cutting-edge B2B digital portal.
This model doesn’t just expand Intersight’s reach; it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for thousands of small and medium travel businesses across India, particularly in tier 3 and 4 cities where economic opportunities may be limited.
Standing by People in Crisis
Perhaps the most telling measure of an organization’s character is how it responds to crisis. When Kerala faced devastating floods in 2018 and the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21, Intersight could have followed the path of many businesses – cutting staff, abandoning partners, and focusing solely on survival.
Instead, the company chose to stand by its team and partners, weathering the storm together. This loyalty wasn’t just morally commendable; it proved strategically sound. When tourism rebounded, Intersight emerged stronger and more agile, with a motivated team and a network of fiercely loyal partners who remembered who stood with them when times were tough.
A Comprehensive Tourism Solutions Provider
Today, Intersight operates as a full-spectrum travel solutions provider, offering services that span the entire tourism value chain:
• Domestic & Inbound Tours across India’s diverse destinations
• Holiday Management for families, groups, and individual travelers
• MICE & Events for corporate clients
• Special Interest Tours catering to niche markets
• Guide & Meet-and-Assist Services ensuring seamless experiences
• Airline Ticketing & Visa Facilitation streamlining travel logistics
• Fleet & Logistics Management with 30,000+ operations annually
• Rail Tourism leveraging India’s extensive railway network
• Outbound Services through international offices
The company’s operational scale in fiscal year 2023-24 was impressive: 100,000+ customers served, 120,000+ room nights booked, and 30,000 fleet operations – all delivered with the personal touch and attention to detail that has become Intersight’s hallmark.
Recognition and Certifications: Trust Formalized
Intersight’s reputation is backed by official recognition from India’s highest tourism authorities. The company is certified by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, as an Approved Inbound Tour Operator, Domestic Tour Operator, and Tourist Transport Operator. It also holds accreditation from the Government of Kerala, Karnataka, and the Lakshadweep Administration.
These certifications, combined with multiple state and national awards, provide customers and partners with the assurance that they’re working with a company that meets the highest industry standards.
Intersight has won many National and Kerala state tourism awards along with several internationally acclaimed recongintion like South Asia Travel Wards continuously since 2017 and Assochm award, Times brand icon ward, Sahridayavedi award etc.
Building Partnerships on Trust
Central to Intersight’s success is its vast network of partnerships with hotels, resorts, Ayurveda and wellness retreats, houseboat operators, and transport companies across India. These aren’t transactional relationships but long-term collaborations built on mutual respect and shared success.
The company’s Key Supply Partner Facility offers associates comprehensive ground handling, exclusive rates, productivity-linked bonuses, and access to a highly competitive B2B ecosystem. This collaborative approach has created a win-win model where partners grow alongside Intersight.
Technology Meets Tradition
While deeply rooted in traditional values of trust and personal service, Intersight recognizes that the future of tourism is digital. The company is investing heavily in technology, including the upcoming launch of an AI-driven B2B portal that will revolutionize how partners access inventory, make bookings, and communicate with the company.
This digital transformation isn’t about replacing human relationships but enhancing them—giving partners the tools they need to serve their customers better while freeing up time for more meaningful interactions.
The Road Ahead: Ambitious Yet Grounded
As Intersight prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, the company’s vision for the future is both ambitious and firmly grounded in its core values:
• Revenue target of ₹3 billion, doubling current turnover
• Expansion to 10,000 associate travel agents, democratizing tourism opportunities
• Deeper penetration into tier 3 and 4 cities, empowering local entrepreneurs
• Development of new Indian circuits, particularly in underserved regions
• Greater investment in technology and AI while maintaining personal touch
• Continued leadership in responsible tourism and sustainability practices
A Model for the Industry
In an industry often criticized for short-term thinking, exploitation of resources, and prioritization of profits over people, Intersight Tours & Travels offers a compelling alternative model. The company has demonstrated that it’s possible to build a highly successful, profitable enterprise while maintaining ethical standards, empowering stakeholders, and contributing positively to society.
Abraham George’s leadership embodies this balanced approach – combining sharp business acumen with genuine concern for industry development and social welfare. His dual role as a successful entrepreneur and industry statesman has enabled him to shape not just his company but the broader tourism ecosystem in South India and beyond.
More Than a Company – A Movement
As Intersight stands on the threshold of its fourth decade, it represents more than just commercial success. It is a movement shaped by collaboration, passion for travel, and commitment to service excellence. The company’s story mirrors the evolution of the Indian tourism industry itself – from a time when organized travel was unfamiliar to many Indians to an era where quality tourism is accessible and expected.
A Legacy of Trust
If one word could summarize Intersight’s 30-year journey, it would be trust. Trust painstakingly built with customers through consistent service excellence. Trust earned from partners through fair dealing and mutual growth. Trust established with employees through dignity and empowerment. Trust won from the industry through ethical practices and thought leadership. Trust gained from communities through responsible tourism and social commitment.
In Abraham George’s words: “Our journey has been built step by step – on trust, on relationships, and on the belief that sincerity and commitment can create lasting impact.”
As Intersight Tours & Travels marches toward its 30th anniversary, it does so not merely as a successful business but as an institution that has helped shape how India travels and how the world experiences India. It stands as proof that commercial success and social responsibility aren’t contradictory goals but complementary pursuits that, when balanced properly, create something far greater than the sum of their parts.
For an industry looking for role models and for entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, Intersight’s journey offers powerful lessons: that patience and perseverance pay off, that treating people with dignity creates loyal stakeholders, that innovation comes from understanding real needs, that leadership means serving the industry not just your company, and above all, that trust – once earned—becomes the most valuable asset any organization can possess.
Thirty years of commitment, care, and collaborative growth – and the journey has only just begun.
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