Measured, warm and quietly confident, Sharad Tiwari carries the temperament of a traveller who observes before he speaks. As Managing Director of Destination Launcher, his personality reflects years spent exploring countries beyond itineraries and factsheets.
Sudipta Saha
Travel, for Sharad, has always been an education shaped by people, culture and lived moments. This deep-rooted curiosity has given him an instinctive understanding of the destinations he represents. Each country in his portfolio feels familiar because he knows it from the ground up, from its streets and stories to its rhythm and relevance for the Indian market.
Stories sell better than maps
At the heart of destination marketing lies emotion, and this belief drives every narrative crafted at Destination Launcher. Destinations gain meaning when their stories connect with human curiosity and aspiration.
Sharing more on the same Sharad says, “A destination truly comes alive when its story is told with honesty and emotion. Travellers may remember the landmarks, but they fall in love with the feeling a place gives them. When we share stories that reflect culture, lifestyle and lived experiences, destinations stop being locations on a map and start becoming aspirations. This philosophy ensures that marketing efforts feel immersive rather than instructional, allowing the trade to speak with passion rather than prepared lines.”
Listening is the strategy
Strong market understanding begins with attentiveness. Time spent engaging with agents, operators and partners helps shape strategies that feel grounded and practical. India’s diversity demands sensitivity to regional preferences, travel maturity and evolving aspirations. From Sharad’s perspective, “India cannot be addressed with a single lens. Listening to the trade across regions offers clarity on how destinations should be positioned. When strategies grow from real conversations, destinations find the right audience naturally. This approach enables our company to build campaigns that resonate deeply, ensuring relevance across varied segments of the market.”
Confidence is the product
Education forms a cornerstone of destination growth. Knowledge shared through experience transforms how destinations are perceived and sold. Training sessions, immersive workshops and familiarisation trips remain integral to empowering the trade. Speaking on the same lines Sharad shares, “When agents experience a destination themselves, their storytelling changes. Confidence enters their voice, and authenticity enters their pitch. That confidence is what ultimately influences the traveller’s decision. Personal travel insights often enrich these sessions, adding depth and relatability that strengthen learning outcomes.”
Trust that travels
Long-standing partnerships reflect a commitment to transparency and consistency. Relationships built over time form the backbone of successful destination representation. Trust creates longevity, highlighting more about this Sharad explains, “Sustainable growth happens when trust exists on all sides. Trust allows destinations to invest patiently and allows partners to plan with confidence. It
shifts the focus from short-term visibility to long-term value. This principle has positioned us as a reliable partner, bridging international tourism boards and the Indian travel fraternity with clarity and mutual respect.”
Aspirations in motion
Indian travellers continue to evolve, driven by exposure, awareness and curiosity. Experiences now carry greater value than conventional sightseeing. Destinations that offer authenticity, culture and connection resonate strongly.Observations from the market reveal a clear shift.
“Travellers today want to feel part of a destination rather than just observe it. Experiences that allow them to engage with local life, cuisine and traditions leave a lasting impression. This insight shapes destination narratives that highlight depth, emotion and meaningful engagement, aligning perfectly with changing traveller aspirations,” shares Sharad.
Calm minds, curious paths
Leadership within Destination Launcher reflects a culture of calm decision-making and constant learning. Collaboration, open dialogue and curiosity guide internal processes. Learning keeps teams relevant, Sharad shares more about his team and says, “Curiosity encourages growth. When teams remain open to learning and new perspectives, innovation becomes natural. It allows us to adapt while staying true to our core values. This mindset nurtures creativity while maintaining focus, enabling the organisation to navigate an evolving industry with confidence.”
Purpose before promotion
The future of destination marketing lies in responsibility and mindful growth. Sustainability, community engagement and thoughtful tourism form essential pillars of long-term success. “Destinations thrive when tourism supports local communities and preserves cultural integrity. Responsible tourism creates meaningful experiences for travellers and lasting benefits for destinations. This outlook continues to guide our vision, ensuring growth aligns with positive impact,” shares Sharad.
Launching destinations, leaving footprints
Sharad Tiwari’s journey reflects a life shaped by exploration, learning and human connection. At Destination Launcher, destinations are understood before they are promoted, and stories are shared before they are sold. With deep market insight, authentic storytelling and a people-first approach, his work continues to make destinations matter. In an industry defined by movement, his grounded vision offers clarity, confidence and purpose that travels far beyond borders.
