India’s outbound travel story keeps writing new chapters every season, and the latest one belongs to One Connect. Sharad Tiwari, Managing Director, Destination Launcher & One Connect walks us through the thought, the strategy and the road map behind this new chapter.
Tripti Jain
Launched under the well-established umbrella of Destination Launcher, this venture is stepping onto the trade circuit with a promise that feels both familiar and exciting: bringing travellers closer to the world through genuine, on-ground expertise.
Born from a simple idea
Every great travel brand begins with a philosophy, and One Connect’s is refreshingly clear: Local Expertise, Global Presence. Sharad shares, “We wanted to build something that goes beyond selling holiday packages. The idea was to create a platform that connects travellers directly with authentic local knowledge, wherever they choose to go.” For him, One Connect is less a new business and more an extension of trust, a way for Destination Launcher to plant a stronger flag in the destinations it represents, connecting people, places and experiences under one dependable network.
The local advantage
Ask Sharad what makes One Connect stand apart in a crowded field of destination management companies, and his answer circles back to presence. He shares, “Our strength lies in combining strong local roots with a wider global outlook. It is not about representing a destination from a distance. It is about understanding it from the ground up. That on-ground understanding, paired with the industry muscle of Destination Launcher, gives the brand a distinctive edge, letting it read every destination’s culture and character with far greater authenticity than a standard travel solution ever could.”
A portfolio built for Indian agents
One Connect’s current footprint spans the CIS, the Balkans, the Philippines and the UAE, a mix that reads like a well-planned itinerary in itself. Sharad shares, “Each of these regions brings something different to the table for Indian agents. The CIS and Balkans offer scenic beauty and culture, the Philippines brings island charm, and the UAE adds luxury and entertainment. Beyond the destinations themselves, I’am proud of the trusted local support, competitive solutions and the flexibility to design everything from FIT journeys to MICE movements and tailor-made group travel.”
Where the spotlight shines brightest
Every portfolio has its rising stars, and for One Connect, those are currently the CIS region and the Philippines. He shares, “CIS is winning hearts because of direct connectivity from India and a European feel that comes at excellent value. The Philippines, meanwhile, is capturing travellers who want pristine beaches, marine life and a laid-back island rhythm.”
Together, he believes, the two destinations complement each other beautifully, one offering culture and landscapes, the other delivering tropical escape, giving Indian travellers a compelling reason to explore both.
Mapping the next chapter
Ambition clearly runs deep at One Connect, and Sharad is candid about what lies ahead. “Our immediate focus is the GCC and the wider Middle East, where we want to build strong trade partnerships. From there, our roadmap moves toward European and Asian markets.”
Closer home to its current strongholds, plans are already underway to open a local office in the Philippines and deepen experiential offerings across every market the brand touches. He adds, “We are not chasing numbers. Every new destination must bring a genuine local connection and real value for our agents.”
The journey continues
One Connect’s story is only just beginning, yet its direction feels remarkably assured. Guided by Sharad’s vision of blending authentic local knowledge with global ambition, the brand is quietly building what could become one of the most trusted names for Indian travel agents seeking dependable, experience-rich destinations. As the CIS, Balkans, Philippines and UAE continue writing their own travel narratives, One Connect stands ready to be the thread that ties them all together, one connection, one destination and one memorable journey at a time.
