Mumbai | August 28, 2020: Ark Travels, one of India’s reputed and leading B2B
company specialising in the Cruise representation business, penetrates further into the non-cruising
representation space, with acquisition of Outbound Konnections. This business move will further
expand Ark Travels tourism portfolio as it enters into a space, which is one of the most dynamic and
volatile in the travel industry.
Outbound Konnections, spearheaded by Anjum Lokhandwala, is a boutique representation company
offering premium services to a wide range of global brands in the travel and tourism sector since
past eight years. Lokhandwala, the primary curator of Outbound Konnections, was already in the
initial stage of discussion with an international investor, when she was approached by her industry
trade colleague, Kishan Biyani of Ark Travels to consider a 100% buyout deal with Ark Travels. Biyani,
who is known for his astute business foresight expressed his keen interest to foray into the
representation space, which led to the final buyout of the Outbound Konnections by Ark Travels.
With head office based in Mumbai and branch office in Bangalore and satellite offices in 15 major
cities PAN India, Ark Travels is confident to expand the newly acquired business through its
widespread network and agent base. Biyani expressed confidence to grow the newly acquired
company like the way the cruise business expanded from 1,500 passengers in 2008 to 60,000
passengers in 2018. Then, he closely watched the movements in the cruise tourism business, when
Star Cruises made an entry into the Indian space in 2007. A visionary and an astute businessman,
Biyani, takes pride in mentioning that Ark Travels holds the record of being the top seller of Dream
cruises globally for 2 consecutive years 2017 – 2018.
Says Biyani, “I was observing the representation business with a keen lens and I felt this is the right
time to enter into this space. I found the right partner, with Outbound Konnections to accelerate my
growth plans and vision, related to this niche. Anjum and myself, have known each other for a few
years now and she has earned her strong goodwill in the industry. I found the team at Outbound
Konnections highly professional, with an eye for detail. Both companies share common synergies in
terms of ethics and vision. I feel with the existing workforce Ark Travels, we can have a varied
bouquet of products besides Cruises, Club Med Resorts and Europamundo Vacations to offer to their
B2B network without increasing overheads.”
Speaking about the development, Lokhandwala says, “With Ark Travels now taking over Outbound
Konnections, will lead to a wider reach with their online platform DECKPRO, which has an active
database of 15000+++ agents PAN India, will give the products good visibility and strong brand
presence. Kishan is a focused and a meticulous businessman and I am confident the brand will grow
well under his leadership. I will continue my role as Director in the company.”
