They say like father like son, in this case it's like father like daughter. Born on the eve of World Tourism Day, September 26, 1964, Veena Patil is the eldest child of Kesaribhau Patil, the founder of KESARI Tours, and a leading light of the Indian travel industry. As the Managing Director she has taken the family business and the family name to greater heights.
Veena Patil combines best of both the worlds. She has the wisdom of the east and the marketing savvy of the west. Creative and practical at the same time. Emotional yet hard nosed businesswomen. A leader who leads by example and a follower who seeks knowledge and perfection. A loving mother and an aggressive competitor. A celebrity who would rather read a good book than bask in the limelight. She is indeed a study in contrast.
Her journey started early in 1984. In fact, immediately after completing her Diploma in Electrical Engineering from Somaiya College, Mumbai, when she joined Kesari. Right from day one she earned the affection and respect of one and all. It was not easy, stepping into the giant shoes of Kesaribhau, but she did with ease and continued the legacy of guest satisfaction.
Marriage took place with Sudhir Patil, in 1989. Two children Neil & Raaj added to the family in the following years. A workaholic, she has often been accused of missing out on the small pleasures of life. Her answer to this, "It's not the quantity of time, it’s the quality of time which matters."
Participative management is her style and people are her strength. Her day is spent in making growth strategies and taking key decisions. Evenings are strictly for family. Her hands-on approach to business is seen from the fact that she personally keeps in touch with guests and Kesarians, getting feedbacks, sharing ideas… she always has time for all.
Her innovative mind has the entire travel industry in turmoil. She is the face that has launched a multitude of brands. Brands such as My Fair Lady (All Women tours), Second Innings (Senior Citizen tours), Funtoosh (Students Special), Marigold (Spiritual tours to holy places) to name a few. She also expanded the business and in quick succession launched several divisions and companies such as Strawberi Holidays, KMICE, K&S and Kesari Forex.
A prolific writer and a columnist, she turns out numerous articles and advertorials for several publications. Such is her fan following and fame that even in distant corners of the world she is a recognized face. She has authored several books on travel. Happy Journey, Off-Beat Europe, Popular Europe, Pravas Jagacha… Jaganyacha, Chalte Chalte and Veena's World series. The launch of her fourth book, 'Pravas Jagacha… Jaganyacha', which took place at an altitude of 33,000 feet in an airplane en route to Mauritius found its way to Limca Book of Records.
Awards and accolades have not been far behind. Personally she has been honored with awards like; Maharashtra Times Tejaswini Award, Indo-Swiss Society Award, FIE Foundation National Award, Loksatta Viva Shreerang Women of the Year Award, Influx Foundation Rashtragaurav Award, Udyog Ratna Award by Jagtik Marathi Chamber of Commerce & Institute,to name a few.
As MD, she has also earned many laurels for Kesari India for extra-ordinary achievements in Domestic as well as International tours. Award by Galileo and Travel World Best Domestic Tour Operator (2006-2007), "ROTARY DISTRICT 3140 Vocational Excellence Award for 2007-08", Award for best Performance from Travel Agent Society of Kashmir & Jammu Kashmir Tourism Board, Galileo Express Travel World Award 2008 for the Best Outbound Tour Operator - Western Region India are some of them.
Her plans for the future can be summed up in one word: BIG. All India network, Overseas Offices, Innovative Packages,path-breaking communication and enduring Brands, are all on the anvil. The industry is waiting and watching this truly World Class Travel Company and its amazing MD, Veena Patil.
