Nidhi Shah’s story is one of grit, vision, and perseverance. As the co-founder of a thriving hospitality company, she has carved out a niche for herself in a highly competitive industry. Born in Ahmedabad and raised in Vadodara, Nidhi’s journey took a pivotal turn when she moved to Mumbai as a teenager. With no clear roadmap ahead, she embraced the city’s energy and braved the many challenges that came her way, growing into a successful entrepreneur.
Her business journey began in 2015 when she saw an opportunity in the corporate travel sector. After a conversation with a cab driver about the unsustainable business model of ride-hailing companies, Nidhi realized that many drivers were being pushed into debt due to temporary incentives. Understanding this market shift, she started researching corporate travel solutions and soon launched her first fleet aggregation business from her living room.
In 2017, Nidhi expanded her business by launching Holiday Turn – By Purple Orchid, offering niche travel packages. By 2019, she had joined forces with 7 Heaven Events and Entertainment to dive deeper into the hospitality and events sector, focusing on B2B business solutions.
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 hit the hospitality industry hard, with many businesses forced to shut down. However, Nidhi’s never-give-up attitude kept her afloat. She pivoted her business, focusing on corporate and production house travel solutions and continued offering destination weddings in Goa once restrictions eased.
In 2022, Nidhi’s company took another leap, purchasing a weekend villa near Mumbai and expanding into property management, operating both villas and hotels. Her company now oversees several hospitality ventures, with an eye toward tech innovations in the industry. Recognizing the growing influence of technology, she is developing a travel booking portal that simplifies the process and offers competitive deals.
Achievements
- Pioneering Corporate Travel Solutions: Nidhi Shah identified a gap in the corporate travel sector and created one of the earliest fleet aggregation businesses from her home, gaining recognition as a forward-thinking entrepreneur.
- Holiday Turn by Purple Orchid: Successfully launched a niche travel package business in 2017, catering to the high-end market, focusing on curated experiences. This venture is now a well-known name in the hospitality industry.
- Collaborations with Major Events Firms: Partnered with 7 Heaven Events and Entertainment in 2019, strengthening her foothold in B2B hospitality solutions and event management.
- Adapting to the Pandemic: Despite the immense challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Nidhi pivoted her business to survive and thrive, with corporate and production house travel solutions, including luxury destination weddings.
- Expansion into Property Management: In 2022, expanded her business portfolio by managing villas and hotels, marking her entry into the property management space, with a focus on luxury weekend getaways.
- Innovation and Tech Integration: Working on developing a travel booking portal that leverages technology for seamless customer experience, competitive pricing, and efficiency.
Explore more about her travel solutions on the Holiday Turn website.
A Passion for People and Progress
Beyond her business achievements, Nidhi is passionate about motivating others, particularly women. She believes in the untapped potential within every individual and encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and create the life they deserve. Nidhi’s leadership style is rooted in the idea of giving back to society, sharing her experiences, and inspiring others to reach beyond their limits.
Innovating for the Future of Hospitality
In an industry where many still operate using traditional models, Nidhi is a firm believer in the power of technology and innovation. Traditional hospitality businesses often struggle with high operating costs and limited market reach. On the other hand, larger tech-driven companies can suffer from delays in customer service. Nidhi advocates for collaboration between traditional businesses and tech-savvy market leaders, believing that such partnerships can lead to better customer service, lower costs, and the ability to overcome geographical barriers. She sees this positive competition and collaboration as a way forward for the hospitality industry, combining the best of both worlds for clients and partners alike.
A Message of Determination
Nidhi Shah’s journey from Vadodara to Mumbai is a testament to the power of determination, adaptability, and hard work. Her message to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “If I can come from a small city like Vadodara to Mumbai and have the courage to walk the path toward success and build a name for myself, so can you!” Her story is not just one of personal success but also of inspiring others to break barriers and pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from.
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