Our People: Nidhi Patel, Talent Specialist, Kuoni Tumlare

MY DAY-TO-DAY

A Dynamic Role in Talent Management

As a Talent Specialist, no two days are the same. I support global learning, engagement, and recognition while collaborating with colleagues across teams and time zones. Apart from working for our internal and group Rewards & Recognition programmes, I coordinate training experiences, manage the KT Academy calendar, and follow up on impact. Recently I’ve been closely involved in piloting the Kuoni Tumlare Talent Exchange Programme - learning and shaping it as we go.

WHY TRAVEL?

People and Purpose

It’s the people! The energy in this industry is infectious. Being part of the One HR Team, we enrich our employees’ life cycle while supporting global talents that creates unforgettable travel experiences for others. Being part of a legacy organisation that perfectly blends the East and the West, with innovation at its heart, means there is constant evolution. It feels rewarding to contribute to something truly global, meaningful, and human.

Also, with my father having started his career in travel, I feel a personal connection to the path I’m on.

WHY KUONI TUMLARE?

Living the Values Every Day

I’m proud to see our values are lived every day - neither just in big moments nor words on a wall. I have always felt seen and supported. My manager, especially, leads by example, encouraging me, challenging me, and inspiring me to bring my best without ever making me feel less than I am. I’m proud to be part of an organisation that extends sustainability to its people with ‘Caring 4 You’, our well-being initiative. I am fortunate to be in a role that gives me a front-row seat to see how Talent Management can support our people as they grow and to make an impact on people, the experiences they provide and leave a positive impact on the world around.

CORE VALUE

Partner First Influences Daily Work and Teamwork

To me, ‘Partner First’ is a reminder that the work we do is never in isolation. We succeed by building trust, being reliable, and supporting one another through both clarity and chaos. This value keeps me grounded. In my four years here, I have come to realise that it is not about always having the perfect answer right away. It’s about showing up with intent, listening well, and improving consistently together. ‘Partner First’ is my daily reminder that we are better when we lean on each other.

PROUDEST MOMENT

Induction Webinar and Training Opportunities

One of the moments I consistently feel proud of is every time I organise, lay the groundwork and run our Global Induction webinar. It is a chance to welcome New Joiners from across the globe, and be the one to showcase a world full of possibilities that awaits them at Kuoni Tumlare! I also feel a deep sense of pride by association. Whether it is watching my manager deliver seamless training, driving meaningful conversations in a webinar together, or having those energising “aha” moments while brainstorming with different project teams!

But the highlight so far has been my selection for JTB University’s two-week On-the-job Training programme at the JTB Corp offices in Tokyo. Being entrusted to visit the headquarters and exchange our best practices in person helped build deeper connections with some of our key internal and external partners. I returned inspired to create even more thoughtful onboarding, learning and engagement experiences for our people at Kuoni Tumlare.

FAVOURITE DESTINATION

The Joy of Meaningful Slow Travel

I love slow travel - soaking in everyday rhythms, finding joy in little moments. There’s something magical about walking through a new neighbourhood, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds.

Dresden will always hold a special place in my heart. I wandered into its streets filled with history and watched the city come alive with artists from across the world performing for World Music Day. I remember sitting across from the cathedral in Strasbourg one night to witness the bells chime in time with lights. True to its vibrant nature, in my country India, I have found magic in very different ways: A road-trip exchanging life-stories with a stranger as we traversed through historic coastal cities, and reading Harper Lee along azure waters in coastal Karnataka.

One moment I’ll never forget: an elderly gentleman in Kanazawa showing me such kindness, even though we didn’t speak the same language. For me, travel isn’t just about escape - it’s about belonging, even briefly, in someone else’s world.