Offbeat: Nishant Kashikar - The globetrotter who keeps the Indian spirit alive

Adgully’s special feature section – ‘Offbeat’ – seeks to give a peek into the lesser known facets of our very well-known industry leaders. We present, in the industry leaders’ own words, an interesting read on areas that are not usually highlighted in regular media coverage – be it about their childhood days, secret skills that they possess, how they unwind from their hectic schedules, and much more.  

Featured this week is Nishant Kashikar, Country Manager, India & Gulf, Tourism Australia. Kashikar is primarily responsible for all consumer and trade marketing activities for the promotion of Australian tourism products in India, and for further strengthening the strong distribution network of the Aussie Specialist Agents. 

With over 15 years of experience in the Tourism industry, Kashikar works closely with all tourism partners, airlines, key stakeholders, and the travel trade towards increasing consumer interest in Australia and contributing to the growth in tourism into Australia from India and the Gulf region. 

He has previously held senior management positions with Kuoni Travel India as Head – Marketing, and Thomas Cook India Ltd as Marketing Manager. Prior to his foray into the tourism industry, Kashikar had worked as a Group Product Manager - Nutrition Division at Abbott India Ltd. 

A true cricket fanatic, Kashikar enjoys a game of cricket on weekends with his friends and has won many trophies. A travel freak, Kashikar makes it a point to travel with his family and friends very frequently. 

A precious childhood trait that you still possess?
Having fun, friends and friendship. You may possess all the wealth, but the true richness lies in the quality of friends and relationships that one maintains. 

Ever wished you had superhero powers?
Every person possesses the capability to excel. It’s the risk-averseness, fear of failure, and lack of passion that restricts one’s ability to excel beyond his or her capabilities. 

What is your biggest fear and how do you face it?
Inter-personal conflicts. I personally believe that open, honest and transparent communication can resolve all potential conflicts. 

A secret that you have which no one knows about?
Why would I share it now? 

What would one find in your playlist?
The best of Jagjit Singh’s ghazals. 

Your go-to activity to relax?
A long walk along the beach, without any gadgets. 

What is the greatest lesson that you have learnt from life so far?
The harder you work, the luckier you get. 

A social cause that you are most passionate about?
I prefer to keep it personal. 

What’s the one thing you would like to change about yourself?
My poor attention-span. 

If not in your current designation, what would you have been?
An architect or an interior designer. 

What are the three apps on your mobile you couldn’t live without?
Outlook/ Email and WhatsApp, because I respond to every single email or a message that pops up. Google Maps, because I hate to be late. 

Any content/film or book you saw or read recently and why?
I’m recently watching a historical serial based on the life of the second ruler of the Maratha kingdom. In this day and age, it’s important for the millennials and the GenZ to inculcate our values, rituals, and traditions, rather than getting lured by the glamour of the West. 

Which two organisations outside your own do you know the most people at and why?
Universal McCann (UM) – As Tourism Australia’s media buying agency, we work closely to ideate, and execute our marketing activities to raise Australia’s appeal among our high-value travellers. 

Thomas Cook – As India’s leading tour operator and Tourism Australia’s key distribution partner, we work closely towards achievement of our mutually-beneficial objectives. 

Two things about this industry that you don’t like or don’t understand?

• Unorganised and highly fragmented.
• Lack of data to facilitate decision making.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
My homeland – India. No other country offers such an enormous potential!