Innovation

Soul Travelling is a transformative tourism company that offers experiential, offbeat tours exclusively in Goa. By blending cultural immersion with sustainable practices, the company provides travelers with meaningful experiences while uplifting the local communities it collaborates with. Soul Travelling’s innovation lies in its ability to integrate marginalized groups, such as fishermen and farmers, into the formal economy, ensuring they benefit directly from the tourism ecosystem. These individuals, often overlooked by mainstream tourism, are now co-creators in the industry, contributing their expertise, culture, and produce to enrich the visitor experience.

The business addresses UN SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by promoting the cultural heritage of places like Chorao Island, where locally grown produce is incorporated into tours, creating a sustainable supply chain. Soul Travelling also revives and showcases traditional Indian games, supports local artisans, and fosters respect for diverse cultural traditions. Through its innovative CSR initiatives, the company not only preserves local heritage but also ensures the economic empowerment of the communities it engages with. For example, villagers are trained in hospitality skills, communication, and customer engagement, equipping them to interact confidently with travelers.

Additionally, Soul Travelling aligns with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by curating tours that emphasize sustainability, such as offering meals prepared from locally sourced ingredients. The focus on collaboration, education, and inclusivity has allowed the company to build a new model of tourism—one that fosters deep connections between travelers and destinations while driving grassroots development. By co-creating with local communities, Soul Travelling delivers transformative experiences for travelers and ensures a positive, lasting impact on the world.

The Ambassadors that curate the experiences

Inspiration

Kedar Borker and Varun Hegde, co-founders of Soul Travelling, found their inspiration in the desire to challenge the stereotypes associated with Goa. After working for 1.5 years in Infosys, Kedar gained valuable insights into global markets and business dynamics, which helped shape his entrepreneurial journey. Reflecting on his home state, he shared, "Goa is often marketed as a destination for beaches, alcohol, and entertainment. But for those of us who were born and brought up here, we know it’s much more than that—Goa has a rich culture, heritage, and traditions that deserve to be celebrated."

Varun Hegde an engineer by qualification, equally passionate about Goa and its cultural preservation, joined Kedar to redefine Goa’s image through sustainable tourism. Together, they recognized that the travel industry was evolving. Kedar explained, “People now want to experience local culture, try authentic food, and immerse themselves in the essence of the place they visit.” This shared vision and their mutual love for travel led the duo to quit their corporate jobs and return to Goa. “We wanted to create something that showcased the real Goa—beyond beaches—and connected travelers with its authentic roots,” they said.

Drawing on their collective experience and understanding of market dynamics, Kedar and Varun envisioned a model that blended cultural preservation with community empowerment. "It was about creating a space where locals and travelers could connect meaningfully while breaking down the usual clichés about Goa," they explained. This vision became the foundation of Soul Travelling, a movement that celebrates the soul of Goa through immersive and responsible tourism.

Overall impact

The innovation introduced by Soul Travelling has had both immediate and long-term impacts on the tourism ecosystem and local communities in Goa. By redefining tourism through curated cultural experiences, the company has created a sustainable model that connects travelers with the authentic essence of Goa. A critical component of this innovation is the recruitment and training of 35 highly educated team members, drawn from local engineering and professional colleges as well as recruited from other states. These individuals, who serve as ambassadors of Goan culture, are trained to lead and educate visitors about the carefully curated experiences Soul Travelling offers. This initiative not only provides meaningful employment but also ensures that tourism becomes an engaging, informative, and immersive experience for guests.

One of the most remarkable success stories reflecting the impact of this model is that of Kavthankar Kaka, a spice farmer from Chorao Island. When Soul Travelling began working with him in 2019, Kaka was primarily reliant on a modest farming income. By integrating his farm into their curated experiences, Soul Travelling transformed his livelihood. Today, tourists visit his farm to explore traditional Goan spice farms and learn about how the produce is cultivated and processed. These activities provide Kaka with a higher and more sustainable income than farming alone.

In the short term, the innovation has created employment and generated additional revenue streams for locals. In the long term, it has empowered communities, preserved Goan culture, and shifted the tourism narrative. Evidence of this impact lies in the growing popularity of Soul Travelling’s unique tours and the measurable economic upliftment of local participants like Kavthankar Kaka.

Business benefit

Soul Travelling’s innovative approach to sustainable tourism has significantly benefited the business in multiple ways, leading to increased revenue, employee satisfaction, and market expansion. By creating curated cultural experiences, the business has tapped into new markets and broadened its service offerings. Although specific revenue figures are confidential, the company’s collaborations with corporate clients such as Siemens for CSR events have opened up new streams of revenue. These corporate events, which involve curated team-building activities and cultural experiences, have also strengthened Soul Travelling’s reputation as a unique and valuable partner in the corporate sector. This diversification of services has allowed the business to cater to both individual travelers and corporate clients, enhancing its profitability.

The hiring and training of 35 team members has been a key factor in Soul Travelling's growth, along with performing the vital role of local ambassadors, the company also had dedicated individuals for undertaking roles such as accounts, marketing and curations . These ambassadors, who are educated and passionate about Goa's culture, play a vital role in delivering authentic and immersive experiences to visitors. The employment opportunities created by Soul Travelling have contributed to the local economy and have had a direct impact on the livelihoods of individuals in the region. Moreover, Kedar Borker and Varun Hegde ensures employee well-being by regularly organizing engagement activities, such as pot lunches, to foster a positive and collaborative work environment. This approach not only boosts employee morale but also promotes retention, as team members feel valued and connected to the company’s mission.

Looking ahead, Soul Travelling plans to expand into other states, offering curated experiences that highlight the diverse cultures of India. While the expansion comes with its own set of challenges, such as maintaining authenticity and managing logistical complexities, the company’s focus on employee happiness and community engagement positions it for sustained growth. By leveraging its innovative business model, Soul Travelling continues to create new investment opportunities and establish a unique niche in the travel industry.

Watch video on YouTube

Social and environmental benefit

On the environmental front, Soul Travelling implements several eco-friendly practices that minimize its ecological footprint. For instance, the company encourages guests to bring their own reusable water bottles, reducing single-use plastic waste. Many of the tours are designed to be low-impact, with walking tours and minimal reliance on motorized transport, resulting in zero carbon emissions. Additionally, guests are encouraged to carpool, further reducing the environmental impact. By promoting these practices, Soul Travelling actively contributes to sustainable tourism and the conservation of natural resources.

In terms of societal impact, Soul Travelling has had a transformative effect on the lives of its community hosts along with its team members. By employing 35 talented individuals and providing them with training in hospitality and cultural education, the company has not only created job opportunities but also increased their earning potential. Many of the community hosts, previously from underprivileged backgrounds, now earn more through Soul Travelling than they did from their previous occupations. This has helped uplift local communities, providing them with stable incomes and empowering them to become active participants in the tourism industry. Soul Travelling’s innovation has thus created a sustainable ecosystem that benefits both society and the environment.

Interview

Kedar Borker, Co - Founder

Watch video on YouTube