In the 69th episode of Jam with Sam, we had the pleasure of hosting Heena Munshaw, the Managing Director of Beacon Holidays and a pioneer in the Indian travel industry. From launching luxury African safaris in the 1990s to challenging industry norms, Heena has built a career defined by passion, perseverance, and a deep love for travel.
In this conversation, she shares her early struggles, adventures across the world, insights on travel entrepreneurship, and how she continues to redefine luxury travel in India.
From Mumbai to the World: The Making of a Travel Entrepreneur
Born and raised in Mumbai, Heena studied at New Era School, which, despite being a Gujarati medium institution, provided a progressive education. However, transitioning from learning science in Gujarati to taking exams in English was a culture shock.
She later pursued a diploma at Sir JJ School of Arts, initially in commercial arts, but switched to ceramics when her father bought a ceramic factory. However, marriage at 18 meant her ceramics career was short-lived, setting the stage for her future in travel.
Beacon Holidays: A Journey that Began with Africa
Founded in 1990, Beacon Holidays started as a specialist in African travel. Her first clients—a Parsi couple travelling to East Africa—remain her close friends today.
Back then, international travel was a niche market, and mainstream travel agencies like Thomas Cook and TCI were unfamiliar with Africa. Seeing an opportunity, Heena:
- Created custom safari itineraries.
- Personally visited lodges and destinations to ensure quality.
- Educated both Indian travellers and African hospitality professionals about each other’s cultures.
Her deep knowledge and hands-on approach made Beacon Holidays a trusted brand for exotic, luxury travel.
Marketing the Queen Elizabeth 2 Liner: A Game-Changing Moment
One of Heena’s biggest breakthroughs was working with the iconic Queen Elizabeth 2 luxury cruise liner.
However, when she initially called as a potential customer, the agents couldn’t properly explain why she should book the cruise. This lack of knowledge and passion made her realize the huge gap in travel marketing.
Later, she impressed the British marketing team by creating a unique sales pitch tailored to Indian travellers, focusing on:
- Experiences in luxury branding (e.g., onboard activities, cultural programs).
- The value of the journey, not just the price tag.
- Customizing food offerings for Indian travellers.
However, when she faced racial bias on the cruise, she took a bold stand against discrimination, even confronting the ship’s captain. This incident reinforced her commitment to customer advocacy, ensuring that Indian travellers received the respect they deserved.
Travel Entrepreneurship Before Google & GPS
Unlike today’s world of Google Maps and online travel agencies, Heena built her business the old-fashioned way:
- Driving for hours across Africa to inspect lodges.
- Manually mapping out travel routes.
- Personally testing accommodations to match different budgets.
Her attention to detail and hands-on research ensured that her clients received the best experiences, regardless of budget.
One defining moment came when she realized Indians traveling abroad were not getting the right food. Hotels would often assign any Indian-origin staff member to cook, regardless of their culinary skills. Her feedback helped shape the inclusion of authentic Indian cuisine in luxury hotels abroad.
The Evolution of Luxury Travel & Changing Trends
Over the years, Heena has seen massive changes in travel trends:
From B2B to B2C
Initially, Beacon Holidays operated as a B2B provider, working with Thomas Cook, Cox & Kings, and American Express. However, as international tourism boards entered India, Heena pivoted to a B2C model, specializing in customized luxury travel.
Understanding Clients, Not Just Selling Packages
Her philosophy remains: “I will never sell a holiday where I wouldn’t send my own family.”
For her, travel planning is not about selling pre-set itineraries but about:
- Personalizing experiences based on client interests.
- Advising when NOT to travel (e.g., avoiding peak-season tourist traps).
- Recommending authentic cultural experiences over commercial attractions.
Competing with Online Travel Platforms
With the rise of Makemytrip, Goibibo, and Google Flights, travel agencies face fierce competition and shrinking margins.
However, Heena doesn’t see them as a threat, because:
- Luxury travellers value expertise over automation.
- Last-minute travel plans require personalized handling, something OTAs can’t provide.
- Customized experiences can’t be mass-produced.
Her team ensures that even high-paying clients don’t waste money on subpar experiences, guiding them towards the best possible options.
Is Africa Safe for Solo Women Travelers?
Having travelled alone to Africa hundreds of times, Heena confidently says YES—but with caution.
- Just like in Paris or New York, safety depends on being aware and making smart choices.
- Working with reputed, insured, and licensed operators is key.
- Her deep local connections help ensure that clients travel with trusted partners.
Her rigorous approach to safety comes from personal experience—losing her husband on a holiday in South Africa. This tragedy reinforced her commitment to choosing reliable partners and ensuring traveller safety.
The Future of Travel & Beyond
Heena Munshaw’s three-decade journey in the travel industry proves that passion, experience, and customer-centricity will always triumph over technology-driven travel models.
Her commitment to quality, in-depth knowledge, and fearlessness in challenging norms have helped shape luxury travel for Indian customers.
With a legacy of customized experiences, strong ethical values, and a deep understanding of global travel trends, Heena continues to be a beacon of inspiration in the world of travel entrepreneurship.
And as for what’s next? Perhaps a book—because her stories deserve to be told!
About Heena Munshaw:
Heena Munshaw is the Managing Director of Beacon Holidays, a travel expert with over three decades of experience in luxury travel, African safaris, and customized tourism. A fearless entrepreneur, she has helped redefine international travel for Indian customers, ensuring exceptional experiences across the world.