In a world increasingly conscious of its ecological footprint, a pressing question emerges: Can travel be sustainable without compromising the wanderlust that defines our global adventures? The answer lies in the transformative efforts of individuals like Muhammad Zaim, whose role as the Managing Director at Red Berry Travels and Tours positions him as a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of sustainable travel.
Consumers, now more than ever, are actively seeking travel experiences that align with their environmental and social values. As the demand for responsible tourism grows, the travel industry faces a pivotal moment of redefinition. Enter Muhammad Zaim, a highly motivated leader reshaping the narrative of travel through innovative solutions and unwavering commitment.
Zaim’s 20+ years of professional experience have been a journey of continuous evolution. His career, spanning both corporate and leisure sectors, has equipped him with a diverse skill set and a keen understanding of the industry’s intricacies. Throughout this remarkable journey, hehas earned the trust of national and international companies alike, forging robust relationships that have become the backbone of his success.
At Red Berry Travels and Tours, he has not only identified the gaps in the industry but has actively worked towards bridging them. The company has become a beacon of sustainable travel, prioritizing environmental and social responsibility without compromising on the thrill of exploration. His visionary leadership has set the stage for a new era in travel—one where wanderlust and sustainability coexist harmoniously.
Below are the interview highlights:
Could you please talk about yourself and what motivated you to embark on this sector?
My early education in Pakistan laid the foundation for my journey into the dynamic world of the tourism sector. Growing up surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry and diverse landscapes of Pakistan, I developed an early fascination with the transformative power of travel. This fascination, coupled with a deep-seated curiosity about different cultures, fueled my motivation to explore and contribute to the tourism industry.
My educational background didn’t match my Hotel Industry career, so I embarked on the journey to complete an MBA from London in between my careers to make it a solid base, but it was the allure of showcasing the beauty of my homeland and creating memorable travel experiences that ultimately led me to embark on a fulfilling career in the international tourism sector. So, I moved to Saudi Arabia in 2000 to start my career in the hotel industry, followed by my shifting to Dubai in 2003, which is my second home now.
Can you please brief us about Red Berry Travel & Tours and its inception story?
Red Berry Travel & Tours is one segment of the Red Berry group. The company’s founder, Mr. Tariq Azeemi, started it in 2014 as Red Berry Corporate Services Provider LLC, which was later joined by other businesses like Red Berry Accounting Services, Red Berry Consultancy, and Red Berry Properties. Being a close friend of Tariq, I started Red Berry Travel & Tours and kept the principal name to grow the brand.
What initially sparked your passion for tourism, and how have your 20 years of experience shaped your perspective on the industry?
Travel & Tourism is my passion rather I say, “Travel is fuel to my soul.” I remember my parents used to tell me that I always wanted to be a pilot from the age of two. Back in 1999, I tried to tap into the Airlines Cabin Crew career to explore the world, but God had a better plan for me.
Over the course of my 23-year career in the tourism industry, I have had the privilege of witnessing and actively participating in the dynamic evolution of this sector. From managing hotel operations to leading marketing campaigns in sales, my journey has exposed me to various facets of the tourism business. Notable experiences include serving the world’s top International Hotel Chains like IHG, Hilton & Movenpick.
Throughout the years, I have closely monitored and adapted to emerging trends, such as the increasing reliance on technology for travel planning, the growing importance of sustainable tourism, and the impact of geopolitical events on travel patterns.
As a seasoned Sales & Marketing professional in 5-star hotels, can you share a specific achievement or project that you are particularly proud of during your time in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates?
At the start of my career in Saudi Arabia (Don’t forget that from 2000 to 2003, Saudi Arabia was different from today), it was a bit strange to work at the Guest Relations Desk at IHG Riyadh, where such a job role is performed by females in hospitality. I achieved an Employee of the Month award within 6 months of joining IHG Riyadh.
I moved to Dubai in 2003 with Hilton JBR and felt the hospitality difference. Dubai is a vibrant city since it is the hub for major companies. During my sales career, I built relationships with the world’s top corporate companies by taking care of their all-in-bound business. It was my great achievement to confirm the group for the Red Bull X Fighters World Tour in 2012 while working for Movenpick as a Business Development Manager.
Your transition to a Tourism Consultant role six years ago is intriguing. What inspired this shift, and how has it allowed you to provide bespoke experiences to clients worldwide?
After leaving the Hotel Industry, I continued my passion as a Tourism Consultant. I proudly served as a Board Member of HSMAI (Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International) which is a USA-based organization. In the Hotel Consultancy projects, I did two hotel projects. One in Nigeria and the other in Sweden. Working on eco-tourism in Masai Village in Kenya was a lifetime experience.
In 2018, I was invited by the office of the Pakistan Prime Minister to work on tourism projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province under the Prime Minister’s vision to promote tourism in Pakistan. Other than local projects and high-impact activities such as adventure, cultural, and heritage events, my major project for the First Kind Theme Park was approved and granted. In the tourism sector, I introduced the youth program, which was linked with their careers and job opportunities.
I proposed the development of 20 valleys, conducting detailed feasibility studies on sustainable and environmentally managed tourism. I proposed a special heritage site and plan to create a ‘walking through history heritage trail. To attract foreigners to travel to Pakistan, I proposed three things: adventure tourism, religious tourism (which is abundant in KP province, like the Buddhist trail), and historical tourism.
In January 2021, I represented the tourism and hospitality sector with a focus on South Punjab, Pakistan. The recommendations to improve the infrastructure and introduce new hotels were presented to Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) in the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis, Tourism, and Human Resource Development. The report was published and shared with all respective governments and private sectors by USAID, which is known as the White Pages in Washington.
Your career highlights include giving lectures at various universities and being a monthly article writer for “Hospitality Plus.” How do these activities contribute to your professional growth and industry influence?
Engaging in lectures at universities and contributing articles to hospitality magazines significantly contributes to my professional growth and industry influence. Lecturing allows me to share practical insights and experiences with the next generation of professionals, fostering a continuous exchange of knowledge. This not only sharpens my communication and presentation skills but also challenges me to stay updated on the latest industry trends.
Simultaneously, writing articles for hospitality magazines provides a platform to share thought leadership, showcase expertise, and contribute to industry discourse. This dual approach not only enhances my credibility within the sector but also helps shape conversations, positioning me as a proactive contributor to the advancement and evolution of the hospitality field.
Traveling to 76 countries is impressive! How has your love for travel influenced your approach to work, and have any specific travel experiences shaped your professional outlook?
My passion for travel, spanning over 78 countries, has undeniably molded my approach to work and left an indelible mark on my professional outlook. Experiencing diverse cultures, meeting people from varied backgrounds, and navigating unfamiliar territories have instilled in me a profound appreciation for adaptability and cultural sensitivity.
These qualities are integral to my professional ethos, enabling me to approach challenges with an open mind and a global perspective. Specific travel experiences, such as collaborating on cross-cultural projects and witnessing different business practices, have honed my ability to navigate complexity and find innovative solutions. Overall, my extensive travels have not only broadened my horizons but also enriched my professional toolkit, fostering a dynamic and inclusive approach to my work.
What advice would you like to pass on to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in the same industry?
To aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders in the tourism industry, I would offer the advice of embracing both resilience and adaptability. In an ever-evolving sector, challenges are inevitable and the ability to navigate uncertainties is crucial. Cultivate resilience by learning from setbacks, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Simultaneously, remain adaptable to changing trends, technologies, and consumer preferences. Stay abreast of industry innovations and be willing to pivot your strategies accordingly.
Additionally, prioritize the development of strong interpersonal and communication skills. Building meaningful relationships, both within your team and with clients, is fundamental to long-term success in the dynamic world of tourism. Finally, never underestimate the power of continuous learning. Stay curious, seek knowledge, and leverage it to make informed decisions that propel your ventures forward.
