How tourism and business intersect: what an entrepreneur can learn from travelling by Igor Fishelev
As an entrepreneur, I have come to the conclusion that success in business is not just about strategy, finance and operations. It’s also about understanding people, building strong relationships and broadening your horizons. One of the most enriching ways to achieve this is through travelling. Over the years, I’ve learned that travelling, especially with clients to diverse parts of the world, provides insights that you can’t get in the office.
Broaden your horizons and gain new perspectives
When you travel, whether for work or personal reasons, you step outside your comfort zone and find yourself in an environment that forces you to rethink your usual way of thinking. Experiencing different cultures, traditions and lifestyles makes you look at business, leadership and decision-making in a new way.
For example, travelling to Japan was a moment for me when business and culture merged into one. The Japanese commitment to precision and respect for hierarchy taught me the importance of structure and accuracy in business relationships. These lessons have had a lasting impact on the way I run my business. But it’s not just about business – travelling gives you a chance to explore the world on a much deeper level. You begin to understand what values are prevalent in different societies, from work ethic to the value of family, and this awareness helps shape your own leadership style.
Adaptability and flexibility
One of the most important lessons that travelling has taught me is the value of adaptability. The ability to quickly adjust to new environments, overcome unexpected challenges and embrace change is critical not only in business, but also in life. Whether it’s overcoming language barriers or adopting a completely different work culture, every new experience helps develop flexibility.
Strengthening client relationships
As I’ve found, travelling with clients provides a great opportunity to strengthen business relationships. When you’re not confined to the usual office atmosphere, there’s a chance to make a more personal connection. Shared fond memories help break down the barriers between professional and personal relationships and foster a more genuine bond. By travelling together, you begin to see your client not only as a partner, but also as a person.
Discovering new markets and business opportunities
Travelling not only helps you expand your personal perception of the world, but also opens your eyes to new markets and business opportunities. Travelling allows you to see how business is done in different countries. From analysing consumer behaviour to understanding how businesses deal with logistics and partnerships, travel provides unique insight into possible opportunities and risks.
Conclusion
Travelling has taught me that business is not just about deals. It’s about growing as a person and expanding your horizons. Going outside the box and experiencing different cultures gives you a unique perspective that shapes your approach to entrepreneurship. Travelling also gives you the opportunity to strengthen bonds with clients, find new approaches to business and see opportunities you might have missed. When tourism and business intersect, there are limitless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
