Empowering travel agents and elevating experiences across Australia and New Zealand. Abhishek Sonthalia, Founder, Turtle Down Under shares his journey, challenges, and plans for the future.
By Naina Nath
In just eight years, Turtle Down Under has established itself as a leading DMC for Australia and New Zealand in the Indian market. Founded by Abhishek Sonthalia, the company’s mission has always been to offer Indian travellers unique, customisable experiences across these diverse destinations while making travel planning easier and more efficient. With a range of services from leisure travel, MICE, and event management, Turtle Down Under has evolved from a travel facilitator to a comprehensive solutions provider, quickly becoming a trusted partner for travel agents across India and beyond.
The roots of Turtle Down Under
For Abhishek, the idea for Turtle Down Under emerged from his desire to bring the wonders of Australia and New Zealand closer to Indian travellers. “The landscapes, cultures, and adventure opportunities in these countries are unmatched,” he says, explaining the inspiration behind launching the company. He adds, “These countries offer such a wide variety of experiences—beaches, rainforests, mountains—there’s something for everyone. I saw a gap in the Indian market. Despite being comparable in cost to Europe, Australia and New Zealand were underexplored by Indian travellers.”
Starting out as a travel service provider, Turtle Down Under has extended its offerings to include comprehensive packages, MICE events, and tailored group tours. He shares, “We’ve expanded our services to meet the changing needs of our clients. Now, we’re not just helping agents plan holidays; we’re managing large-scale events like CREDAI NATCON 2024. Our aim has always been to empower travel agents and with the introduction of monthly webinars and new online booking options, we’re making it easier for them to serve their clients while increasing their knowledge.”
Building lasting relationships
In today’s competitive travel industry, maintaining strong client relationships is the key to sustained growth. With a client base across six countries, including India, Malaysia, and the Philippines, Turtle Down Under has made relationship-building its top priority. Abhishek says, “Trust is the foundation of everything we do. We focus on providing personalized service, competitive pricing, and exclusive deals, ensuring that our partners feel supported every step of the way.”
By focusing on tailored solutions and regularly engaging with travel agents, Turtle Down Under has successfully built a loyal clientele. He adds, “It’s not just about offering the right products; it’s about listening to feedback and adapting. We stay connected with our partners, and that helps us grow together.”
SHELL: A game changer
One of the company’s most significant innovations is its proprietary platform, SHELL, designed to streamline the process of planning and booking travel. Abhishek explains, “SHELL is something we’re incredibly proud of, it allows agents to create customised itineraries in real time with instant access to pricing, availability, and promotions. This not only saves time but ensures accuracy and speed.”
But SHELL isn’t just about speed—it’s about personalisation. “The platform uses data to suggest itineraries based on market preferences and travel patterns, so agents don’t have to start from scratch each time. This means faster, more accurate service for clients,” he adds. Looking ahead, SHELL is set for an upgrade. “We’re adding features that will allow agents to book car rentals, activities, and transfers in real time, making travel planning even more flexible and seamless,” he reveals. With this expansion, SHELL promises to make travel planning as hassle-free as possible for both agents and their clients.
A core focus
As the global travel industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, Turtle Down Under is committed to minimising its environmental impact. Abhishek explains, “Sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a responsibility we take seriously. From promoting eco-friendly experiences like wildlife sanctuaries and conservation tours to encouraging travel to lesser-known destinations, we’re doing our part to reduce the environmental footprint of tourism.”
The company is also implementing green practices within its event management services. “For example, we partner with venues and suppliers that focus on reducing waste, using less plastic, and offsetting carbon emissions. Sustainability is a core part of our philosophy, and we’re constantly exploring new ways to integrate these values into our offerings,” he adds.
Growth plans and new markets
Looking to the future, Abhishek is focused on expanding Turtle Down Under’s presence in Southeast Asia while continuing to enhance its MICE services. “We’ve seen great success with large-scale events, and we want to build on that momentum,” he says. Although the company is committed to Australia and New Zealand for now, Abhishek sees potential for further growth in new markets in the future.
India remains a key market, while the company continues to strengthen its relationships with Indian travel agents. “We’ve been active in India through trade events, roadshows, and training programs,” says Abhishek. “In the coming year, we plan to enhance our engagement with more interactive workshops and webinars, helping agents navigate new travel trends.”
A thank you to Indian partners
India has been one of Turtle Down Under’s most significant markets, and Abhishek acknowledges this with deep appreciation. He shares, “To all our partners in India, thank you for your trust and collaboration. You’ve been integral to our journey, and we are committed to supporting you with the best travel solutions.”
The company is actively working with tourism boards and suppliers to design innovative itineraries and experiences tailored to evolving preferences. “We look forward to building more successful ventures together, helping you offer exceptional travel options for your clients,” concludes Abhishek.
