Mr. Rahim Aslam is the driving force behind One Above Global’s rise to prominence in the global tourism industry. With over a decade managing the largest resort chain in the Maldives and fourteen years as the founder and leader of a highly respected Destination Management Company, Rahim’s expertise spans key sectors. His outstanding interpersonal skills and strong reputation in both international and Indian markets make him a key figure in transforming ‘One Above Global’, into a powerhouse in the tourism world.
Can you tell us about your professional background and what inspired you to start One Above Global?
I spent around 14 years in Sales & Marketing as a hotelier in the Maldives. During this time, I handled PR and marketing for one of the largest resort chains in the region, which required extensive travel to attend global travel events, roadshows, and tourism fairs. This exposure to the world’s largest tourism markets inspired me to start a global destination management company.
What was the initial idea or vision that led to the founding of One Above Global, and how did you go about bringing this idea to life?
The vision was to create a global destination management company with 195 DMCs under our portfolio, offering a one-stop solution to our B2B partners worldwide. We aimed to cover all segments of hospitality, including:
- Hotels
- Logistics
- Sightseeing
- F&B
- Events
- MICE
- Wellness Tourism
- Adventure Tourism
- Special Interest Tourism
- Sports Tourism
We brought this idea to life by leveraging our extensive network and industry expertise to build a comprehensive and reliable platform for our partners.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the early stages of starting One Above Global, and how did you overcome them?
Initially, gaining the trust of our B2B partners was a significant challenge. We overcame this by consistently delivering on our promises and demonstrating our commitment to excellence. Having a team with a wealth of experience in handling DMC operations was crucial in navigating these early challenges successfully.
What is the long-term vision for One Above Global, and how do you see the company evolving in the next five to ten years?
Our long-term vision includes creating the best and happiest working space with 195 DMCs. We aim to develop a complete end-to-end DMC platform covering all segments of tourism.
What are some of the key goals and milestones that One Above Global has achieved so far, and what future goals are you aiming to accomplish?
We currently have 25 DMCs covering 90 destinations. Our future goal is to expand our DMC portal to cover all segments of tourism comprehensively.
How does One Above Global differentiate itself from other companies in the industry? What sets you apart?
We don’t just represent; we are present. All our offices are either owned or partnered, and we operate as One Above Global, a single brand across the globe. This unified approach sets us apart from others in the industry.
Can you share some insights into your marketing strategy? How do you attract and retain clients?
Marketing is a key aspect of creating our brand, but retaining brand value is even more important. Our strategy revolves around delivering what we commit to. We also produce top-quality marketing flyers circulated to our global B2B partners and provide white-labeled versions on request.
How do you approach leadership within the company, and what qualities do you look for when building your team?
I believe in listening before speaking, being productive rather than just a product, and leading rather than preaching. These principles guide my approach to leadership and the qualities I seek when building my team.
What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own consultancy firms?
Listen to your clients and team, deliver on your commitments, and strive to create a brand that stands out through reliability and excellence.
