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Shaon Talukder
CEO & Founder Geotourist, "Global Top 10 Travel Entrepreneurs to watch" - Entrepreneur.com, Startup Accelerator Advisor, NED, Academic Advisory Boards & Mentor.
Professional Background
Shaon Talukder is a distinguished Chief Executive Officer with a remarkable track record in the travel, leisure, and tourism industries. Recognised as a prominent disruptor in the travel technology space by leading industry bodies such as TechNation, Euromonitor International, and Entrepreneur Magazine, Shaon has been at the forefront of innovation, constantly seeking to make life easier for travelers through accessible and smart solutions.
With extensive experience in spearheading innovations within smart cities and property sectors, Shaon's career has been built on a commitment to transforming how we engage with travel and tourism through the use of technology and big data. His extensive background has provided him with the expertise needed to navigate the nuances of these industries while continuously challenging the status quo to deliver exceptional experiences for consumers.
As a visionary leader, Shaon has developed a world-class, multi-award-winning team that shares his enthusiastic spirit for driving positive change in the industry. His leadership has not only inspired advancements in technology adoption for tourism but has also encouraged greater inclusivity within the sector through thoughtful initiatives and collaborations.
Education and Achievements
Shaon Talukder’s education reflects his commitment to excellence and innovation. He studied at Harvard University, where he obtained an EDx Certified qualification in PredictionX: Predictive Navigation, enhancing his understanding of advanced technologies and their applications in tourism. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy from the prestigious University of London, which showcases his diverse educational background and analytical mindset. Shaon also completed his High School education at Christ's College in Finchley, London, where he laid the foundations for his future endeavors.
In his professional journey, Shaon has been involved in various leadership roles and organizations. He has served as the Chair of the National Council at the Tourism Management Institute and held the position of Director at The Tourism Society, facilitating progress and collaboration within the tourism sector. His strong passion for mentorship has led him to become a Startup Mentor and Advisor in the travel technology space, where he guides emerging startups toward success.
Shaon's impact is further exemplified through his active participation as a guest lecturer at multiple universities, both in the UK and internationally, focusing on tourism and innovation. His insights and experiences serve to inspire the next generation of leaders in the industry.
Notable Thought Leadership
Shaon’s influence extends beyond the boardroom and classroom. He is a sought-after public speaker, sharing his expertise on disruption and technological challenges across global platforms, including speaking engagements at Google HQ and the World Travel Market. These opportunities allow him to address pressing issues in the travel industry, highlighting how technology and data can solve significant challenges while improving the overall travel experience.
In addition to his professional contributions, Shaon is a founding member of the Male Allyship Group created by Women in Travel. As a DEI mentor, he actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of the travel sector, demonstrating his commitment to a more equitable and accessible industry.
Shaon’s innovative spirit also led him to found Geotourist, which has garnered attention from mainstream media outlets, including BBC TV, ABC News USA, and the Sydney Morning Herald, showcasing the project's relevance and impact in the tourism landscape. This impressive recognition reflects Shaon’s dedication to fostering advancements in travel technology while prioritising user experience and accessibility.
Achievements
- Award-winning CEO: Received recognition for leadership and innovation in the travel technology sector.
- Disruptor: Acknowledged by top industry players for leading change in travel technology.
- Influential Speaker: Engaged audiences at prominent venues like Google HQ and the World Travel Market, addressing industry challenges.
- Mentorship Roles: Actively mentored and guided multiple startups, facilitating growth in the tourism sector.
- Guest Lecturer: Shared insights on tourism and innovation at universities across the UK and internationally.
- Diversity Advocate: Contributed to the Male Allyship Group and mentored in DEI initiatives within the travel industry.
- Media Visibility: Featured in major outlets such as BBC TV and ABC News, highlighting his contributions and projects in travel technology.
Highlights
I am delighted to have been included as a speaker for an important discussion about #sustainable and #community Travel in #Edinburgh hosted by Invisible Cities!
It is their first in-person event: "Doing Tourism Differently" and I am excited to be sharing some of the innovative work Geotourist has been doing across Scotland and other parts of the world to more easily measure sustainability and the huge contribution & impact of Community Tourism using the latest in tourism analytics.
The community based tourism market was valued at $575.9 billion in 2022, and is estimated to reach $2136.8 billion by 2032, growing at a cumulative annual growth rate of 14.1% from 2023 to 2032*. (*Allied Market Research)
Hosted at the Bruntsfield Hotel in Edinburgh on September 27th, the day will be packed with presentations, panel discussions and conversations and has been organised by the fantastic Invisible Cities, the social enterprise that trains people who have experienced homelessness to become walking tour guides.
Tickets can be purchased via this link. https://lnkd.in/eMGsWyAF
The ticket includes a full day of learning, refreshments & lunch, but in addition, will also support the work Invisible Cities does all year round!
When business goes global....
Recently, Geotourist worked with leading business school, INSEAD to explore how our data could transform the travel and tourism industry.
The findings of the analysis were staggering and the absence of meaningful data in the industry is costing the industry $billions.
What was indentified is the immense value that data can bring to travel destinations with in-depth market analysis and strategic investment opportunities.
If any organisation is interested in the research, do reach out, it could transform your fortunes!
A massive thanks goes to the "A-Team" of consultants from Emerald Consulting. It was truly an international effort resulting in global insights and included members from China, Greece, India, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland & Vietnam.
Thank you to Marcel Hren, Huong N., Xiaoning Lyu, Alessandro Mauro, Marios Iatrou, and Sanya Jain for your efforts and to Afonso Rebelo de Sousa for being a fantastic moderator and advisor! 🤝
#traveltech #traveldata #travel #tourism #destinationmanagement #destinationmarketing #innovation #dataanalytics #adtech #ar #immersivetech #vc #seriesa #seed #angelinvestment #dmofunding #bid
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Mesh is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Mesh beneficial.
Mesh offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Mesh offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Mesh's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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