A passionate traveler who co-founded MarketMyHotel.in, a platform that empowers hotels across India to enhance their online presence and sales. His leadership has cultivated a dynamic team, demonstrating exceptional manpower handling skills. Through his enterprise, he has significantly impacted livelihoods nationwide by creating employment opportunities and fostering economic growth in the hospitality sector.
Linkedin :https://www.linkedin.com/in/karmveer-singh-rathore/
Q. How has been your journey from IIFM so far?
A.It’s been an incredible journey, to say the least. Looking back, choosing to study at IIFM is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave direction to my career and shaped it exactly the way I had hoped.
Q.What were some of the key milestones/learning in this journey that you would like to share with us?
A. Several key milestones have significantly shaped my professional journey. One of the most impactful experiences was the exposure to diverse regions of India through field trips. These travels not only enhanced my understanding of different socio-economic contexts but also broadened my perspective on development challenges and solutions. I strongly believe that travel plays a vital role in expanding one’s outlook and evolving one’s thinking, especially when encountered with varied cultures and real-world problems.
Another important learning experience was my involvement with Jungle Lodges, which provided hands-on exposure to tourism and team management. This opportunity allowed me to develop practical skills in operations, leadership, and working with people in dynamic environments.
My engagement with IFMR Ventures further deepened my interest in entrepreneurship and offered valuable insights into the start-up ecosystem. It helped me understand the nuances of building something from the ground up.
The most defining milestone, however, has been the journey of building my own company—leading a team of over 60 members and ensuring it has remained profitable since inception. This experience has reinforced the importance of a problem-solving mindset, strategic thinking, and resilience in navigating challenges and sustaining growth.
Q.What is the most satisfying part in your career?
A.The most satisfying aspect of my career has been the opportunity to align my passion with my profession. Travel has always been a deep personal interest, and being able to build a company centered around travel has been immensely fulfilling. What makes it even more meaningful is the livelihood impact the business has created—particularly in some of the most remote regions of the country. Creating sustainable opportunities for local communities while pursuing something I genuinely care about has given a strong sense of purpose to my work. Contributing to both economic development and responsible tourism in underserved areas continues to be one of the most rewarding elements of my professional journey.
Q.Has your learning at IIFM helped in shaping how you approach your professional roles?
A.Yes, very much so. My learning at IIFM has played a crucial role in shaping the way I approach my professional responsibilities. The academic training, combined with the extensive field trip exposure, taught me how to navigate complex situations with limited resources—an essential skill in real-world settings.
Additionally, my time at IIFM significantly contributed to developing my people management skills. Working in diverse teams, handling field assignments, and engaging with various stakeholders helped me understand the importance of collaboration, empathy, and effective communication. These experiences continue to inform and influence my approach to leadership and decision-making in my current roles.
Q. Who (or what) are the biggest influences or drivers in your careers? What would be your advice to freshers and IIFM graduates who are looking to choose similar sectors/roles.
A.I would suggest anybody who is keen to start a business to take up roles/jobs where they learn to manage people and get work done from them, however small. As I see that this is the biggest piece in the startup success that should fit well. You may have an excellent idea but to execute it you may need people and at all levels. You need to know how to get things done. This experience will help you a lot.
Q. What are your favorite memories from your IIFM days?
A.Some of my fondest memories from IIFM revolve around the simple yet deeply enjoyable moments of campus life. Morning runs amidst the lush greenery, late-night gatherings with friends, and the occasional delight of chicken or egg being served in the mess—all of these created a unique sense of community and comfort. The beautiful weather on campus added to the overall charm and serenity of the experience.
Looking back, those two years truly felt like a retreat—an enriching phase that balanced learning, friendships, and personal growth in equal measure.
Q. In hindsight, what was the biggest contribution or take away from IIFM that you think played a critical role in shaping you as an individual or professional?
A. One of the most significant takeaways from my time at IIFM was the experience of learning from the faculty, particularly from CSR Sir. What impressed me the most was his calm demeanor and the way he would address areas of incompetence in a constructive manner. Initially, it took me some time to fully understand his approach, but with reflection, I realized that the way he pointed out mistakes was done with purpose and subtlety. It taught me a valuable lesson: sometimes, delivering criticism with a smile—or as I like to call it, “Haste haste kisi ko daant dena bhi ek kala hai”—is a skill in itself. This approach not only helped me improve personally but also shaped my professional mindset, where I now understand the importance of constructive feedback and how it can be communicated effectively. This experience, along with the knowledge gained through courses, interactions with peers, and exposure to the vast resources at the library, significantly influenced my development both as an individual and a professional.
Q. The best buddies / seniors /faculty at IIFM? Some memorable tidbits that you like to share?
A. Cricket matches between “ Invincibles” and “Barbarians” and sledging is worth remembering!! Memories of team members and opponents like KD, Jayant Roy, Saurabh Jha, Sandeep Mahajan, Ankur Dave , Dharmendra Pandey, Prateek Tikekar, Niraj Bansod, Avinash, Ravi Prakash, Krishan Kumar Kapil & Vishal Arghode.
Q. As an alumni, what’s your advice to freshers or those who are joining IIFM to get the best out of the 2 years there?
A. My advice to freshers would be to embrace the uncertainty and confusion that often comes in the beginning. Trust me, things will gradually begin to fall into place, and you will eventually find your true calling. The journey at IIFM is one of personal and professional discovery, so don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out right away.
Just take a step back, relax, and enjoy the experience. The environment at IIFM is designed to nurture your growth, and if you’re there, you are undoubtedly destined for something big. Keep an open mind, engage fully with the opportunities around you, and be patient with the process—it will all make sense in time.
Q. IIFM is driven by alumni’s passion and commitments towards its goal. How would you like to contribute to IIFM or IIFM alumni, students? Your engagement with IIFM Placement or OT/SI?
A. I am open to it so feel free to engage.
Q. What do you think is different at IIFM now vs when you studied there?
A. When I was at IIFM, the smaller number of students created a close-knit community, almost like a family. This fostered strong personal connections and a more intimate learning environment. I’m not entirely sure how things are now, but I imagine the dynamics may have changed with a larger student body. Despite this, I’m confident that IIFM continues to provide an enriching environment for its students.
Q. Any suggestions on who you want to get profiled/interviewed here?
A Sachin Bansal, Niraj Bansod and other members from the team of Invincibles or Barbarians as stated above.