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5 mins with… G Adventures’ Dushyant Singh

Q. Tell us about yourself…
A. I’m 32 and I live in Jodhpur, India. I have been working as a CEO – a chief experience officer, or guide – with G Adventures for six years, and was recently appointed European trade CEO apprentice for the UK and Germany. So I am looking forward to meeting travel agents in both countries.

Q. Why did you join G Adventures?
A. My parents have a hotel in Jodhpur in western Rajasthan, and G Adventures travellers stay there, so that’s how I first heard about the company. I was managing the family hotel, but was looking to do something different. So in 2008, I went to Mumbai and got into modelling. I was selected for the Mr India competition and won the most elegant male model award, shown live on national TV, and even did photo-shoots with L’Oréal Paris. But then I decided to move back to Jodphur, which is when I started working for G Adventures.

Q. Talk us through a typical day… A. I lead trips in northern India and Nepal, such as our Essential India, Golden Triangle and Northern India by Train tours. Every day, it’s our job to make sure groups visit all the main sites, and do things as locals do such as trying chai (tea), taking a cycle rickshaw or eating with local people at the Sikh temple’s community kitchen.

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Q. Do you have a favourite place?
A. There are many, but my favourite is Varanasi. It may be busy, dirty and smelly, but it gives you inner peace like no other city can, especially on a boat on the Ganges River.

Q. Any standout moments?
A. A cycle ride in Chitwan is a must-do. It’s a great way to see the countryside and meet local people.

Q. How do you make sure everyone has a good time? A. We have different age groups – they can start at 19 and sometimes you have people who are 80-plus. I try to make sure we do all the included activities, and then give some free time, so that people can decide if they want to do any other activities, or just relax.

Q. Best bit of the job?
A. It’s not just a job, it’s an honour. How often does someone have the opportunity to introduce their country and culture to travellers? I feel blessed doing this job because it is a chance for me to present my country. What I show travellers in 10 to 15 days will be India for them, so I make sure it’s not just a sightseeing trip. They also get under the skin of Indian culture

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Quick-fire questions

Favourite country?
Switzerland

Top travel moment?
Holi festival at the Ganges River

Time spent in travel?
Six years

Countries visited?
Eight

Still on the wish list?
Alaska and Antarctica

Last trip?
Nepal

Next trip?
The UK – see you there

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