With the travel sector once again in boom mode, tourists are seeking and finding adventure across all four corners of the globe.

But for those whose interest in travel lies behind the scenes, the opportunity to build a career with an industry global player can lead them to India.

In a silver lining to the massive disruption of COVID, the past few years have been some of the busiest yet for Cover-More Group’s Indian team, which has helped to support and reboot global travel through innovative technology solutions.

Crucial to this activity has been Mumbai-based Paras Kothari, pictured, Cover-More’s Global Head of Technology Services, who also helps to oversee operations in India, where the focus is on IT operations and support for the business globally.

When the pandemic hit, this local team was charged with maintaining vital and seamless connections for staff and customers around the globe.

It was a critical task when you consider Cover-More Group operates not only an international travel insurance business, but also a 24/7 emergency medical assistance hotline that runs on a follow-the-sun model through command centres in Australia, the UK, Canada and Argentina.

“When COVID hit, we needed to make changes to our operations on a global scale,” Paras explained of the rapid rebalance. “India seemed a natural fit to anchor all these changes because we have the right talent pools available, we have the right resources and there are also significant cost and time-zone advantages.”

The decision to hub IT functions in India has seen Cover-More’s Group’s Mumbai outfit expand from about 26 people initially, to 80-plus employees today and continuing to grow steadily, with a forecast of 120 employees by FY24.

It’s a team that has a low attrition rate and high satisfaction.

However, one hurdle it can face in recruitment, compared with other parts of the globe, is the low awareness and visibility of the brand locally in India, even though it operates across 16 countries and is a leading travel insurer in Australia, New Zealand, the US, Brazil, Argentina and Ireland.

Paras said he hoped to build awareness that Cover-More sat under the corporate umbrella of prestigious insurance giant Zurich Insurance Group, which helped underline the organisation’s solid global credentials.

“It’s a great organisation to work for, because it has that international focus,” Paras said.

“There’s ample opportunity for career growth because you’re working with international stakeholders on some of Cover-More’s key projects across the globe, and that gives our Indian team a high profile across the group.

Paras Kothari

“It allows them to work in their home country, while having their contribution and expertise recognised globally.”

Paras said roles at Cover-More Group also gave staff exposure to technology platforms commonly used by organisations outside India, such as Cisco’s Webex CC telephony solution and Drupal coding, along with the chance to work on cutting-edge technology.

This opportunity to work on technology that has global impact is also part of a knowledge-sharing ethos Paras has fostered through such avenues as mentoring and LinkedIn Learning.

“We really want to expand that skill and knowledge base within the team to help us grow at the company, as well as the individual level,” he said.

Cover-More Group further maintains a strong focus on ensuring staff pay and benefits – including an incentive plan and family medical cover – match industry standards, particularly for key roles, such as engineering developers and business analysts.

It’s one reason staff turnover is extremely low.

While events of recent years may have left some candidates unsure about moving into the travel industry, Paras said the sector had roared back to life with, if anything, an even greater enthusiasm than before and a new focus on the importance of responsive travel insurance solutions.

And for skilled staff who want to be noticed on the world stage, global travel insurance provider Cover-More Group is always on the lookout for talent for its critical Indian hub.

If you’re interested in joining the growing team at Cover-More Group in India, you can make contact on careers@covermore.com or search for open roles and apply directly through the covermore.elmotalent.com.au/careers/careers/jobs. Learn more about our Indian team at our new site covermoregroup.com/india.