At the TAFI Convention 2025, held in the breathtaking city of Ninh Binh, Vietnam, VFS Global was honoured with two prestigious awards, solidifying its reputation as a game-changer in the global travel and tourism industry. The accolades reflect the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, shaping the future of international travel.
The first award, “Game-changer in Global Travel and Mobility,” was presented to Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global Group. This recognition highlights VFS Global’s transformative role in simplifying international travel and making travel dreams a reality for millions of travellers worldwide.
The second honour, the “Excellence in Sustainability” award, was accepted by Shireen Mistree, Head of ESG at VFS Global. This award acknowledges the company’s outstanding efforts in integrating sustainability into its core business operations and inspiring stakeholders across the global travel industry.
Fireside Chat with Ajay Prakash
Following the award presentation, Karkaria engaged in an insightful fireside chat with Ajay Prakash, President of TAFI. The discussion highlighted his visionary leadership in transforming VFS Global from an Indian enterprise into a global leader in visa and travel services. Karkaria shared his perspectives on leveraging cutting-edge technologies, fostering strategic partnerships, and championing environmental sustainability to drive the company’s growth and industry impact.
Expressing his gratitude, Karkaria stated, “I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from TAFI. I also extend my thanks to our Vietnamese counterparts for hosting this remarkable convention in Ninh Binh. This is my first time here, and I must say, I am deeply impressed. It is a destination that deserves more attention, and this event is a great opportunity to promote tourism to this beautiful region.”
The Remarkable Growth of VFS Global
Reflecting on the inception of VFS Global in 2001, Karkaria recalled identifying a critical gap in the market. He remarked, “A few decades ago, as a tour operator, arranging visa appointments for our customers was a challenge. Recognising this, we saw an opportunity to create a service that would streamline the process, ease the burden on embassies, and enhance efficiency for applicants.”
Starting with its first major client, the U.S. Embassy in Mumbai, VFS Global has since expanded its operations across 69 countries, serving millions of travellers annually. When asked about the key to this phenomenal growth, Karkaria modestly attributed it to strategic foresight and a customer-centric approach. “Success comes from identifying real needs and ensuring that the solutions we provide benefit not just our business but also our customers and the broader community.”
Embracing Innovation
With rapid advancements in the travel and tourism industry, Karkaria emphasised the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and technological innovation in shaping the future of visa processing. He revealed, “We started focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) 18 months ago, and today, we have 16 data scientists globally working on AI-driven solutions in collaboration with governments. It is crucial to remain adaptable and embrace change.”
As part of this innovation drive, VFS Global is set to launch six new AI-powered products for the British High Commission, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of visa services worldwide.
The Power of Partnerships
Karkaria firmly believes that collaborations and partnerships have been instrumental in VFS Global’s success. He stressed, “We are continuously developing AI solutions to simplify and enhance the visa application process. Partnerships are fundamental to our growth, and everyone in this industry is a valuable partner. If any of you need support from our team of data scientists at VFS, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”
Sustainability with Corporate Responsibility
Amid all the technological and business growth, Karkaria remains deeply committed to sustainability. When Ajay asked him about the convention’s theme “Tourism for Tomorrow: Protecting the Planet.” Karkaria acknowledged the magnificence of planet Earth and the urgent need to protect it.
VFS Global’s commitment to sustainability is embedded in the company’s culture. Karkaria explained that every employee of its 15,000 staff, from top executives to those on the ground in 150 countries, has an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) target tied to their bonus structure, highlighting the seriousness with which VFS Global approaches corporate responsibility. He added, “7.5 per cent of our bonus is calculated based on meeting our ESG targets. This reflects how seriously we take our responsibility toward environmental protection, inclusion, and diversity.”
Zubin Karkaria’s leadership in the travel and mobility sector, coupled with his emphasis on innovation, partnerships, and sustainability, continues to shape the future of international travel.
