Tamil Nadu, [India]: Entrepreneurship often begins with unexpected setbacks. For Kalaiarasan Loganathan, an entrepreneur from Vellakovil in Tamil Nadu, the journey toward building a travel company was shaped by job losses, financial challenges, and the determination to create new opportunities within the tourism industry. Today he leads TheTourist360, a travel company specializing in Maldives and international holiday packages for Indian travelers.
Early Life in Tamil Nadu
Kalaiarasan Loganathan was born on December 14, 1996, in Vellakovil, Tamil Nadu. He grew up in a middle‑class family that valued hard work. His father, Loganathan Palaniappan, worked in the second‑hand car business and also drove vehicles to support the family income. His mother, Sagunthala Natarajan, is a homemaker.
Education and Career Aspirations
After completing his schooling at Punitha Amala Annai School, Kalaiarasan moved to Coimbatore to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering at Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology. Like many engineering graduates, he initially aimed to build a career in the IT sector.
Early Career Struggles
Despite several interviews and job applications, he was unable to secure an IT job. At the same time, he had an education loan of around ₹5 lakh, which added financial pressure. During his search for overseas work, he also experienced a setback when a promised job opportunity in Singapore turned out to be fraudulent after he paid ₹35,000 in processing fees.
First Job in the Maldives
A major opportunity arrived when Kalaiarasan attended tourism job interviews for positions in the Maldives. He was selected as an Airport Representative at Velana International Airport and moved to the Maldives in 2020 with a salary of $450 per month.
Learning the Tourism Industry
Working at Velana International Airport allowed him to interact with travelers from different parts of the world. His responsibilities included assisting international tourists, coordinating airport transfers, and managing travel arrangements for resort guests.
Pandemic and Job Loss
When the COVID‑19 pandemic disrupted global tourism, many travel jobs were affected. Kalaiarasan eventually lost his job and returned to India during this challenging period for the tourism sector.
Returning to the Maldives After Seven Months
After approximately seven months, as travel restrictions gradually eased, Kalaiarasan returned to the Maldives and once again started working as an Airport Representative. This gave him another opportunity to reconnect with the tourism industry.
Starting the Business Part‑Time
While continuing his airport job, Kalaiarasan began helping Indian travelers plan their Maldives trips. Using his experience and local contacts, he arranged hotel bookings, airport pickups, and travel coordination. Initially this activity started as a part‑time effort.
Refining the Travel Venture
As more travelers approached him through referrals, Kalaiarasan refined the service by building relationships with resorts, improving coordination, and expanding travel planning support. Over time the initiative evolved into a structured travel venture.
Building TheTourist360
The travel service eventually became TheTourist360. As demand increased, Kalaiarasan transitioned from managing the venture part‑time to operating the company full‑time.
Expanding Travel Services
Today, TheTourist360 organizes travel experiences across several international destinations including Maldives, Dubai, Singapore, Thailand, Bali, Vietnam, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and parts of Europe. Within India the company also offers travel packages to destinations such as Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manali, and Kashmir.
Recognition
Kalaiarasan Loganathan has received recognition within the tourism sector. He was honored with the Tourism Business Icon 2025 Award at the Indian Awards, while TheTourist360 was recognized as the Most Trusted Travel Company of South India 2025.
A Story of Persistence
From struggling to find a job after engineering to losing employment during a global pandemic, and later returning to the Maldives to build a travel venture while working part‑time, Kalaiarasan Loganathan’s journey reflects determination and entrepreneurial vision.
