Kalaiarasan Loganathan: From Job Loss to Building TheTourist360 Through a Part-Time Travel Venture
Tamil Nadu : Entrepreneurial journeys are often shaped by resilience and persistence. For Kalaiarasan Loganathan, widely known in the travel industry as Kalai Maldives, the path to building a travel company was filled with job losses, financial challenges, and the determination to keep moving forward. Today, he runs TheTourist360, a travel company that curates international travel experiences for Indian travelers.
Early Life and Background
Kalaiarasan Loganathan was born on December 14, 1996, in Vellakovil, Tamil Nadu. He grew up in a modest middle-class family. His father, Loganathan Palaniappan, worked in the second-hand car business and also took up driving assignments to support the family. His mother, Sagunthala Natarajan, is a homemaker who managed the household.
Education and Initial Career Aspirations
After completing his schooling at Punitha Amala Annai School, Kalaiarasan moved to Coimbatore to pursue a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering from Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology. Like many engineering graduates, he initially hoped to secure a position in the IT industry.
Facing Early Challenges
Despite multiple job applications, he struggled to find employment in the IT sector. At the same time, he was managing an education loan of nearly ₹5 lakh. During his job search, he also faced a setback when an overseas job offer for Singapore turned out to be fraudulent after he paid ₹35,000 in processing fees.
Entering the Tourism Industry
A major turning point came when Kalaiarasan attended interviews for tourism jobs in the Maldives. He was selected as an Airport Representative at Velana International Airport and moved to the Maldives in 2020 with a monthly salary of $450.
Job Loss During the Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the tourism industry. Like many others working in travel and hospitality, Kalaiarasan eventually lost his job and returned to India during this period of uncertainty.
Returning to the Maldives After Seven Months
After nearly seven months, as tourism slowly began recovering, Kalaiarasan returned to the Maldives once again and resumed work as an Airport Representative. This return allowed him to reconnect with the tourism network and industry knowledge he had gained earlier.
Starting a Travel Venture Part-Time
While working at the airport, he noticed that many Indian travelers were looking for assistance in planning Maldives trips. Using his local contacts and operational experience, he began helping travelers arrange accommodation, airport transfers, and complete travel itineraries. Initially, these services were handled as a part-time effort alongside his airport job.
Building and Refining the Business
Over time, more travelers began approaching him through referrals. As demand grew, Kalaiarasan gradually refined the service, improving travel coordination and building stronger partnerships with hotels and tourism providers. The initiative slowly evolved into a structured travel company.
The Rise of TheTourist360
The venture eventually became TheTourist360, a travel company specializing in Maldives holiday packages and international travel experiences. As the company expanded, Kalaiarasan transitioned from managing the service part-time to running it full-time.
Expanding Travel Destinations
Today, TheTourist360 organizes travel experiences across destinations including Maldives, Malaysia, Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and several European locations. Within India, the company also curates travel packages to Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Manali, and Kashmir.
Recognition and Industry Presence
Kalaiarasan Loganathan’s journey in the tourism industry has received recognition. He received the Tourism Business Icon 2025 Award at the Indian Awards, and his company TheTourist360 was recognized as the Most Trusted Travel Company of South India 2025.
An Entrepreneurial Story of Persistence
From facing job loss to returning to the Maldives and building a travel venture while working part-time, Kalaiarasan Loganathan’s story reflects determination and adaptability. His journey demonstrates how persistence and industry insight can transform challenges into a successful entrepreneurial path.
