Valeri Stoychev is the main moving force behind 4travellers. He founded the company in 2012, with clear vision about what kind of business he wants to make – a vision, which does not change till today – about a company that is above all a trusted and dedicated partner. Valeri has more than 20 years experience in the travel industry. His interest in the sector is not only professional, he loves to travel and explore new places. He shares that he has 2 hobbies – playing tennis and good scotch
We present Valeri in his own words – about 4travellers, the change and himself.
Tell us about yourself with 5 words?
Scrupulous, with attention to detail, dedicated to my work. In fact, I'm mostly very lucky - I'm lucky to work, what I've always wanted to work. I love my job.
When you were small, what did you want to become when you grew up?
As a child, of course, an astronaut! But then I became a little more practical, in 1st grade I cultivated the dream of owning a hotel. In fact, this is my origin story, as they say in the comic books. This is the reason why I started working in tourism. My aunt worked at Interhotel Sandanski and one day she took me to work with her. I remember the incredible impression that this whole new world left on me. It was like I was in a different universe. And I said to myself, I want a hotel too. Today, this dream is still difficult, but perhaps not as impossible as it seemed to me then.
And what you do not want to become, now, as an adult?
Boring. I never want to become a boring adult. Unfortunately, many people change as they grow up. They say to themselves that they are actually maturing, getting wiser, becoming more responsible or more serious, but for me, growing up is not necessarily that. On the contrary. You don't have to get boring. You do not need to delve into everyday problems, to sink into everyday life, to come to terms with the monotonous and annoying everyday life. You have to enjoy life every day.
Tell us about the beginning 4travellers?
The beginning was spontaneous, emotional and maybe a little reckless, but on the other hand - a lot of fun. Difficult, of course, but I would say successful. Many people believed in me and trusted me unconditionally. It was great and very important to me, but it also put a lot of commitment and responsibility in front of me. Trust requires great responsibility. The important thing is that it happened. The proof that I have justified this trust is that the clients who trusted us 8 years ago are still with us.
I started completely alone. I have always wanted to start my own business, but the uncertainty, lack of experience and self-confidence stopped me from taking any action. So one day, the moment came, I decided to embark on the adventure 'Own Business' and I said to myself - you better break your head, but know that you tried it yourself. Well, I'm still trying to break it…
If you could say something to Valeri from 8 years ago when he was creating 4travellers,what would it be?
To be braver, more confident and to act with better self-esteem.
Why is 4travellers successful?
I think it is mostly due to the dedication to what is being done, the correctness, the uncompromising observance of all the values we have. We always focus on the details in each task, each query and we always want to do things right, even a little better than that. We do not stop if it is difficult. We work, we plan, we realize things as if we are not doing it for someone else, but for ourselves.
What do you think is the secret to success in this industry?
The most important thing is to be honest, to keep your commitments and to do your best without being obsessed with the profit. Indeed, this is the most important thing in our business - to be honest so that people can trust you and let you do things right without doubting or worrying.
The main challenge is to convince the client that you are on their side, that you are working to make things happen properly and strive to optimize the budget, not to waste it.
If I have to summarize in three words what is the secret of success in this industry, for me it is - integrity, honesty and dedication.
What is behind the change in 4travellers branding?
Change is a good thing, every change brings something positive, even if it is not always visible from the beginning. For us, this moment came, we realized that it was time to change, to refresh our image, to give a new start - as a vision, as brand awareness. The truth is that 8 years ago we did not think about brand or brand identity at all, we just wanted to work, to realize the vision of our clients. And today, we can safely say that we have a brand that is recognizable as a name and as values. It was time to dress this brand in a modern vision that presents its values and qualities, to create a site that facilitates current and future customers, and a presentation that shows what really is behind 4travellers.
What do you wish for the new year?
Above all health, because if we are healthy, other things will happen. As I like to wish every new year – may it be at least a little better than the previous one. To have more good people who enjoy life in general. 2020 was a challenging year which, unfortunately, brought upfront a number of problems. I hope 2021 will bring out the good in us.