Category Archives: OTAs

EaseMyTrip is on an aggressive expansion spree.

Rikant Pittie assumes the role as CEO of EaseMyTrip

EaseMyTrip.com has appointed Rikant Pittie as its CEO and Co-founder. In his new role, Pittie will lead the company’s strategic initiatives, drive innovation, and enhance customer experiences to further strengthen EaseMyTrip’s position in the industry.

Rikant Pittie co-founded EaseMyTrip in 2008 and has been instrumental in its growth and success over the years. With over 16 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry, he has a deep understanding of market trends and customer needs. Under his leadership, EaseMyTrip has achieved significant growth, reflecting its commitment to a customer-first approach.

Speaking on this development, “The travel industry is at a transformative juncture where technology and personalisation are redefining how people explore the world. At EaseMyTrip, our mission goes beyond simply offering an enhanced travel experience. It is about setting new benchmarks. We are dedicated to pioneering innovative solutions that empower travellers globally. I am both honoured and thrilled to take on this role and look forward to continuing the company’s journey.”

EaseMyTrip opens franchise store in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh

EaseMyTrip.com has launched its first franchise store in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, which opened its doors to customers on October 27th. This strategic expansion adds to the company’s growing network of retail stores under its successful EaseMyTrip Franchise programme, reinforcing its commitment to bringing personalized travel services closer to customers across India. This marks the 20th store unveiled under the company’s flagship program.

The new EaseMyTrip franchise at No G-11, Carav’s Aseem Complex, South Civil Lines, Jabalpur- 482002, M.P brings the company’s comprehensive travel solutions closer to customers in Madhya Pradesh. The state-of-the-art store offers a complete range of travel services, including domestic and international flight bookings, premium hotel accommodations, customised holiday packages, and seamless bus and railway reservations.

Travelers can also access specialized services such as luxury cruise bookings and end-to-end visa assistance. The store’s contemporary design, coupled with expert travel consultants, ensures customers receive personalized attention and tailored travel solutions in a welcoming environment.

Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, said, “The launch of our Jabalpur store represents another significant step in our retail expansion strategy. Madhya Pradesh is a key market for us, and Jabalpur’s rich tourism potential makes it an ideal location for our newest franchise. This expansion aligns with our vision of creating a robust offline presence while maintaining our tech-first approach to travel solutions.”

The Jabalpur store is part of EaseMyTrip’s ambitious franchise programme, which aims to establish 100 retail stores by FY25. The programme has seen consistent growth, with the Jabalpur store following the most recent launch in Bhubaneshwar.

MakeMyTrip to acquire expense management platform Happay from CRED

MakeMyTrip has signed a business transfer agreement to acquire Happay Expense Management Platform from CRED.
Happay was acquired by CRED in late 2021 in a deal worth USD 180 million.

Happay provides expense management for corporates to manage travel and tax benefits for their employees. The company offers specialised solutions for large businesses with multiple branches and surface logistics companies.

Under the new agreement, the Happay brand, its expense management business, and its dedicated team will transition to MakeMyTrip.
The transaction is expected to close within the next 90 days, subject to closing conditions. According to the press release, Happay’s team will continue to support the existing client base while working in close partnership with MakeMyTrip’s corporate travel services team.

“The acquisition of Happay’s brand and expense management platform is a natural next step in our strategy to lead this space. By integrating Happay’s expertise, which spans over 900 corporate clients, MakeMyTrip is set to redefine the benchmarks once again in corporate travel and expense management in India,” said Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO, MakeMyTrip.

Happay’s payments business and team, which has focused on developing an innovative technology stack and business payments products, will remain with CRED. Most recently, this vertical launched B2B payment solutions on Bharat Connect in partnership with NPCI.

“Our focus at CRED is on developing products that enable financial progress. By enabling each vertical to play to its strengths, we’re positioning both teams – who’ve built market-leading products and capabilities – to scale in their domains. I’m excited about the payments team’s opportunity to transform the B2B payments experience into one that’s frictionless, reliable, and one that’s set for rapid growth,” said Kunal Shah, founder, CRED.

EaseMyTrip forays into study tourism with acquisition of Planet Education

EaseMyTrip.com has received approval to acquire Planet Education Australia Pty Ltd, an Australia-based comprehensive education services provider making a strategic investment of 49% paid-up share capital. This strategic investment marks EaseMyTrip’s entry into the international study tourism and strengthens its position in the tourism industry.

Founded in 1999, Planet Education has established itself as a education service provider with over 25 years of industry experience. The company offers comprehensive study abroad services, including expert counselling, university placements, and visa assistance, with an impressive track record of helping over 45,000 students achieve their international education goals. Planet Education maintains its headquarters in Australia with its head office in Sydney, operating through a network of 25 offices globally.

This acquisition aligns with EaseMyTrip’s vision to expand its service offerings and create a more comprehensive travel ecosystem for its customers while tapping into study tourism. It will enable EaseMyTrip to foray into another tourism sector and leverage Planet Education’s extensive experience in international education services and its strong presence. In return, Planet Education will have access to EaseMyTrip’s vast customer base, B2B agents’ network and tech capabilities.

Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, remarked, “Every year, lakhs of students pursue higher education in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, Singapore, New Zealand, and Ireland. Our acquisition in Planet Education is a strategic step to enter the burgeoning international study tourism, allowing us to offer a seamless, end-to-end experience that integrates both education and travel services for our customers. Leveraging Planet Educations’s expertise, we aim to simplify the process of visas and documentation for students, making it hassle-free. We see immense potential in Planet Education’s model and are excited to combine our tech-driven capabilities with their expertise to create enhanced value for our valued customers.”

Sanket Shah, Promoter, Planet Education, said; “Planet Education is one of the pioneers in Foreign Education Industry of India and is in existing since last more than 25 years. It is a fact that Indian students are more inclined to go abroad for studies for multiple reasons and its numbers are increasing year after year. Planet Education is one of the top facilitators to students for admission, visas, pre-departure briefings and all other related services. Proposed alliance would be a perfect synergy for expansion and growth of businesses of both the entities whereby wide network of Planet Education in form of its presence across the country and EaseMyTrip’s presence through its online platform for travel and tourism will be facilitating each other’s line of business and thereby achieving growth in the businesses”.

The acquisition creates a unique synergy between EaseMyTrip’s strong online presence, customer base and tech infrastructure and Planet Education’s operational excellence in education services. Through this strategic alliance, EaseMyTrip will leverage Planet Education’s network of 350+ universities across Australia, USA, UK, Canada, Singapore, Ireland, and New Zealand. The company’s established infrastructure across 25 global offices, combined with high visa success rate and proven counselling expertise, will enable EaseMyTrip to offer comprehensive education services including pre-departure workshops and post-landing support.

This strategic acquisition reinforces EaseMyTrip’s commitment to expanding its service offerings and strengthening its position as a comprehensive solutions provider. The company continues to focus on strategic investments and partnerships that enhance value for its customers and stakeholders.

More than 66% of Indians planning more travel in 2025: Skyscanner Report

Global travel app Skyscanner has released its “Travel Trends 2025 Report,” revealing that the upcoming year is all about collective travel experiences.

From stargazing beneath the night skies to exploring immersive art galleries, Indians are increasingly drawn to adventures that offer a sense of community. Moreover, with 66% of Indians planning to travel more in 2025, global exploration is a top priority as they seek out destinations that offer enriching experiences. The report further offers insights into the pulse of Indian travellers in the coming year, their evolving travel preferences, and the top 10 trending and best-value destinations.

Data from the report also reveals that Indian travellers are increasingly seeking deeper connections. Among those aged 25 to 34, 44% are excited to attend live sports events, eager to support their favourite teams alongside fellow fans.

Meanwhile, 47% are on the lookout for immersive art experiences that invite active participation. This growing interest in collective travel highlights a trend where shared moments and a sense of belonging transform how people explore the world.

Sharing his views on the latest ‘Travel Trends Report’, Mohit Joshi, Skyscanner Travel and Destinations Expert, said, “Indian travellers are not just exploring new destinations; they’re seeking meaningful and collective travel experiences. With 86% budgeting to spend the same or more on flights and 80% on accommodations in 2025, their desire to explore is stronger than ever. Cost remains a crucial factor in decision-making as travellers choose their next adventure.

At Skyscanner, we help travellers discover incredible travel options that help them make savvy choices. Our Search features on Skyscanner like setting up ‘Price Alerts’ or the ‘Cheapest Month’ tool can help travellers snag the best deals, making those unforgettable journeys more accessible.”

Using a comprehensive analysis of Skyscanner’s proprietary global travel data, consumer surveys from 20,000 travellers including Indian travellers, and industry insights, Skyscanner’s Travel Trends report spotlights seven key trends for 2025. The report reveals an exciting shift towards shared experiences and immersive adventures—inviting travellers to discover the world together in new and inspiring ways.
In 2025, Indian travellers are swapping couches for seats at the stadiums, with 53% eager to dive into the electrifying atmosphere of live sports, at home or abroad. Whether it’s cricket, football, F1, or other global tournaments, sports tourism is hitting an all-time high, with nearly two-thirds (63%) of Indians planning to soak in the experience for entertainment purposes. And for half (50%) of Indian fans, the chance to see their favourite sporting celebrities in action is a motivator to witness these grand spectacles in person.

Interestingly, Skyscanner has captured this growing excitement, showing a spike in flight bookings ahead of major sporting events like Formula 1. According to the data, Abu Dhabi (6–8 Dec) shows a 188% rise in bookings on 2nd December ahead of the race. Previously, Singapore (20-22 Sep) also witnessed a remarkable 189% increase in flight bookings on 18th September compared to the previous day. Indian fans are buzzing with excitement, and Skyscanner is here to help you dive into the action*!

ART-Venture:
ART-Venture is making waves as Indian travellers embrace immersive art experiences like never before. Nearly 79% plan to participate in these multisensory journeys on their holiday in 2025. Art is no longer just for viewing, it’s about experiencing with 51% of Indian travellers mesmerized by its unique appeal and an equal number eager to share it on social media, turning creativity into connection.

Notably, Skyscanner’s list of trending and best-value destinations for Indians in 2025, also feature the cities of Tokyo in Japan, Seoul in South Korea, Singapore, and London in UK, among others, each offering immersive art experiences. For an ideal ART-venture, explore the captivating “TeamLab Borderless” Digital Art Museum located at Azab Udai Hills in Tokyo, Japan, one of the trending cities for Indian travellers in 2025. TeamLab Borderless opened to public in February this year but has already surpassed 1 million visitors as of last month, signifying the growing interest in travellers seeking immersive art experiences.

Astro Adventurers:
The alluring night skies and cosmic wonders are drawing Indian travellers with a captivating 53% expressing their desire to sleep under the Milky Way and 56% keen on embracing night photography to capture the beauty of the cosmos. The Northern Lights have become a bucket-list item for 44% of Indian travellers, who are all yearning for an out-of-the-world experience- on their trips.
Skyscanner checked in with Preston Dyches from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who shared these tips on how to stargaze like a pro:
Find dark skies: Move away from city lights, as human-made light pollution makes it much harder to see stars.
Seek open landscapes: Choose a location with unobstructed views, such as a lake shore or meadow, to increase your visibility of the night sky.

Check the weather: Make sure the skies are clear by checking the weather for clouds and wildfire smoke, ensure the winds won’t be too gusty, and be prepared for the forecast temperatures.

Reach higher altitudes: Higher locations, above dense air and haze, give you clearer skies and better views.
Scout safely: Visit your stargazing spot during the day to identify and avoid any potential hazards like rocks and branches. And be aware of local wildlife.

Other trends that are inspiring Indian travellers to embark on adventures in 2025:
Horti-Culture: Garden lovers are on the rise with a whopping 90% of Indians sharing that they enjoy visiting gardens while on holiday. The allure of nature is undeniable, with over half (56%) of travellers eager to experience the breathtaking cherry blossom season, 53% having their sights set on sunflower fields, and 52% keen to wander through lavender fields next year.

Reset Jetters: Holistic living is becoming increasingly popular among travellers, with 70% actively seeking to be more mindful of their health and well-being. Moving beyond the traditional “treat yourself” holiday mentality, over half (57%) of travellers prioritise maintaining their wellness while away. An impressive 91% believe that vacations help them build resilience and cope better with daily pressures.

Gami-Vacation: Gaming is a huge hit with Gen Z, with nearly two-thirds (62%) saying it’s their go-to leisure activity and 57% feeling inspired to book a trip based on a location featured in a video game. Indian gamers can’t resist the allure of their consoles, even on vacation as 67% admit to packing their gaming gear to get their fix on the go.

Cowboy Core: Inspired to experience the great outdoors, travellers are gearing up for countryside escapes in 2025. With 53% excited about immersive experiences like campfire dining and 50% eager for tranquil farmhouse stays, these trips beautifully blend relaxation with outdoor adventure. Travellers are opting for destinations like Dubai, where luxury ranch-style resorts and desert experiences offer the perfect setting to channel their inner cowboy.

India’s Top Trending and Best Value Destinations
In 2025, Indians are expanding their horizons and exploring unique and lesser-known destinations. The most popular destinations for Indian travellers in 2025 are Shillong in India, loved for its stunning landscapes and lush hills, Baku in Azerbaijan located at the boundary between Europe and Asia and celebrated for its rich culture, and Langkawi in Malaysia, known for its pearl-white sand beaches. On the other hand, Almaty in Kazakhstan came out top overall, securing the highest spot for the Best Value Destinations category, followed by Jakarta in Indonesia, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia (full overview in appendix).

AI is taking centre stage:
As travellers embark on new adventures, AI is becoming their go-to tool for inspiration and comparison, empowering them to turn travel dreams into reality. A remarkable 84% of Indian travellers feel confident using AI tools for planning and booking their travels, with 52% using them for destination research, 50% for flight bookings, 48% for comparing flight and hotel options, and 46% seeking destination inspiration. As AI continues to transform the travel landscape, Skyscanner’s Savvy Search, harnesses this technology to enhance the travel planning experience.

Powered by Open AI’s Chat GPT technology, Savvy Search is an app-exclusive tool on Skyscanner that help travellers generate up to three curated destination recommendations based on travellers’ prompts on what they are looking for, simplifying the travel planning process for savvy travellers.

OYO forays into B2B corporate travel space with Oravel Travel Solutions

OYO has rolled out a new B2B product, designed to meet corporate travel and event planning needs across India. Its Founder and CEO, Ritesh Agarwal made the announcement on social media platform X.

Oravel Travel Solutions aims to streamline corporate travel management by offering dedicated support teams that handle check-ins, conference arrangements, and event logistics.

“At OYO, we understand the need for seamless corporate travel and event planning. Whether it’s organising summits, off sites, or business events, our 500+ company-serviced accommodations across India offer special corporate rates—complete with comfortable stays, tailored meal plans, conference setups, and event support,” he said.

“From smooth check-ins to hosting conferences and meetings, our dedicated teams handle every detail to ensure your business trips are hassle-free,” Agarwal stated in his announcement.

Agarwal added that the B2B arm has executed various events and stays across industries for clients, including Tech Mahindra, JIO Platforms, Cult fit Healthcare, Sun TV Network, V Mart Retail, Devyani International, Aditya Birla Health Insurance Company, India Infoline, and Reliance Group Support Services Private.