travel and tourism business plan in india

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Starting a Travel Business in India: A Comprehensive Guide | 2023

Gaurav Singh

Understanding the Market

• Assessing Demand: Begin with in-depth market research to grasp current trends, customer preferences, and demand across various travel industry segments. Resources like the Ministry of Tourism provide valuable insights.
• Identifying Your Niche: Choose a specific niche within the travel market, whether it be cultural tourism, adventure travel, or luxury tours. Understanding different travel motivations can guide this decision.
• Competitive Landscape: Examine your competitors to understand their strengths and weaknesses, and identify market gaps your business could fill. Analyzing successful travel businesses can offer practical insights.
• Learning from Success Stories: Investigate both Indian and global success stories in the travel sector for effective business models and strategies.
• Registration and Licensing: Familiarize yourself with the legalities of starting a travel business in India, including business registration, GST, and other necessary licenses (Read in Details about Licenses & Certifications required for running travel agency here) .
• IATA Certification: For businesses planning to offer air travel bookings, obtaining IATA certification can provide a significant advantage.
• Travel Preferences: Understand what drives different traveler types, such as cultural experiences, relaxation, or adventure.
• Adapting to Changing Trends: Stay adaptable to evolving travel trends, like the increasing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly travel .

Planning and Setting Up Your Travel Business

• Creating a Business Plan: Develop a detailed business plan that outlines your business model, target market, marketing strategy, financial projections, and growth plan. This document will serve as a roadmap for your business and can be crucial for securing funding.
• Budgeting and Finance: Determine your startup costs, operational expenses, and potential revenue streams. Consider different financing options, including loans, investors, or self-funding.
• Types of Travel Businesses: Decide on the type of travel business you want to establish. Options include a travel agency, tour operator, online travel portal, or a niche travel service.
• Franchise vs. Independent: Consider whether to start an independent business or buy a franchise of an established brand. Each has its own set of advantages and challenges.
• Office Location and Setup: Choose a location for your business. While online businesses might not require a physical office, having a well-located office can be beneficial for traditional travel agencies.
• Staffing and Training: Hire qualified staff and provide adequate training, especially in customer service and travel planning. Consider the roles you need to fill, including travel consultants, marketing personnel, and administrative staff.
• Investing in Technology: Utilize the right technology and tools for booking systems, customer management, and marketing. This can include CRM systems, booking software, and digital marketing tools.
• Website and Online Presence: Develop a professional website and establish a strong online presence. Website and Online Presence: Elevate your travel business with a professional website crafted by our team with  TripClap Travel Website Development Service . Our focus extends beyond aesthetics to include effective SEO strategies, engaging content marketing, and dynamic social media engagement, all integral to building a robust online presence.
• Building Relationships: Establish relationships with travel suppliers, local tour operators, and other travel agencies. This network will be crucial for providing comprehensive services to your clients.
• Joining Associations: Consider joining travel industry associations for networking opportunities, industry insights, and credibility.

Marketing Your Travel Business and Customer Acquisition

• Understanding Your Audience: Tailor your marketing strategy to your target audience. Understand their preferences, behaviors, and the best channels to reach them.
• Branding: Develop a strong brand identity that resonates with your target market. This includes your business name, logo, tagline, and overall brand message.
• Website and SEO: Create a user-friendly website with an attractive design and informative content. Implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve visibility and attract organic traffic (learn more about SEO in travel).
• Social Media Marketing: Utilize social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to engage with potential customers. Share engaging content, travel tips, destination highlights, and special offers.
• Email Marketing: Build an email list and regularly send newsletters, promotional offers, and personalized travel packages to potential and existing clients.
• Networking Events: Attend travel expos, trade shows, and local business events to network with potential clients and partners.
• Print and Media Advertising: Depending on your target audience, consider traditional advertising methods like print ads, radio, or local TV channels.
• Referral Programs: Encourage word-of-mouth marketing through referral programs. Offer incentives for customers who refer new clients to your business.
• Collaborations and Partnerships: Collaborate with hotels, airlines, and local tour operators to create bundled travel packages and special deals.
• Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs to retain existing customers by offering rewards, discounts, or exclusive deals on future bookings.
• Performance Tracking: Regularly track the performance of your marketing efforts using tools like Google Analytics. This includes monitoring website traffic, engagement rates on social media, and the effectiveness of advertising campaigns.
• Feedback and Adaptation: Actively seek feedback from customers and adapt your strategies accordingly. Stay up-to-date with market trends and be ready to pivot your approach as needed.

Building Customer Relationships

• Exceptional Service: Offer impeccable, personalized service to every client. Ensure that your team is trained to handle inquiries, bookings, and any issues with professionalism and empathy.
• Responsive Communication: Maintain clear, prompt, and effective communication with clients. This includes responding swiftly to emails, calls, and social media inquiries.
• Tailored Packages: Customize travel packages based on individual preferences, budgets, and interests. This personal touch can differentiate your business in a crowded market.
• Feedback and Customization: Regularly collect feedback from clients post-travel and use this information to refine and personalize future offerings.
• CRM Tools: Implement customer relationship management (CRM) specifically designed for travel business  tools to better understand and manage customer interactions and data throughout the customer lifecycle.
• Innovative Tools: Consider using innovative tools like virtual reality previews of destinations or AI-based itinerary builder to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.
• Travel Blogs and Guides: Create and share engaging travel content, such as blogs, destination guides, and travel tips, to keep your audience informed and engaged (explore digital content strategies).
• Online Communities: Build online communities through social media or forums where travelers can share experiences and tips, fostering a sense of belonging among your clients.
• Loyalty Programs: Develop loyalty programs that offer rewards, exclusive deals, or special discounts to repeat customers.
• Post-Trip Engagement: Keep in touch with clients even after their trip. Send them personalized messages, updates on new offerings, or wishes on special occasions.
• Effective Complaint Resolution: Address customer complaints promptly and effectively. View complaints as an opportunity to improve your services and customer satisfaction.
• Learning from Feedback: Actively seek and incorporate customer feedback into your business practices and offerings.

Scaling and Expanding Your Business

• Regular Assessments: Conduct regular assessments of your business performance. Identify areas of success and those needing improvement.
• Market Trends: Stay informed about the latest trends in the travel industry and adapt your business model to align with these trends.
• Diversification: Consider expanding your range of services or products. This could include adding new travel destinations, curating unique experiences, or offering complementary services like travel insurance.
• Technology Integration: Continuously upgrade your technology to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency. This could involve adopting new booking systems, virtual tour technologies, or mobile apps.
• Strategic Partnerships: Forge partnerships with airlines, hotels, and local tour operators to offer more comprehensive services and competitive pricing.
• Collaborative Marketing: Collaborate with related businesses for co-marketing opportunities. This can help reach a broader audience and reduce marketing costs.
• Geographic Expansion: Look for opportunities to expand into new geographic markets. This could be within India or in international markets with a demand for Indian travel experiences.
• Targeting New Demographics: Identify and target new customer segments. For example, focusing on solo travelers, families, or corporate clients can open up new revenue streams.
• Enhanced Marketing Efforts: Invest in more advanced marketing strategies and tools. Consider digital marketing, content marketing, and SEO to enhance your online presence.
• Brand Development: Focus on building a strong brand that resonates with your target audience. Consistent branding across all channels can significantly impact customer perception and loyalty.
• Employee Training: Invest in regular training and development for your staff. This ensures that your team is skilled, motivated, and aligned with your business goals.
• Hiring for Growth: As your business grows, hire additional staff to support new areas of your business. Look for individuals who bring new skills and perspectives to your team.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamline operations to handle increased business volumes efficiently. This might involve automating certain processes or restructuring your team.
• Financial Management: As you scale, keep a close eye on your finances. Efficient financial management is crucial for sustaining growth and profitability.

Sustaining and Innovating in the Long Run

• Adaptability: The key to long-term success in the travel industry is adaptability. Stay flexible and ready to pivot your strategies in response to market changes, new technologies, and customer preferences.
• Sustainable Practices: Embrace sustainable and eco-friendly practices in your operations. This not only appeals to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers but also contributes to the responsible growth of the industry.
• Embracing New Technologies : Keep abreast of emerging technologies that can enhance the travel experience, such as augmented reality (AR) for virtual tours or AI for personalized travel suggestions.
• Innovative Travel Experiences: Continuously seek ways to offer new and unique travel experiences. This could involve exploring untapped destinations, curating thematic tours, or integrating local cultural experiences.
• Engage with Your Audience: Foster a community around your brand. Engage with your customers through social media, forums, and events. Create a platform where travelers can share their experiences and tips.
• Customer Feedback Loop: Establish a continuous feedback loop with your customers. Use their insights and suggestions to refine your offerings and services.
• Quality Services: Ensure that every aspect of your service remains top-notch. High-quality experiences lead to repeat business and referrals.
• Value Proposition: Always focus on providing value to your customers. Whether it’s through competitive pricing, unique packages, or exceptional service, make sure your customers feel they are getting value for their money.
• Invest in Your Team: Your employees are your biggest asset. Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to keep them motivated and skilled.
• Create a Positive Work Culture: Foster a workplace culture that encourages innovation, teamwork, and employee well-being.
• Market Research: Regularly conduct market research to stay ahead of industry trends and understand evolving customer needs.
• Competitor Analysis: Keep an eye on your competitors. Learn from their successes and failures to refine your own business strategies.

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List of Top Travel and Tourism Startups in India

Ashwini , Shilpa sharma

“It will be much more about responsible travel now. We are going to value our freedom a lot more" – Deep Kalra, Founder of MakeMyTrip on impact of Covid on travel industry

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India, it's a major driver of economic growth globally. India's tourism industry is experiencing a good period of growth, driven by the flourishing Indian middle class, growth in high spending foreign tourists and coordinated government campaigns to promote 'Incredible India'. But Due to restrictions linked to Covid-19, the number of foreign tourist in India during 2021 decreased to 1.52 million compared to 2.74 million in 2020, dropping by 44.5%, though foreign exchange earnings grew during the same period, as per the India Tourism Statistics 2022 report. In 2019, India saw 10.93 million foreign tourist arrivals, which dropped by 75% in 2020.

In 2021, the travel and tourism industry in India contributed around 178 billion U.S. dollars to the country's GDP. Just a few days ago the Indian government has said that the country's tourism sector will recover to the pre-pandemic level by mid-2024 , they also said that by 2030, the tourism sector will contribute $250 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).According to the recent India Travel Market Report by Phocuswright, the total Indian travel market stood at US$19.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $40.4 billion in 2025, with online penetration reaching 58% in 2025.

The booming IT and outsourcing industry has led to a growing number of business trips made by foreigners to India. After Covid, along with work from home, a new trend has come, i.e., workcation for which travel companies are coming up with very good offers and packages. These plans comprise elegant and peaceful places to work with sightseeing and event sports in the evening. These packages are varied and diverse.

From choosing destinations to connecting with locals and customizing the holiday, the travel startup business in India is looking to add a new dimension to the ever-evolving traveling story.

Here is the list of successful tour and travel startups.

Travel & Tourism Industry in India - Key Highlights

Top Travel and Tourism Startups in India:

Pickyourtrail

Scoutmytrip, thrillophilia, travel triangle, extravelmoney, travel & tourism industry in india - key highlights.

Also Read: Travel and Tourism Industry Trends in 2021: Post-Covid Scenario

Top 20 Travel and Tourism Startups in India

MakeMyTrip is one of the oldest travel startup in India . The inspiration for this startup came to Kalra when he was booking a holiday to Thailand. He realized that the internet could offer more competitive prices by cutting out the middleman. MakeMyTrip's mission is to provide customers a one-stop-shop for all their travel needs by providing online travel services that include flight tickets, domestic and international holiday packages, hotel reservations, rail and bus tickets.

Cleartrip, headquartered in Mumbai , was founded by Stuart Crighton, Hrush Bhatt in the year 2005. The company operates an online travel aggregator website for booking flights and train tickets, hotel reservations, and activities in India and the Middle East countries. Cleartrip is one of the few business travel startups in India. It has offices across India, UAE , Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Cleartrip is another travel tech company in India, started its services to the Persian Gulf nations of Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt. On June 21, 2018, Cleartrip announced the acquisition of Saudi Arabia-based online travel aggregator (OTA) Flyin.

Clear trip also operates -

• Cleartrip for Business , an online corporate travel management tool. It is a business travel solution for companies
• Agent Box , a travel tool for travel agents.
• Cleartrip Mobile , a travel booking app for consumers.
• Expressway , to let users store traveller profile and payment details securely to make one-click bookings.
• Flexifly, a solution that enables flyers to change their travel date and time and switch flights between airlines without any hefty penalties.

Within few years goibibo became a big payer in travel industry . Goibibo acquired redBus in 2013 to enhance its product offering. The 2016 merger of MMT and Goibibo gave MMT depth of content and an access to a bigger consumer base. It's core value differentiator is the most trusted user experience, be it in terms of quickest search and booking, fastest payments , settlement or refund processes. Along with the usual services travel startups provide, Goibibo became the no 1 travel startup to introduce real travel booking currency named as Go Cash which can be used without any restrictions or limits of use .

In small towns, this start up company has built up good trust and about 48% of new users are associated with tier 2 and tier 3 cities, it has seen a 65% increase in transacting users since January this year and that it has been 'successful' in consolidating its position as the 'second largest' OTA brand in the country.

It is the largest hospitality startup from the list of top hospitality startups in India comprising budget hotels. It is usually one of the first names that pop up in people's minds when they think of cost efficient hotel bookings in India. The startup works in liaison with existing hotels and offers travellers vacant rooms at a cheaper price . OYO Rooms start at a nominal price of Rs. 999. Besides bulk renting hotels, they have also invested in their own properties as well. Click here to know how exactly OYO Rooms work .

The users can also opt for OYO Premium which provides a more-than-basic experience. OYO Rooms are located in the prime areas of the city and therefore they ensure travellers of having the best experience, it is also close to the best sight-seeing destinations and various dining options. The startup also raised an investment of $90 million from Softbank earlier in 2016. In 2019, OYO raised $1.5 Billion in Series F funding led by SoftBank Group , Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Sequoia India .

Hari Ganapathy and Srinath Shankar got the idea of the startup after their experience from a self-planned trip to Europe in 2012.  This platform uses deep tech to let travellers create, customize and book international vacations . Pickyourtrail considers more than 40 factors like duration, travel time, ratings, etc to build personalized itineraries that travellers can further customize & book .

After the trip is booked, travellers can use Pickyourtrail’s app to keep track of bookings and get real-time information on flight and weather updates, restaurant recommendations, and on-trip chat support.

Their goal is to perform best in the tour and travel business when it comes to international trips.

ScoutMyTrip is a road trip planner , It works for all sorts of outings, from short weekend travels to long excursions.

The motive that the duo has been able to solve through their startup is to collate information that is currently very diversified. Basically it is an information portal that makes travel easy and accessible for anyone. The company plans to connect travellers with people who want to travel on any particular vehicle. It will also facilitate customised tour packages.

With artificial intelligence, customers can create an itinerary containing the information necessary for their road trip—gas stations, toilets, restaurants, hotels to stay, and points of interest. The human intelligence aspect brings in the ability to personalize information as per one's needs.

The corporate outdoor and experiential learning model adopted by Thrillophilia in its early days, has proven to be of great significance since it was fairly new concept in India.

Thrillophilia provides you with handpicked adventure travel options. It is best suited for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-track package for sightseeing, sports, and adventurous activities like water rafting, snorkelling, bungee jumping, and skydiving. The travellers can also curate the best tours and authentic suppliers.

Travel Triangle operates their services with a versatile team of 450+ peopl e. Travel Triangle is operating as an online marketplace model bringing both travellers and trusted & expert travel agents on a common platform. Travel Triangle is a S aaS-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform to help them manage and analyse customer interactions and data.

goMowgli is a travel startup that had its name inspired by the fictional character we all loved growing up –Mowgli from Jungle Book. It has a fleet of buses across different states (using the concept of “hop-off buses”) and the travellers can buy a pass for a fixed number of days – a week or two. It is suitable for solo travellers and backpackers who want to travel without a fixed plan or do not want to get in trouble of booking cabs while traveling the city.

goMowgli claims to be India's first flexible bus network for travellers. Flexible bus network mean is you can catch the bus anytime you want from any place in their network, and get off anytime, at any place.

goMowgli will tell you the exact location of the nearest bus when you switch on the GPS feature on your smartphone. The app is growing in popularity very fast. At present, their revenue generation is basically based on the passes they sell (Rs. 1700/day) . And their marketing is mainly based on social media and word of mouth.

Tripoto is a Delhi-based startup founded by Anirudh Gupta and Michael Lyngdoh and one of the best travel startups in India. It allows users to create itineraries for their future trips that they can also share with other travelers. They can share their travel experiences, related content and pictures, itineraries, maps, stories, and reviews.

The startup has one of the largest communities of travellers in the world where people get a chance to share their travel experiences, discover unique trips and travel itineraries by other travelers and connect with them around the world through the website. Tripoto’s aim is to become the largest source of crowd-sourced travel content platforms in the world by enabling users to share their credible travel information.

ExTravelMoney is an online aggregator and marketplace for forex services that bring the hyperlocal eCommerce model to foreign exchange business and is helping users save money on currency exchange and money transfer from and to abroad. Users can use this platform to search for banks and money changers near them who offer these forex services. They can also compare the exchange rates and total cost of a forex service including the services fees, tax charges, even the rating of each forex store they are searching for.

The users can therefore make an informed decision based on this knowledge and book the cheapest and the best forex services near them directly from their app ExTravelMoney. If you are traveling in a foreign country, foreign exchange is an important component to plan. It isn’t easy to purchase forex due to the time and the hassle it takes in finding the best exchange rates. The website provides travelers with forex dealers across the country to bring them the best available exchange rate in the market and all they need to do is log in to their website, state their forex requirement, and then it connects you to the nearest forex dealer.

Nearify is an app founded by Mayank Kumar, Saurav Singh and Vivek Srivastava in 2012 that provides users with updated information on events that are happening around them. Like information on the city, major tourist attractions, and fairs & festivals happening in the area. All the user needs to do is to key in the name of the city to find listings of meet-ups, workshops, music concerts, and cultural hangout places in their close proximity.

It is best suited for travelers who want to know what’s happening in other locations of the place they are traveling to and wish to plan their itinerary and also don’t want to miss out on the social events happening in nearby cities or locations.

TripHobo is a Pune-based travel startup that has an innovative new travel platform where the collective effort of their dedicated team of travel enthusiasts. They are trying to transform its user's travel experience by making travel more sharable and personally tailored. The platform lets you connect with travel buddies around the world and hence makes your experience even richer and memorable.

TripHobo is a vacation planning website that is also the world’s leading vacation planning platform on which you can plan trips to about 150,000 destinations worldwide. It lets users discover great itineraries created by travellers just like them.

It's an online travel platform for travellers to explore travel destinations, plan and book their trips in advance. It allows users to dynamically create self-serviced customized travel packages after receiving inquiries from clients.

The users can also compare reviews and plan their activities and sightseeing for their trips, it also involves native wholesale suppliers who are responsible for the operational aspects of the business of your trip that includes ground handling and fulfillment. iTraveller has created more than 2 lakh trips featuring over 20 travel destinations across the globe and more than 60 native wholesale suppliers from across these destinations. The brand of iTraveller is now changed to Lastminute.

The mobile marketplace connects travellers with the local people in the city you are traveling to. These people are called “Sherpas” and are chosen after a thorough background check and verified authenticity. They offer numerous itineraries, popularly known as “micro tours”, from sightseeing, photography tours, and heritage walks and food walks to explore a location from the eyes of a local guide – Sherpa.

Sherpas can be from any profession and list experiences that will cost you less than Rs. 3,000 per participant. This is a unique feature that SeekSherpa offers, it helps you in traveling better by interacting with the residents of the place you are seeking to explore. This way, your trip is better, well experienced, and more memorable.

SOTC India is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel . It is one of the leaders in segments, namely Escorted Group Tours, Customized Holidays,  and Incentive Travel amongst others. SOTC offers customized holidays around the world, Corporate Tours and provides packages for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) related travel needs.

Travelling is one of the most exciting and important parts of our life. It teaches us a lot. These startups in the tourism industry in India are helping us to make our journey better, safer, and easier. If we have missed out on any travel startup in India, do let us know in the comments.

FAQs on Travel Startups in India

How to start a travel business in india or how to start a travel company in india.

Best tips to start a travel business in India or a travel company in India:

• Step 1: Prepare a plan for your travel business.
• Step 2: Brand your travel business along with dealing in legal formalities.
• Step 3: Manage your funding strategy.
• Step 4: Pick a great location and hire employees.

How to start an online travel agency in India?

The list of requirements to start an online travel agency in India :

• Make a thorough research on your competitors and the market.
• Find your own niche in the travel industry.
• Build your team.
• Take a call on a travel website or a travel software, or both.
• Make a strategy for marketing.
• Target a location.

Must have tools for startups - Recommended by StartupTalky

• Manage your business smoothly- Google Workspace

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How To Start Tour And Travels Business In India?

Table of Contents:

1. Tour And Travels Business In India

2. tours and travels business plan, 3. why curate tours and travels business ideas, 4. tours and travels business ideas, faqs on tours and travels business plan.

A highly workforce-centric industry, tours and travel business require a lot of hard work as well as a passion for exploring and offering more. When the customers are in a relaxed state of mind, their expectations from the service provider are maximum.

A tour and travel business involves coordinating between local vendors and tour guides, booking for travel through land, water, or air, documentation processing as well as identifying and retaining a pleasant tour guide who will be the face of the company.

To start a tour and travel business in India , the business plan should have the following important components:

1- Target group of customers

The tours and travel business can cater to a niche group of customers like school and college students for educational tours or can have its tours business spread across to cater to the family for general vacation or religious tours. Tours and travel business plan starts with defining the target segment. After this is defined, a core team having interest and expertise in this travel business needs to be put together.

2- Area to be covered

Based on the core team's expertise and the defined target audience, the tour and travel business plan can proceed to the next step of defining their geographical area of operation.

3- Allied service providers required

All tour and travel business operators can't provide end-to-end service. They may be specialists in one part of the operations or may specialise in several components of the business spectrum. Accordingly, they might have to outsource allied services.

4- Scale of operation

This component is flexible depending upon the vision and mission of the tours and travel business. If the owner wants to look at it as a small-scale business idea, then he/she can start from a small geographical area initially and expand later on. On the other hand, if a well-established business is looking for new business ideas or unique business ideas to expand their conglomerate, then this tours and travel business offers both variety and different scales of operation.

Having decided on the above, the steps involved in starting a Tour And Travels Business In India is-

Prerequisites

Analyse the potential of your chosen area of operation in terms of profit-making opportunities, market growth potential, etc. The required business-related registrations must be put in place. One needs to explore the various schemes brought out by the government of India to facilitate the growth of small-scale businesses.

Have your marketing communication in place well ahead of the planned dates of the tour. Make a compelling offer for your target customers to join the tour. It could be the dynamic and energetic TV personality who is the host, the number of places that you offer to show, the star-studded hotels that you have in the itinerary. This USP of yours must be something that your target audience is hearing for the first time. This will allow you to get the first group of customers.

Finances/Capitals

Most of the tours and travels operate on the inflow of capital from customers, which is taken as advance. Most of the ancillary service providers also allow the tours and travel business operators to avail services on credit. Networking and relationship management with vendors go a long way in the tours and travels business to be successful. The initial capital investment required can be acquired as a loan from Government and Non-Government sources after due diligence.

Operational

Tours and travel offer excellent services to the first few groups and diligently follow up for good customer feedback. Use referral methods and offer repeat customers a discount or loyalty programs to generate your customer base. Keep exploring new add ons that you can offer to the tours that you are running, as well as explore options for new itineraries and tours that you can conceive.

Innovation and dynamism are the keywords to succeed in the tours and travel business. Hence unique business ideas survive and grow in this sector. As we talk of Innovation and dynamism, the role of social media in boosting your tours and travels business can never be undermined. Potential tourists extensively search on social media platforms before deciding on a particular tour operator. Hence monitoring your active and passive presence on the web is very important.

Over the last two decades, more and more people have started traveling for a specific purpose as well as the number of tours they undertake has increased. Hence tour and travel business is one of the best small-scale business ideas if you want to start small and test the waters. Another reason why this is one of the best business ideas is the number of fields available under the new business ideas in this category. This sector also offers unique business ideas since the customised offerings in a tour and travel business plan may be under the following segments -

1- Adventure tourism

Millennials are the main target customers driving this sector, but it can turn into a goldmine if the tour and travel operator approaches the business with creativity by offering unique adventure sports as well activities to the youngsters.

2- Religious tourism

India is a religious country and home to a lot of religious rituals and beliefs. Monumental pieces of worship along with the Indian belief in divine intervention have fuelled the growth in religious tourism. The tour and travel business specialising in these fields operates following local festivals like the Char Dham Yatra, Khumb Mela, etc.

3- Wellness tourism

Modern-day lifestyle calls for intermittent resting of body and mind, and this is where the unique business idea of wellness tourism fits in. From detox camps to rejuvenating centers, a whole array of offerings defines this landscape.

4- Rural tourism

This sector caters to travellers who want to be close to nature and experience the beauty of rural hinterlands. Rural tourism has created a niche in the tour and travel business. The local cuisine, farm and vineyard visits, and trying your hands on local crafts like pottery are some of the offerings from the stable of a rural tour and travel operator.

5- Heritage tourism

India is a land of abundance when it comes to historical monuments and buildings. Indian tourists, as well as foreign tourists, are keen to explore the same, and the tours and travel business catering to this need is seeing a boom, with UNESCO recognising many sites in India as World Heritage Sites.

There is a growing demand in the tours and travels business. People travel for work and pleasure. They also travel locally as well as globally. Hence a tours and travel operator can identify the requirements of his target audience and can use effective marketing communication through social media to grow his business.

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Q. Can I change the specialisation of my tours and travel business at any point in time?

Ans. Yes, tours and travel business owners need to continuously look for opportunities to diversify or integrate new components in the travel itinerary.

Q. What is the most important component of a tour and travel business?

Ans. A skilled and semi-skilled workforce required to handle the different components of the tour and travel business is the important component of a tour and travel business.

Q. Is wellness tourism similar to Yoga tourism?

Ans. Yoga tourism can be considered a type of wellness tourism.

Sukanya Mukherjee

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How to Start a Travel Agency in India? (Just 8 Steps)

Home » Blog » How to Start a Travel Agency in India? (Just 8 Steps)

So, are you wondering about starting a travel agency in India?

Opening your travel agency in India can be something that mixes business with pleasure.

Imagine how great it would be if you helped other people experience everything in this great country, from the high, ice-capped Himalayas to the calm beautiful Lakshadweep. 

If that sounds like just your dream, here is how you can do it, step by step. 

Following these 8 easy steps, you can easily start your travel agency.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Step 2: create a business plan | road map, step 3: legal formalities and registration, step 4: set up office and team, step 5: build partnerships, step 6: build your online presence, step 7: launch marketing campaign, step 8: encourage continuous improvement, faqs ( frequently asked questions ), steps to start a travel agency in india.

Start by identifying the overall traveling scenario in India.

Determine a niche, an area specializing in services like luxury travel, adventure tours, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism. 

Analyzing your targeted audience and their integral parts is important to get your services customized.

Setting out on the road to success, every journey will begin with a roadmap, and in business, your roadmap is your business plan,” the vision, services, target market, competitors, marketing strategies, and financial forecasts.

Keep it clear and to the point, making it like a lighthouse for guidance at every step.

You have to get your business registered in India and it’s a rule.

You can decide on your type of organization (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, etc.) and get the legal work done.

Remember, depending on the services being delivered, you’ll need a GST number along with other permits.

Whether it may be in the comfort of your own home office or having a commercial space, just ensure that this one brings about creativity and productivity at its best.

If building a team, find those who would share your love of travel and provide that excellence in customer service.

Establish a good network with all the hotels and airlines, as well as local operators in your chosen target areas. 

This is where you’ll be able to seal your relationships with lots of help giving you a competitive edge and making for unique experiences.

Here are some of the proven ways to build partnerships with others…

• Collaborations with local art and culture
• Health and wellness retreats
• Partnership with adventure and sports
• Establish relationships with transportation providers
• Voluntourism projects

Your Online Presence is your virtual store in the digital space. And that’s where WP Travel helps it is an an essential WordPress plugin for travel agencies that comes into play. 

WP Travel is a must-have travel plugin that helps you to streamline your online operations. 

The tutorial below helps you to set up your travel and tour booking website in WordPress using the WP Travel plugin along beautiful travel theme without any hassle of coding.

The plugin offers these features to create your SEO-optimized travel business.

• All-in-one booking management system
• Customizable trip itineraries
• Integration with multiple payment gateways
• Full data reporting
• Integration with Zapier

If you favor written guidance, then please continue reading: How to Create a Travel Website with WordPress

Publicize with both digital and traditional marketing strategies. SEO, social media, content marketing, and a local event too.

Make your travel agency’s launch memorable with special offers or an event to grab potential clients.

Simply follow this marketing strategy to meet your goals.

It’s important to embrace continuous improvement. The travel industry is changing rapidly and it’s very important to be aware of travel trends and what your customer wants, so always try to predict the changes.

Here are some of the prime areas where you need to focus to survive your travel agency .

Learn More: How to Start a Travel Agency from scratch for beginners?

Conclusively Starting a travel agency in India needs passion, strategic planning, and adaptability.

By researching the market, registering the business, building relationships, marketing digitally and traditionally, and staying up-to-date on trends, travel agency owners can achieve their goals.

With proper execution, travel agencies in India can offer customized and unique travel experiences by choosing the top tour operator software.

So, following the above strategic steps, you will be able to start a profitable travel agency in India.

Let’s launch your travel booking website today!

Start-up costs in setting up a travel agency in India would range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.

you can start a travel agency in India online or from home. You just need to register your business

You need to register your business as a private limited company, LLP, partnership firm, or proprietorship.

You may begin with deciding on the name and structure of the business, getting the same registered, IATA certification, etc

The basic requirements are capital investment, IATA approval, GST & trade license registration, office space, etc.

You can get  WP Travel Pro  to start creating your travel and tour booking website within minutes without any hassle of coding.

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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Starting a Travel Agency in India – A Complete Guide

• Post author: Divya
• Post published: October 25, 2023
• Post category: Business Tips

 Starting A Travel Agency In India 

Tourism and travel hold a prominent position within India’s economy, creating substantial employment opportunities. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the travel and tourism sector contributes between 6-7 percent of total global employment.

Tourism directly benefits the hospitality and travel sectors. It has a positive ripple effect on ancillary industries like food manufacturing, services, construction, and foreign exchange earnings while contributing to employment, income, and foreign currency inflow into the country.

Beginning with India’s iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal, the country offers a multitude of destinations that every individual should experience at least once in their lifetime. This makes India a highly appealing destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Various Indian states, including Goa and the northeastern regions, heavily rely on tourism as their primary source of revenue. Additionally, major cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have undergone significant cosmopolitan transformations due to the steady influx of international tourists.

Considering all these factors, it is evident that tourism has become an indispensable contributor to the overall revenue of the country. However, it’s important to acknowledge that thriving in the tourism industry is a challenging endeavour, and commencing a travel agency involves a series of intricate steps and processes.

Choice of Business Entity

Travel agents today have a range of business entity options to select from, and the choice largely hinges on their business plan. Many travel agents opt for the Private Limited Company structure, which is widely recognized in India and comes with a slew of advantages. This option is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs aiming to offer their services online and rapidly expand their business by harnessing the power of the Internet.

Alternatively, there are relatively recent business entities like Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and One Person Company (OPC) , which may be more fitting for those looking to gradually develop their business or operate part-time. LLPs, for instance, don’t require an audit unless the turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in a year, making them suitable for entrepreneurs gaining firsthand experience in their ventures. OPCs, on the other hand, are ideal for sole proprietors who wish to minimize extensive compliance requirements and maintain a simpler structure.

In both cases, what’s common is the selection of a business entity that provides limited liability protection and establishes a separate legal identity for the travel agent’s business.

Moreover, entrepreneurs have the option of a proprietorship with a trademark, which can be useful when a unique brand name is desired, but it cannot be registered with the Ministry of Company Affairs due to naming guidelines. This allows entrepreneurs to safeguard their brand while choosing a different business structure that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

GST Registration for Travel Businesses

In the context of travel businesses, business owners must undergo GST registration . This enables them to collect GST (Goods and Services Tax) from customers for the services rendered by the business.

Under GST, the tax payable by Air Travel Agents is as follows:

• For commission income earned from airlines when booking domestic air tickets, GST is charged at a rate of 18% on 5% of the basic fare.
• For commission income generated from airlines for booking international air tickets, GST is levied at an 18% rate on 10% of the basic fare.
• Processing or service fees for booking tickets for customers attract a GST rate of 18% based on the invoice from the air traveller.

Trademark Registration for Travel Businesses

Entrepreneurs in the travel industry who aim to establish a distinct identity through a unique name and symbol have the option to achieve this by registering their business as a trademark. This process is governed by the Intellectual Property Rights laws in India and provides legal protection for their brand identity.

Structuring Your Travel Agency Business: Key Choices and Considerations

When starting a travel agency , business owners can choose from several business structures. These options are adaptable and can be customized to suit the tastes of the business owner. The numerous government subsidies and incentives that travel agencies can obtain drive many entrepreneurs to choose to establish their businesses as private limited companies .

If you would rather take your time building your travel company, a limited liability partnership (LLP) might be the best option. It’s crucial to remember that providing online services might not be possible in this situation. This restriction needs to be carefully considered, given the Internet’s role in expanding the tourism sector.

Entrepreneurs can register a trademark under India’s intellectual property rights rules to give their travel firm a unique name and logo.

GST Taxation for Travel Agents

For travel agents, GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration becomes mandatory when their annual turnover exceeds ₹20,00,000. However, if the travel agency operates in different states, the threshold for mandatory GST registration is reduced to ₹100,000. It’s important to note that the ₹200,000 threshold doesn’t apply when the travel agency is involved in taxable inter-state transactions. In such cases, GST registration is required regardless of the turnover amount.

The table provides a list of SAC (Services Accounting Code) for various services offered by travel agents for their outward supply:

How to become a Government-Approved Trade Agent?

Becoming a government-approved trade agent involves meeting specific criteria related to capital investment, the size of your agency’s workforce, and office space. To achieve recognition as a trade agency, it’s crucial to adhere to these requirements.

The process typically entails applying, following a designated format, to the Ministry of Tourism. A recognized travel agency should sponsor this application. While official registration might not be compulsory, it is highly advisable to seek recognition as a trade agency rather than operating as an unrecognized agent.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the government actively promotes these recognitions. This support is aimed at upholding a consistent and high standard in the services provided by these agencies. In essence, becoming a government-approved trade agent involves satisfying specific criteria and engaging with the formal recognition process, which is encouraged to maintain service quality standards.

“ IATA ,” short for the International Air Transport Association , is a global organization that represents approximately 84% of all airlines worldwide. This influential association offers a range of training materials and resources to travel agencies falling under its jurisdiction.

Becoming a member of IATA is highly recommended for travel agencies, and it offers numerous advantages. For travel agencies dealing with international travel packages, IATA membership is particularly significant. This affiliation provides substantial discounts on air services on a global scale, making it a valuable resource for both the agency and its customers. Essentially, joining IATA is not just beneficial but often essential for travel agencies looking to thrive in the international travel market.

The most important thing to remember is that India ranks 12th in the world for the amount that travel and tourism contribute to the country’s GDP . Furthermore, this industry is expected to increase at a 7.8% annual rate between 2013 and 2023. This emphasizes how important tourism is to the growth of India’s economy. The Indian government has implemented several subsidies and incentives to assist nascent ventures in the travel agency sector in recognition of this noteworthy contribution. These policies aim to promote and facilitate the travel agency industry’s expansion, attracting new companies and entrepreneurs to enter this lucrative market.

Kanakkupillai, an online platform specializing in business registration , compliance, and taxation services in India, extends comprehensive support to travel businesses seeking GST registration and trademark registration .

For GST registration, Kanakkupillai provides tailored guidance, helping travel entrepreneurs comprehend their specific GST obligations within the travel industry’s context. The platform also offers invaluable assistance in assembling and organizing the requisite documents, ensuring precise compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, Kanakkupillai manages the submission of GST registration applications to relevant government authorities, ensuring a seamless and timely process. Ongoing compliance support is integral, encompassing assistance with GST return filings and addressing compliance-related queries and concerns.

In terms of trademark protection, Kanakkupillai conducts thorough trademark searches to confirm the uniqueness and eligibility of desired brand elements for travel businesses. They simplify the trademark registration process, managing paperwork and submissions accurately. Furthermore, the platform ensures legal protection for brand identities, guiding entrepreneurs in safeguarding their intellectual property rights. Kanakkupillai also offers support for trademark renewals, making it a hassle-free process.

Leveraging Kanakkupillai’s services empowers travel businesses to streamline GST registration, secure their brand through trademark registration, and maintain both legal compliance and brand integrity. This allows business owners to save time and effort while concentrating on the growth and success of their travel enterprises.

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How to Start Travel and Tourism Business in India

What do you think when you see this picture? How do you feel? Do you find it relaxing? Does imaging yourself in this picture make you feel alive? I guess the answer is same for all of us when we see this beautiful picture.

Nowadays a disease called stress has become a part of our everyday’s life, we all face so much of stress in our life that we just want to be isolated sometime. Or just to pack our bags and run away from our daily routine hectic for some weeks and return with no stress. And I know many of us don’t want to come back at all.

Vacations are replete with lots of fresh air and sunshine and they are tempting too because you are not habitual of experiencing this in your daily routine life. We all know the life we are living is far away from the natural beauty and the harsh reality is that we all are doing whether we like it or not just to earn some penny for our living.

So, what if you get the opportunity to live this amazing life daily and make money from it too.  Wondering how?

The answer is Tour and travel business, a business where you can experience the beauty of nature, explore new areas, meet new people and make money from it too. Earlier, the tour and travel business had a different version but these days it means designing packages of vacation trips for families, college groups, couples etc where the package includes the traveling , hotel, food &beverages, and entertainment stuff. 

Now, How to start your tour and travel business in just simple five steps-

Step -1- Identify your customer

First of all, you identify who your target customers are and what their tastes of life are. It is little nitpicking to identify your customer, adjusting the trips or activities to their needs and developing a market plan with keeping in mind the budget of the customer.

Additionally, you can develop places by traveling yourself and build a database of the location, hotels or activities you can offer to your customer.

Step -2 Deal with the legal side

According to Indian legal system, there isn’t a lot of legal red tape when it comes to starting a tour and travel business. No license is required to start or register the tour and travel business.

• Register your company

Now when you have decided to start, then what kind of company you want to get register. Whether you want to register with private company, LLP, or OPC or partnership firm at your initial stage?

However, the business structure you choose will largely depend upon your business plans and strategy or the amount you intend to invest. Hence, for brief knowledge read here.

Step-3 Brand your business – make a mark

Once you determine what is your business structure looks like and what your customer is, it’s important to get down to the nitty-gritty of creating a strong brand for your business. 

Basically, the truth is that it is little difficult to survive in this competition, but you can stand out with a well-developed plan or strategy. While planning just thinks how you want your customer to feel when they visit your website or see your advertisement or taste your service. The more you have satisfied customer the more you will be branded.

Step- 4 Blood of your business – Funding

How did you plan to fund your business?

Luckily, in your initial stage, your starting cost could be very low as you won’t have expenses to buy expensive equipment or you don’t need extensive office space at the beginning of your business.

But, later you will need and for that make sure you do have a plan for funding today. As, you can see your initial funding budget will likely to go for branding, marketing or advertising and you may also decide to rent office space and hire employees which is fairly expensive and needs funding.

Unlike other businesses, there isn’t one tried and true path for funding a travel business. From personal funding to loan or venture capital funding, all possibility is there.

Step- 5 Market and Launch your business

Marketing will likely be there where majorly all your funding goes, and it is one of the most focused areas when you are stating a tour and travel business. After studying and marketing and registering you can launch your business easily.

Ideally, the company should have marketing skills, funding abilities or the most important the passion for travel to start a tour and travel business.  

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How to Start Tourism Business?

Updated on : Jun 17th, 2022

The tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India and a significant employment generator. Many Indian states depend on tourism to generate their primary revenue. India’s tourism industry is ranked 12th among 184 countries in GDP contribution. It is set to grow at 7.8% per year from 2013 to 2023.

The tourism market in India is estimated at USD117.7 billion in 2011, and it is estimated to boom to USD418.9 billion by 2022. Thus, starting a tourism business is a good option for new entrepreneurs in India.

Process Involved to Start a Tourism Business

• Entrepreneurs or travel businesses should identify who their target customers are and what locations they prefer to travel to.
• The travel business can cater to a niche group of customers like family vacations, educational tours for school and college students, religious tours, etc.
• It should define its geographical area of operation.
• It should obtain the required licences to operate the business.
• It should coordinate between tour guides and local vendors or outsource allied services for smooth operation.
• It should make a plan for future funding.
• It should make arrangements for booking travel through air, land or water and arranging its documentation processing.
• It should carry out marketing activities to attract customers.
• It can use referral methods and conduct loyalty programs to generate a customer base or offer discounts to repeat customers.

Types of Tourism Business in India

A travel agent can establish a small-scale or large-scale tourism business in India, thus making it one of the best businesses to start. A travel agent can operate various types of tourism businesses based on his/her niche and investments. The types of tourism business in India are as follows:

Adventure tourism

Millennials are the main target customers of adventure tourism. Adventure tourism is gaining popularity. It has the potential to grow when the travel operator approaches the business with creativity and provides unique adventure sports or activities to the youngsters.

Religious tourism

India is a religious country and home to many religious beliefs and rituals. People are looking for tour packages to visit monumental places of worship. The tour and travel business specialising in this field operates following local festivals like the Khumb Mela, Char Dham Yatra, etc.

Wellness tourism

Due to the modern-day lifestyle, people look for avenues to obtain intermittent resting of body and mind. Wellness tourism is a unique business idea that offers people an array of options for rejuvenation ranging from detox camps to rejuvenating centres.

Rural tourism

Rural tourism caters to people who want to experience the beauty of rural areas and be close to nature. The farm and vineyard visits, local cuisine, and activities for creating local crafts like pottery are some of the offerings of the rural tours and travel operators.

Heritage tourism

Indian and foreign tourists are keen to explore India’s historical monuments and buildings. Since UNESCO recognised many sites as ‘World Heritage Sites’ in India, heritage tourism is booming.

Licences Required to Start a Tourism Business in India

Tour and travel agents should obtain various required licences to start a tourism business in India. The following are the licences required for establishing a tourism business:

Business Registration

Travel agents or entrepreneurs wanting to start a tourism business should establish it as a legal entity by giving it a structure. They can choose from different structures to establish the tours and travel business, such as One Person Company (OPC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), private limited company, sole proprietorship or partnership firm. 

Most travel agents choose to establish their business as a private limited company since it is one of the most recognised forms of business in India. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or One Person Company (OPC) business structure would be ideal for entrepreneurs who plan to build the business slowly or do it part-time.

However, when entrepreneurs establish the business as a sole proprietorship or partnership firm, their liability is unlimited and can endanger personal assets in case of a financial crisis. Therefore, a public limited company, OPC or LLP, is preferred to establish a tourism business in India.

GST Registration

The tourism business needs to obtain GST registration and collect GST from the customers on the service incurred through the business. The transport and restaurant services provided by tour operators attract GST. Thus, the travel business must mandatorily register under the GST law.

Government Approved Travel Agent Registration

Travel agents and entrepreneurs establishing a tourism business can register as a Government of India approved Travel Agent. Though obtaining this registration is not mandatory, it is beneficial as it provides recognition to travel agents in India. The Ministry of Tourism started a scheme known as ‘Recognition of Tourism Service Providers by the Ministry of Tourism’ to promote the tourism sector in India.

This scheme allows travel agencies, tour operators, and travel agents to operate their business and encourages standard, service and quality in their business. The travel agents or agencies should apply to the Ministry of Tourism to be registered as recognised travel agents.

However, a travel agent should satisfy specific requirements of annual turnover, capital invested, qualification requirements for staff employed, a minimum period of operational experience, maintenance of minimum office space and other stipulations as per the guidelines for the scheme to become a Government of India recognised travel agent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is responsible for the worldwide aviation travel industry, representing around 240 airlines or 84% of total air traffic. IATA offers professional development services and comprehensive training for travel agents. The IATA accreditation is a significant seal of approval recognised worldwide. 

Thus, though becoming an IATA agent is not mandatory, it is recommended for a travel agency to obtain an IATA accreditation and enjoy access to a wide range of benefits. The IATA accreditation is vital for a travel firm providing international travel packages as it helps them simplify booking processes and conduct a hassle-free tour.

Disclaimer: The materials provided herein are solely for information purposes. No attorney-client relationship is created when you access or use the site or the materials. The information presented on this site does not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes or used as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state.

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  Quick links, unlock the marvels of incredible india, powerhouse of tourism and hospitality.

  Tourism and Hospitality, as one of India's largest service industries, plays an extraordinary role in driving the nation's growth and prosperity. 

  The Tourism and Hospitality sector is an integral part of the Make in India initiative, serving as a vital economic catalyst that fuels job creation and rapid development. 

  It acts as a stimulant for the growth of multi-use infrastructure, including world-class hotels, resorts, exquisite restaurants, efficient transportation networks (aviation, roads, shipping, and railways), and state-of-the-art healthcare facilities. 

  India proudly boasts a tapestry of geographical diversity, encompassing awe-inspiring world heritage sites and niche tourism offerings such as captivating cruise tourism, exhilarating adventure tourism, renowned medical tourism, and mesmerizing eco-tourism. These unique offerings have resulted in an exponential increase in tourist arrivals, opening up vast employment opportunities. 

  The recently announced 2023 Union Budget has firmly placed tourism as a key sector in the spotlight. The Ministry of Tourism, in its mission mode, is dedicated to promoting the industry through active participation from all States, the convergence of Government Programs, and the establishment of impactful Public-Private Partnerships. This visionary approach will facilitate comprehensive development in at least 50 selected destinations through a challenge mode process. 

  Recognizing the importance of diversity and gender empowerment, the tourism industry stands as a leading employer of women. The government proactively collaborates with industry stakeholders to create a conducive work environment that fosters equal opportunities and celebrates the contributions of female employees. 

  The Ministry of Tourism has also designated the Year 2023 as the 'Visit India' year, an invitation to the world to witness the splendor and magnificence that our nation has to offer. 

  Embracing a progressive outlook, India welcomes 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the tourism industry under the automatic route.  

  Additionally, 100% FDI is permitted for tourism construction projects, including the development of exquisite hotels, resorts, and unparalleled recreational facilities. 

  For comprehensive details, please refer to the FDI Policy, which highlights the investment opportunities and guidelines in the tourism sector. 

  India's tourism industry stands as a beacon of boundless possibilities, with its rich heritage, cultural tapestry, and captivating destinations. We invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey of investment and partnership, where your vision aligns with the immense potential India holds

  Foreign Tourist Arrivals (Jan-Dec 2023)

  Domestic Tourist Visits to all States/UTs (2022)

  Annual Growth Rate of FTAs in India (2022)

  Foreign exchange earnings (FEE) from tourism (Jan-Dec 2023)

  Share of India in International Tourism Receipts (ITRs) in World

  6th in terms of Travel & Tourism total contribution to GDP, WTTC (2021)

  2nd in terms of Travel & Tourism Employment, WTTC (2021)

  54 th  on the World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Development Index (2022)

  • FOREIGN INVESTMENT
  • INDUSTRY TRENDS
  • POLICIES & SCHEMES

  Government of India envisions $56 Bn forex, creating around 140 Mn jobs in tourism by 2030 through inclusive growth and  particularly focusing on cruise tourism, ecotourism and adventure tourism.   

  The Indian Tourism sector ranks among the fastest-growing economic sectors in the country. The industry significantly impacts employment and drives regional development, while also creating a multiplier effect on the performance of related industries.

  By 2028, India's tourism and hospitality industry is projected to generate revenue of over $59 Bn. Additionally, Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) are anticipated to reach 30.5 Mn by 2028.

  In light of India's G20 Presidency and the India@75 Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the Ministry of Tourism has designated 2023 as the 'Visit India Year' to promote inbound travel.

  The Honorable Prime Minister has envisioned a mission mode approach to develop tourism during Amrit Kaal, with a strategic roadmap for the next 25 years. The objective is to position India as the foremost travel destination globally by the time we celebrate India@100 in 2047, creating unparalleled appeal for visitors from around the world. 

  Ministry of Tourism is planning to organize a Global Tourism Investors Summit along with Central Ministries and State/UT Governments to showcase opportunities for investment and trade. The event will allow global investors to explore Indian Tourism products and services.

  Union Budget 2023 Highlights:

  • 50 tourist destinations will be selected through challenge mode to be developed as a whole package for domestic and international tourism
  • Sector-specific skilling and entrepreneurship development to be dovetailed to achieve the objectives of the ‘Dekho Apna Desh’ initiative
  • Tourism infrastructure and amenities to be facilitated in border villages through the Vibrant Villages Programme
  • Unity Malls to be set up in State Capitals or prominent tourist centres

  GROWTH DRIVERS

  Infrastructure development.

  More than half of the Ministry of Tourism’s budget is channelised for funding the development of destinations, circuits, mega projects as well as rural tourism infrastructure projects.

  Hotels & Accommodation

  Revenue is projected at $7.66 Bn in 2023. CAGR of 8.29% between 2023-27. 61.3 Mn potential customers by 2027

  Adventure Tourism

  India has 70% of the Himalayas, a 7,000+ Km of coastline, ranks 10th in total area under forest cover, and is one of the three countries in the world with both hot and cold deserts.

  Medical tourism

  Medical tourism and wellness retreats attract 21% of international travelers, leveraging world-class healthcare facilities and traditional healing practices.

  Cruise Tourism

  Cruise passenger traffic expected to increase from 0.4 Mn to 4 Mn by 2032. Increase in economic potential from $110 Mn to $5.5 Bn.

  Eco-Tourism

  Expected to grow at 15.7% between 2019-27 & reach $4.55 Bn. India offers unique destinations, exploration of wildlife, and pristine undisturbed natural areas.

  Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions

  The Indian MICE market has less than 1% share currently, but with initiatives such as ‘Meet in India’, National Advisory Council for Mice, India Mice Board, MICE Tourism is projected to double in next 5 years.

  Entrepreneurial Opportunities

  The tourism sector has 1,300+ DPIIT recognized startups.

  

  Industrial Land Bank Portal

  Gis - based map displaying available infrastructure for setting up business operations in the state., investment opportunities in tourism & hospitality.

  

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  Tourism: An Enriching Journey Awaits

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  Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

  Ministry of Tourism to undertake a special initiative of “100 Episodes of Mann ki Baat – 100 days of Action…

  Massive Investment Opportunities for both Start-ups and Conglomerates in the Tourism Industry

  Ministry of Tourism organizes G20 Tourism Expo in Jaipur

  Green Tourism: G20

  Sagarmala Program Boosting Tourism Economy in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

  Shri G. Kishan Reddy launches ‘Best Tourism Village Competition Portal’, Global Tourism Investor Summit 2023…

  Longest river cruise by Ganga Vilas to benefit local markets and help in providing employment in hinterland…

  50 destinations will be selected and developed as a complete package of tourism

  Shri G Kishan Reddy launches the Visit India Year 2023 logo in New Delhi

  Year End Review: Ministry of Tourism

  India Tourism Statistics 2022

  Press Release

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  Goa Roadmap for Tourism as a Vehicle for…

  Ministry of Tourism to undertake a special…

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  Press release

  Longest river cruise by Ganga Vilas to…

  50 destinations will be selected and…

  Shri G Kishan Reddy launches the Visit India…

  Frequently Asked Questions

  The Ministry of Tourism is set to host the First Global Tourism Investors Summit in 2023 in collaboration with Central Ministries and State/UT Governments. 

  This mega event aims to highlight investment and trade opportunities while providing a platform for international investors to discover India's diverse tourism products and services.  

  Was it helpful?

  Recognising the potential of rural tourism in the country, the Ministry of Tourism has identified Rural Circuit as one of the fifteen thematic circuits for development under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and is aimed at leveraging tourism as a force multiple for revitalizing the rural economy and for giving both domestic and international tourists a glimpse of rural aspect of the country.

  Further, Ministry of Tourism has formulated a Draft 'National Strategy and Roadmap for Development of Rural Tourism in India - An initiative towards Atmanirbhar Bharat', which, inter alia, focuses on generating income and jobs in rural areas and empower local communities, youth and women, fulfilling the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

  The GOI has identified 78 lighthouses in the country as centres of tourism, which are in the first phase under Public Private Partnership (PPP). The identified lighthouses are in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The GOI has kick started the ‘lighthouse tourism’ project by inviting initial qualification bids to develop eight lighthouses in the first phase, at a cost of INR 128 crore, under the public-private-partnership model for 7 lighthouses.

  The goal of the revamped Swadesh Darshan 2.0 Scheme is to develop sustainable and responsible tourism destinations in the country. The scheme is aimed at 360-degree holistic development with a focus on increasing self-employment, youth skilling, private sector investments, and preserving local cultures.

  The strategic objectives of the Scheme are: (i) To enhance the contribution of tourism to the local economies (ii) To create jobs including self-employment for local communities (iii) To enhance the skills of local youth in tourism and hospitality (iv) To increase private sector investment in tourism and hospitality (v) To preserve and enhance the local cultural and natural resources  

  Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience. It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritised, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. As on date, total number of destinations/sites identified for development under the scheme at present are 68 in 30 states/UTs.

  Market Research

  Annual report 2022-23 | ministry of tourism, india tourism statistics at a glance 2022, union budget 2023-24: analysis report, economic survey 2022-23, global innovation index 2022, government ministry/department.

  • Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management
  • India Tourism Development Corporation
  • Institute of Hotel Management
  • Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
  • National Medical and Wellness Tourism Board
  • National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology

  Industry Associations

  • Association of Tourism Trade Organizations, India
  • Adventure Tour Operators Association of India
  • Federation of Hotel & Restaurants Associations of India
  • Hotel Association of India
  • Indian Association of Tour Operators
  • Indian Exhibition Industry Association
  • Indian Heritage Hotels Association
  • National Restaurant Association of India
  • Doing Business in India
  • Team India News

  Travel Around The World Blog

  How to Start a Travel and Tourism Business in India

  

  In today’s life, many people suffer from stress, sometimes so much that the only thing we desire is isolation, and stay away from literally everything and everyone. Or we want to just pack our bags and elope for a few weeks to somewhere that doesn’t have the static daily routine of our boring life, and a few of us do not even want to return from that place. 

  Vacations are something that brings us the much-needed freshness in our rather banal life and are often tempting just because they offer us something that is absent from our daily life i.e., excitement. We all live lives that are far away from any form of the natural beauty of pleasure, and whether we like it or not, we have to do it, as we earn our bread here only. 

  What if I tell you that you can live this fun life, and also have an opportunity to make money from it too? Stop widening your eyes, I am going to tell you how you can do that! 

  The only answer to this is a Tour and Travel Business, a business that allows you to explore the beauty of nature, see new and fun places, socialise and meet with amazing new people and also make money from all this! The business earlier had a much different but in the present time, all it means is creating packages of trips for families, college students, couples etc. along with transportations, accommodations, food and beverages and of course activities and entertainment! 

  Now the question arises, how can one start a Travel and Tourism Business? And below we have the answer for it- 

  Identifying your customer and target audience

  The very first step of starting not just a travel and tourism business but any business is identifying the target customers and realising what their desires and tastes are regarding the services you are going to offer. It is like constructing or making small amends to your trips or activities just to satisfy their needs and also land upon a market plan with special attention to the customer’s budget.  

  Additionally, you can personally visit places and venues in order to create your own personal database for locations, accommodations, activities and transportations services that you are going to offer to your consumers, and you can also make connections with locals who may assist or help your customers upon their arrival. 

  • Identify your target customers 
  • Creating packages that suit your consumers.
  • Create a personal database of locations, accommodations, activities and transportations

  Dealing with the Legal Aspects of the Business

  As per the Indian Legal System, there is not a great quantity of red tape surrounding you, when it comes to commencing your own Tourism and Travel Business. There are no License requirements when it comes to starting or registering a Tour and Travel Business. 

  • Register your Company
  • Choose whether you want it to be a Private Company, an LLP, an OPC or a partnership. 
  • Create a plan of actions or strategy for your business 

  Now that you have decided to start a business, you must also decide what kind of company you want to get your business registered as. Whether to want it to be a private company, an LLP, an OPC, or a partnership at the initial stage? 

  The choice of your business structure depends largely on the business plan and strategy or the investment amount. 

  Branding your Business

  Once you land upon a brief idea about how your business structure looks like and what your target customer set is, the most important thing to do is creating a strong brand for the business.

  It is no secret that in today’s capitalist world, it is a little difficult to survive along with all this competition, and the only way you can overcome this obstacle is by creating and implementing a unique and well-built plan or strategy. The only thing to keep in mind while drawing out a plan is the customer. Think about how you want them to feel when they visit your webpage or see your advertisement. The key is satisfying the customer, the more you do it the more value is added to your brand and the bigger your brand or business becomes. 

  • Create a brand around your company 
  • Working towards customer satisfaction adds to your brand value  

  Acquiring Funds for the Business

  How do you plan to fund this whole business that you are creating?

  At the initial stages of a business, the costs are generally very low as you don’t have that many expenses of buying costly pieces of equipment or you do not need a spacious office to run the firm. 

  But at the later stages of your business journey, you will need all that and make sure that you have all that you need to have a proper plan for funding right from the beginning. The initial funds will mostly be spent on branding, marketing and advertising and you probably will also need to rent an office space and hire a few employees which to be honest is expensive and will require funding. 

  Unlike many other businesses, there are no tried and tested fi paths for funding a tourism business, you can go for literally anything including personal funding, loan or even venture capital funding, all possibilities are good to go. 

  • Work out the funding for your business
  • You can go for loans, personal funding or venture capital funding

  Marketing and Launching

  Marketing is where the majority of your funds are spent, and it surely is one of the most important areas you should focus on. After a detailed study and marketing and registering you are ready to launch your business and also earn from it!

  • Study and draw out a marketing strategy  
  • Marketing your company and launching it

  Some successful Travel and Tourism Companies in India

  There are a few Tourism and Travel Companies who have managed to do exceptionally well in their field, even though there is huge competition among them. Below are a few of these companies that are successful and will teach you a thing or few about the business- 

  • MakeMyTrip – MakeMyTrip.com is India’s leading online travel company founded in the year of 2000 by Deep Kalra. Created with an idea of empowering  Indian travelers with instant booking and comprehensive choices, the company started its journey in the US-India travel market.
  • BanBanjara- BanBanjara is an Indian online travel company, based in Rajasthan that specialises in Indian Tourist destinations and also covers various tourist spots all around the world
  • Club Mahindra Holidays- Club Mahindra Holidays is a famous and successful Indian Hospitality company founded in the year of 1996. It is a part of the Mahindra Group and provides holidays on a timeshare basis.
  • Yatra- Yatra.com is an Indian online travel agency and also a travel search engine. The company is based in the city of Gurugram, Haryana. It was founded by Dhruv Shringi, Manish Amin and Sabina Chopra in August of 2006.
  • GoIbibo- Goibibo is India’s leading online travel booking brand providing a range of choice for hotels, flights, trains, bus and cars for travelers.

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  Travel Tour Agency Business Plan

  Start your own travel tour agency business plan

  Sephats Tours

  Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">, opportunity.

  The tourism industry has undergone rapid growth of unsurpassed nature over the last several decades. This has mainly been due to the advent of a ‘borderless’ world and increased information dissemination about the majestic sceneries throughout the world, with the southern African region being no exception.

  Sephats Tours intends to provide individual and group travel to leisure clients. Services and products provided by Sephats will initially include pre-arranged tours, custom packages according to clients specifications, travel consultation, and as time progresses making reservations for lodging amongst other related services. Sephats Tours seeks to differentiate itself as the premier adventure travel company in the greater Gaborone (Botswana) area.

  We will be focusing on those foreign tourists seeking leisure travel and excursions whilst on vacation in Botswana, with the intention of letting them see and appreciate the numerous attractions in our country. Though we realize that the majority of our tourists come from South Africa we shall be mainly targeting those from Europe and the Americas who often do not have transport or adequate knowledge about the country, unlike their South African counterparts who often do. Hence we shall be mainly targeting those who are not that mobile but wanting to see as many sites as possible. These people often do not want to waste their money on hiring vehicles to move about by themselves, but instead want to be escorted around places of interest by a reliable source. Hence the need to professionally market ourselves and the services we provide, offering a service of uncompromised nature.

  

  Competition

  We have identified competing companies, some firmly established, that fill the same needs as Sephats Tours. We intend to market ourselves in such a way that with time competitor customers will choose our service over competitors’ on the basis of our higher quality and informative excursions. 

  Sephats Tours is poised to take advantage of this growth and moderate competition in the city travel portion of the industry, with a dedicated and experienced staff, excellent networking, and effective management and marketing. Sephats Tours intends to provide travel and adventure packages to tourists primarily in the Southern region, but also the whole of Botswana. Services and products provided by Sephats will initially include pre-arranged tours, custom packages according to clients specifications, travel consultation, and as time progresses making reservations for lodging amongst other related services. Sephats Tours seeks to differentiate itself as the premier adventure mobile operator in the greater Gaborone area.

  Expectations

  We foresee a slow initial growth in sales, as we strive to ensure we are known on the market, though operating expenses will be relatively high, and a bump in our sales and revenue generation as we spread our services during expansion.

  Collection days are very important. We do not want to let our average collection days get above the client’s actual subscription period under any circumstances. This could cause a serious problem with cash flow, because our working capital situation is chronically tight. However, we recognize that we cannot control this factor easily, because of the relationship we wish to create with our clients.

  Financial Highlights by Year

  Financing needed.

  We wil have 2 investors that will contribute: 

  investor 1 – P100,000

  investor 2 – P102.000

  This will cover all our necessary expenses until we are able to start making a net profit 

  Problem & Solution

  Problem worth solving.

  The tourism industry has undergone rapid growth of unsurpassed nature over the last several decades. This has mainly been due to the advent of a ‘borderless’ world and increased information dissemination about the majestic sceneries throughout the world, with the southern African region being no exception. Customers want to travel, to see the world. They are in need of a company where they can enjoy the sites and the luxuries without having to pay a huge price. 

  Our Solution

  Sephats Tours intends to provide individual and group travel to leisure clients. Services and products provided by Sephats will initially include pre-arranged tours, custom packages according to clients specifications, travel consultation, and as time progresses making reservations for lodging amongst other related services. Sephats Tours seeks to differentiate itself as the premier adventure travel company in the greater Gaborone area. Customers will think we are well worth the expense 

  As it grows it will take on people and expand into related markets and services. It will also look for additional leverage by establishing relationships and representations with appropriate strategic allies.

  Target Market

  Market size & segments.

  We will be focusing on those foreign tourists seeking leisure travel and excursions whilst on vacation in Botswana, with the intention of letting them see and appreciate the numerous attractions in our country. Though we realize that the majority of our tourists come from South Africa we shall be mainly targeting those from Europe and the Americas who often do not have transport or adequate knowledge about the country, unlike their South African counterparts who often do. Hence we shall be mainly targeting those who are not that mobile but wanting to see as many sites as possible. These people often do not want to waste their money on hiring vehicles to move about by themselves, but instead want to be escorted around places of interest by a reliable source. Hence the need to professionally market ourselves and the services we provide, offering a service of uncompromised nature. />Our marketing strategy will be based mainly on making the right service(s) available to the right target customer. We will ensure that our services’ prices take into consideration organizations’ and peoples’ budgets, and that these people know that we exist, appreciate the value of our services, and how to contact us. The marketing will convey the sense of quality in every picture, every promotion, and every publication. Our intension will be to target those individuals and groups looking for leisure activities and places to visit. We realize the need to focus our marketing message and our service offerings. We need to develop our message, communicate it, and make good on it. The decision to establish strategic alliances with several hotels, lodges and travel agencies is aimed at tapping our target market effectively and efficiently.

  Current Alternatives

  We have identified competing companies, some firmly established, that fill the same needs as Sephats Tours. We intend to market ourselves in such a way that with time competitor customers will choose our service over competitors’ on the basis of our higher quality and informative excursions. A more thorough outline of our main competitors including their strengths and weaknesses follows:

  • XXX:  Located on the first floor of the G Hotel, Gear Adventures specializes in tailor-made safaris throughout Botswana and her neighboring countries. Gear Adventures offers Mobile Wilderness Safaris, Weekend Adventures, One-day explorations and safari operators. Of particular concern to us are the day tours around Gaborone that it offers to G Hotel guests. Research indicated that Gear Adventures is the only operator that offers day trips in and around Gaborone. Several of its services include: [details omitted].
  • YYY:  Arguably one of the most reputable companies in our intended line of business. It has a fleet of nineteen buses comprising two semi-luxury B7 Volvo train-buses, six semi-luxury B7 Volvo, five M/Benz, four Nissan and two DAF buses. All the Volvo buses have radio facilities, and one of the train-buses has toilet facilities. With close to twenty years of experience Mr. K supported by his wife, Mrs. K, are achieving most of what they envisioned when they started their business-to provide a nation-wide road transport service renowned for its efficiency and reliability. The recent launch of a new imported South American double-decker luxury bus serves as testimony of their continued dedication towards providing a good service to their clients.

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  • ZZZ:  Similar to YYY, Z is well respected in the market with a large fleet of buses. As well as providing daily transport to Selebi Phikwe and several towns it also provides local and international trips by hire. However they lack the marketing edge and foreign tourist focus we intend to have.

  Upon closer analysis of the above competitors it may be observed that the majority of these are offering safari excursions, and this represents an opportunity to be realized by us. According to the Central Statistics Office there are approximately 81 travel agents, tour operators and safari operators in Botswana at present, the majority of which have a South African background either in directorship or actual origin.

  Our Advantages

  Our advantages are best described as our strengths: 

  • Diversified client base:  This will reduce our dependency on one particular market.
  • Combination of skills in employees:  The directors intend to engage well-qualified and experienced employees to jointly develop business strategy and long-term plans, so as to attain company objectives.
  • Extensive advertising and marketing:  The company will undertake extensive advertising and marketing, promoting both its name as well as service/product awareness. Hence an aggressive and focused marketing campaign with clear goals and strategies shall be one of our mainstays.

  Keys to Success

  The keys to Sephats Tours success will undoubtedly be effective market segmentation through identification of several niche markets and implementation strategies. Along these lines the company intends to implement advertising, personal selling and direct marketing strategies to the target markets. Our personal selling marketing strategies will rotate around keeping in touch with hotels and travel agencies for major customers, and advertising for more individual customers. Hence our key success factors will include the following:

  • Excellence in fulfilling the promise:  We intend to offer completely enjoyable, comfortable and informative travel excursions that will ensure that travelers are thoroughly satisfied and appreciative at the end of their trip.
  • Timely response to customers’ requests:  We cannot afford to delay our clients for whatever reason, as this will have a negative bearing on our image and reputation, including future business. Hence we need to be continually communicating with the client, including hotels and lodges so as to ensure that we are constantly available to the client meeting their expectations.
  • Solid and fruitful strategic alliances:  Considering the nature of our services and our relative infancy on the market, we realize the importance of establishing and maintaining fruitful strategic alliances with various stakeholders, including hotels, lodges, and travel agencies, amongst others, so as be assured of a constant flow of customers, fulfilling their needs at every opportunity.
  • Marketing know-how:  As a relatively new company on the market there will be a need to aggressively market our business and the services we provide so as to be continuously at the top of our prospective clients minds. This will also act as a temporary deterrent for companies contemplating entering our market. Advertising shall be undertaken on a regular basis.

  Marketing & Sales

  Marketing plan.

  One core element of our strategy will be that of differentiation from our competitors. In terms of marketing we intend to ensure that our name and services are marketed on an extensive basis so that customers are aware of our existence. We will have a Social Media Strategy. We will be in Twitter, on Facebook, and on LinkedIn. We will run promotions and sales and have our customers tell us their favorite vacations, and experiences and they will talk to each other. In price, we intend to offer reasonable and competitive prices in comparison to competition and we need to be able to sustain that. Our service marketing will strive to ensure that we establish long relationships with clients.

  For the short term at least, the selling process will depend on personal selling/networking and advertising to lure and inform potential customers about the services we offer and the benefits of utilizing our services. Our marketing does not intend to affect the perception of need as much as knowledge and awareness of the service category.

  Locations & Facilities

  At present the company offices are located at Plot Number 28338, Block 3, Belabela road opposite Gaborone Television Station, near Hill Crest Primary School. However, as time progresses the intention is to move into more accessible and attractive offices in a prime area. This regardless of the fact that our type of business is not too dependent on office location and size.

  Sephats Tours will strive to ensure that it contains the latest, or extremely recent personal computer including relevant software so as to ensure that the company is continuously at the forefront in our market arena. The one certainty in our industry is that technology will continue to evolve and develop, changing what we market as well as how we market it. Our aim will be to be aware of the implications of this new technology and utilizing it in our existing framework where possible. However it should be noted that as we are new on the market it will take some time before we have in place our own website and other multimedia presentations. With time we also intend to have the latest and most efficient software in place to enable smooth operations.

  Milestones & Metrics

  Key metrics.

  Our Key metrics are:

  • Tours sold (units, growth from month to month and year to year)
  • Tourists per tour (average, and changes over time)
  • Revenue per tour
  • Revenue per tourist
  • Total tourist prospects (estimates)
  • Facebook likes
  • Twitter follows

  Ownership & Structure

  Sephats Tours is a Private Limited company incorporated at the Registrar of Companies through the foresight and vision of Mr. X and Mrs. Y. It is a 100% wholly owned Botswana firm.

  Management Team

  The founders of Sephats Tours are passionate about the activities it will promote and offer on the market. Management style will reflect the participation of the directors/shareholders. The company intends to respect its community and treat all employees well. We will develop and nurture the company as community. However we realize that we are not fully conversant in tourism and as such intend to engage experienced staff as well as undergo a training course from a reputable institution.

  The Managing Director’s experience in public commercial transportation and government will assist in the establishment of good networks. He also has attended a course in Auto Mechanics at X Centre that will assist in servicing the vehicles. However acknowledging the importance of continuous training and improvement the Managing Director intends to undergo a course in Travel and Tourism so as to be fully conversant in the field, as well as obtain knowledge of the latest developments in the industry.

  Personnel Table

  Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

  Some of the more important underlying assumptions are:

  • We assume a strong economy, without major recession.
  • We assume, of course, that there are no unforeseen changes in economic policy to make our service immediately obsolete or unwanted.

  Revenue by Month

  Expenses by month, net profit (or loss) by year, use of funds.

  Thus far we have purchased a Mercedes Benz mini bus to run tours for our customers, for P167,00, which was purchased with P32,000 down and the rest on a 5-year 6% loan. Other start-up expenses covered include  legal costs, business plan compilation, license costs and related expenses. 

  START-UP REQUIREMENTS

  Start-up Expenses

  • Legal P1,000
  • Logo, branding. P500
  • Website, collaterals P700
  • Consultants P1,200
  • Insurance P800

  TOTAL START-UP EXPENSES P5,000

  Sources of Funds

  We have 2 investors, investor 1 is investing P100,000, investor 2 is investing 102,000. 

  Projected Profit & Loss

  Projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

  

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  Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

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  Detailed statistics

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  Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

  Value of travel market in India FY 2018-2027

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  Key figures.

  • Basic Statistic Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2028
  • Basic Statistic Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment
  • Premium Statistic Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type
  • Basic Statistic Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2022
  • Premium Statistic PE/VC investment deals in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

  Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2028

  Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India from 2012 to 2017, with an estimate until 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

  Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment

  Distribution of revenue from tourism to GDP in India from 2013 to 2022, by segment

  Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type

  Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India in the financial year 2023, by spending type

  Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2022

  Number of direct and indirect jobs in the travel and tourism sector across India from financial year 2014 to 2022, with projection for 2023 (in millions)

  PE/VC investment deals in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

  Number of private equity and venture capital deals in the travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022

  • Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals at India 2022, by region
  • Basic Statistic Number of domestic tourist visits in India 2000-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India 2008-2022
  • Premium Statistic Number of visitors to national monument India FY 2017-2022, by type
  • Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023
  • Premium Statistic Number of foreign visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

  Tourist arrivals at India 2022, by region

  Tourist arrivals at India in 2022, by region (in 1,000s)

  Number of domestic tourist visits in India 2000-2022

  Number of domestic tourist visits in India from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

  Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India 2008-2022

  Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India from 2008 to 2022

  Number of visitors to national monument India FY 2017-2022, by type

  Number of visitors to national monuments across India from financial year 2017 to 2022, by type (in millions)

  Number of domestic visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

  Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of domestic visitors (in 1,000s)

  Number of foreign visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

  Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of foreign visitors (in 1,000s)

  Travel services

  • Premium Statistic Online travel agency usage India 2023, by gender
  • Premium Statistic Agencies used for online services India 2023 by gender
  • Premium Statistic Device used for online travel agency India 2023, by age group
  • Premium Statistic Purpose of online travel agency usage India 2023, by age group
  • Premium Statistic Reason for not using online travel agency India 2023, by gender

  Online travel agency usage India 2023, by gender

  Share of online travel agency usage in India as of June 2023, by gender

  Agencies used for online services India 2023 by gender

  Share of agencies used for online travel services in India as of June 2023, by gender

  Device used for online travel agency India 2023, by age group

  Device used to access online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by age group

  Purpose of online travel agency usage India 2023, by age group

  Purposes of using an online travel agency in India as of June 2023, by age group

  Reason for not using online travel agency India 2023, by gender

  Share of reasons for not using online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by gender

  Market overview

  • Premium Statistic Value of travel market in India FY 2018-2027
  • Premium Statistic Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by type
  • Premium Statistic Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel
  • Premium Statistic Value of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027
  • Premium Statistic PE/VC investments in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

  Value of the travel market in India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

  Distribution of Indian travel market from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

  Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

  Travel market distribution across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

  Value of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027

  Value of hotel market in India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

  PE/VC investments in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

  Private equity and venture capital investments in travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

  Hotel industry

  • Premium Statistic Distribution of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by type
  • Premium Statistic Distribution of the hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel
  • Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms in India FY 2001-2023
  • Premium Statistic Number of approved hotels in India 2022, by category
  • Premium Statistic Supply of hotel rooms in India FY 2022-2023, by city
  • Basic Statistic Occupancy rate in hotels in India FY 2001-2024

  Distribution of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by type

  Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

  Distribution of the hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

  Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

  Number of hotel rooms in India FY 2001-2023

  Number of hotel rooms across India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with an estimate until 2027 (in 1,000s)

  Number of approved hotels in India 2022, by category

  Number of approved hotels in India in 2022, by category

  Supply of hotel rooms in India FY 2022-2023, by city

  Existing supply of hotel rooms across Indian cities from financial year 2022 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

  Occupancy rate in hotels in India FY 2001-2024

  Occupancy rate in hotels in India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with estimates of 2024

  Major players

  • Basic Statistic Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India 2023, by market capitalization
  • Basic Statistic Domestic market share of airlines across India FY 2023, by passengers carried
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of Airbnb India FY 2018-2020
  • Premium Statistic Revenue of OYO across India FY 2019-2023
  • Premium Statistic Thomas Cook India revenue FY 2020-2023
  • Premium Statistic MakeMyTrip's revenue FY 2015-2023

  Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India 2023, by market capitalization

  Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India as of 2023, based on market capitalization (in billion Indian rupees)

  Domestic market share of airlines across India FY 2023, by passengers carried

  Domestic market share of airlines across India in financial year 2023, by passengers carried

  Revenue of Airbnb India FY 2018-2020

  Revenue of Airbnb India from financial year 2018 to 2020 (in million Indian rupees)

  Revenue of OYO across India FY 2019-2023

  Revenue of OYO across India from financial year 2019 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

  Thomas Cook India revenue FY 2020-2023

  Revenue of Thomas Cook (India) Limited from financial year 2020 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

  MakeMyTrip's revenue FY 2015-2023

  Revenue of MakeMyTrip Limited from financial year 2015 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

  Further reports

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  • Leaders Speak
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  • Travel and tourism sector in India will continue to witness impressive growth
  
  • Amit Jain ,
  • ETHospitalityWorld
  • Published On Mar 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM IST

  The travel and tourism sector has been robust and vivacious in a world of constant change and uncertainty. The rising demand for hospitality services, busy airports, and well-known travel destinations make it clear that tourism is more than just a recreational activity - it is a vital component of global economic expansion. Notwithstanding obstacles, the industry grew at a never-before-seen rate in 2023, paving the way for a comeback driven by unmet demand in 2024 and beyond. As per recent reports, the industry is expected to contribute significantly to the global GDP and employment creation by 2030, indicating that it is on a solid trajectory. As we move ahead, Amit Jain – Founder, Bookntravel , believes that the robust travel sentiment will continue, and anticipates a sustained surge in demand from the travellers. Here are a few compelling factors that will drive the exponential growth of the travel and tourism sector. Advt Constant rise of spiritual tourism Travel is at an all-time high. And spiritual tourism is the new trend among travellers which also includes meditation, mindfulness getaways along with silent retreats. India has always been known as the land of spirituality and the vibrant spiritual destinations hold a special charm in the hearts of Westerners too. A big spike in spiritual tourism can also be attributed to the Government’s plan of reviving religious destinations across the length and breadth of the country. From showing their gratitude for good health to wanting to rejuvenate and break away from their stressful lives, people are visiting several spiritual places across India. The concept of spiritual tourism is also gaining momentum among India’s Gen Z and millennials. We are witnessing an uptick in demand emerging from India’s metros and mini metros, in addition to tier 2 and 3 cities. Unexplored destinations and adventurous trails on tourists’ minds The travellers are now showing increased interest in travelling to previously unexplored destinations. The millennials are more open to exploring new locations as they feel confident, connected and are more open to change. Every state in India has very unique and different flavours to offer to each tourist depending on the traveller’s interests, be it leisure, spiritual, adventurous, cultural etc. Much like the US, India has a staggering array of travel experiences - from deserts, forests, and mountains to beaches, cities, and heritage. With a target to attract foreign tourists to India and also improve the country’s ranking in the World Tourism Index, several steps are being undertaken to explore the untapped tourism potential of the country, especially of the lesser-known destinations. Advt Continued pent-up wanderlust Wanderlust is a latent, often forgotten travel motivation that is a part of a person’s personality. It's a part of human nature to explore new places and discover new things. Travelling is a form of art that can broaden one's horizons, expose them to different cultures, and help them gain a new perspective on life. The longing to immerse in diverse cultures remains unwavering. Resilience and insatiable curiosity fuel our wanderlust, undeterred by adversity. Modern travellers are increasingly seeking adventure to satisfy their pent-up wanderlust. The joy of travel is multifaceted and it's an experience that can enrich your life and broaden your perspective. We believe that as we move ahead this year, the pent-up desire to travel will keep demand strong. Stronger infrastructure boost The government’s continued focus on infrastructure with the setting up of new airports, expansion in rail, road and waterways, as well as development of high-growth areas such as religious circuits and underleveraged hidden gems will not only contribute to the nation’s growth but will also fuel the future growth of the travel and tourism sector across the country. These infrastructure improvements showcase India's independence and make it simpler to visit well-known historical locations, contributing to the country's boom in tourism. Overall, we need a cohesive approach that would encompass the public and private sector on one hand, and the government (state and central governments , and local authorities) on the other hand, in order to continue developing world class tourism infrastructure. Technology to the advantage India's travel and tourism industry has undergone a drastic technological transformation, making it easier for people to plan and book trips. The availability of wide options related to mobile apps, online booking platforms, and travel-related websites provide convenience and accessibility, driving more people to travel. Overall, technological advances have changed the way we travel, and these new developments promise an even more interactive and exciting experience. The travel and tourism enterprises that will flourish in the coming years are those who can provide both spontaneity and ease of use via a mobile-first strategy. Technology has truly given wings of convenience to the travel and tourism industry as it soars towards success. The rise of disposable income and the growing number of millennials With more than 400 million of the country's total population, India has one of the largest millennial populations. Together with GenZ, they are estimated to comprise 50 percent of India's population by 2030. They're a powerful demographic with potent purchasing power, driving a wave of change and reshaping the future of travel. They are explorers at heart, and uninhibited in trying out novel experiences. Also, with the buoyant growth in the Indian economy, the Indian middle class has higher disposable income. This often results in more people having the financial means to travel for leisure, which is driving domestic tourism. The segment is likely to grow further with growing disposable income, increasing inclination towards travelling across age groups and emergence of new destinations as well as new themes of tourism. Going forward, it is also important to have strategic redistribution of tourism across diverse geographies, fostering inclusivity and exploration beyond traditional hotspots. The resilience of the travel and tourism industry is a beacon of hope and a benchmark for other sectors. This growth trajectory speaks volumes about the sector’s untapped potential as a key driver for economic growth, employment generation, and infrastructural development. The author, Amit Jain, is founder Bookntravel.

  • By Amit Jain ,
  • Updated On Mar 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM IST

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  The state of tourism and hospitality 2024

  Tourism and hospitality are on a journey of disruption. Shifting source markets and destinations, growing demand for experiential and luxury travel, and innovative business strategies are all combining to dramatically alter the industry landscape. Given this momentous change, it’s important for stakeholders to consider and strategize on four major themes:

  • The bulk of travel is close to home. Although international travel might draw headlines, stakeholders shouldn’t neglect the big opportunities in their backyards. Domestic travel still represents the bulk of travel spending, and intraregional tourism is on the rise.
  • Consumers increasingly prioritize travel—when it’s on their own terms. Interest in travel is booming, but travelers are no longer content with a one-size-fits-all experience. Individual personalization might not always be practical, but savvy industry players can use segmentation and hypothesis-driven testing to improve their value propositions. Those that fail to articulate target customer segments and adapt their offerings accordingly risk getting left behind.
  • The face of luxury travel is changing. Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than any other travel segment today—particularly in Asia. It’s crucial to understand that luxury travelers don’t make up a monolith. Segmenting by age, nationality, and net worth can reveal varied and evolving preferences and behaviors.
  • As tourism grows, destinations will need to prepare to mitigate overcrowding. Destinations need to be ready to handle the large tourist flows of tomorrow. Now is the time for stakeholders to plan, develop, and invest in mitigation strategies. Equipped with accurate assessments of carrying capacities and enhanced abilities to gather and analyze data, destinations can improve their transportation and infrastructure, build tourism-ready workforces, and preserve their natural and cultural heritages.

  Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

  Global travel is back and buzzing. The amount of travel fell by 75 percent in 2020; however, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. More regional trips, an emerging population of new travelers, and a fresh set of destinations are powering steady spending in tourism.

  There’s no doubt that people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go?

  We share a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030.

  The way we travel now

  Which trends are shaping traveler sentiment now? What sorts of journeys do today’s travelers dream about? How much are they willing to spend on their trips? And what should industry stakeholders do to adapt to the traveler psychology of the moment?

  To gauge what’s on the minds of present-day travelers, we surveyed more than 5,000 of them. The findings reveal disparate desires, generational divides, and a newly emerging set of traveler archetypes.

  Updating perceptions about today’s luxury traveler

  Demand for luxury tourism and hospitality is expected to grow faster than for any other segment. This growth is being powered in part by a large and expanding base of aspiring luxury travelers with net worths between $100,000 and $1 million, many of whom are younger and increasingly willing to spend larger shares of their wealth on upscale travel options. The increase is also a result of rising wealth levels in Asia.

  We dug deeper into this ongoing evolution by surveying luxury travelers around the globe about their preferences, plans, and expectations. Some widely held notions about luxury travelers—such as how much money they have, how old they are, and where they come from—could be due for reexamination.

  Destination readiness: Preparing for the tourist flows of tomorrow

  As global tourism grows, it will be crucial for destinations to be ready. How can the tourism ecosystem prepare to host unprecedented volumes of visitors while managing the challenges that can accompany this success? A large flow of tourists, if not carefully channeled, can encumber infrastructure, harm natural and cultural attractions, and frustrate locals and visitors alike.

  Now is the time for tourism stakeholders to combine their thinking and resources to look for better ways to handle the visitor flows of today while properly preparing themselves for the visitor flows of tomorrow. We offer a diagnostic that destinations can use to spot early-warning signs about tourism concentration, along with suggestions for funding mechanisms and strategies to help maximize the benefits of tourism while minimizing its negative impacts.

  Six trends shaping new business models in tourism and hospitality

  As destinations and source markets have transformed over the past decade, tourism and hospitality companies have evolved, too. Accommodation, home sharing, cruises, and theme parks are among the sectors in which new approaches could present new opportunities. Stakeholders gearing up for new challenges should look for business model innovations that will help sustain their hard-won growth—and profits.

  Unbundling offerings, cross-selling distinctive experiences, and embracing data-powered strategies can all be winning moves. A series of insight-driven charts reveal significant trends and an outlook on the future.

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  License required for Tour and Travel agencies for running their business

  

  Travel and tourism industry, also known as Tour and Travel agencies is one of the major industries in India and plays a very significant role as employment generators. States like Goa and North-Eastern generate their primary revenue depending on tourism.

  The licenses required to start a tour and travel agencies business in India are;

  Business Entity Choices for Travel Agency

  Any individual who is willing to open a Tour and Travel agency could open it under various selections of business entities, and these choices are left with the person who wants to start the business. Entrepreneurs generally select Private Limited companies as the preferred one amongst the rest, because Private Limited companies get a lot of benefits and subsidies from the government.

  Also, business enterprises like Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or One Person Company (OPC) could also be preferable for businesspersons who want to gradually build the business or carry it out on a part-time basis. As Limited Liability Partnerships have no obligation for audit unless the turnover goes beyond Rs.40 lakhs in a year, it shall be ideal for businesspersons who are getting their first-hand experience in their Tour and Travel agency venture. Then again, OPCs can also be ideal for businesspersons who are establishing their commerce as a single individual and want to avoid having broad compliance-related requirements to follow. However, a business enterprise offering limited liability status as well as separate legal entity status shall be perfect for a travel agent.

  GST Registration for the Travel Business

  It is important for business owners to adopt GST Registration so that they could collect GST from the customers on the service incurred through the business.

  GST payable by Air Travel Agent is;

  •    Commission income from the airlines for booking domestic air tickets, GST at the rate of 18% on 5% of Basic fare

  •    Commission income from the airlines for booking international air tickets at the rate of 18% GST on 10% of basic fare

  •    Processing/service fee for booking of tickets for the customer, GST at the rate of 18% on invoice from Air traveller

  Trademark Required for the Travel Business

  If the businessperson wishes to have a unique name and symbol, he could do so by means of registering as a trademark provided under the Intellectual Property Rights laws in India.

  Becoming a Government of India approved Travel Agent

  By registration as a Government of India approved Travel Agent is not compulsory; it is useful and provides recognition for the travel agent. The goal and objective of the scheme for recognition of Travel Agent or Agency (TA) is to boost the quality standard and service in the tourism industry. In order to become a Government of India recognized travel agent, the travel agent is required to satisfy few requirements on capital invested, number of employees employed, maintenance of minimum office space as well as other stipulations. Furthermore, application should be made towards the Ministry of tourism in the prescribed format in order to become a Government of India approved Travel Agent.

  The Travel agency is required to be approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This travel Association offers several training methods and professional development services towards the travel agencies. IATA accreditation is very much preferred seal of approval recognized worldwide. It is important for a travel agency or for a travel agent availing international travel packages towards being a member of IATA, as it gives a lot of benefits in the air services across the globe.  

  
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  Top 10 Travel Companies in India 2023

  

  Here is the list of Top 10 Travel Companies in India which are listed based on Turnover. The travel and tourism sector in India continued as one of the top 10 contributors to global travel and tourism GDP.

  In India, the industry plays a significant role in economic and social aspects, generating US$247.3 bn in 2018 growing by 6.7% and contributed 9.2% to the country’s economy. It has also earned foreign exchange to the tune of US$28.9 bn , accounting for 5.4% of total national exports.

  List of Top 10 Travel Companies in India

  So here is the list of Top 10 Travel Companies in India which are listed based on total sales.

  10. International Travel House Ltd

  International Travel House Limited, India’s leading Travel Management Company . International Travel House Limited (ITH) started operations in 1981 as India’s first publicly listed travel company.

  • Sales: ₹ 194 Cr.
  • Operating profit: ₹ 25.7 Cr.
  • Net profit : ₹ 30.3 Cr.
  • Sales last year: ₹ 184 Cr.
  • EBIDT last year: ₹ 24.2 Cr.
  • Sales growth 3Years: -4.17 %
  • Total Assets: ₹ 179 Cr.
  • Reserves: ₹ 115 Cr.
  • Debt: ₹ 0.29 Cr.

  With a diverse product portfolio, extensive national footprint, strong reputation for service quality and reliability (ISO 9001:2015 certified), and an enviable customer portfolio, ITH has become one of India’s most admired travel companies.

  The Company is 10th in the List of Top 10 Travel Companies in India. International Travel House Limited has a strong network of 39 offices in 19 cities across India. Please select a city and its corresponding office below to view contact information.

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  9. travelguru.

  Travelguru is India’s leading travel website, offering you the best prices on flights, hotels and holiday packages across India and the world.

  Travelguru makes planning and buying a holiday or a business trip easy and convenient. TravelGuru is the 9th Largest Travel Company in India.

  Travelguru’s current product offering consists of airline tickets, hotel rooms, vacation packages and cruises. The Company will shortly be expanding services to offer a wide array of travel-related services including car rentals .

  Expedia is one of the fastest growing online travel portals in Asia, offering travellers an extensive selection of hotels, activities and travel services to meet every budget and activities of every kind at competitive rates.

  With over hundreds of thousands of hotel partners worldwide and a comprehensive offering of flight inventory made available on the website, travellers can book everything they need for a holiday – rooms to meet every budget, activities of every kind and travel services to complement.

  This website is operated by BEX Travel Asia Pte. Ltd., (“BEX Travel”), a Singapore entity (UEN 201113337M), with its registered address at 8 Marina Boulevard #05-02, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981.

  BEX Travel is part of the Expedia Group of companies. The Company is 8th in the list of Top 10 Travel Companies in India.

  Goibibo is the largest online hotel booking engine in India and also one of the leading air aggregators. Goibibo is also the number one ranked mobile app under the travel category.

  Goibibo’s core value differentiator is delivery of the fastest and the most trusted user experiences, be it in terms of quickest search and booking, fastest payments, settlement and refund processes.

  Goibibo has grown its hotel booking volumes by 5x in 2015 over the previous year. 70% of hotel bookings take place on Goibibo’s mobile app. It is 7 in the List of Top Travel Companies in India

  Goibibo is part of the ibibo Group that also owns India’s No. 1 online Bus ticketing platform, redBus.in and recently launched carpooling app, “ibibo Ryde”.

  6. SOTC Travel Limited

  SOTC Travel Limited (Formerly SOTC Travel Pvt. Ltd.) is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Group ; held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL).

  SOTC India is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel, and Business Travel . SOTC was established in 1949 . Since then, it has escorted lakhs of travelers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world.

  It is one of the leaders in segments, namely Escorted Group Tours, Customised Holidays, Holidays of India and Incentive Travel amongst others. SOTC’s customer focus, innovation, and operational excellence has not only tapped the existing market potential but has also created new markets through innovative packages.

  Its vast array of holiday services is taking holidaying to an entirely new level. A new age innovative holiday maker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. Through investments in technology and with a strong online presence the company serves its customers through an omnichannel play.

  5. Yatra Online Pvt Ltd 

  Yatra Online Pvt Ltd  based in Gurgaon India is one of India’s leading online travel companies and operates the website Yatra.com . The Company is ranked 5th in the list of Top 10 Travel Companies in India.

  The company provides information, pricing, availability, and booking facility for domestic and international air travel, domestic and international hotel bookings, holiday packages, buses, trains, in city activities, inter-city, and point-to-point cabs, homestays and cruises .

  As a leading platform of accommodation options, Yatra provides real-time bookings for more than  83,000 hotels in India and over 800,000 hotels around the world. Launched in August 2006, Yatra Online is founded by Mr. Dhruv Shringi and Mr. Manish Amin in the year 2006.

  4. MakeMyTrip

  MakeMyTrip is a pioneer in India’s online travel industry . Founded in the year 2000 by Deep Kalra, MakeMyTrip came to life to empower the Indian traveler with instant bookings and comprehensive choices.

  The company initiated its journey serving the US-India travel market offering a range of best-value products and services powered by technology and round-the-clock customer support. MakeMyTrip has proactively diversified its product offering, adding a variety of online and offline products and services. It is India’s leading online travel company

  After consolidating its position in the market as a brand recognized for its reliability and transparency, MakeMyTrip launched its India operations in 2005 . With more and more Indians initiating to transact online with IRCTC and new opportunities with the advent of low-cost carriers, MakeMyTrip offered travelers the convenience of booking travel online with a few clicks.

  3. Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd

  Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd. (MHRIL), a part of the Leisure and Hospitality sector of the Mahindra Group , offers quality family holidays primarily through vacation ownership memberships and brings to the industry values such as reliability, trust and customer satisfaction.

  • Sales: ₹ 2,526 Cr.
  • Operating profit: ₹ 456 Cr.
  • Net profit: ₹ 84.9 Cr.
  • Sales last year: ₹ 2,517 Cr.
  • EBIDT last year: ₹ 589 Cr.
  • Sales growth 3Years: 2.00 %
  • Total Assets: ₹ 9,098 Cr.
  • Reserves: ₹ 189 Cr.
  • Debt: ₹ 2,623 Cr.

  Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited is part of the USD 20.7 billion multinational Mahindra Group. Started in 1996 , the company’s flagship brand ‘Club Mahindra Holidays ’, today has a fast-growing customer base o f over 220,000 members and 61+ resort s at some of the most exotic locations in India and abroad.

  • ROE 5Yr: 7.34 %
  • ROCE: 10.2 %
  • ROCE 3Yr: 7.28 %
  • Return on equity: 35.9 %

  2. Cox & Kings Ltd

  Cox & Kings  is the longest established travel company in the world. Its India operations are headquartered in Mumbai and have the status of a limited company. It has over 12 fully owned offices in India across key cities such as New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Hyderabad, Pune, Goa, Nagpur, and Jaipur.

  The worldwide offices are located in UK, USA, Japan, Russia, Singapore, and Dubai. It has associate offices in Germany, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Sweden, and Australia. Cox is Best Travel Agency in India.

  By 1878, C&K were agents for most British regiments posted overseas, including the Royal Cavalry, Artillery, and Infantry, as well as the Royal Wagon Train and the Household Brigade. The Royal Navy was next and in 1912, The Royal Air Force came under its wings.

  Between the 1750s and 1950s, Cox & Kings was witness to an exciting era in Indian history, and, in its own way, helped to shape it. In 1947, the British administration departed, but bound by strong ties to India, Cox & Kings stayed on and flourished. Today, Cox & Kings is a premium brand in all travel-related services in the Indian subcontinent, employing over 5000 trained professionals.

  1. Thomas Cook (India) Ltd

  Thomas Cook (India) Limited is a leading integrated travel and travel‑related services company with operations in 29 countries, across five continents through its Indian and global subsidiaries and key investments . Headquartered in India, travel and travel-related financial services companies in the Asia Pacific region .

  • Sales: ₹ 5,970 Cr.
  • Operating profit: ₹ 266 Cr.
  • Net profit: ₹ 87.4 Cr.
  • Sales last year: ₹ 5,048 Cr.
  • EBIDT last year: ₹ 241 Cr.
  • Sales growth 3Years: -9.60 %
  • Total Assets: ₹ 5,657 Cr.
  • Reserves: ₹ 1,666 Cr.
  • Debt: ₹ 539 Cr.

  Having established its presence in India as early as 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) was incorporated in 1978 and listed in 1983. The Company have three major business segments, namely. It is the largest Travel Companies in India Based on Turnover.

  • Travel and Related Services,
  • Financial Services and
  • Strategic and Portfolio Investments.

  Promoted by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited holding 66.94% . Thomas Cook (India) Ltd is the largest Travel Company in India based on Turnover. It is one of the Best Travel Agency in India.

  • ROE 5Yr: -1.99 %
  • ROCE: 5.23 %
  • ROCE 3Yr: -6.54 %
  • Return on equity: 0.39 %

  Thomas Cook (India) Limited is a leading integrated travel and travel‑related services company with operations in 29 countries, across five continents . So based on Sales Thomas Cook is the best travel company in India.

  Thomas Cook (India) Ltd is the Biggest Travel agency in India based on total sales in the recent year.

  Raveendran R

  Editor @ Indiancompaies.in

  

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  Comments 28

  

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  Nice article,

  

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  • FCM Travel India witnesses 20% increase in Business Class travel in Q1 2024
  
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  Summer travel rises 40% this year, travel sector see buoyant demand

  According to makemytrip's summer travel trends, the family travel segment has grown by 20 per cent this year, as compared to the summer of 2023.

  

  Listen to This Article

  Makemytrip expands global reach, now available in over 150 countries, makemytrip releases most searched foreign locations by indians this summer, makemytrip logs highest-ever quarterly gross bookings at $2.08 billion, meradoc partners with makemytrip to offer real-time medical services, makemytrip launches 'beaches of india' campaign after india-maldives row, brazil, eu urge india for timely notifications on sugar subsidies at wto, wipo concludes treaty to protect genetic resources, traditional knowledge, indian startup ecosystem mature, set to bolster economy: aws' raghavan, median salary of indian unicorn founders rises to rs 1.5 cr overall in fy23, wheat procurement tops last year's level; madhya pradesh sees big dip.

  (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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  First Published: May 26 2024 | 12:09 PM IST

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  Cyclone Remal: How it will impact the travel plan in East and Northeast India

  Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / TRAVEL TRENDS , INDIA / Updated : May 28, 2024, 07:24 IST

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  Severe cyclonic storm Remal weakened into a cyclonic storm, affecting flight operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and leading to the cancellation of 42 trains by Northeast Frontier Railway.

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  Severe cyclonic storm Remal weakened into a cyclonic storm, affecting flight operations at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata and leading to the cancellation of 42 trains by N...

  

  Oyo’s IPO Pause and IndiGo’s Business Class

  May 29th, 2024 at 5:36 AM EDT

  On this week's podcast, our India-based editors look at IndiGo's new business class offering and discuss the latest on Oyo's IPO plans.

  Skift India Travel Podcast

  Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia is joined by business leaders, and experts from throughout the industry and Skift’s newsroom, to explore the challenges, opportunities, and trends shaping the Indian travel industry.

  Did you miss out on some of the biggest stories from India last week? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, join Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia and India Reporter Bulbul Dhawan as they delve into IndiGo’s exciting announcement of a new business class and explore the latest challenges and successes in the Indian hospitality sector. Stay tuned for all this and more in this episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast.

  Here are five key points from the podcast:

  IndiGo’s New Business Class Launch : IndiGo is planning to introduce a business class product by the end of the year, aiming to cater to the increasing demand for premium travel among corporate travelers. The full details will be revealed in August.

  Indian Travel Spending Surge : Indian travelers spent a record $31.7 billion overseas in fiscal 2024, with $17 billion spent on international travel, a 25% increase from the previous year. Despite the introduction of a new tax, Indians continue to spend significantly on travel.

  Oyo’s IPO Plans on Hold : Oyo has decided to pause its anticipated IPO plans due to ongoing refinancing and the uncertain political environment in view of the ongoing elections. The company plans to revisit the IPO once the refinancing is complete, possibly in a couple of quarters.

  Hospitality Sector Worker Shortage : The hospitality industry in India faces a significant worker shortage, exacerbated by low wages and long hours. Leaders call for competitive salaries, better work-life balance, and opportunities for growth to attract and retain talent.

  Strong Performance in Indian Hotel Sector : The Indian hotel sector had a robust first quarter in 2024, driven by corporate travel and weddings. Both business and leisure destinations saw high demand for hotel rooms, and this trend is expected to continue into the second quarter.

  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Google Podcasts | YouTube | RSS

  Episode Summary

  This week’s podcast starts by looking closer at IndiGo’s major announcement about launching a business class service by the end of the year and what that says about the increasing demand for premium travel among Indian corporate travelers. IndiGo plans to offer this service on its busiest routes, aligning with its broader strategy of expanding international presence through new destinations and codeshare agreements.

  The discussion also covers the notable increase in spending by Indian travelers, with record spending of $31.7 billion overseas in fiscal 2024, driven largely by international travel. Despite the introduction of a new tax, Indians continue to spend significantly on travel, and projections suggest they could become the fourth-largest global travel spenders by 2030.

  The other big story this week: Oyo’s decision to pause its IPO plans. This is attributed to ongoing refinancing and the uncertain political environment. This cautious approach aims to ensure better preparedness and stability before proceeding with the IPO.

  The hospitality sector’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2024 is driven by corporate travel and weddings, with a significant increase in room bookings, especially in tier-two and tier-three cities.

  But the industry still faces a challenge in retaining young workers due to low wages and long hours. Leaders are calling for competitive salaries, better work-life balance, and closer collaboration between educational institutes and industry players to bridge the gap between hospitality education and industry needs.

  Have a confidential tip for Skift? Get in touch

  Tags: india podcast , indigo airlines , oyo , skift podcast

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  EaseMyTrip Does Not Wish To Create More Hotels; Plans More Acquisitions Across Verticals: Co-founder, Prashant Pitti The company has no plans to go asset-heavy and is mulling a set of organic and inorganic acquisitions

  By Shrabona Ghosh and Aditya Mahanta May 27, 2024

  Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

  You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

  Online travel service provider Easy Trip Planners, popularly known as EaseMyTrip Ltd, has said the company has no intention of creating more hotels. Earlier, the travel platform acquired a 50 per cent stake in Jeewani Hospitality to develop a luxurious 150-room Radisson Blu hotel in Ayodhya, expanding the company's portfolio with high-quality hospitality offerings to 1.5 lakh daily visitors. However, Prashant Pitti, co-founder, EaseMYTrip has mentioned the company does not wish to enter into any asset-heavy business. "This was a one-time investment. We got a great deal to have a five star around 400 meters away from the Ram Mandir, Ayodhya. This property is going to be strategic because a lot of people would want to come and stay here, and that's the reason we wanted to bring exclusive offerings. However, we do not want to further enter the hotel business," the co-founder said.

  In the fourth quarter of FY24, the platform reported a loss of INR 15.75 crore in comparison to a profit of INR 31.15 crore recorded during the fourth quarter of FY23. For the full financial year ended March, the company reported a profit after tax(PAT) of INR 103.46 crore down from INR 134.10 crore in the previous fiscal, the company said in a regulatory filing.

  The company attributed the latest quarter's loss to write-offs of amounts that were supposed to be recovered from now-defunct Go Airlines (India) Limited, which operated Go First carrier. On Saturday, EaseMyTrip's founder and CEO Nishant Pitti said the company has decided to withdraw its bid for the airline. "After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the GoAir bid in my personal capacity. This decision allows me to better focus on other strategic priorities and initiatives that align with our long-term vision and growth objectives. Our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service remains unwavering as we continue to navigate new opportunities and challenges," Nishant Pitti, founder & CEO, EaseMyTrip.

  

  Business expansion

  Although, flights are the top revenue generator for the travel platform, its hotel business is also picking up. During the quarter, the company's non-air segment saw a growth wherein the total hotel night bookings were 1.4 lakh, up by 39 per cent and the other bookings were at 2.7 lakh, a 53 per cent jump. For FY24, the hotel night bookings were at 5.2 lakh, up by 49 per cent and the other bookings at 10.4 lakh by 67 per cent.

  "Our non-air segment's total business grew by almost 50 per cent in this year; and the bus train railway business grew by almost 66 per cent this year. The company is well on its way to improve the non-air business and we are taking proactive measures to make our hotel (booking) vertical stronger," the co-founder said.

  Sharing the firm's expansion plans for 2024, Pitti said they are looking into more acquisitions, "Last year, the company did about five, six acquisitions and this year too we have multiple acquisitions planned. I may not be able to speak about it right now; the company is growing both organically and inorganically. We are looking at companies which are highly efficient, disruptive, asset-light companies and technology-based firms. These are the kind of businesses we are looking to acquire," the co-founder said.

  On trends dominating the travel industry, the co-founder highlighted that people are spending more on their travel plans; the number of bookings for 4 stars and 5 stars have almost doubled on the platform compared to pre-covid numbers. "We do see an expenditure rise primarily from Tier II, Tier III areas; their contribution to revenue is increasing significantly," he said.

  The backstory

  Established in 2008, EaseMyTrip was founded by brothers Nishant Pitti, Rikant Pitti and Prashant Pitti; the company's inception was rooted in their earlier venture, Duke Travel. In its early days, EaseMyTrip operated from a modest space, in 2011, EaseMyTrip transitioned to a customer-facing model, adopting a 'no convenience fee' policy.

  The company offers a comprehensive suite of travel services, covering flights, hotels, buses, trains, cabs, cruises, and holiday packages.Supported by a robust infrastructure and strategic acquisitions, including Spree Hospitality, Eco Hotels and Resorts, Dook Travels, CheQin, Guideline Travels, TripShope, YOLO Bus, Nutana Aviation, and ETrav, the company expanded its presence across Indian cities and international markets.

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