Rikant Pitti is recognised as one of the youngest entrepreneurs in India and is the co-founder of EaseMyTrip. With six years of experience as a capitalist, he has established a notable presence in the online travel sector by introducing innovative ideas to the travel and tourism industry. Through EaseMyTrip, Mr Pitti has contributed to the growth and development of the online travel sector in India.
Mr Pitti, in a conversation with Asian Voice, discusses EaseMyTrip, sustainable tourism practices and the future of the travel industry.
How did EaseMyTrip come into existence?
Before EaseMyTrip came into existence in 2008, our origins can be traced back to Duke Travels. Initially, we began by assisting our father's business in booking tickets to avoid the high fees charged by travel agencies. As word spread, more people sought our services, leading to the formation of a travel agency and the birth of EaseMyTrip. We focused on providing competitive prices and excellent customer service. Building relationships with airlines and hotels allowed us to offer our clients the best discounts. Over the years, we expanded our offerings and became one of the largest online travel agencies in India.
How has the company evolved over the years to keep up with the competition in the tourism industry?
Despite the highly competitive nature of travel sector, we have successfully completed 15 years since our inception. Our enterprise initially focused on serving B2B clients and successfully resolved the challenges encountered by over 11,000 travel agents. Subsequently, we transitioned to a customer-facing business, which currently generates 84% of our total revenue. Henceforth, our organisation opted for self-financing until the time of our initial public offering (IPO).
Considering the dynamic nature of the travel industry, it is imperative for companies to prioritise consumer needs and preferences to establish themselves as the top choice among patrons.
The tourism industry is responsible for roughly eight percent of the world’s carbon emissions. Given this impact, how does EaseMyTrip promote sustainable travelling initiatives?
The environmental impact of tourism is a pressing concern. In order to address this issue, it is imperative that we prioritise the implementation of sustainable practices within the tourism industry. At EaseMyTrip, we are dedicated to promoting responsible travel by advocating for eco-friendly accommodations, supporting carbon-neutral transportation options, and participating in carbon offset initiatives. Our strategic approach involves collaborating with sustainable service providers, streamlining our operations, and increasing awareness among travellers to reduce the environmental impact of tourism and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
What do you predict the future of travel to be? What do you expect will remain the same and what are the major changes that we can expect?
As an industry leader with years of experience, I predict that the future of travel will be a dynamic combination of continuity and change. While the intrinsic desire to explore, connect, and experience new cultures will remain, we can expect significant shifts driven by sustainability, technological advancements, and changing travel patterns. Travellers and industry stakeholders will increasingly prioritise eco-friendly practices, personalised trip planning, and enhanced in-destination experiences through technology.
The pandemic has also led to a preference for remote, nature-based destinations, with health and safety measures becoming crucial. The rise of digital platforms, a focus on traveler well-being, and evolving regulations for environmental and ethical concerns will shape the future of travel, offering transformative experiences and responsible exploration.
Has the travel industry recovered from the Covid effects?
After being affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, India's tourism sector has seen a recovery. The situation continues to improve, and demand for travel and tourist services is anticipated to bounce even more robustly. It is not surprising to see a double-digit uptick in hiring activity in the travel and tourism sector this year, as many countries are starting to open up to international tourists and people are eager to travel again.
With the cost-of-living crisis and austerity on the rise, and flight prices so steep, how or what changes do you see among the travellers?
With the cost-of-living crisis and austerity on the rise, and steep flight prices, we can expect travellers to shift towards budget-friendly options, prioritise value for money, embrace alternative accommodations, show flexibility in travel plans, and potentially benefit from travel subsidies and programs. Cost consciousness will play a significant role in decision-making, leading to a focus on affordable flights, discounted deals, and destinations with lower costs of living. These changes are context-dependent and subject to economic conditions, travel restrictions, and individual preferences.
Among the people who book through EaseMyTrip, what is the most popular destination for holiday nowadays?
Among the people who book through EaseMyTrip, the most popular destination for holidays currently varies based on multiple factors such as season, travel trends, and individual preferences. However, some destinations have consistently shown high popularity. In recent times, popular holiday destinations have included beach destinations like Bali, Maldives, and Phuket, cultural and historical cities like Rome, Paris, and Istanbul as well as the Middle East - Dubai, Saudi, and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, apart from metro cities like Delhi and Bombay, domestic destinations such as Goa, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh in India have remained popular choices for travellers seeking scenic landscapes and cultural experiences.
On your website you promote great discounts for family and couples as travellers, how are you promoting safe solo travelling, as its popularity soars?
At EaseMyTrip, we prioritise promoting safe experiences for solo travellers. Alongside our discounts for families and couples, we offer a wide range of secure accommodation options and tailored itineraries for solo travellers. As the popularity of solo travel soars, we are committed to continuously improving our offerings and ensuring that solo travellers can confidently explore the world with EaseMyTrip as their trusted travel partner.
Furthermore, our no-convenience fee bookings have helped passengers book their most suitable tickets in no time and with end-to-end security, making solo travel safer and much easier, and accessible for travellers.
