Rising Middle Class Reshapes India’s Travel Landscape

Skift Take

Wondering where is the next billion opportunity for India’s travel market? Satisfy the increasing middle class with increased non reusable incomes.

Peden Doma Bhutia

In this episode of the Skift India Podcast Aloke Bajpai, the CEO and co founder of Ixigo, talks to Skift Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia about the “next billion Indian chance” in tier-2 and tier-3 markets. Bajpai narrates how the considerable increase in disposable earnings among the rising middle class in India is quickly reshaping the nation’s travel landscape. Bajpai likewise talks about the long-awaited Ixigo IPO.

Bajpai goes over program Ixigo places a strong emphasis on creating a culture of empathy and ownership among its employees, which has actually significantly contributed to the high level of client satisfaction they supply. Bajpai highlights the value of understanding the Indian travel market, noting that just 25% of the marketplace is currently negotiated through online travel bureau (OTAs). He thinks that the real development will come from reaching the next billion users, especially those in smaller cities and emerging middle-class customers. Ixigo aims to use this capacity by broadening its services beyond flights and trains, including bundles, tours, and hotels.

Bajpai likewise goes over Ixigo’s relocation into AI-driven solutions and the function of AI in the OTA industry. Ixigo has been an early adopter of AI, introducing chatbots and leveraging large language models to enhance user experiences. He explains the evolution of AI as transformative for top-of-the-funnel behaviors, making journey preparation more individualized and interactive.

Concerning the subject of an IPO, Bajpai shares that Ixigo is currently concentrating on execution and will think about public listing in the future, with a possibility of assessing it next year. This is in line with the growing trend of Indian travel business going public, demonstrating the maturity and success of the sector.

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