While the details of the equity partnership have not been finalised, the role of the new company will be to create and market interactive Web-based travel products primarily to the Indian market and later to various international markets.

The still-to-be-named company will also explore the possibility of partnering in various worldwide e-comm initiatives of the Kuoni Group.

Further, Kuoni would be the fulfilment partner and offer ticketing, visa and tourism for the Tata Travel portal being launched as part of the Internet initiative of Tata Industries.

According to Tata Industries managing director KA Chaukar: ``The travel portal will be closely aligned with this joint venture. The portal will be a one-stop shop for all travel services providing comprehensive travel information, e-commerce facilities and a built-in virtual travel experience .'' While for Tata Industries, this is an extension of its Internet venture with it establishing an ISP company recently to enter the Internet access and online services businesses, it is the first e-commerce initiative for Kuoni Travel. Earlier, Kuoni Travel Holding, a $3.2 billion travel giant acquired Sita World Travel India Ltd for Rs 140 crore making the turnover in excess of Rs 400 crore.

Kuoni Travel chief operating officer Ranjit Malkani sums up the joint venture to say that Kuoni now is present in all segments of the travel industry.