Online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip is banking on a franchise model to improve service accessibility and expand its reach. “This approach not only widens our geographical footprint but also enriches customer experience through in-store interactions, catering to those who prefer a personal touch,” said CEO Nishant Pitti. The company launched its franchisee stores last year.

By opening franchisees, it will tap into a new segment of offline customers, ensuring its services are accessible even in regions with limited direct access, Pitti said.

Currently, the company has 13 franchisee stores, including those in Jaipur, Ludhiana, Pune, Surat, Jalandhar, and is looking to open more such stores, he said.

Each franchisee offers localised travel solutions and provides access to its travel offerings. This move caters to walk-in customers, ensuring seamless access to its services, regardless of location, he added.

The company has also been venturing into new areas to strengthen its offerings. With its recent investment in ETrav Tech, a travel tech company, EaseMyTrip intends to strengthen its B2B segment offerings and offer enhanced services to its corporate clients, he said.

Mumbai-based E-Trav Tech provides travel API to businesses which allow travel companies to offer competitive travel deals and content from global travel suppliers. 

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“We have been keen to diversify our portfolio in the non-air divisions. With this acquisition, we got an opportunity to move beyond hotels and invest in the B2B travel segment,” he said.

With ETrav’s tech infrastructure and expertise in effectively catering to the needs of B2B clients, EaseMyTrip will be able to service its corporate clients better, he said.

EaseMyTrip, on March 19, said it has collaborated with Zoomcar to provide pre-booked and on-demand self-drive cars in the country.

In Q3FY24, EaseMyTrip acquired a stake of around 13% in ECO Hotels and Resorts, diversifying its portfolio beyond online travel services.

EaseMyTrip reported a 9.5% rise in its net profit to  Rs 45.7 crore in Q3FY24 against Rs 41.2 crore a year ago.