The European Commission has decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the bloc's automated registry for short-stay travellers that was expected to come into force on 10 November.
16.10.2024 - 05:15 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia / Rajesh Magow
It was only recently that Yatra Online CEO Dhruv Shringi could be heard talking about how Indian carrier IndiGo’s fierce pricing squeeze had led to a drop in revenue.
But the online travel agency said Wednesday that it has integrated New Distribution Capability (NDC) into its booking system, with the goal of making “air travel bookings smoother and more tailored for its corporate customers.”
Developed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), NDC is designed to give travelers a more flexible and transparent booking experience.
With Yatra’s new system, corporate travelers would be able to access more flight options, better prices, and real-time seat availability, the company said in a statement. This means that businesses can easily find the best deals, compare prices, and make smarter decisions when booking flights.
Yatra’s updated Self Booking Tool incorporates these features, allowing users to see more detailed flight choices and receive personalized offers that match their needs. The direct connection with airlines simplifies the booking process, making travel planning easier for companies.
Corporate travel spending in India surged nearly 25% in 2023 to reach 78% of pre-pandemic levels.
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) estimates business travel spending in India to reach $38 billion in 2024, with a full recovery to pre-Covid levels expected by 2025. Online travel companies are looking to make the most of this boom.
Earlier this year, Cleartrip, an online travel agency that originally catered to leisure travelers, launched Out of Office, its corporate travel management product.
In its latest reported earnings, MakeMyTrip said that its corporate travel business through both its platforms – myBiz and Quest2Travel – crossed the $200 million gross booking milestone for the quarter ending June 30, 2024.
“Our active corporate customer count on myBiz is now over 59,700. And for Quest2Travel, the active customer count has reached 458 large corporates compared to 272 large customers in the same quarter last year,” said Rajesh Magow, co-founder, group CEO and director of MakeMyTrip.
Yatra has been looking to grow its corporate travel profile.
Last month Yatra announced that it would acquire Globe All India Services (Globe Travels), a corporate travel services provider, for INR 1.28 billion ($15.25 million). With the acquisition, Yatra looks to expand its corporate customer base in India and strengthen its market position.
The acquisition would add Globe Travels’ portfolio of 360 corporate customers and annual gross bookings of approximately $90 million to Yatra’s assets, said a company statement.
Earlier this year, Yatra also appointed Gaurav Luthra as chief business officer – new
The European Commission has decided to delay the introduction of the Entry/Exit System (EES), the bloc's automated registry for short-stay travellers that was expected to come into force on 10 November.
United Airlines said corporate revenues were up 13% in the third quarter and that demand for premium travel remained resilient.
As small businesses across the U.S. prepare to comply with new federal regulations, travel agencies should take note of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA).
Global Hotel Alliance, which runs a shared loyalty program for about 40 independent hotel brands, reported robust growth in the third quarter, with double-digit gains in performance across key measures.
Minimalism, for Gautam Munjal, the founder of Minimalist Hotels, is more than a buzzword — it’s about offering a high-quality experience without excess, appealing to travelers who are increasingly eco-conscious. In the latest episode of the Skift India Travel Podcast, catch Munjal in conversation with Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia as he talks about integrating hybrid spaces that cater to both work and leisure needs, while aiming to tap into the growing demand for flexibility among young urban travelers. He also sees food and beverage as an essential part of the guest experience, introducing unique concepts like craft cocktail bars and cozy cafés.
Following numerous delays, the EU’s planned Entry/Exit System (EES) for travellers outside the Schengen Area has been postponed once again.
Anyone remember that blockbuster year in online travel, namely 2015, when Expedia acquired HomeAway (Vrbo), Travelocity and Orbitz Worldwide for nearly $5.7 billion?
FlixTrain, one of Germany’s largest train operators, has announced it will soon offer significantly more regional connections.
If you've always wanted to have a 737 all to yourself, there's good news for you.
Cheryl Clarke-Dawkins. (Photo Credit: Sheryl Clarke-Dawkins)
Welcome back to another episode of the TravelPulse Podcast!
TTC Tour Brands, the global collection of tour operators including Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, Insight Vacations and Luxury Gold, is offering an exclusive 10 percent discount on select tours for 2025 for travelers who use a travel advisor to book their next tours.