Online Travel Agency: Yatra, Easemytrip, Makemytrip, booking.com, others.

July 7, 2024

In 2024, the online travel agency market is marked by a diverse range of players, each bringing unique strengths and innovations to the table. Yatra, EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, and Agoda are key players in India, focusing on enhancing user experiences and expanding service offerings. Booking.com and Expedia lead globally with comprehensive travel services and advanced technologies. Cleartrip, Goibibo, and Trip.com emphasize regional strengths and AI-driven personalization. Trivago refines hotel comparisons, while Airbnb revolutionizes accommodations. Thomas Cook India, Ixigo, and Traveloka cater to specific regional needs, highlighting the competitive and dynamic nature of the OTA industry.

1. Yatra

Business Model: Yatra operates as an online travel agency (OTA) providing a wide range of travel services such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, bus and train tickets, and travel insurance. Revenue streams include commissions from airlines and hotels, service charges, and advertising.

Valuation: As of 2024, Yatra’s market valuation is around $200 million, reflecting its established presence in the Indian travel market.

Competitors: Primary competitors include EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, Agoda, Cleartrip, and international players like Expedia and Booking.com.

Investors: Yatra has attracted investments from Reliance Industries, Norwest Venture Partners, and Intel Capital.

Founders: Yatra was founded by Dhruv Shringi, Manish Amin, and Sabina Chopra in 2006. The leadership team has extensive experience in travel and technology.

Recent Developments: In 2024, Yatra is focusing on enhancing its mobile app experience and integrating AI-driven customer service solutions. They’ve expanded their domestic tourism offerings to capture the growing interest in regional travel post-pandemic.

2. EaseMyTrip

Business Model: EaseMyTrip is known for its zero-convenience fee model, offering flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, bus and train tickets. The company’s revenue comes from commissions, service fees on travel insurance, and advertising.

Valuation: EaseMyTrip’s valuation is approximately $1 billion, supported by its recent stock market listing and consistent profitability.

Competitors: Major competitors include Yatra, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, Agoda, and other regional players in the Indian market.

Investors: EaseMyTrip’s growth has been primarily bootstrapped by its founders, with significant funding raised through its IPO.

Founders: Nishant Pitti, Rikant Pitti, and Prashant Pitti founded EaseMyTrip in 2008, focusing on cost-efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Recent Developments: In 2024, EaseMyTrip is investing in technology to enhance user experience and streamline operations, expanding their hotel inventory, and offering more competitive prices.

3. MakeMyTrip

Business Model: MakeMyTrip offers a comprehensive range of travel services including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, car rentals, and bus tickets. Revenue is generated through commissions, service fees, and advertising.

Valuation: MakeMyTrip’s market valuation is around $3 billion, making it one of the largest OTAs in India.

Competitors: Key competitors include Yatra, EaseMyTrip, Agoda, Cleartrip, and international OTAs like Expedia.

Investors: MakeMyTrip has received significant investments from entities like Naspers, Ctrip (now Trip.com Group), and SAIF Partners.

Founders: Founded by Deep Kalra in 2000, MakeMyTrip has grown under his leadership into a leading player in the Indian travel market.

Recent Developments: In 2024, MakeMyTrip is focusing on AI-driven personalization, expanding its international travel offerings, and enhancing its loyalty programs to retain customers.

4. Agoda

Business Model: Agoda is a global OTA specializing in hotel bookings but also offers flights, airport transfers, and rental cars. Revenue streams include commissions from hotel bookings, service fees, and advertising.

Valuation: Agoda is part of Booking Holdings, with the parent company’s valuation at approximately $120 billion. Agoda is a significant contributor to this valuation.

Competitors: Agoda competes with global OTAs like Booking.com, Expedia, and regional competitors such as MakeMyTrip and Yatra in Asia.

Investors: As part of Booking Holdings, Agoda benefits from substantial financial backing and resources.

Founders: Agoda was founded by Michael Kenny and Robert Rosenstein in 2005 and has grown under the Booking Holdings umbrella.

Recent Developments: In 2024, Agoda is enhancing its technology stack to provide a seamless booking experience and integrating more AI-driven tools for personalized travel recommendations. The company is also focusing on expanding its inventory in emerging markets.

5. Booking.com

Business Model: Booking.com, part of Booking Holdings, offers a comprehensive range of travel services including hotel reservations, flights, car rentals, and vacation packages. It generates revenue primarily through commissions on bookings and service fees.

Valuation: Booking Holdings, the parent company, has a market valuation of approximately $120 billion, with Booking.com being a significant contributor.

Competitors: Primary competitors include Expedia, Agoda, and regional players like MakeMyTrip and Cleartrip.

Investors: As part of Booking Holdings, Booking.com benefits from extensive financial resources and a global reach.

Recent Developments: Booking.com has been focusing on expanding its alternative accommodations segment, such as vacation rentals, and enhancing its mobile app functionalities with AI and machine learning.

6. Expedia

Business Model: Expedia operates as a global OTA providing flight bookings, hotel reservations, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages. It earns revenue through commissions, service fees, and advertising.

Valuation: Expedia Group has a market valuation of around $20 billion.

Competitors: Key competitors include Booking.com, Agoda, Trip.com, and regional OTAs like MakeMyTrip and Yatra.

Investors: Expedia Group is a publicly traded company with substantial financial backing from various institutional investors.

Recent Developments: Expedia has been investing in AI-driven customer service and personalization, as well as expanding its offerings in the vacation rental market through its subsidiary, Vrbo.

7. Cleartrip

Business Model: Cleartrip offers flight and hotel bookings, train tickets, and local experiences. The company generates revenue through commissions and service fees.

Valuation: Cleartrip was acquired by Flipkart, which is owned by Walmart, enhancing its valuation and market presence.

Competitors: Primary competitors include MakeMyTrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, and regional OTAs.

Investors: As part of Flipkart, Cleartrip benefits from the financial backing and strategic support of Walmart.

Recent Developments: Cleartrip is focusing on integrating more local experiences and activities into its platform and enhancing its user interface for a seamless booking experience.

8. Goibibo

Business Model: Goibibo, part of the MakeMyTrip group, offers flight bookings, hotel reservations, bus tickets, and holiday packages. Revenue is generated through commissions, service charges, and advertising.

Valuation: Goibibo, as part of MakeMyTrip, contributes to the parent company’s valuation of approximately $3 billion.

Competitors: Key competitors include Cleartrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, and international OTAs like Booking.com and Expedia.

Investors: As part of MakeMyTrip, Goibibo benefits from the same investors and financial resources.

Recent Developments: Goibibo has been enhancing its mobile app and website interface to improve user experience and integrating more budget-friendly travel options.

9. Trip.com

Business Model: Trip.com Group (formerly Ctrip) offers a wide range of travel services including flights, hotels, train tickets, car rentals, and vacation packages. The company earns revenue through commissions, service fees, and advertising.

Valuation: Trip.com Group has a market valuation of around $20 billion.

Competitors: Key competitors include Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, and regional OTAs like MakeMyTrip and Yatra.

Investors: Trip.com Group is publicly traded with investments from various institutional and retail investors.

Recent Developments: Trip.com is focusing on expanding its global presence and enhancing its AI-driven customer service tools to offer personalized travel recommendations.

10. Trivago

Business Model: Trivago is a hotel search and price comparison website that helps users find the best hotel deals. It earns revenue through cost-per-click advertising from OTAs and direct bookings.

Valuation: Trivago is a publicly traded company with a market valuation of around $1 billion.

Competitors: Primary competitors include Google Hotels, Kayak, and regional hotel search platforms.

Investors: As a publicly traded company, Trivago is backed by various institutional and retail investors.

Recent Developments: Trivago has been investing in improving its search algorithms and expanding its hotel inventory to provide more comprehensive comparison options for users.

11. Airbnb

Business Model: Airbnb offers a platform for short-term vacation rentals, homestays, and experiences. It earns revenue through service fees charged to both guests and hosts.

Valuation: Airbnb has a market valuation of approximately $75 billion.

Competitors: Key competitors include Booking.com (for vacation rentals), Vrbo, and regional vacation rental platforms.

Investors: Airbnb is publicly traded with substantial backing from institutional investors.

Recent Developments: Airbnb is focusing on expanding its experiences segment and introducing new features to enhance long-term stays and remote work options.

12. Thomas Cook India

Business Model: Thomas Cook India provides a range of travel services including holiday packages, flight and hotel bookings, visa services, and foreign exchange. Revenue is generated through commissions and service fees.

Valuation: Thomas Cook India is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, which has provided substantial backing for its operations.

Competitors: Primary competitors include Yatra, MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, and EaseMyTrip.

Investors: As part of Fairfax Financial Holdings, Thomas Cook India benefits from significant financial resources.

Recent Developments: Thomas Cook India is focusing on expanding its domestic travel offerings and enhancing its digital platforms for better customer engagement.

13. Ixigo

Business Model: Ixigo offers a metasearch engine for flights, hotels, trains, and buses, along with bookings for these services. It earns revenue through affiliate commissions and advertising.

Valuation: Ixigo’s recent funding rounds have pushed its valuation to approximately $850 million.

Competitors: Key competitors include Yatra, MakeMyTrip, EaseMyTrip, and Cleartrip.

Investors: Ixigo has received investments from entities like Sequoia Capital and Elevation Capital.

Recent Developments: Ixigo is enhancing its AI-driven travel assistance and expanding its inventory, particularly in the budget travel segment.

14. Traveloka

Business Model: Traveloka is a Southeast Asian OTA offering flight bookings, hotel reservations, and local activities. It earns revenue through commissions and service fees.

Valuation: Traveloka is valued at around $3 billion.

Competitors: Key competitors include Agoda, Booking.com, Expedia, and regional OTAs.

Investors: Traveloka has received significant funding from entities like Sequoia Capital, East Ventures, and JD.com.

Recent Developments: Traveloka is expanding its footprint in new markets and integrating more local experiences and activities into its platform to cater to regional travelers.

Author:

Strategy Boffins Team