MakeMyTrip Unveils International Tours and Experiences Platform, Advancing 'Travel Superapp' Vision

MakeMyTrip has launched a platform for booking international tours and experiences, providing access to over 200,000 activities in 130 countries. The platform is part of the company's vision to become a "travel superapp" by offering a one-stop solution for all aspects of travel. The move follows the company's expansion into forex, car rentals, business travel tools, and travel insurance since the pandemic. The experiences platform ties into the company's "connected trip" concept, allowing travelers to plan and book their entire trip within the MakeMyTrip app.

MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has announced the launch of its Tours and Attractions Booking Platform, offering Indian travelers access to over 200,000 bookable experiences across 1,100 cities in 130 countries. This new addition to the MakeMyTrip ecosystem aims to simplify the planning and booking process for global experiences, aligning with the company's vision to become a comprehensive "travel superapp" [1].

The platform allows users to discover and book a curated mix of iconic landmarks and unique in-destination experiences, ranging from cultural city walks to adrenaline-packed adventures. According to Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, the rationale behind this move is deeply consumer-centric, addressing the fragmented nature of booking global experiences [1].

The Tours and Attractions Booking Platform integrates seamlessly with the existing "MyTrips" dashboard on the MakeMyTrip app, offering a unified travel planning experience. Users can now book their Eiffel Tower ticket, Dubai desert safari pass, or Tokyo sumo experience alongside their flight and hotel confirmation, all in one interface [1].

The platform's launch follows MakeMyTrip's expansion into various new areas since the pandemic, including forex, car rentals, business travel tools, and travel insurance. This move is part of the company's broader strategy to provide a one-stop solution for all aspects of travel, creating a "connected trip" experience [2].

MakeMyTrip's new platform offers everything from must-see tourist spots to more unique experiences. The service is supported by a 24/7 travel assistance desk and allows users to book experiences in Indian Rupees, mitigating currency conversion issues and potential last-minute overpricing [2].

However, the company faces significant challenges in integrating all services under one platform while ensuring a smooth user experience. Rajesh Magow acknowledges that the execution of this "connected trip" concept is complex and requires strong supply chains and partnerships [2].

Despite these challenges, India's travel market presents a significant opportunity. With rising incomes and increased demand for travel experiences, MakeMyTrip's move could capture a larger share of the market if it can deliver on its promises of convenience and reliability [2].

References:
[1] https://www.business-standard.com/finance/personal-finance/now-book-eiffel-tower-desert-safari-more-in-inr-right-from-makemytrip-125072400655_1.html
[2] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/makemytrip-moves-closer-travel-superapp-073519158.html