Skyscanner, a popular travel metasearch engine, is making significant strides in the Indian market with its innovative approach to travel planning and booking. The company’s CEO, John Mangelaars, recently visited India and shared insights on Skyscanner’s plans to deepen its presence in the country and tap into the growing travel market.
One of the key strategies that Skyscanner is implementing in India is the launch of a new marketplace within its app. This marketplace will offer a range of additional services such as ground transportation, visa services, and travel-related information, making the app a one-stop shop for travelers. By integrating these services, Skyscanner aims to enhance the user experience and provide a comprehensive platform for all travel needs.
Mangelaars expressed optimism about the potential of the Indian market for Skyscanner, highlighting India’s rapid evolution in the travel landscape, rising disposable incomes, increased air connectivity, and a growing appetite for unique travel experiences. With India already among the top revenue-generating markets for Skyscanner, the company believes that India could soon become one of its top three markets.
One of the key trends driving Skyscanner’s growth in India is the rise of outbound travel among Indian millennials. With a growing number of passport holders and improving infrastructure, Indian travelers are increasingly looking to explore international destinations. Skyscanner’s „Explore Everywhere“ feature, powered by AI and machine learning, caters to this demographic by recommending destinations based on traveler preferences and trends.
In addition to catering to the tech-savvy audience in India, Skyscanner is also focusing on strategic partnerships to boost market penetration. Collaborations with local players like JioCinema and Paytm are helping Skyscanner integrate into India’s digital ecosystem and improve user engagement through targeted marketing and events. By leveraging India’s digital payments landscape, Skyscanner aims to simplify travel bookings for Indian customers.
Skyscanner is also addressing the price sensitivity of Indian travelers by offering value-driven offerings and tools like price alerts and fare drops. The company aims to provide users with the best deals while also offering unique travel experiences. By aligning with Indian travelers‘ desire for affordability and flexibility, Skyscanner is positioning itself as a key player in the Indian travel market.
Overall, Skyscanner’s ambitions in India go beyond market share. The company envisions playing a role in supporting the broader development of the travel ecosystem in India. As the country invests in airport infrastructure and eases visa restrictions for Indian travelers, Skyscanner aims to be a key partner in this growth and help connect the dots for Indian travelers seeking new travel opportunities.