“Air taxis are just a few years away from becoming a reality” – EaseMyTrip

From its humble beginnings as a bootstrapped venture to becoming one of India’s leading online travel platforms and a unicorn, EaseMyTrip has redefined the travel booking experience for millions. At the helm of this remarkable journey is Rikant Pittie, Co-founder and CEO, whose vision and strategic acumen have helped the company stand out in a competitive industry. Offering zero convenience fees and tech-driven innovations, EaseMyTrip has revolutionized seamless and affordable travel booking.

In this interview, Rikant shares key insights into the company’s growth story, leadership approach, and his vision for how technology and innovation will shape the future of travel.

IBT: Easemytrip has grown significantly over the years, even achieving unicorn status. What strategies were pivotal in scaling EaseMyTrip to its current position in the market?

Rikant Pittie: EaseMyTrip’s remarkable growth, from a bootstrapped startup to a leading online travel platform and a unicorn, is a testament to its strategic vision and customer-first approach. One of the most pivotal strategies in our journey was maintaining financial discipline while focusing on organic growth. Unlike many other new age tech startups, we remained profitable even before going public, ensuring a sustainable and resilient business model. Our decision to adopt a ‘no convenience fee’ policy early on helped us build strong customer loyalty by offering transparent pricing and exceptional service, setting us apart in a highly competitive industry.

Technology has been at the core of our evolution, enabling us to create a seamless and efficient travel booking experience. Our in-house technology and customer support teams have built a secure and scalable infrastructure that ensures quick response times and personalized service. From AI-driven tools that enhance customer interactions to automated processes that streamline bookings, our commitment to tech-driven innovation has been instrumental in our success. Additionally, our strategic acquisitions, including Spree Hospitality, Eco Hotels and Resorts, and YOLO Bus, have allowed us to diversify our offerings and strengthen our foothold across multiple travel segments. Now, as we expand internationally and introduce a franchise model to enhance offline accessibility, we remain committed to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive the future of travel.

IBT: As a leader, how do you foster innovation within your team to stay ahead in the competitive online travel industry?

Rikant Pittie: We are a tech-driven online travel portal, and at the very core of our operations lies innovation powered by technology. As a leader, we have been at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning into our operations. We have developed in-house Smart Voice Recognition Technology, which is powered by AI and ML. This technology enhances customer interactions and provides personalized experiences, setting us apart from our competitors. Additionally, EaseMyTrip uses AI for sentiment analysis and personalized recommendations, ensuring that customer interactions are efficient and satisfying.

Staying ahead in the competitive online travel industry requires more than just keeping up with trends; it demands a culture of proactive innovation. We encourage our teams to experiment, learn, and implement solutions that redefine customer experiences. By fostering an environment where creativity meets cutting-edge technology, we ensure that we are not just adapting to change but actively shaping the future of travel.

IBT: The travel industry is rapidly evolving with technological advancements. How do you envision the role of technologies like AI and machine learning in shaping the future of travel booking platforms?

Rikant Pittie: AI and machine learning are no longer just enhancements; they are becoming fundamental to the evolution of travel booking platforms. Today, many companies, including ours, use AI as the first layer of customer interaction, efficiently addressing common queries and streamlining the booking experience. This not only saves time but also allows human expertise to focus on more complex customer needs. However, the day is not far when AI will no longer be an outlier but an integral norm for every travel brand, driving hyper-personalization, automation, and predictive analytics at scale.

Looking ahead, AI and machine learning will continue to refine the travel booking ecosystem by enabling smarter recommendations, real-time pricing adjustments, and seamless fraud detection. From intuitive chatbot assistance to AI-powered itinerary planning, the goal is to create a frictionless and highly tailored customer experience. As the technology matures, it will redefine the way travellers engage with platforms, making travel planning more intuitive, efficient, and personalized than ever before.

IBT: You’ve mentioned that ‘air taxis’ could become a reality in the near future. How do you see this innovation impacting urban mobility and the travel industry at large?

Rikant Pittie: The way we move within cities is set for a massive shift. Over the next decade, the primary mode of urban travel won’t just be traditional vehicles. Air taxis will also have a share in the travel and transportation segment. With urban roads getting increasingly congested, the airspace between 1,000 and 10,000 feet remains largely untapped. That’s where eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) come in. They’re designed to be autonomous, eliminating the need for a pilot, which not only makes them more cost-effective but also enhances accessibility.

While reducing travel time, air taxis could reshape the travel industry by offering a seamless link between airports, business hubs, and residential areas. They’ll complement existing transport options, not replace them, creating a more integrated and efficient ecosystem. And with investments already pouring in, this shift isn’t a distant dream. It is just a few years away from becoming a reality. The future of urban mobility is, quite literally, taking off.

IBT: India’s travel and tourism sector is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. What key trends and opportunities do you foresee that could drive this growth?

Rikant Pittie: India’s travel and tourism sector is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by several key trends and emerging opportunities. Foreign tourist arrivals surged by 43.5% in 2023, continuing to grow in 2024, with over 5.5 million foreign arrivals between January-July 2024. Domestic tourism is also thriving, with over 2.5 billion domestic visits in 2023, driven by a growing middle class and increasing disposable income.

The sector’s foreign exchange earnings reached INR 2,31,927 Crore in 2023, and the government’s support through initiatives like the “Dekho Apna Desh” campaign to encourage domestic tourism, the PRASHAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme to develop religious tourism, the Vibrant Village Programme to promote tourism in border areas, and Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for developing theme-based tourist circuits is also helping in the industry’s growth. Additionally, the Regional Connectivity Scheme – Udaan is enhancing air connectivity to remote and underserved regions, expanding tourism opportunities.

Sustainability efforts are gaining traction, highlighted by the Best Tourism Village Competition promoting eco-friendly practices. Infrastructure development, including regional airports and better connectivity, is opening new opportunities, while diverse tourism offerings such as medical, wellness, eco-tourism, and adventure tourism are attracting a wide range of travelers.

Policy support is also strong, with the government allocating ₹2,479 crore for tourism infrastructure in FY25 and launching a handbook to guide States/UTs in granting ‘industry status’ to tourism.  With the sector projected to reach a US$ 59 billion by 2028, India is on track to become the 4th largest global tourism spender by 2030. Additionally, the rise of digital tools for travel planning, the expansion of visa-on-arrival services, and government efforts to promote lesser-known destinations will further fuel the growth, positioning India as a global leader in tourism.

IBT: What policy changes or government initiatives do you think could further strengthen India’s travel and tourism ecosystem?

Rikant Pittie: India’s travel and tourism sector has immense potential, but strategic policy changes and government initiatives can further accelerate its growth. Simplifying visa processes, such as expanding e-visa access and introducing visa-fee waivers for select tourist groups, can attract a larger influx of international travelers. Additionally, revisiting GST on hotel accommodations and offering tax incentives for tourism-related businesses would enhance India’s competitiveness as a global destination.

Public-private partnerships can play a crucial role in improving infrastructure and service quality. The government’s continued investment in developing top tourist destinations, in collaboration with state authorities, will create a more structured and visitor-friendly ecosystem. Beyond infrastructure, skill development programs for youth in tourism and hospitality can raise service standards and ensure a skilled workforce.

Moreover, enhancing connectivity through better roads, railways, and air routes is equally vital. With a strong push toward sustainable tourism through initiatives like Swadesh Darshan 2.0, India can position itself as a responsible and future-ready travel hub.

IBT: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech and travel industries?

Rikant Pittie: India’s travel and tourism sector is set to contribute US$ 59 billion by 2028. For aspiring entrepreneurs, this presents an immense opportunity. The key is to identify real gaps, whether in seamless booking, personalized experiences, or sustainable tourism and build innovative solutions. Technology will be a major enabler, with AI, big data, and automation reshaping the industry. However, adaptability is just as crucial. Travel trends shift rapidly, and businesses that stay flexible and customer-focused will thrive. Rather than chasing trends, entrepreneurs should prioritize building their business around convenience, accessibility, and value creation to make a meaningful impact in this industry.