tour and travel business in india

How To Start Tour And Travels Business In India?

Table of Contents:

1. Tour And Travels Business In India

2. tours and travels business plan, 3. why curate tours and travels business ideas, 4. tours and travels business ideas, faqs on tours and travels business plan.

A highly workforce-centric industry, tours and travel business require a lot of hard work as well as a passion for exploring and offering more. When the customers are in a relaxed state of mind, their expectations from the service provider are maximum.

A tour and travel business involves coordinating between local vendors and tour guides, booking for travel through land, water, or air, documentation processing as well as identifying and retaining a pleasant tour guide who will be the face of the company.

To start a tour and travel business in India , the business plan should have the following important components:

1- Target group of customers

The tours and travel business can cater to a niche group of customers like school and college students for educational tours or can have its tours business spread across to cater to the family for general vacation or religious tours. Tours and travel business plan starts with defining the target segment. After this is defined, a core team having interest and expertise in this travel business needs to be put together.

2- Area to be covered

Based on the core team's expertise and the defined target audience, the tour and travel business plan can proceed to the next step of defining their geographical area of operation.

a bag full of famous monument with passport

3- Allied service providers required

All tour and travel business operators can't provide end-to-end service. They may be specialists in one part of the operations or may specialise in several components of the business spectrum. Accordingly, they might have to outsource allied services.

4- Scale of operation

This component is flexible depending upon the vision and mission of the tours and travel business. If the owner wants to look at it as a small-scale business idea, then he/she can start from a small geographical area initially and expand later on. On the other hand, if a well-established business is looking for new business ideas or unique business ideas to expand their conglomerate, then this tours and travel business offers both variety and different scales of operation.

Having decided on the above, the steps involved in starting a Tour And Travels Business In India is-

Prerequisites

Analyse the potential of your chosen area of operation in terms of profit-making opportunities, market growth potential, etc. The required business-related registrations must be put in place. One needs to explore the various schemes brought out by the government of India to facilitate the growth of small-scale businesses.

Have your marketing communication in place well ahead of the planned dates of the tour. Make a compelling offer for your target customers to join the tour. It could be the dynamic and energetic TV personality who is the host, the number of places that you offer to show, the star-studded hotels that you have in the itinerary. This USP of yours must be something that your target audience is hearing for the first time. This will allow you to get the first group of customers.

Finances/Capitals

Most of the tours and travels operate on the inflow of capital from customers, which is taken as advance. Most of the ancillary service providers also allow the tours and travel business operators to avail services on credit. Networking and relationship management with vendors go a long way in the tours and travels business to be successful. The initial capital investment required can be acquired as a loan from Government and Non-Government sources after due diligence.

Operational

Tours and travel offer excellent services to the first few groups and diligently follow up for good customer feedback. Use referral methods and offer repeat customers a discount or loyalty programs to generate your customer base. Keep exploring new add ons that you can offer to the tours that you are running, as well as explore options for new itineraries and tours that you can conceive.

Innovation and dynamism are the keywords to succeed in the tours and travel business. Hence unique business ideas survive and grow in this sector. As we talk of Innovation and dynamism, the role of social media in boosting your tours and travels business can never be undermined. Potential tourists extensively search on social media platforms before deciding on a particular tour operator. Hence monitoring your active and passive presence on the web is very important.

Over the last two decades, more and more people have started traveling for a specific purpose as well as the number of tours they undertake has increased. Hence tour and travel business is one of the best small-scale business ideas if you want to start small and test the waters. Another reason why this is one of the best business ideas is the number of fields available under the new business ideas in this category. This sector also offers unique business ideas since the customised offerings in a tour and travel business plan may be under the following segments -

1- Adventure tourism

Millennials are the main target customers driving this sector, but it can turn into a goldmine if the tour and travel operator approaches the business with creativity by offering unique adventure sports as well activities to the youngsters.

2- Religious tourism

India is a religious country and home to a lot of religious rituals and beliefs. Monumental pieces of worship along with the Indian belief in divine intervention have fuelled the growth in religious tourism. The tour and travel business specialising in these fields operates following local festivals like the Char Dham Yatra, Khumb Mela, etc.

Word Travel written on the sand near the sea

3- Wellness tourism

Modern-day lifestyle calls for intermittent resting of body and mind, and this is where the unique business idea of wellness tourism fits in. From detox camps to rejuvenating centers, a whole array of offerings defines this landscape.

4- Rural tourism

This sector caters to travellers who want to be close to nature and experience the beauty of rural hinterlands. Rural tourism has created a niche in the tour and travel business. The local cuisine, farm and vineyard visits, and trying your hands on local crafts like pottery are some of the offerings from the stable of a rural tour and travel operator.

5- Heritage tourism

India is a land of abundance when it comes to historical monuments and buildings. Indian tourists, as well as foreign tourists, are keen to explore the same, and the tours and travel business catering to this need is seeing a boom, with UNESCO recognising many sites in India as World Heritage Sites.

There is a growing demand in the tours and travels business. People travel for work and pleasure. They also travel locally as well as globally. Hence a tours and travel operator can identify the requirements of his target audience and can use effective marketing communication through social media to grow his business.

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Q. Can I change the specialisation of my tours and travel business at any point in time?

Ans. Yes, tours and travel business owners need to continuously look for opportunities to diversify or integrate new components in the travel itinerary.

Q. What is the most important component of a tour and travel business?

Ans. A skilled and semi-skilled workforce required to handle the different components of the tour and travel business is the important component of a tour and travel business.

Q. Is wellness tourism similar to Yoga tourism?

Ans. Yoga tourism can be considered a type of wellness tourism.

Sukanya Mukherjee

Check out the best of small business ideas, information on GST, business tips & tricks & more.

List of Top Travel and Tourism Startups in India

Ashwini , Shilpa sharma

“It will be much more about responsible travel now. We are going to value our freedom a lot more" – Deep Kalra, Founder of MakeMyTrip on impact of Covid on travel industry

The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India, it's a major driver of economic growth globally. India's tourism industry is experiencing a good period of growth, driven by the flourishing Indian middle class, growth in high spending foreign tourists and coordinated government campaigns to promote 'Incredible India'. But Due to restrictions linked to Covid-19, the number of foreign tourist in India during 2021 decreased to 1.52 million compared to 2.74 million in 2020, dropping by 44.5%, though foreign exchange earnings grew during the same period, as per the India Tourism Statistics 2022 report. In 2019, India saw 10.93 million foreign tourist arrivals, which dropped by 75% in 2020.

In 2021, the travel and tourism industry in India contributed around 178 billion U.S. dollars to the country's GDP. Just a few days ago the Indian government has said that the country's tourism sector will recover to the pre-pandemic level by mid-2024 , they also said that by 2030, the tourism sector will contribute $250 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).According to the recent India Travel Market Report by Phocuswright, the total Indian travel market stood at US$19.1 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $40.4 billion in 2025, with online penetration reaching 58% in 2025.

The booming IT and outsourcing industry has led to a growing number of business trips made by foreigners to India. After Covid, along with work from home, a new trend has come, i.e., workcation for which travel companies are coming up with very good offers and packages. These plans comprise elegant and peaceful places to work with sightseeing and event sports in the evening. These packages are varied and diverse.

From choosing destinations to connecting with locals and customizing the holiday, the travel startup business in India is looking to add a new dimension to the ever-evolving traveling story.

Here is the list of successful tour and travel startups.

Travel & Tourism Industry in India - Key Highlights

Top Travel and Tourism Startups in India:

Pickyourtrail

Scoutmytrip, thrillophilia, travel triangle, extravelmoney, travel & tourism industry in india - key highlights.

Also Read: Travel and Tourism Industry Trends in 2021: Post-Covid Scenario

Top 20 Travel and Tourism Startups in India

MakeMyTrip is one of the oldest travel startup in India . The inspiration for this startup came to Kalra when he was booking a holiday to Thailand. He realized that the internet could offer more competitive prices by cutting out the middleman. MakeMyTrip's mission is to provide customers a one-stop-shop for all their travel needs by providing online travel services that include flight tickets, domestic and international holiday packages, hotel reservations, rail and bus tickets.

Cleartrip, headquartered in Mumbai , was founded by Stuart Crighton, Hrush Bhatt in the year 2005. The company operates an online travel aggregator website for booking flights and train tickets, hotel reservations, and activities in India and the Middle East countries. Cleartrip is one of the few business travel startups in India. It has offices across India, UAE , Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Cleartrip is another travel tech company in India, started its services to the Persian Gulf nations of Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt. On June 21, 2018, Cleartrip announced the acquisition of Saudi Arabia-based online travel aggregator (OTA) Flyin.

Clear trip also operates -

Cleartrip for Business , an online corporate travel management tool. It is a business travel solution for companies
Agent Box , a travel tool for travel agents.
Cleartrip Mobile , a travel booking app for consumers.
Expressway , to let users store traveller profile and payment details securely to make one-click bookings.
Flexifly, a solution that enables flyers to change their travel date and time and switch flights between airlines without any hefty penalties.

Within few years goibibo became a big payer in travel industry . Goibibo acquired redBus in 2013 to enhance its product offering. The 2016 merger of MMT and Goibibo gave MMT depth of content and an access to a bigger consumer base. It's core value differentiator is the most trusted user experience, be it in terms of quickest search and booking, fastest payments , settlement or refund processes. Along with the usual services travel startups provide, Goibibo became the no 1 travel startup to introduce real travel booking currency named as Go Cash which can be used without any restrictions or limits of use .

In small towns, this start up company has built up good trust and about 48% of new users are associated with tier 2 and tier 3 cities, it has seen a 65% increase in transacting users since January this year and that it has been 'successful' in consolidating its position as the 'second largest' OTA brand in the country.

It is the largest hospitality startup from the list of top hospitality startups in India comprising budget hotels. It is usually one of the first names that pop up in people's minds when they think of cost efficient hotel bookings in India. The startup works in liaison with existing hotels and offers travellers vacant rooms at a cheaper price . OYO Rooms start at a nominal price of Rs. 999. Besides bulk renting hotels, they have also invested in their own properties as well. Click here to know how exactly OYO Rooms work .

The users can also opt for OYO Premium which provides a more-than-basic experience. OYO Rooms are located in the prime areas of the city and therefore they ensure travellers of having the best experience, it is also close to the best sight-seeing destinations and various dining options. The startup also raised an investment of $90 million from Softbank earlier in 2016. In 2019, OYO raised $1.5 Billion in Series F funding led by SoftBank Group , Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Sequoia India .

Hari Ganapathy and Srinath Shankar got the idea of the startup after their experience from a self-planned trip to Europe in 2012. This platform uses deep tech to let travellers create, customize and book international vacations . Pickyourtrail considers more than 40 factors like duration, travel time, ratings, etc to build personalized itineraries that travellers can further customize & book .

After the trip is booked, travellers can use Pickyourtrail’s app to keep track of bookings and get real-time information on flight and weather updates, restaurant recommendations, and on-trip chat support.

Their goal is to perform best in the tour and travel business when it comes to international trips.

ScoutMyTrip is a road trip planner , It works for all sorts of outings, from short weekend travels to long excursions.

The motive that the duo has been able to solve through their startup is to collate information that is currently very diversified. Basically it is an information portal that makes travel easy and accessible for anyone. The company plans to connect travellers with people who want to travel on any particular vehicle. It will also facilitate customised tour packages.

With artificial intelligence, customers can create an itinerary containing the information necessary for their road trip—gas stations, toilets, restaurants, hotels to stay, and points of interest. The human intelligence aspect brings in the ability to personalize information as per one's needs.

The corporate outdoor and experiential learning model adopted by Thrillophilia in its early days, has proven to be of great significance since it was fairly new concept in India.

Thrillophilia provides you with handpicked adventure travel options. It is best suited for travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-track package for sightseeing, sports, and adventurous activities like water rafting, snorkelling, bungee jumping, and skydiving. The travellers can also curate the best tours and authentic suppliers.

Travel Triangle operates their services with a versatile team of 450+ peopl e. Travel Triangle is operating as an online marketplace model bringing both travellers and trusted & expert travel agents on a common platform. Travel Triangle is a S aaS-based customer relationship management (CRM) platform to help them manage and analyse customer interactions and data.

goMowgli is a travel startup that had its name inspired by the fictional character we all loved growing up –Mowgli from Jungle Book. It has a fleet of buses across different states (using the concept of “hop-off buses”) and the travellers can buy a pass for a fixed number of days – a week or two. It is suitable for solo travellers and backpackers who want to travel without a fixed plan or do not want to get in trouble of booking cabs while traveling the city.

goMowgli claims to be India's first flexible bus network for travellers. Flexible bus network mean is you can catch the bus anytime you want from any place in their network, and get off anytime, at any place.

goMowgli will tell you the exact location of the nearest bus when you switch on the GPS feature on your smartphone. The app is growing in popularity very fast. At present, their revenue generation is basically based on the passes they sell (Rs. 1700/day) . And their marketing is mainly based on social media and word of mouth.

Tripoto is a Delhi-based startup founded by Anirudh Gupta and Michael Lyngdoh and one of the best travel startups in India. It allows users to create itineraries for their future trips that they can also share with other travelers. They can share their travel experiences, related content and pictures, itineraries, maps, stories, and reviews.

The startup has one of the largest communities of travellers in the world where people get a chance to share their travel experiences, discover unique trips and travel itineraries by other travelers and connect with them around the world through the website. Tripoto’s aim is to become the largest source of crowd-sourced travel content platforms in the world by enabling users to share their credible travel information.

ExTravelMoney is an online aggregator and marketplace for forex services that bring the hyperlocal eCommerce model to foreign exchange business and is helping users save money on currency exchange and money transfer from and to abroad. Users can use this platform to search for banks and money changers near them who offer these forex services. They can also compare the exchange rates and total cost of a forex service including the services fees, tax charges, even the rating of each forex store they are searching for.

The users can therefore make an informed decision based on this knowledge and book the cheapest and the best forex services near them directly from their app ExTravelMoney. If you are traveling in a foreign country, foreign exchange is an important component to plan. It isn’t easy to purchase forex due to the time and the hassle it takes in finding the best exchange rates. The website provides travelers with forex dealers across the country to bring them the best available exchange rate in the market and all they need to do is log in to their website, state their forex requirement, and then it connects you to the nearest forex dealer.

Nearify is an app founded by Mayank Kumar, Saurav Singh and Vivek Srivastava in 2012 that provides users with updated information on events that are happening around them. Like information on the city, major tourist attractions, and fairs & festivals happening in the area. All the user needs to do is to key in the name of the city to find listings of meet-ups, workshops, music concerts, and cultural hangout places in their close proximity.

It is best suited for travelers who want to know what’s happening in other locations of the place they are traveling to and wish to plan their itinerary and also don’t want to miss out on the social events happening in nearby cities or locations.

TripHobo is a Pune-based travel startup that has an innovative new travel platform where the collective effort of their dedicated team of travel enthusiasts. They are trying to transform its user's travel experience by making travel more sharable and personally tailored. The platform lets you connect with travel buddies around the world and hence makes your experience even richer and memorable.

TripHobo is a vacation planning website that is also the world’s leading vacation planning platform on which you can plan trips to about 150,000 destinations worldwide. It lets users discover great itineraries created by travellers just like them.

It's an online travel platform for travellers to explore travel destinations, plan and book their trips in advance. It allows users to dynamically create self-serviced customized travel packages after receiving inquiries from clients.

The users can also compare reviews and plan their activities and sightseeing for their trips, it also involves native wholesale suppliers who are responsible for the operational aspects of the business of your trip that includes ground handling and fulfillment. iTraveller has created more than 2 lakh trips featuring over 20 travel destinations across the globe and more than 60 native wholesale suppliers from across these destinations. The brand of iTraveller is now changed to Lastminute.

The mobile marketplace connects travellers with the local people in the city you are traveling to. These people are called “Sherpas” and are chosen after a thorough background check and verified authenticity. They offer numerous itineraries, popularly known as “micro tours”, from sightseeing, photography tours, and heritage walks and food walks to explore a location from the eyes of a local guide – Sherpa.

Sherpas can be from any profession and list experiences that will cost you less than Rs. 3,000 per participant. This is a unique feature that SeekSherpa offers, it helps you in traveling better by interacting with the residents of the place you are seeking to explore. This way, your trip is better, well experienced, and more memorable.

SOTC India is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel . It is one of the leaders in segments, namely Escorted Group Tours, Customized Holidays, and Incentive Travel amongst others. SOTC offers customized holidays around the world, Corporate Tours and provides packages for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events) related travel needs.

Travelling is one of the most exciting and important parts of our life. It teaches us a lot. These startups in the tourism industry in India are helping us to make our journey better, safer, and easier. If we have missed out on any travel startup in India, do let us know in the comments.

FAQs on Travel Startups in India

How to start a travel business in india or how to start a travel company in india.

Best tips to start a travel business in India or a travel company in India:

Step 1: Prepare a plan for your travel business.
Step 2: Brand your travel business along with dealing in legal formalities.
Step 3: Manage your funding strategy.
Step 4: Pick a great location and hire employees.

How to start an online travel agency in India?

The list of requirements to start an online travel agency in India :

Make a thorough research on your competitors and the market.
Find your own niche in the travel industry.
Build your team.
Take a call on a travel website or a travel software, or both.
Make a strategy for marketing.
Target a location.

Must have tools for startups - Recommended by StartupTalky

Convert Visitors into Leads- SeizeLead
Payment Gateway- Razorpay
Spy on your Competitors- Adspyder
Manage your business smoothly- Google Workspace

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License required for Tour and Travel agencies for running their business

Travel and tourism industry, also known as Tour and Travel agencies is one of the major industries in India and plays a very significant role as employment generators. States like Goa and North-Eastern generate their primary revenue depending on tourism.

The licenses required to start a tour and travel agencies business in India are;

Business Entity Choices for Travel Agency

Any individual who is willing to open a Tour and Travel agency could open it under various selections of business entities, and these choices are left with the person who wants to start the business. Entrepreneurs generally select Private Limited companies as the preferred one amongst the rest, because Private Limited companies get a lot of benefits and subsidies from the government.

Also, business enterprises like Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or One Person Company (OPC) could also be preferable for businesspersons who want to gradually build the business or carry it out on a part-time basis. As Limited Liability Partnerships have no obligation for audit unless the turnover goes beyond Rs.40 lakhs in a year, it shall be ideal for businesspersons who are getting their first-hand experience in their Tour and Travel agency venture. Then again, OPCs can also be ideal for businesspersons who are establishing their commerce as a single individual and want to avoid having broad compliance-related requirements to follow. However, a business enterprise offering limited liability status as well as separate legal entity status shall be perfect for a travel agent.

GST Registration for the Travel Business

It is important for business owners to adopt GST Registration so that they could collect GST from the customers on the service incurred through the business.

GST payable by Air Travel Agent is;

• Commission income from the airlines for booking domestic air tickets, GST at the rate of 18% on 5% of Basic fare

• Commission income from the airlines for booking international air tickets at the rate of 18% GST on 10% of basic fare

• Processing/service fee for booking of tickets for the customer, GST at the rate of 18% on invoice from Air traveller

Trademark Required for the Travel Business

If the businessperson wishes to have a unique name and symbol, he could do so by means of registering as a trademark provided under the Intellectual Property Rights laws in India.

Becoming a Government of India approved Travel Agent

By registration as a Government of India approved Travel Agent is not compulsory; it is useful and provides recognition for the travel agent. The goal and objective of the scheme for recognition of Travel Agent or Agency (TA) is to boost the quality standard and service in the tourism industry. In order to become a Government of India recognized travel agent, the travel agent is required to satisfy few requirements on capital invested, number of employees employed, maintenance of minimum office space as well as other stipulations. Furthermore, application should be made towards the Ministry of tourism in the prescribed format in order to become a Government of India approved Travel Agent.

The Travel agency is required to be approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This travel Association offers several training methods and professional development services towards the travel agencies. IATA accreditation is very much preferred seal of approval recognized worldwide. It is important for a travel agency or for a travel agent availing international travel packages towards being a member of IATA, as it gives a lot of benefits in the air services across the globe.

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How to Start Tourism Business?

Updated on : Jun 17th, 2022

The tourism industry is one of the largest industries in India and a significant employment generator. Many Indian states depend on tourism to generate their primary revenue. India’s tourism industry is ranked 12th among 184 countries in GDP contribution. It is set to grow at 7.8% per year from 2013 to 2023.

The tourism market in India is estimated at USD117.7 billion in 2011, and it is estimated to boom to USD418.9 billion by 2022. Thus, starting a tourism business is a good option for new entrepreneurs in India.

Process Involved to Start a Tourism Business

Entrepreneurs or travel businesses should identify who their target customers are and what locations they prefer to travel to.
The travel business can cater to a niche group of customers like family vacations, educational tours for school and college students, religious tours, etc.
It should define its geographical area of operation.
It should obtain the required licences to operate the business.
It should coordinate between tour guides and local vendors or outsource allied services for smooth operation.
It should make a plan for future funding.
It should make arrangements for booking travel through air, land or water and arranging its documentation processing.
It should carry out marketing activities to attract customers.
It can use referral methods and conduct loyalty programs to generate a customer base or offer discounts to repeat customers.

Types of Tourism Business in India

A travel agent can establish a small-scale or large-scale tourism business in India, thus making it one of the best businesses to start. A travel agent can operate various types of tourism businesses based on his/her niche and investments. The types of tourism business in India are as follows:

Adventure tourism

Millennials are the main target customers of adventure tourism. Adventure tourism is gaining popularity. It has the potential to grow when the travel operator approaches the business with creativity and provides unique adventure sports or activities to the youngsters.

Religious tourism

India is a religious country and home to many religious beliefs and rituals. People are looking for tour packages to visit monumental places of worship. The tour and travel business specialising in this field operates following local festivals like the Khumb Mela, Char Dham Yatra, etc.

Wellness tourism

Due to the modern-day lifestyle, people look for avenues to obtain intermittent resting of body and mind. Wellness tourism is a unique business idea that offers people an array of options for rejuvenation ranging from detox camps to rejuvenating centres.

Rural tourism

Rural tourism caters to people who want to experience the beauty of rural areas and be close to nature. The farm and vineyard visits, local cuisine, and activities for creating local crafts like pottery are some of the offerings of the rural tours and travel operators.

Heritage tourism

Indian and foreign tourists are keen to explore India’s historical monuments and buildings. Since UNESCO recognised many sites as ‘World Heritage Sites’ in India, heritage tourism is booming.

Licences Required to Start a Tourism Business in India

Tour and travel agents should obtain various required licences to start a tourism business in India. The following are the licences required for establishing a tourism business:

Business Registration

Travel agents or entrepreneurs wanting to start a tourism business should establish it as a legal entity by giving it a structure. They can choose from different structures to establish the tours and travel business, such as One Person Company (OPC), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), private limited company, sole proprietorship or partnership firm.

Most travel agents choose to establish their business as a private limited company since it is one of the most recognised forms of business in India. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) or One Person Company (OPC) business structure would be ideal for entrepreneurs who plan to build the business slowly or do it part-time.

However, when entrepreneurs establish the business as a sole proprietorship or partnership firm, their liability is unlimited and can endanger personal assets in case of a financial crisis. Therefore, a public limited company, OPC or LLP, is preferred to establish a tourism business in India.

GST Registration

The tourism business needs to obtain GST registration and collect GST from the customers on the service incurred through the business. The transport and restaurant services provided by tour operators attract GST. Thus, the travel business must mandatorily register under the GST law.

Government Approved Travel Agent Registration

Travel agents and entrepreneurs establishing a tourism business can register as a Government of India approved Travel Agent. Though obtaining this registration is not mandatory, it is beneficial as it provides recognition to travel agents in India. The Ministry of Tourism started a scheme known as ‘Recognition of Tourism Service Providers by the Ministry of Tourism’ to promote the tourism sector in India.

This scheme allows travel agencies, tour operators, and travel agents to operate their business and encourages standard, service and quality in their business. The travel agents or agencies should apply to the Ministry of Tourism to be registered as recognised travel agents.

However, a travel agent should satisfy specific requirements of annual turnover, capital invested, qualification requirements for staff employed, a minimum period of operational experience, maintenance of minimum office space and other stipulations as per the guidelines for the scheme to become a Government of India recognised travel agent.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is responsible for the worldwide aviation travel industry, representing around 240 airlines or 84% of total air traffic. IATA offers professional development services and comprehensive training for travel agents. The IATA accreditation is a significant seal of approval recognised worldwide.

Thus, though becoming an IATA agent is not mandatory, it is recommended for a travel agency to obtain an IATA accreditation and enjoy access to a wide range of benefits. The IATA accreditation is vital for a travel firm providing international travel packages as it helps them simplify booking processes and conduct a hassle-free tour.

Disclaimer: The materials provided herein are solely for information purposes. No attorney-client relationship is created when you access or use the site or the materials. The information presented on this site does not constitute legal or professional advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes or used as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state.

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A Complete Guide to start a Travel Business in India

Starting a travel business in India can be a challenging but rewarding venture. With the right knowledge and resources, however, it’s possible to navigate the industry and establish a successful travel business. In this blog post, we’ll provide a complete guide to starting a travel agency in India, covering everything from market research, your travel business planning to marketing and sales strategies. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in the travel industry and be well on your way to launching your own agency.

First and foremost, it’s important to conduct thorough market research before diving into the travel industry. This includes understanding the competition, identifying target customers, and analyzing the current state of the market. By understanding the needs and preferences of your target audience, you’ll be better equipped to tailor your products and services to meet their demands. Additionally, analyzing the competition will help you differentiate your business and identify areas where you can stand out.

Choose a Niche for your Travel Business:

Choosing a niche as a travel agent in India can be a crucial factor in the success of your travel business. Specializing in a particular type of travel, such as luxury vacations or eco-tourism, can help you stand out in a crowded market and attract a specific type of client. Conducting market research can help you identify potential demand for your chosen niche and allow you to tailor your offerings accordingly. Building relationships with suppliers and partners in your chosen niche can also help you to negotiate better rates and create unique experiences for your clients. Ultimately, choosing a niche can help you to differentiate your business from the competition and establish yourself as an expert in your field. So, it is always better to choose a niche and specialize in it, rather than being a jack of all trades.

Setting Up Clear Goals:

It’s important to set clear goals for yourself and your business. This can help you focus your efforts and stay motivated as you work towards achieving your objectives. Some common goals for a travel agency might include increasing sales, expanding your client base, improving customer satisfaction, and building a strong online presence. By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, you can track your progress and make adjustments as needed to ensure that you are on the right track. It’s also a good idea to set short-term and long-term goals, as this can help you stay focused and motivated in the short term while also keeping an eye on your long-term vision.

Branding Your Business While You Deal With Legal Formalities:

It’s important to choose a unique and memorable name for your business, as well as develop a strong brand identity through logo design, website design, and marketing materials. In addition to branding, it’s also important to handle all of the legal formalities involved in starting a business. This includes obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, as well as registering your business, and complying with any regulations. By taking care of these details, you’ll be well on your way to building a successful travel agency in India.

Importance of Marketing:

When it comes to marketing and sales, there are a few key strategies to consider. For example, building a strong online presence through a website and social media can help you reach a wider audience and generate leads. Additionally, networking and building relationships with suppliers, industry partners, and other travel agents can help you secure better deals and establish your business as a reliable source of travel services.

Customer Service:

One of the keys to success as a travel agency is offering excellent customer service. This means being responsive to customer inquiries, providing personalized recommendations, and going above and beyond to ensure that your customers have a great travel experience.

In conclusion, starting a travel agency in India requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can set yourself up for success and build a thriving business in the competitive travel industry.

Remember to carefully research your target market and create a clear business plan that outlines your goals and strategies. It’s also important to establish partnerships with suppliers, such as airlines and hotels, and to invest in the right tools and resources to manage your bookings and operations efficiently.

Finally, don’t forget to focus on customer service and building a strong reputation. This can be achieved through effective marketing, providing a seamless booking experience for your clients, and going the extra mile to ensure that their travel plans are as smooth and enjoyable as possible. For tips to shine in a competitive market , check out the latest blog to get the complete knowledge of the travel business in a few paragraphs.

With the right approach and a dedication to providing top-notch service, you can build a successful travel agency in India and carve out a place in this exciting and dynamic industry.

Also Read- Choosing the Best B2B Flight Booking Portal for Travel Agent: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing The Right B2B Portal: Key Questions to Consider Before Making a Decision

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Starting a Travel Agency in India – A Complete Guide

Post author: Divya
Post published: October 25, 2023
Post category: Business Tips

Starting A Travel Agency In India

Tourism and travel hold a prominent position within India’s economy, creating substantial employment opportunities. According to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the travel and tourism sector contributes between 6-7 percent of total global employment.

Tourism directly benefits the hospitality and travel sectors. It has a positive ripple effect on ancillary industries like food manufacturing, services, construction, and foreign exchange earnings while contributing to employment, income, and foreign currency inflow into the country.

Beginning with India’s iconic attraction, the Taj Mahal, the country offers a multitude of destinations that every individual should experience at least once in their lifetime. This makes India a highly appealing destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Various Indian states, including Goa and the northeastern regions, heavily rely on tourism as their primary source of revenue. Additionally, major cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have undergone significant cosmopolitan transformations due to the steady influx of international tourists.

Considering all these factors, it is evident that tourism has become an indispensable contributor to the overall revenue of the country. However, it’s important to acknowledge that thriving in the tourism industry is a challenging endeavour, and commencing a travel agency involves a series of intricate steps and processes.

Choice of Business Entity

Travel agents today have a range of business entity options to select from, and the choice largely hinges on their business plan. Many travel agents opt for the Private Limited Company structure, which is widely recognized in India and comes with a slew of advantages. This option is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs aiming to offer their services online and rapidly expand their business by harnessing the power of the Internet.

Alternatively, there are relatively recent business entities like Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and One Person Company (OPC) , which may be more fitting for those looking to gradually develop their business or operate part-time. LLPs, for instance, don’t require an audit unless the turnover exceeds Rs. 40 lakhs in a year, making them suitable for entrepreneurs gaining firsthand experience in their ventures. OPCs, on the other hand, are ideal for sole proprietors who wish to minimize extensive compliance requirements and maintain a simpler structure.

In both cases, what’s common is the selection of a business entity that provides limited liability protection and establishes a separate legal identity for the travel agent’s business.

Moreover, entrepreneurs have the option of a proprietorship with a trademark, which can be useful when a unique brand name is desired, but it cannot be registered with the Ministry of Company Affairs due to naming guidelines. This allows entrepreneurs to safeguard their brand while choosing a different business structure that aligns with their specific needs and goals.

GST Registration for Travel Businesses

In the context of travel businesses, business owners must undergo GST registration . This enables them to collect GST (Goods and Services Tax) from customers for the services rendered by the business.

Under GST, the tax payable by Air Travel Agents is as follows:

For commission income earned from airlines when booking domestic air tickets, GST is charged at a rate of 18% on 5% of the basic fare.
For commission income generated from airlines for booking international air tickets, GST is levied at an 18% rate on 10% of the basic fare.
Processing or service fees for booking tickets for customers attract a GST rate of 18% based on the invoice from the air traveller.

Trademark Registration for Travel Businesses

Entrepreneurs in the travel industry who aim to establish a distinct identity through a unique name and symbol have the option to achieve this by registering their business as a trademark. This process is governed by the Intellectual Property Rights laws in India and provides legal protection for their brand identity.

Structuring Your Travel Agency Business: Key Choices and Considerations

When starting a travel agency , business owners can choose from several business structures. These options are adaptable and can be customized to suit the tastes of the business owner. The numerous government subsidies and incentives that travel agencies can obtain drive many entrepreneurs to choose to establish their businesses as private limited companies .

If you would rather take your time building your travel company, a limited liability partnership (LLP) might be the best option. It’s crucial to remember that providing online services might not be possible in this situation. This restriction needs to be carefully considered, given the Internet’s role in expanding the tourism sector.

Entrepreneurs can register a trademark under India’s intellectual property rights rules to give their travel firm a unique name and logo.

GST Taxation for Travel Agents

For travel agents, GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration becomes mandatory when their annual turnover exceeds ₹20,00,000. However, if the travel agency operates in different states, the threshold for mandatory GST registration is reduced to ₹100,000. It’s important to note that the ₹200,000 threshold doesn’t apply when the travel agency is involved in taxable inter-state transactions. In such cases, GST registration is required regardless of the turnover amount.

The table provides a list of SAC (Services Accounting Code) for various services offered by travel agents for their outward supply:

How to become a Government-Approved Trade Agent?

Becoming a government-approved trade agent involves meeting specific criteria related to capital investment, the size of your agency’s workforce, and office space. To achieve recognition as a trade agency, it’s crucial to adhere to these requirements.

The process typically entails applying, following a designated format, to the Ministry of Tourism. A recognized travel agency should sponsor this application. While official registration might not be compulsory, it is highly advisable to seek recognition as a trade agency rather than operating as an unrecognized agent.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the government actively promotes these recognitions. This support is aimed at upholding a consistent and high standard in the services provided by these agencies. In essence, becoming a government-approved trade agent involves satisfying specific criteria and engaging with the formal recognition process, which is encouraged to maintain service quality standards.

“ IATA ,” short for the International Air Transport Association , is a global organization that represents approximately 84% of all airlines worldwide. This influential association offers a range of training materials and resources to travel agencies falling under its jurisdiction.

Becoming a member of IATA is highly recommended for travel agencies, and it offers numerous advantages. For travel agencies dealing with international travel packages, IATA membership is particularly significant. This affiliation provides substantial discounts on air services on a global scale, making it a valuable resource for both the agency and its customers. Essentially, joining IATA is not just beneficial but often essential for travel agencies looking to thrive in the international travel market.

The most important thing to remember is that India ranks 12th in the world for the amount that travel and tourism contribute to the country’s GDP . Furthermore, this industry is expected to increase at a 7.8% annual rate between 2013 and 2023. This emphasizes how important tourism is to the growth of India’s economy. The Indian government has implemented several subsidies and incentives to assist nascent ventures in the travel agency sector in recognition of this noteworthy contribution. These policies aim to promote and facilitate the travel agency industry’s expansion, attracting new companies and entrepreneurs to enter this lucrative market.

Kanakkupillai, an online platform specializing in business registration , compliance, and taxation services in India, extends comprehensive support to travel businesses seeking GST registration and trademark registration .

For GST registration, Kanakkupillai provides tailored guidance, helping travel entrepreneurs comprehend their specific GST obligations within the travel industry’s context. The platform also offers invaluable assistance in assembling and organizing the requisite documents, ensuring precise compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, Kanakkupillai manages the submission of GST registration applications to relevant government authorities, ensuring a seamless and timely process. Ongoing compliance support is integral, encompassing assistance with GST return filings and addressing compliance-related queries and concerns.

In terms of trademark protection, Kanakkupillai conducts thorough trademark searches to confirm the uniqueness and eligibility of desired brand elements for travel businesses. They simplify the trademark registration process, managing paperwork and submissions accurately. Furthermore, the platform ensures legal protection for brand identities, guiding entrepreneurs in safeguarding their intellectual property rights. Kanakkupillai also offers support for trademark renewals, making it a hassle-free process.

Leveraging Kanakkupillai’s services empowers travel businesses to streamline GST registration, secure their brand through trademark registration, and maintain both legal compliance and brand integrity. This allows business owners to save time and effort while concentrating on the growth and success of their travel enterprises.

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Starting A Travel Agency In India – A Complete Guide

Tourism and travel are among the largest industries in India and generate significant employment. The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) estimates that the travel and tourism industry contributes 6-7 per cent to the world's total employment.

Starting with one of the 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal, there are several places in India that every person should see at least once in their lifetime. Thus, apart from having a huge scope for domestic tourism, India is a magnet for international tourists as well.

There are many states in India, like Goa and the northeastern states, where the state’s primary revenue depends on tourism. Other important cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai have grown more and more cosmopolitan due to the influx of international tourists in the country.

Thus, taking all these things into account, tourism has become inevitable for the country’s revenue as a whole. However, making a mark in the tourism industry is not easy, and starting a travel agency involves a variety of steps and processes.

Table of Contents

Business Model Choices for Travel Agency

Any person who is willing to open a tourist agency can do so under various business entities, and these choices are left to the entrepreneurs. Private limited companies are typically chosen by entrepreneurs as their preferred option over others because they receive numerous government benefits and subsidies.

People who wish to develop the travel business slowly generally do it under a limited liability partnership. In this case, offering online services won’t be possible. Besides, for travel companies, it is imperative to use the internet as a tool for developing the business.

In cases where the entrepreneur wishes to have a unique name and symbol, he can do so by way of register a trademark under the intellectual property rights laws in India.

GST Taxation for Travel Agents

GST registration is required for all suppliers with a total annual turnover of more than ₹ 20,00,000. The number of category states is limited to ₹100,000. Furthermore, the threshold limit of ₹ 200,000 does not apply in the case of taxable inter-state supply.

The following table lists the SAC codes of travel agents for outward supply.

How to Become A Government-Approved Trade Agent?

There are various parameters for becoming a government-approved trade agent such as invested capital amount, the number of working staff in the agency, and the office space. An agency must comply with these requirements to become a recognized trade agency.

The application for this must be forwarded to the ministry of tourism in the prescribed format by a recognized travel agency. Though the registration procedure is not mandatory, it is still preferred to be a recognized travel agency over an unrecognized travel agent. Moreover, the government encourages these recognitions so as to maintain a definite standard in the services rendered by these agencies.

IATA Agent

IATA stands for International Air Transport Association, which represents almost 84% of the total airlines in the world. This travel association provides various training manuals to travel agencies within its purview.

It is strongly advised that travel agencies become a member of IATA in order to take advantage of the benefits available. It is also really important for a travel agency offering international travel packages to be a member of this association, as it gives a lot of discounts on air services across the globe.

The Takeaway

According to statistics, India ranks 12th in the world in terms of travel and tourism GDP contribution. And there is a predicted 7.8% annual growth between 2013 and 2023. Thus, it is clear that tourism constitutes a big part of our country’s growth, owing to which the Indian government has sanctioned a ton of subsidies for start-up entrepreneurs in the travel agency space.

Licensed Travel Agent In India
Eligibility to Apply for a Business License

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How to Start a Travel Agency in India? (Just 8 Steps)

Home » Blog » How to Start a Travel Agency in India? (Just 8 Steps)

So, are you wondering about starting a travel agency in India?

Opening your travel agency in India can be something that mixes business with pleasure.

Imagine how great it would be if you helped other people experience everything in this great country, from the high, ice-capped Himalayas to the calm beautiful Lakshadweep.

If that sounds like just your dream, here is how you can do it, step by step.

Following these 8 easy steps, you can easily start your travel agency.

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Step 2: create a business plan | road map, step 3: legal formalities and registration, step 4: set up office and team, step 5: build partnerships, step 6: build your online presence, step 7: launch marketing campaign, step 8: encourage continuous improvement, faqs ( frequently asked questions ), steps to start a travel agency in india.

Start by identifying the overall traveling scenario in India. Determine a niche, an area specializing in services like luxury travel, adventure tours, cultural experiences, and eco-tourism.

Analyzing your targeted audience and their integral parts is important to get your services customized.

Setting out on the road to success, every journey will begin with a roadmap, and in business, your roadmap is your business plan,” the vision, services, target market, competitors, marketing strategies, and financial forecasts.

Keep it clear and to the point, making it like a lighthouse for guidance at every step.

how to start travel agency in india : wptravel.io

You have to get your business registered in India and it’s a rule. You can decide on your type of organization (sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, etc.) and get the legal work done.

Remember, depending on the services being delivered, you’ll need a GST number along with other permits.

Whether it may be in the comfort of your own home office or having a commercial space, just ensure that this one brings about creativity and productivity at its best.

If building a team, find those who would share your love of travel and provide that excellence in customer service.

Establish a good network with all the hotels and airlines, as well as local operators in your chosen target areas.

This is where you’ll be able to seal your relationships with lots of help giving you a competitive edge and making for unique experiences

Here are some of the proven ways to build partnerships with others…

Collaborations with local art and culture
Health and wellness retreats
Partnership with adventure and sports
Establish relationships with transportation providers
Voluntourism projects

Your Online Presence is your virtual store in the digital space. And that’s where WP Travel helps it is an an essential WordPress plugin for travel agencies that comes into play.

WPTravel is a must-have plugin that helps you to streamline your online operations.

The tutorial below helps you to set up your travel and tour booking website in WordPress using the WP Travel plugin along beautiful travel theme without any hassle of coding.

The plugin offers these features to create your SEO-optimized travel business.

All-in-one booking management system
Customizable trip itineraries
Integration with multiple payment gateways
Full data reporting
Integration with Zapier

If you favor written guidance, then please continue reading: How to Create a Travel Website with WordPress

Publicize with both digital and traditional marketing strategies. SEO, social media, content marketing, and a local event too.

Make your travel agency’s launch memorable with special offers or an event to grab potential clients.

Simply follow this marketing strategy to meet your goals.

It’s important to embrace continuous improvement. The travel industry is changing rapidly and it’s very important to be aware of travel trends and what your customer wants, so always try to predict the changes.

Here are some of the prime areas where you need to focus to survive your travel agency .

Learn More: How to Start a Travel Agency (& Why There’s a Better Option)

Conclusively Starting a travel agency in India needs passion, strategic planning, and adaptability. By researching the market, registering the business, building relationships, marketing digitally and traditionally, and staying up-to-date on trends, travel agency owners can achieve their goals.

With proper execution, travel agencies in India can offer customized and unique travel experiences by choosing the top tour operator software.

Start-up costs in setting up a travel agency in India would range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.

you can start a travel agency in India online or from home. You just need to register your business

You need to register your business as a private limited company, LLP, partnership firm, or proprietorship.

You may begin with deciding on the name and structure of the business, getting the same registered, IATA certification, etc

The basic requirements are capital investment, IATA approval, GST & trade license registration, office space, etc.

You can get WP Travel Pro to start creating your travel and tour booking website within minutes without any hassle of coding.

Yam Bahadur Chhetri is a content writer and vivid contributor to the WordPress community and a WordPress enthusiast with an experience of 7+ years in the relative field. He also loves to develop WordPress Themes, Plugins, and custom WordPress development for clients.

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5 Actionable Tips to Increase Travel Website Booking

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Is Tour & Travel Business Profitable in India in 2023-24?

Gaurav Singh

The Current Landscape of the Travel Industry in India

Contribution to GDP: As reported by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism sector's direct contribution to India's GDP was Rs 15.7 trillion in 2022 which is projected to become Rs 16.5 trillion by end of 2023, a figure that underscores the industry's economic importance (Source : Economic Times) . This contribution showcases a significant growth trend over recent years.
The Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from tourism in India showed a significant increase in recent years. In 2022, the FEEs from tourism in India were Rs. 134543 crores (approximately US$ 16926 million), demonstrating the sector's considerable contribution to the economy (Source : Indian Tourism at a Glance - 2023)
Post-Pandemic Recovery: The tourism sector has been rebounding strongly post-pandemic. In September 2023, the FEEs were Rs. 18534 crores, a substantial growth of 37.9% compared to September 2022 and an 8.61% increase compared to September 2019. This indicates a robust recovery and growing profitability in the sector
The Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in September 2023 were 648,213, up 17.5% from September 2022 , although there was a 13.7% decrease compared to September 2019. The FTAs from January to September 2023 totaled 6,432,269, marking a significant 61.7% increase from the same period in 2022, bolstered by government initiatives like e-visa facilities and the ‘ Incredible India ’ campaign.

Factors Contributing to Profitability in the Indian Travel Industry

Domestic Travel: A significant upswing in domestic tourism, characterized by a growing preference for local destinations and unique experiences, has opened lucrative opportunities for travel businesses. The trend towards 'staycations' and exploring lesser-known destinations within India has fueled the industry's growth.
International Market: India's appeal as a global tourist destination continues to rise, with international tourists drawn to its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and spiritual retreats. The Ministry of Tourism's efforts to promote India on international platforms have resulted in a steady increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
Online Booking and Digital Platforms: The advent of digital platforms and online booking systems has revolutionized how travel services are marketed and consumed. This digital shift, detailed further in our article " Embracing Technology: The Rise of Digital Trends in Travel " has made travel businesses more accessible, efficient, and customer-friendly.
Social Media and Digital Marketing: The effective use of social media and digital marketing strategies has allowed travel businesses to reach a broader audience and engage customers more personally and dynamically.
Specialized Travel Experiences: The rise of niche tourism, catering to specific interests such as adventure, wellness, culinary, and cultural tours, has opened new revenue streams for travel businesses. These specialized experiences cater to diverse traveler preferences and offer unique selling propositions.
Competitive Market Landscape: The travel industry in India is highly competitive, with numerous players ranging from large-scale travel agencies to independent tour operators. To stand out, businesses need to offer unique value propositions, exceptional service, and innovative travel packages.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges: Compliance with tourism-related regulations and obtaining necessary licenses and permits can be challenging. It's essential for new entrants to familiarize themselves with the legal aspects, as discussed in " Understanding Tourism Policies: Impact on Indian Travel Businesses ."
Quality and Service Standards: Maintaining high standards of service and ensuring customer satisfaction are crucial for sustained success. This involves continuous quality improvement and adapting to changing customer preferences.
Leveraging Technology and Trends: Embracing new technologies like AI, virtual reality, and mobile apps can enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Staying Abreast of Trends: Keeping up with emerging trends in travel, such as sustainable and eco-friendly tourism, can help businesses tap into new markets and meet evolving customer expectations.

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How to Start Travel and Tourism Business in India

What do you think when you see this picture? How do you feel? Do you find it relaxing? Does imaging yourself in this picture make you feel alive? I guess the answer is same for all of us when we see this beautiful picture.

Nowadays a disease called stress has become a part of our everyday’s life, we all face so much of stress in our life that we just want to be isolated sometime. Or just to pack our bags and run away from our daily routine hectic for some weeks and return with no stress. And I know many of us don’t want to come back at all.

Vacations are replete with lots of fresh air and sunshine and they are tempting too because you are not habitual of experiencing this in your daily routine life. We all know the life we are living is far away from the natural beauty and the harsh reality is that we all are doing whether we like it or not just to earn some penny for our living.

So, what if you get the opportunity to live this amazing life daily and make money from it too. Wondering how?

The answer is Tour and travel business, a business where you can experience the beauty of nature, explore new areas, meet new people and make money from it too. Earlier, the tour and travel business had a different version but these days it means designing packages of vacation trips for families, college groups, couples etc where the package includes the traveling , hotel, food &beverages, and entertainment stuff.

Now, How to start your tour and travel business in just simple five steps-

Step -1- Identify your customer

First of all, you identify who your target customers are and what their tastes of life are. It is little nitpicking to identify your customer, adjusting the trips or activities to their needs and developing a market plan with keeping in mind the budget of the customer.

Additionally, you can develop places by traveling yourself and build a database of the location, hotels or activities you can offer to your customer.

Step -2 Deal with the legal side

According to Indian legal system, there isn’t a lot of legal red tape when it comes to starting a tour and travel business. No license is required to start or register the tour and travel business.

Now when you have decided to start, then what kind of company you want to get register. Whether you want to register with private company, LLP, or OPC or partnership firm at your initial stage?

However, the business structure you choose will largely depend upon your business plans and strategy or the amount you intend to invest. Hence, for brief knowledge read here.

Step-3 Brand your business – make a mark

Once you determine what is your business structure looks like and what your customer is, it’s important to get down to the nitty-gritty of creating a strong brand for your business.

Basically, the truth is that it is little difficult to survive in this competition, but you can stand out with a well-developed plan or strategy. While planning just thinks how you want your customer to feel when they visit your website or see your advertisement or taste your service. The more you have satisfied customer the more you will be branded.

Step- 4 Blood of your business – Funding

How did you plan to fund your business?

Luckily, in your initial stage, your starting cost could be very low as you won’t have expenses to buy expensive equipment or you don’t need extensive office space at the beginning of your business.

But, later you will need and for that make sure you do have a plan for funding today. As, you can see your initial funding budget will likely to go for branding, marketing or advertising and you may also decide to rent office space and hire employees which is fairly expensive and needs funding.

Unlike other businesses, there isn’t one tried and true path for funding a travel business. From personal funding to loan or venture capital funding, all possibility is there.

Step- 5 Market and Launch your business

Marketing will likely be there where majorly all your funding goes, and it is one of the most focused areas when you are stating a tour and travel business. After studying and marketing and registering you can launch your business easily.

Ideally, the company should have marketing skills, funding abilities or the most important the passion for travel to start a tour and travel business.

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Travel and tourism industry in India - statistics & facts

The most profitable travel segments, agents to help package travel, key insights.

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Value of travel market in India FY 2018-2027

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Basic Statistic Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2028
Basic Statistic Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment
Premium Statistic Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type
Basic Statistic Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2022
Premium Statistic PE/VC investment deals in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India 2012-2028

Direct contribution of tourism and hospitality to GDP in India from 2012 to 2017, with an estimate until 2028 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Revenue share from tourism in India 2013-2022, by segment

Distribution of revenue from tourism to GDP in India from 2013 to 2022, by segment

Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India FY 2023, by spending type

Distribution of direct travel and tourism GDP in India in the financial year 2023, by spending type

Number of jobs in travel and tourism sector in India FY 2014-2022

Number of direct and indirect jobs in the travel and tourism sector across India from financial year 2014 to 2022, with projection for 2023 (in millions)

PE/VC investment deals in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Number of private equity and venture capital deals in the travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022

Premium Statistic Tourist arrivals at India 2022, by region
Basic Statistic Number of domestic tourist visits in India 2000-2022
Premium Statistic Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India 2008-2022
Premium Statistic Number of visitors to national monument India FY 2017-2022, by type
Premium Statistic Number of domestic visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023
Premium Statistic Number of foreign visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

Tourist arrivals at India 2022, by region

Tourist arrivals at India in 2022, by region (in 1,000s)

Number of domestic tourist visits in India 2000-2022

Number of domestic tourist visits in India from 2000 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India 2008-2022

Number of foreign tourist arrivals in India from 2008 to 2022

Number of visitors to national monument India FY 2017-2022, by type

Number of visitors to national monuments across India from financial year 2017 to 2022, by type (in millions)

Number of domestic visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of domestic visitors (in 1,000s)

Number of foreign visitors to ticketed monuments India FY 2023

Leading ticketed monuments in India in financial year 2023, by number of foreign visitors (in 1,000s)

Travel services

Premium Statistic Online travel agency usage India 2023, by gender
Premium Statistic Agencies used for online services India 2023 by gender
Premium Statistic Device used for online travel agency India 2023, by age group
Premium Statistic Purpose of online travel agency usage India 2023, by age group
Premium Statistic Reason for not using online travel agency India 2023, by gender

Online travel agency usage India 2023, by gender

Share of online travel agency usage in India as of June 2023, by gender

Agencies used for online services India 2023 by gender

Share of agencies used for online travel services in India as of June 2023, by gender

Device used for online travel agency India 2023, by age group

Device used to access online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by age group

Purpose of online travel agency usage India 2023, by age group

Purposes of using an online travel agency in India as of June 2023, by age group

Reason for not using online travel agency India 2023, by gender

Share of reasons for not using online travel agencies in India as of June 2023, by gender

Market overview

Premium Statistic Value of travel market in India FY 2018-2027
Premium Statistic Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by type
Premium Statistic Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel
Premium Statistic Value of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027
Premium Statistic PE/VC investments in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Value of the travel market in India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of Indian travel market from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

Travel market distribution in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

Travel market distribution across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

Value of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027

Value of hotel market in India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027 (in billion U.S. dollars)

PE/VC investments in travel and hospitality 2013-2022

Private equity and venture capital investments in travel and hospitality sector in India from 2013 to 2022 (in million U.S. dollars)

Hotel industry

Premium Statistic Distribution of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by type
Premium Statistic Distribution of the hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel
Premium Statistic Number of hotel rooms in India FY 2001-2023
Premium Statistic Number of approved hotels in India 2022, by category
Premium Statistic Supply of hotel rooms in India FY 2022-2023, by city
Basic Statistic Occupancy rate in hotels in India FY 2001-2024

Distribution of hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by type

Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by type

Distribution of the hotel market in India FY 2018-2027, by booking channel

Distribution of the hotel market across India from financial year 2018 to 2020, with an estimate for 2027, by booking channel

Number of hotel rooms in India FY 2001-2023

Number of hotel rooms across India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with an estimate until 2027 (in 1,000s)

Number of approved hotels in India 2022, by category

Number of approved hotels in India in 2022, by category

Supply of hotel rooms in India FY 2022-2023, by city

Existing supply of hotel rooms across Indian cities from financial year 2022 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Occupancy rate in hotels in India FY 2001-2024

Occupancy rate in hotels in India from financial year 2001 to 2023, with estimates of 2024

Major players

Basic Statistic Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India 2023, by market capitalization
Basic Statistic Domestic market share of airlines across India FY 2023, by passengers carried
Premium Statistic Revenue of Airbnb India FY 2018-2020
Premium Statistic Revenue of OYO across India FY 2019-2023
Premium Statistic Thomas Cook India revenue FY 2020-2023
Premium Statistic MakeMyTrip's revenue FY 2015-2023

Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India 2023, by market capitalization

Leading hotel and restaurant companies in India as of 2023, based on market capitalization (in billion Indian rupees)

Domestic market share of airlines across India FY 2023, by passengers carried

Domestic market share of airlines across India in financial year 2023, by passengers carried

Revenue of Airbnb India FY 2018-2020

Revenue of Airbnb India from financial year 2018 to 2020 (in million Indian rupees)

Revenue of OYO across India FY 2019-2023

Revenue of OYO across India from financial year 2019 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

Thomas Cook India revenue FY 2020-2023

Revenue of Thomas Cook (India) Limited from financial year 2020 to 2023 (in billion Indian rupees)

MakeMyTrip's revenue FY 2015-2023

Revenue of MakeMyTrip Limited from financial year 2015 to 2023 (in million U.S. dollars)

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Tata Capital > Blog > Loan for Business > How to Start a Travel Agency In India

How to start a travel agency in india.

Despite the pandemic, the tourism industry in India is growing at an annual rate of 14%. So, it’s safe to say that now is as good a time as any to start your travel agency business in the country. But you need to be strategic and organised about it.

Starting a travel agency means getting the right licenses, partnering with airlines and hotels, figuring out visa procedures, finding the best business loan offers, among other things!

Let's explore in detail below.

Steps to Start a Travel Agency in India:

1. decide the kind of company you want to form.

Are you planning to be the sole owner of your travel agency, or do you have partners? Depending on the nature of your ownership, you can register the company as either a private limited company or a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP). But whatever you decide, know that compliances for registering will vary accordingly. And so will benefits and subsidies like affordable business loan interest rates from lender to lender.

2. Register with IATA

In today's tourism scenario, there's no point in opening a travel agency that only books tour packages and tickets via trains. You must cover all modes of transportation – rail, land, water, and most importantly, air. While road, rail and water travel does not require a mandatory registration, as most of it happens domestically, international air travel bookings require the IATA seal.

A travel agency, old or new, gains worldwide credibility if they are approved by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This Association awards its seals to travel agencies once they fulfil certain norms. It also conducts free training workshops for the professional development of travel agents and provides several benefits and air services around the globe.

Additional Read - How to Choose the Right Business Loan for Your Startup

3. Register with the Government of India

Another important answer to how to start a travel agency in India is by becoming a Government of India approved travel agent or agency. It is not mandatory, but we strongly recommend it. Again, it’s a seal that will award your agency a legitimate status.

When you're a registered and approved travel agency by the Indian government, travellers expect you to adhere to a certain standard. This is also why they will choose you over the non-registered travel agencies.

4. Get a GST registration number

No talk on how to start a travel agency in India is complete without mentioning GST registration. Without this registration, you won’t be able to collect Goods and Services Tax (GST) - a mandatory requirement when running a business of this kind. So, open the doors of your travel agency only once you receive your GSTIN (Goods and Services Tax Identification Number).

Additional Read - How to Submit Your Business Loan Documents like a Pro and Get Them Approved?

The final word

Are you ready with your travel agency's business plan and are looking for finance to finally launch it? Turn to Tata Capital for some of the most affordable interest rates on business finance that help cover all potential expenses of starting and running your travel agency.

You can also check the nature of EMIs you’ll be paying with by using a business loan EMI calculator on our website before applying.

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India Tours
Tour Operators

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in India 2024/2025

Top Tour Operators and Travel Agencies in India. Below you will find 49 of the best tour operators and travel agencies in India offering in total 383 tours and holidays through-out India. Combined they have received 869 customer reviews and an average rating of 5 out of 5 stars. The top tour activities offered in India are: Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history, Wildlife, landscapes and nature & Adventure and sport.

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49 Tour Operators in India with 869 Reviews

Swastik India Journeys

Address 83,Officer's Campus Extension, Sirsi Road, Jaipur, India
Response Rate 66%
Response Time 3 hours

Best-in-Class Top 5% of companies
Excellent Service Top 10% of companies
Superior Service Top 15% of companies

Indo Pacific Holidays

Address 301, R.G Complex, Sec 5, Plot No. Ph- I, 8, Dwarka Rd, New Delhi, Delhi 110075, New Delhi, India
Response Rate 76%
Response Time 2 hours

Exodus Travels

Address Grange Mills, Weir Road, London, England
Response Rate 85%
Response Time 1 hour

Address 6 Fife Road, Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey,, London , England
Response Rate 83%

Amazing India Tours

Address S 272 Greater Kailash Part - 1, New Delhi, India
Response Rate 72%

The Taj Wonder Tours

Address 32/20 Purana Kutlupur, Chhipitola, Agra, India

Bout India Tours Pvt Ltd

Address C 56 nemi nagar extension, Jaipur, India
Response Rate 92%

Bespoke India Holidays

Address Service Office - 6/16 Sapat Villa, near Makaloo Hotel Gangapur , Nashik, India

Ashmita Trek and Tours

Address 3A Nehru Road, Opposite Planters Club (near Keventers), Mall Road, Darjeeling, India
Response Rate 61%

Destination Services

Address Edificio TUI, SM2, Calle Rita Levi, Parc Bit, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Response Rate 98%

G Adventures

Address G Adventures Ltd, 60 Bastwick Street, London, England
Response Rate 90%

Encounters Travel

Address Leigh House, Varley Street, Leeds, England
Response Rate 94%

Into Wild Himalaya Adventure Tour and Travels Pvt Ltd

Address V.p.o- Archhandi, District- Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India, Postal Code- 175104, Kullu, India
Response Rate 43%

On The Go Tours

Address 3 Shortlands, 4th floor, Office 19, Hammersmith, England
Response Rate 87%

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Want To Know The Journey Of Registering Your Travel Business?

How-to • Operations • August 16, 2018 • Vacation Labs

India has seen a sharp spike of startups over the last decade. Thanks to the ease of doing business through technology. According to a recent report , India is set to host 10,500 startups by 2020 making it one of the largest ecosystems for startups. Well, good luck to those who thought that the startup ecosystem is just a bubble waiting to burst. In fact, the travel and tourism industry will be adding $11,512.9 billion* to global GDP by 2027. So, everyone in the travel startup space is looking to share a part of the pie.

(*As per a 2017 report by the World Travel And Tourism Council)

Here are some stats that’ll open your eyes:.

95% of consumers search online before making a travel purchase. Now that’s an insight

Social media affects purchase decisions of 48% consumers

41% consumers make a purchase after receiving a promotional offer/discount

25% consumers make a purchase after receiving it over SMS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Get Your Travel Website In One Day- No Developer Needed

Are You Missing The Point?

Though, there’s something, which is mission critical even before you get that website up. That’s actually registering your business and making it legal and operational. After all, you don’t want to make headlines in the tourism industry for all the wrong reasons.

So How Do You Start Your Travel Business ?

There are plenty of ways to start a travel company . The question is whether you want to go the traditional way or do it the smart way (more on that later). First, let’s look at the traditional way of registering a travel company. The first thing you’d do is contact your CA and set up an appointment. Then he would ask you for a bunch of documents time and again to submit and then give you an approximate date of registering your company. Then the wait starts for you. In this process, two things do not go in your favour. That’s convenience and accountability.

Remember, we mentioned a smart way for travel company registration . There are plenty of startups out there including those that would be a one-stop shop solution for all your legal and financial needs to start your travel business in India.

There are companies like:

VakilSearch

Startupwala

These companies ensure that you can start your travel company without running around to multiple places for documents. After all, you have a busy life and are on the go. Through these companies, you are saving time and money. And we all know time is money. So now that we’ve made a case for going online, here’s another important question:

That totally depends on how you want to start your travel company. A majority of travel entrepreneurs start solo, while others usually team up with family or friends to begin with. Very rarely people start with a full-fledged travel company.

Does A Sole Proprietorship Make Sense For You?

Yes, it does. In fact, it is the easiest way to start your travel company . That’s because you’d be managing the whole show as the principal decision maker and owner of your travel company. The best part is that you could have a proprietorship company up and running in a fortnight. No wonder, it is the most popular way to start a business, particularly for new entrepreneurs and establishments.

Here are some of the pros of going solo or rather with Sole Proprietorships:

Get a head start

15 days is all you need to start a travel company . That includes your GST registration. It’s fairly a straightforward process. All you need is a:

Identity proof
Address proof
Shops & Establishments Act Registration
Current Bank Account

And you’re almost done.

Less compliance. More ease.

The compliance required for running your travel business or tour operator business is uncomplicated. All you’ve got to do is file the taxes of your service or profession.

Easy on the pocket

Not only do you require less paperwork and compliances for Sole Proprietorship firms, but you have to pay less to get started. One can start with as low as Rs. 1,499 . Now, that’s even less than a meal at a restaurant in most urban cities in India.

Tax is on your side

Since you are the sole owner of a travel company, you do not need to show a distinction between your income and the company’s income. Therefore, you’d be taxed according to the rates applied to personal income tax rates, and not corporate tax. That means, no hiring expensive auditors. You can breathe easy.

How Do You Go About Registering The Company?

You must be thinking that you can do it yourself. But first, this is all that you have to go through:

Choose possible names for your company. Here’s what you need to know about naming your company
Apply online on with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for the DIN (Director Identification Number)
Register online for a DSC (Digital Signature Certificate)
Gather your application materials
Complete e-Form 1A
File Form 1A online to apply for company name
Draft the Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA)
Print the MoA and AoA.
Have the MoA and AoA notarized
Pay the registration and filing fees online
Find the corresponding RoC office to file your application
Gather your completed application documents
File your application one with the RoC
Collect the Certificate of Incorporation
Ready to do business

It ends up something like this:

Registering a Company - Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Not your idea of forming a company, right?

There’s a better way to do it by using online platforms such as Vakil Search, Venture Easy and IndiaFilings.

Let’s look at Vakil Search

A floating box with a call-to-action window

Registering Your Business on Vakil Search - Call to Action Window

They even have a chat window powered with a Bot called TARS to assist you

Registering Your Business on Vakil Search - Chat Window

The chat window is extremely user-friendly by clearly defining the special offers and options in the chat window

Registering Your Business on Vakil Search - Ask a Question

Apart from the initial form and chat window on the right side, there is also the option for the user to ask a question with their name and phone number.Vakil Search arranges for a call back to the user to answer their queries.

Once you choose an option, a representative from Vakil Search will send you a dashboard for all the following details.

Registering Your Business on Vakil Search - Dashboard

Make sure you fill in all your details and make the payment. Next, wait for a few days and voila, you are all set to roll. Therefore, sites like these become a one-stop shop solution for starting your travel company.

Thinking About The Paid-up Capital?

There is none in the case of the Sole Proprietorship as is the case with the One Person Company or Private Limited Company which is usually Rs. 1 lakh.

Are There Any Downsides?

Though a Sole Proprietorship is fairly easy to set up, it’s not all rosy when your business suffers losses. That’s because Sole Proprietorship comes with the unlimited liability clause, which means in case the business goes into a loss, the business, as well as the personal assets of the proprietor, can be used to pay debts or recover losses. That can seriously dent a proprietor’s financial goals. That’s also one of the major reasons why it becomes difficult to raise funds or lend funds to assist sole proprietors.

What Is A One Man Company?

2013 saw a new form of business introduced according to the Companies Act. It was brought in to help sole proprietors and new entrepreneurs who would like to start a business with limited liability and yet have the business as a separate legal entity. Want to know the other features and differences between OPC and Sole Proprietorship, this will help .

What If Two People Or More Wish To Start A Travel Business Together?

That’s always a question running in an entrepreneur’s mind especially if he or she wants to start the travel business with a friend or family member. For this modus operandi, we’d suggest you register your tour operator or travel business with a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP).

What Is An LLP?

It is a legal corporate entity in which a firm enjoys the partnership with limited liability yet the business has all the features of a company. It means, the best of both worlds when it comes to a partnership and a limited company. That’s because a partner does not take responsibility for the decisions and the wrongdoings of other partners. Plus, they enjoy limited liability when it comes to their business.

What About Expansion?

Yes, we can understand a lot of entrepreneurs have registered a travel company but are looking to take the next step of expansion. After all, everyone would like to make it big when it comes to their business. For these entrepreneurs, it is time for them to register their company as a Private Limited Company.

What Is A Private Limited Company?

A private limited company is a legal corporate entity with a limited liability incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013. It should have a minimum of two directors and a maximum of 15 directors. A director can also be a shareholder. It also allows foreign nationals, foreign entities or NRIs to be the Directors as well as shareholders.

What Are The Advantages Of A Private Limited Company?

Having your own travel business private limited means you’ll get the boost and funds available to scale-up your business. That’s because, there will be shareholders as well as investors who’d take interest in your company provided on your profitability and returns. This means some serious investment and opportunities to see your travel business take-off.

OK, Now That You Have Registered, What Next?

Yes, that’s a very valid question for starting a travel company in the new GST era. The Goods or Services Tax is applicable to you if you have an annual turnover of more than 20 lakhs. Since we are also talking about taking your business online, you will also require a GST number for selling travel services or products online. Again, it’s a hassle-free and paper-free process as the Government of India has made it easy to apply for GST. There is even a GST portal .

GST registration can be done via the GST portal. All you’ll need is:

PAN card, Photo and Aadhar Card of the proprietor
Address proof of business (Electricity bill/ rent agreement)
A copy of your bank statement, which clearly shows your bank account number and IFSC code

Normally, the GST number is received within 3-4 days of submitting the application.

While it is not mandatory to be approved by the Government of India to be a travel agent, it has its advantages. It means you are maintaining certain checklists and quality standards. Plus, you become a credible travel business or tour operator, which is important in the eyes of the international tourist. To become an approved travel agent or tour operator, you’ll need to apply to the Ministry of Tourism with certain information like capital invested, a certain number of staff employed, maintenance of minimum office space and other stipulations.

Are There Any Guidelines From The Government For Entrepreneurs Who’d Like To Register Their Travel Business? Yes, the government has put together certain guidelines for inbound tour operators. You can view them here .

Is There Any Tour Operator Body In India That Is Helpful For A New Tour Operator Business?

Yes, there is. There is an Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India or ADTOI as it is called. While starting a tour operator business , it makes perfect sense to be a part of this organization. There is also the Indian Association of Tour Operators or IATO , which is also an apex body of inbound tour operators. Here are some of the advantages of becoming a member of IATO. And you have ATOAI , that stands for Adventure Tours Operators Association Of India. If you cater to airline ticketing getting registered with IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a must.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: What is a Tour Operator Software? Tour Operator Fundamentals

We have shared a step-by-step process with specific guidelines to help you get your travel start-up the initial formalities and recognition to perform business. However, one thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online.

How Can We Say This?

Vacation Labs has helped more than 200 tour operators and travel companies go online from scratch. That too, in a short span of time. We are a testimony to their start-up experience and success. So, once you get your company registered, don’t look further. Contact us to get your travel website up and running in no time with powerful travel commerce capabilities. One thing is clear, for any travel business to even survive, they have to get online. Here are some of the fundamentals of setting up your tour operator business online. If you’d like to get started or want to know anything else, we are waiting.

Vacation Labs has helped more than 200+ tour operators and travel companies go online from scratch.

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How To Run A Tour Business From Your Mobile Phone How To Run A Tour Business From Your Mobile Phone

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India Tours & Vacations

Travellers looking at a shrine carving with their guide in Delhi, India

There’s probably no other country on the planet that blazes its way into your memory like India.

Years later, you can still hear the morning calls of the chai wallahs; see smoke curling over the Ganges during a golden Varanasi sunrise , and smell the rich aromas of simmering curry. A lot of India tours rush from highlight to highlight, ticking them off in a blur of temples and tikka. But not us. Our India holidays are more about spotting Bengal tigers in Ranthambhore or Panna National Park, hanging with nomads in Jaisalmer, meeting the holy men of Pushkar, or hunting down the best street eats. This isn’t just the India you see on postcards. This is India as it is. Raw, bizarre and totally addictive.

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India at a glance, capital city.

Delhi (population, 32.94 million)

1.408 billion

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Learn more about India

Best time to visit india.

Due to India's size and topography, the climate varies from place to place but the best time to visit, generally speaking, is in the winter from December until early March. During the coolest months (December-January), temperatures can get quite cold in Delhi and in the north, especially at night. The whole country tends to get very hot from April onwards and most regions experience the summer from late May to around October. The summer offers hot and humid conditions, although this is considered one of the best times to visit Ladakh and the hills.

Learn more about the best time to visit India

Culture and customs

India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations with a culture steeped in ancient beliefs and traditions. Religion also plays a massive role in everyday life with 80% of the population practicing Hinduism while the remaining 20% is divided into Muslim (India has the world’s second-largest Muslim population), Christian, Sikhism and Buddhist populations.

At its core, India remains a deeply conservative nation; however, it has been touched by rapid modernization and Western influences in recent years. Some families still adhere to a traditional structure (especially in more rural areas) with generations living under the same roof, the eldest male at the head of the family and arranged marriages. But this is becoming less and less popular, particularly in larger cities, where Western ideas and societal shifts heavily influence the culture due to things like Bollywood films.

While some behavioral standards remain the same (public displays of affection are still taboo), it’s important to keep in mind that with more than one billion people speaking over 122 languages across 28 states and seven territories, it’s impossible to describe one unified culture for the entire nations and the character of India’s people can vary greatly from city to city.

Witness India's multi-faceted culture firsthand on a Delhi to Goa adventure - 15 days

Top places to visit in India

Surely there isn't a more iconic image of India than the Taj Mahal. It's spectacular and soul-stirring, but words simply aren't enough to describe the beauty of this immense mausoleum (even when it's packed with tourists). Best known as a monument to love and loss, the 17th-century building was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his second wife – a bold declaration of love, indeed! Wander around Agra on our 3 day Taj Mahal Extension or on our 15 day Real Kathmandu to Delhi tour.

2. Udaipur, Rajasthan

Welcome to Udaipur, India's most romantic city that could easily give Venice a run for its money. You'll undoubtedly fall in love as you explore its grand marble palaces, shimmering lakes, and winding alleys filled with cozy chai bars and dizzying bazaars. It's also a popular hub for Indian artists, dancers, and musicians whose talents will pull you deeper under Udaipur's spell. Get lost in the beauty of Udaipur on our 15 day Rajasthan Experience or on our 15 day Classic Rajasthan tour.

3. Ranthambhore National Park

Ranthambhore National Park was once a famous hunting ground for the Maharajas of Jaipur, but these days it's a haven for wildlife. Jump into a 4WD and search for Bengal tigers, hyenas, jackals, deer, langurs, marsh crocodiles and more. You can also hike up to the stunning ruins of the 10th-century fort or experience the peace and tranquillity of the ancient Ganesh temple (one of the oldest temples in India). Go wildlife spotting on our 14 day Premium India in Depth tour or on our 10 day Northern India Family Holiday.

4. Kerala Backwaters

Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations and connected by a series of blissful, palm-shaded backwaters, Kerala is a peaceful oasis deep within India's colorful chaos. Float along the dreamy waters of rural Kerala on a houseboat, paddle over to an island village on a pole boat for an overnight homestay with a local family, and enjoy traditional Keralan food served on a banana leaf. Explore the Kerala Backwaters on our 13 day Premium South India tour or on our 13 day Classic South India tour.

5. Varanasi

Varanasi is a place that will be etched in your memory long after your time in India is over. Uncover the stories and secrets of this holy city with your local guide, get lost in the laneways, cruise along the golden Ganges at dawn, or witness ancient religious traditions and groups of pilgrims praying in the river. Even if all you do in Varanasi is sit along the ghats and watch life go by, you'll walk away with countless stories to tell. Experience Varanasi's holiness on our 4 day Varanasi Homestay Extension , on our 11 day India Getaway or on our 11 day Real North India adventure.

This holy desert city is one of the main pilgrimage destinations for Hindus. Explore the bustling ghats and temples around Pushkar Lake, watch devout rituals and worship at the Brahma Temple, share a meal with a local family while learning about their life and culture, or hike up the hill to the beautiful Savitri Temple for unbeatable sunrise views over the town. Embark on a pilgrimage on our 22 day North India Revealed tour or on our 15 day Cycle Rajasthan tour.

Get ready for delicious bites and lots of Bollywood. Some say Mumbai is the food capital of India, and you'll see, smell and taste huge culinary diversity here that celebrates regional cuisines from across the country. You might also like to watch life go by at Dhobi Ghat (the world’s largest outdoor laundry), check out the Bollywood Walk of Fame, or explore the sprawling Crawford Market selling everything from fruit to jewelry. Snack your way through Mumbai on our 15 day India Real Food Adventure .

8. Dharamsala

The mountainous Himalayan town of Dharamsala, also known as McLeod Ganj, is home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government in exile. Tibetan culture is central to life here and it won't take long for the town's calming, grounding energy to wash over you. Sip chai and watch robed monks strolling between the monasteries, listen to the prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, and visit the Dalai Lama’s temple. Soak up the Tibetan culture on our 13 day Mountains & Mystics of India tour.

9. Rishikesh

Not only is Rishikesh the yoga capital of the world, but it's also one of the best places to experience the sacred soul of the Ganges. Join a yoga or meditation class along the riverbanks, enjoy delicious vegetarian food in one of the many rooftop cafes, go white-water rafting down the Ganges for a different perspective of this holy river, or experience the nightly fire ritual known as Ganga Aarti at one of the city's dazzling temples. Meditate in Rishikesh on our 19 day Best of India tour.

Tinged with Portuguese influence (and flavors!), the state of Goa boasts lovely beaches, rich traditions, World Heritage-listed buildings and mouth-watering food. Kick back with a coconut (or cocktail), join a yoga class on the beach, visit a local spice farm to learn about some of the essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, or pick up fresh ingredients at the market and cook up a storm with a local Goan cook. Experience Goa on our 37 day Iconic India tour or on our 16 day South India Revealed tour.

The gorgeous pink stone buildings in Jaipur’s old town have earned the city its 'Pink City' nickname. Discover buzzing bazaars filled with handcrafted textiles and jewelry, dodge camel carts and rickshaws as you stroll through the streets, explore the oh-so-impressive Amber Fort, or visit the home of a local Brahmin family to learn about their culture and way of life over a delicious homemade meal. Marvel at Jaipur's pink-hued streets on our 8 day India's Golden Triangle tour or on our 12 day India Women's Expedition.

Home to the magnificent Mysore Palace and the birthplace of Ashtanga yoga, there's no denying Mysore is one of South India's most captivating cities. Lose yourself in the grandeur of the palace's ornately decorated rooms, marvel at the intricate Hoysala architecture of Keshava Temple, go on a hunt for the tastiest idli, or share a tasty biryani lunch with a local family. Explore Mysore on our 15 day Southern India tour.

Delhi is a place where ancient temples stand beside Bollywood billboard ads, people commute to work alongside sacred cows and monkeys, and pockets of peace exist within the chaos. The electric energy of India's capital city is palpable, and while it can take some getting used to, there's no denying the excitement of discovering new sights, sounds, tastes and smells at every turn – especially when you have a local leader by your side. Experience the chaos of Delhi on our 15 day Delhi to Kathmandu tour or on our 9 day North India Highlights tour.

14. Thar Desert, Rajasthan

Check another item off your bucket list as you travel across the pristine dunes of the Thar Desert on camelback, stopping at a few dhanis (small villages) along the way. When you reach your camp, enjoy dinner in the relaxing desert ambiance before sleeping in a comfy permanent tent under the stars. This desert safari is bound to be one of the main highlights of your adventure. Soak into the sand on our 16 day Real Rajasthan tour or on our 11 day Rajasthan Adventure .

Food and drink

Intrepid believes that one of the best ways to experience a country is by eating. Whether you're sampling street food, savoring a cheap eat or indulging in a banquet, there are endless options to choose from wherever you are in the world. Indian food is one of the world's most favored cuisines, and travelers will be in for a real treat when visiting India. Relying heavily on spices and vegetables, vegetarians will be delighted with the multitude of meat-free dishes available and visitors will be able to notice marked differences in the cuisines of each region.

Geography and environment

India shares land borders with Bangladesh , China , Pakistan, Nepal , Myanmar and Bhutan , and also has wide stretches of coastline along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. As the seventh largest country in the world, India is home to a variety of terrains - the Himalayas of the north, the deserts and plains of the west, the fertile waterways of the south and the hills and forests of the east. Development is occurring at a rapid pace, with India's large, sprawling cities consisting of everything from five star hotels to shanty towns, and with modern malls and cinemas sitting comfortably alongside bazaars and street food vendors. A trip through India will reveal a diverse range of landscapes, villages, cities and environments.

History and government

Early history.

Humans have inhabited India for as long as 75,000 years, with early civilizations flourishing as early as 3300 BC. Over the centuries, India both influenced and was influenced by other nations and kingdoms, with far-reaching trade, conquest and migration spreading the subcontinent's culture far and wide. Empires rose and fell over the centuries, with the wealthy Mughal Dynasty ruling most of India by 1600. At the same time, different European nations started showing an interest in India after being brought to the area for trade. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and French all had vested interests in India, with the British East India Company being given the rights to trade in India in 1617. The 1857 rebellion and War of Independence culminated in the decline of Mughal rule and were considered the first movements against the British Raj's heavy-handed rule of the country.

Recent history

By the 1920s, India's independence movement had grown considerably with Mohandas Gandhi leading mass movements based on passive resistance and non-cooperation against the British Raj. Although it took decades, India finally gained independence in 1947. More recently, India has seen dramatic societal changes mainly due to modernization and globalization. A new wave of prosperity has seen the rise of the middle class, with men and women entering into new work roles in telecommunications, manufacturing and business. India's large cities are dealing with the mass migration of rural citizens, who are moving to the city to seek better employment, education and opportunities for their children.

Top 10 sensory experiences of India

1. potent pleasures.

Breathe in the intoxicating aroma of fresh spices while wandering through the bustling markets of India. Cardamom, coriander, cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices of the subcontinent and aren't hard to find - the fresh scent envelopes markets across the country.

2. Fiery flavours

Treat your tastebuds to the spicy flavors of India with a traditional aromatic curry. Indulge in the heady mix of coconut milk, chili, ginger, ghee and spices, then cool down by sipping on a refreshing Lassi - the perfect antidote to the unrelenting heat of an Indian curry.

3. Colourful chaos

Experience the urban cacophony of Delhi - a unique collision of cultures, cattle and people. Hear the rumble of cars, trucks and buses, the frantic calls of street vendors and hawkers, the sizzle of food and the rustic ring of a cow's bell in this unforgettable and irrepressible city.

4. In the pink

Admire the dazzling pink hues of Jaipur. Watch the historic palaces, forts, temples and monuments of the 'Pink City' be bathed in a dusky pink glow as the golden sun sets over the dramatic Aravalli Range.

5. Rat race

Walk barefoot through the Karni Mata Temple as thousands of rats scamper across the marble floor. Just felt a furry rodent scurry over your feet? Fear not - it's a sign of good luck in this unique rat-worshipping temple.

6. Instant karma

Experience the multi-sensory wonder of an Aarti ceremony on the banks of the Ganges. Hear the clanging of bells, watch the luminous glow of fire, smell wafts of pungent incense and hear rousing devotional songs and mantras. Be immersed in the fire and prayer of this Hindu ritual and be changed forever.

7. Gorgeous Goa

Sit beachside in Goa and gaze into the sublime beauty of the ocean. Take a moment to kick back and soak up the clear skies and deep blue sea of this exotic island. Watch the sun's rays shimmer on the horizon and bask in the golden glow of this balmy retreat.

8. Silky sophistication

For a slice of extravagance, feel the soft, luxurious touch of traditional Indian silk. Made in a variety of vibrant colors and perfect for making everything from saris to prayer mats and decorative hangings to upholstery, the inimitable feel of finely crafted silk is a simple pleasure in life.

9. Answered prayers

Hear the flutter of prayer flags as they flap in the wind near the isolated monasteries of Dharamsala. In a stark environment of rugged, mountainous landscapes, quietness permeates the air, except for the unique sound of prayer flags collecting prayers and sending them to the heavens above.

10. Big screen brilliance

Be treated to a feast for the senses at a bombastic Bollywood movie screening. Covet the glamorous costumes, marvel at the energetic choreography and delight in the lively music. Revel in the razzle-dazzle of the whole spectacle and be swept away by the irresistible charm of India's triumphant cinematic phenomenon.

India's fragrant bazaars, modern boutiques and village markets are brimming with wares harnessing centuries of artistic traditions. With talented artisans and top quality items at low prices, India is a shopper's paradise. It's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand generally have strict quarantine laws.

Things to buy in India

From big, chunky ornate silver earrings to vibrant bangles and bold statement rings, India's silversmiths and jewelry makers ensure there are lots of pieces to choose from in the bazaars and shops.

2. Wraps, scarves and shawls

Whether you're looking for pricey pashmina, luxurious silk or colorful cotton, India has a huge variety of materials to wrap yourself in.

If you're lucky enough to be able to bring tea into your home country, then pick up some of the world's finest tea from the Darjeeling, Assam or Nilgiri regions.

Indian cotton sheets, embroidered bedspreads and colorful cushion covers can be picked up in bazaars at a fraction of the price paid elsewhere.

Many shops are open between 9 am and 7 pm, Monday through Saturday, though hours can vary at bazaars. Most shops are closed on Sunday.

Festivals and events in India

Many of India’s biggest festivals are religious and follow either the Indian lunar calendar or the Islamic calendar. The dates may change each year, but the fervor of celebration never does. Some of the best and biggest festivals to keep an eye out for in India are:

Holi (Festival of Colour)

Take a whole lot of colored powder and water, add thousands of happy people not afraid to get a little (or a lot) dirty and you have Holi – a technicolor Hindu celebration that marks the beginning of spring and the triumph of good over evil. Celebrations take place across India in either February or March.

Diwali (Festival of Lights)

India’s biggest festival – meaning ‘rows of lighted lamps’, people decorate their homes with colorful lights, candles are lit and firework displays take place across the country. The celebrations are particularly spectacular in Varanasi, where illuminated candles and earthen lamps are floated down the Ganges River as fireworks light up the sky. This five-day festival takes place every October or November.

Gujarat Kite Festival

Large, colorful and unusual kites flood the skies of Gujarat each January to commemorate the start of summer and the beginning of harvest. Purchase your own at Patang Bazaar, a famous kite market, or just watch the others dance through the sky.

Mumbai Ganesh Festival

The birth of the elephant-headed god, Ganesh, is celebrated for 10-days each August or September in cities across India, but Mumbai takes it to another level. An incredible energy can be felt throughout the city as people pack the streets for a massive party and an elaborate statue of Ganesh is paraded around.

Pushkar Camel Fair

Thousands of camels (and their owners dressed in their finest garb) descend upon Rajasthan's Pushkar for the annual camel fair. Camels are traded and raced, acrobats and performers entertain crowds at a nearby fair, while finely dressed males and bejeweled females take the chance to let their hair down.

Learn more about festivals in India

India travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Is it safe to travel to India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes, but it's generally a safe country for travelers and many people enjoy their time without any problems.

Is it safe for women to travel in India?

India can be overwhelming sometimes but most travellers enjoy their time in India without any problems. That said, some regions experience ongoing issues, and there are several things a traveler should keep in mind when traveling through India to minimize their chances of running into any trouble.

Do I need a visa to travel to India?

Yes, all foreigners entering India will need a visa. Whether you can apply for an e-visa is dependent on your nationality, the duration of your India tour and how you plan on entering the country.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.

Last updated: 22/06/2023

Is tipping customary in India?

While traveling through India, on a tour or otherwise, it’s expected one would tip porters, drivers, restaurant staff and other service workers given the low wages they earn.

What is the internet access like in India?

Internet access is generally very good in India, with most cafes, restaurants and accommodations offering free wi-fi, even in the more rural areas. There is also good phone coverage for data use if you choose to purchase a local SIM card to stay connected for the duration of your India tour.

If you do wish to purchase a local SIM in India, make sure your phone has been unlocked before your tour begins. There are quite a number of carriers that are all very competitive, but Airtel is probably the best option for travelers. You’ll need to a copy of your passport and visa to pick up a SIM, and the process can sometimes be a hassle, but rates in India are very affordable given the competition.

Can I use my cell phone while in India?

Yes, you’ll be able to use your cell phone while on an India tour, but only if you have activated global roaming or purchased a local SIM card.

What are the toilets like in India?

Squat toilets are the most common toilets in India. Always carry your own toilet paper and soap or hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided. Flushable, Western-style toilets can be found in up-market restaurants, some higher-end hotels and in some tourist areas.

What will it cost for a...?

India’s unit of currency is the rupee:

Cup of tea = INR 7-10
Small bottle of beer = INR 150-350
Meal at a local restaurant (thali, masala dosa or similar) = INR 100-200
Meal in a tourist restaurant = INR 350-600

Can I drink the tap water in India?

India is notorious among travelers for sickness – we’ve all heard horror stories about Delhi belly. We do not recommend ever drinking tap water in India, and travelers should avoid drinks with ice and foods that haven’t been cooked or peeled. Salad is off the menu for now – let your inner child rejoice!

Are credit cards widely accepted in India?

Credit cards are being accepted in an increasing number of cafes, shops, restaurants and hotels in India, with Mastercard and Visa being the most common. That said, cash is still king, especially outside of cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai.

What is ATM access like in India?

ATMs are widespread across India in both cities and smaller towns. Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus and Maestro are the most commonly accepted cards, but of those Visa and Mastercard are more likely to have success. The daily withdrawal limit differs from bank to bank.

What is the weather like in India?

The weather in India varies from region to region, but it’s generally safe to say that December–February sees dry, cooler weather before the heat intensifies from March–May. June, July and August are the monsoon months, though the amount of rain differs across the country, while October, September and November see rainfall ease once more.

What public holidays are celebrated in India?

India has different classifications of holidays because of the multitude of faiths in the country. There are compulsory holidays and then various others chosen by government offices within each state. The following are the compulsory ‘gazetted holidays’ taken by government offices across India:

26 Jan: Republic Day
Feb/Mar: Maha Shivaratri*
Mar/Apr: Rama Navami*
Apr: Mahavir Jayanti*
Mar/Apr: Good Friday*
May: Buddha’s Birthday*
May: Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan)*
Jul/Aug: Eid ul-Adha*
15 Aug: Independence Day
Aug/Sep: Janmashtami*
Aug/Sep: Islamic New Year*
Sep/Oct: Dussehra*
Oct: Birth of the Prophet Mohammed*
2 Oct: Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday
Oct/Nov: Diwali*
Nov: Guru Nanak Jayanti*
25 Dec: Christmas Day

* Please note, India public holidays may vary.

Is India safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

The majority of Indian society is still conservative, and while most travelers will have a welcoming and hospitable experience, discretion is still advised for LGBTQIA+ travelers, particularly in more remote towns and villages which may be more conservative. The same advice is also given to heterosexual couples (and couples of all other sexual orientations) as public displays of affection other than hugging and holding hands are generally frowned upon.

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Is India accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What to wear in India

What you decide to pack and wear in India will depend on where you are and what time of year it is. The weather across India usually follows the monsoon cycle, so it’s quite easy to plan what to pack when it comes to rain, but temperatures will vary quite a bit from the north to the south.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to: Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to: Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to: US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

How will I be traveling around India?

Intrepid believes half the fun of experiencing a new country is getting there, and getting around once there! Where possible, Intrepid uses local transport options and traditional modes of transport - which usually carry less of an environmental impact, support small local operators and are heaps more fun.

Depending on which trip you're on while in India, you may find yourself traveling by Jeep.

Safari through jungles and national parks aboard a jeep, which is ideal for conquering the difficult terrain and offers supreme wildlife viewing opportunities.

Cruising the waterways of India is a revealing, inspiring experience. Whether it’s the iconic Ganges or peaceful Kerala backwaters, seeing India from the water is a must.

Traveling by train is one of the great experiences of India. It's a system which looks like chaos, but it works - and well.

Use the efficient metro to get around the sights and suburbs of Delhi.

Zip around the big cities of India by auto rickshaw.

What kind of accommodation will I be staying in?

Traveling with Intrepid is a little bit different. We endeavor to provide travelers with an authentic experience to remember, so we try to keep accommodation as unique and traditional as possible.

When traveling with us in India you may find yourself staying in a homestay.

Make new friends, feast on authentic home cooking and receive kind hospitality while staying with friendly families in India.

With walks, wildlife spotting and adventure sports nearby, staying in a jungle resort is the perfect way to see another side of India.

From ex-royal palaces to historic hill stations and converted forts, India is full of heritage properties that have been turned into comfortable accommodation with an old-world touch.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip to India support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveler. Trips to India directly support our foundation partner, Positive Change for Marine Life.

Positive Change for Marine Life

Positive Change for Marine Life nurtures ocean health with community-led conservation initiatives. Donations help them expand and implement vital programs in India that empower local communities, support sustainable fishing practices, restore marine habitats and drive policy change. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

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15 Best B2B Travel Agencies in India | Top B2B Travel Portal Companies

B2B travel agencies, otherwise known as business-to-business travel agencies, are used to manage travel bookings for other businesses, such as corporate travelers, tour operators etc. Most people prefer B2B travel portals or companies since B2C businesses provide sizeable rebates and also have unsuitable cancellation and refund policies for businesses. In this article, we have listed the top 15 B2B travel platforms in India that help corporations or tour management companies simplify their travel management booking systems . Read further to find out more.

15 Best B2B Travel Agencies & Travel Distribution Platforms in India

One of the best B2B business ideas is travel agencies. Most of these business-to-business companies have established B2B travel portals to help corporations plan their travels without any difficulty at affordable prices. Some of the top 15 best B2B business travel agencies and travel distribution platforms in India are given below:

1. FCM Global Travel Management

If you are looking for B2B companies for travelling in India or internationally for your corporate travels, then FCM Travel Company is the go-to choice. FCM is a global travel management company that offers various corporate travel services. This B2B travel company operates in 95+ countries, and their staff support is available 24/7. With FCM’s travel software, users can book their travel seamlessly, and there are also many features such as live chat , dashboards, omni-channel travel approvals, reporting, communication, etc.

FCM - b2b travel agency company in india

2. Travel Boutique Online

One of the top B2B travel agency in India is Travel Boutique Online. Since its launch in 2006, Travel Boutique Online has helped agencies efficiently serve their clients by offering clear pricing and promotions. With more than 10 years of experience, they have played a crucial role in offering tour operators and travel agencies across India long-term solutions.

Travel Boutique Online offers dynamic packages, airfare, and hotel booking APIs, mobile app development, and white label solutions. As a result, they have received numerous major honors, including the “Best Travel Portal Award” and “Best Online B2B Travel Portal India – 2016 by India Travel Awards.”

3. Travelpro – B2B Travel Portal

Travelpro is one of the best B2B travel agency in India which is also a specialist travel search engine that excels at connecting several airlines at the most competitive rates. It searches a sizable database for the best results and includes both domestic and international flights. This includes the availability of flights, confirmation of reservations, and cancellations and rescheduling.

It is an all-inclusive flight booking solution that caters to end consumers, businesses, websites, travel agencies, and more. This site is a terrific option if you want to book a trip quickly and works hard to provide the best flights at the greatest pricing.

4. TSI Yatra

Travel Services International is one of the best B2B travel portal in India which was renamed TSI Yatra and launched in 1999. This B2B travel website is currently run as a Yatra Online subsidiary. It is most renowned for the travel services that it provides.

TSI is also known as best B2B Flight booking portal in India, since they contain reservations for both domestic and international flights, vehicle rentals, lodging, etc. Additionally, they offer worldwide excursions, sightseeing tours, and airport transfers. They offer their corporate clients rewards in the form of travel packages, which places them among India’s top B2B travel agencies!

In 2007, Via was established in Bangalore, India. It is one of the most successful and quickly expanding technology-driven travel enterprises in Asia. Via offers services in the retail and financial sectors as well as ticketing, hotel bookings, vacation packages, business travel, and tour packages. On their platform, Via offers travel products from over 10,000 providers.

The company uses a cloud-based technology architecture to deliver its services, which includes mobile applications, portals, corporate networks, and a centralized, round-the-clock customer center. Via now has a presence in Asian nations like Singapore, Indonesia, and the Middle Eastern UAE. Over 100,000 travel partners make up their network, which spans 2600 Asian towns and cities.

6. Akbar Travels

It is certainly amazing how a modest agency focused on Gulf traffic from India in 1978 has grown into one of the most well-diversified B2B travel agencies providing a full range of travel services. Akbar Travels’ growth began in Kerala, a state in southern India. Presently, Akbar Travels has grown and established additional offices in every major city in India, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, etc.

Recently, Akbar Travels entered the northern and north-eastern states of India for the first time. Currently, Akbar Travels operates 47 IATA-approved branches and 40 non-IATA offices throughout India. They have more than 100 branches established outside of India in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The portal allows users to browse and purchase tickets, vacation packages, visas, and other items. This comes in the list of best b2b travel portals in India.

7. Riya Travel and Tours

One of India’s leading B2B travel agencies is Riya Travel and Tours and it is one of the best B2B portal for travel agents. They started doing business in 1980. It was only a concept and a vision at the time. Today, it is among the top businesses in the globe that offers integrated travel and travel service solutions.

They started out with activities abroad, under the direction of Mr. GMJ Thampy, and now have five locations and more than 50 branch offices in India and other countries.

Worldwide travel services are offered by Riya Travels at competitive prices. They conduct business in the areas of domestic and international ticketing, lodging, car rentals, cruises, etc. Both wholesale and corporate clients can use these facilities. In addition, they coordinate things like sightseeing tours and airport connections.

8. Travelfusion

Travelfusion is a cutting-edge platform for booking hotels, trains, and flights that offers services to people from all over the world. It specializes in offering last-minute flight tickets at the greatest price, especially during ticket shortages.

Travelfusion offers assistance with a variety of business travel management issues, from branded rates to expedited boarding. When making a reservation via Travelfusion, you can alter a number of different features of your flight.

Travelfusion can offer you fantastic rates from countless partner airlines worldwide. It is an excellent option if you’re searching for a B2B flight booking engine that can handle all of your travel needs. The platform has a number of cutting-edge capabilities that companies of all sizes may use and take advantage of.

9. FlightsLogic

FlightLogic refers to itself as an “airline consolidator” and provides a number of booking choices and filters. The platform has suppliers from over 100 countries and an airline inventory of over 900. It also comes with an easy setup and flexible configuration that links you to any flight from anywhere in the world. FlightLogic’s Flight API connects enterprises and businesses with more than 900 travel suppliers from around the world. It is a great b2b air ticket portal.

FlightsLogic also does a fantastic job of bringing all the features that business travelers look for together on one platform.

10. TravClan

TravClan , which was founded in 2018, is currently among the top B2B travel agencies in India. It is also included in the top 100 startup businesses in India. They provide their suppliers and active b2b travel brokers with outstanding value and business. They also provide them with top-notch technological solutions, free websites, and nimble platforms for deals and transactions.

TravClan offers the ability to purchase vacation packages, hotels, flights, and even visas as part of its services. In addition, they offer free access to marketing blogs and posters, as well as live seminars led by professionals in the field and personal account managers.

Sabre provides an online booking engine that businesses may use to make quick and simple hotel reservations. It also provides a comprehensive range of travel products and technology solutions, It provides a cutting-edge, flexible online B2B travel gateway for companies to handle their hotel reservations.

With Sabre, businesses can take control of their own travel arrangements. Also, Sabre takes a distinct approach as one of the most prominent B2B travel agencies. and B2B travel companies in India.

12. MakeMyTrip

One of the most well-known B2B travel agent portals in India is MakeMyTrip .�Since its founding in 2000, MakeMyTrip has established itself as one of the top businesses by offering many of its clients fantastic deals, affordable flights, special discounts, and a smooth online booking experience.�The business started off by providing a range of best-value services and products to the US-India travel industry, all the while utilising cutting-edge technology and round-the-clock client support. It was acquired by Busportal on April 2019.�

13. TravelGuru

One of the most prominent B2B travel websites in India, Travelguru , gives you access to the lowest rates on hotels, airlines, and vacation packages both domestically and abroad. Travelguru makes it simple and convenient to plan and purchase a vacation or business trip.�They provide access to discounts on more than 60,000 hotels in India and 4,30,000 hotels worldwide, and because of the different partnerships they have forged with top hotels, they are able to provide you with the finest offers that are currently available.�In India, TravelGuru is the ninth-largest travel agency.

14. Cleartrip

On the online travel agency Cleartrip , users can search for and reserve flights to any location. To provide you with the finest travel experience, they are committed to clarity, comprehensibility, dependability, and responsibility.�Global online travel provider Cleartrip has its corporate office in Mumbai. The business has an online travel agency website where customers may reserve hotels, train tickets, plane tickets, and activities in India and the Middle East. It has offices in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and India. It was acquired by Flipkart in the year 2021, and is a fast-growing B2B travel portal in India.

15. Expedia

Expedia is one of the fastest-growing B2B travel companies in India and Asia, offering customers a wide range of hotels, excursions, and other travel services at affordable prices to suit all budgets. Travelers may book whatever they require thanks to the website’s extensive aircraft inventory and network of more than 200,000 hotel partners globally. Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, and Egencia.com are among its main websites and it introduced Tripadvisor in 2011. Additionally, it provides services for business travel as well as travel services to Asia and Europe.

What Is A B2B Travel Portal?

A travel portal is an online reservation and booking system linked to various GDS and travel APIs. It features a variety of user modules including B2C, B2B, corporate, white-label, and services modules including travel packages, hotels, transfers, and sightseeing. agencies with in-house travel site development teams. A B2B(Business-To-Business) Travel Portal is the model of online travel portal. It is applicable to travel agencies that are either OTA or going to be OTA as they realize the impact a B2B Travel Portal has on their business.

So, what are the features of B2B Travel Portal? They are given as follows:

Agent registration/login
Define agent’s type � Cash or Credit
Create sub-agent (s)
Set profile of agents
Build own package
Agent wise mark up
Flexible markup & commission settings
Check Booking
Cancel Booking
Issue online voucher
Invoice & receipts
Payment Gateway Integration
Auto alerts on confirmation, bookings, tickets
Comprehensive MIS reports
Mobile responsive Design
User friendly interface
Real Time Reporting

FAQs on B2B Travel Agencies and Travel Distribution Platforms in India

The frequently asked questions on B2B Travel Agencies in India are given below:

What is B2B travel platform? The B2B travel platform is an online booking platform, that provides white label solution. Using this platform, one can get access to real time online bookings and availability of travel agents and tour operators with user friendly booking platform.

What is B2B in travel industry? The B2B in the travel industry means business to business. Hence they offer business to business deals, rates, offers to the distributors, retailers, and channel partners.

How can I become a B2B travel agent in India? To become a B2B travel agent in India, you have basically two options. Option 1: Join any B2B travel companies, that trains and helps you to become a quick travel agent. Option 2: The next option is to register on IATA ( International Air Transport Association ) website. Yearly you will have to pay some fee to this website, but you can directly become B2B travel agent through this website.

Which is the largest online travel agency in India? The largest online travel agency in India is Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, according to the sales in the year 2021.

Which is the India’s first online travel company? MakeMyTrip is India’s first online travel company which was found in the year of 2000. The head quarters of MakeMyTrip is in Gurugram, Haryana.

How many online travel agencies are there in India? According to Ministry of Tourism, there are a total of 902 travel agencies in India. The detailed category wise distribution of these 902 travel agencies are below:

Business organizations worldwide have access to an increasing number of cutting-edge alternatives as corporate travel evolves along with technology. B2B travel agencies are crucial because they put the interests of the customer above their own bottom line. Also, the majority of them devise business solutions for B2B travel agencies and tour operators, which is advantageous to both of them. Their goal is to maintain transparency in their relationships, transactions, and offers that many B2C businesses do not always adhere to.

About the author.

Sandeep Gupta

Incentive Travel Is Growing in India as a Performance Booster

Peden Doma Bhutia , Skift

April 12th, 2024 at 11:00 PM EDT

If employees were given a choice between receiving a gift voucher or a "Well done!" from their bosses during an incentive trip, which do you think they'd pick?

Peden Doma Bhutia

Incentive trips are making a comeback, according to FCM Meetings & Events India. The corporate travel firm noted a 30% jump in requests for them in the first quarter from a year earlier.

They’re also known as employee reward programs, and they’re big in India: Top-performing staffers get to go to a new destination, and the companies get a way to foster teams and motivate younger and mid-career employees. It’s business, but still a perk.

Manpreet Bindra, FCM Meetings & Events Leader, Asia, said both employers and employees prefer incentive trips to vouchers or cash-in-kind.

“The Indian business travel market has surpassed pre-pandemic levels and we do expect this segment to continue growing,” Bindra told Skift.

Business Travel Spending in India

The Global Business Travel Association projects that India will experience an 18% growth in business travel spending in 2024 , reaching $38 billion. It also anticipates a full recovery to pre-2019 spending levels by 2025.

India is the ninth-largest market globally for business travel expenditure and the fourth-largest in the Asia Pacific region, representing 5.7% of business travel spending.

The global incentive travel market is expected to reach $217 billion by 2031, according to a report by Allied Market Research.

The rate of growth during this period is expected to be highest in the Asia Pacific.

South African Tourism during its recent roadshow in India spoke about how Indian corporates are one of the largest contributors to incentive travel in the country.

South African Tourism has kickstarted the third edition of its incentive travel initiative – Corporate Think Tank in India.

Nearly half of arrivals to India from South Africa were for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Around a quarter of those MICE arrivals were for incentive trips.

When to Book and Where to Go?

FCM has managed incentive trips for Indian startups to large-scale enterprises in not just popular destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, but also emerging destinations like Vietnam.

“Companies are looking at destinations with both hotel and air seat capacity as well as the ease of visa procedures for incentive travel,” Bindra said. “The most popular destinations in Asia are Bangkok and Pattaya, Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Kuala Lumpur, and Colombo although Hong Kong and Macau are starting to gain traction again due to the increased air seat capacity as well as tourism marketing initiatives.”

One of the biggest impediments to recovery of business travel has been a lack of airline capacity and competition, FCM Consulting had noted in its November trend report.

Bindra also highlighted the advantage of a larger booking window. “If companies can confirm their group movements before 6 months of travel, they stand to save more than 20% in airfare,” he said.

FCM also advises its clients to book group movements 9 months prior as then fares for full-cost carriers would be about the same as low-cost carriers, Bindra noted.

The global average ticket price of flights booked for business travel have been witnessing a significant increase post Covid.

FCM noted in February that the Mumbai to London economy fare saw a 25% hike , while business class fares on the route went up by 13%.

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Tags: asia monthly , business travel , business travel habits , corporate travel , economic development , fcm , incentive travel , india outbound , mice , south africa

Photo credit: Incentive trips in the first quarter of 2024 went up for Indian companies. Getty Images

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Hit by boycott, Maldives reaches out to India for tourism boost

Maldives' tourist association expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the indian high commission to bolster tourism initiatives..

Updated Apr 11, 2024, 9:09 PM IST

"Maldives Seeks Tourism Boost from India Amidst Declining Visitor Numbers, Plans Collaborative Efforts for Promotion"

As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the island country's tour and travel association has reached out to India to arrest the further slide. The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) met Munu Mahawar, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives on Monday "to explore collaborative efforts in tourism promotion".

'Deeply value relationship with India': Suspended Maldives minister, who mocked PM Modi, apologises for post on Indian flag
Maldives sends a thank you note to India for supplying essentials, Jaishanker says...

The association expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission to bolster tourism initiatives. "Plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow across key cities in India and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the forthcoming months," it said.

The number of Indian tourists, who ranked among the top sources for tourism for Male in the last few years, plunged after January when now three suspended ministers made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he pitched Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The insulting comments against India and PM Modi did not go down well with a section of people and organisations, who started "BoycottMaldives" campaign on social media.

Within weeks, from being the top tourist group visiting the Maldives, Indians slipped to fifth position in the last three weeks of January. In the last three years, over 2 lakh Indians visited Maldives annually - the highest from any country post-Covid. Over 17 lakh tourists visited Maldives in 2023, of which the maximum were Indians (2,09,198) followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese (1,87,118). The number of Indian visitors to Maldives was more than 2.4 lakh in 2022 and over 2.11 lakh in 2021.

As per the latest data till April 8, tourists from India to Maldives slipped to the sixth position. So far, only 36,840 tourists visited the island nation, a sharp decline compared to similar months in previous years.

Maldives' tour association in a statement said that "India remains a vital market" for Maldivian tourism and it looks forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the island nation as a premier travel destination.

"The Association is confident with the support from the industry and the Government agencies, Maldives can regain the current decline in Indian tourists," it said.

MATATO said India's burgeoning middle class is anticipated to spend a substantial $144 billion annually on international travel by the year 2030, drawing significant interest and investment from global players in the hospitality, airline, and tourism industries.

According to Euromonitor, it said, the number of outbound Indian travelers is expected to double to 47 million by 2030, with their spending projected to increase from $35 billion in 2019 to an impressive $84 billion by 2030.

"This growth trajectory positions India to ascend to the sixth-largest outbound travel market globally by 2030, trailing only China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and France."

The association said industry reports forecast robust expansion in Indian outbound travel, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent through 2032, closely mirroring Euromonitor's predictions. This surge in outbound tourism, it added, has led to a fervent pursuit of Indian tourists by top destinations such as Dubai and prominent airlines like Qatar Airways, leveraging the star power of Bollywood icons.

In February this year, Dubai rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indians to "bolster travel between India and Dubai, to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties."

Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends booking travel now.

2026 will be Europe's first total solar eclipse in 27 years.
Travelers worldwide will likely head to Spain, Iceland, and Greenland for the event.

It'll be two decades before the next total solar eclipse hits the US .

Another option: hop on a plane to Europe and turn the 2026 total solar eclipse into a viewing vacation.

Eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler at GreatAmericanEclipse.com told Space.com that up to 3.7 million people likely traveled for the solar eclipse on Monday.

HotelPlanner's chief communication officer, Philip Ballard, told Business Insider that the eclipse was a major revenue generator for many cities. For places like Austin, Texas, and Rochester, New York, it could have created $1 billion in revenue, Vox reported.

"I would say the total solar eclipse has become a global phenomenon," Ballard said.

Ballard added that the next solar eclipse , which will pass through Iceland, Greenland, and Spain on August 12, 2026, could result in similar tourism and revenue influxes.

And if travelers are considering a trip to Europe for the solar eclipse, Ballard recommends planning your trip now.

Ballard said it's similar to when a Super Bowl city is determined or a Taylor Swift tour date is announced — you immediately see spikes in bookings. He predicts hotel occupancy rates will hit near-record highs, and room prices may double around the solar eclipse date.

Ballard's general rule of thumb is to book international travel at least three months in advance, but since this is such an anticipated event, booking earlier is smart. His advice is to start discussing plans with friends and family. If you decide on a destination, book a refundable room to keep your options open if plans change.

Regarding purchasing a plane ticket, a study from Expedia states that international travel's sweet spot is at least six months in advance.

According to Expedia, travelers who book six months in advance save an average of 10% more than travelers booking within two months or less.

Skip the hassle of planning altogether and book a solar eclipse tour

Another option is to let a tour operator do the work for you. A handful of tour companies have seen the increased interest in the solar eclipse and launched tours designed around the event.

These tours will have predetermined locations to view the eclipse, hotel blocks reserved, and itineraries highlighting both the region and the eclipse.

However, these can sell out quickly. For example, Space and Telescope created an 11-day tour of Spain around viewing the 2026 solar eclipse. The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full.

Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

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Travel and tourism industry, also known as Tour and Travel agencies is one of the major industries in India and plays a very significant role as employment generators. States like Goa and North-Eastern generate their primary revenue depending on tourism. The licenses required to start a tour and travel agencies business in India are; Business ...
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Starting a travel business in India can be a challenging but rewarding venture. With the right knowledge and resources, however, it's possible to navigate the industry and establish a successful travel business. In this blog post, we'll provide a complete guide to starting a travel agency in India, covering everything from market research ...
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The Global Business Travel Association projects that India will experience an 18% growth in business travel spending in 2024, reaching $38 billion. It also anticipates a full recovery to pre-2019 ...
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The number of Indian visitors to Maldives was more than 2.4 lakh in 2022 and over 2.11 lakh in 2021. As per the latest data till April 8, tourists from India to Maldives slipped to the sixth ...
Want to see the next total solar eclipse in 2026? An expert recommends
The tour has already sold out as of Wednesday, and the waitlist is full. Other operators, such as Wilderness Travel and Eclipse Traveler, have similar itineraries for the total eclipse in 2026.

How To Start Tour And Travels Business In India?

1. Tour And Travels Business In India

1- Target group of customers

2- Area to be covered

3- Allied service providers required

4- Scale of operation

Prerequisites

Finances/Capitals

Operational

1- Adventure tourism

2- Religious tourism

3- Wellness tourism

4- Rural tourism

5- Heritage tourism

Q. Can I change the specialisation of my tours and travel business at any point in time?

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