New Delhi, Jan 9, 2013: Expedia, the world’s largest online travel company, today announced association with Track India to enhance presence in the Tier II/III growth pockets in the country. Track India, that represents international airlines like Air Arabia, Air Asia, Air AsiaX, Thai Air Asia, Drukair (North India) and Qatar Airways, would help Expedia extend their online distribution network in the TAAP channel. This association will increase the number of travel agents in the Travel Agents Affiliation Programme by upto 85%. As a part of this tie-up, Track India will issue a credit card to the travel agents specifically for Expedia.co.in website. The agent will have to maintain a deposit with Track to get this card and all transactions will be settled through Track India, directly with the credit card company. Track India will use the deposit as security.
Expedia offers a huge inventory to choose from 160000 hotels, 400+ airlines and 7000 activities in India as well as globally, with over 18000 live deals through a user-friendly interface. Besides providing access to this inventory, this association will enable travel agents to make better choices for their customers while bagging attractive deals, discounts and offers. As an introductory offer, the travel agents will receive a flat discount of Rs 500 on their first booking through Expedia.co.in website.
Announcing the tie-up, Vikram Malhi, Country Head, Expedia India said, “With offices present in 12 towns including Chandigarh, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Goa, Nagpur,Lucknow, Coimbatore and Trichy, Track India was the perfect partner to strengthen our presence in Tier II & III towns in India. Another unique advantage is the deposit based payment method that will allow agents to use Track India’s card in case their usage is limited by low credit limit.”
“With this association we anticipate an increase in air ticket sales, followed by hotel rooms. By end of 2013, we expect Track India to contribute 20% of the overall TAAP bookings in India” he said.
Ram Bhupal, CEO Track India said, “We are delighted to be associated with a global brand like Expedia.com and together we aim to bring synergies which will benefit the travel community and strengthen our joint position in India’s growing cities. With access to special Air Asia fares and the newly launched alternate payment system, we are happy to provide more options to our 4000+ partner travel agents across 285 cities a greater choice on tickets, hotels, holiday packages and other travel solutions to their clients.”
Indian tier II/III towns are witnessing a huge boom in travel market due to the burgeoning spending power and are emerging as the new growth pockets for travel companies. In fact, if we consider the economic indicators, these Tier II/III towns currently have higher growth rates than the metro cities.
