India’s Massive Growth in Online Travel: Which Companies Will Lead?
Skift Take
Key Points
- India's travel industry is moving towards online bookings due to a younger population and increased smartphone usage.
- Skift Research notes a balanced market between direct bookings and third-party platforms, unlike other countries.
- MakeMyTrip holds 54% of the market, but Western companies like Booking and Airbnb are gaining traction.
Summary
India's travel industry is rapidly transitioning from traditional booking methods to online platforms, driven by a young population and increased smartphone usage. Skift Research's report highlights the competitive landscape, noting that unlike other markets, India has a balanced split between direct bookings and third-party platforms. MakeMyTrip leads with 54% market share, but Western companies like Booking and Airbnb are gaining ground. The online travel sector in India is expected to grow dynamically, with local and Western players vying for dominance.
In a country known for tradition, India’s travel industry is undergoing a rapid transition. The younger population and a rising use of smartphones is reshaping India’s traditional travel booking landscape.
These forces set the stage for substantial growth in online travel in the coming years.
Skift Research’s latest report, India’s Travel Booking Landscape, offers a 10-chart overview of Indian traveler preferences and the top companies in online travel.
Unlike other markets, where third-party booking platforms dominate, India is unique: There is a roughly balanced market between direct bookings and third-parties.
Competition Heats Up
India has emerged as a pivotal market. As Western travel booking platforms gain traction in India, the third-party online travel landscape has become increasingly diverse and fragmented.
OTAs are poised to play a significant role in India’s growing travel market and tapping into its online travel opportunities.
MakeMyTrip has emerged as India’s leading OTA, capturing 54% of the country’s online travel market. But western companies, such as Booking and Airbnb, have been steadily gaining market share.
As online travel booking becomes the primary method for Indians, it will be interesting to observe whether local, home-grown players retain their dominance or if the space is overtaken by Western players.
Read our India’s Travel Booking Landscape Report for further insights.
Up Next
The State of Corporate Travel and Expense 2025
Hotel Versus OTA Direct-Booking Tussle Will Shape Distribution for Years to Come
Capital A Seeks to Clear Distressed Status With $1.3B Capital Cut
Despegar to Be Acquired by Prosus for $1.7 Billion
