Why EaseMyTrip’s Nishant Pitti Stepped Down as CEO, but Isn’t Stepping Away

On January 1 this year, Indian online travel company EaseMyTrip announced a major change in leadership as co-founder Nishant Pitti resigned from the position of CEO. Back then, he cited personal reasons for stepping down. His brother Rikant Pittie, who was the chief financial officer in the company, took over the position. 

In EaseMyTrip’s latest earnings call, Nishant clarified that he has not stepped away from the company and is continuing as the chairman. When questioned by investors on the leadership change, Nishant said, “I am going to take care of the international expansion of the company. For that purpose, I have to travel outside of India a lot, and that is the main reason I stepped down.”

However, he did not speak on his decision to reduce his stake in the company. He currently has a little less than 13% stake in EaseMyTrip. In September last year, he sold 13.9% stake in the company. There is also no clarity on why he earlier cited “personal reasons” as the reason for his move to step down. 

For now, though, he seems to be involved in the company’s matters. The third Pitti brother, EaseMyTrip managing director Prashant Pitti said, “Nishant has not resigned from the company. He has just resigned from the CEO position and Rikant is the CEO. Nishant is a very active member at EaseMyTrip. So there is no loss of management from our side.”

International Plans: The company said it is increasing its focus on international expansion. In the past quarter, EaseMyTrip has seen a 227% year-on-year growth in its Dubai operations. The gross booking revenue in the market stood at INR 1.7 billion ($19.6 million). 

“This growth reflects our success in capturing market opportunities abroad, particularly in Dubai and reinforces our commitment to strengthening our international footprint,” Rikant said. 

He added that going forward, expanding its geographical footprint is a priority. “Looking ahead, we remain focused on scaling our business profitability, expanding our non-air verticals, and also to strengthen our international operations.”

Cox & Kings Grows Presence in India

Tour operator brand Cox & Kings has launched 10 new franchise offices as part of its broader strategy to capture the growing number of travelers through offline presence. Over the next two years, the company plans to establish 300 franchises, preferred agents, and holiday clubs across India and globally. 

In November last year, Singaporean venture capital firm Wilson & Hughes announced its decision to reintroduce Cox & Kings in India after having acquired the tour operator. However, the acquisition made through Wilson & Hughes' Indian subsidiary is distinct from the erstwhile Cox & Kings company in India, which remains under liquidation, Skift had earlier reported. "Wilson & Hughes has no involvement with this previous entity or its unresolved obligations," it  said, adding it has no ties to former management.

After the relaunch, Cox & Kings is focusing on innovation and digital transformation to attract the growing Indian market. In a statement, the company said that its franchise partners will have access to AI-powered booking and itinerary-building systems that will help in creating customized travel plans.

This is in line with Wilson & Hughes’ plans for Cox & Kings at the time of the relaunch. “The focus is on integrating advanced technology — AI, machine learning, and data analytics — to offer travellers tailor-made journeys that anticipate their needs and elevate the traditional travel experience,” it had said. The tour operator is looking at four main areas of operations – leisure travel, business travel, specialized travel, and travel technology. 

UAE Expands Visa on Arrival Policy for Indian Travelers

The United Arab Emirates has updated its visa on arrival policy for Indian travelers. Now, Indian passport holders having valid residence permits, visas, or green cards from six additional countries will be eligible for visa on arrival in the UAE. These additional six countries are Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea. 

In October last year, the UAE announced visa on arrival for Indian nationals with valid residence permits or tourist visas from the U.S., UK, or Schengen countries. The new rule applies to key entry points, including the Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central.

The UAE is a top tourist destination for Indians, especially Dubai. The updated rules will eliminate the need for paperwork, and reduce wait times. This comes after Indians witnessed a surge in visa rejections from Dubai last December. The UAE had implemented stricter visa rules, requiring applicants to submit return tickets, proof of hotel bookings, and additional documents such as financial records. 

Antara Cruises Inks $92 Million Deal for River Tourism in West Bengal

River cruising company Antara Cruises has signed an agreement with the government of West Bengal. Under the agreement, the company will invest INR 8 billion ($92 million) over the next five years to expand luxury river cruise services, develop shipbuilding facilities, and boost river tourism in the state. 

The company has already invested INR 2 billion ($23 million) in the state and is operating voyages from Kolkata to Dhaka in Bangladesh. With this investment, the company will construct new cruise vessels at Kolkata’s shipyards, it said in a statement. It also expects to generate thousands of jobs in the state, and plans to employ locals for 70-80% of the opportunities. 

Korea Launches Designated Travel Agency Program in India

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has unveiled its Designated Travel Agency Program under its K-Incentive Scheme 3.0. The program has been designed to recognize and support travel agencies that are actively promoting South Korea. 

Under the program, travel agencies will develop Korea-specific travel packages that include at least one local city beyond Seoul. Agencies that are selected will get direct visa support, promotional assistance, and exclusive rewards, the tourism board said in a statement. 

In 2024, Indian tourists to South Korea increased by 44% year on year, with a total of more than 176,000 visitors. This year, KTO is targeting 250,000 Indian travelers.

Sarovar Launches Sarovar Portico-Branded Hotel in Ajmer

Sarovar Hotels has launched Sarovar Portico in Rajasthan’s Ajmer. The 88-key property aims to target business as well as leisure travelers. 

Ajay Bakaya, chairman of Sarovar Hotels, said that the move is a part of the company’s strategy to expand in high-potential markets. In an interview with Skift last year, Bakaya shared that Sarovar plans to have 150 operational hotels in its portfolio by the end of this year.