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As more Indians explore new destinations and look for better travel plans, Skyscanner’s approach as both travel guide and deal finder could resonate. The company’s vision to make India a top-three market is ambitious, but its success could redefine its role in Asia.
Peden Doma Bhutia
Travel metasearch engine Skyscanner is preparing to launch a new marketplace within its app that will offer a variety of additional services.
The feature has not yet been officially announced, but Sky says it aims to integrate options such as ground transportation, visa services, and even travel-related information, making the app a one-stop shop for travelers. Scanner CEO John Mangelers told Skift.
The CEO said the company has already rolled out a sustainability feature that allows airlines to post their environmental efforts, and the marketplace could significantly expand the app’s reach.
Mangerar, who was in India last week, spoke to Skift about deepening Skyscanner’s presence in the country. According to him, the travel market shows great potential for travel metasearch engines.
Skyscanner CEO John Mangelers
Skyscanner Indian market
“India is among the top 10 revenue-generating markets along with the US, Brazil, Japan, France, Germany and South Korea. We believe India could soon be among the top three markets,” Mangelar said. said.
Mangelar’s optimism stems from India’s rapidly evolving travel landscape, rising disposable income, increased air connectivity and a growing desire for unique travel experiences.
As more Indians take to the skies for domestic as well as international travel, Skyscanner has established a local team in India to forge partnerships and provide services tailored to local needs.
India’s outbound wave
With just under 100 million passport holders, India’s international travel market is still in its infancy. However, Skyscanner believes there is an opportunity for millennials looking to explore international destinations, especially as infrastructure and affordability improve.
“While three out of four Indian millennials want to travel abroad, they are also looking for great deals and unique experiences,” Mangelal said.
The company’s “Explore Everywhere” feature, which uses AI and machine learning to recommend destinations based on traveler preferences and trends, is designed to cater to this demographic.
Solutions for tech-savvy users
Skyscanner also integrates AI-powered tools to improve the travel planning process. The “Savvy Search” tool allows users to input preferences like “Aurora borealis” or “affordable beach destinations” and helps find personalized recommendations based on real-time data.
“Indian travelers are highly receptive to AI-powered tools. They may not want AI as a standalone feature, but from better price searches to customized recommendations, AI provides “We appreciate the improved experience that comes with it,” he said.
Strategic partnerships to accelerate market penetration
Skyscanner’s collaborations with local companies such as JioCinema and Paytm demonstrate deeper integration into India’s digital ecosystem. These partnerships make users aware of Skyscanner’s capabilities and also help increase user engagement through events and targeted marketing.
Skyscanner aims to simplify travel booking for Indian customers by leveraging India’s rapidly evolving digital payments landscape, including the adoption of UPI.
“Partnering with local businesses allows us to create the right experiences for Indian travelers. Whether it’s a JioCinema contest or a collaboration with Paytm, we are where the travelers are and are creating new travel experiences. “We want to help them discover opportunities,” he said.
Overcoming price sensitivity with value-oriented products
Skyscanner is fine-tuning its service to cater to value-conscious travelers in India. Mangelers pointed out that Skyscanner’s tools, such as price alerts and fare reductions, can help users find the best deals.
This focus on affordability aligns with Indian travelers’ desire for value while offering flexibility in terms of travel dates and destinations.
“Indian travelers are looking for great deals, but they also want unique experiences. , we aim to provide both,” said Mangelers.
But Skyscanner’s ambitions in India go beyond market share. Mangelers envisions a future where the company plays a role in supporting the broader development of the travel ecosystem. As India continues to invest in its airport infrastructure and countries ease visa restrictions for Indian travelers, Skyscanner aims to position itself as a key partner in this growth.
“India has a huge opportunity to align the stars. We want to be champions of this process and help connect the dots,” he said.
