The idea for EaseMyTrip came when the brothers, Nishant Pitti and Rikant Pitti used to book air tickets for their father's frequent business trips, and saved money in the booking process. Initially based out of their home garage as a travel agency, the duo lost all of the initial investment within the first three months.[3] Later on, references from family and friends helped and a major turnaround came when an airline noticed multiple bookings coming from a single email account and contacted the Pitti brothers to become its travel partner.[4]
In 2019, EaseMyTrip had a network of more than 42,000 travel agents, 1,200 franchise outlets, 640 white-label solutions, and around 1,600 distributors.[2]
In September 2021, it became a unicorn after its market capitalisation crossed $1 billion.[12] In December 2021, the organisation hired Vijay Raaz and Varun Sharma as their brand ambassadors.[13]
EaseMyTrip acquired Spree Hospitality, a hospital management company established in 2011 by Keshab Baljee, for an undisclosed amount.[14][15] The company announced the acquisition of travel marketplace Traviate in October 2021.[16] EaseMyTrip acquired YoloBus, an intercity mobility platform, in 2021.[17]
On 17th September 2024, it announced its move into the medical tourism sector with the acquisition of a 49 per cent equity stake in Pflege Home Healthcare for ₹30 crore, and a 30 per cent stake in Rollins International for ₹60 crore.[20][21]
In November 2024, EaseMyTrip acquired a 49% stake in Planet Education Australia. This move will expand its presence in international study tourism.[22]
Services
In January 2020, EaseMyTrip announced it will allow users to book flight tickets via WhatsApp. Users can activate the autonomous interactive program by sending a message and the booking bot will guide users through the end-to-end process.[23]
In 2021, the company launched another feature where if a person can show a waiting ticket in a train, they would get a discount from Easemytrip on flights.[24]
In order to provide travel services on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), EaseMyTrip has announced the launch of ScanMyTrip on 12 September 2024. By allowing them to offer their services—flights, hotels, and homestays—on the ONDC, ScanMyTrip seeks to empower MSMEs, homestays, and OTAs (Online Travel Agencies).[25]
HSBC Global Investment Funds, Tata Trustee Company, Aditya Birla Sunlife Insurance Company, Nomura, Sundaram Mutual Fund, Nippon Life India Trustee Company, and BajajAllianz Life Insurance Company were its anchor investors.[31][32]
Philanthropy
In 2018, the employees of the company contributed a day's salary for the relief measures of Kerala floods.[33]
During the second wave of the COVID-19 oxygen crisis in India, the company donated 550 oxygen concentrators[34] and launched a refund policy that promised full refund for ticket cancellations, including the costs deducted by the airlines.[35]
Controversies
On March 8, 2022,[when?] a consumer technology firm from Pune called udChalo filed a trademark infringement case against EaseMyTrip.[36] Previously, MakeMyTrip also moved to Delhi High Court against the company and Google both for Trademark violation.[37]
Collaborations
Vodafone Idea partners EaseMyTrip to offer travel services on Vi App, Dec 23.[38]
EaseMyTrip, along with Jeewani Group, is partnering with Radisson Hotel for the development of a 150-room hotel in Ayodhya City, Feb 24.[39]
EaseMyTrip partners with Zaggle to streamline expense management solutions, Feb 24.[40]
EaseMyTrip has collaborated with Zoomcar to provide pre-booked and on-demand self-drive cars in India, Mar 24.[41]
EaseMy Trip partners with Adani Digital Labs to offer duty-free shopping benefits, Apr 24.[42]
