Chirag Agarwal, co-founder of TravClan, shares how the B2B travel platform is investing in AI, expanding into Europe and supporting travel agents amid shifting outbound travel trends and geopolitical uncertainty
Please elaborate on the focus areas for TravClan.
The first is artificial intelligence (AI). We have launched a solution called AI Quotes, which simplifies the process of planning holiday packages. For instance, if a customer wants to travel to destinations such as Singapore, the platform can seamlessly combine flights, hotels and ground services including transfers and attractions within a minute. While categories like flights and hotels have largely become instant-booking products, holiday packages traditionally require more time and effort. Through AI, we have been able to streamline and automate this process. We launched the first version of AI Quotes last year and are set to roll out the second version in the coming weeks.
The second area of focus is VOLT, an API-first platform designed for large travel companies as well as start-ups. VOLT provides a unified connectivity layer across flights, hotels, holidays and experiences, enabling travel companies to deliver consistent and personalised customer journeys while also improving operational efficiency. For VOLT, we are currently working with buyers across Asian markets as well as Europe.
You also recently expanded into the European market. Do share more about your international expansion plans.
In Europe, we are currently focusing on two key areas. The first is the contracting side, where we are partnering with local stakeholders such as destination management companies (DMCs) and hotels to onboard their inventory onto our platform. The second area is the distribution of content all over the world to buyers in Europe. With our existing presence in markets such as India, South-east Asia, the Middle East and now Europe, we are also planning to expand into North American markets like the US.
How are you working with small Indian travel agents to empower them technologically?
We are developing AI-driven tools in-house and offering them to travel companies, whether they are small travel agents or larger travel firms, as ready-to-use solutions. This means travel companies do not need to have technical expertise or an understanding of AI to benefit from these products. For example, in the hotel industry, hotel and room mapping have long been complex challenges with companies worth hundreds of millions of dollars working to solve them. Recently, we developed an AI-powered mapping technology that significantly enhances the experience for end buyers. As a result, buyers do not need to understand the underlying technology or AI; they simply receive a high-quality finished product that improves efficiency and usability.
This is one of the ways in which we are leveraging technology to deliver a better experience across the travel supply chain. In addition, we conduct roadshows across the country to demonstrate our technological tools and help our travel agent partners better understand and adopt these solutions.
How has the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East impacted your business?
During the initial couple of weeks after the situation escalated, we definitely witnessed a slowdown in business due to uncertainty and anxiety among travellers. As a result, many travel agents either cancelled bookings or advised customers to postpone their travel plans. However, since mid-April, as tensions have gradually eased, our business has almost returned to normal levels. At the same time, we have observed a few broader market trends emerging. Travel to destinations in the Middle East and parts of Europe has become challenging, either because airfares have risen sharply or flights are not operating normally. Consequently, many travellers who were planning family holidays during the summer vacation period have started shifting to alternative destinations.
We are actively suggesting substitute destinations to travel agents so travellers can still proceed with their holiday plans. For shorthaul travel, destinations such as Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines and Hong Kong are witnessing increased demand as alternatives to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman and Qatar. Similarly, for travellers considering Europe, destinations like Japan and South Korea are gaining popularity as preferred longhaul options requiring flight durations of over six to seven hours. We are also seeing growing interest in Mauritius, particularly among honeymoon travellers.
You also launched the OnTrip mobile application in the past. How does it support ease of travel?
The OnTrip application functions as a comprehensive trip management platform that brings all travel-related information together in one place. Travellers receive all the updates related to their journey directly through the app, including hotel vouchers, sightseeing tickets, airport transfer details and information about the person assigned to pick them up from the airport. The app also offers recommendations for nearby restaurants and other useful services based on the traveller’s location. By centralising all trip-related information, OnTrip helps make the overall travel experience far more seamless and convenient.
Earlier, travellers often had to carry multiple physical vouchers for hotels and attractions or store important documents on their phones. With the OnTrip application, everything is accessible in one place, eliminating the need to carry physical documents. In case travellers face any issues during their trip, they can raise concerns directly through the app, which also provides access to a 24/7 concierge service for end users.
What travel trends are you noticing at present?
One of the key trends we are witnessing is that people now have higher disposable incomes, which enable them to travel more frequently. Indian travellers have also become far more curious and aspirational than before. Social media platforms, especially Instagram, play a major role in shaping travel preferences and inspiring people to explore new experiences and destinations. In fact, many travel agents now approach us with Instagram reels shared by their clients, saying that travellers want to recreate similar experiences. This shows that travellers today are drawing inspiration from a wide variety of digital sources.
Technology is also playing a significant role in transforming the travel landscape. Beyond AI, customers are becoming more informed, aware and tech-savvy. They are increasingly adopting digital tools and applications that help enhance convenience and deliver a smoother, more personalised travel experience.
