Etrav eyes global expansion; Bets on AI & emerging trends
Heniel Rupaarelia, Managing Director and CEO of Etrav
Vietnam named the new favourite, edging out more familiar markets like Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia.
Heniel Rupaarelia, Managing Director and CEO of Etrav, has outlined an ambitious expansion plan for 2024 and beyond, with the company set to strengthen its footprint while embracing AI-powered travel solutions and tapping into the evolving preferences of Indian outbound travellers.
Speaking exclusively to T3, Rupaarelia highlighted Etrav’s current DMC presence across 4 key destinations and announced expansion into 5 additional markets this year. “We’re adding destinations in the CIS region, as well as launching operations in Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and a dedicated base in Spain to cover the wider European market,” he said.
The company is focusing heavily on adding value for travel agents. “Our strength lies in the variety of products we offer and the services we deliver. Travel agents gain more working with us than with other OTAs,” he stated.
On the technology front, Rupaarelia stressed the role of AI in Etrav’s future growth. “We aim to automate 80% of our operations by the end of 2025, with only 20% handled manually, reducing the need for human intervention. We’re also developing an AI-driven quotation builder that will enable agents to generate destination-specific quotes in just 2-3 minutes,” he shared. He added that the tool is designed to support agents unfamiliar with certain destinations by providing rich, AI-curated content and insights.
Etrav has also observed a clear shift in MICE and leisure travel patterns. “We’re seeing a rise in MICE enquiries, specially Far-East destinations. Among leisure travellers, international trips are gaining preference due to inflated domestic pricing. Travelling to destinations like Goa or Kerala now costs nearly as much as Thailand, pushing consumers to explore outbound options like Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, & Vietnam,” Rupaarelia noted.
Vietnam, in particular, has seen exceptional traction. “We launched fixed departures in May, and they were sold out within a week. Vietnam has become the new favourite, edging out more familiar markets like Thailand, Singapore, or Malaysia,” he said.
He further noted, “European destinations, too, are witnessing renewed interest. Travellers are exploring new areas across Europe, the UK, followed by the US and Australia. The Middle East is experiencing slower demand due to summer heat and geopolitical tensions.”
On the domestic front, travellers are increasingly seeking offbeat destinations, especially in the Northeast. Recognising this trend, Etrav plans to introduce India as a DMC product, targeting inbound tourists through its global DMC network. “India is emerging as a destination, evolving into a wellness destination, with diverse landscapes, and we hope to see great properties and excursions coming in,” he said.
