Flipkart Acquires Minority Stake in TravClan To Expand International Travel Offerings

Flipkart is strengthening its travel business with an investment in TravClan, a B2B travel technology startup that helps travel agents create and book holiday packages across India and international destinations.

The ecommerce giant has acquired a minority stake in TravClan as it looks to expand its international holiday offerings through Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel. The companies have not disclosed the financial details of the transaction.

TravClan operates a B2B outbound travel platform that connects travel agents with suppliers across different destinations. Its technology allows agents to customise and book holiday packages, hotels and activities for their customers.

Key Numbers

• 15,000+ travel agents use TravClan’s platform
• 2021 - Flipkart acquired online travel company Cleartrip
• Minority stake - Investment made by Flipkart in TravClan

TravClan Brings a Strong Travel Network

TravClan works with travel suppliers across both domestic and international markets. Its platform gives travel agents access to different travel products and allows them to create packages based on what customers are looking for.

The company also provides 24/7 on-ground customer support, helping travellers during their trips and giving travel agents additional support when needed.

For Flipkart, the investment can provide access to TravClan’s supplier network and destination-level operations. This could help Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel offer more international holiday packages while improving support for travellers at their destinations.

Nishant Verman, SVP, Corporate Development and Partnerships at Flipkart, said the investment will strengthen the company’s ability to offer international holiday packages. He also highlighted that travellers are increasingly looking beyond simple flight or hotel bookings and want complete holidays built around their interests.

TravClan Plans to Expand

TravClan plans to use the fresh capital to strengthen its global travel supply, technology and destination presence.

The company will also expand its teams across business development, engineering and destination operations. This could help TravClan add more suppliers, improve its technology and support a larger number of travel bookings.

TravClan was founded by Arun Bagaria, who is also the company’s co-founder and CEO.

Bagaria said India is becoming one of the world’s major outbound travel markets, with more Indians taking international trips. A growing number of first-time international travellers is also adding to this demand.

TravClan believes its direct relationships with suppliers and local teams can help it offer competitive prices while providing support at the destination.

Why This Deal Matters for Flipkart

The investment comes as Flipkart continues to build its presence beyond ecommerce.

The company acquired online travel platform Cleartrip in 2021 and has since continued to develop its travel business. Through Cleartrip and Flipkart Travel, the company already offers travel-related services, and the TravClan investment can help it move further into complete holiday packages.

Instead of focusing only on flights and hotels, Flipkart is looking to offer travellers a wider travel experience that includes stays, activities, holiday packages and support throughout the journey.

TravClan can add to this strategy through its network of suppliers, travel agents and destination teams.

India’s Outbound Travel Market Is Growing

More Indian travellers are now exploring international destinations, creating a bigger opportunity for travel companies. First-time international travellers are also looking for easy-to-manage packages where flights, hotels, activities and local support can be arranged together.

This changing travel behaviour is creating opportunities for technology-led platforms like TravClan.

With Flipkart’s customer base and TravClan’s travel network coming together, the partnership could help bring more international holiday options to Indian consumers.

For TravClan, the deal offers an opportunity to reach a much larger customer base. For Flipkart, it adds stronger international travel capabilities to its growing travel business.

The latest investment shows that Flipkart sees travel as an important part of its wider consumer ecosystem. As more Indians plan international holidays, the partnership with TravClan could help the company build a stronger position in the fast-growing travel market.