A small click, but a giant leap
Riya Group Enterprises is doing its bit to incorporate technology into its business. Its travel division has launched a B2B mobile application that allows agents to book tickets and packages and pay directly through it.
GMJ Thampy, CMD, Riya Group, said, "It is a completely secure medium as one password will work only on one phone number that has been registered with us. We have already recorded more than 5,000 downloads since it was launched in March this year. Our partner agents have already started transacting with this app and more than 150 transactions are done daily."
The app allows agents to book flight, bus and rail tickets as well as hotel rooms and travel insurance. Currently, the Android version is available but the travel division is putting final touches to the application's Windows version and will roll out an iOS version by July 2014. “A simplified version of our website will also be available on the Mobile. dot platform for quick access by agents on their smart phones,” he added.
M.dot is simply a browser for mobiles. Agents will therefore be able to book and make transactions on three different platforms – the app, Riya’s website and its M.dot website.
Expanding horizons
Riya Group Enterprises recently won the ‘ Best Outbound Tour Operator’ award for 2012-2013 by Kerala Tourism Board for second consecutive year. The group also opened its first branch in Dubai in June 2014 to tap the Middle East market.
“We will spread to all the other emirates by 2019. This shouldn’t be difficult with a 10%-15% growth year-on-year that we currently record, Thampy said, adding, “We grew almost 11% over last year’s figures. Our research has shown that Dubai is at least five years behind India in terms of incorporating technology, which means that we are on the right track.”
Trending soon
Speaking about the travel industry, the veteran emphasizes the importance of tier-II and III cities. “The industry will soon see growing demand from these cities. It’s just a matter of time,” he said. In terms of outbound, Thampy underlines Philippines and China as the top two upcoming destinations. “Indians are gradually looking at traveling to offbeat countries and we are recording a lot of bookings for Manila and China,” he revealed.