TRAVEL · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Ixigo Tests Packaged Train Tours, Eyes New Product Category
WHY IT MATTERS
It shows how OTAs can test new offerings with minimal risk, potentially reshaping revenue models and enhancing traveler convenience if successful.
What happened
In a low‑risk experiment, Indian OTA Ixigo has begun offering IRCTC‑curated train trips on its platform, sidestepping the need to build and run its own tours. By testing demand first, the company can gauge traveler interest before committing to a full‑scale product launch.
If the pilot proves popular, packaged tours could become Ixigo’s next major revenue stream, expanding its portfolio beyond simple booking tools. The move signals a broader trend in the travel industry where OTAs are exploring bundled experiences without the overhead of tour operations.
The outcome will inform how other online travel agencies approach product diversification and partnership models.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Ixigo Tests Packaged Tours for Trains, Uber Becomes a New Distribution Engine
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