New Delhi [India], September 22 : EaseMyTrip Co-Founder Rikant Pittie has said that the world has changed with Artificial Intelligence (AI) reshaping everything, and it's time "for us to adapt, reimagine and build EaseMyTrip 2.0."
In a social media post on LinkedIn, Rikant Pittie said they are inviting vendors, startups, and professionals who have special products or skills in areas such as holidays, airlines, or other travel-tech.
He invited those who can push EaseMyTrip forward to fill an attached Google form and said he will personally review the responses.
Rikant Pittie, who is also chairman of CII Delhi, recalled how they built EaseMyTrip 1.0 over the past 18 years with just Rs 25 lakh "of our own savings".
"EaseMyTrip 2.0 -- JOIN US! Over the last 18 years, we built EaseMyTrip 1.0: A) With just ₹25 lakh of our own savings (no outside funding) B) Profitably, while 8-10 well-funded competitors burned cash for 16 years," he said.
"But the world has changed. AI is reshaping everything. And now only 2-3 airlines exist, hence margins shrunk. So, it's time for us to adapt, reimagine & build EaseMyTrip 2.0. We are inviting vendors, innovative startups and professionals who have SPECIAL & SPECIFIC products/skills in: Holidays, Hotels, Bus, Train, Airlines, Cabs or other travel-tech. If you can push EaseMyTrip forward, fill the Google Form (link in comments). I will personally review your responses," he added.
Rikant Pittie noted that the last year was rough, and that over the years, the company has survived and thrived and will do it again.
He said the company will be stronger and more future-ready.
"Yes, last year was rough. But this isn't new for us. Over the years, we have seen waves where competitors raised & burned billions as if there was no tomorrow. We survived. We thrived. And we will do it again. EaseMyTrip 2.0 will be stronger, sharper, and more future-ready," he said.
Rikant Pittie had earlier this month welcomed the latest reforms in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure saying that this was a very exciting time for the travel and tourism industry,
Speaking to ANI, Pittie said, "This is a very exciting time for the travel and tourism industry... Travel and tourism is one of the sectors that has the biggest multiplier impact on employment, and these tax reforms will definitely encourage a lot of tourism to be enhanced."
He explained that the simplified tax regime, which has reduced the earlier four GST slabs to just two, 5 per cent and 18 per cent, will make travel more affordable for people and boost overall demand.
"The reduction of the GST on hotels will not only encourage tourism but also help hoteliers to make their stays more affordable for travellers, which will also enhance high occupancy within the hotel. This will help a lot with the budget in the mid-scale hotels," he said.