In a collaboration that is set to benefit many accommodation providers, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism (IRCTC) has confirmed a two-way connection with the leading cloud-based hospitality distribution platform, STAAH. The partnership enables STAAH’s huge partner network of more than 100 hospitality chains, including more than 2,500 hotel partners, to expand their reach via the IRCTC website, which processes more than half a million bookings every day – arguably India’s most booked website.
IRCTC, the public sector unit of Indian Railways, handles catering, tourism, rail and flight online ticketing operations. “We are absolutely thrilled to complete our connection with Indian Railways IRCTC, the backbone for travel within the Indian subcontinent,” said Tarun Joukani, commercial director for STAAH. “The limitless array of booking options that are now available to consumers has borne a rising trend of travellers who are looking to their preferred travel suppliers. For India, the rail-travel is the perfect fit here. By making accommodation available on their booking platform, it helps consumers complete their itinerary and escaping browser fatigue.”
He added that consumers typically book their railway tickets first, but there is a growing appetite for them to book their accommodation at the same time, or even before their journey on IRCTC rail and air ticketing websites. “By offering a broader suite of accommodation to complement their rail and air travel through the IRCTC website, consumers can be confident they are receiving the best package,” he said.
“Consumers typically book their railway tickets first, but we know there is a growing appetite for them to book their accommodation at the same time, or even before their journey on IRCTC rail and air ticketing websites. By offering a broader suite of accommodation to complement their rail and air travel, consumers can be confident they are receiving the best package,” he added.
Domestic travel in India is slowly opening up in face of the global pandemic with people looking at getaways, especially to tourist towns near metros. Already properties in these towns are reporting occupancy rates that are higher than 80%. The desire to travel – especially domestic – is strong. This collaboration places IRCTC well placed to continue servicing the needs of consumers while presenting properties around the country with a unique opportunity to expand their reach. The two-way XML connection between the IRCTC website and STAAH channel manager will now be live with all hotels and accommodations choosing STAAH technology to boost their revenue.
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