On Monday, EaseMyTrip announced that it would start opening offline retail stores under a franchise model in India. Through the EaseMyTrip franchise, the online travel technology company will provide customers with an in-store retail experience, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Through the EaseMyTrip franchise, the company is developing a new set of offline customers that will enable it to expand its reach. Within its line of business, the target audience it aspires to reach is walk-in customers.

Building a franchise requires a strong network of High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNIs), a client base, a network of societies and associations, and the ability to generate significant walk-in business.

“Prerequisites include knowledge about vertical tourism, sales, customer service, good client base network and local contacts,” the company said.

Rikant Pittie, the co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said: “The EaseMyTrip franchise model was born from the simple idea of ​​catering to a different segment of customers who appreciate face-to-face help but do not understand the internet. With the EaseMyTrip Franchise, we focus on providing travellers with a meet and greet experience unique in the industry.”

Products and services to be offered under the EaseMyTrip franchise will include flight bookings, group fares, hotels, holidays, IRCTC (railway bookings), taxis, buses, cruises, charter flights and visas.

Pittie added: “This will help brands build trust and brand building by supporting and demonstrating products and services to customers offline while also helping them to book and confirm easily.”

The company will provide support on onboarding, liaisoning, administration and marketing.