Yatra.com narrowing in on Gujarat to expand its on-ground retail presence
- Plans to launch five new Yatra.com Holiday Lounges by 2009 in a fast growing regional economy

Ahmedabad, June 26, 2008: Yatra.com, a leading online travel company, today announced its expansion plans for its retail chain – Yatra.com Holiday Lounges in the state of Gujarat. Following the success of the first two outlets in Ahmedabad and Surat, Yatra.com will soon be setting up five new Holiday Lounges in key regions of Gujarat with a total investment Rs 17.5 million by the end of year 2009.

Yatra.com is receiving 1500 footfalls every month at the Yatra.com Holiday Lounge of Ahmedabad, which was also the first Lounge that the company launched in the region in April 2008. The third Lounge will be operational in Vadodara by the middle of August 2008. Through the ’Lounges’, Yatra.com expects the Gujarat market to contribute at least 5% of the total company revenue. Yatra.com, through its online presence and its Lounges is targeting revenue of Rs 1500 Cr. by the end of the financial year 2009-10.

Speaking on the retail expansion, Ashish Kishore, Business Head for Hotel and Retail initiatives Yatra.com, said, “Gujarat is a key market for Yatra.com as it witnesses maximum inbound and outbound travel due to rapid industrialization, huge investment flow and a rapid growth of the service sector.”

He further added, “Being one of the top states in terms of per capita income, a huge chunk of outbound leisure travel happens from Gujarat. With the launch of Yatra.com Holiday Lounges in the state, we aim to tap the innate potential of the region, offering one stop shops for all the travel needs, giving customers the opportunity to research and plan holidays in a leisurely, convenient and comfortable environment.”

Currently Yatra.com is scouting ideal locations for setting up new Holiday Lounges, targeting regions such as Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Kachchh, Kamnagar, Bhavnagar, Surat, Vadodara and Navsari.

Yatra.com Holiday Lounges are premium lounges supported by Yatra.com travel consultants proficient in English and local languages, handling all the intricacies of travel, right from international and domestic flights, hotels, to tailor made holiday packages. The Yatra.com Holiday Lounges open from 9:30 a.m. till 7p.m. seven days a week and have luxurious ambience, where a family can sit and plan a holiday in comfort.

Currently, Yatra.com, has thirteen premium Lounges across the country, located in Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Mumbai, Delhi, Gurgaon(Delhi NCR), Noida (Delhi NCR), Kochi, Aligarh, Chennai, Chandigarh, Jhasi, and Ludhiana.