Indian Postal Department launches Ticketing Distribution – Threat to OTAs?

India Post has turned into a major distribution channel for ticketing and has launched centralized reservation system (CRS) [termed ease-ticket] for all modes of travel like Air, Rail, Bus and Hotel / Car reservations with a focus to make all forms of travel available in a single platform.

The current launch covers 150 post offices in Karnataka, virtually turning the post offices into multi-purpose ticketing outlets.

The postal department plans to expand to 8000 post offices in the next 12-15 months and in future, will also start accepting requests through Internet as well as call center.

Ease-Ticket product provides real time and last seat availability for all airlines, trains, bus and offers following services:

• Air Tickets (Full Service and Low Cost Carriers)
• Train Tickets (Access to Indian railways ticketing through IRCTC website)
• Hotel Room Reservation
• Bus Tickets
• Car Rental Services
• Tour Packages
• And even Mobile Top ups

India post partnership ranges from operators, domestic airlines, bus operators and most hotels in A, B and C cities.

Does this sounds a threat to OTAs? Unlike OTAs, India post has a great distribution channel and the overall operations relies on low cost model – a boon in the times when travel industry commissions are nearing 0%.

What’s your opinion?

Highly recommended read: Indian Post Office set for Brand Makeover, to sell advertising space

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