A company that helps thousands plan their journey within India and abroad. MakeMyTrip, the online travel company, has been a major presence in India’s travel and tourism sector for over a decade. Founded by Hyderabad-native Deep Karla, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, it was launched in the US market in 2000 to cater to the Indian community settled overseas. Headquartered in Gurugram, Haryana, MakeMyTrip kicked off its Indian operations in 2005.
The idea of MakeMyTrip hit Deep Karla while he was exploring the internet possibilities to sell his wife’s car. The scope of the internet trade became clearer to him while booking a holiday to Thailand. He realised the internet could provide better prices without the involvement of middlemen. Thus, was born MakeMyTrip. After its IPO in 2010, the company was listed on the NASDAQ. In 2011, it created travel-related apps for mobile gadgets. As of 31 March 2018, it runs 14 company-owned travel stores in 14 cities, 30 plus franchisee-owned travel stores in 28 cities, and counters in four major airports in India.
Over the years, MakeMyTrip expanded its activities, focusing also on non-air businesses like holiday packages and hotel bookings. The company’s keen eye for innovation and customer-first strategy have made it a favourite of travellers. The journey was no cakewalk. The meltdown of dotcom, the exit of venture capital from India, and the 9/11 attacks affected its growth. A couple of years witnessed no investors, forcing the company to shrink the team. The tough times only elevated the spirit of the team. It bounced back.
Started with the aim to provide customers with a one-stop solution for all their travel needs, in 2009, one out of every 12 domestic airline tickets from India was booked through MakeMyTrip. MakeMyTrip has valued $850 Mn at IPO. It also has offices in New York, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Bangkok and Dubai.
