Pickyourtrail Announces Domestic Travel Launch and Global Expansion Plans
Chennai-based personalized international holidays startup Pickyourtrail is set to diversify its offerings by launching domestic travel services and expanding into overseas markets, capitalizing on the surging demand for leisure travel. The company's strategic move aims to tap into both local and global travel trends, positioning itself for significant growth in the competitive travel industry.
Domestic Travel Rollout and International Ambitions
According to Hari Ganapathy, co-founder and chief executive of Pickyourtrail, the company will introduce domestic travel offerings in the current quarter. Initial destinations will include popular spots such as Andaman, Kashmir, the Northeast, and Rajasthan. This expansion into the domestic market is seen as a natural progression for the startup, which has built its reputation on customized international holiday packages.
Ganapathy revealed that after stabilizing its domestic business, Pickyourtrail will pursue international expansion, initially targeting English-speaking markets like the United States, Australia, Singapore, and the Middle East. He noted that there is already interest from the Indian diaspora in these regions, and travel behavior there aligns well with the company's focus on personalized holidays.
Growth Drivers and Financial Outlook
The startup anticipates a growth rate of around 40%, driven by several key factors:
- Rising demand for international travel, including from first-time travelers.
- Easier visa access, such as visa-on-arrival facilities.
- Broader shifts in consumer preferences towards more frequent and less seasonal travel.
Ganapathy highlighted that travel patterns are evolving, with customers now taking shorter trips, planning further in advance, and traveling for specific events or experiences rather than just annual holidays.
Funding and Future Plans
While Pickyourtrail is currently cash flow positive, the company is exploring the possibility of raising fresh capital in the next one to two years. This funding would support its international expansion, scale the corporate travel business, and pursue acquisitions. Ganapathy explained that the travel industry lends itself to a house of brands strategy, and the startup is looking at niche travel operators that have excelled in specific use cases or customer cohorts.
Currently, Pickyourtrail has a total booking value of approximately Rs 550 crore and continues to grow at double-digit rates. Ganapathy believes that 30% to 40% year-on-year growth is achievable in the foreseeable future, though it may be constrained by how quickly the company can scale its capacity and execution.
Background and Achievements
So far, Pickyourtrail has raised around Rs 45 crore in funding and has experienced significant growth following the post-pandemic rebound in travel demand. The startup's focus on personalized holidays has resonated well with travelers, and its expansion plans are expected to further solidify its position in the market.
