Abhijit Mishra

DIRECTOR, INDIA & MIDDLE EAST OF KAYAK

Stressing the importance and perks of the online era of travel booking, Abhijit Mishra, Director, India & Middle East of KAYAK talks to Utsavi Jha about the convenience travellers would enjoy because of KAYAK’s many schemes and how technology is shaping the future of the travel industry.

EX: Can you talk about your role at kayak in depth?

ABHIJIT MISHRA: At KAYAK, apart from overseeing and developing the brand’s business for India & Middle East, my responsibilities also include leading growth and driving business development with strategic partners (airlines, hotels and OTAs).

EX: your portal thrives on internet connectivity and tech. what do you think of the relationship between travel and technology?

Technology has transformed the tourism and travel industry, both, for consumers and service providers. Just a few years ago, most Indian travellers were still planning their holidays by visiting a travel agent, and would need to rely on their own memories and notes to manage their travel itineraries. These days, new developments in consumer technology mean everything is easily accessible within just a few clicks. Advancement in technology has also created new business opportunities and changed the way service providers work as everything becomes more connected than ever before. Travellers are not just becoming smarter, but the ever expanding digital population has led to a surge in the number of online travellers who depend highly on technology for memorable travel experiences.

EX: How do you try to place kayak apart from competitors?