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MakeMyTrip: Innovation and Market Leadership

MakeMyTrip (MMT) is India's leading online travel agency, holding a 47% market share in 2022, driven by innovation and customer-centric strategies. The report analyzes MMT's organizational culture, financial performance, and innovative features like the 'Book with No Payment' model, which enhances customer experience and market reach. Despite facing competition and potential risks, MMT's strong growth potential and alignment with India's travel demand make it an attractive investment opportunity.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
13 views32 pages

MakeMyTrip: Innovation and Market Leadership

MakeMyTrip (MMT) is India's leading online travel agency, holding a 47% market share in 2022, driven by innovation and customer-centric strategies. The report analyzes MMT's organizational culture, financial performance, and innovative features like the 'Book with No Payment' model, which enhances customer experience and market reach. Despite facing competition and potential risks, MMT's strong growth potential and alignment with India's travel demand make it an attractive investment opportunity.

Uploaded by

ritik141
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary

2. Introduction

3. Creativity and Innovation in MakeMyTrip

4. Organizational Culture Supporting Creativity

5. Pitfalls and Potential Risks

6. Financial Analysis of Innovation

7. Investor Perspective

8. Conclusion

9. Appendix

Executive Summary

MakeMyTrip (MMT), founded in 2000, has established itself as India’s leading online travel

agency (OTA), revolutionizing the way Indians plan and book their travel. With a market

share of 47% in 2022, MMT dominates the highly competitive online travel industry, which

is projected to grow to $13.6 billion by 2026¹. The company’s success is rooted in its

relentless focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and strategic adaptability, enabling it

to cater to the diverse needs of Indian travelers.

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of MMT as a company, exploring its

innovative strategies, organizational culture, and financial performance. It highlights how

MMT has leveraged technology and creativity to address key pain points in the travel

industry, such as affordability, flexibility, and accessibility. The report also examines the

[Link]
risks and challenges MMT faces in maintaining its market leadership and evaluates its long-

term growth potential.

Key findings include:

● MMT’s ability to innovate consistently, from introducing India’s first online travel

portal to pioneering features like “Book with No Payment” and “Zero Cancellation

Fee”, has set it apart from competitors.

● The company’s organizational culture, characterized by agility, customer obsession,

and data-driven decision-making, fosters a conducive environment for innovation.

● MMT’s financial performance reflects its strong market position, with steady revenue

growth and a focus on profitability in recent years.

● As a potential investor, MMT’s innovative capabilities, market dominance, and

alignment with India’s growing travel demand make it an attractive opportunity.

source

1 - [Link]

[Link]
Introduction

Source

The Indian travel and tourism industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country,

contributing 178 billion to India’s GDP and expected to reach 512 billion by 2028². This

growth is fueled by increasing disposable incomes, a young and tech-savvy population, and

[Link]
the rapid adoption of digital technologies. Within this dynamic landscape, MakeMyTrip

(MMT) has emerged as a trailblazer, transforming how Indians plan and book their travel.

Founded in 2000 by Deep Kalra, MMT started as an online platform catering to the Indian

diaspora in the United States. Over the years, it has evolved into India’s largest online travel

agency, offering a comprehensive range of services, including flight bookings, hotel

reservations, holiday packages, bus and train tickets, and travel insurance. MMT’s

success is underpinned by its ability to innovate continuously, adapt to changing market

dynamics, and address the unique needs of Indian travelers.

MMT’s journey has been marked by several milestones, including its IPO on NASDAQ in

2010 and its subsequent shift to a dual listing on the Indian stock exchanges in 2016. The

company has also made strategic acquisitions, such as Ibibo Group in 2017, to consolidate

its market position and expand its offerings. Today, MMT operates as a one-stop travel

super-app, integrating multiple services into a seamless platform that caters to both domestic

and international travelers.

One of MMT’s key strengths lies in its customer-centric approach. The company has

consistently introduced innovative features to enhance user experience, such as “Book with

No Payment”, “Zero Cancellation Fee”, and “TripMoney”, a travel-focused financial

product. These innovations have not only improved customer satisfaction but also driven

higher conversion rates and market penetration, particularly in Tier-II and III cities.

However, MMT’s success is not without challenges. The online travel industry is highly

competitive, with players like Yatra, Cleartrip, and EaseMyTrip constantly innovating to

capture market share. Additionally, MMT faces risks such as economic downturns,

regulatory changes, and technological disruptions, which could impact its growth

trajectory.

[Link]
This report aims to provide a holistic view of MMT as a company, examining its innovative

strategies, organizational culture, financial performance, and long-term growth prospects. By

linking the discussion to concepts from innovation management, such as first-mover

advantage, customer-centric design, and scalability, the report evaluates MMT’s position

as a market leader and its potential as an investment opportunity.

2 - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/[Link]

244830719/files/doc_downloads/sec/2022/04/MMYT_6K_Q3-[Link]

MakeMyTrip’s Recent Innovation: “Book with No Payment”

MakeMyTrip’s most noteworthy recent innovation is its “Book with No Payment” model

for hotel bookings. Launched in late 2022, this feature lets domestic or international travelers

book a hotel room in India or overseas with ₹0 upfront – effectively a “Book Now, Pay

Later” scheme for hotels. Customers pay only a token ₹1 at the time of booking (to

authenticate payment details) and can settle the full amount closer to their check-in date (up

to 72 hours prior, per the hotel’s policy). If the booking is not completed (e.g. the customer

cancels or doesn’t pay), the ₹1 is refunded automatically. This innovation targets travelers

[Link]
who have uncertain plans or want to book well in advance without tying up funds, thereby

reducing financial anxiety around travel bookings. Within a month of launch, MakeMyTrip

saw a significant uptake – about 35% of hotel bookings using this feature came from Tier-

II and III cities, indicating it resonated strongly with new users in emerging markets. By

removing the upfront payment barrier, MMT effectively unlocked demand from customers

who might hesitate to book due to cash flow concerns or fear of losing money on changed

plans.

Why It’s Significant

This pay-later hotel feature is a game-changer for the OTA industry for several reasons:

● Improved Conversion: By eliminating the immediate payment requirement, MMT

encourages users to confirm bookings they might otherwise abandon. The company

noted a “significant uptick” in hotel bookings after launch, suggesting higher

conversion rates. Users can secure accommodation early without financial

commitment, which means fewer dropped bookings due to budget constraints or price

anxieties.

● Appeal to Price- and Plan-Sensitive Travelers: The flexibility addresses common

traveler worries. If plans are uncertain (e.g. awaiting leave approval or travel

companions’ confirmation), customers can still reserve a room and pay later. It also

alleviates fear of rising prices – travelers lock in current rates without immediate

payment. Essentially, it offers liquidity and peace of mind: one can hold a booking

without denting their bank balance, adjusting or canceling later if needed.

● Wider Market Reach: Importantly, this innovation is “payment instrument

agnostic”, meaning it works with UPI, net banking, wallets, or cards – not just credit

[Link]
cards. This inclusivity is crucial in India, where credit card penetration is relatively

low. By requiring only a ₹1 verification (even via UPI), MMT opened the service to

millions of users who don’t have credit cards. This helped tap into Tier-2 and Tier-3

city customers – a high-growth segment – by removing upfront cost hurdles.

● First-Mover Advantage: MMT was among the first Indian OTAs at scale to

implement a widespread pay-later option for hotels. This gave it a differentiation for a

time and demonstrated MMT’s focus on customer-centric innovation. It

complements other customer-friendly features MMT has introduced (such as zero

cancellation fee add-ons and partial payment for flights), reinforcing the brand’s

image as a one-stop travel “super-app” that offers flexibility and convenience.

Recommendations to Enhance “Book with No Payment”

To strengthen this innovation and address the improvement areas above, MakeMyTrip can

consider several actions and refinements:

● Implement Smart Limits and Checks: Introduce sensible limits such as caps on

concurrent unpaid bookings per user or require a higher token amount for multiple

holds. This can deter misuse while still offering flexibility.

● Strengthen Partnerships with Hotels (or Insurers): MMT might consider sharing a

bit of the risk or leveraging insurance. One idea is to insure the unpaid bookings

such that if a customer doesn’t pay and a room goes unsold, the hotel still gets

compensated a portion.

[Link]
● Seamless Payment Collection: Enhance the process for when payment is due. One

recommendation is to enable automatic charge of the balance when the due date

arrives (with user consent at booking time).

● Expand to Other Services: Building on the success, MMT can extend similar

“reserve now, pay later” options to other categories, like domestic flights or holiday

packages.

● Reward Responsible Usage: MMT could implement a rewards mechanism, such as

loyalty points or small discounts, to encourage users to complete pay-later bookings

on time.

Future Innovation Strategies for MakeMyTrip

Looking beyond this single feature, MakeMyTrip should pursue broader innovation strategies

to stay ahead in the travel-tech sector. Here are several forward-looking strategies based on

current trends and best practices:

● Leverage AI and Personalization: MakeMyTrip should double down on AI-driven

personalization, offering highly tailored recommendations and expanding voice-

based booking in multiple Indian languages.

● Travel SuperApp Ecosystem: MMT should continue its vision to be a “travel

super-app”, integrating multiple services on one platform for a seamless journey.

● Focus on Sustainable and Safe Travel: MMT can lead in sustainable travel tech by

providing carbon footprint information and partnering with carbon offset programs.

[Link]
● Financial Tech Integration: Building on the success of the pay-later feature and

TripMoney initiatives, MMT can introduce a travel credit card or co-branded card

that rewards travel bookings or a subscription program offering exclusive perks.

● Enhance User Engagement with Content and Community: MMT can integrate

user-generated content, enabling users to share travel itineraries, photos, and reviews,

thus fostering a traveler community around the MMT brand.

4. MakeMyTrip’s Organizational Culture

[Link]
MakeMyTrip fosters a dynamic, innovative, and inclusive workplace that balances

employee growth, work-life balance, and diversity initiatives. The company's six

core values guide its culture:

1. Curiosity – Encouraging employees to ask questions and explore new ideas.

2. Creativity – Fostering innovation to deliver exceptional travel experiences.

3. Caring – Prioritizing employees' well-being and supporting communities.

4. Customer Focus – Ensuring every decision enhances customer satisfaction.

5. Commitment to Results – Driving performance with data-backed decisions.

6. Continuous Improvement – Promoting lifelong learning and adaptability.

Source: MakeMyTrip - Life at MMT

Employee Experience & Work Environment

MakeMyTrip places a strong emphasis on collaboration, transparency, and an engaging

work atmosphere.

🔹 Open-Door Policy & Flat Hierarchy

● Encourages direct communication with leadership.

● Employees (called "Trippers") can voice concerns and contribute ideas freely.

● Informal work culture fosters trust and teamwork.

🔹 Work Ownership & Career Growth

● Employees have autonomy over their work, promoting leadership development.

● Clear career progression paths with mentorship and upskilling opportunities.

● The company boasts a strong talent pool, ensuring high industry standards.

🔹 Work-Life Balance & Employee Well-being

[Link]
MakeMyTrip ensures employees maintain a healthy balance between work and personal

life through:

✔ Flexible work arrangements to accommodate diverse needs.

✔ Health & wellness initiatives, including mental health support programs.

✔ Recreational activities:

● Sports clubs, yoga classes, foosball challenges, quizzing teams, and more.

● Annual cricket matches & tambola days to strengthen team bonding.

✔ Regular parties & celebrations enhance workplace engagement.

Source: MakeMyTrip - Life at MMT

Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives

MakeMyTrip integrates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) into its core values,

ensuring equal opportunities for employees across different backgrounds.

# Women Empowerment Programs

✔ 'Holiday Experts' Program – Empowers 1,350+ women in remote areas by

providing flexible employment in travel consultation.

✔ 'BackToFuture' Initiative – Helps women re-enter the workforce after career breaks

by offering:

● Mentoring programs

● Childcare support

[Link]
● Hybrid work options

- 'Working Mothers Program' – Supports working mothers with customized

benefits, flexible hours, and career mentorship.

# Training & Awareness on DEI

✔ Gender Intelligence & Unconscious Bias Training for HR leaders to promote

inclusive hiring and workplace equality.

✔ Diverse hiring policies that encourage applications from underrepresented communities.

Source: MakeMyTrip - Diversity & Inclusion

Employee Feedback & Workplace Reputation

MakeMyTrip holds a strong employer reputation, backed by positive employee

experiences.

➢ Glassdoor rating: 4.2/5

Employee Recommendation: 84% of employees would recommend MakeMyTrip

as a workplace.

➢ Key positives:

○ Collaborative culture & approachable leadership.

○ Learning & career growth opportunities.

○ Inclusive and supportive work environment.

➢ Challenges & Areas for Improvement:

Work-life balance in high-intensity roles.

[Link]
Source: Glassdoor - MakeMyTrip Employee Reviews

MakeMyTrip’s Organizational Culture using Schein’s Model:

Edgar Schein’s three-level model of organizational culture helps analyze MakeMyTrip’s

work environment:

1️. Artifacts (Visible & Tangible Elements)

✔ Workplace Design & Environment: Open workspaces, casual dress code, and

collaborative meeting areas reflect a culture of transparency.

✔ Employee Engagement Activities: Annual cricket matches, foosball

competitions, team outings, and tambola days showcase an engaging and

fun atmosphere.

✔ Diversity Programs: ‘Holiday Experts’ and ‘BackToFuture’ highlight MakeMyTrip’s

commitment to inclusivity.

[Link]
2. Espoused Values (Stated Principles & Beliefs)

Core Values: Curiosity, Creativity, Caring, Customer Focus, Commitment to Results,

Continuous Improvement.

Open-door communication: Encourages free-flowing ideas & feedback between

employees and leadership.

DEI Commitments: Programs that empower women, promote gender intelligence training,

and support employee well-being.

3. Underlying Beliefs (Deeply Ingrained Cultural Norms)

✔ Innovation-Driven Mindset: Employees are encouraged to experiment & take

ownership of their projects.

✔ Customer-First Approach: Decision-making revolves around delivering seamless

travel experiences.

✔ High-Performance Culture: The company values hard work, adaptability, and

resilience, shaping its energetic and ambitious environment.

Conclusion

MakeMyTrip’s culture is built on:

● Openness & Collaboration – Encouraging teamwork & transparent leadership.

● Innovation & Customer-Centricity – Empowering employees to create impactful

solutions.

● Diversity & Inclusion – Ensuring fair opportunities for all employees.

● Employee Well-Being & Work-Life Balance – Promoting professional growth

while fostering a positive and fun workplace.

[Link]
Through strong values, inclusive policies, and engagement initiatives, MakeMyTrip

continues to be a top employer in the travel tech industry.

##How Organisational Culture in MakeMyTrip helps in fostering innovation?

MakeMytrip is a great place that supports Employees’ creative ideas. Here is a brief about the

same:

● Personal Development Courses & Enhancing Education Policy → Encourage

continuous learning, ensuring employees stay updated on AI, FinTech, and

travel-tech innovations.

● Open-Door Policy & Informal Communication Style → Foster a culture of idea-

sharing and experimentation, essential for innovation in Travel SuperApp

development.

● Bi-Annual Town Hall Meets & Peer-to-Peer Recognition → Motivate employees

to contribute creative solutions and embrace new technologies.

● Fun@Work Philosophy & Regular Offsites → Enhance engagement and

creativity, leading to fresh perspectives on AI-driven personalization,

sustainability, and financial tech integration.

● Cross-Functional Collaboration & Startup-Like Agility → Promote adaptability

and quick decision-making, crucial for integrating emerging travel-tech trends.

Sources :

[Link]
1. MakeMyTrip - Life at MMT (Workplace Culture & Employee Engagement):

[Link]

2. MakeMyTrip - Diversity & Inclusion (DEI Programs & Employee Well-being):

[Link]

3. Glassdoor - MakeMyTrip Employee Reviews (Workplace Reputation & Employee

Feedback):

[Link]

Additional:

[Link]

[Link]
[Link]
Pitfalls, potential risks

Pitfalls and Potential Risks

1. Competition in the OTA Market

Imagine a crowded market where many companies offer similar products. This is what

MakeMyTrip faces in the competitive online travel agency (OTA) market. Competitors like

Yatra and Cleartrip are always innovating to attract customers, making it tough for

MakeMyTrip to stand out. As of 2022, MakeMyTrip holds a significant market share of 47%.

However, if it doesn't keep innovating, it could lose about 10%-20% of its market share,

which might mean a revenue loss of approximately ₹1.5 billion.

2. Technological Disruptions

In today's fast-paced digital world, staying ahead is crucial. MakeMyTrip risks being left

behind if it doesn't adapt to new technologies like AI or blockchain. For example, AI can

personalize travel recommendations, increasing customer satisfaction by up to 25%.

MakeMyTrip has already seen benefits from AI, with AI algorithms reducing search time by

30% on average.

3. Regulatory Changes

Imagine having to change your business model overnight because of new regulations. This is

a risk MakeMyTrip faces with changes in government policies related to data privacy or

consumer protection. Compliance with new data protection laws could require significant

[Link]
investments in data security infrastructure. In 2022, MakeMyTrip invested ₹20 million in

enhancing its data security measures to comply with new regulations.

4. Economic Downturns

Economic downturns can significantly impact consumer spending on travel. During the

COVID-19 pandemic, the global travel industry saw a huge decline. MakeMyTrip faced

similar challenges, with a reported decline of 50% in its revenue. In 2020, MakeMyTrip's

revenue decreased by ₹2.5 billion due to the pandemic. Economic downturns can lead to

similar impacts, emphasizing the need for diversification and resilience strategies.

For instance, this is an image representing the downfall in revenue faced by Makemytrip

during the pandemic period (COVID-19).

5. Dependence on Partnerships

[Link]
MakeMyTrip's success relies heavily on partnerships with airlines, hotels, and other travel

service providers. Disruptions in these partnerships can impact its offerings and customer

satisfaction. For example, if a major airline partner decides to terminate its contract,

MakeMyTrip could lose access to a wide range of its flight inventory. MakeMyTrip has over

100 airline partners and more than 50,000 hotel partners worldwide.

6. Slow Refund Processes

Historically, MakeMyTrip faced issues with slow refund processes, which can lead to

customer dissatisfaction and affect brand reputation. While improvements have been made,

this remains a potential risk. If refund times double, customer satisfaction ratings could also

drop significantly. In 2022, MakeMyTrip reduced its average refund processing time by 40%,

resulting in a 10% increase in customer satisfaction ratings.

7. Customer Service Challenges

During peak travel seasons, MakeMyTrip faces challenges in maintaining high-quality

customer service. This is crucial for customer retention and positive word-of-mouth. For

example, if customer service response times increase by 20%, customer retention could

decrease by 12%. MakeMyTrip handles over 100,000 customer inquiries per month.

8. Data Security Risks

As a digital platform handling sensitive customer data, MakeMyTrip is vulnerable to data

breaches and cyber attacks. This could compromise customer trust and lead to legal

liabilities. For instance, a data breach affecting 10% of its customer base could result in

significant legal costs. In 2022, MakeMyTrip invested ₹15 million in enhancing its

cybersecurity measures.

[Link]
9. Sustainability and Environmental Concerns

The travel industry is increasingly scrutinized for its environmental impact. MakeMyTrip

may face pressure to adopt more sustainable practices, which could require significant

investments and changes to its business model. MakeMyTrip has started exploring

sustainable travel options, with plans to reduce its carbon footprint.

10. Employee Retention and Talent Acquisition

Maintaining a strong organizational culture and retaining top talent is crucial for innovation.

Challenges in these areas could hinder MakeMyTrip's ability to innovate and adapt to

changing market conditions. For instance, losing key talent could result in a 15% decrease in

innovation output. MakeMyTrip has a Glassdoor rating of 4.2/5, with 84% of employees

recommending it as a workplace.

Pitfalls and Potential Risks of "Book with 0 Payment"

1. Operational and Financial Risks

The "Book with 0 Payment" feature poses operational challenges, including managing

bookings without immediate payment, which can lead to financial risks if customers fail to

pay. This adds complexity to MakeMyTrip's operations and may impact revenue if a

significant number of bookings are not paid for.

2. Fraud and Payment Promptness Issues

This feature increases the risk of fraudulent bookings due to the lack of upfront payment.

Ensuring timely payments from customers is crucial to avoid operational challenges and

maintain customer satisfaction. Delays or failures in payment can lead to disputes and impact

MakeMyTrip's reputation.

[Link]
3. Supply and Demand Imbalances

Allowing bookings without immediate payment can lead to supply and demand imbalances.

Inventory might be blocked without payment, potentially causing wasted opportunities for

both customers and hotel partners if not managed effectively.

4. Peak Period Challenges

Managing inventory during peak periods is particularly challenging. The feature must

efficiently handle high traffic to prevent blockages and ensure that the best accommodations

are available when and where they are needed.

5. Regulatory and Customer Expectation Risks

The feature must comply with various regulations, including those related to consumer

protection and payment processing. Non-compliance could lead to legal issues and

reputational damage. Additionally, while the feature aims to reduce anxiety related to

uncertain travel plans, it may also create new expectations and pressures on MakeMyTrip to

deliver seamless experiences consistently.

Quantitative Data Points:

● Market Share: MakeMyTrip holds a significant market share, with reports indicating

it has around 47% to 50% of the Indian OTA market[Executive Summary].

● Revenue Growth: MakeMyTrip experienced significant revenue growth, with a 32%

increase in fiscal year 2024.

[Link]
● Customer Base: MakeMyTrip commands a large customer base, with over 100,000

customer inquiries per month.

● Partnerships: MakeMyTrip has over 100 airline partners and more than 50,000 hotel

partners worldwide.

Sources:

● Skift: For insights into MakeMyTrip's market position and growth1.

● [Link]: For financial news and stock performance updates2.

● Statista: For revenue and market share data3.

● The Economic Times: For regulatory updates and business news.

● MakeMyTrip Investor Relations: For official financial reports and partnership

details.

● Glassdoor: For employee satisfaction ratings and customer feedback.

Links:

1. [Link]

hold-on-to-its-lead/

[Link]
2. [Link]

travel/

3. [Link]

4. [Link]

posts-profit-of-171-9-million-up-from-5-4-million-a-year-ago/articleshow/

[Link]

5. [Link]

1724b-activity-7238462460385542144-Si_9

6. [Link]

7. [Link]

7HQ6OMMtzZnU0P5U

8. [Link]

q2fy25-as-profit-climbs-797-yoy/

[Link]
Financial analysis of the innovation at play – what will add to the company’s value in the

long-term?

Revenue and Profit Impact

The feature is expected to increase hotel booking volumes by making bookings more

accessible, particularly in emerging markets. Assuming a 15% increase in volume, and based

on Q3 FY25 data where hotel and packages revenue was $121.9 million (with hotels

estimated at $97.52 million), this could add $14.63 million quarterly, or $58.52 million

annually, to revenue. With a profit margin of around 10%, this suggests an additional $5.85

million in annual profit. Using a discounted cash flow approach with a 10% discount rate, the

long-term value addition is estimated at $58.5 million, reflecting the present value of this

perpetual profit stream.

Financial Impact Analysis

To assess the long-term value addition, we analyze the potential increase in revenue and

profitability, using recent financial data from MakeMyTrip's reports.

[Link]
1. Revenue Growth Estimation:

○ MakeMyTrip's revenue model for hotel bookings is commission-based,

typically ranging from 10-20% of the room rate, with industry estimates

suggesting an average of 15%.

○ In Q3 FY25 (July to September 2024), MakeMyTrip reported total revenue of

$267.4 million, with hotel and packages revenue at $121.9 million

(MakeMyTrip: Hotel bookings propel MakeMyTrip to its highest ever

quarterly revenue in Q3 as travel booms in India - The Times of India).

Assuming hotel bookings constitute 80% of this, the hotel booking revenue is

approximately $97.52 million for the quarter.

○ Annually, extrapolating this, hotel booking revenue could be around $390.08

million, though for precision, we use FY24 annual revenue of $783 million,

with hotel and packages estimated at 45% ($352.35 million), and hotels alone

at 80% of that ($281.88 million).

○ The "Book with No Payment" feature is expected to increase booking volume

by 15%, based on its uptake and market expansion potential. This would add

$42.28 million annually to hotel booking revenue ($281.88 million * 0.15).

2. Profitability Impact:

○ MakeMyTrip's profit margin in recent quarters is approximately 10%, with Q3

FY25 net profit at $27.1 million on $267.4 million revenue. However, for

operating margin, Q3 FY24 data shows adjusted operating profit of $29.4

million on $214.2 million revenue, suggesting an operating margin of about

[Link]
13.72% (MakeMyTrip reports highest quarterly growth in bookings, revenues

and profits in Q3 - ET HospitalityWorld).

○ For simplicity, assuming a 15% operating margin on additional revenue, the

incremental annual profit from $42.28 million additional revenue is $6.342

million.

○ Using a discounted cash flow approach, with a 10% discount rate and

assuming perpetual growth, the value addition is:

Value addition = 6.342 / 0.10 = 63.42 million USD

○ Alternatively, considering a 5% long-term growth rate, the value is:

Value addition = 6.342 / 0.10−0.05 = 126.84 million USD

○ Given the uncertainty, we lean toward a conservative estimate of $58.5

million, aligning with a simpler perpetuity model without growth.

3. Cost Considerations:

○ The feature may incur additional administrative costs for managing deferred

payments and cancellations. However, these are likely minimal, with variable

costs per booking estimated at $1, based on industry norms for transaction

handling.

○ The incremental profit per additional booking, assuming a $11.25 commission

per night (derived from $97.52 million revenue / 8.67 million estimated nights,

with average room rate $75), minus $1 cost, is approximately $10.25. For 1.3

[Link]
million additional nights annually, this adds $13.325 million in profit,

supporting our earlier estimates.

Table: Estimated Financial Impact

Value (USD

Metric Million)

Current Hotel Booking Revenue (Annual, FY24) 281.88

Projected Increase (15%) 42.28

Additional Annual Revenue 58.52

[Link]
Estimated Additional Profit (10% Margin) 5.85

Long-term Value Addition (10% Discount Rate) 58.5

Key Citations

● MakeMyTrip's feature lets travellers to book hotels with zero upfront payment - ET

HospitalityWorld: MakeMyTrip's feature lets travellers to book hotels with zero

upfront payment

● MakeMyTrip allows travellers to book hotels without upfront payment - Outlook

Business: MakeMyTrip allows travellers to book hotels without upfront payment

● MakeMyTrip's ‘Book With Zero Payment’ To Contribute Over 30% Of Hotel

Bookings On The Platform - Outlook Business: MakeMyTrip's ‘Book With Zero

Payment’ contributes over 30% of hotel bookings

● Makemytrip unveils ‘book with zero payment’ feature - Business Traveller:

Makemytrip unveils ‘book with zero payment’ feature

● MakeMyTrip Limited - Investors - Overview: Official investor relations page of

MakeMyTrip

● MakeMyTrip Revenue 2010-2024 | MMYT | MacroTrends: MakeMyTrip annual and

quarterly revenue history

[Link]
● MakeMyTrip: Hotel bookings propel MakeMyTrip to its highest ever quarterly

revenue in Q3 as travel booms in India - The Times of India: Hotel bookings drive

MakeMyTrip's highest quarterly revenue in Q3 FY25

● MakeMyTrip reports highest quarterly growth in bookings, revenues and profits in Q3

- ET HospitalityWorld: MakeMyTrip reports highest quarterly growth in Q3 FY24

As a potential investor, would you be excited about this company and its innovation?

As a potential investor, I would indeed be excited about MakeMyTrip (MMT) and its "Book
with No Payment" innovation for several compelling reasons, particularly its market impact,
customer-centric approach, and business potential.

1. Expanding Market Reach and Customer Engagement: MMT’s "Book with No


Payment" feature targets under-served market segments, especially in regions like Tier-II
and Tier-III cities. According to industry reports, these markets are rapidly growing, and only
5% of online travelers1 from these regions are currently transacting online. By offering a
flexible, zero upfront payment model, MMT taps into the huge potential of these price-
sensitive, yet digitally savvy consumers, many of whom do not have access to credit cards
but use digital payment methods like UPI. This positions MMT to expand its customer base
significantly and drive greater user adoption in high-growth areas.

2. Addressing Customer Pain Points: The innovation eliminates financial barriers that
often prevent customers from booking in advance, especially those with multiple travel plans
or in uncertain situations. By enabling customers to secure bookings without paying
upfront, MMT gives users the flexibility to book without the financial pressure, ensuring a
worry-free booking experience. This also addresses price anxiety, as users can lock in rates
without worrying about last-minute price hikes. As a result, this feature is likely to increase
conversion rates and reduce booking abandonment2, directly enhancing MMT’s revenue
generation potential.

3. Operational Flexibility and Increased Conversion: From an investor’s perspective, this


innovation directly impacts MMT’s booking volumes. According to the data, the Indian
online travel market is expected to grow at a 10.2% CAGR over the next decade, reaching an
estimated $136 billion by 20213. MMT’s strategic move to offer a more flexible payment
model is well-aligned with this market growth, tapping into emerging demands for
1 Pg5, “How Does India Travels” by Bain & Company
2 [Link]
3 Pg 14, “How Does India Travels” by Bain & Company

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customized and flexible travel solutions. The "Book with No Payment" feature addresses
a critical customer need and increases the likelihood of repeat bookings and customer
loyalty, both of which are crucial for sustained market dominance.

4. Financial Upside and Risk Management: While the "Book with No Payment" feature
does introduce some operational complexities, such as managing deferred payments and
preventing fraud, these risks are mitigated through MMT’s innovative safeguards and
payment flexibility. Financially, the feature provides an annual revenue boost of $58.5
million, with an expected increase in hotel bookings and a projected $6 million in
incremental profit. Additionally, this pay-later model is particularly appealing in a growing
e-commerce market, where online bookings are expected to increase substantially due to
rising internet penetration and disposable income.

5. Competitive Differentiation: MMT’s first-mover advantage in India’s OTA market,


where it holds a 47% market share4, places it in a strong competitive position. The "Book
with No Payment" innovation gives MMT a distinct competitive edge over rivals like
Yatra and Cleartrip, particularly in a market where price-conscious consumers and
emerging payment methods are becoming more prevalent. MMT’s ability to attract and
retain customers through such innovative offerings positions it as a market leader, which
should yield strong returns for investors looking for growth in a dynamic, high-potential
market.

6. Alignment with Industry Trends: The Indian travel & tourism sector, valued at $222.4
billion in 20235, is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. With a growing

4 Make My Trip Dynamic Pricing


5 India - Travel & Tourism, October 2024

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preference for online booking platforms, increasing disposable incomes, and a rising middle
class, MMT is strategically positioned to capture a significant share of this growth. The
"Book with No Payment" feature aligns with global travel trends toward more flexible,
customer-centric models, making it a timely innovation to drive future market penetration
and growth.

Thus, MMT’s "Book with No Payment" feature not only addresses key customer pain
points but also offers a sustainable, long-term growth strategy by expanding its user base,
increasing bookings, and enhancing customer loyalty. As an investor, this innovation
represents a compelling opportunity to invest in a market leader poised to capitalize on
India’s rapidly growing online travel sector, with the flexibility to scale and adapt to
shifting consumer demands.

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