TBO is a one stop shop that connects travel agencies and individual agents​. This boom is not just about bigger numbers; it’s about better experiences. Technologies that were once futuristic are now becoming commonplace. This improves customer interactions and making travel more enjoyable. This resurgence signifies a transformative era for tourism, one that merges traditional travel with digital innovation​. (TBO)

From mobile apps that streamline bookings to digital check-ins at hotels, the travel sector is reinventing itself. Last year alone, the travel app market soared to a staggering $556 billion in revenue, a 53.4% increase from the previous year, highlighting the pivotal role of technology in this revival​ (Business of Apps)​.

Founders Who Dared to Dream Big

What if technology could reinvent travel? This question led Gaurav Bhatnagar and Ankush Nijhawan to launch TBO in 2006, turning it into one of India’s most influential B2B travel portals. Before that in 2006, Gaurav Bhatnagar had a stint at Microsoft and ventured into starting Tekriti Software and Mediology Software. (Gaurav Bhatnagar | Linkedin)

His journey from a tech enthusiast to a travel innovator reflects a dynamic shift, harnessing the power of the internet to revolutionize the travel industry. Gaurav Bhatnagar, alongside his business partner Ankush Nijhawan, launched TBO with a vision to simplify the complex world of travel bookings. From its early days, it was designed to empower travel agents by providing a robust platform to sell a plethora of travel services efficiently. (Ankush Nijhawan | Linkedin)

As they grew, it continued to evolve, adapting to new market trends and expanding globally. Their approach has always been forward-thinking, whether it’s through introducing innovative products like PAXES, a corporate self-booking tool, or expanding services to issue online Umrah visas. (PAXES)

Transforming Travel with Every Click

TBO makes travel booking seamless by bridging the gap between travel suppliers and agencies worldwide. At its core, they operate as a comprehensive B2B travel portal. They offer a wide array of services, from flight bookings to holiday packages, hotel reservations to travel insurance, all under one digital roof. Their platform simplifies the complex logistics of travel, enabling thousands of travel agents to enhance their service offerings efficiently.

A World of Services at Your Fingertips

Their expansive suite of services caters to every aspect of travel planning and management. It is designed to meet every possible travel-related need. From booking flights across major airlines worldwide to securing accommodations from over a million hotel partners, TBO has it covered.

1. Hotel Bookings: TBO aggregates accommodations ranging from budget to luxury hotels worldwide, making it easy for travel agents to find the perfect stay for their clients.
   
2. Air Ticketing: With access to hundreds of airlines, TBO facilitates air ticket bookings, offering competitive rates and real-time availability.
   
3. Holiday Packages: Whether it’s a beach vacation or a cultural exploration, TBO designs customizable holiday packages that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
   
4. Travel Insurance: Understanding the importance of safety, TBO provides comprehensive travel insurance options to ensure travelers are covered against unforeseen events.
   
5. Additional Services: From car rentals and sightseeing tours to transfers and cruise bookings, TBO handles all aspects of travel planning.

Their platform also provides access to much more, making it a one-stop shop for travel agents looking to offer a seamless travel experience to their clients​. These services highlight TBO’s commitment to facilitating a full spectrum of travel experiences, which is enhanced further by their advanced technical features.

Streamlining Travel with Smart Business

The secret lies in their robust XML/API integration capabilities. These tools allow travel agencies to plug into TBO’s vast inventory seamlessly, providing real-time access to flights, hotels, and other services without the hassle of multiple systems. It’s a game-changer for efficiency, reducing the time and effort needed to manage travel bookings

Their platform features advanced booking engines and API integrations that allow travel agents to access real-time information on flights, hotels, and other travel services. These tools are pivotal in enabling efficient and error-free bookings​.

Did you know that simplifying complex transactions can be lucrative? TBO’s business model capitalizes on this by operating as a B2B (business-to-business) travel distribution platform. They connect travel agencies and individual agents with a vast array of travel-related services and suppliers globally.

TBO generates revenue primarily through transaction fees, charged for each booking made via their platform, which includes everything from flights and hotels to transfers and tours. They also offer premium services for enhanced listing and marketing opportunities for suppliers.

Spanning the Globe, Impacting Locales

Think global, act local—TBO embodies this principle by extending its reach to over 100 countries while making a significant impact on local travel markets. Through its platform, TBO connects local travel agents with international travel inventories, allowing them to offer competitive and diverse travel options to customers everywhere.

Operating in over 100 countries, TBO connects over 147,000 travel buyers with suppliers, offering access to a million plus accommodation options and myriad travel services. This vast reach not only sets TBO apart as a leader in travel distribution but also enables local businesses around the world to benefit from global travel markets​.

TBO’s Shining Moments And Accolades

TBO is acclaimed as India’s leading travel distribution platform. They’ve been recognized repeatedly for their innovative solutions. The brand and its leadership received global accolades at The World’s Greatest Brands & Leaders 2015-2016 event.

They were recognized for outstanding contributions to the travel and tourism sector. Among these, they received the Best Online B2B Travel Portal – East India in 2016, and similar awards for other regions, emphasizing their widespread acclaim across the country. Additionally, they were honored with the title of The World’s Greatest Brands for 2015-16, underlining their global recognition.

TBO has also snagged the award for Best Travel Technology Provider in the B2B category. This was part of the Travel and Tourism Excellence Awards by FICCI. They’ve also clinched the World Travel Awards tile since 2019. In 2019, TBO was also celebrated as the Best Online Travel Booking Site at SATTE, acknowledging their influence in the industry.

A Financial Journey Worth Watching

With significant backing from prominent investors like General Atlantic, TBO has strengthened its position in the global travel market. It has raised a total of $166 million through multiple funding rounds. The most recent funding round was in November 2021, where they raised $75.6 million​ (Entrackr)​.

Additionally, In a significant move towards expansion, TBO filed a draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), planning to raise Rs 400 crore through an initial public offering (IPO).

Financially, TBO has shown impressive performance with a reported revenue of Rs 1,051 crore in FY23, marking a growth of more than two-fold from the previous fiscal year. This revenue increase was accompanied by a fourfold rise in profits.

Building Bridges With Global Collaborations

TBO has formed partnerships with major airlines, hotel chains, and technology providers to enhance their platform’s capabilities and to offer more diverse and competitive travel products. They’ve recently partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Authority to enhance travel services and promote Saudi as a destination. This involves innovative programs aimed at educating travel agents about Saudi Arabia, which is set to reach thousands globally​​.

Their recent acquisition of Jumbonline, a booking platform, signifies their commitment to expanding their technological reach​​. These partnerships not only expand their service portfolio but also strengthen their position in the global market, making travel easier and more accessible for agencies and their clients (Ajel).

The Future of Travel with TBO

TBO has reshaped the travel industry, making global connections easier and more efficient. By leveraging technology and strong partnerships, they’ve enhanced the travel experience for agencies and end-users alike. From its inception by tech-savvy founders to becoming a leading travel distribution powerhouse, TBO’s impact is profound.

They’ve streamlined the complex world of travel, making it accessible and efficient for thousands of agents and countless travelers globally. Their forward-thinking technology, extensive service offerings, strategic partnerships, and recognition in the industry underscore their pivotal role.

What’s next for TBO? As they prepare for an IPO and expand their technological capabilities, how will they continue to innovate in the travel space? These are exciting questions as we watch TBO pave the way in making global travel simpler and more accessible.

For more on innovative travel solutions, check out our article on Byhours, a platform revolutionizing hotel stays with flexible check-in options; explore Voyehomes, which is redefining vacation rentals with unique and personalized experiences; and dive into other articles showcasing industry-leading trends and insights.