FICCI and ONDC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance digital experience in travel, tourism, and hospitality. FICCI will engage with industry stakeholders, travel companies, tour operators, and hospitality service providers to evangelize digital e-commerce facilitated by ONDC’s Network. It will also engage with central & state governments to reach the consumer and supply pipelines to remote areas opening up through internet penetration and emerging technologies.

FICCI will organize seminars, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms to boost awareness of the ONDC digital infrastructure. This will enable capacity-building programmes to enhance digital skills across the ecosystem. FICCI will further assist in promotion and marketing initiatives to improve the adoption of the ONDC network to build on the India product in the national and international markets in alignment with ONDC strategies. The partnership aims to align with national tourism strategies and ONDC goals.

Commenting on the MoU, Mr Dipak Deva, Chairperson of FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee and Managing Director, Travel Corporation India Ltd, said, “The MoU between FICCI and ONDC opens up new avenues for digital adoption in the travel, tourist & hospitality industries to work together to close the digital divide and support national plans for a sector prepared for the future. By developing knowledge-sharing platforms to support small and medium-sized businesses, FICCI and ONDC are spearheading the digital transformation of the tourism industry. In addition to promoting expansion, this collaboration guarantees a more effective and convenient travel experience for all.”

Mr Dhruv Shringi, Co-Chairperson of FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee and Co-Founder & CEO of Yatra Inc, said, “FICCI’s partnership with ONDC marks a significant milestone towards transforming India’s travel and tourism industry into a digitally empowered, efficient and sustainable sector. By harnessing ONDC’s cutting-edge technology and FICCI’s industry acumen, we can create an ecosystem that fuels the growth of MSMEs, fosters innovation, and enhances customer satisfaction. I am confident this collaboration will elevate India’s position as a global tourism hub and have a far-reaching impact on the country’s economic growth and development.”

Mr Ashish Kumar, Co-Chairperson of the FICCI Travel, Technology, and Digital Committee, said, “FICCI is committed to collaborating and supporting government initiatives in building a robust digital Infrastructure. This specifically includes highlighting the changing landscape of Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality to strengthen the consumer and supply chain. It hopes to connect the dots in the entire customer journey and work towards a Viksit Bharat. “

Mr T. Koshy, MD & CEO of ONDC, said, “As ONDC and FICCI sign this MoU, I am happy to see the benefits of digitization further percolated to the grassroots travel industry. ONDC has always stood for digital inclusion and a level playing field for all stakeholders, which is a step in that direction. This is also opening another big category on ONDC Network – travel, after the recent launch and success of ride-hailing and metro ticketing services being available on the Network.”