MakeMyTrip strengthens holiday packages business with Flamingo Transworld stake buy

India’s leading online travel company MakeMyTrip has announced plans to strengthen its presence in the organized travel segment by acquiring a majority stake in regional tour operator Flamingo Transworld. The proposed acquisition, announced on Thursday (March 5), is part of MakeMyTrip’s broader strategy to expand its holiday packages and deepen its reach in regional markets across India.

While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the deal is expected to significantly boost MakeMyTrip’s group travel offerings by integrating Flamingo’s well-established network and expertise in curated group tours.

The acquisition will be completed subject to the fulfilment of certain closing conditions, according to the company’s official statement.

MakeMyTrip expands its presence in India’s growing travel market

India’s travel and tourism industry has been witnessing strong growth following the post-pandemic recovery, with increasing demand for curated travel experiences, group tours, and international holiday packages.

MakeMyTrip’s latest move reflects the company’s strategy to capitalize on this rising demand while strengthening its position in the competitive online travel market.

Strategic partnership with Flamingo Transworld

Flamingo Transworld has built a strong reputation over the last three decades as a specialist in organized group tours. According to the company statement, Flamingo has developed a loyal customer base particularly in the western and central Indian regions.

The company has built a strong affinity in regional markets of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with its group tour services over its last 30 years of its operations, the statement said.

By acquiring a majority stake in Flamingo, MakeMyTrip aims to combine digital travel services with Flamingo’s regional expertise and personalized travel offerings.

Flamingo’s group travel model strengthens MakeMyTrip’s holiday packages

Wide network of physical offices

Flamingo Transworld currently sells its travel packages largely through 51 offices across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, creating a strong offline distribution network in regional markets.

Its international and domestic group travel packages are popular among travelers seeking curated experiences with guided tours and organized itineraries.

According to MakeMyTrip, integrating Flamingo’s services will complement its existing Holiday Packages business, allowing the company to expand its reach in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities where demand for group travel continues to grow rapidly.

Leadership views on the proposed acquisition

Rajesh Magow highlights strategic alignment

Commenting on the deal, MakeMyTrip’s Co-Founder and Group CEO Rajesh Magow emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership.

He said,

”Flamingo aligns closely with the growth strategy of our Holiday Packages business. It is a strong, growing business that has developed a unique moat in the group travel domain.”

Magow added that the integration of both companies’ strengths will provide travelers with a wider selection of holiday experiences.

He further said,

”We plan to leverage the complementary customer base, products and distribution focus between the two brands to widen holiday package options for our customers.”

Flamingo Transworld founder reflects on the company’s journey

Sanjay Shah, Director and Co-Founder of Flamingo Transworld, highlighted the company’s long-standing relationship with travelers and the trust it has built over decades.

He said,

"for over three decades, Flamingo has built something unique in Indian travel, genuine trust. From chef-led tours to regional language guides, the brand has grown by going deeper."

This focus on personalized travel experiences has helped Flamingo establish a strong presence in regional markets.

MakeMyTrip’s strategy of expanding through acquisitions

A calibrated approach to inorganic growth

In recent years, MakeMyTrip has actively pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its ecosystem across multiple segments of the travel industry.

These acquisitions have allowed the company to strengthen its capabilities in areas beyond leisure travel, including corporate travel management and travel-related financial services.

Key acquisitions in recent years

MakeMyTrip has acquired several companies to expand its service portfolio, including:

• QuestToTravel – Corporate travel bookings

• Simplotel – Hotel technology solutions

• BookMyForex – Travel foreign exchange services

• Savaari – Intercity mobility platform

• Happay – Corporate spend management

According to the company statement, these acquisitions have helped expand MakeMyTrip’s capabilities across leisure travel, corporate travel, and ancillary travel services.

Growing demand for curated group travel in India

The acquisition also reflects a broader trend in India’s travel sector where group tours and curated travel experiences are gaining popularity, particularly among first-time international travelers and families.

Regional tour operators like Flamingo often offer:

• Language-specific tour guides

• Curated itineraries tailored for regional travelers

• All-inclusive travel packages with meals and sightseeing

• Cultural experiences and local assistance

Combining these offerings with MakeMyTrip’s digital platform could allow the company to reach millions of new customers across India.

Conclusion

MakeMyTrip’s planned acquisition of a majority stake in Flamingo Transworld signals a strategic effort to strengthen its holiday packages segment and deepen its presence in regional travel markets. By combining Flamingo’s established expertise in group tours with MakeMyTrip’s digital platform and nationwide reach, the partnership could unlock significant growth opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding travel industry.

As travel demand continues to rebound and more Indians seek organized international and domestic holidays, the integration of these two brands may help deliver more diverse and personalized travel experiences for customers across the country.