FICCI signs MoU with ONDC to drive digital transformation in travel & tourism

Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have signed an MoU to enhance the digital experience in travel, tourism, and hospitality, engaging industry stakeholders to promote digital e-commerce via ONDC’s network.

In a significant move to foster digital transformation in India’s travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing the digital experience for stakeholders across the country.

In a press statement, FICCI says that the partnership will engage with central and state governments to extend consumer and supply pipelines to remote areas, leveraging internet penetration and emerging technologies.

It adds that FICCI will organise seminars, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms to raise awareness of ONDC’s digital infrastructure and enhance digital skills through capacity-building programmes.

FICCI says that it will support promotion and marketing initiatives to boost ONDC network adoption, focusing on building the India product in national and international markets, in line with ONDC strategies and national tourism goals.

“The MoU between FICCI and ONDC opens up new avenues for digital adoption in the travel, tourist and 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,” says Dipak Deva, Chairperson, FICCI Tourism & Culture Committee and Managing Director, Travel Corporation India.

“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 not only elevate India’s position as a global tourism hub but also have a far-reaching impact on the country’s economic growth and development,” says Dhruv Shringi, Co-Chairperson, FICCI Tourism and Culture Committee, and Co-Founder & CEO, Yatra Inc.

“FICCI is committed to collaborate and support the government initiatives in building a robust digital infrastructure, which here specifically includes highlighting the travel, tourism and hospitality changing landscape to strengthen the consumer and supply chain. It hopes to connect the dots in the entire customer journey and working towards a Viksit Bharat,” says Ashish Kumar, Co-Chairperson FICCI Travel, Technology and Digital.

“As ONDC and FICCI sign this MoU, I am happy to see the benefits of digitisation further getting percolated to the grassroots of travel industry. ONDC has always stood for digital inclusion and level playing field for all stakeholders and this 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,” says T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC.