The Hindu Business Line : Saastra develops software solution for tourism industry

Hyderabad May 21 Saastra, a technology start-up seeking to automate fragmented players in the travel and tourism industry, is set to expand operations overseas in partnership with companies in the UK and Europe.

It has developed software as a service (SaaS) hosted model for the travel sector assuring them of automating their operations within 30 minutes. Significantly, since the software is owned by Saastra, it is an affordable option particularly for small and medium-sized players.

As the name Saastra itself suggests, it incorporates software as a service (SaaS) and Tra for travel industry.

The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Saastra, Mr Vishnu Murali Konduru, said, "The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest global industry, where spending in technology continues to bring internal operational efficiencies. Yet, it is significant to note that from a technology and automation aspect of various players in the industry, it is one of the neglected areas."

Often, some of the technology solutions applicable for airlines are adopted for other sectors with customisation or there are host of homegrown applications. However, what is available is a costly proposition for a small player, be it say a guesthouse or a small home that wants to be part of the tourism growth.

The other interesting aspect is that globally, the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry is estimated at about $300 billion. However, for a large business of this magnitude that continues to grow at a healthy pace year on year, there was hardly a solution that integrates various aspects of managing such events, Mr Vishnu said.