Cleartrip sharpens data-led marketing to ease travel anxieties

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Despite inflationary pressures and volatile fares, India’s online travel market continues to expand — and Flipkart-owned Cleartrip has emerged as a standout performer. Over the past 18 months, the OTA has grown at three times the industry average, supported by innovations that blend empathy with data-driven execution.

At the centre of this shift is Govind Bansal, Cleartrip’s new Head of Brand Marketing. He has focused on turning traveller anxieties into opportunities, from launching a free visa denial cover to easing cancellation fears with low-cost seat upgrade options. Seasonal offers like Child Flies Free have built emotional resonance, reinforcing Cleartrip’s positioning as a customer-first brand.

The strategy is anchored in digital precision. Nearly 99% of the company’s media spend is directed to online platforms, with modular content formats — from 6-second pre-rolls to 30-second OTT cuts — tailored for reach and recall. Influencer collaborations are treated as scalable assets rather than vanity plays, with media spends boosting performance.

Bansal stresses that Cleartrip’s campaigns are increasingly shaped by predictive analytics and AI tools. Features like real-time fare insights and dynamic offers allow the platform to anticipate demand, while its video-heavy media mix keeps the brand present in daily consumer journeys.

With flights, hotels, and MICE bookings all reporting strong growth, Cleartrip’s digital-first playbook illustrates how data and consumer empathy can redefine travel marketing in India’s competitive OTA landscape.