In a bid to challenge India’s commission-driven online travel marketplace, ARIN Corporation, a woman-led SaaS travel tech startup, is making a case for zero-commission tourism. CEO Sreeja Kundu, the platform targets the country’s vast network of MSMEs—homestays, boutique properties, tour operators, and experience curators—offering them digital infrastructure to manage bookings, engage customers, and retain full control over their revenue.
ARIN’s subscription-based model contrasts sharply with the high commission fees typically charged by online travel agencies (OTAs). The platform combines automated lead generation, AI-based lead matching, influencer partnerships, and in-app guest engagement tools, allowing small and mid-sized players to scale without depending on aggregators that often erode brand identity and margins.
‘India’s tourism sector is deeply local, yet it’s been served by standardised platforms that don’t always fit regional or niche needs,’ said Kundu in an interview. ‘The platform was built to restore autonomy and profitability to the actual creators of travel experiences.’
The startup, which has been bootstrapped since inception, has avoided the race for hyper-growth. Instead, it has focused on sustainable traction, gaining recognition from events such as TiE, Web Summit Qatar, and Startup Mahakumbh. These milestones have connected this platform to international investor communities and peers tackling similar issues in other geographies, though the company maintains that fundraising will only happen when aligned with long-term value.
From a technical standpoint, it operates on a stack comprising a React front end, Node.js microservices hosted on AWS, and MongoDB for data management. The backend includes real-time lead scoring and routing systems, powered by proprietary AI models. In line with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, the company enforces strict data privacy protocols, including encryption and role-based access.
Accessibility and inclusion are also central to organisation’s strategy. The mobile-first platform supports multilingual onboarding and deploys community-led training to reach hosts in underserved or remote regions. Its growth model leans heavily on influencer collaborations rather than paid ads, helping hosts in lesser-known destinations gain visibility.
Looking ahead, the Organisation plans to scale its partner network, refine its AI for better lead matching, and expand its influencer campaigns. Its broader vision is to become a default digital growth engine for grassroots tourism businesses—without forcing them to give up control or pay steep commissions.
‘We see this as more than just a tech platform,’ said Kundu. ‘It’s a movement to bring dignity, visibility, and direct revenue back to the people who are the real face of travel in India.’
