OT speaks to Wovoyage&rsquos founder Rashmi Chadha, about her tech-enabled, women-centric journey firm. Wovoyage gives journeys that prioritise security, particularly for international vacationers who want to discover India higher however think about the nation to be harmful. A dialog with Chadha sheds gentle on how Wovoyage goals to vary the notion of journey in India. 

Inform us about Wovoyage. How did it begin?

I began  Wovoyage as a women-centric journey start-up in 2016. I stored noticing the rise of solo feminine travellers and their want to go to India. However for many of them, security was an enormous concern they really feel insecure and are reluctant to journey alone. I felt that by introducing Wovoyage I may cut back the danger and supply a safe journey. Wovoyage creates a security web by offering protected lodging, dependable drivers and feminine guides. We even have idea excursions on images, yoga, trekking, biking and such that not solely present the true India but in addition gives a extra acutely aware, stimulating means of travelling. 

However Wovoyage shouldn’t be completely for girls…

Ah, no. We’re women-centric, however we cater to each women and men on our journey platform. Our intention is to make journeys safer for solo girls travellers, women-only teams, {couples} and senior residents. We deal with all our prospects equally, simply that our further options make journey for girls risk-free and protected.

What are your go-to journey locations?

I do love Japan. That is additionally why Wovoyage relies out of each India and Japan. I additionally love visiting Russia or Bali.

What units Wovoyage aside from the opposite tour operators?

There are numerous journey corporations in India. However Wovoyage gives a female-friendly journey centre and we’ve got an all-female employees that accompanies the teams on journeys. We customise packages for all kinds of travellers, present 24×7 help, no matter their location. Not solely does Wovoyage assist curate one-of-a-kind excursions, however we additionally empower our girls workers and make them extra impartial. 

How does your tech-enabled ecosystem work?

The tech-enabled ecosystem at Wovoyage consists of reserving providers, search and planning platforms, on-demand journey, and advice websites and lots of extra. The ecosystem is backed up by our state-of-the-art web site and shortly to be launched journey app. We now have an enormous database of verified properties all throughout India and overseas. When a traveller seems for a spot to remain, the system recommends protected choices to e-book from. It additionally offers suggestions for close by points of interest, eating places and must-visit spots. In case of an emergency, the traveller can use the built-in SOS providers within the app which is able to native authorities. It’s a good way to make sure security for girls. Properly researched strategy and the journey prowess make this platform actually fascinating to streamline journey itinerary. We’re engaged on numerous new developments to make this platform extra dynamic and strong. 

What security precautions do you’re taking to make sure security? 

Our product is risk-free. When foreigners or expats journey to India, we offer pleasant, feminine guides to make our vacationers snug. For example, if we’ve got a German lady wishing to buy round in Delhi, then we assign her a information who is aware of the realm and is well-versed in German. Our guides are known as Tremendous Guides for they do every little thing to make India a protected vacation spot for all our prospects.

What are the parameters for a ‘Wovoyage verified resort’?

It is rather clear-cut, actually. The properties are both owned or managed by girls. They’re situated in protected areas the place there may be entry to public transport and emergency medical help. All of them have rooms, dorms or areas assigned for girls.

Inform us about Wovoyage’s Wowheels.

It’s our women-only carpooling initiative. We are going to present same-day journeys in a budgeted, straightforward and protected means. Vacationers from totally different spheres can journey and share experiences. We now have already efficiently launched journeys from Delhi to Agra. We will even have journeys to Jaipur and Amritsar. The pick-up and drop factors are predecided and the fee will even embody a feminine information.

What’s new within the journey house?

I see a big proportion of girls who’ve developed a robust want to journey and discover the world. This growing independence is most admirable. A number of surveys verify that whereas most girls want to journey in teams, many are eager to take action alone as a approach to enrich the expertise.