When EaseMyTrip, one of India’s biggest online travel platforms, revealed it had poured another Rs 15.2 crore into Eco Hotels and Resorts Limited, the news turned heads across the travel and hospitality industry. Why? Because Eco Hotels isn’t a giant player, but a tiny, under-the-radar company with barely Rs 13.71 lakh turnover last year.
So why is EaseMyTrip doubling down on this little-known hospitality firm? Is this the start of a game-changing bet on green tourism, or a risky gamble that could backfire?
The Big Move: Doubling Down on Eco Hotels
According to a stock exchange filing, EaseMyTrip’s parent company, Easy Trip Planners, approved the investment during its September 20 board meeting.
- It subscribed to 10 lakh equity shares at Rs 15.20 each.
- The total ticket size: Rs 15.2 crore, paid in tranches.
- Stake increase: 7.77%, pushing its overall holding in Eco Hotels to 20.7%.
This comes less than a year after EaseMyTrip’s first entry into hospitality, when it snapped up a 13% stake in Eco Hotels in December 2023.
Clearly, this isn’t a one-off move—it’s part of a bigger plan.
Who Exactly Are Eco Hotels?
On paper, Eco Hotels has been around since 1987. In reality, it’s still a minnow in the hospitality world.
- Turnover: Rs 0.78 lakh in FY23 → Rs 1.39 lakh in FY24 → Rs 13.71 lakh in FY25.
- Growth is there, but let’s be honest—it’s still peanuts.
- The company brands itself around eco-friendly, sustainable hotels—a niche that’s buzzing globally but hasn’t truly exploded in India yet.
So why throw money at a company that barely makes what some mid-sized hotels earn in a week?
The Shock Twist: Eco Hotels Is Investing Big
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite its tiny topline, Eco Hotels has made massive bets in the last year:
- Pumped Rs 175 crore into Three Falcons Notting Hill Limited for a 50% stake.
- Snapped up AB Finance Private Limited for Rs 194.4 crore.
- Approved an investment in Vashu Bhagnani Industries Limited.
From green hotels to finance to entertainment, Eco Hotels seems to be building a conglomerate-like portfolio. And with EaseMyTrip buying in deeper, it looks like both companies see something big on the horizon.
Why Is EaseMyTrip Doing This?
The simple answer: diversification.
EaseMyTrip has been hit hard recently. In Q1 FY26:
- Revenue dropped 25.5% to Rs 114 crore (from Rs 153 crore in Q1 FY25).
- Profit after tax (PAT) collapsed 98.7% to just Rs 44 lakh (from Rs 34 crore).
With its core travel aggregator business under pressure, EaseMyTrip is spreading its wings—into hospitality, finance, and more. Owning a piece of Eco Hotels gives it:
- Hotel inventory control instead of relying on third parties.
- A foothold in the booming sustainable tourism market.
- A chance to build a brand identity beyond ticketing.
It’s a bold play, but bold plays often separate the winners from the also-rans.
Is Eco Hotels the Right Bet?
That’s the billion-rupee question.
On one hand:
- The eco-tourism trend is undeniable—travelers want green, guilt-free stays.
- Backing a small player early could give EaseMyTrip outsized returns if Eco Hotels scales.
On the other hand:
- Eco Hotels’ financials are razor-thin.
- Its scattergun investments raise eyebrows—why is a green hotel firm buying into finance and entertainment?
- EaseMyTrip itself is under financial strain—can it afford risky bets right now?
In short: this could either be a masterstroke or a money pit.
The Bigger Picture: India’s Hospitality Shake-Up
EaseMyTrip isn’t the only travel giant looking at hotels. Competitors like MakeMyTrip have long integrated hotel bookings, while global players like Booking.com are aggressively eyeing the Indian market.
But here’s the twist—none of them own actual stakes in hotel companies. By buying into Eco Hotels, EaseMyTrip could:
- Lock in exclusive eco-friendly hotel inventory.
- Differentiate itself in a crowded travel aggregator space.
- Ride the sustainability wave, which appeals to both travelers and ESG-conscious investors.
If this works, EaseMyTrip won’t just sell tickets—it could become a hospitality powerhouse.
The Verdict: Risky, But Potentially Game-Changing
EaseMyTrip’s fresh Rs 15.2 crore bet on Eco Hotels is small compared to its overall size, but symbolically, it’s huge.
It signals a company that’s no longer content being “just a travel site.” Instead, EaseMyTrip wants to own part of the hospitality chain—literally.
The big question is whether Eco Hotels, with its tiny revenues and big ambitions, can deliver on the promise of green hospitality. If it does, this partnership could be a textbook case of visionary investing. If it doesn’t, it could become a cautionary tale of chasing trends.
For now, all eyes are on how this eco-gamble plays out.
