Wilson and Hughes- backed Cox and Kings is exploring investments in allied businesses, according to Ramalingam Subramanian, President of Wilson & Hughes India and Cox & Kings.

“There is some need for consolidation in travel space,” stated Subramanian. As the company marks its re-entry focusing on technology-led solutions, it is exploring investing across businesses, which includes allied areas such as visa processing, inventory management, and standardisation of hotel and airline inventory systems.

Wilson and Hughes has committed ₹1,000 crore over the next three years to revive the Cox & Kings brand and expand its portfolio. The investment will focus on technology development, talent acquisition, and data infrastructure.

Explaining the approach, Subramanian said, “With the PE funding supporting Cox and Kings, the idea is to also support entrepreneurs in creating dedicated solutions. These solutions often require capital infusion, which needs inorganic investment coming in, which could actually help them build those solutions, which in turn helps the traveller.”

Re-entry to the market

The company plans to reenter the market by Q3FY25, focusing on long-haul travel packages, inbound travel experiences, free independent traveller (FIT), leisure travel, business travel, specialised tours, and travel technology. It aims to differentiate itself with a nimble approach, he told businessline.

Further, we are looking at cross-generational travel because some of the luxury segments also travel that way, added Subramanian.

“The strategy is not to be everything for everyone, it should be something for someone.”

“On the traveller side, we are considering incubation programmes to foster innovation and enhance our offerings,” he said, emphasising the broader scope of the company’s plans to leverage technological advancements and strategic collaborations to strengthen its market position.

Earlier in November, Singapore-based VC, Wilson and Hughes announced acquiring brand Cox and Kings along with over 200 plus specialised sub-brands that were part of its portfolio.