Leading operators in the Indian tours and travel sector are set to report operating profits in fiscal 2023, after having reported losses for the past two fiscals due to pandemic induced travel restrictions, according to CRISIL Ratings.

While operating profitability is expected to check in at 6-7%, revenue should drive past 90% of pre-pandemic levels, buoyed by strong recovery in both, corporate and leisure travel segments in India and abroad.

"We expect operating margins to sustain at these levels next fiscal, due to implementation of cost optimisation and automation initiatives undertaken by travel operators commencing from the pandemic period, even as revenues are expected to pass pre-pandemic levels next fiscal," the ratings agency says.

This marks a significant turnaround from operating losses of 25.8% and 2.7% in fiscals 2021 and 2022, respectively.

The improvement in operating performance, together with healthy liquidity and net debt free balance sheets, will help strengthen credit profiles of the players, says CRISIL.

"Rising business travel, along with increasing return-to-office and preference for face-to face meetings besides increasing consumer preference for short breaks will push revenue past pre-pandemic levels in fiscal 2024. Interestingly, preference for short holidays is seeing momentum, especially within India and Asian destinations. With revival in European visa issuances, forward bookings for the upcoming summer holidays have also risen. Recovery of leisure travel to the US, however, may take longer," says Poonam Upadhyay, director, CRISIL Ratings.

Revenue from long-haul international leisure tours (the U.S. and Europe being key regions) got impacted by visa issues this fiscal, limiting its recovery to 55% of the pre-pandemic level this fiscal. Improvement in these outbound, long-haul segments and, inbound travel amid receding concerns of an extended global recession will further boost revenue growth, the ratings agency says.

Revenue recovery, along with change in cost structure with continued cost optimisation measures, increased tech-enabled initiatives, re-evaluation of business models, and downsizing of branch networks which gained momentum during the pandemic, will ensure profits for travel operators this fiscal onwards, says CRISIL.

"The implementation of cost optimisation and automation initiatives has substantially reduced the proportion of fixed cost to around 33% of total revenue from over 60% before the pandemic, ensuring better operating profitability on a sustained basis," says Shounak Chakravarty, associate director, CRISIL Ratings.

CRISIL, however, warned that a steep increase in air fares, prolonged visa delays especially for travel to the U.S., and inflation pressures could potentially dampen the growth momentum. "The proposed increase in tax collected on overseas tour packages to 20% from 5% earlier in this year's budget could temper international business of Indian travel operators, and will bear watching," the ratings agency says.

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Indian travel operators to report profits after 2 years: CRISIL