Budget hotels aggregator Vista Rooms is embarking on an international expansion with plans to enter five new countries by the end of this year.

The startup, which has forayed into the Sri Lankan market, is seeking to respond to interests from its customers in certain international destinations.

“Our expansion plans have been driven by our customers who have reached out to us expressing interest in certain international destinations,” Vista Rooms Co-Founder and Head of Growth Amit Damani said in a statement.

On its expansion plans, the company said: “Vista Rooms follows an asset and people-light model and looks to venture into five other countries by the end of 2016.”

In Sri Lanka, the company said it has partnered with over 200 hotels in more than 25 locations. The properties in the network include boutique hotels, guest houses, service apartments, private villas and home stays.

“The response we have received from hotel owners and customers has been very positive,” Damani said.

Vista Rooms is seeking to cash in on the similarity between the Sri Lankan and Indian markets, where English is a widely accepted language.

The negligible difference between Indian and Sri Lankan currency and the amount of travel time also helps Vista Rooms expand aggressively, it said.

The average room prices range around Rs 2,500, which includes complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi and concierge services for booking flights and sightseeing tours.

Bullish on the Sri Lankan market, the company said it aims to establish the largest branded network of travel accommodations in Sri Lanka, which has seen a rapid rise in the past couple of years with a huge demand for budget accommodation.

“Last year alone, more than 80 per cent of guest stays have taken place in 2-star and below category,” it said.

Vista Rooms has been expanding aggressively and in under 10 months since its inception, has covered over 800 properties in more than 80 cities in India.

 Source: The Economic Times