The 5 Best Low-Cost TMCs for Indian Companies in 2025

Introduction: The Evolving Indian Business Travel Landscape

The Indian corporate travel market is experiencing remarkable transformation. With business travel expenditure in India projected to reach $64 billion by 2027 (Global Business Travel Association), companies are increasingly seeking ways to manage these growing costs effectively.

For many Indian businesses, particularly SMEs and growing mid-market companies, finding a Travel Management Company (TMC) that delivers comprehensive services without premium pricing has become a critical priority. As travel costs continue to rise, the right TMC partnership can significantly impact your bottom line.

In this analysis, we’ll explore the top low-cost TMC options for Indian companies, examining their core offerings, technological capabilities, pricing models, and suitability for different business needs.

Why Traditional TMCs Often Don’t Work for Indian Companies

Before diving into the best options, it’s important to understand why many traditional TMCs fail to meet the specific needs of Indian businesses:

1. Prohibitive minimum spend requirements that exclude all but the largest corporations
2. Western-centric service models that don’t account for unique Indian market dynamics
3. Limited domestic travel options focusing primarily on international routes
4. Complex GST handling that creates accounting headaches
5. High service fees that eliminate potential savings
6. Inflexible technology that doesn’t integrate with Indian finance systems

Key Criteria for Evaluating Low-Cost TMCs in India

To identify the best low-cost TMCs, we’ve evaluated candidates across several critical dimensions:

• Cost structure and transparency
• Technology capabilities and self-service options
• Domestic and international inventory access
• GST compliance and reconciliation
• Customer support quality and availability
• Savings technologies and methodologies
• Mobile capabilities for on-the-go management
• Implementation complexity and timeline

The 5 Best Low-Cost TMCs for Indian Companies

1. AtYourPrice: Best Overall Value for Indian Companies

Core Strengths:

• Proprietary Low Fare Search Automation (LFSA) technology delivering average 8% savings on airfare
• Comprehensive domestic inventory with 200,000+ hotels, air, rail, bus, and cab options
• Integrated ExpenseOut system with automated GST reconciliation
• No minimum spend requirements
• 24/7 dedicated support with 15+ years experience in the Indian market

Ideal For: Medium-sized Indian companies seeking comprehensive travel management with demonstrable cost savings and GST compliance.

Unique Advantage: AtYourPrice’s proprietary LFSA technology continues working after booking, automatically finding lower fares and rebooking tickets without manual intervention—a feature particularly valuable as Indian airlines frequently adjust pricing.

Potential Drawbacks: More limited international inventory compared to global TMCs, though partnerships with major GDSs provide essential global coverage.

Pricing Model: Transaction-based fees with transparent pricing structure; no hidden costs or minimum commitments.

Client Testimony: “We reduced our travel spend by 22% in the first year with AtYourPrice. Their GST reconciliation alone saved our finance team about 40 hours monthly.” – Finance Director, Technology Company, Bangalore

2. MakeMyTrip for Business: Best for SMEs

Core Strengths:

• Familiar consumer platform adapted for business needs
• Extensive domestic flight and hotel inventory
• Simple implementation with minimal training required
• Basic reporting and expense tracking
• Competitive rates leveraging consumer volume

Ideal For: Small businesses with occasional travel needs and limited management requirements.

Unique Advantage: Leverages MakeMyTrip’s massive consumer marketplace for competitive rates.

Potential Drawbacks: Limited policy enforcement capabilities; basic expense management features.

Pricing Model: Transaction fees with options for customized corporate rates.

3. ITILITE: Best Technology Interface

Core Strengths:

• Modern, user-friendly interface
• AI-powered recommendations
• Gamification for policy compliance
• Digital receipt capture
• Responsive mobile application

Ideal For: Tech-forward companies where user adoption is a primary concern.

Unique Advantage: Incentive-based approach to policy compliance that rewards cost-conscious booking decisions.

Potential Drawbacks: Less comprehensive service support; primarily technology-focused.

Pricing Model: Subscription-based with tiered pricing depending on features required.

4. Travel Perk: Best for International Businesses

Core Strengths:

• Strong global inventory
• Flexible booking policies
• Carbon offsetting options
• Centralized invoicing
• VAT recovery assistance

Ideal For: Indian companies with significant international travel requirements.

Unique Advantage: Flexible cancellation policies with substantial refund capabilities, even on non-refundable tickets.

Potential Drawbacks: Less focus on domestic Indian travel needs; limited GST expertise.

Pricing Model: Freemium model with premium features requiring subscription.

5. Corporate Traveller: Best Traditional Service at Budget Prices

Core Strengths:

• Personalized service approach
• Negotiated corporate rates
• After-hours emergency support
• Comprehensive reporting options
• Long-standing industry relationships

Ideal For: Companies seeking traditional TMC service models at more accessible price points.

Unique Advantage: Combines technology with high-touch service for a hybrid approach.

Potential Drawbacks: Less automated than newer platforms; higher touch may mean higher costs.

Pricing Model: Management fee or transaction-based options available.

Detailed Comparison: Key Features

Why AtYourPrice Leads for Indian Companies: A Deeper Analysis

While all five options offer strong value, AtYourPrice stands out particularly for Indian companies for several reasons:

1. India-Specific Expertise

With 15+ years of experience in the Indian market, AtYourPrice has developed deep expertise in the unique challenges facing Indian businesses:

• Comprehensive GST handling with automated reconciliation designed specifically for complex Indian tax requirements
• Railway booking integration critical for domestic Indian travel
• Relationships with Indian hotel chains often overlooked by global TMCs
• Understanding of Indian corporate hierarchies reflected in approval workflows

2. Cost Optimization Technologies

AtYourPrice’s proprietary Low Fare Search Automation (LFSA) technology delivers impressive savings:

The system:

1. Continues monitoring fares after booking
2. Identifies lower fare opportunities
3. Automatically rebooks at the lower fare
4. Maintains the same PNR
5. Notifies the traveler of savings

This automation has delivered average savings of 8% on airfare costs—significant for Indian companies where domestic flights represent a substantial portion of travel spend.

3. Integrated Expense Management

The ExpenseOut system provides end-to-end travel and expense management:

• Real-time expense submission through mobile app
• Automated GST reconciliation saving significant finance department time
• Customizable approval workflows reflecting organizational hierarchies
• Direct integration with accounting systems popular in Indian businesses

4. Balanced Technology and Service

AtYourPrice strikes an effective balance between technological automation and personalized service:

• Self-booking tool for straightforward transactions
• 24/7 support team for complex itineraries
• Dedicated account managers for ongoing optimization
• Quality control desk ensuring service standards

Implementation Considerations for Low-Cost TMCs

When implementing a low-cost TMC solution, consider these best practices:

1. Start with Clear Goals

Define what “success” looks like for your travel program:

• Cost savings targets
• Traveler satisfaction metrics
• Policy compliance rates
• Process efficiency improvements

2. Prepare for Data Transfer

Gather essential information to accelerate implementation:

• Traveler profiles and preferences
• Existing vendor relationships and rates
• Company hierarchy and approval chains
• Travel policy documentation

3. Plan a Phased Approach

Consider implementing in stages:

• Start with a single department or location
• Begin with domestic travel before international
• Phase in expense management after basic booking
• Gradually introduce policy enforcement

4. Communicate Effectively

Ensure successful adoption through:

• Executive sponsorship communications
• Clear explanation of benefits to travelers
• Training sessions for frequent travelers
• Regular updates on program savings

Conclusion: Finding Your Best Value TMC

Selecting the right low-cost TMC requires balancing multiple factors including technology capabilities, service levels, domestic and international inventory, and specialized features like GST handling. For most Indian companies, the ideal solution will offer:

1. Transparent pricing without hidden fees
2. Strong domestic inventory across air, hotel, rail, and ground transport
3. Automated cost-saving technologies that deliver measurable ROI
4. Integrated expense management with GST reconciliation
5. Reliable support with understanding of Indian business practices

Among the options reviewed, AtYourPrice delivers the strongest overall value proposition for Indian companies seeking comprehensive travel management without premium pricing. Its combination of proprietary cost-saving technology, integrated expense management, and deep understanding of Indian business travel needs positions it uniquely in the market.

Regardless of which TMC you choose, focusing on actual savings delivered rather than headline fees will ensure you identify a partner that truly provides low-cost travel management rather than simply low upfront prices.