SOTC and SaveIN Launch Zero-Interest Holiday EMI

This article reveals a new financing option that makes holiday bookings more affordable through zero-interest EMIs introduced by SOTC Travel in partnership with SaveIN.

What the partnership offers

SOTC Travel has entered a collaboration with fintech platform SaveIN to roll out a Save and Pay Later model that provides instant, paperless financing for travel purchases. The program allows customers to access interest-free equated monthly installments (EMIs) for holiday bookings, with finance limits of up to INR 10 lakh. The credit is processed digitally at the point of sale, enabling faster confirmation of itineraries and packages without the immediate upfront cost.

Key features at a glance

Why this matters for consumers

• Affordability: Spreads large holiday expenses over time without additional interest cost.
• Accessibility: High-value experiences become reachable for customers who otherwise delay or downscale plans.
• Speed: Instant approval reduces friction at booking and helps secure peak-season travel options.
• Digital convenience: Paperless processing aligns with mobile-first booking behaviour among younger travellers.

Statements from the partnership

S D Nandakumar, President and Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel Limited, emphasized the role of flexible payment models in making travel a year-round lifestyle choice for Indians. He framed the collaboration as a means to enhance accessibility and the customer experience by leveraging SaveIN’s zero-interest EMI approach.

Jitin Bhasin, Founder and CEO of SaveIN, noted that the company’s evolution from healthcare financing into a multi-domain platform addresses similar challenges in travel, where upfront costs can limit consumers’ aspirations. The travel partnership represents SaveIN’s first major entry into this segment, packaged as a "3-in-1 financing framework" to make high-value travel more attainable.

Context: BNPL and EMI growth in India

The introduction of zero-interest EMIs by a major tour operator follows broader shifts in consumer finance. The Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) and EMI ecosystems in India have seen rapid adoption across retail and services. Analysts project sustained expansion: the BNPL/EMI segment is expected to grow significantly over the coming decade as digital payments and embedded finance become more pervasive.

Historical perspective

EMI-based purchasing for travel is not entirely new. Historically, travel agencies and banks offered installment options tied to credit cards or consumer loans. The difference today is the convergence of three trends: streamlined digital underwriting, specialised fintech players capable of quick disbursement, and a cultural shift among younger travellers toward spreading costs rather than delaying experiences. This shift has enabled travel companies to package financing directly with their products, rather than relying exclusively on third-party bank credit.

Market drivers

• Demographics: A rising middle class and youthful population with strong demand for experiential travel.
• Technology: Faster identity verification and underwriting via digital KYC and data analytics.
• Product innovation: Fintech models such as interest-free EMIs, cashback-linked offers, and loyalty financing.

Implications for travel suppliers and activities

For tour operators, hotels, and activity providers, integrated financing can reduce booking abandonment and increase conversion of high-ticket offerings. The zero-interest EMI option makes it easier for travellers to commit to premium itineraries, longer packages, and add-on activities. Suppliers that align product pricing and inventory management with such payment options may see higher average transaction values and improved seasonality smoothing.

Potential effects on niche sectors

While the partnership targets mainstream holiday packages, its ripple effects can reach niche tourism segments. Luxury excursions, adventure packages, and bespoke experiences that previously required substantial deposits may become more marketable when paired with instalment plans. Tour operators offering specialized activities can use financing to upsell curated experiences and capture customers who seek immediate confirmation but prefer to defer the financial impact.

Operational considerations for providers

• Integrating point-of-sale financing requires API and checkout adjustments.
• Clear communication of terms and repayment profiles is critical to maintain trust.
• Monitoring customer credit behaviour and default risk remains important, even with zero-interest structures.

Forecast: What this means for tourism demand

Introducing large-ticket financing at zero interest could catalyse incremental demand across domestic and outbound travel markets. By lowering the immediate cost barrier, seasonal peaks may distribute more evenly as travellers book earlier and with greater confidence. Over time, a normalized use of EMIs for travel could raise average spending per trip, stimulate demand for value-added services, and encourage repeat travel among younger cohorts.

However, caution is warranted. Increased reliance on instalment-based purchases can lead to overextension among consumers if not paired with financial literacy and protective measures. Regulators and industry players will likely watch default patterns and consumer feedback to refine underwriting and eligibility criteria.

How this could relate to boating and marina experiences

Although the initiative primarily targets packaged holidays, financing models like zero-interest EMIs often extend to a broad set of travel services over time. This means high-value recreational bookings—such as private day excursions, guided water activities, and marina-based experiences—could become easier to purchase for consumers who prefer spreading costs. Operators in coastal destinations and marinas that package shore-side services with financing options may unlock new customer segments seeking premium or curated marine activities.

Checklist for marine and activity providers

• Assess whether financing can complement premium day trips or wet-berth packages.
• Design clear cancellation and refund policies aligned with financing terms.
• Coordinate with travel partners to present bundled offers that combine accommodation and activities.

GetBoat is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news and industry moves such as this financing partnership. The collaboration between SOTC Travel and SaveIN could reshape consumer behaviour by enabling easier access to travel, encouraging bookings across beaches, lakes, and coastal destinations, and supporting a range of tourism activities. For travellers and suppliers alike, the introduction of zero-interest EMIs signals a growing trend toward flexible payment solutions that may influence how people plan, budget, and experience their next getaway. GetBoat.com is always keeping an eye on the latest tourism news.