MAM
EaseMyTrip signs MoU with Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Development Board
Mumbai: EaseMyTrip.com, an online travel tech platform has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Development Board (UPETDB) under the Government of Uttar Pradesh, in charge of executing promotional and tourism activities. The MoU was signed in the presence of UP’s minister of forest and environment, zoological garden, climate change, Arun Kumar Saxena and minister of ayush, food security, and drug administration, Dayashankar Mishra.
The objective of the MoU is to foster a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the promotion and development of tourism in Uttar Pradesh. This partnership will leverage EaseMyTrip’s extensive reach and technological expertise to highlight Uttar Pradesh’s rich eco-tourism offerings.
Under this collaboration, EaseMyTrip will actively promote all registered homestays in Uttar Pradesh on its online portal. The brand will also execute a dedicated promotional campaign to position homestays as a distinctive and preferred accommodation option for travellers visiting the state. Additionally, EaseMyTrip will develop educational products related to bird sanctuaries, drawing insights from successful case studies such as Okhla Bird Sanctuary and Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. These products will be promoted in schools, colleges, and other institutions through advanced tour guides. These tour guides will have access to training programs which will be officially registered under UPETDB and designed by EaseMyTrip to enhance the tourist experience.
EaseMyTrip will also curate and market bespoke tourism packages showcasing Uttar Pradesh’s unexplored destinations, cultural experiences, culinary delights, and traditional crafts. These packages will feature homestays as an integral component of the overall tourism experience and will promote the state’s tiger reserves, including Dudhwa, Pilibhit, Amangarh, and Ranipur Tiger Reserve. The UPETDB will actively support the promotion of microsites developed by EaseMyTrip on all relevant social media channels, leveraging its extensive reach and influence.
Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, EaseMyTrip co-founder Rikant Pittie said, “We are excited to start this new project with the Uttar Pradesh Eco Tourism Development Board (UPETDB). Uttar Pradesh, with its rich history, popularity, and stunning natural beauty, hosts a plethora of underrated and unexplored destinations waiting to be discovered by more people. We are confident that our collaboration with the UPETDB will not only benefit both parties but also contribute significantly to the growth and enhancement of tourism across the state.”
Govt of Uttar Pradesh minister of tourism & culture Jaiveer Singh shared his thoughts on the partnership, stating, “We are excited to partner with EaseMyTrip, a leading online travel tech platform in India. This collaboration leverages their extensive reach and technological expertise to bring greater visibility and accessibility to the diverse and rich eco-tourism offerings of Uttar Pradesh. We are confident that this partnership will drive significant growth and elevate UP as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists.”
Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Government of Uttar Pradesh & director general senior IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh Cadre and the Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department stated “Uttar Pradesh boasts numerous undiscovered gems awaiting exploration by tourists. Our collaboration with EaseMyTrip aims to enhance the visibility and accessibility of these diverse and rich offerings. This strategic partnership will not only drive significant growth but also position Uttar Pradesh as a preferred destination for travelers.”
Uttar Pradesh Tourism IFS, director Prakhar Mishra added, “We are delighted to partner with EaseMyTrip, a leading online travel tech platform in India. This partnership is targeted to use their extensive reach and technological expertise to enhance the visibility and accessibility of Uttar Pradesh’s diverse cultural and eco-tourism offerings. Our aim is to develop Uttar Pradesh as a leading ecotourism destination without damaging our natural resources, including the flora and fauna. We are confident that this collaboration will drive significant growth and firmly establish the state as a preferred destination for tourists around the globe.”
Eco-tourism in India is becoming popular, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the country’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty sustainably. From Kerala’s lush forests to Madhya Pradesh’s wildlife sanctuaries and the Himalayan region’s serene landscapes, India boasts numerous eco-friendly destinations. Uttar Pradesh is also focusing on eco-tourism, actively promoting it through various initiatives. These efforts aim to conserve the environment, support local communities, and educate tourists. By embracing eco-tourism, India safeguards its ecosystems while providing unforgettable, responsible travel experiences that connect visitors with nature and culture.
Brands
Abhinav Rastogi named global marketing director for YouTube Shopping
Google veteran to scale creator commerce and expand shopping across global markets
SINGAPORE: Abhinav Rastogi has stepped into a new role as global marketing director for YouTube Shopping, marking the latest chapter in a more than decade-long career at Google.
Rastogi, who took on the position in February and is based in Singapore, will lead global marketing for YouTube Shopping, a platform designed to connect creators, viewers and merchants in a single ecosystem. His remit includes expanding the service into new markets and strengthening its positioning as a growth channel for both creators and brands.
In a reflective note on the transition, Rastogi pointed to a simple but powerful idea driving the role. For years, creators have quietly built trust with audiences through consistent and authentic content, and that trust often shapes purchasing decisions. What is changing now, he said, is the infrastructure around that behaviour. YouTube Shopping aims to make it easier for viewers to discover and buy products recommended by creators they already follow.
The scale is already significant. More than half a million creators have joined the programme, with recent expansion into Japan through a partnership with Rakuten signalling further global ambitions.
Rastogi believes the future of shopping on YouTube will be driven by a blend of creators, content and communities. In his view, it is the human voice behind the screen, not just the product, that ultimately builds trust and drives discovery.
Prior to this role, he served as director of marketing, YouTube Asia Pacific, where he led regional marketing across creator engagement, brand building and reputation. During that time, he played a key role in launching and scaling YouTube Shopping across eight markets in the region.
Earlier stints at Google include group product marketing manager, consumer apps, overseeing growth for products such as Search, Maps and Assistant across India and Southeast Asia, and product marketing manager roles spanning consumer apps and YouTube, where he contributed to launches including YouTube Music, YouTube Originals and YouTube Shorts.
Rastogi began his career in consulting with Boston Consulting Group and A.T. Kearney, before moving into the technology sector. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Management Calcutta and Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur.
Alongside his corporate role, he is also an active angel investor, backing early-stage startups in consumer technology and electric mobility across India and Southeast Asia.
As he settles into the new role, Rastogi is betting on a future where every video can double up as a storefront, and where commerce feels less like a transaction and more like a recommendation from a trusted voice.
