Executive Summary
By integrating Xeni’s travel infrastructure layer, a leading food delivery app in the GCC unlocked a new revenue stream, enhanced user engagement and boosted average order value. The client has added over $1M of GMV at a high margin and exceeded the industry benchmark on user conversion. The client is experiencing increased customer retention and repeat use.
Strategic Rationale
Travel combines high-frequency user engagement with high-ticket transactions, unlocking both revenue and retention. As a natural extension of existing verticals like food, retail, delivery, or payments, travel deepens user utility and loyalty within the app. Travel enhances user experience by expanding the user’s daily-to-lifestyle journey.
The client sought to become a leading superapp in the GCC region by adding new service verticals for its user base. Travel marked the first major foray into a new segment.
The product suite
The client launched only the Xeni Hotels API. They are now committed to launching the Resorts, Activities, and Flights APIs in the coming months.
Integration and operational lift
The client completed integration through launch in three weeks. The client also integrated into Xeni’s tech and booking support processes to guarantee seamless 24-hour coverage. Xeni provided in-person bookings support training to the client’s in-house team to guarantee a world class traveler experience.
Key Results (December 2024 – June 2025)
The client has successfully differentiated itself amongst its competitive set. The client has zero inventory or shrinkage risk on its travel operations, and did not have to invest to build a travel booking system. Xeni also served as an operational partner in terms of accessing wholesale rate inventory, managing bookings and vendors, and communicating with travelers. The forecasted GMV revenue opportunity for the client is $70M following integration of the full-suite of APIs.
- Total Booking Revenue: $1,357,126
- Avg Booking Value (Repeat): $716 | (One-time): $725
- Repeat Users: 28% of users | Contributed 52% of revenue
Conversion Funnel Insight (June 2025)
- 3,342 users reached hotel detail pages
- 468 bookings completed
- Conversion Rate: 14.0%
The conversion rate far exceeds the industry benchmark of 2–5%, indicating highly effective funnel performance. Strategically, it suggests that driving more users into the hotel discovery flow could yield significant returns.
Strategic learnings
Results Detail
The client launched mid-way through December ‘24 and initiated marketing spend in May ‘25, leading to a significant increase in volume.
The number of bookings per month generally trended upwards, as did the average value per booking, as travelers gained comfort with the service.
