Time Out, a global brand that aims to inspire and enable people to experience the best of the city, announced last week that it has signed a franchise agreement with Quint Digital Limited (QDL), a media-tech company, to launch Time Out India.
This multi-channel collaboration spans both Time Out Media and the opportunity to bring Time Out Market to India, marking a transformative moment in how Indian audiences and visitors discover and experience the country’s vibrant cities, added Time Out. Through this partnership, QDL and Time Out say they will bring quality, expert content and cultural and culinary offerings to Indian consumers and advertisers.
At the heart of the launch later this year is timeout.com/india alongside social channels as well as video – a digital destination designed to be the ultimate guide to India’s cities, added the publisher. Featuring editorial content curated by local journalists, Time Out says it will share the best things to do, see, and eat across India’s top cities and travel destinations. From food and drink to arts, culture, films, entertainment, and events, Time Out India aims to be the go-to hub for locals and tourists seeking curated recommendations. According to Time Out, this combination of trusted, authentic content and multiple platforms – plus a valuable experience-hungry audience – forms a differentiated proposition for a wide range of advertisers for which the team will be offering bespoke multi-channel campaigns.
Alongside Time Out Media, the publisher says the agreement also includes the exclusive option for QDL as a franchisee to explore on behalf of and in alignment with Time Out Group opportunities in India to invest in, open and operate Time Out Markets – the food and cultural market that aims to bring the best of the city together under one roof. These Markets – eleven are open around the world in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Dubai with more in the pipeline – combine Time Out’s trusted editorial curation with real-life experiences, showcasing a city’s top chefs, restaurants, mixologists, and cultural talent. These are venues for exploration, entertainment, and community engagement – and also offer advertising opportunities via digital screens within the Markets.
“Urban India, especially its younger, always-curious crowd, is craving something fresh, bold, and out of the box when it comes to lifestyle and food. With Time Out, we’re excited to bring a game-changing experience to the country,” said Ritu Kapur, managing director and CEO, QDL. “This partnership blends QDL’s pulse on India’s digital-first youth – and also visitors to our country – with Time Out’s global knack for spotlighting the best in culture, food, and city life,” she added.
"Together, we’ll inspire discovery, spotlight the best of our cities, and offer brands powerful new ways to engage with a discerning, experience-hungry audience,” said Raghav Bahl, director and promoter, QDL.
Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc added: "We are pleased to partner with Quint Digital to launch Time Out in India across key cities and beyond – one of the world’s most vibrant travel destinations with a rapidly evolving food scene, it presents an incredible opportunity for Time Out’s unique blend of curated content and experiences. With The Quint’s expert team, Time Out India will become the definitive go-to place for the very best of urban culture across key cities.
"In addition, this is the first time that a franchise partner in one country will not only operate Time Out Media but will also explore Time Out Market opportunities. This partnership comes at a time when we increasingly operate Media and Market – an unmatched digital and real-life model – as one brand to cement Time Out as a unique proposition, both for consumers and commercial partners to connect with this valuable audience. We look forward to celebrating the best of India along with its vibrant cities with our curated content and experiences."
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