Quint Digital Limited (QDL), a leading media-tech company in India that runs a host of news portals and digital products, has signed a franchise agreement with the London-headquartered Time Out Group, a global media and hospitality business brand, to launch Time Out India, an editorially curated food and cultural guide.
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, QDL said in a statement. “Through this partnership, QDL and Time Out will bring high-quality, expert content and world-class cultural and culinary offerings to Indian consumers and advertisers.”
At the heart of this 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. Featuring editorial content curated by local expert journalists, Time Out 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 will be the go-to hub for locals and tourists seeking curated recommendations. “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,” the statement said.
Alongside Time Out Media, the agreement 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 brings the best of the city together under one roof.
These markets – 11 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 vibrant venues for exploration, entertainment, and community engagement – and also offer unique advertising opportunities via digital screens within the Markets.
Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group plc, said in a statement published by the London Stock Exchange, “We are pleased to partner with Quint Digital – a leader in digital content, digital publishing technology, and AI-driven social media analytics – to launch Time Out in India across key cities and beyond. 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.”
Ritu Kapur, managing director and CEO, QDL added,”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.
“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. 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.”
