Zomato takes on BookMyShow with ‘District’ app for movies and event tickets

Zomato has introduced a new app called ‘District,’ which combines dining services with ticket booking for various events. Available on both iOS and Android platforms, District offers users the ability to reserve tables at restaurants, book tickets for movies, and purchase passes for live performances, sports events, and other activities.

Zomato's new step

This launch follows Zomato’s acquisition of Paytm’s events and ticketing business in August 2023 for ₹2,048 crore. With District, Zomato is stepping into the event and experience segment, which could position it as a competitor to established platforms such as BookMyShow in the Indian market.

The app integrates dining services with ticket booking in a single platform. For dining, District enables users to discover and book tables at restaurants and cafes, with exclusive offers available for payments made through the app. The movie ticketing feature allows users to book tickets at major cinema chains, including PVR Inox, Cinepolis, and Mirage.

What's in the plate?

In addition to movies, District also offers tickets for live events such as concerts, comedy gigs, and music festivals, along with sports events like the IPL, Kerala's football matches and international cricket matches. The app further features curated workshops for users to explore various entertainment options in their cities. For instance, in Kochi, users can book tickets for the upcoming ISL football matches, events at Wonderla Amusement Park, and the Christmas Carnival 2024. In Thiruvananthapuram, the app is also offering access to an upcoming music festival, adding to the city’s growing list of cultural experiences.

District is Zomato’s third major consumer-facing service, following its food delivery platform and Blinkit—its quick-commerce service. The app aims to serve users in India and the UAE, indicating a regional expansion in the leisure segment.