Thomas Cook India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tag/thomas-cook-india/ Informing, connecting and developing the world’s travel industry professionals. Mon, 15 May 2023 06:34:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Thomas Cook India launches a new campaign focusing on Gen Z https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-a-new-campaign-focusing-on-gen-z/ Wed, 11 Jan 2023 22:50:51 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=762924 The post Thomas Cook India launches a new campaign focusing on Gen Z appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has unveiled a new campaign targeting Young India – by highlighting its special range of experiential Summer 2023 Europe Holidays; starting from as low as INR 75,000 (USD 918). The value tours have been thoughtfully designed to include preferences of Gen Z customers and come with unbeatable deals like Best Price […]

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Thomas Cook (India) Limited has unveiled a new campaign targeting Young India – by highlighting its special range of experiential Summer 2023 Europe Holidays; starting from as low as INR 75,000 (USD 918). The value tours have been thoughtfully designed to include preferences of Gen Z customers and come with unbeatable deals like Best Price Guarantee and No Cost EMI – 0% interest.

India is the youngest demography in the world with approx. 65% of its population being below the age of 35, driving accelerated e-commerce and digital discovery. Thomas Cook’s Digital First focus has resulted in a significant drop of approx. ten years in the average age of its holiday customers. Therefore, with a strategic aim to target Gen Z customers who seek experiential activities, authentic local culture and at value pricing, Thomas Cook’s new campaign focuses on attractive rates, unbeatable deals and a host of engaging experiences. Gen Z can sample Europe’s local cuisine, wine tasting; exciting nightlife with bar hopping, pub-crawls; a range of outdoor and adventure activities like sky diving, deep sea diving, windsurfing, paddle boarding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, segway tours, and more – across Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Prague, Budapest, and Istanbul.

Gen Z is known to have a shorter attention span, keeping this in mind, Thomas Cook’s new 3-part ad series have been strategically conceptualized and shot in a 15-seconds format, each ensuring a sharp message delivery in a quirky and humorous manner, also making them suitable for digital and social platforms.

Thomas Cook’s campaign is being aggressively promoted across digital & social platforms, primarily YouTube, Facebook & Instagram.

Thomas Cook India provides a powerful omnichannel network – offering customers the choice and convenience of selecting their preferred mode or a combination of channels: holiday app, virtual holiday store, website, call centre, or extensive retail network pan India.

Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head – Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel said, “Being the youngest demography in the world with approx. 65% of its population being below the age of 35, India’s Gen Z loves to travel, pack in and share as many experiences they can at affordable prices. This was the genesis of our special value tours for Europe – designed keeping our Gen Z customers in mind. Our teams have designed exceptional itineraries focused on experiential activities such as exploring nightlife, local cuisine wine tasting as well as activities such as sky diving, deep sea diving, horseback riding, mountain biking, hot air ballooning, surfing, etc.

Our digital-led campaign highlights our unbeatable offers including best price guarantee on holidays and No Cost EMI – 0% interest on our specially designed Europe holidays for Summer 2023. We invite our Gen Z customers to book their much-awaited summer holidays with us at Thomas Cook.”

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Thomas Cook India launches a new campaign focusing on Gen Z Thomas Cook (India) Limited has unveiled a new campaign targeting Young India. Thomas Cook India,thomas cook india gen z
Travel Insurance remains more important post pandemic https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/travel-insurance-remains-more-important-post-pandemic/ Wed, 30 Nov 2022 00:15:39 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=749693 The post Travel Insurance remains more important post pandemic appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s recent survey reveals significant customer requirement for travel insurance for both international and domestic destinations.

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Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s recent survey reveals significant customer requirement for travel insurance for both international and domestic destinations. The survey covered over 1000 consumers spread across India’s top metros and prime cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangaluru, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Indore, Bhopal, Patna, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Mysuru, Coimbatore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, etc. While the pandemic created increased need for travel insurance, the continued demand reflects the growing maturity of the Indian market.

The data analysis has revealed valuable insights on customer requirements related to travel insurance:

Strong requirement: 86% respondents showcased travel insurance as a necessity in the post pandemic era as compared to 75% respondents highlighting Health & Safety as the primary concern from the First Holiday Readiness Travel Report (May 2020); while 80% are keen on availing travel insurance for themselves/their family even if it was not mandatory during their travel or while obtaining visas

Covid 19 coverage: Covid 19 related coverage including hospitalisation, treatment, quarantine is essential for 69% of the respondents while planning their travel

Insurance preference: Significant share of insurance preference is for international destinations (60%) while 38% respondents are interested in taking travel insurance for both domestic and international destinations; from less than 1% pre pandemic to approx 20% currently for domestic destinations

Crucial factors while selecting travel insurance:  Features – insurance coverage features such as cancellation, delay, pre-existing medical conditions, Covid 19 cover, hotel quarantine, emergency hotel extensions continue to be a top priority for over 50% of the respondents while considering travel insurance. Coverage costs – expenses play a major role while considering travel insurance as 20% indicated that the insurance pricing should be reasonable.

Sum insured – it is essential too as highlighted by 7% of the respondents. Insurance company – the name of the insurance company or reputation in the market is considered important by 18%.  Additional factors – claim settlement percentage, cashless hospitalisation, flight/trip cancellation, hassle free reimbursement, delay, lost luggage/theft and reliability are also important factors

Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head – Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel said: The pandemic changed several norms in the travel industry with health and protection gaining importance. The fact that customers continue to see value in comprehensive travel insurance is to my mind, less an indicator of continuing concerns about the pandemic and more to do with a more mature customer mindset. This is more akin to customers in mature economies, where travel insurance is seen as a must have and not just good to have.

Given India’s rapidly maturing economy – our customers understandably, are seeing value (beyond thepandemic) in comprehensive travel insurance to ensure their safety and security while travelling.

 

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Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch a range of Europe Holidays for Summer 2023 https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-sotc-travel-launch-a-range-of-europe-holidays-for-summer-2023/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 10:18:33 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=748719 The post Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch a range of Europe Holidays for Summer 2023 appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The summer season is a peak travel period for Indians across segments and it also happens to be the best time to visit Europe, thus creating high demand for the destination.

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The summer season is a peak travel period for Indians across segments and it also happens to be the best time to visit Europe, thus creating high demand for the destination. To capitalise on this opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travelservices company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of value to luxury, ready-to-book, air-inclusive, land-only and customizable Europe Holidays starting at  INR157,000.00* for 9 days along with unbeatable deals.

The Companies’ Europe Holidays have been thoughtfully created to showcase favourite locales including UK, Switzerland, France, Austria, Scandinavia, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Vatican, Turkiye and Greece. The portfolio includes special itineraries focusing on mono destinations with in-depth exploration for travellers who prefer to explore destinations thoroughly.

To target young at heart explorers who seek experiential activities and genuine local culture, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s product portfolio offers flexible holidays. This includes multiple experiential activities like horse carriage rides in Seville; Game of Thrones tour in Ireland; Johnnie Walker experience in Edinburgh; chocolate tasting at Lindt Museum in Switzerland; Horchata drink in Valencia; Jeff de Bruges ice cream in Paris. Customers can also experience scenic/panoramic train journeys and river cruises, a glimpse of Europe’s exciting nightlife, local cuisine and wine tasting; also adventurous activities such as sky diving, deep sea diving and more across Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona, Prague, Budapest and Istanbul.

With cruise experiences witnessing significant demand, the Companies are offering an exciting inaugural offer: a complimentary 3-nights luxury cruise experience across Barcelona, Savona and Marseille. Additionally, to reassure customers, the Companies’ group tours will be accompanied by experienced tour managers.

Rajeev Kale, president & country head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “Europe has been a customer favourite for summer holidays and continues to be back in demand for summer 2023. Keeping this in mind, our European Holidays are designed with experiential activities that are sure to attract segments of families/multigenerational families, young professionals/millennials, couples and honeymooners. We have introduced an exciting inaugural offer wherein our customers can avail a complimentary European cruise experience for 3-nights across Barcelona, Savona and Marseille. Customers can select from a wide range of value to luxury, ready-to-book or personalised options with unbeatable offers/special deals.

Daniel D’souza president & country head – holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “A vast number of tourist attractions and landmarks in Europe create high demand for the destination. To capitalise on this demand, we have curated our European holidays with special offers. Our itineraries are designed with unique experiences and a range of exciting activities for all segments to explore the destination. Our intent is to target India’s millennials/new age travellers who enjoy exciting outdoor adventure; we also have special itineraries focusing on mono destinations with in-depth exploration. To sweeten the deal, we have announced a special inaugural offer – a complimentary European cruise experience.

 

 

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Thomas Cook India introduces Holiday Mate https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-introduces-holiday-mate/ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-introduces-holiday-mate/#respond Mon, 21 Nov 2022 15:41:07 +0000 https://eturbonews.com/?p=3083464 The post Thomas Cook India introduces Holiday Mate appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has announced the launch of Holiday Mate – an online B2B tool that empowers its travel agent partners to deliver swift, seamless and accurate services to the...

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Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, has announced the launch of Holiday Mate – an online B2B tool that empowers its travel agent partners to deliver swift, seamless and accurate services to the end consumer. The Company has consistently demonstrated innovation, agility and digital astuteness in leveraging technology to deliver increased […]

Thomas Cook India introduces Holiday Mate

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Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s TBA model registers rapid growth post pandemic https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-sotcs-tba-model-registers-rapid-growth-post-pandemic/ Fri, 16 Sep 2022 00:05:36 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=724140 The post Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s TBA model registers rapid growth post pandemic appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s Travel Business Associate (TBA) model provides individuals, an opportunity to supplement their income while working from home.

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Thomas Cook (India) Limited its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s Travel Business Associate (TBA) model provides individuals, an opportunity to supplement their income while working from home.

Travel Business Associate (TBA) freelance agent model is designed to tap into the new reality of the “Gig” economy and help extend distribution reach and capability via personal networks.

It aligns freelancer/entrepreneurial individuals with the companies’ extensive branch network to offer a flexible business opportunity. Associates are trained to sell the entire range of services from flights, hotels, holidays, forex, holiday card, etc. to personal/professional networks to supplement their existing business income

Abraham Alapatt, president & group head – marketing, service quality, value added services & innovation, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel said, “The strategic intent was to build a simple hub and spoke model aligning individual Associates to our local branches and backing them with training, tools and technology to create a new customer-market opportunity. The Travel Business Associate model is based on personal connections and references with no fixed costs and consequently a non-linear cost line that lends itself perfectly to rapid scalability, especially in a post-pandemic recovery period. What is noteworthy is that, in an era witnessing rapid rise of the gig economy where individuals seek flexibility, we are emphasizing on creating equal opportunities and I am delighted to state that nearly 50% of our Travel Business Associate workforce comprise of women – new mothers, homemakers, self-made women entrepreneurs; equally retired individuals, small business owners, mutual fund distributors.

He added, “Our Travel Business Associate model has witnessed sustained interest from Associates, growing by 10x, and has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels. We aim to optimize its potential and further grow our business in the post-pandemic era.”

Rapidly adapting to the accelerated demand for flexible jobs and the rise of the gig economy, the unique hub and spoke model of the Travel Business Associate network, connects aspiring entrepreneurial individuals with the Companies’ extensive retail branch network. The Associate is then aided by the branch to close sales and earn attractive commissions.

The TBA model has seen an impressive sales growth of 10x since inception in 2018 and has already surpassed its pre-pandemic sales. With over 300 partners on-boarded, the Companies now aim to scale up the business to maximise on this high potential model.

While the pandemic adversely impacted businesses and resulted in job losses for many, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Travel Business Associate model provided a valuable pivot, allowing individuals the flexibility of working at their own pace, from the convenience/safety of their homes.

Further, the TBA model does not require upfront payment/deposits or investment in any physical office. The income generated is variable – based on conversion of referrals into a sale for the Companies.

The model has witnessed strong interest especially from homemakers, women taking sabbaticals or forced to stay at home due to domestic family transfers, self-made women entrepreneurs, new mothers (comprising 50% of the Companies’ TBA workforce); also retired individuals, small business owners, insurance agents, mutual fund distributors, etc.

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Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel introduce festive holidays https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-sotc-travel-introduce-festive-holidays/ Wed, 17 Aug 2022 10:24:33 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=710174 The post Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel introduce festive holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

To capitalise on the high demand during this peak festive period, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of festive holidays across International and Domestic destinations

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To capitalise on the high demand during this peak festive period, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of festive holidays across International and Domestic destinations.

Rajeev Kale the president and country head – holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said “We have introduced an extensive range of Festive Holidays across customer favourite destinations packed with unique experiences and special deals for our ready-to-book and personalised itineraries to ensure great value for money. Further, customers can make the most of our air-inclusive holidays with Vistara Getaways, Air Arabia Holidays and Emirates Holidays. And to accelerate demand, we have launched a range of unbeatable offers like Buy One Get One Free, Holiday Now Pay on Return, early bird specials, etc.”   

 

While Daniel D’Souza the president & country head at Holidays, SOTC Travel, added “India’s festive season presents the perfect opportunity to travel, especially for families with schools closing for their mid-term break and working professionals taking time off and travelling back to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. To inspire our customers across segments, we have announced an array of deals that are sure to give them the best value, and this is across our international, domestic and cruise holidays. ”

The festive season represents India’s second largest travel period and Thomas Cook and SOTC’s internal data reiterates the strong demand, not just from metros but also mini-metros, and tier 2-3 cities with a significant 74% respondents indicating intent to travel. Key segments driving demand for the festive season include:  Multi-generational families/couples: 78% looking for quality bonding time together. India’s migrant working professional segment: 66% keen to travel home and celebrate with their families. Millennials: 71% open to a mini-cation with their group of friends or a solo break

Destinations leading demand include short haul/easy visa destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Maldives, Mauritius; also Nepal and Bhutan in the Indian subcontinent. Most preferred long and mid haul destinations are USA (for visa holding customers), Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Europe, UK; domestic favourites include Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Ladakh, Rajasthan, Kerala and Goa.

 

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Thomas Cook India ties with Vistara to roll out international gateways programme https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-ties-with-vistara-to-roll-out-international-gateways-programme/ Tue, 19 Jul 2022 03:41:12 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=704023 The post Thomas Cook India ties with Vistara to roll out international gateways programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vistara Getaways, powered by a cutting-edge technology platform designed and built by the Thomas Cook India Group, presents customers with dynamic inventory and ready-to-book holidays

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Thomas Cook (India) and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched Vistara Getaways – international, as part of their exclusive partnership with Vistara, India’s full-service carrier.

Following the success of Vistara Getaways (Domestic), which launched in 2021 to capitalize on the easing of international restrictions and the convenience of no-visa/easy visa short-haul destinations, the first phase of the international launch offers appealing air-inclusive holidays across Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, and the Maldives.

Vistara Getaways, powered by a cutting-edge technology platform designed and built by the Thomas Cook India Group, presents customers with dynamic inventory and ready-to-book holidays. Each Vistara Getaways comes with flights (Vistara), transfers, premium hotel stays, sightseeing/experiences, visas (where required) and a dedicated concierge service. The seamless digital interface empowers Vistara’s customers with speed and convenience with the added advantage of support from Thomas Cook & SOTC’s holiday experts via its call centres and extended retail outlets pan India.

With a strategic intent to target Vistara’s discerning customers, Thomas Cook and SOTC have handpicked premium global hotel brands including, Dusit Thani in Thailand, Armani Hotel Dubai, Angsana Ihuru and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in Maldives, etc.

Mahesh Iyer, Executive Director & CEO, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Said: “Post the successful launch of our Vistara Getaways domestic range last year, we are delighted to extend our partnership with Vistara to international short-haul destinations. We intend to leverage the strong pent up demand and convenience of no visa/easy visa destinations to introduce Vistara Getaways for S.E Asia, UAE and Maldives. We have ensured great care in selection of hotels and our product range extends from affordable luxury to premium holidays.”

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Thomas Cook India joins hands with Mastercard and HDFC for South East Asia holidays https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-joins-hands-with-mastercard-and-hdfc-for-south-east-asia-holidays/ Mon, 18 Jul 2022 03:33:18 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=703857 The post Thomas Cook India joins hands with Mastercard and HDFC for South East Asia holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

This campaign provides an instant discount to customers when they book their holidays to South East Asian destinations of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia

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Thomas Cook (India) has partnered with Mastercard and HDFC Bank to launch a holiday campaign – #FunTasticAsia. This campaign provides an instant discount to customers when they book their holidays to South East Asian destinations of Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.

The offer is exclusively available for payments made on HDFC Bank Mastercard debit or credit cards. The special offer is valid until September 12, 2022.

Easing of restrictions coupled with no visa/easy visa regime for short-haul destinations have created strong demand for South East Asia. To capitalise on this strong demand and accelerate bookings, Thomas Cook has collaborated with Mastercard and HDFC Bank to offer attractive discounts across the company’s South East Asian holidays to Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. The promotion intends to target India’s families, millennials/young professionals, couples and honeymooners segments.

Exclusive offer for HDFC Bank Mastercard cardholders: INR 2,500.00 off on South East Asian (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia) holiday of INR 40,00, and above per transaction with travel validity till December 2022.

Abraham Alapatt, president and country head – marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation at Thomas Cook India, said: “Post our successful collaboration with Mastercard and HDFC Bank for the Dubai Expo 2020, we are delighted to launch this exclusive promotion – #FunTasticAsia with attractive discounts for HDFC Mastercard cardholders, on holidays to very popular destinations – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. We have carefully handpicked these destinations for their popularity, short flights for easy access & hassle free online visas or visas on arrival.”

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Thomas Cook and SOTC ink pact with Turkey Tourism to boost travel from India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-and-sotc-ink-pact-with-turkey-tourism-to-boost-travel-from-india/ Mon, 11 Jul 2022 00:09:14 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=703003 The post Thomas Cook and SOTC ink pact with Turkey Tourism to boost travel from India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Istanbul, Turkey

In a planned initiative to give fillip to travel to Turkey in the high potential India market, Thomas Cook (India), and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have recently signed an agreement with Turkey Tourism

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Istanbul, Turkey

turkey summer

In a planned initiative to give fillip to travel to Turkey in the high potential India market, Thomas Cook (India), and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have recently signed an agreement with Turkey Tourism. The collaboration will focus on building awareness and boosting visitations to the destination.

Thomas Cook & SOTC’s internal data reveals that with strong pent up demand and easing of entry/restrictions, Indian travel sentiment is at an all-time high. Destinations like Turkey that offer an added advantage of a simple and easy visa process are seeing significant interest. To inspire Indians and catalyse demand, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s partnership with Turkey Tourism focusses on both product development and wide-ranging marketing initiatives.

The product portfolio has been carefully designed by Thomas Cook & SOTC to showcase multifaceted Turkey – and its unique position at the crossroads of both Europe & Asia. The extensive range features ready-to-book holidays, group tours, personalised holidays and covers price points from value, affordable luxury to premium.

The partnership aims at targeting India’s high viable segments including millennials/young working professionals, families, couples, solo travellers, B-Leisure and corporate MICE groups from India’s key source markets: metros, mini-metros, as well as Tier 2 & 3 cities.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Turkey is one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations renowned for its warm hospitality, unique history, immense natural beauty, breathtaking architecture, and diverse gastronomy. We are delighted to collaborate with Turkey Tourism to jointly promote the destination to our range of customer segments as an aspirational destination for Indians. To inspire demand, we will strategically focus on digital advertisements, branding at Mumbai & Delhi international airports and a joint marketing campaign across media platforms. Additionally, we have also extended special offers like Buy One Get One Free.”

Deniz Ersoz, Culture and Tourism Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey said, “Turkey is one of the most popular tourism destinations for Indian travellers with the interest of Indian visitors in the country, being on a consistent rise over the recent years. In 2019, which was the pre-pandemic period, Turkey welcomed 51 million international visitors of which Indians comprised a significant share. With Covid related travel restrictions easing up, Turkiye has been amongst the top travel destinations for travellers from India in the past months. This includes all segments such as FITs, MICE and even Wedding groups.

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Thomas Cook rolls out corporate booking tool for forex https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-rolls-out-corporate-booking-tool-for-forex/ Tue, 28 Jun 2022 00:38:31 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=701620 The post Thomas Cook rolls out corporate booking tool for forex appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India’s FX-Now ushers in a digitised foreign exchange model that ensures speed, accuracy and seamless services for its on-the-go business travellers

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With the rapid revival of business travel and corporates accelerating their digital transformation, Thomas Cook (India) has launched FX-Now – a digital tool that empowers its corporate segment with convenient, customisable and contactless end-to-end foreign exchange services.

Foreign exchange procedures require careful documentation and approvals – resulting in complex/cumbersome processes. In an initiative to simplify the process, yet maintain necessary checks and balances, Thomas Cook India’s FX-Now ushers in a digitised foreign exchange model that ensures speed, accuracy and seamless services for its on-the-go business travellers.

Deepesh Varma, Senior Vice President, Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) said: “With the current Forex processes being rather cumbersome, we were keen to eliminate the pain points for our business travellers. This formed the genesis of FX-Now, the cutting-edge corporate self-booking tool that empowers our corporates with swift, convenient and contactless services for end-to-end forex transactions.”

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Thomas Cook India, SOTC launch ‘Ultra Flexible’ European holidays https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-sotc-launch-ultra-flexible-european-holidays/ Fri, 18 Mar 2022 00:30:18 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=688128 The post Thomas Cook India, SOTC launch ‘Ultra Flexible’ European holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Ultra Flexible” holidays comes without the restrictions of either minimum number of co-travellers, fixed dates, airlines or fixed timings for sightseeing

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Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, have introduced ‘Ultra Flexible’ holidays that offers flexibility, choice and convenience of pricing. The 8-day tour features 5 days in Switzerland with the flexibility of choosing 3 days in France, Italy or Austria for free. “Ultra Flexible” holidays comes without the restrictions of either minimum number of co-travellers, fixed dates, airlines or fixed timings for sightseeing.

Thomas Cook and SOTC’s internal data-consumer insights reveal that with the constant changes brought on by the pandemic, flexibility is a key traveller need. Hence, to offer its customers the power of choice and much-needed flexibility, the companies have introduced unique “Ultra Flexible” holidays – at INR 99,000.00. Basis customer demand, Switzerland has been selected as the prime destination, with customers getting to choose their second European destination from 3 favourites: France, Italy or Austria – free of cost!

To build confidence in travel, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s “Ultra Flexible” holidays comes with the reassurance of the company’s local representatives in Europe.

To strengthen customer confidence in travel, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s “TravShield” is safety commitment – with only vaccinated staff and co-passengers among many other precautions, building on their “Assured” travel safety protocols – developed in association with Apollo Clinics. TravShield & Assured together, ensure best in class safety and protection for travellers in the post Covid era, covering every distribution, delivery and partner touch point in the travel ecosystem.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “The genesis of this innovative product was the growing consumer need for flexibility/choice. Our “Ultra Flexible” holidays, hence, ushers in complete flexibility – a very attractive proposition of an 8 day Europe holiday for just INR 99,000. With 5 days in scenic Switzerland as the hub, customers are offered a choice of 3 additional days in France, Italy or Austria, making it a full 8-day itinerary.”

He added, “With premium hotels and exclusive mountain excursions, our “Ultra Flexible” holidays are easy-paced as we have chosen highly flexible inclusions like hop-on-hop off city tours, the Swiss Travel Pass and have included merely breakfast – allowing customers the flexibility of selecting their dining preferences (local cuisine/Indian) as per their choice. We’ve removed all the restrictions that would typically come with such tours – to ensure complete flexibility: so no fixed departure dates or fixed departure cities, no minimum number of co-travellers and no fixed airline! This is an unbelievable offer and we look forward to our customers booking by March 25th to avail of the amazing benefits.”

Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel, said, “The pandemic has ushered in new and changed consumer behaviours and flexibility has emerged a key traveller demand. Hence to delight our customers, we have curated “Ultra Flexible” holidays that comes at an unbeatable price. The tour has been thoughtfully designed by our holiday experts and features our traveller favourite of Switzerland as the key destination, with the flexibility and choice of adding on France, Italy or Austria basis their preference – free of cost!”

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India logs in strong recovery in MICE business https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/india-logs-in-strong-recovery-in-mice-business/ Mon, 29 Nov 2021 08:16:59 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=682128 The post India logs in strong recovery in MICE business appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) – India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, transformed its business into a digital model – delivering over 100 virtual events for over 3 lakh attendees based in India, USA, Canada, Germany and Ireland

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The pandemic brought the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conference and Exhibitions) sector to a standstill for most of 2020. To stay connected with its key MICE stakeholders, Thomas Cook (India) – India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, transformed its business into a digital model – delivering over 100 virtual events for over 3 lakh attendees based in India, USA, Canada, Germany and Ireland.

It also launched Gourmet Genie – specially curated corporate hampers that helped corporates stay in touch with their top performers and stakeholders with delivery of approx. 18,000 hampers till date. To build corporate confidence in MICE travel, Thomas Cook launched its “Assured” Safe Travel Program – developed in association with Apollo Clinics that ensures best in class travel safety protocols covering every distribution, delivery and partner touch point in the travel ecosystem.

This was followed by “TravShield” an upgraded safety commitment of only vaccinated staff and co-passengers among many other precautions, that ensures traveller safety in the pandemic era.

Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, Thomas Cook’s sustained corporate engagement towards driving MICE demand has resulted in delivery of over 200 physical groups of between 20-200 delegates per group in 2021. Top destinations included key metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad, top conference locations of Goa and Jaipur; also leisure favourites like Udaipur, Puri, Mahabalipuram, etc. With the reopening of international borders, several international MICE groups have been conducted to Dubai, Maldives, France and Germany with group sizes ranging between 20-200 guests. With growing appetite for exclusive experiences and increased spends, Thomas Cook has successfully managed premium groups with delegates comprising global business heads; stays at uber luxury hotels like Waldorf Astoria and The Ritz Carlton and exclusive experiences including dining at a Michelin star restaurant.

Sporting events were maximised by Thomas Cook towards delivery of 3 mid-sized MICE groups (between 30-100 delegates) during the T20 World Cup in the UAE. In addition, Expo 2020 Dubai continues to see growing interest from corporate R&D teams and trade associations. Thomas Cook India has also organised weddings and related events ranging between 30-400 guests at Goa, Jaipur and Udaipur.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, our focussed initiatives that included health and safety, have increased corporate confidence in MICE Travel. And this has resulted in our delivery of over 200 physical MICE groups (both domestic and international) since January this year. With increased demand for physical groups/events our pipeline for 2022 looks robust and our teams are all geared up to delivering truly exceptional programs to delight our MICE clients.”

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Delhi leads travel demand for Thomas Cook India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/delhi-leads-travel-demand-for-thomas-cook-india/ Tue, 02 Nov 2021 02:01:05 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=680257 The post Delhi leads travel demand for Thomas Cook India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has been witnessing a robust 60% month-on-month increase since re-opening in June 2021

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Delhi features as a top source market for Thomas Cook India. Lockdown fatigue and pent-up demand is resulting in strong travel desire from Delhites – Thomas Cook India has been witnessing a robust 60% month-on-month increase since re-opening in June 2021.

A surge in demand for the upcoming festive and winter season, Expo 2020 Dubai and honeymoon travel due to marriage season in North is powering travel growth from Delhi. Thomas Cook India reports that the demand is back to 65% of pre-pandemic levels overall: domestic travel at an impressive 290%; international at 55% (acquisition data Sept 2021 vs Sept 2019).

Maldives, Switzerland, France, Russia, Spain, Egypt are the top destinations, while Expo 2020 Dubai is seeing a brisk demand currently. Additionally, Delhi is also witnessing a strong demand for overseas education travel and Thomas Cook India has delivered well on student travel to USA and Canada with quarantine packages.

Thomas Cook India’s extensive network covers 5 owned/franchise outlets in Delhi (Connaught Place, Noida, Greater Kailash, Punjabi Bagh, Netaji Subhash Place, Kohat Enclave) and a total of 13 outlets across Delhi NCR, including Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Meerut.

Thomas Cook India’s survey has revealed insightful consumer behaviours and travel trends for Delhi

  • 62% prefer international destinations; favourites include Maldives, Dubai, Switzerland, France
  • 78% prefer Domestic holidays; Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand; with North East and Andamans now seeing strong demand

Top experiences

Delhites enjoy outdoor adventure trips like Biking in Ladakh, Rafting in Uttaranchal ,Kashmir, Rajasthan, South India; mountain destinations and experiences like ATV rides/a picnic lunch in an apple orchard; Andamans and beach destinations with water sports like sea karting, snorkeling, etc. Winter holidays with festivities of Christmas markets in Switzerland & France or Russia’s Lapland & Northern Lights, Nile cruises, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia (Turkey) and Expo 2020 Dubai are top favourites.

Romil Pant, Senior Vice President, Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “Delhi continues to be one of our best performing markets and contributes significantly to our holidays business –international and domestic. This year we have seen high demand for travel within India, Delhites preferring outdoor adventure and mountain locations like Himachal Pradesh, Leh-Ladakh, Uttarakhand and North East; our bike trips are doing exceptionally well. While Maldives has been Delhi’s top destination, we are seeing a strong surge for Europe, Turkey, along with the Expo 2020 Dubai across families and business/trade associations.”

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UAE and Expo 2020 key driver for travel in last quarter 2021: Thomas Cook India & SOTC survey https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/uae-and-expo-2020-key-driver-for-travel-in-last-quarter-2021-thomas-cook-india-sotc-survey/ Thu, 07 Oct 2021 05:10:35 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=678619 The post UAE and Expo 2020 key driver for travel in last quarter 2021: Thomas Cook India & SOTC survey appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel survey reveals travel trends with UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai emerging as a clear driver of international demand

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Thomas Cook India and its group company SOTC Travel have jointly surveyed over 2500 customers across India’s key metros and mini-metros and Tier 2 & 3 source markets. The survey reveals insightful customer data, behaviour and travel trends with UAE (Dubai-Abu Dhabi) and Expo 2020 Dubai emerging as a clear driver of international demand for Q4 2021:

  • Significant Travel Desire: 85% of respondents keen to travel (77% International, 61% domestic)
  • Over 60% indicate clear intent to visit UAE with Expo 2020 Dubai topping the leader board of favourites; also cricket fixtures of IPL and T20

With re-opening of borders, vaccine acceptance/easing of restrictions, Indians are displaying strong travel appetite for UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi). Expo 2020 Dubai, starting October 1, 2021 and continuing up to March 31, 2022, has created a significant opportunity – with over 47% of respondents indicating keen interest to visit the event at least once this year.

Demand for Expo 2020 Dubai extends across a range of segments:

  • Business Travellers (MNCs, India corporate houses, SMEs) & Trade Associations: 15%
  • MICE Travellers: 25%
  • Leisure Travellers (Families/ Extended families, Couples, Millennials, Seniors): 45%
  • Education: 15%

No. of Visits & Duration of Stay:

  • 47% respondents are likely to visit Expo 2020 at least once between October – December 2021
  • 57% respondents indicated they would visit the Expo more than once (Oct 2021 – March 2022)

Average duration of stay: ranges from 4 – 7 nights

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “Our survey highlights strong travel demand for the last quarter 2021, with 60% customers indicating UAE with Expo 2020 Dubai as their top preference; followed by the cricket fixtures of IPL/T20. The survey further reveals strong appeal across range of traveller segments – from India’s millennials, families, students, and business to our MICE corporate and across India’s metros as well as Tier 2-3 source markets. For industry associations and businesses, Expo 2020 Dubai offers an invaluable platform for ideation, R&D, business and networking. In addition to Expo 2020, the exciting cricket fixtures of the T20 World Cup & IPL, have allowed us to combine the two opportunities with a compelling product for the India market.”

Daniel D’souza, president and country head in SOTC Travel said: “The survey reveals positive interest for families to witness this once-in-a-lifetime global mega-event. Expo 2020 Dubai, length of stay trends highlight, customers are looking at longer stay compared to short trips in the past. Over 57% of respondents said they would visit the Expo again along with an increased willingness to spend.”

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Thomas Cook India taps into high growth education segment https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-taps-into-high-growth-education-segment/ Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:24:55 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=678561 The post Thomas Cook India taps into high growth education segment appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) has delivered on an extensive end-to-end student portfolio covering visa support, travel including quarantine packages

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The international education segment from India is a significant and growing market. With an approximately 20-25% growth pre-pandemic, the student business is witnessing strong revival in 2021 with trends indicating a surpassing of pre-pandemic levels by end of FY2021-22.

With a clear intent to leverage this high growth opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) has delivered on an extensive end-to-end student portfolio covering visa support, travel including quarantine packages, travel insurance, foreign exchange, health & safety services (COVID-negative certification, safe travel helpline with guidelines), etc.

The company has accelerated its digital-first strategy with the launch of innovative solutions – that deliver simple, swift, seamless contactless solutions for Indian students planning to study overseas. (*MEA data Jan-Feb 2021)

The study overseas process can be arduous at the best of times. With the pandemic resulting in unprecedented lockdowns, protocols and a flux in regulations, the process turned out to be even more cumbersome and stressful for students and their parents/families.

To address the significant challenges of its student customers, Thomas Cook India fast tracked its Digital First strategy to launch an innovative hybrid model – as early as June 2020, timed perfectly with the reopening of essential travel via “air-bubble” agreements. Thomas Cook’s tech-enabled solution offered simple quick and contactless transactions whether for visa and travel arrangements/quarantine packages, COVID-negative certification, Free Toll-Free assistance on country specific regulations/health protocols, COVID Insurance, university fee transfers, or cash or prepaid forex cards – with the convenience of seamless home delivery.

Booking of their requirements was made effortless – all a student/family needed to do was put in an online request via thomascook.in, the app or call toll-free/ any outlet from the safety and comfort of their home. The nearest Thomas Cook store would then contact the customer and fulfil all their student requirements and ensure smooth doorstep delivery including cash/cards – within 2 hours!

Deepesh Verma, Senior Vice-President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) said: “Sending your child overseas for further education is an aspiration for most parents and we want to make this a joyful and smooth experience for both you and your child. Our student portfolio is extensive and supports your child at every stage of his/her education – from visa support, special air fares, quarantine packages and excess baggage to our Toll-Free safe travel helpline, covid-negative certification services to transfers for university fees, tuition, living expenses to cash and pre-paid forex cards that you can top up with ease from India.”

The three part ad campaign, uses the same set of protagonists in different stages of this journey, to deliver strong propositions about three of these key services in an engaging, humorous manner. The films work well individually as they do in combination, to deliver one common message. We are there for you to help you navigate through these challenges – so you can focus on your studies!”

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Thomas Cook and SOTC unveil India Holiday Festival https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-and-sotc-unveil-india-holiday-festival/ Mon, 02 Aug 2021 02:00:33 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=674682 The post Thomas Cook and SOTC unveil India Holiday Festival appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched the India Holiday Festival packed with special offers

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Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have launched the India Holiday Festival packed with special offers and discounts up to 50%. The India Holiday Festival extends until 6 August 2021, with bookings open across the companies’ omni-channel network of retail outlets, websites, virtual holiday stores and apps.

Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s Third Holiday Readiness Report (June 2021) reveals that over 69% of Indians are keen to resume travel in 2021 — with a sizeable 52% preferring domestic holidays. Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s India Holiday Festival has hence been conceptualised to accelerate domestic tourism demand/conversions with an extensive product range and attractive discounts.

Commenting on this, Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “India has such an incredible range of exciting locales and experiences waiting to be explored. And so we’ve created our unique India Holiday Festival as a special celebration – welcoming Indians to discover their own country. To sweeten the deal, we have great offers available for our customers – with up to 50% off on India holidays booked between July 28 – August 6, 2021.”

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Thomas Cook and SOTC become ticket resellers for Expo 2020 Dubai https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-and-sotc-become-ticket-resellers-for-expo-2020-dubai/ Mon, 19 Jul 2021 11:27:58 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=674047 The post Thomas Cook and SOTC become ticket resellers for Expo 2020 Dubai appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have been appointed as authorised ticket resellers for Expo 2020 Dubai, to be held in Dubai from 1 October 2021 to 31 March, 2022

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India’s leading integrated travel services company, Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel, have been appointed as authorised ticket resellers for Expo 2020 Dubai, to be held in Dubai from 1 October 2021 to 31 March, 2022. The companies’ leadership positioning, extensive omnichannel distribution network, in addition to the diversity of their segments (across India’s leisure, business, b-leisure, MICE and B2B) will offer significant benefit in inspiring visitors to witness this once-in-a-lifetime global mega-event and ensure smooth and seamless end-to-end delivery.

With the theme and purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 will be the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas, catalysing an exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to real-world challenges.

The event will provide a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.

To ensure Indian’s maximise on this unparalleled opportunity, both the companies have designed a unique portfolio of ready-to-book products and customised experiences, specially curated to appeal to India’s leisure, business and MICE visitors. The 1-Day Tickets and Multi-Day Tickets incorporate unbeatable value with included attractions and shows as well as access to more than 200 pavilions.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head in holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) said: “We have lined up an exciting range of unique products for every traveller – from India’s millennials, couples, families, students, business to MICE travellers. For industry associations, corporates/businesses, Expo 2020 is an ideal space for ideation/R&D/business and networking and our products have been tailor-made to cater to their specific needs too.”

Sumathi Ramanathan, Vice President, Market Strategy and Sales, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai represents a global celebration of human ingenuity – one that promises an extraordinary experience for visitors of all ages, nationalities and interests – and I am specially delighted with our appointment of Thomas Cook India & SOTC as an Authorised Ticket Reseller to help us in our delivery for this highly viable market. Expo 2020 is ready to welcome the world, and with the support of Thomas Cook and SOTC, we invite Indians to join us and be part of the most diverse World Expo in history, as we build a better future for all.”

 

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Thomas Cook India sets sights on India’s student segment, unveils Study Buddy programme https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-sets-sights-on-indias-student-segment-unveils-study-buddy-programme/ Tue, 06 Jul 2021 02:30:51 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=673306 The post Thomas Cook India sets sights on India’s student segment, unveils Study Buddy programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) has announced its Study Buddy programme - with special offers on all student remittances

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Displaying keen appetite in India’s high growth international education segment, Thomas Cook (India), India’s leading integrated travel services company, has announced its Study Buddy programme – with special offers on all student remittances made until 30 September 2021.

With Indian students having lost out on their academic year due to the pandemic, 2021 has witnessed a significant resurgence in the overseas study opportunity. The increasing uptick in admissions for the upcoming semester commencing July-August 2021, offers Thomas Cook India strong potential. To maximise on this opportunity, the company’s foreign exchange business has launched its special Study Buddy programme to benefit students on every education remittance made until 30 September.

Deepesh Varma, senior vice president in foreign exchange at Thomas Cook (India) said: “The international study segment is a highly opportune one and we are already witnessing growth of over 20%. Our unique Study Buddy program with attractive offers has hence been specially designed to benefit our students and thereby increase our share of the education remittances business.”

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Thomas Cook India forays into new market https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-forays-into-new-market/ Tue, 06 Apr 2021 02:52:31 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=640694 The post Thomas Cook India forays into new market appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India), integrated travel services company inaugurated its first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Jammu with a focus to leverage the growth potential of the region

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Thomas Cook (India), integrated travel services company inaugurated its first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Jammu with a focus to leverage the growth potential of the region. Jammu’s consumers will benefit from the company’s extensive range of end-to-end travel solutions.

To build consumer confidence in travel, the outlet will also offer Thomas Cook India’s comprehensive Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics and seamless COVID-negative certification services. Of additional advantage, especially during the COVID era, are Thomas Cook India’s Doctor on Call 24×7 and Safe Holiday Helpline services.

The Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Report reveals that 89% respondents are displaying keen interest to resume travel. Further a significant 71% need the guidance of a holiday expert and so prefer to visit an outlet/Virtual Store/video chat to plan their holidays. Hence in an initiative to support its Jammu based customers, Thomas Cook India has set up its first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at Jammu’s Bahu Plaza.

Given the lockdown fatigue Jammu based consumers are showcasing significant pent-up demand for travel. For the upcoming summer holiday season, favourites include Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Andamans; also Dubai, Maldives, Egypt, Russia and Turkey.

Jammu’s travellers are displaying interest in non-standard elements: accommodation in a villa, haveli/fort or a plantation bungalow amidst tea – coffee estates. Jammu’s millennials and Gen Z travellers prefer exciting options of outdoor/adventure-based experiences like kayaking, dune bashing, snorkelling, ziplining and wild-life jungle safaris.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “We have been observing strong and increasing travel appetite from Jammu and hence we are delighted to announce our first Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Jammu. We have selected Bahu Plaza given its prime location that provides us with a viable catchment across families, young working professionals and corporate travellers.”

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Of women and wanderlust! Thomas Cook India and SOTC unveil special flight inclusive women-only tours https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/of-women-and-wanderlust-thomas-cook-india-and-sotc-unveil-special-flight-inclusive-women-only-tours/ Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:58:45 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=575474 The post Of women and wanderlust! Thomas Cook India and SOTC unveil special flight inclusive women-only tours appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel have focussed on women-centric products and have curated special flight inclusive women-only tours to India and Dubai

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Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s recent Second Holiday Readiness Report (December 2020) has revealed that Indian women travellers are displaying a strong appetite for holidays: 65% of women respondents are keen to travel in the next 6 months; a significant 72% displaying confidence in air travel.

Basis this demand, Thomas Cook India, and its group company, SOTC Travel have focussed on women-centric products and have curated special flight inclusive women-only tours to India and Dubai to commemorate International Women’s Day on 8 March 8 and Women’s Month in March.

The evolution of India’s women traveller segment has been exponential and represents a significant and growing opportunity. Their holiday wish list is no longer restricted to safe destinations and shopping, but includes a diversity of eclectic experiences including, outdoors-adventure, self-drives, culture, spa-wellness and gastronomy; interest based itineraries are witnessing strong uptick. In addition to India’s corporate women segment driving the B-leisure potential, a sizable demand has been emerging from the solo woman traveller, millennials, girl gang/ BFF (best friend forever) vacations, bachelorette tours, kitty party getaways, etc.

To commemorate International Women’s Day/Month and celebrate women, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have conceptualised special women-centric tours to Dubai with fixed departures on 5-6 March, 2021. Besides Dubai, packages are available across an array of favourite domestic destinations such as Goa, Kerala, Jaipur and Udaipur with fixed departures on 7-8 March 2021.

In addition, the companies have also launched a vibrant portfolio of customized tours for women travellers.

Some of the exceptional experiences are vintage car drives around Udaipur’s picturesque lake, spa and wellness in Thekkady, backwater cruises and martial arts in Kerala, casino and pub hopping in Goa, a jeep safari amidst the lush plantations in Munnar, unique stays in forts, havelis or palaces, adrenalin infused experiences like dune-bashing/sand surfing, shopping experiences at the Gold/Perfume/Spice souk, etc. in Dubai.

As safety is one of the top concerns of women travellers, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have put together a holistic three pronged customer confidence-building Assured-Insured-Secured program that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to provide complete peace of mind.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “India’s women travellers are leading the way in pushing traditional travel boundaries! They are hungry to explore fresh new destinations and indulge in the unique and off-beat travel experiences – across outdoor/adventure, wildlife and eco-tourism, local experiences, culture-cuisine-art, health-wellness, etc. To celebrate women travellers and give a boost to this high potential segment, we have launched memorable women-only holiday experiences to India and Dubai – to enthuse solo travellers, kitty party groups, groups of friends and more.”

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Thomas Cook India unveils first physical MICE event https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-unveils-first-physical-mice-event/ Thu, 25 Feb 2021 02:00:07 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=575030 The post Thomas Cook India unveils first physical MICE event appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The event, aimed at bringing back confidence in MICE travel, saw active participation from over 80 of India’s leading corporates

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With a sharp focus on the restart of MICE travel, integrated travel services company Thomas Cook (India) has launched a strategic corporate outreach – India’s first such physical MICE event since lockdown, in partnership with Marriott International.

The event, aimed at bringing back confidence in MICE travel, saw active participation from over 80 of India’s leading corporates. Thomas Cook India’s Assured-Insured-Secured programme, together with Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean, served to build confidence and add reassurance towards MICE travel in the new normal.

Destination India presents a significant yet underleveraged opportunity for the MICE sector and to inspire MICE decision makers, Thomas Cook India’s MICE event in partnership with Marriott International, was themed, ‘Discover the World in Incredible India’.

The vibrant interactions included dialogue around the potential of India as a MICE destination, digital, physical and hybrid MICE programs and the new travel normal for MICE. The MICE Travel Mart offered the corporates an opportunity to interact with over 20 participating Marriott hotels that represented top MICE locales across India; also Dubai and Thailand. The New Zealand Tourism Board also highlighted their MICE offerings.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “This valuable partnership with Marriott is aimed at inspiring our corporate decision makers and building confidence in travel – while simultaneously putting the spotlight on incredible India. The in-person format created a vibrant platform for discussion and innovation and has been valuable in addressing queries for MICE travel in the new normal.”

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Thomas Cook India joins hands with Destination Maldives https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-joins-hands-with-destination-maldives/ Tue, 26 Jan 2021 00:30:32 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=573444 The post Thomas Cook India joins hands with Destination Maldives appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has signed a strategic agreement with the MMPRC to enhance visibility and visits to the destination

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The post Thomas Cook India joins hands with Destination Maldives appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

In a focussed initiative to give fillip to travel to the Maldives, Thomas Cook India has signed a strategic agreement with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) to enhance visibility and visits to the destination.

Given positive consumer sentiment due to announcements on the vaccine and significant lockdown fatigue, Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Report (December 2020) reveals that international destinations are seeing a marked upward demand trajectory with 48% of respondents keen to take an international holiday in 2021. Consumer interest in short haul destinations, including the Maldives, is significant at 50%.

With Maldives having re-opened its borders in July 2020, Thomas Cook India has witnessed an encouraging increase in demand/interest. To catalyse this demand, its strategic agreement with MMPRC intends to create high visibility and steer India’s demand potential towards Maldives. And Maldives holds special appeal for Indians: from its pristine blue waters, stunning panoramic vistas, exotic marine life and exciting-fun water sports to its exclusive island resort stays with unique water bungalows/ocean villas. It is also a preferred destination for the celebration of special occasions, weddings and honeymoons as well. Thomas Cook India intends to extend its marcom to its wide range of viable consumer segments across leisure, B-Leisure and corporate MICE spanning India’s metros as well as Tier 2 and 3 source markets.

Thomas Cook India and the MMPRC strategic agreement will deepen the relationship between both parties, and leverage this to spotlight Maldives as a preferred destination that promises a relaxing holiday with a diversity of exciting experiences. The partnership will also ensure a reiteration of safety and hygiene – a key aspect to build consumer confidence in travel in the COVID-era.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “The Maldives has been an aspirational destination for Indians and our strategic intent will focus on highlighting the benefits/USPs of easy access and a free visa-on-arrival process, coupled with its eclectic vibe, stunning natural vistas and exclusive resorts to steer consideration towards Maldives and drive demand.”

Thoyyib Mohamed, managing director of MMPRC said: “Currently, India ranks second among the key arrival markets to Maldives. We expect that this partnership will increase arrivals from a range of Indian traveller segments. We would like to highlight that Maldives is not just a honeymoon destination, it offers a variety of experiences for a diverse range of travellers. We are definitely delighted to commence this collaboration and hope that our efforts in marketing Maldives, and improving the relationship between the two parties, will be successful.”

To ensure health and safety of customers, Thomas Cook India has put together a holistic three-pronged customer confidence-building programme in the form of the Assured-Insured-Secured that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to give the customer complete peace of mind.

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Thomas Cook India and SOTC unveil cruise holidays to polar regions https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-and-sotc-unveil-cruise-holidays-to-polar-regions/ Mon, 18 Jan 2021 07:14:47 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=572723 The post Thomas Cook India and SOTC unveil cruise holidays to polar regions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India and its group company, SOTC Travel, have introduced exclusive luxury cruise holidays to the polar extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic

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The post Thomas Cook India and SOTC unveil cruise holidays to polar regions appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India and its group company, SOTC Travel, have introduced exclusive luxury cruise holidays to the polar extremes of the Arctic and Antarctic. Targeted at India’s discerning travellers, the cruises have been designed to offer spectacular landscapes and unparalleled experiences to ensure a journey of a lifetime.

Travelling away from crowds – to destinations renowned for natural beauty while indulging in immersive experiences – has emerged as a key trend during the COVID-19 era. To tap into this growing demand, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have introduced cruise holidays to Arctic and Antarctica offering breath-taking natural vistas, majestic wildlife, awe-inspiring and relatively untouched terrain with a glimpse into the lives of local cultures living in extreme environments.

Each sailing offers a bucket list of un-matched experiences such as: crossing the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Convergence, a glimpse of the bustling penguin colonies in South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, a visit to the home of the majestic Polar Bear in Watkins Fjord, etc. On board the Thomas Cook India and SOTC Arctic and Antarctic cruise holidays, customers are offered a luxurious experience on the Ponant Cruise or the MV Sea Spirit.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “The COVID lockdown period has resulted in an unprecedented surge in demand for bucket list destinations – away from crowds and combined with immersive experiences. Keeping this in mind, we are delighted to introduce luxury cruises to Arctic and Antarctica, targeted at India’s discerning HNI-UHNI segment. Given that sailing the majestic seas of the Arctic and Antarctic regions are available only for a few months each year, this exclusive product has been launched well in advance – to enable our customers avail of special early bird discounts to avail of a once in a lifetime holiday experience.”

Daniel D’souza, president and country head of leisure in SOTC Travel said: “Luxury travel market offers a significant growth potential with Indian travellers increasingly looking for exclusive and indulgent experiences. To cater to this set of expectations and preferences from the rising wave of luxury consumers, SOTC has introduced unique cruise voyages across Antarctica, Arctic and Greenland curated for those who seek the thrill of unchartered landscapes and unexplored destinations.”

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Thomas Cook India launches first virtual holiday store https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-indias-first-virtual-holiday-store/ Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:00:14 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=566809 The post Thomas Cook India launches first virtual holiday store appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The newly launched Thomas Cook India virtual holiday store intends to support customers with convenient and contactless holiday planning – from the safety and comfort of their homes

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In an endeavour to empower customers with contactless and convenient holiday planning, coupled with the reassurance of its experts, Thomas Cook India has introduced India’s first virtual holiday store. The company’s dedicated team of travel experts will be available over video chat 365 days, from 8 am to 12 pm, to guide customers with all their travel requirements, including domestic and international holidays, value added services like travel insurance, end-to-end COVID-negative certification services, visa services, documentation and more.

The company is driving a holistic three pronged confidence-building programme in the form of the ‘Assured-Insured-Secured’ programme that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to give the customer complete peace of mind.

The newly launched virtual holiday store intends to support customers with convenient and contactless holiday planning – from the safety and comfort of their homes. With no app downloads or pre-registration required, customers merely need to log onto the website to connect over video chat with holiday experts from anywhere in the country between 8 am and midnight.

Mahesh Iyer, executive director and CEO of Thomas Cook (India) said: “Our virtual store model aims at supporting our customers with safe/contactless and convenient holiday planning – incorporating much needed personalised, face-to-face connect, so essential when it comes to holiday planning and reassurance in the COVID era.”

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Tell me a story! SOTC and Thomas Cook India partner with India’s favourite storyteller Amar Chitra Katha https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/tell-me-a-story-sotc-and-thomas-cook-india-partner-with-indias-favourite-storyteller-amar-chitra-katha/ Fri, 18 Sep 2020 05:26:38 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=559415 The post Tell me a story! SOTC and Thomas Cook India partner with India’s favourite storyteller Amar Chitra Katha appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC have partnered with India’s favourite storyteller, Amar Chitra Katha, to take travellers on an enchanting journey with launch of its Great Indian Journeys

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The post Tell me a story! SOTC and Thomas Cook India partner with India’s favourite storyteller Amar Chitra Katha appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) and its group company, SOTC Travel, have partnered with India’s favourite storyteller, Amar Chitra Katha, to take travellers on an enchanting journey through time, re-living India’s vibrant history and culture with the launch of its Great Indian Journeys. Much loved historical characters have been hand-picked to act as a personal guide through each epic journey, including – Birbal, (the witty/wise advisor of Mughal emperor, Akbar), Tenali Raman (poet and social thinker of the mighty Vijayanagar empire), Sudama (childhood friend of Lord Krishna) and Chetak (Rana Pratap’s true war horse and faithful companion).

The itineraries carefully curated by Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s holiday experts and creatively illustrated via graphic comic strips in the distinctive Amar Chitra Katha style, present India’s young explorers and parents with an engaging format to discover India’s rich heritage and iconic attractions – in a very special route to their roots.

The Great Indian Journeys welcomes travellers on a voyage of discovery via an easy paced four-five days itinerary through locales steeped in history – Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mathura, Hampi, Delhi, Agra and more – that chronicle India’s golden ages. Each itinerary incorporates exclusive elements such as: personalised storytelling sessions around favourite historical characters, spectacular sound and light shows, local culinary experiences, and more.

Daniel D’souza, president and country head of leisure in SOTC Travel said: “These specially designed itineraries, in the form of creative graphic comic strips, bring to life a unique combination of edutainment devoted to Indian culture and history. Through the Great Indian Journeys, we continue to help create delightful holiday experiences for our customers.”

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE and visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “Children have emerged as clear decision makers when it comes to holidays! So, in a strategic initiative to engage with this powerful segment and bring alive India’s rich heritage, we are delighted to announce our partnership with Amar Chitra Katha to present Great Indian Journeys.”

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Thomas Cook India turns towards loyalty programmes, joins hands with PAYBACK https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-turns-towards-loyalty-programmes-joins-hands-with-payback/ Tue, 25 Aug 2020 03:15:39 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=556812 The post Thomas Cook India turns towards loyalty programmes, joins hands with PAYBACK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has partnered with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand rewards and loyalty programme, to offer attractive loyalty benefits to its customers

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The post Thomas Cook India turns towards loyalty programmes, joins hands with PAYBACK appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) has partnered with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand rewards and loyalty programme, to offer attractive loyalty benefits to its customers – enabling them earn and redeem points on every Thomas Cook holiday purchase; additionally, earn points via spends on PAYBACK India’s partners (across leading brands including American Express, ICICI Bank, Big Bazaar, Central, Hindustan Petroleum, BookMyShow, Amazon, Flipkart etc.) to redeem and save on their next holiday booking with Thomas Cook India.

This alliance serves to extend Thomas Cook India’s reach to PAYBACK’s 100 million+ member base, giving this new set of customers the benefit of redeeming points on Thomas Cook India’s extensive range of domestic and international holidays.

According to a recent KPMG International report, 84% Indian respondents believe in loyalty programmes and are more likely to buy new products offered by a company. Thomas Cook India’s partnership with PAYBACK India, therefore, aims to create a symbiotic universe of consumer loyalty and rewards across multiple touch points in the customer’s journey.

Consumer benefits of the Thomas Cook – PAYBACK India partnership includes:

  • Earn 8 PAYBACK points on every Rs. 100 spent on a Thomas Cook Holiday booking
  • Redeem PAYBACK points against your next holiday purchase with Thomas Cook
  • Earn/Redeem points across PAYBACK India’s wide range of in-store/online partners and on a Thomas Cook Holiday – across India and International tours

Abraham Alapatt, president and group head of marketing, service quality, value added services and innovation in Thomas Cook (India) said: “In line with our ‘customer first’ strategy, we aim to create exceptional value and deliver consistent customer delight. And so, in a market cluttered with standalone loyalty offers, we are delighted to announce our partnership with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand loyalty programme to benefit customers by earning on every holiday booking and saving on the next; also empowering PAYBACK’s members with the advantage of redeeming their points across our range of attractive Thomas Cook India and international holidays.”

Rijish Raghavan, chief operating officer of PAYBACK India said: “With this new deal, PAYBACK India further deepens its footprint in the travel industry. PAYBACK loyalty has always been about customer engagement, experience and rewards and in the post-Covid world, the essence of customer loyalty has only strengthened. Travel has been an important category for PAYBACK members and hence a relevant business vertical for us.”

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Thomas Cook India and SOTC taps into private journeys, unveils chauffeured van tours https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-and-sotc-taps-into-private-journeys-unveils-chauffeured-van-tours/ Thu, 16 Jul 2020 04:00:31 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=553629 The post Thomas Cook India and SOTC taps into private journeys, unveils chauffeured van tours appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Aimed at ensuring the health and safety of its customers, Thomas Cook (India), leading integrated travel services company along with its group company SOTC Travel, have launched Private Journeys: premium, chauffeured van tours, strategically designed for smaller groups of family, extended family or friends. Private Journeys covers over 32 countries, for travel from September 2020-2021. […]

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The post Thomas Cook India and SOTC taps into private journeys, unveils chauffeured van tours appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Aimed at ensuring the health and safety of its customers, Thomas Cook (India), leading integrated travel services company along with its group company SOTC Travel, have launched Private Journeys: premium, chauffeured van tours, strategically designed for smaller groups of family, extended family or friends. Private Journeys covers over 32 countries, for travel from September 2020-2021.

It allows for a leisurely exploration of a destination: its history, culture, cuisine and its hidden secrets! Curated by experts, exclusive private experiences have been included: from chasing the Northern Lights in Norway or the Russian Lapland, whale watching in South Africa, enjoying the resplendent colours of autumn in Bavaria, Germany or soaking in the ambience of Christmas markets from Paris to Prague, a celebration of Christmas in Santa Land, Finland, a taste of history and culture in Vietnam or Cambodia, exploring the natural wonders of New Zealand or the breath-taking winter wonderland in Switzerland.

Offering customers a range of benefits such as premium, private vehicles at one’s disposal, itineraries covering key seasons, festivals, wildlife experiences, unique elements of culture and history and flexibility of date change.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE, Visa in Thomas Cook (India) said: “As we enter a new era of travel with increased focus on health and safety, this intends to bring back consumer confidence with a unique concept of premium, chauffeur-driven van tours, specially designed for smaller/secure groups of family or close friends.”

Daniel Dsouza, president and country head of leisure in SOTC Travel said: “Private trips is an emerging trend, that lets families and friends enjoy and explore a destination in privacy and safety in the COVID era. The pioneering concept of Private Journeys offers the comfort of a chauffeur driven van ensuring a safe and private holiday all throughout their journey.”

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Growing demand for quick getaways: Thomas Cook India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/growing-demand-for-quick-getaways-thomas-cook-india/ Fri, 26 Jun 2020 08:03:41 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=552777 The post Growing demand for quick getaways: Thomas Cook India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India), integrated travel services company, has introduced Staycations, an array of mini-vacations for Indians increasingly seeking quick, stress-free getaways close to home. Staycations are available at handpicked hotels, either within one’s city of residence or at a short drivable distance. According to Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Report – Future of Travel post […]

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The post Growing demand for quick getaways: Thomas Cook India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India), integrated travel services company, has introduced Staycations, an array of mini-vacations for Indians increasingly seeking quick, stress-free getaways close to home. Staycations are available at handpicked hotels, either within one’s city of residence or at a short drivable distance.

According to Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Report – Future of Travel post COVID-19: 64% respondents were keen on a domestic holiday; 75% ranking health and safety as a primary concern. To ensure a perfect blend, Thomas Cook’s Staycations are designed to allow Indians to unwind at hotels in their home city or at a convenient driveable distance close to home – saving on time, additional travel expenses and without the stress of complex itinerary planning.

Hotels have been carefully selected under the company’s Assured Programme in partnership with Apollo Clinics, to ensure health and safety standards.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE and Visa at Thomas Cook (India) said: “Our launch of Staycations therefore, is perfectly timed as travellers seek comfort in familiar locales minus the stress of planning or long hours spent on the road.”

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Thomas Cook and SOTC in association with Apollo Clinics launch ‘Assured’ safe travel programme https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-and-sotc-in-association-with-apollo-clinics-launch-assured-safe-travel-programme/ Thu, 11 Jun 2020 05:46:20 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=552006 The post Thomas Cook and SOTC in association with Apollo Clinics launch ‘Assured’ safe travel programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India), India’s leading integrated travel services company, along with its group company SOTC Travel, jointly launched ‘Assured’ – a comprehensive programme to safe travel in the COVID-19 era. The companies have partnered with Apollo Clinics – a member of the Apollo Hospitals Group, the expert in the healthcare sector, to jointly set a […]

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The post Thomas Cook and SOTC in association with Apollo Clinics launch ‘Assured’ safe travel programme appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India), India’s leading integrated travel services company, along with its group company SOTC Travel, jointly launched ‘Assured’ – a comprehensive programme to safe travel in the COVID-19 era. The companies have partnered with Apollo Clinics – a member of the Apollo Hospitals Group, the expert in the healthcare sector, to jointly set a benchmark for safety in travel.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC, have spent the last few months talking to their customers to understand their concerns and priorities when it comes to travel in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant 75% of the respondents of the ‘Holiday Readiness Survey’ stated that health and safety was their overriding concern.

To build confidence that it is safe to travel again, the companies have worked jointly with partners across the travel eco-system to create the new programme, that ensures meticulous health and safety protocols – at every stage of the customer journey – from the various contactless booking processes, safe physical outlets & processes at the sales/servicing pre tour stage, as well as the on-tour stage.

It also defines a series of comprehensive health and safety measures in place across every travel touch-point from airports, airlines, local transportation, hotels, restaurants and attractions and encompasses employees and suppliers, sellers and channels, including franchisees & customers.

Madhavan Menon, chairman and managing director of Thomas Cook India said: “Our intent is that our programme serve as a handy guide/reference point that would assist all our stakeholders in the tourism Industry achieve a single common goal i.e. ‘safe travel for all Indians’.”

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Smart weekends 2020: Thomas Cook India bets big on micro-cations https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/smart-weekends-2020-thomas-cook-india-bets-big-on-micro-cations/ Mon, 20 Jan 2020 10:00:08 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=533627 The post Smart weekends 2020: Thomas Cook India bets big on micro-cations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has identified 2020 as the year of significant holiday opportunities- with 21 extended weekends across the year. With the company’s data highlighting an over 35% surge in demand for weekend breaks, it has launched ‘Smart Weekends 2020’ to maximise on this latent demand. Rajeev Kale, president and country head for leisure travel […]

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The post Smart weekends 2020: Thomas Cook India bets big on micro-cations appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has identified 2020 as the year of significant holiday opportunities- with 21 extended weekends across the year. With the company’s data highlighting an over 35% surge in demand for weekend breaks, it has launched ‘Smart Weekends 2020’ to maximise on this latent demand.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head for leisure travel and MICE, Thomas Cook India said: “With its 21 extended weekends, 2020 offers significant opportunity. Our new programme was conceptualised to leverage this demand with multiple micro-cations during the year to allow India’s time starved and travel hungry consumers/workaholics to rest, relax and recharge.”

With several public, festive and regional holidays falling on weekdays in 2020, Indians are smartly opting for leave and combining it with a public holiday to create an extended/ smart weekend getaway. The Smart Weekends 2020 offers domestic micro-cations within a 300 km distance from key metros and hence is ideal for convenient self-drive holidays.

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From reel to real: Thomas Cook India boosts film tourism https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/from-reel-to-real-thomas-cook-india-boosts-film-tourism/ Mon, 23 Dec 2019 09:38:00 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=530829 The post From reel to real: Thomas Cook India boosts film tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has witnessed a significant surge in demand of over 25% for travel to iconic Bollywood locations. To cater to this high growth opportunity of movie-inspired travel, the company has unveiled Bollywood Blockbuster Vacations- unique group tours to the most picturesque locations across Europe. The itineraries intend to put the traveller in the […]

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The post From reel to real: Thomas Cook India boosts film tourism appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has witnessed a significant surge in demand of over 25% for travel to iconic Bollywood locations. To cater to this high growth opportunity of movie-inspired travel, the company has unveiled Bollywood Blockbuster Vacations- unique group tours to the most picturesque locations across Europe.

The itineraries intend to put the traveller in the spotlight, making him/her the protagonist of their Bollywood travel movie. For its launch, India’s Bollywood Blockbuster Vacations showcase Europe’s top Bollywood destinations: romantic and uber-chic Paris, picturesque Lake Como and historic Venice in Italy, Switzerland’s playground of the rich and famous- Gsaad, Montreux and cosmopolitan Zurich coupled with iconic attractions like Glacier 3000, Jungfrau and the Golden Pass; vibrant Amsterdam, scenic Bruges and Innsbruck and the delightful diversity of Spain and Portugal.

The curated package offers departures from six key hubs of Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head of holidays, MICE and visas at Thomas Cook (India) said: “Bollywood has a powerful impact on travel choices of Indian travellers and we have observed a significant and growing demand of over 25% from consumers keen to visit and re-enact scenes from their favourite movies. Having identified this key opportunity, our strategically curated holidays intends to cater to our star-stuck nation of travellers and transform their reel life dreams into reality.”

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CRISIL keeps Thomas Cook India credit rating unchanged https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/crisil-keeps-thomas-cook-india-credit-rating-unchanged/ Mon, 14 Oct 2019 11:00:04 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=524470 The post CRISIL keeps Thomas Cook India credit rating unchanged appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The CRISIL credit rating rationale has assigned Thomas Cook India (TCIL) corporate credit rating of ‘CCR AA-’. Additionally, CRISIL has reaffirmed its ratings on the debt programmes and bank facilities of TCIL at ‘CRISIL AA-/Stable/CRISIL A1+’. This announcement further reflects that the ratings of TCIL. remain unaffected as the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook in the […]

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The post CRISIL keeps Thomas Cook India credit rating unchanged appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The CRISIL credit rating rationale has assigned Thomas Cook India (TCIL) corporate credit rating of ‘CCR AA-’. Additionally, CRISIL has reaffirmed its ratings on the debt programmes and bank facilities of TCIL at ‘CRISIL AA-/Stable/CRISIL A1+’. This announcement further reflects that the ratings of TCIL. remain unaffected as the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook in the UK has no linkage with Thomas Cook India.

The ratings continue to reflect the group’s healthy business risk profile, driven by a dominant position in the forex business and strong brand equity in travel-related services; comfortable capital structure; and strong liquidity.

Madhavan Menon, chairman and managing director of TCIL said: “CRISIL’s assigned and reaffirmed ratings continue to reiterate the strong leadership and financial position of the independent Thomas Cook India Group since its acquisition by Fairfax Financial Holdings in 2012.The report further highlights key strengths including its dominant position in the forex business and strong brand equity in travel-related services along with its comfortable capital structure.”

CRISIL CCR is a globally recognised rating of an issuer, indicating its degree of strength and ability to honour its debt obligations. Previously, on September 26, 2019, CRISIL’s credit bulletin, which was communicated to TCIL and uploaded on its portal, had presented a stable outlook for the debt programmes and bank facilities of TCIL, with its ratings remaining unaffected by the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook in the UK.

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Thomas Cook introduces visa home collection service https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-introduces-visa-home-collection-service/ Wed, 14 Aug 2019 15:32:15 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=516484 The post Thomas Cook introduces visa home collection service appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has launched home collection services for its visa business, in a focussed initiative to empower customers with a two-pronged benefit of convenience and safety. This is coupled with a live-tracking feature to monitor the delivery of their visa documents. The facility is offered by Thomas Cook on a pan-India basis, in partnership […]

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The post Thomas Cook introduces visa home collection service appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has launched home collection services for its visa business, in a focussed initiative to empower customers with a two-pronged benefit of convenience and safety. This is coupled with a live-tracking feature to monitor the delivery of their visa documents. The facility is offered by Thomas Cook on a pan-India basis, in partnership with Blue Dart.

Thomas Cook India’s internal data reveals a 39% surge in demand for online visa services. To ensure a truly integrated and seamless customer experience, the new home collection service has been rolled out to save time, and simultaneously ensure safety in the delivery of valuable visa documents.

The service equips customers with the flexibility to schedule their collection/pick-up date as per their convenience. Additionally, this service allows customers to track the delivery status of their documents on a real-time basis, via a live-tracker feature.

Thomas Cook India’s online visa services offer customers visa assistance for 150 countries, including the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several European destinations (France, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.), to name a few.

Amit Madhan, president and group head of IT and e-business at Thomas Cook India said: “Through this service, our aim is to provide a smooth, safe and seamless customer experience.”

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Thomas Cook open to new investments https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-open-to-new-investments/ Wed, 10 Jul 2019 16:55:58 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=511192 The post Thomas Cook open to new investments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has said its funds position is strong and it is not impacted by the recent challenges in the aviation sector. The company said it’s bullish about its travel and foreign exchange business and is open to new investments. The tour operator issued a statement in the backdrop of financial crisis faced by […]

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The post Thomas Cook open to new investments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has said its funds position is strong and it is not impacted by the recent challenges in the aviation sector. The company said it’s bullish about its travel and foreign exchange business and is open to new investments.

The tour operator issued a statement in the backdrop of financial crisis faced by rival firm Cox & Kings. Madhavan Menon, chairman of Thomas Cook India said the company is debt free on a standalone basis and is seeing healthy booking growth and a turnaround in its destination management business.

“Our travel businesses have negative working capital and therefore do not require any external funding. We have witnessed a turnaround of our international destination management specialist companies during 2019. Additionally, during 2020, contribution to the profitability is expected from our recent acquisitions including Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI). Our forward booking position reflects a healthy increase of over 12%,” he said.

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On digital sojourn, Thomas Cook India unveils ‘TeeCee’ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/on-digital-sojourn-thomas-cook-india-unveils-teecee/ Thu, 04 Jul 2019 09:07:28 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=510219 The post On digital sojourn, Thomas Cook India unveils ‘TeeCee’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Integrated travel services company, Thomas Cook (India) announced the launch of ‘TeeCee’, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot, reiterating the company’s digital evolution strategy in its journey towards seamless digital customer experience. According to a report by Bain & Company and Google, India had the second-highest active Internet user base globally at 390 million […]

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The post On digital sojourn, Thomas Cook India unveils ‘TeeCee’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Integrated travel services company, Thomas Cook (India) announced the launch of ‘TeeCee’, a first-of-its-kind artificial intelligence (AI) powered chatbot, reiterating the company’s digital evolution strategy in its journey towards seamless digital customer experience.

According to a report by Bain & Company and Google, India had the second-highest active Internet user base globally at 390 million in 2018. The report also indicates that the share of online travel booking spends, having increased by 25% in 2018, is anticipated to grow to 35% in 2021. Thomas Cook India’s growth reinforces this with over 27% of its overall holidays being booked online.

The launch of Thomas Cook India’s chatbot TeeCee is part of a strategic initiative to service today’s impatient, digital-native customers, with a seamless near-human experience, across digital devices. The multi-use case and context-aware TeeCee is equipped with superior NLP (Natural Language Processing) capabilities for better understanding of user intent and offering appropriate services.

“TeeCee chatbot offering customers a near-human experience will have a phased roll out.”

TeeCee is built in association with Senseforth’s proprietary conversational AI platform for Intelligent assistants that mimics human cognitive ability in understanding and actionizing user intent.

Speaking on the launch, Amit Madhan, president and group head of information technology and e-business, Thomas Cook (India) said, “Thomas Cook India has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge digital innovation that focusses on seamless customer experience. TeeCee chatbot offering customers a near-human experience will have a phased rollout. This digital evolution will enable end-to-end forex transactions, which will be followed by holiday and visa service capabilities.”

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Thomas Cook India boosts detox travel https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-boosts-detox-travel/ Wed, 26 Jun 2019 21:09:55 +0000 https://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=509143 The post Thomas Cook India boosts detox travel appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook (India) has championed the spirit of Yoga with the introduction of Travolution. Giving impetus to physical and mental well being, its Travolution wellness packages, invite Indians to travel to find inner peace; yoga being an integral component. In support of the government’s drive towards celebrating health and wellness, the company plans to revolutionise […]

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Thomas Cook (India) has championed the spirit of Yoga with the introduction of Travolution. Giving impetus to physical and mental well being, its Travolution wellness packages, invite Indians to travel to find inner peace; yoga being an integral component. In support of the government’s drive towards celebrating health and wellness, the company plans to revolutionise holidays into transformational travel via its unique yoga and wellness experiences.

Rajeev Kale, president and country head – holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) said, “Yoga offers immense tourism potential – a boon to the travel sector with cascading impact to the country’s GDP. Given the significant demand in wellness tourism that we have witnessed, and in keeping with the government’s drive towards yoga and wellness, our aim is to encourage travellers to embark on a journey of rejuvenation via our Travolution initiative.”

According to Thomas Cook India’s internal data, the demand for wellness tourism has grown by over 20% year-on-year over the last three years, highlighting the new age traveller’s growing investment in self-care holidays. The touchstone of Thomas Cook India’s Travolution initiative is self-discovery and rejuvenation of the senses- by incorporating some of the most powerful yoga practices set against India’s pristine locales.

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Thomas Cook India to acquire Tata Capital’s travel & forex business https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-acquire-tata-capitals-travel-forex-business/ Wed, 27 Sep 2017 06:24:36 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=431767 The post Thomas Cook India to acquire Tata Capital’s travel & forex business appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Board of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. has approved the signing of a definitive agreement with Tata Capital Limited to acquire its wholly owned subsidiaries, Tata Capital Forex Limited (foreign exchange) and TC Travel and Services Limited (travel services). The network of the two acquired entities includes 24 locations pan India. The transaction remains subject […]

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The Board of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. has approved the signing of a definitive agreement with Tata Capital Limited to acquire its wholly owned subsidiaries, Tata Capital Forex Limited (foreign exchange) and TC Travel and Services Limited (travel services). The network of the two acquired entities includes 24 locations pan India. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.

Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Our acquisition of Tata Capital’s Forex and travel companies serves to further strengthen the Thomas Cook India Group’s leadership position in the travel & foreign exchange sector in the country. This also gives us the opportunity to continue to serve the strong corporate portfolio of both Tata Capital Forex Limited and TC Travel Services Limited- large corporate houses, including flagship Tata Group companies; as also a set of new retail customers.”

He added, “The acquisition creates clear opportunities, including a significant increase in scale and network reach, volume/ buying advantages as well as technology gains, all resulting in stronger customer service and stakeholder value.”

Praveen Kadle, Managing Director and CEO, Tata Capital said, “Travel and Forex services are perfectly poised for rapid and high growth. We are confident that Thomas Cook would take this business forward and help it reach its potential.”

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Thomas Cook India starts roll-out of small, high-tech travel shops https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-starts-roll-out-of-small-high-tech-travel-shops/ Fri, 07 Oct 2016 04:14:04 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=242078 The post Thomas Cook India starts roll-out of small, high-tech travel shops appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has started to roll out a series of “small, tech-assisted” travel shops in smaller cities across the country. The first ‘Thomas Cook Mini’ store has opened in Rudrapur, in the northern state of Uttarakhand. The new outlet was inaugurated by Tilak Raj Behad, Uttarakhand’s former health minister, in the presence of Ambreesh […]

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Thomas Cook India has started to roll out a series of “small, tech-assisted” travel shops in smaller cities across the country.

The first ‘Thomas Cook Mini’ store has opened in Rudrapur, in the northern state of Uttarakhand. The new outlet was inaugurated by Tilak Raj Behad, Uttarakhand’s former health minister, in the presence of Ambreesh Rastogi and Ankul Kumar, Thomas Cook India’s associate vice presidents of foreign exchange.

Focused on India’s emerging third tier cities, Thomas Cook Mini outlets will be staffed by two-person teams and will be equipped with technology via mobile devices and tablets, enabling “quick customer transactions”. The stores will also offer foreign exchange services.

“A low-cost, rapid penetration model was a clear need, and hence the launch of our Thomas Cook Mini,” said Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer. “Such small, efficient, technology-assisted outlets will provide our customers with ease in access and convenience of swift foreign exchange transactions.

“We are very excited with the initial response from our new Uttarakhand Thomas Cook Mini at Rudrapur,” he added.

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270 students graduate from Thomas Cook India academy https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/270-students-graduate-from-thomas-cook-india-academy-2/ Mon, 05 Sep 2016 05:19:36 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=240691 The post 270 students graduate from Thomas Cook India academy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Some of the graduates at the Mumbai ceremony

Thomas Cook India’s recently held a mass graduation ceremony for students at its Centre of Learning. A total of 270 students graduated in the fifth Convocation Ceremony, which was held at the Indian Merchants Chamber in Mumbai. The students had successfully completed the Travel Professional programme, a post-graduate course in Travel & Tourism Management, and […]

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Some of the graduates at the Mumbai ceremony
Some of the graduates at the Mumbai ceremony
Some of the graduates at the Mumbai ceremony

Thomas Cook India’s recently held a mass graduation ceremony for students at its Centre of Learning.

A total of 270 students graduated in the fifth Convocation Ceremony, which was held at the Indian Merchants Chamber in Mumbai.

The students had successfully completed the Travel Professional programme, a post-graduate course in Travel & Tourism Management, and a certificate course in World Tour Management, which is organised in partnership with IATA.

The ceremony was attended by several key industry figures, including Craig Astridge, IATA’s regional head of marketing & commercial services for Asia Pacific, Lokesh Matta, IATA’s regional training business development manager for South Asia, and Soraya Homchuen, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

They were joined by Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India’s president & group head of marketing, service quality, financial services & innovation, Mona Cheriyan, the company’s president & group head  of human resources, and Smeeta Gulvady, vice president & head of the Centre of Learning.

“It is indeed a proud moment for Thomas Cook India’s Centre of Learning as we felicitate 270 students graduating today,” said Ms Cheriyan. “Travel and tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in India. This service intensive industry relies heavily on human capital and we are delighted to see delivery of our strategic intent of education and training in the tourism domain.”

The Centre of Learning forms part of the Skill India Mission initiative initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which is aiming to up-skill millions of Indian workers.

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Image 3 Some of the graduates at the Mumbai ceremony
Adventurous Indians start travelling further afield https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/adventurous-indians-start-travelling-further-afield/ Fri, 24 Jun 2016 05:46:34 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=238059 The post Adventurous Indians start travelling further afield appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Indian travellers are exploring more destinations and different types of holidays, according to Thomas Cook India

Indian travellers are becoming more adventurous, with Thomas Cook India reporting a trend towards more soft adventure, long-haul and “slow travel” holidays this year. In its 2016 Indian Summer Travel Report Card, the company found that slow travel holidays such as walking tours were gaining in popularity among Indians, with farm stays, hiking and cycling […]

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Indian travellers are exploring more destinations and different types of holidays, according to Thomas Cook India
Indian travellers are exploring more destinations and different types of holidays, according to Thomas Cook India
Indian travellers are exploring more destinations and different types of holidays, according to Thomas Cook India

Indian travellers are becoming more adventurous, with Thomas Cook India reporting a trend towards more soft adventure, long-haul and “slow travel” holidays this year.

In its 2016 Indian Summer Travel Report Card, the company found that slow travel holidays such as walking tours were gaining in popularity among Indians, with farm stays, hiking and cycling tours in Europe all seeing growth. There was also rising demand for soft adventures such as snorkelling and mountain biking, as well as culinary tours in destinations Europe and Asia.

“Our Thomas Cook India 2016 Indian Summer Travel Report Card saw exciting new trends including…  slow travel, with increasing uptake from discerning travellers and young professionals who believe in being a true traveller and not merely a tourist,” said Rajeev D. Kale, Thomas Cook India’s president & country head of leisure travel & MICE.

In terms of long-haul destinations, Thomas Cook India reported high demand for Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, Switzerland, France, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Czech Republic and Croatia. Traditional short-haul destinations, such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong-Macau and Bali, remain popular, along with newer entrants like Korea, Japan and China.

And ease of entry was a big influence on Indian travellers’ choice of destination; 31% opted for destinations that offered visa-free travel or visa-on-arrival, such as the Maldives, Indonesia, Mauritius, Kenya, and Thailand.

Self-drive holidays also emerged as a preferred option, especially for honeymooners and younger couples, with destinations such as New Zealand, the US and UK topping the list.

Thomas Cook India also found that the usual summer holiday period, which covers April and May, is now being extended into the months of June and July. This trend was witnessed among travellers from several major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata.

The average summer holiday lasted 6-10 days for short-haul travel and 14-20 days for long-haul, and most Indians booked their holidays 120-180 days prior to departure.

The average travel budget allocated by Indians for short-haul travel INR60,000 per person, rising to between INR150,000 and INR 300,000 for long-haul trips.

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shutterstock_244831627 Indian travellers are exploring more destinations and different types of holidays, according to Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India launches domestic coach venture https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-domestic-coach-venture/ Wed, 08 Jun 2016 03:43:50 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237355 The post Thomas Cook India launches domestic coach venture appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India's new Coach Holidays are bookable online

Thomas Cook India has launched a new range of domestic coach holidays. These pre-packaged products are billed as offering “affordable domestic holidays” in air-conditioned, Wi-Fi-enabled coaches.  The company said it is targeting families, senior citizens, young couples and ad hoc groups of friends. All ‘Coach Holidays’ packages will include transportation and accommodation in lower- to […]

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Thomas Cook India's new Coach Holidays are bookable online
Thomas Cook India's new Coach Holidays are bookable online
Thomas Cook India’s new Coach Holidays are bookable online

Thomas Cook India has launched a new range of domestic coach holidays.

These pre-packaged products are billed as offering “affordable domestic holidays” in air-conditioned, Wi-Fi-enabled coaches.  The company said it is targeting families, senior citizens, young couples and ad hoc groups of friends.

All ‘Coach Holidays’ packages will include transportation and accommodation in lower- to mid-scale hotels.

“Domestic tourism is witnessing a strong resurgence and the launch of our Thomas Cook Coach Holidays intends to catalyse this demand,” said Rajeev D. Kale, Thomas Cook India’s president & country head of leisure travel & MICE.

“Popular drive-down locations are seeing strong interest and for today’s travel-hungry yet price-sensitive audience. Our focus on simple, easy to book, seat-in-coach tours offers the unbeatable quality assurance of the Thomas Cook brand, coupled with great value pricing.”

Initial packages will cover destinations such as Kerala, the Golden Triangle, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, with departures from major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Kochi.

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Coach tours Thomas Cook India's new Coach Holidays are bookable online
Thomas Cook India partners with Vista Rooms https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-partners-with-vista-rooms/ Wed, 01 Jun 2016 04:44:07 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=237070 The post Thomas Cook India partners with Vista Rooms appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has entered into a partnership with Vista Rooms to provide branded, standardised accommodation across India. The new partnership, which initially includes a portfolio of 800 hotels in India and 200 in Sri Lanka, offers customers online booking options covering both standalone accommodation and inclusions in Thomas Cook India’s holiday packages. “Thomas Cook […]

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Thomas Cook India has entered into a partnership with Vista Rooms to provide branded, standardised accommodation across India.

The new partnership, which initially includes a portfolio of 800 hotels in India and 200 in Sri Lanka, offers customers online booking options covering both standalone accommodation and inclusions in Thomas Cook India’s holiday packages.

“Thomas Cook India’s partnership with Vista Rooms is an endeavour to establish a high degree of consistency with standardised stay experiences that customers have come to expect from us- be it for business, leisure or b-leisure,” stated Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India’s president & group head of marketing, service quality, financial services & innovation.

The properties offered by the partnership include boutique hotels, guesthouses, service apartments, private villas and home stays. Facilities include complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi and bottled water.

Ankita Sheth, co-founder of Vista Rooms, commented; “There are huge synergies between our businesses, especially with our hotel offerings in Sri Lanka. The Vista brand proposition which emphasises high quality and predictable stays, will resonate well with Thomas Cook India’s business and leisure customers.”

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Thomas Cook India sees strong growth in prepaid card business https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-indias-sees-strong-growth-in-prepaid-card-business/ Wed, 04 May 2016 03:30:27 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235967 The post Thomas Cook India sees strong growth in prepaid card business appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India is moving towards a “cashless ecosystem”

Thomas Cook India has witnessed double-digit growth in its prepaid cards business, with one out of every two customers opting for a card. As part of a move towards its goal of a “cashless ecosystem”, Thomas Cook India had launched two prepaid cards. The ‘One Currency Card’ offers a single load currency (US dollars) and […]

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The post Thomas Cook India sees strong growth in prepaid card business appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India is moving towards a “cashless ecosystem”

Thomas Cook India has witnessed double-digit growth in its prepaid cards business, with one out of every two customers opting for a card.

As part of a move towards its goal of a “cashless ecosystem”, Thomas Cook India had launched two prepaid cards. The ‘One Currency Card’ offers a single load currency (US dollars) and zero cross currency conversion charges, while the multi-currency ‘Borderless Prepaid Card’ enables travellers to load eight currencies on a single card (US dollars, British pounds, euros, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, Swiss francs, Singapore dollars and Japanese yen).

Thomas Cook India is moving towards a “cashless ecosystem”
Thomas Cook India is moving towards a “cashless ecosystem”

The company revealed that it has seen year-on-year growth of 30% for its Borderless Prepaid Card and more than 300% growth in for its One Currency Card in the first quarter of 2016.

Thomas Cook has also introduced ‘Travel Smart, Drive Easy’ campaign promoting the purchase of its prepaid cards or a ‘Send Money Abroad’ transaction.

“Our focus on innovation has empowered customers with path-breaking products and services like our pre-paid cards,” said Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer. “Our internal data reveals that Indians are increasingly travelling smart, with high adoption of prepaid travel cards.

“The clear preference of plastic over cash, with both leisure and business travellers, is emphatic. Our ‘Travel Smart Drive Easy’ campaign thus intends to leverage the strong potential of our existing and potential customer base and inspire demand, being timed perfectly for the current peak travel season,” he added.

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shutterstock_150163793 Thomas Cook India is moving towards a “cashless ecosystem”
Indian globetrotters among world’s biggest spenders https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/indian-globetrotters-among-worlds-biggest-spenders/ Fri, 29 Apr 2016 03:49:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235829 The post Indian globetrotters among world’s biggest spenders appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Indian outbound travellers are among the world's highest spenders

The Indian traveller has emerged as one of the world’s highest international spenders, the Times of India reports. According to data from Cox & Kings, the average Indian traveller spends INR300,000-400,000 (approx. US$4,510-6,020) per trip to the US, which usually lasts for 15-33 days. And for trips to the UK, the average spending figure rises […]

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Indian outbound travellers are among the world's highest spenders
Indian outbound travellers are among the world's highest spenders
Indian outbound travellers are among the world’s highest spenders

The Indian traveller has emerged as one of the world’s highest international spenders, the Times of India reports.

According to data from Cox & Kings, the average Indian traveller spends INR300,000-400,000 (approx. US$4,510-6,020) per trip to the US, which usually lasts for 15-33 days. And for trips to the UK, the average spending figure rises to INR400,000-600,000 for an average 10-20-day duration.

VisitBritain’s Ritushri Dhankher told the newspaper that Indian travellers spent INR4.26 billion in the UK in 2014.

In France, Indian travellers spend less time (three to four days) but still spend an average of INR200,000-350,000 per trip, and the German National Tourism Office’s Indian director, Romit Theophilus, revealed that Indians spent an average of INR205,575 per trip in Germany.

Rajeev D Kale, Thomas Cook India’s president & chief operating offer for outbound tourism, commented; “India is one of the largest outbound travel markets globally. World Travel & Tourism Council’s Travel & Tourism Economic Impact [study shows] that the total expenditure on outbound travel in India was INR750 billion in 2013, and [is] projected to be INR1,605 billion in 2024.”

In Asia Pacific region, Indian travellers usually spend an average of INR100,000-200,000 for a four- to five-day trip to Hong Kong or Singapore, while a 10-12-day trip to Australia has an average spend of INR250,000-300,000.

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shutterstock_172022696 Indian outbound travellers are among the world's highest spenders
Thomas Cook India launches ‘Bachat ka Baadshah’ campaign https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-bachat-ka-baadshah-campaign/ Wed, 20 Apr 2016 05:11:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=235368 The post Thomas Cook India launches ‘Bachat ka Baadshah’ campaign appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Domestic package destinations include Kerala

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a new campaign, ‘Bachat Ka Baadshah’, which offers a range of budget holiday packages that can be booked online. The month-long campaign offers all-inclusive holidays to a series of international destinations including Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Mauritius, with prices starting from INR33,199 (approx. US$500) per person. […]

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Domestic package destinations include Kerala
Domestic package destinations include Kerala
Domestic package destinations include Kerala

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a new campaign, ‘Bachat Ka Baadshah’, which offers a range of budget holiday packages that can be booked online.

The month-long campaign offers all-inclusive holidays to a series of international destinations including Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, Sri Lanka, Hong Kong and Mauritius, with prices starting from INR33,199 (approx. US$500) per person. Domestic package options include destinations such as Ladakh, the Andaman Islands, Kerala and Kashmir, and start from INR20,499.

“Indian consumers today are looking at multiple options when planning their holiday, and our hybrid omni-channel ‘clicks n bricks’ strategy is hence working very well in our favour,” stated Amit Madhan, Thomas Cook India’s president & group head of technology and shared services.

“As market leaders, Thomas Cook India’s objective is to give consumers what they truly want – a great value experience. Our ‘Bachat ka Baadshah’ campaign hence aims to optimise on the strong growth in traffic to our one-stop-shop portal thomascook.in and inspire demand by offering savings.”

E-commerce now accounts for more than 11% of Thomas Cook India’s overall travel business.

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shutterstock_358754090 Domestic package destinations include Kerala
Thomas Cook India launches ‘Go Beyond’ customised holidays https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-go-beyond-customised-holidays/ Mon, 04 Apr 2016 05:58:47 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=234666 The post Thomas Cook India launches ‘Go Beyond’ customised holidays appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook has launched 'Go Beyond'

Thomas Cook India has announced the launch of its new personalised international holiday concept, ‘Go Beyond’. Go Beyond holidays’ range will cover destinations across the worlds, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Oceania. Design for the FIT market, the new concept is intended to allow Indian travellers to “go beyond” the usual […]

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Thomas Cook has launched 'Go Beyond'
Thomas Cook has launched 'Go Beyond'
Thomas Cook has launched ‘Go Beyond’

Thomas Cook India has announced the launch of its new personalised international holiday concept, ‘Go Beyond’.

Go Beyond holidays’ range will cover destinations across the worlds, including Asia, Europe, North and South America, Africa and Oceania. Design for the FIT market, the new concept is intended to allow Indian travellers to “go beyond” the usual package holiday destinations and experience life as a local.

“With our ‘Go beyond’ itineraries, Thomas Cook India takes the Indian traveller’s holiday experience a notch higher. It could be as simple as a walk down a lane frequented only by locals, to get a glimpse of their way of life, discovering their traditions, or unique accommodation options like a cabin in the woods or a village stay,” explained Rajeev D. Kale, Thomas Cook India’s president & country head for leisure travel & MICE.

“The idea is to add a personalised and unique touch to holidays, to ‘Go Beyond’ standard cookie-cutter vacations.”

Thomas Cook India’s said that its own research had revealed that Indian FIT travellers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their preferences, and demanding more “experiential” tours. This trend saw a growth of over 30% in 2015, it stated.

Go Beyond will initially provide holidays to 25 destinations including Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, Croatia, Russia, Canada, USA, Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Chile, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Hong Kong, China, Australia and New Zealand.  It also includes African safaris.

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Go Beyond creative Thomas Cook has launched 'Go Beyond'
Thomas Cook India forms partnerships to help SMEs https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-forms-partnerships-to-help-smes/ Wed, 09 Mar 2016 03:10:15 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=233647 The post Thomas Cook India forms partnerships to help SMEs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The initiative will help Indian SMEs make cross-border payments

Thomas Cook India has announced strategic collaborations with Western Union Business Solutions and DCB Bank aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India with their cross-border trade payments. “This alliance is a pioneering move by Thomas Cook India, to penetrate the high growth Indian SME segment for its international trade payment requirements,” said […]

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The post Thomas Cook India forms partnerships to help SMEs appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The initiative will help Indian SMEs make cross-border payments
The initiative will help Indian SMEs make cross-border payments
The initiative will help Indian SMEs make cross-border payments

Thomas Cook India has announced strategic collaborations with Western Union Business Solutions and DCB Bank aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India with their cross-border trade payments.

“This alliance is a pioneering move by Thomas Cook India, to penetrate the high growth Indian SME segment for its international trade payment requirements,” said Mahesh Iyer, chief operating officer of Thomas Cook India.

The collaboration leverages the global payments technology platform of Western Union Business Solutions coupled with the trade finance units of DCB Bank, to enable automated confirmation of payments and ease of procurement for the SME.

Kerry Agiasotis, president at Western Union Business Solutions said; “We are delighted to be collaborating with Thomas Cook India to support tens of thousands of SMEs in India. Western Union Business Solutions is a trusted, valuable business ally, helping SMEs in India to compete on the international stage.”

According to KPMG, SMEs’ contribution to GDP is expected to grow from 17% in 2014 to approximately 22% by 2020.

“DCB Bank believes that this solution is ideal for MSME (micro, small & medium-sized enterprises) and SMEs. Both MSMEs and SMEs are important contributors to the economy. The business alliance with DCB Bank, Thomas Cook India and Western Union Business Solutions has the vision to empower MSMEs and SMEs by providing smooth and convenient trade remittance facility,” commented Praveen Kutty, head of retail and SME banking.

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shutterstock_107807471 The initiative will help Indian SMEs make cross-border payments
Thomas Cook India celebrates second anniversary in UAE https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-celebrates-second-anniversary-in-uae/ Mon, 29 Feb 2016 15:42:43 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=233277 The post Thomas Cook India celebrates second anniversary in UAE appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Travel Corporation (India) Ltd (TCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, has celebrated two years in the UAE market in partnership with its franchisee TravTips.  With a strategic focus on the key source markets of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, in addition to the GCC regions of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, the […]

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Travel Corporation (India) Ltd (TCI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, has celebrated two years in the UAE market in partnership with its franchisee TravTips. 

Jatinder Paul Singh, Sr. vice president & head- leisure travel (outbound) Thomas Cook (India).
Jatinder Paul Singh, Sr. vice president & head- leisure travel (outbound) Thomas Cook (India).

With a strategic focus on the key source markets of Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, in addition to the GCC regions of Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar, the company offers short breaks, escorted tours, and personalised holidays to bespoke luxury programmes for individuals as well as groups.

Jatinder Paul Singh, Sr. vice president & head- leisure travel (outbound) Thomas Cook (India) said Dubai and the GCC “is a high potential source market for us at Thomas Cook India; with its diversity of segments extending to families, professionals, the business community, Gen-Y and NRIs”.

“We have witnessed an impressive growth of over 35 % (Y-o-Y) with strong demand for our tours- both groups and personalised holidays.

“For the rapidly evolving GCC consumer, Thomas Cook India has successfully established services to new destinations such as Nice (France), South America, Canada, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Taiwan & Korea for both short and long haul vacations.”

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J P SINGH Jatinder Paul Singh, Sr. vice president & head- leisure travel (outbound) Thomas Cook (India).
Thomas Cook India to offer Airbnb accommodation https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-to-offer-airbnb-accommodation/ Tue, 16 Feb 2016 07:20:23 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=232764 The post Thomas Cook India to offer Airbnb accommodation appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has partnered Airbnb for a pilot project that will look at offering accommodation to the company’s outbound travellers. The new agreement will offer Indians travelling overseas “access to a range of unique accommodation experiences at a variety of price points”, according to Thomas Cook India. The travel company cited its own internal […]

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Photo by d8nn/Shutterstock
Photo by d8nn/Shutterstock

Thomas Cook India has partnered Airbnb for a pilot project that will look at offering accommodation to the company’s outbound travellers.

The new agreement will offer Indians travelling overseas “access to a range of unique accommodation experiences at a variety of price points”, according to Thomas Cook India.

The travel company cited its own internal research which found that more than 25% of its individual travellers have stated a growing preference towards “authentic local stays” and a desire for “deeper engagement and an immersion into the destination”.

“The Indian traveller is evolving rapidly and for many, standard stays no longer find favour. Our partnership with Airbnb for outbound Indian travellers aims to address this viable and yet untapped market need,” said Madhavan Menon, chairman & managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“Our strategic focus is to target high potential growth opportunities via innovation in products and partnerships and our tie-up with Airbnb reiterates delivery of this intent.”

Varsha Rao, head of Airbnb’s global operations, commented; “We are excited to work with a leader in India’s travel market to give Indian travellers the opportunity to have unique and truly authentic local experiences by staying in one of our more than two million properties around the world.”

Thomas Cook India said the tie-up with Airbnb could offer a variety of accommodation types, including “apartments, private rooms, castles, boats, manors, tree-houses and private islands”.

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Airbnb mobile
Thomas Cook India allows customers to save for their holidays with SBI https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-allows-customers-to-save-for-their-holidays-with-sbi/ Wed, 10 Feb 2016 01:24:35 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=232512 The post Thomas Cook India allows customers to save for their holidays with SBI appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has formed a new partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI) to launch a new online ‘Holiday Savings Account’ (HAS). Under the new joint initiative, SBI’s online banking customers will be able to pre-select a Thomas Cook holiday and then save for it through a recurring deposit with the bank. Thomas […]

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Madhavan Menon agrees the partnership with SBI's Rajnish Kumar
Madhavan Menon agrees the partnership with SBI’s Rajnish Kumar

Thomas Cook India has formed a new partnership with the State Bank of India (SBI) to launch a new online ‘Holiday Savings Account’ (HAS).

Under the new joint initiative, SBI’s online banking customers will be able to pre-select a Thomas Cook holiday and then save for it through a recurring deposit with the bank. Thomas Cook India will then provide one top-up instalment at the end of the saving period.

HAS holders will be able to earn interest on their savings, and will be able to opt out of the holiday should their circumstances change.

“We are delighted to partner with State Bank of India… to extend the reach of our unique Holiday Savings Account via over 25 million users of SBI’s online platform,” said Madhavan Menon, chairman & managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“The unbeatable advantage of paying for a future holiday at today’s prices ensures SBI’s customers a powerful proposition of an inflation-proof holiday while enjoying attractive interest rates, a zero exit clause and a free top-up from Thomas Cook on the 13th month.”

Under the HAS initiative, customers can select the holiday package from Thomas Cook India’s website and then log in to SBI’s online banking portal to set up a recurring deposit account, based on the cost of the holiday. The cost of the package tour is split into 12 monthly instalments, with a free 13th instalment from Thomas Cook India.

The Thomas Cook packages offered are all inclusive package, so customers don’t need to worry about any extra costs.

“We find that people don’t plan their holidays in advance and end up taking last minute loans to finance the same. Also, they could’ve have saved on the cost of the holiday had they booked early. To encourage planned savings and advance booking, we are pleased to partner with Thomas Cook India, one of India’s leading travel company to offer our customers the HSA,” said Rajnish Kumar, managing director of SBI’s National Banking Group.

“The entire process is online with zero paperwork. We are certain that our customers will find good value in this product and enjoy their holidays booked through this.”

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Madhavan Menon agrees the partnership with SBI’s Rajnish Kumar Madhavan Menon agrees the partnership with SBI's Rajnish Kumar
Thomas Cook India profits jump 41% https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-profits-jump-41/ Thu, 04 Feb 2016 06:27:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=232374 The post Thomas Cook India profits jump 41% appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India saw a sharp rise in profits for the third quarter of its financial year. The travel company generated operating profits of INR10.4 billion (US$153 million) for the three months ending 31 December 2015, an increase of 41% compared to the INR7.4bn it posted in the same period the previous year. However a […]

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Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook India saw a sharp rise in profits for the third quarter of its financial year.

The travel company generated operating profits of INR10.4 billion (US$153 million) for the three months ending 31 December 2015, an increase of 41% compared to the INR7.4bn it posted in the same period the previous year.

However a series of one-off expenses impacted the company’s bottom line, with the cost of acquisitions totalling INR55m and new regulations for statutory bonus payments costing the company INR62m. This caused Thomas Cook India’s earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) to decline 15% to INR380m.

The acquisitions made by Thomas Cook India during the quarter included Sri Lankan luxury DMC Luxe Asia, and Kuoni’s tour operating businesses in  India and Hong Kong.

“With an eye on the bigger Asia growth opportunity, we made a series of strategic acquisitions in the last quarter, including Luxe Asia, Kuoni India and Hong Kong. The cost of these acquisitions obviously impacted profitability… with expected benefits accruing from Q4,” said Madhavan Menon, chairman & managing director of Thomas Cook India.

Thomas Cook India’s foreign exchange business saw a 6% EBIT increase, while profits from the corporate travel sector surged 58%. Domestic travel sales increased 27%.

The group’s recently-acquired Sterling Holiday Resorts business saw its operating profits rise 17% to INR534.7m.

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Mr Madhavan Menon Managing Director Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (1) Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India unveils “end-to-end” holiday app https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-unveils-end-to-end-holiday-app/ Tue, 19 Jan 2016 10:07:07 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231707 The post Thomas Cook India unveils “end-to-end” holiday app appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India's new Holiday App

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a new app which it claims offers “end-to-end” package holiday booking services. Targeting India’s fast-growing mobile market, the new Holiday App offers Indian travellers the chance to search for and book a range of holiday packages, and calculates the total package price. Once customers are happy with their package, they […]

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Thomas Cook India's new Holiday App
Thomas Cook India's new Holiday App
Thomas Cook India’s new Holiday App

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a new app which it claims offers “end-to-end” package holiday booking services.

Targeting India’s fast-growing mobile market, the new Holiday App offers Indian travellers the chance to search for and book a range of holiday packages, and calculates the total package price. Once customers are happy with their package, they can pay online using the app and receive instant confirmation.

A selection of more than 1,000 holiday options are available, along with flight, hotel, travel insurance and foreign exchange services, and even visa assistance. And if the customer is not willing to book their holiday using an app, there is also a branch locator allowing them to find the nearest Thomas Cook store.

“With India’s mobile commerce market expected to grow exponentially by 850% to US$19 billion by 2019, and with Cisco projecting a near five-fold jump in India’s smartphone users to 651 million by 2019, this translates to a powerful yet underleveraged market for holidays,” said Amit Madhan, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer of IT & e-services.

“Hence the launch of our Thomas Cook Holiday App is timed perfectly to harness this potential. Our intent is to empower Indians with seamless end-to-end holiday transactions, also smart tools like our experiential search and wish list- across an array of over 1,000 plus holiday options.”

According to research firm International Data Corporation (IDC), India will overtake the USA as the second-largest global smartphone market by 2017. The Holiday App is currently available for Android devices and will soon be launched on iOS.

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Holiday App_Screenshot 3 Thomas Cook India's new Holiday App
Thomas Cook India goes “mini” to target smaller markets https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-goes-mini-to-target-smaller-markets/ Mon, 18 Jan 2016 03:14:06 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231589 The post Thomas Cook India goes “mini” to target smaller markets appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The first Thomas Cook Mini store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Thomas Cook India has devised a new store concept to cater for the country’s third tier cities. The company recently launched its first ‘Thomas Cook Mini’ store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. These “small, technology-assisted outlets” will now be rolled out across the country. “With our internal data analytics clearly revealing the untapped yet high growth potential […]

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The first Thomas Cook Mini store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
The first Thomas Cook Mini store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
The first Thomas Cook Mini store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Thomas Cook India has devised a new store concept to cater for the country’s third tier cities.

The company recently launched its first ‘Thomas Cook Mini’ store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala. These “small, technology-assisted outlets” will now be rolled out across the country.

“With our internal data analytics clearly revealing the untapped yet high growth potential of tier three markets, a low-cost, rapid penetration model was mission critical, and our Thomas Cook Mini fits the bill perfectly,” said Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer of foreign exchange & head of visas.

“Such small tech-assisted outlets give us the opportunity to set up shop, test the waters and expand with the immediacy that was demanded.

“We are very excited with the initial response from our new Kerala Thomas Cook Mini at Pathanamthitta,” he added.

Thomas Cook Mini stores will be equipped with mobile devices or tablets to provide customers with foreign exchange transactions and other travel-related services. The outlets will be manned by small teams of staff and are designed to offer “quick customer transactions”.

The company said the new Mini stores will allow it to deliver “quick market penetration and scale-up”.

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Thomas Cook Mini_Store Image The first Thomas Cook Mini store in Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Thomas Cook India to roll out TravPax solution across network https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-to-roll-out-travpax-solution-across-network/ Thu, 07 Jan 2016 06:35:20 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231203 The post Thomas Cook India to roll out TravPax solution across network appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has selected TravPax 5

Thomas Cook India has taken the decision to implement the TravPax 5 Solution across its entire Indian network of travel stores and call centres. The new solution will provide connections to dozens of worldwide wholesalers, GDS, low-cost carriers and others channels, allowing Thomas Cook India to provide the best available rates to its clients and […]

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Thomas Cook India has selected TravPax 5
Thomas Cook India has selected TravPax 5
Thomas Cook India has selected TravPax 5

Thomas Cook India has taken the decision to implement the TravPax 5 Solution across its entire Indian network of travel stores and call centres.

The new solution will provide connections to dozens of worldwide wholesalers, GDS, low-cost carriers and others channels, allowing Thomas Cook India to provide the best available rates to its clients and subsidiaries, either as a standalone product or via dynamic packaging.

“At Thomas Cook India, technology is at the forefront of our strategy and given today’s rapidly growing base of digital native Indian consumers, offering immediate options and value driven rates for travel bookings is vital,” said Amit Madhan, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer for IT & e-services.

“Our partnership with TravPax will empower our offline franchise and call centre teams with immediate access to best rates and inventory across a range of services including flights, hotels and holiday packages.”

Laurent Maytal, CEO of Singapore-based TravPax Solutions, added; “The travel world is changing fast and access to the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value becomes a major challenge. Value is king. However, that does not mean the cheapest cost always wins; Travellers are seeking quality products at an affordable price and this is exactly what Thomas cook will achieve.”

Thomas Cook India now operates in 233 locations (including 23 airport counters) in 92 cities across India, Mauritius & Sri Lanka.

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shutterstock_173427428 Thomas Cook India has selected TravPax 5
The latest industry appointments https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/the-latest-industry-appointments-187/ Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:12:57 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231155 The post The latest industry appointments appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Michel Molliet

MICHEL MOLLIET has become chief operating officer of AccorHotels in Greater China, overseeing the management of the group’s 125 properties in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Molliet joined the company in 1987 and most recently served as senior vice president of luxury upscale brands for Greater China. DAVID ZHOU has been announced as the […]

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Michel Molliet
Michel Molliet
Michel Molliet

MICHEL MOLLIET has become chief operating officer of AccorHotels in Greater China, overseeing the management of the group’s 125 properties in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. Molliet joined the company in 1987 and most recently served as senior vice president of luxury upscale brands for Greater China.

DAVID ZHOU has been announced as the new chief operating officer of eLong, effective 6 January 2016. The move marks a promotion for Zhou, who has served as the Chinese online travel company’s chief strategy officer since July 2015. He previously worked in Ernst & Young as a senior auditor.

Robert Sohn
Robert Sohn

ROBERT SOHN has been elected as the new president for Skal Asia. A Korean national, Sohn takes on the new role in addition to his responsibilities as president & CEO of Promac Partnership, chairman of the ANTOR in Korea, and the Korean representative for Tourism Western Australia.

VISHAL SURI has been appointed managing director of Kuoni Travel India, which was recently acquired by Thomas Cook India. Suri move to the new unit from his previous role as Kuoni India’s CEO for tour operating. Thomas Cook India completed the 100% acquisition of Kuoni Travel India in December.

Soojin Yu
Soojin Yu

SOOJIN YU has been named as Hawaiian Airlines’ new country director and chief representative for South Korea. Ms Yu brings more than 25 years of experience to the role, most recently serving as Renault Samsung Motors’ China business manager for the Asia Pacific region, based in Seoul.

KARISHMA KAUL has been appointed as Goway Travel’s new product and marketing manager for Asia. She joins the company’s wholesale brand, Asia by Goway, with 20 years of industry experience, and will now oversee the Goway’s operations in 20 Asian countries.

Gindo S. Sianturi
Gindo S. Sianturi

GINDO S. SIANTURI has been named as Absolute Hotel Services’ new area general manager for Indonesia. He moved to the expanded role having served as general manager of the company’s U Paasha hotel in Bali since 2013. Previous assignments have included roles with Four Seasons, Hyatt, IHG and Raffles.

PAUL WILSHER has been appointed general manager of Oakwood Apartments Brisbane, which opens in April. He moves to the serviced residence following a 27-year career than has included spells with Constellation, Rydges, IHG and SilverNeedle, most recently as GM of the Sage Hotel Wollongong.

Viktoria Egli
Viktoria Egli

VIKTORIA EGLI has been appointed to lead the guest experience team at the Monttra Pattaya resort. A Swiss national, Ms Egli joins the newly-opened Thai hotel from the Hotel Baur au Lac in Switzerland, which forms part of The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW).

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Michel Molliet Michel Molliet Robert Sohn Robert Sohn Soojin Yu Soojin Yu Gindo S. Sianturi Gindo S. Sianturi Viktoria Egli Viktoria Egli
New managing director for Kuoni India https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/new-managing-director-for-kuoni-india/ Wed, 06 Jan 2016 03:29:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=231101 The post New managing director for Kuoni India appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Vishal Suri

Thomas Cook India has appointed Vishal Suri as the new managing director of Kuoni Travel India, which was recently acquired by the company. The appointment, which was effective 4 January 2016, will see Suri move to the new unit from his previous role as Kuoni India’s chief executive officer of tour operating. He replaces Rajeev […]

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Vishal Suri
Vishal Suri
Vishal Suri

Thomas Cook India has appointed Vishal Suri as the new managing director of Kuoni Travel India, which was recently acquired by the company.

The appointment, which was effective 4 January 2016, will see Suri move to the new unit from his previous role as Kuoni India’s chief executive officer of tour operating. He replaces Rajeev Wagle, who has stepped down as managing director of Kuoni India.

“It gives us great pleasure to appoint Vishal Suri as the managing director of Kuoni Travel India,” said Madhavan Menon, chairman & managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“Vishal comes with a wealth of experience: over 22 years across a gamut of consumer centric industries like telecom, internet, and office automation, including over a decade in running travel businesses. We wish him every success in his new role.”

Menon also paid tribute to Wagle, and said he “respects his decision to pursue his interests outside the organisation”.

Thomas Cook India completed the 100% acquisition of Kuoni Travel India on 16 December 2015, along with the Swiss company’s business in Hong Kong.

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Vishal Suri Vishal Suri
Thomas Cook India advances ‘clicks & bricks’ model https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-advances-clicks-bricks-model/ Mon, 14 Dec 2015 05:05:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=230501 The post Thomas Cook India advances ‘clicks & bricks’ model appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has revealed the progress of its so-called ‘clicks & bricks’ distribution strategy, which aims to serve the needs of India’s second and third tier cities with technology-enabled travel stores. So far in 2015, the company has set up 33 new stores across the country, including locations in Amritsar, Ahmednagar, Bareily, Nellore, Ranchi, […]

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Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook India has revealed the progress of its so-called ‘clicks & bricks’ distribution strategy, which aims to serve the needs of India’s second and third tier cities with technology-enabled travel stores.

So far in 2015, the company has set up 33 new stores across the country, including locations in Amritsar, Ahmednagar, Bareily, Nellore, Ranchi, Palarivattam, Ludhiana and Valachery. These form part of a total India-wide network of 233 locations, including 23 airport counters.

The clicks & bricks model provides customers with a range of travel-related products and services, including foreign exchange, visas and insurance, combining human travel agents with in-store technology such as tablet devices.

“At Thomas Cook India, we foresee significant growth emerging from ‘Middle India’ and hence were quick to transition to online and online-assisted selling via our focused hybrid omni-channel ‘brick and click’ model,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“Our technology assisted outlets will operate via tablets and mobile apps that enable transactions across the Thomas Cook range of products and services, including domestic and international holidays, flights, hotels, insurance and foreign exchange.”

Citing a McKinsey report, Thomas Cook said that India’s middle class is set to reach 43.6 million households by 2025.

“Middle India will continue to be a powerhouse in our success story and our extensive network now offering travel hungry customers enhanced access, convenience and the reassurance of human touch via our Thomas Cook experts, is timed perfectly for our Summer 2016 launch,” Menon added.

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Mr Madhavan Menon Managing Director Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (1) Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India launches pre-paid travel card https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-pre-paid-travel-card/ Thu, 03 Dec 2015 08:07:29 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=230131 The post Thomas Cook India launches pre-paid travel card appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India's chief operating officer for foreign exchange, unveils the new card

Thomas Cook India has launched a new pre-paid travel card in partnership with MasterCard. The new Thomas Cook One Currency Card is based on a single currency (US dollars) and offers Indian travellers zero cross currency conversion fees no matter what country they visit. Thomas Cook India said that its internal customer research found that […]

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Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India's chief operating officer for foreign exchange, unveils the new card
Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India's chief operating officer for foreign exchange, unveils the new card
Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer for foreign exchange, unveils the new card

Thomas Cook India has launched a new pre-paid travel card in partnership with MasterCard.

The new Thomas Cook One Currency Card is based on a single currency (US dollars) and offers Indian travellers zero cross currency conversion fees no matter what country they visit.

Thomas Cook India said that its internal customer research found that “value conscious Indian travellers” were commonly deterred from using pre-paid currency cards due to the high conversion charges (typically around 3-4%).

Other benefits of the new card include embedded chip and PIN security, locking of funds (to avoid cross currency fluctuations), instant loading, emergency cash disbursement, free card replacement in case of loss of theft, and 24-7 global assistance. Users can also cash in the residual balance of the card after their trip, or retain it for future travel.

The card can be used in 2.2 million ATMs and with more than 35 million merchants worldwide.

“With exponential growth in multinational travel, the need of the hour was clearly a single currency card, sans the downside of cross currency charges,” said Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer for foreign exchange & head of visas.

“As pioneers in the foreign exchange business, our innovative the Thomas Cook One Currency Card, the first of its kind in India, brings Indian travellers a strong value proposition: zero currency conversion charges in a digital currency ecosystem. We are delighted with our partnership with MasterCard, and this drives significant advantages in ensuring a comprehensive solution to our customers.”

Porush Singh, MasterCard’s divisional president for South Asia, commented; “MasterCard and Thomas Cook India… have had a strong relationship over the past few years in providing products to make travel easier and more convenient, via our focus on innovation excellence and technology. The Thomas Cook One Currency Card is an innovative solution and we are confident of it becoming the preferred prepaid travel card for overseas travellers in the near future,” said

The Thomas Cook One Currency Card can be bought or recharged via thomascook.in, and across Thomas Cook’s 136 foreign exchange counters.

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Mr Mahesh Iyer Chief Operating Officer – Foreign Exchange Head Visas Mahesh Iyer, Thomas Cook India's chief operating officer for foreign exchange, unveils the new card
Thomas Cook India teams up with OYO Rooms https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-teams-up-with-oyo-rooms/ Mon, 23 Nov 2015 02:56:59 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=229627 The post Thomas Cook India teams up with OYO Rooms appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India's chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality

Thomas Cook India has formed a new partnership with online booking site, OYO Rooms. The agreement, which is the first of its kind between a travel services company and OYO, will make OYO Rooms’ collection of more than 3,200 Indian hotels available to Thomas Cook India’s leisure and business  customers. All rooms booked via the […]

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Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India's chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality
Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India's chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality
Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India’s chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality

Thomas Cook India has formed a new partnership with online booking site, OYO Rooms.

The agreement, which is the first of its kind between a travel services company and OYO, will make OYO Rooms’ collection of more than 3,200 Indian hotels available to Thomas Cook India’s leisure and business  customers.

All rooms booked via the partnership will offer standardised benefits, including complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi, and customers will benefit from 24-7 customer service support.

According to Thomas Cook India’s research, there is a “significant and increasing appetite” for standardised and value-driven accommodation in India, from both leisure and business travellers.

“Domestic Indian travellers today are demanding better value in the form of good quality, conveniently located, standardised accommodation and access to this, is in woefully short supply,” said Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India’s chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality.

“Data also indicates, that the number of middle class Indian households is expected to grow exponentially – from 8.8 million in 2015 to 43.6 million in 2025 – in turn, driving this need further. Our partnership with OYO Rooms offers us a wonderful platform to tap this need & opportunity.”

Kavikrut, OYO Rooms’ chief growth officer, added; “We are absolutely thrilled to join hands with one of the leading tour and travel operators in the country. We have seen a large number of corporate and leisure travellers choosing to travel with reputed partners like Thomas Cook, and through this partnership we hope to bring to them a great hotel experience which is predictable, affordable and easily accessible. At OYO Rooms, we are always looking for ways to enhance the travelling experience of customers, and our partnership with Thomas Cook is another step in that direction.”

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Mr. Abraham Alapatt, Chief Innovation Officer & Head – Marketing and Service Quality, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd Abraham Alapatt, Thomas Cook India's chief innovation officer & head of marketing & service quality
Thomas Cook India closes deal for Kuoni China https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/229208/ Thu, 12 Nov 2015 09:45:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=229208 The post Thomas Cook India closes deal for Kuoni China appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Photo by Nessluop

Thomas Cook India Group has finalised its acquisition of Kuoni’s Hong Kong operations. The Mumbai-based travel company has now formally concluded the acquisition of 100% of Kuoni Travel (China) Limited from the Kuoni Group. The purchase formed part of a CHF79 million (US$80.3m) deal that also included Kuoni’s Indian operations. Kuoni, which is exiting from […]

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Photo by Nessluop
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook India Group has finalised its acquisition of Kuoni’s Hong Kong operations.

The Mumbai-based travel company has now formally concluded the acquisition of 100% of Kuoni Travel (China) Limited from the Kuoni Group. The purchase formed part of a CHF79 million (US$80.3m) deal that also included Kuoni’s Indian operations.

Kuoni, which is exiting from tour operating business, has already sold its European tour operator business to DER Touristik.

“We have completed the closure process for the acquisition of Kuoni Travel China Limited based in Hong Kong. The acquisition of Kuoni Hong Kong, ably led by Maria Ng, represents an important milestone for Thomas Cook India Group, as it facilitates our entry into Asia – including China, the fastest growing travel market in the world,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India.

Ms Ng, managing director of Kuoni Hong Kong, commented; “We are delighted to join the Thomas Cook India and Fairfax Group and look forward to working with Madhavan and his team to leverage the significant complementary opportunities across Asia, that this partnership opens up.”

Following the completion of the deal, Thomas Cook India will take on all of Kuoni’s 1,800 full-time employees in India and Hong Kong, and will continue to run the businesses from their existing locations.

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Mr Madhavan Menon Managing Director Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (1) Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India teams up with Singapore’s NTU https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-teams-up-with-singapores-ntu/ Wed, 04 Nov 2015 02:58:51 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228816 The post Thomas Cook India teams up with Singapore’s NTU appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India signs the partnership with NTU Singapore

Thomas Cook India has enhanced its Centre of Learning training facility by forming a new partnership with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU). Under the new agreement, NTU will offer a seven-day ‘Global Immersion Program’ for Thomas Cook’s Indian students. The week-long course will combine academic classes with corporate visits, and upon completion students receive a […]

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Thomas Cook India signs the partnership with NTU Singapore
Thomas Cook India signs the partnership with NTU Singapore
Thomas Cook India signs the partnership with NTU Singapore

Thomas Cook India has enhanced its Centre of Learning training facility by forming a new partnership with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

Under the new agreement, NTU will offer a seven-day ‘Global Immersion Program’ for Thomas Cook’s Indian students. The week-long course will combine academic classes with corporate visits, and upon completion students receive a certificate signed by the Dean of Nanyang Business School.

“With India becoming one of the world’s fastest growing economies, education and training will form a critical element to skilling its young population,” said Mona Cheriyan, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer and head of HR.

“The pioneering Global Immersion Program… is a unique initiative offering India’s students valuable global exposure with a perfect blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. The programme design is compact and is customised to focus on real world relevance. The personal interaction with global faculty and students ensures a greater level of learning and development.”

“Nanyang Business School Singapore, with its deep expertise in the area of tourism and hospitality through its undergraduate program and long association with Cornell university, is well positioned to support and collaborate with Thomas Cook India while it embarks on increasing its footprint in Asia through latest acquisitions,” commented Puneet K Narula, NTU’s country director for India.

“We at NBS are very excited with today’s signing for hosting Global Immersion program at Singapore and hope to build a long term association with Thomas Cook for mutual benefit of both organisations.”

The first Global Immersion Program will run from 11-17 January 2016, and the student package includes return airfares from Mumbai, accommodation, all meals, visas, insurance and sightseeing opportunities, as well as education. A Thomas Cook tour manager will accompany the students during the programme.

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D9CC4B51 Thomas Cook India signs the partnership with NTU Singapore
Thomas Cook India profits surge 58% https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-profits-surge-58/ Fri, 30 Oct 2015 04:39:02 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228617 The post Thomas Cook India profits surge 58% appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The company's EDBITDA rose 9% in the quarter ending 30 September

Thomas Cook India has posted a sharp rise in profits for the quarter ending 30 September 2015. The company’s operating profit jumped 58% year-on-year to INR9.6 billion (US$147 million) in the three-month period. Thomas Cook India attributed the improvement to “strong delivery from its key travel business lines”, including corporate travel, MICE and outbound leisure. […]

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The company's EDBITDA rose 9% in the quarter ending 30 September
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook India has posted a sharp rise in profits for the quarter ending 30 September 2015.

The company’s operating profit jumped 58% year-on-year to INR9.6 billion (US$147 million) in the three-month period. Thomas Cook India attributed the improvement to “strong delivery from its key travel business lines”, including corporate travel, MICE and outbound leisure.

Earnings before tax and other items (EBITDA) increased 9%.

In the corporate travel sector, Thomas Cook India’s EBITDA surged 182% to INR131m, following a 58% surge in revenue, while a 400% MICE EBITDA increase (to INR82m) reflected the company’s “successful foray into the outbound events segment,” Thomas Cook India said. EBITDA in the leisure outbound sector increased 54% to INR131m, owing to “a healthy increase in overall passenger numbers”.

The company’s two recently acquired units, Quess Corp and Sterling Holiday Resorts, both saw rising profits.

“Despite the quarter ended September being a traditional low season across the travel and tourism industry, our core travel businesses have delivered very well for us,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“The relatively muted EBITDA growth is the result of multiple factors – the full impact of our Sterling acquisition, depreciation costs increasing in line with regulations, interest costs growing in line with working capital needs (and hedging costs) and the impact of various acquisitions made across the group – both in the last financial year and this.

“We at Thomas Cook India Group reaffirm our parent Fairfax’s bullish India and Asia outlook, with our recent acquisitions of Luxe Asia and Kuoni India and HK,” he added.

Thomas Cook India now operates from 232 locations, including 23 airport counters, in 95 cities across India, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

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Mr Madhavan Menon Managing Director Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (1) Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India embarks on three-city “mela” to promote Maharashtra tours https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-embarks-on-three-city-mela-to-promote-maharashtra-tours/ Sun, 25 Oct 2015 02:19:03 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=228330 The post Thomas Cook India embarks on three-city “mela” to promote Maharashtra tours appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The cast of Rajwade & Sons at the event in Thane

Thomas Cook India has embarked on a three-city promotional tour to celebrate the launch of a new series of tours offered exclusively to residents of the state of Maharashtra. The company’s ‘Holiday Mela’ roadshow commenced in Kolhapur and then travelled to Pune and Thane, with the aim to educating customers and the media about the […]

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The cast of Rajwade & Sons at the event in Thane
The cast of Rajwade & Sons at the event in Thane
The cast of Rajwade & Sons at the event in Thane

Thomas Cook India has embarked on a three-city promotional tour to celebrate the launch of a new series of tours offered exclusively to residents of the state of Maharashtra.

The company’s ‘Holiday Mela’ roadshow commenced in Kolhapur and then travelled to Pune and Thane, with the aim to educating customers and the media about the new Avismarniya and Apratim tours, which cover destinations in Asia and Europe and last between six and 15 days. A series of six- and seven-day domestic tours are also available.

“Maharashtra currently contributes more than 25% of our… outbound business and given the high potential, we have identified Maharashtra as a key strategic focus for our company,” said Shibani Phadkar, Thomas Cook India’s senior vice president and head of outbound leisure travel, products, contracting, operations & tour management.

“To delight our Maharashtra customers, we have launched our unique regional Avismarniya and Apratim Tours that offer local Maharashtrian food [and] a Marathi-speaking Thomas Cook tour manager. The impressive response of over 200 bookings from our Maharashtrian customers in under two weeks is a reiteration of our belief in the Maharashtrian customer and we are very grateful for their loyalty,” she added.

International packages available to Maharashtrian travellers include the 15-day ‘Avismarniya Europe’ tour, which covers the UK, France, Belgium, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy and Vatican City and includes a free seven-day trip to France and Spain, the 11-day ‘Prekshaniya Europe’ tour to France, Switzerland, Italy, Vatican City, Austria and Germany, plus a free seven-day trip to London, and the seven-day ‘Apratim Asia’ tour to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, with a free six-day holiday in Thailand.

Domestic trips include seven-day tours to Kashmir, the northeast or Andaman & Nicobar Islands, or a six-day trip to Kerala.

Thomas Cook India has hired Marathi actor Atul Kulkarni to promote the tours. Guests at the three-city Holiday Mela will be able to meet with Kulkarni and other stars from the movie ‘Rajwade & Sons’.

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The cast of Rajwade sons at a 3-city promotional Holiday Mela by Thomas Cook India to launch exclusive Maharashtrian Regional tours – Avismarniya and Apratim The cast of Rajwade & Sons at the event in Thane
270 students graduate from Thomas Cook India academy https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/270-students-graduate-from-thomas-cook-india-academy/ Wed, 19 Aug 2015 01:48:54 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225755 The post 270 students graduate from Thomas Cook India academy appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The graduation ceremony was held in Mumbai

Thomas Cook India‘s Centre of Learning has held a graduation ceremony for 270 students. The fourth such ceremony, which was held at the Indian Merchants Chamber in Mumbai yesterday, was overseen by Nishant Kashikar, Tourism Australia’s country Manager for India & Gulf, Shibani Phadkar, Thomas Cook’s senior vice president of outbound leisure travel, and Mona […]

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The graduation ceremony was held in Mumbai

Thomas Cook India‘s Centre of Learning has held a graduation ceremony for 270 students.

The fourth such ceremony, which was held at the Indian Merchants Chamber in Mumbai yesterday, was overseen by Nishant Kashikar, Tourism Australia’s country Manager for India & Gulf, Shibani Phadkar, Thomas Cook’s senior vice president of outbound leisure travel, and Mona Cheriyan, Thomas Cook India’s head of human resources.

The Centre of Learning Convocation Ceremony honoured students who had successfully completed the Travel Professional Program, a postgraduate course in Travel & Tourism Management, the Certificate Course in World Tour Management, and the IATA Certificate Course in Travel & Tourism Management.

The graduation ceremony was held in Mumbai
The graduation ceremony was held in Mumbai

Scholarship certificates and special prizes were awarded to top performers.

“It is certainly a proud moment for Thomas Cook India’s Centre of Learning, as we felicitate 270 students graduating today at our convocation ceremony,” said Ms Cheriyan.

“Given India’s demographics, at our Centre of Learning we aspire to create a skill-based high quality talent pool. The degree-oriented education system is now making way for Skill-based training and development.

“Training programmes like the one we offer at our Centre of Learning are developed in active consultation with industry experts. All the programmes have an active involvement of the tourism boards, qualified faculty and guest speakers from the industry. We believe that through this methodology, we are truly making a difference to the tourism industry,” she added.

Thomas Cook India says its Centre of Learning forms part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s ‘Skill India Mission’, which aims to teach vocational skills to 2.4 million workers this year.

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SGS_4105_resize (2) The graduation ceremony was held in Mumbai
Thomas Cook India acquires Kuoni ops in India and Hong Kong https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-acquires-kuoni-ops-in-india-and-hong-kong/ Sun, 09 Aug 2015 04:51:49 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225332 The post Thomas Cook India acquires Kuoni ops in India and Hong Kong appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India has agreed to acquire the Kuoni Group’s outbound and inbound travel businesses in India, and its tour operator in Hong Kong. The deals, which are worth a total of CHF79 million (US$80.3m), form part of Kuoni’s recently announced plan to exit from tour operating business. The company has already sold its European […]

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Thomas Cook India has agreed to acquire the Kuoni Group’s outbound and inbound travel businesses in India, and its tour operator in Hong Kong.

The deals, which are worth a total of CHF79 million (US$80.3m), form part of Kuoni’s recently announced plan to exit from tour operating business. The company has already sold its European tour operator business to DER Touristik.

Prem Watsa, chairman & CEO of Fairfax Financial Holdings, which owns Thomas Cook India, commented; “Our acquisition of Kuoni’s tour operating and retailing businesses in India and Hong Kong, as well as the Indian inbound business, reaffirms our belief in the India market potential [and] also our strategic intent to explore viable geographies, including the larger Asia opportunity.”

Kuoni is selling its tour operations business
Kuoni is selling its tour operations business

Following the completion of the deal, Thomas Cook India will take on all of Kuoni’s 1,800 full-time employees in India and Hong Kong, and will continue to run the businesses from their existing locations.

As part of the deal, Thomas Cook India acquires the Kuoni brand licence for one year in India, and five years in Hong Kong. All other brands, including SOTC, Sita and Distant Frontiers, are transferred with the business.

“With the sale of the tour operating activities in India and Hong Kong, we have completed the sale of the outbound business as announced in January,” said Peter Meier, CEO of the Kuoni Group.

“I’m very pleased that we found forward-looking solutions for all the units. The inclusion of the Indian Destination Management Specialists in the deal provided Kuoni Group an opportunity to conclude a timely transaction at attractive terms. “We expect the closing of all transactions in the course of 2015, allowing Kuoni to focus on the further development of its core business,” he added.

In 2014, Kuoni’s India and Hong Kong businesses generated a turnover of CHF284m and pre-tax profits of CHF4.5m.

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Kuoni Kuoni is selling its tour operations business
Thomas Cook India profits jump 69% https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-profits-jump-69/ Tue, 04 Aug 2015 08:33:12 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225161 The post Thomas Cook India profits jump 69% appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India's operating profits rose in the three months to 30 June

Thomas Cook India has posted a strong set of financial results for the most recent quarter. The company generated an operating profit of INR9.3 billion (US$145 million) in the three months to 30 June 2015, up 69% year-on-year. After tax and other charges, the company’s profit stood at INR420 million. Several areas of the Thomas […]

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Thomas Cook India's operating profits rose in the three months to 30 June
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook India has posted a strong set of financial results for the most recent quarter.

The company generated an operating profit of INR9.3 billion (US$145 million) in the three months to 30 June 2015, up 69% year-on-year. After tax and other charges, the company’s profit stood at INR420 million.

Several areas of the Thomas Cook India business posted strong growth during the quarter, including MICE (+29%), outbound leisure (+11%), domestic (+24%), online (+40%) and corporate travel (+11%).

“Our summer season was healthy with strong growth in passenger numbers led by our FIT segment,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India. “The growth was powered by the launch of a range of innovative products that served to target key potential and emerging segments. The quarter ended June 30 2015 has seen significant revenue growth across the diversified Thomas Cook India Group.”

The company’s subsidiaries also saw strong growth, with Quess Corp’s earnings rising 49% to INR350 million and Sterling Holiday Resorts achieving a profit of INR6.8m for the quarter.

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Mr Madhavan Menon Managing Director Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (1) Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India
Thomas Cook India offers online visa service https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-offers-online-visa-service/ Mon, 03 Aug 2015 02:46:18 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225067 The post Thomas Cook India offers online visa service appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India is offering online visa advice and applications

Thomas Cook India has started offering a new online visa service for its customers. The new service provides travellers with visa information via the Thomas Cook India website, including visa requirements for each destination, downloadable visa application forms, consular addresses and opening times, plus the cost and processing time of the application. The move follows […]

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Thomas Cook India is offering online visa advice and applications

Thomas Cook India has started offering a new online visa service for its customers.

The new service provides travellers with visa information via the Thomas Cook India website, including visa requirements for each destination, downloadable visa application forms, consular addresses and opening times, plus the cost and processing time of the application.

The move follows a study undertaken by Thomas Cook India into the visa application trends within the Indian market. This report, based on internal data from May and June 2015, found that Singapore accounted for the highest number of online visa applications, with 41% of the total, followed by Schengen countries (16%), Malaysia (15%), the UK (7%), USA (5%), Canada (4%) and Australia (3%).

Thomas Cook India is offering online visa advice and applications
Thomas Cook India is offering online visa advice and applications

Travellers from Bengaluru were the most likely to apply for visas online, ahead of those from Mumbai and Delhi. Pune and Hyderabad completed the top five.

“The world is changing rapidly and so is customer behaviour,” said Amit Madhan, Thomas Cook India’s chief operating officer for IT & e-services.

“Obtaining a visa remains one of the biggest pain points for India’s traveller as it involves filling complex applications, travelling to metro cities, standing in  queues for submissions, interviews etc. With visa services online, our intent is to eliminate multi-level complexities.”

Under its new online visa service, Thomas Cook India will take travellers through the full process, including documents checks, submission, collection and final delivery of a visa stamped passport.

Thomas Cook India handled more than 20,000 online visa application requests in the months of May and June 2015.

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shutterstock_172022693 Thomas Cook India is offering online visa advice and applications
Thomas Cook India acquires Luxe Asia https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-acquires-luxe-asia/ Thu, 30 Jul 2015 10:49:40 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=225000 The post Thomas Cook India acquires Luxe Asia appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Luxe Asia specialises in inbound travel to Sri Lanka

Thomas Cook India has sealed the acquisition of Luxe Asia, a destination management company based in Sri Lanka. The deal, which was conducted through the company’s subsidiary, Thomas Cook Lanka, gives Thomas Cook a significant presence in Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region. Luxe Asia will continue to be operated as an independent entity. […]

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Luxe Asia specialises in inbound travel to Sri Lanka
Luxe Asia specialises in inbound travel to Sri Lanka
Luxe Asia specialises in inbound travel to Sri Lanka

Thomas Cook India has sealed the acquisition of Luxe Asia, a destination management company based in Sri Lanka.

The deal, which was conducted through the company’s subsidiary, Thomas Cook Lanka, gives Thomas Cook a significant presence in Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean region. Luxe Asia will continue to be operated as an independent entity.

“Our acquisition of Luxe Asia reiterates delivery of our strategic intent of establishing a global destination management presence. Luxe Asia will continue to focus on its core domain of inbound tourism across key global source markets,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India.

“Luxe Asia is a great fit to our portfolio and we aim to draw on the strong synergies with our outbound, inbound and MICE businesses at Thomas Cook India.”

Based in Sri Lanka, Luxe Asia is focused primarily on inbound tourism. It is also part owner of the Sri Lankan unit of Khiri Travel, the Southeast Asia-based luxury DMC.

Financial details of the acquisition have not been reported.

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shutterstock_157680308 Luxe Asia specialises in inbound travel to Sri Lanka
Thomas Cook India gets green light for Sterling merger https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-gets-green-light-for-sterling-merger/ Tue, 14 Jul 2015 07:19:47 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=224362 The post Thomas Cook India gets green light for Sterling merger appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Sterling Holiday Resorts' new property in Corbett

Thomas Cook India has been given the green light to proceed with its merger with Sterling Holiday Resorts. The High Court of Bombay has now approved has plan, marking the final hurdle in the merger process. The shareholders of both companies have already approved the merger. Thomas Cook India said it will now initiate the […]

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Sterling Holiday Resorts' new property in Corbett
Sterling Holiday Resorts' new property in Corbett
Sterling Holiday Resorts’ new property in Corbett

Thomas Cook India has been given the green light to proceed with its merger with Sterling Holiday Resorts.

The High Court of Bombay has now approved has plan, marking the final hurdle in the merger process. The shareholders of both companies have already approved the merger.

Thomas Cook India said it will now initiate the process of issuing shares to Sterling Holiday Resorts’ shareholders.

“The company’s strategic investment in Sterling Holiday Resorts is delivering well for us,” said Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook India. “Sterling Resorts [has] turned profitable, declaring its first profit in 18 years… for the FY ended March 31, 2015.

“As the now diversified Thomas Cook India Group, we are confident of robust performances that broaden our business services platform to increase shareholder value,” he added.

Sterling has opened four new resorts this year, in Corbett, Daman, Shirdi and Dindito, to bring its network to a total of 24 resorts across India. It has also upgraded six of its existing resorts.

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17253240832_edd5a3aa03_z Sterling Holiday Resorts' new property in Corbett
Thomas Cook India expands Mumbai office https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-expands-mumbai-office/ Fri, 10 Jul 2015 03:07:48 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=224239 The post Thomas Cook India expands Mumbai office appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The Marathon FutureX complex in Mumbai

Thomas Cook India has unveiled plans to expand its operations in Mumbai, with the acquisition of additional office space. The company said that its “rapid expansion” had necessitated the additional work space, and it has now been able to secure a location at Marathon FutureX, an IT and financial business centre in the Lower Parel […]

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The Marathon FutureX complex in Mumbai
The Marathon FutureX complex in Mumbai
The Marathon FutureX complex in Mumbai

Thomas Cook India has unveiled plans to expand its operations in Mumbai, with the acquisition of additional office space.

The company said that its “rapid expansion” had necessitated the additional work space, and it has now been able to secure a location at Marathon FutureX, an IT and financial business centre in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai.

The complex is also a Gold-rated Green Building, which Thomas Cook India said “aligns [with its] commitment to foster a people friendly work environment and operational efficiencies.”

The company set up its first office in India in 1881 and now has coverage in 233 locations (including 19 airport counters) in 94 cities across India, Mauritius and Sri Lanka.

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Marathon FutureX The Marathon FutureX complex in Mumbai
Thomas Cook India offers online “value” packages https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-offers-online-value-packages/ Wed, 13 May 2015 09:33:41 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=221732 The post Thomas Cook India offers online “value” packages appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

The new packages can only be booked online via the Thomas Cook India website

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a series of new online packages targeting “value-seeking” travellers.   The new ‘Simply & Just For You Series’ offers a series of packages including air travel, transfers, accommodation and sightseeing trips that leverage the company’s “bulk buying clout” to offer discounted packages. “Technology is changing the dynamics of travel and […]

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The new packages can only be booked online via the Thomas Cook India website
The new packages can only be booked online via the Thomas Cook India website
The new packages can only be booked online via the Thomas Cook India website

Thomas Cook India has unveiled a series of new online packages targeting “value-seeking” travellers.  

The new ‘Simply & Just For You Series’ offers a series of packages including air travel, transfers, accommodation and sightseeing trips that leverage the company’s “bulk buying clout” to offer discounted packages.

“Technology is changing the dynamics of travel and for today’s impatient value seekers; our Simply & Just For You Series are incredibly easy to plan and book online… [offering] a great value proposition at merely the click of a button,” said Shibani Phadkar, the company’s senior vice president and head of outbound leisure travel, products & operations.

The new series of packages can be booked via thomascook.in and include offerings in Malaysia, Egypt, Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, the UAE and US, with a starting price of INR29,000 (US$451).

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TCI The new packages can only be booked online via the Thomas Cook India website
Thomas Cook India launches ‘Top-Up Holidays’ https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-launches-top-up-holidays/ Mon, 27 Apr 2015 09:37:45 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=221058 The post Thomas Cook India launches ‘Top-Up Holidays’ appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook India's Shibani Phadkar

Thomas Cook India has launched a new concept that allows customers to select a series of optional extras and add them on to their travel itinerary. The new ‘Top-Up Holidays’ concept includes a range of sightseeing tours, transfers, hotel upgrades and other elements that can be selected by the traveller prior to their trip. Thomas […]

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Thomas Cook India's Shibani Phadkar
Thomas Cook India's Shibani Phadkar
Thomas Cook India’s Shibani Phadkar

Thomas Cook India has launched a new concept that allows customers to select a series of optional extras and add them on to their travel itinerary.

The new ‘Top-Up Holidays’ concept includes a range of sightseeing tours, transfers, hotel upgrades and other elements that can be selected by the traveller prior to their trip.

Thomas Cook India said the new offering follows its own research which showed that Indian consumers are “value-conscious”. That led to the development of what it calls a “pizza model” holiday, which features a simple base holiday package and a range of optional “toppings”.

“Today’s Indian travellers are not only keen to design their own holidays but are equally focused on maximising value,” said Shibani Phadkar, Thomas Cook India’s senior vice president & head of outbound leisure travel, products & operations.

“Given our significant volumes at Thomas Cook, we are able to negotiate considerable savings for our customers which we’ve inbuilt into our unique Top-Up Holidays. So [there is] a strong dual benefit; one, the flexibility of personalising their holiday by selecting from a host of top up options, and two, great value-for-money pricing.”

The Thomas Cook Top-Up Holidays range covers destinations in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, USA and Australia.

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Thomas Cook India’s Shibani Phadkar Thomas Cook India's Shibani Phadkar
Thomas Cook India acquires Sterling Holiday Resorts https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-acquires-sterling-holiday-resorts/ Tue, 09 Sep 2014 00:49:46 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=211945 The post Thomas Cook India acquires Sterling Holiday Resorts appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Sterling operates 19 properties across India

Sterling Holiday Resorts, the Chennai-based timeshare company, has been taken over by Thomas Cook India. The company has now become a subsidiary of Thomas Cook India following the purchase of nearly 11.9 million shares, priced at INR98 (approximately US$1.63) per share. As a result, Thomas Cook Insurance Services (India) Limited now holds approximately 53.48% of […]

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The post Thomas Cook India acquires Sterling Holiday Resorts appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Sterling operates 19 properties across India
Sterling operates 19 properties across India
Sterling operates 19 properties across India

Sterling Holiday Resorts, the Chennai-based timeshare company, has been taken over by Thomas Cook India.

The company has now become a subsidiary of Thomas Cook India following the purchase of nearly 11.9 million shares, priced at INR98 (approximately US$1.63) per share.

As a result, Thomas Cook Insurance Services (India) Limited now holds approximately 53.48% of Sterling Holiday Resorts, while a further 1.67% is held by Travel Corporation (India) Limited. This takes Thomas Cook India’s total stake in Sterling Holiday Resorts to 55.14%.

Established in 1986, Sterling Holiday Resorts is one of the leading vacation rental companies in India, with almost 20 properties nationwide.

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SHR Sterling operates 19 properties across India
Thomas Cook India continues to grow https://dev.traveldailymedia.com/thomas-cook-india-continues-to-grow/ Fri, 02 May 2014 06:38:20 +0000 http://www.traveldailymedia.com/?p=206972 The post Thomas Cook India continues to grow appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook's Forex business grew 37% in Earnings Before Tax in 2014

Thomas Cook India declared its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending 31 March 2014, with an increase in Income from Operations of 454% from US$14.4 million to US$79.7 million (INR869 million to INR4.8 billion). The company has posted Profit Before Tax of over 467% and Profit After Tax of over 470% as compared to […]

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The post Thomas Cook India continues to grow appeared first on TD (Travel Daily Media) Brand TD.

Thomas Cook's Forex business grew 37% in Earnings Before Tax in 2014

Thomas Cook India declared its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending 31 March 2014, with an increase in

Thomas Cook's Forex business grew 37% in Earnings Before Tax in 2014
Thomas Cook’s Forex business grew 37% in Earnings Before Tax in 2014

Income from Operations of 454% from US$14.4 million to US$79.7 million (INR869 million to INR4.8 billion).

The company has posted Profit Before Tax of over 467% and Profit After Tax of over 470% as compared to the corresponding quarter of 2013.

The three pronged drive by the company, on retail focus, product innovation and efficient working capital management helped the tour operator with this growth. The company’s Foreign Exchange business posted a 37% growth in Earning Before Tax in 2014.

Commenting on the results, Madhavan Menon, managing director of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd said, “Given that this is the traditional low quarter for our largest businesses – Outbound and Foreign Exchange – the consolidated results are admirable with our inbound team making a remarkable turnaround as also strong delivery from our Forex and EBiz teams. This period also, unlike the same quarter in 2013 – also reflect the benefits of the Ikya Human Capital acquisition in 2013 that continues to deliver handsome results for the group.”

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thomascookindia1 Thomas Cook's Forex business grew 37% in Earnings Before Tax in 2014