ITV

Tag: Thomas Cook India

  • Thomas Cook India partners Gen s Life to expand senior travel portfolio

    Thomas Cook India partners Gen s Life to expand senior travel portfolio

    MUMBAI: As India’s silver economy shines brighter, Thomas Cook (India) Limited is strengthening its focus on the growing community of senior travellers. The company is expanding its senior travel segment through product innovation and strategic tie-ups, recognising the increasing aspirations of India’s 55 plus population.

    According to the Pwc-Asli senior care report 2024 and Unfpa 2023, India’s senior population (aged 60 and above) is projected to reach 347 million by 2050, accounting for 21 per cent of the total population. With higher disposable incomes and more leisure time, this demographic is emerging as a powerful travel segment that values comfort, safety and meaningful experiences.

    To engage this audience, Thomas Cook India has partnered with Gen s Life, a leading lifestyle and community platform for the 55 plus demographic. As part of the collaboration, the two brands will host a free educational webinar titled “Making pilgrimage travel easy & enjoyable for 55 plus” on 29 October at 11 am on Zoom.

    The session will feature choreographer and traveller Sandip Soparrkar, along with Thomas Cook’s expert tour managers, sharing travel insights, health guidance and destination tips tailored for senior travellers. Attendees will also gain exclusive access to customised pilgrimage packages and special senior group offers.

    Drawing from its extensive spiritual circuits across India and the subcontinent including Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mathura, Bodh Gaya, Pokhara, Tirupati and Rameswaram, Thomas Cook India aims to make pilgrimages more comfortable and enriching. Features include guided tours, vip darshans, AC transfers, and aerial Char Dham helicopter journeys that complete the pilgrimage in four days, reducing fatigue compared to traditional road trips.

    The brand’s ‘Pilgrimage plus’ portfolio reimagines spiritual travel as a holistic experience, blending darshans with cultural immersion, from sunset views on the Ganges to local culinary trails and artisan village visits.

    In addition, Thomas Cook India is set to launch specialised group tours for seniors to international destinations, offering elder-friendly hotels, porterage, curated meals, entertainment evenings and easy-access transport.

    “In India, the silver economy is expanding rapidly with rising longevity, digital inclusion and higher discretionary income,” said Thomas Cook (India) Limited MICE, Visa president & country head, holidays Rajeev Kale. “Seniors today are confident and eager to explore. Our partnership with Gen S Life combines our travel expertise with their understanding of senior lifestyles to create inclusive and empowering experiences.”

    Gen s Life founder Meenakshi Menon added, “For many seniors, a pilgrimage is deeply personal, but logistics can be a deterrent. This partnership brings together safety, convenience and community, enabling seniors to travel with confidence.”

    With over 40,000 app downloads and 15,000 plus registered users, Gen s Life provides curated services for the 55 plus community, covering health, finance, wellness, safety and travel. The collaboration with Thomas Cook aims to ensure that India’s senior travellers continue to explore the world, comfortably, confidently, and with a sense of connection.
     

  • Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch range of winter holidays

    Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch range of winter holidays

    Mumbai: Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel have joined forces to launch an extensive range of luxury, ready-to-book, air-inclusive, land-only, and customizable winter holidays across top domestic and international destinations.

    Showcasing winter at its best, Thomas Cook (India) & SOTC Travel have incorporated exceptional experiences: aurora hunting in Sweden; Finland’s husky safaris; stays in an ice hotel or glass igloos in Norway with spectacular views of the northern lights; snowmobiling, snowboarding, and tobogganing in Lapland; and a visit to Santa’s village in Rovaniemi. A diversity of wellness: from Iceland’s geo-thermal Blue Lagoon to the Swiss spa town of Bad Zurzach. Distinctive gastronomic options include fondue aboard Zurich’s Fondue Tram or exclusive winery trips to Chamonix, Burgundy, and California’s Napa Valley.

    Thomas Cook & SOTC domestic winter portfolio includes outdoor adventure like biking and camping trips; skiing, rock climbing, and sleighing at Patnitop, Kashmir, or a myriad of winter festivals, including Gujarat’s Rann Utsav, Jaisalmer’s Desert Festival, and Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival. The companies’ winter range includes luxury stays in Kashmir’s Khyber/Qayaam, Tamara/Gateway, Coonoor, or glamping in Rajasthan.

    Ensuring customer delight, the companies’ live video connect platform seamlessly connects customers directly with holiday experts via a video call/chat, without having to download additional apps/software.

    Thomas Cook (India) president & country head of holidays, MICE, and visa Rajeev Kale said, “Customer confidence in travel is back, driving high demand for winter travel. We have launched our distinctive winter holidays that offer spectacular winter vistas and unique snow experiences, romantic locales for couples, and winter cuisine-wine across India and international favourites. Customers can select from our array of value to luxury, ready-to-book or personalised options – to plan a truly once in a lifetime experience. Our special Buy One Get One Free and cash discounts/vouchers are sure to sweeten the deal!”

    Adding to it, SOTC Travel president and country head Daniel D’souza said, “Our consumer data reveals that 68 per cent of respondents are keen to travel during the winter. To capitalise on this demand, we are delighted to present a range of winter wonderland experiences, such as thrilling snow activities, rejuvenating wellness and gastronomic experiences, and a special visit to Santa Claus’ village in Finland. We’ve targeted India’s millennials with exciting outdoor adventure, families with fun experiences, and the HNI-UHNI segment with luxury stays and wellness.”

  • Thomas Cook India posts consolidated income growth of 46% to Rs 3,573 mn

    Thomas Cook India posts consolidated income growth of 46% to Rs 3,573 mn

    Mumbai: India’s leading omnichannel travel services, Thomas Cook announced its financial results for the quarter ended 31 March 2022 reflecting a strong rebound with sustained improvement in profitability despite the third wave of Covid-19 (reducing the effective quarter to 45 days), growing geopolitical concerns and a highly delayed restart of India’s scheduled commercial flights.

    TCIL has reported consolidated operating earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (Ebitda) of Rs 239 million, a 19 per cent growth over Rs 201 million in Q3 FY22 against a previously reported loss of Rs 361 million in Q4 FY21. The consolidated income from operations for the quarter grew by 46 per cent from Rs 3,573 million for Q4 FY21 to Rs 5,221 million in Q4 FY22. The cash and bank balances of the company at a consolidated level as on 31 March 2022 are at Rs 6,399 million. The company continued its focus on cost prudence with reduced costs for Q4 FY22 at Rs 2,754 million, registering 37 percent saving at pre-pandemic levels in Q4 FY20.

    According to the reports, TCIL standalone operating Ebitda of Rs 28 million against a loss of Rs 74 million in Q3 FY22 was led by strong sales recovery by Forex 56 percent and business travel 50 percent. The trend continued in April 2022 with foreign exchange, corporate travel and domestic holidays registering a recovery of 62 percent, 81 percent and 85 percent of pre-pandemic sales respectively.

    TCIL income from operations for the quarter grew by 25 per cent from Rs 636 million in Q4 FY21 to Rs 794 million. The margins for the holiday business & foreign exchange grew by 326 bps and 29 bps, respectively.

    The company continued its focus on cost prudence with reduced costs for Q4 FY22 at Rs 767 million, registering a 51 per cent saving from pre-pandemic levels of Q4 FY20.

    The company’s sustained focus on technology delivered end-to-end digitization across its businesses, including B2C and B2B self-booking/servicing tools and dynamic customization, vendor management and automated accounting/payment solutions. The digital acceleration serves to further augment the company’s omnichannel model towards an enriched customer experience, cost and efficiency benefits.

    Thomas Cook’s managing director Madhavan Menon said, “Despite the Omicron wave reducing the quarter to 45 days and the reopening of Indian skies for scheduled international flights only on 27 March, our teams have delivered a commendable performance this quarter with an operating Ebitda of Rs 239 million. The group’s strong performance was led by foreign exchange, business travel, sterling holidays, DEI & desert Adventures. With other markets opening up, we expect the other group companies to stage quick recoveries too.”

    “Our focus on sustainable cost management balanced with a thrust on technology over the past three years is delivering results in the form of speed, productivity and improved customer experience. Recovery is accelerating continually, with our foreign exchange, corporate travel and domestic holidays businesses registering an estimated sales recovery of 57 percent, 81 percent and 99 percent of pre-pandemic levels as of the end of May 2022 and strong pipelines for the coming quarter and beyond,” Menon added.

  • Expo 2020 Dubai ropes in Thomas Cook & SOTC as authorised ticket resellers

    Expo 2020 Dubai ropes in Thomas Cook & SOTC as authorised ticket resellers

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

    To ensure Indian’s maximise this opportunity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC 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 one-day tickets and multi-day tickets incorporate unbeatable value with included attractions and shows as well as access to more than 200 pavilions, as per the travel company.

    Thomas Cook India and SOTC have launched technology enabled solutions towards personalisation – enabling travellers to create their own itinerary based on their personal preferences – to best optimise their Expo 2020 visits. 

    Thomas Cook India president & country head – holidays, MICE, Visa, Rajeev Kale said, “We are delighted and honoured to be appointed an Authorised Ticket Reseller for Expo 2020 and 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.”

    SOTC Travel president & country head Daniel D’souza said, “Expo 2020 is a vibrant platform, be it to learn, innovate or do business, and our unique product-service portfolio as an Authorised Ticket Reseller promises an extraordinary experience across all age groups and source markets from metros to regional India. Our company’s presence and reach countrywide will give consumers easy access to plan their perfect Expo trip/s with our experts – by visiting our retail stores or via our virtual holiday outlet. Expo 2020, stated to be the world’s greatest show awaits Indians and we look forward to creating a truly memorable experience for Indians.”

    Expo 2020 Dubai VP, market strategy and sales Sumathi Ramanathan 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 especially 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.”

    With the theme and purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 aims to 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.

  • Thomas Cook India eyes strong growth in Maharashtra

    Thomas Cook India eyes strong growth in Maharashtra

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has identified Aurangabad as one of the high growth markets for its holiday business. In an initiative to leverage this opportunity, Thomas Cook India has strengthened its presence with the opening of a new Gold Circle Partner (GCP) franchise outlet at Hotel Amarpreet Square, Jalna Road. The outlet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr. Dinesh Rathi, Managing Director, Rajuri Steels – Jalna in the presence of Mr. Ashish Gupta, Regional Manager – Leisure Travel – Maharashtra & Goa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and Mr. Shreyas Khapre, General Manager – Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

    Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Maharashtra extends to 42 consumer access centres: 21 owned branches and 21 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets.

    The new Gold Circle Partner outlet at Jalna Road in Aurangabad offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related financial services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

    Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Maharashtra contributes a significant 20% to our overall Thomas Cook India holiday business. One of the key markets driving this growth is the city of Aurangabad showcasing over 25% YoY growth in demand. The new GCP outlet at Hotel Amarpreet Square, Jalna Road, is situated at a prime locality with an attractive catchment of segments- across families, business professionals and students.”

  • Thomas Cook India launches ‘Undiscovered Antarctica’ in association with National Geographic Expeditions

    Thomas Cook India launches ‘Undiscovered Antarctica’ in association with National Geographic Expeditions

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has launched ‘Undiscovered Antarctica’ a group tour package, in association with National Geographic Expeditions. Set to indulge India’s growing base of discerning travellers, the company promises an immersive experience of the 5th largest continent in the world, on board the luxurious Ponant Cruise.

    According to a report from Amadeus, India’s luxury travel market is projected to grow at a rate of 12.8 percent YoY. This demand for luxury and experiential holidays is supported by Thomas Cook India’s internal data, which highlights an increase in queries for destinations such as Antarctica. Accessible for only a limited period during the year, Antarctica remains relatively untouched due to the lack of permanent human residence. It presents an ever-changing landscape and a milieu of experiences that take one right from the basics – cut out from the outside world- to a glimpse into the future. Priced at Rs. 9,99,999*, Thomas Cook India’s Undiscovered Antarctica package of 12 nights-13 days, has been designed to provide an un-paralled experience, in one of the most remarkable and remote locations of the world. (*per person on twin sharing basis)

    The cruise takes travellers through the mythical Drake Passage, while they catch a glimpse of the majestic Humpback Whales and Albatrosses in action. The encounter with wildlife is further enhanced with delightful calls of the Adelie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins, along with seals and seabirds that have their right of way, before any human! While an extensive part of the tour is spent on-board the cruise, travellers also have a chance to spend time steeped in the historic cities of Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, on arrival and departure, respectively. The comprehensive package includes lectures and sessions with a National Geographic expert and photographer on board the Expedition Cruise.

    Guests on-board the cruise would also be able to enjoy a range of international cuisine with an essence of French, as part of the main course; and includes a delectable cheese platter, French wine, champagne, and more. The package offers evacuation insurance under its travel insurance cover, along with doctors and nurses present on-board. A learning-cum-fun engagement is provided via documentaries and historical lectures. In addition, guests will also be able to take part in kayaking, and opt for a day tour or a stay in the town of Ushuaia, when in Argentina.

    Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “With travel dynamics undergoing a revolutionary change, we are seeing an encouraging growth in queries for destinations like Antarctica which offer a distinctive journey of exploration, while creating an immersive experience both with oneself and the spectacular surrounds. Mindful of its unique and fragile eco-system, we are delighted to announce the launch of our ‘Undiscovered Antarctica’ tour package in association with National Geographic Expeditions.”

    Vijay Nair, Associate Vice President & Country Head – National Geographic Expeditions reiterated, “Antarctica is increasingly gaining popularity amongst travel enthusiasts who are always on the search of something exotic and unique. To address the rising demand to explore the white continent, we are pleased to partner with Thomas Cook to provide an immersive and experiential travel experience to Antarctica. Our Antarctica expeditions offer luxury cruise itineraries where travellers can experience astounding ice-covered landscapes, zodiac outings and explore plethora of wildlife along with our Natgeo experts, Photographers, explorers or scientists. Through these expeditions, we are not only providing travellers an immersive experience to explore the destination but also partnering them to be a catalyst for change built on the spirit of sustainable travel.”

  • Thomas Cook India identifies Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business Delivers strong 30% YoY growth

    Thomas Cook India identifies Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business Delivers strong 30% YoY growth

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has identified Punjab as a high growth market for its holiday business. In an initiative to leverage this opportunity, Thomas Cook India has strengthened its presence with the launch of a new Gold Circle Partner (GCP) franchise outlet at Amritsar, inaugurated by Ms. Anita Patni, Associate Vice President – Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and Gold Circle Partner Mr. Vineet Bansal.

    This expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Punjab to 11 consumer access centres: 5 owned branches and 6 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets. 

    The new Gold Circle Partner outlet in Amritsar offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related financial services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.

    Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Punjab has been identified as a high potential source market delivering a strong growth of 30% YoY for our Leisure Travel business. Our second outlet, at Amritsar’s Ranjit Avenue, was selected as it is a prime locality catering to a viable catchment of consumers across families, business travellers, students, senior citizens and NRIs.”

    Gold Circle Partner Mr. Vineet Bansal, is a travel and tourism industry veteran and his expertise in the industry along with his extensive network will assist Thomas Cook India to further strengthen its presence in this growing market. 
     

  • Los Angeles Tourism appoints first-ever regional director for India market

    Los Angeles Tourism appoints first-ever regional director for India market

    Mumbai: Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board (Los Angeles Tourism) is deepening its foothold in the India Market with the appointment of Ms. Seema Kadam as it’s first-ever Regional Director, India. In 2018, Los Angeles welcomed 130,000 visitors from India, an increase of 5.1% year-over-year making India the 3rd highest year-over-year international growth market for Los Angeles.

    In her role, Kadam will develop and support air service for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX); spearhead strategic travel trade engagement including the implementation of a robust training program, using the L.A. Insider Program; and attend key industry trade shows in the region.

    “We established a travel trade presence in India several years ago through Sartha Marketing, who introduced Los Angeles to the industry. The time is now right to deepen our engagement. India holds such vast potential for Los Angeles and appointing a full-time, regional director to oversee all of our tourism activity is a natural evolution of our commitment to the market,” stated Kathryn Smits, Vice President, Tourism for Los Angeles Tourism. “Seema’s most recent experience with DMOs has her well-positioned to be successful in this new role.”

    On her newly appointed role, Kadam stated, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the travel fraternity in India, to showcase the diversity and depth of experiences that destination Los Angeles has to offer. With over 25 years in the Indian travel industry, I anticipate that this new role is most likely going to be the most exciting and challenging chapter yet. I am eagerly looking forward to utilizing my knowledge and experience to contribute to the destination’s business goals. It is an honor to be representing a destination like Los Angeles that promotes values like cultural diversity and inclusivity which connect strongly with me personally.”

    Kadam, who graduated from Mumbai University, also holds diplomas in Standard and Advanced Travel Management. Over the course of her career, she has worked with leading Indian travel players like Thomas Cook India, Kuoni Travels India, Finnair Plc, Switzerland Tourism and Tourism Fiji.

    In addition to her exceptional pan-India travel network created over the years, Seema is also skilled at establishing and implementing strategies that are business driven and result-oriented. With her strong product knowledge and business development strengths, she is aptly empowered to navigate any micro or macro challenges during her tenure.

  • Thomas Cook India honoured with “India Travel Partner of the Year 2018” Award by SAP Concur for its digital-led achievements in the Business Travel sector

    Thomas Cook India honoured with “India Travel Partner of the Year 2018” Award by SAP Concur for its digital-led achievements in the Business Travel sector

    MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and related financial services company, was honoured with the “India Travel Partner of the Year 2018” Award by SAP Concur at the recently concluded India Partner Ascend, 2019. The award, presented by Ms. Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, SAP Concur, recognised the exemplary achievements of Thomas Cook India in pushing the boundaries of business travel, expense, and invoice solutions, to make a meaningful impact on employees and their businesses – locally and globally.

    For today’s always on-the-go business traveller, automated solutions are a critical need. Thomas Cook India has, hence, stepped in by playing a vital role as a dynamic change agent to successfully transform business travel – optimising costs and implementing technology enhancements which deliver superior customer experiences.

    The company’s technology-driven culture has seen the delivery of two vibrant innovations that work seamlessly across digital devices, to empower business travellers:

    · Click2Book: A direct customer self-booking platform that provides a comprehensive suite of products across flights, hotels, forex, and travel insurance, incorporating real-time availability and rates, along with corporate policies

    · iBook: A unique custom-built business travel management tool to enhance the experience of a corporate traveller – where multiple client profiles, invoicing, and credit limits, can be managed seamlessly. The App is built to cater to the specific reporting needs of corporate clients.

    Thomas Cook India’s partnership with SAP Concur is, hence, a strong reiteration of the company’s focus on leveraging the power of technology to create a more seamless and integrated solution for business customers.

    Mr. Mahesh Iyer, Executive Director and CEO, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “It is truly an honour to accept the award of India Travel Partner of the Year 2018 from SAP Concur.  At Thomas Cook India, we’ve been sustained in strategic ideation that brings value to multinationals, Indian corporates, and SMEs. Our delivery of employee experiences help eliminate tedious tasks, and hence, enable them to work smarter. Concur helps us deliver cutting-edge solutions by driving automation and integration – equipping our corporates and SME travellers to better manage their travel expenses and invoice processes.”

    Speaking on the partnership with Thomas Cook India, Ms. Mankiran Chowhan, Managing Director, SAP Concur, said, “We are delighted to present this award to our TMC partner Thomas Cook India. SAP Concur’s value proposition is simplicity, integrated travel, and expense management, and we look at partnerships that help translate these into customer experiences. The award recognises Thomas Cook India’s commitment to partnering with us towards a completely automated organisation when it comes to managing travel for our key customers, thereby freeing employees and resources to focus on more strategic tasks to improve overall productivity.”'