TBM Staff - Mumbai South India has emerged as the largest contributor to the holidays business for Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Bengaluru, Karnataka has emerged as the company’s number 1 source market for the leisure segment.
To leverage on this powerful and rapid growth opportunity, Thomas Cook has rolled out a 2 pronged strategy:
1. Expanded Distribution
2. Strategic Product Development
Extensive Distribution – Customer touch points 17 outlets across 5 cities in Karnataka.
In addition to Bengaluru and Mysore, Mangaluru, Udupi, Hubballi are displaying noteworthy growth emerging from Tier-II & III cities. Phygital Clicks & Bricks model with apps (sales & servicing), chat bot, portal, call centres retail network.
Strategic Product Development
Thomas Cook has launched exclusive charter flights to Bhutan ex Bengaluru; expanded its Spiritual Journeys portfolio; Exclusive Karnataka Regional & Festive group departures with the reassurance of local Kannada speaking expert Thomas Cook tour managers, comfort of Indian and vegetarian food on tour.
Thomas Cook’s spiritual tourism segment is witnessing an exponential growth – over 100% YoY. While historically India’s seniors/Gen S comprised a key segment for spiritual tours, the Company has also witnessed an uptick in demand from segments like multigenerational families, honeymooners/couples, millennials and Gen Z. In commemoration of the the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, the Company has introduced its unique product range, Ramayana Trails – guided private tours featuring locales associated with the life and times of Lord Ram within India and in Sri Lanka.
Bengaluru-Karnataka Travel Trends: Thomas Cook India has revealed insightful consumer behaviours & travel trends
• Trends: Increased travel demand (60% Vs 2019). Increased spend appetite (25-30% Vs 2019). Longer stays: From 3 night to 7 nights
• Favourite Destinations:
• International: Europe (Switzerland, France, Finland); Australia-New Zealand; Japan-Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Singapore, Dubai, Vietnam. Also new options: Azerbaijan, Georgia.
• Domestic: Andamans, Kashmir, North East, Rajasthan, Kerala; nearby hill stations like Coorg, Chikmanglur, kabini, ooty
• Cruises witnessing brisk business: Growth in demand of 80% (domestic & international)
Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Business Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “We are very bullish on the powerful and strong growth market that Bengaluru and Karnataka represent. We are investing deeply in this high potential market and are expanding our footprint in the region. We have launched a dedicated range of products to cater to the unique preferences of customers from this market and catalyze growth. We expect to see an uptick of 30% from Karnataka in 2024. Unique initiatives that we plan to leverage in the region are our exclusive Bhutan charters, our expanded portfolio of Spiritual Tours and Regional Tours to Europe and Asia.”
