Tag Archives: Finland

Germany to roll out Digital Schengen visas for Indians

At a time, when visitations from India to its shores are at a record-high, Germany will be rolling out Digital Schengen visas for Indian nationals by the second quarter of 2025, said its Chennai-based Consul General Michaela Küchler.

In 2023, German diplomatic missions in India issued more than 1.8 lakh (180,000) Schengen Visas to Indians, and for 2024 the number is expected to surpass the 2 lakh (200,000) mark, as per a Wion report by Siddharth MP.

She added that the total time for obtaining a Schengen Visa (including appointment wait time and processing time) from a German mission takes less than four weeks for applicants from Southern India.

Schengen region refers to Europe’s passport-free zone covering most European countries. The largest free travel area in the world, it spans 29 countries that have abolished their internal borders to allow the unrestricted movement of people. Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen region for a maximum of 90 days in any 180 days. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work.

The 29 Schengen countries are Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Croatia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
(Source: Wion)

Thomas Cook has been expanding its presence across various locations in India.

Thomas Cook India opens 13th outlet in Delhi-NCR

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated its new franchise outlet in Greater Noida, to leverage the high-growth market of the Delhi-NCR region and surrounding areas.

This new store, further strengthens Thomas Cook’s network in the Delhi-NCR region to 13 locations (6 owned stores and 7 Gold Circle Partner outlets), reaffirming its strategic commitment to expansion in viable growth markets.

The location has been carefully selected: the vibrant residential and business hubs of Greater Noida, offering Thomas Cook a diverse customer base of families, professionals/business travellers and senior citizens. The location also provides access to NCR’s HNI-UHNI segment, offering expertise for their personalised travel requirements.

Thomas Cook’s Greater Noida outlet will provide end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc. In addition to the holiday experts at the outlets, Thomas Cook’s omnichannel strategy equips customers with digital tools like its AI platform to assist customers plan and book their personalized vacations in real-time.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Delhi-NCR is an important source market for us and our new outlet in Greater Noida aims at targeting a range of viable segments, offering them ease and convenience. My team and I look forward to co-curating memorable holidays for each of our customers – both within India and International. We are all about offering great experiences, whether it’s the Northern Lights in Finland, soaking in S. Korea’s thermal Jjimjilbangs, mud baths in Azerbaijan, autumn and gastronomy in France or cricket via our new Border-Gavaskar tours!”

Thomas Cook India launches store in Kolkata’s New Town

With a strategic intent to capitalise on the strong and growing demand from Kolkata, Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated a new branch in the high potential market of New Town and its surrounding catchments.

In addition to the customers from the city of Kolkata, the new branch will also service customers from the surrounding catchments of Action Area 1, 2 and 3 and Rajarhat. The new outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 8 locations in the city and state.
New Town’s position as an important market offers a range of valuable consumer segments including – business professionals, families, couples, Young India’s millennials & Gen Z, and seniors alike.

Thomas Cook’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc.

Kolkata Travel Trends for the festive season
• Top destinations:
o International: Japan, Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Spain-Portugal, Czech Republic-Hungary, Australia, Finland & Scandinavia and Kenya
o Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, North-East
• Holiday duration has increased from 3 days to 5 – 8 days for short trips; from 5 days to 10 -15 days for longer trips
• Emergence of fresh new destinations: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea
• Top traveller segments: Multi-generational families, couples, Young India’s millennials & GenZ, GenS (seniors)
• Top source markets for Pujo Tourism: West Bengal Cities like Kolkata, Siliguri & Durgapur & adjoining States Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand & Odisha

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Kolkata is an important source market for us, and we deeply value our discerning customers who are passionate about travelling! Durga Pujo is a very special festival for our customers from the City of Joy and so, we have selected this Pujo season for the inauguration of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in New Town. This central location will offer easy access and seamless services – right to our customers’ doorstep! We have introduced a range of unique tours designed to delight our Bengali customers this festive season.

On behalf of my Team, I extend a warm welcome and special Pujo greetings to our Kolkata customers, and look forward to helping them plan memorable holidays, both domestic and international.”

 

Thomas Cook India expands its retail distribution in Chennai

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated its new franchise outlet in Chennai Parry’s Corner – to leverage the high-growth market of the city and its surrounding catchments.

This outlet is in close proximity to the Tamil Nadu High Court, Chennai Central railway station and major bank headquarters, also viable surrounding catchments of Fort St. George, George Town, Broadway and Sowcarpet. The new Chennai outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 8 locations in the city and 14 locations in Tamil Nadu.

In its commitment to enhance access and convenience, this new outlet is set to cater to a diverse customer segment – business professionals, families, couples, Young India’s millennials & Gen Z, and seniors alike. Thomas Cook’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc.

Travel Trends from Chennai:
• Longer stays: duration has increased from 3 days to 5 – 8 days for short trips; from 5 days to 10 -15 days for longer trips
• Growth of experiential travel northern light tours in Finland, whale watching in Sri Lanka
• Emergence of fresh new destinations: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea
• Top destinations:
o International: Japan, South Korea, Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Spain-Portugal, Czech Republic-Hungary, Australia, Finland & Scandinavia, USA and Kenya
o Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Andamans, North-East
• Pilgrimage Tourism continues to see demand: Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka: ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra,’ and ‘Ramayan Trail’

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Chennai is an important source market for us, and we are witnessing a significant demand for travel from the city. Hence, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Chennai. Carefully chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the growing needs of customers in the region, offering easy access and seamless services to our customers – right at their doorstep!

I extend a warm welcome to our customers from Chennai. My team and I look forward to co-curating memorable holidays both domestic and international – for each of our customers.”

 

India ranks 82nd on global passport index

As per the latest ranking by the Henley Passport Index, India is on the 82nd spot with visa-free entry to Indians offered by 58 nations.

This ranking is based on data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). India’s current rank ties it with nations like Senegal and Tajikistan.

Singapore passport has been named the world’s most powerful passport, offering visa-free access to 195 countries, as per the list. France, Italy, Germany and Spain tied with Japan in second place, providing passport holders access to 192 countries. Then, in third place in the ranking, Austria, Finland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, South Korea, and Sweden all have visa-free access to 191 destinations.

The United Kingdom is the fourth place, alongside New Zealand, Norway, Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland. Australia and Portugal shared the No. 5 spot, while the United States dropped down to eighth place, with visa-free access to 186 countries.

India’s passport ranked 82nd on the list, with citizens allowed to travel to 58 countries without a visa, including popular destinations like Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Neighbouring Pakistan is positioned at 100th, providing passport holders access to 33 countries. At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan with easy access to 26 destinations.
Christian Kaelin, Chair of Henley and Partners, said, “The global average number of destinations travellers are able to access visa-free has nearly doubled from 58 in 2006 to 111 in 2024. However, the global mobility gap between those at the top and bottom of the index is now wider than it has ever been,” he said in a statement.

 

Finnair appoints Anupam Vig as General Manager for India

Finnair, the national airline of Finland, has appointed Anupam Vig as the General Manager for India, effective since January 1, 2024.

Vig is a dynamic professional with over two decades of experience in the airline industry. His expertise lies in developing and implementing innovative sales strategies that drive growth and expand market presence. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of industry dynamics and consumer behaviour, consistently delivering results by identifying business opportunities. His leadership will help further Finnair’s goal of providing top-notch service and connectivity to customers traveling from India to Finland and Nordic destinations.

“I am delighted to have Anupam Vig lead our team in India. India continues to be an important market for Finnair,” said Jenni Suomela, Vice President, Global Sales and Channel Management, Finnair.

“I am honoured and excited to take on the role of General Manager for Finnair in India. Finnair, as a 100-year-old airline, has a rich legacy of providing exceptional service, and I am committed to contributing to its continued success and strengthening Finnair’s position as a preferred choice for travelers across India”, said Vig.

Finnair India’s outgoing General Manager, Sakari Romu, has been instrumental in Finnair’s success in the region.