LATEST NEWS : THOMAS COOK INDIA EXPANDS FOOTPRINT IN AHMEDABAD WITH NEW SOUTH BOPAL OUTLET TO CATER TO GUJARAT’S HIGH GROWTH TRAVEL MARKET

• Year-round travel enthusiasm peaks during summer and Diwali for Gujarati customers
• The new South Bopal outlet is positioned to cater to Ahmedabad’s growing demand for convenient, personalized travel services
• Growth drivers include Gujarati group tours with Gujarati-speaking tour managers and customized vegetarian cuisine options

TTT NEWS NETWORK

MUMBAI, 7 OCTOBER, 2024:

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel services company, has inaugurated its new franchise outlet in South Bopal, Ahmedabad, to leverage the high-growth market of the city and its surrounding areas. With the ongoing festive season, the new South Bopal outlet aims to serve the significant demand for travel bookings during Gujarat’s key holiday seasons—summer and Diwali.

South Bopal is a preferred residential locality in the western part of Ahmedabad with proximity to the airport, railways, metros and connectivity to prominent areas, including IT hubs, and business parks. The new South Bopal outlet expands Thomas Cook India’s network to 4 locations in the city and 10 across Gujarat.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Ahmedabad is an important source market for us, and as we continue to witness growing demand from the city, especially during peak travel seasons like Diwali, we are delighted to announce the opening of our Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet at South Bopal. Strategically chosen for its central location, this new outlet will enhance our ability to serve the diverse needs of customers in the region, offering easy access and seamless services – right at their doorstep! We also have exclusive Gujarati group tours with co-travelers from the State, featuring departures from Gujarat, accompanied by a Gujarati-speaking expert Tour Manager.

In its commitment to enhance access and convenience, Thomas Cook’s new outlet will address diverse customer segments – families, couples, Young India’s, millennials & Gen Z, business professionals, and seniors. Thomas Cook’s South Bopal outlet offers end-to-end travel services: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance, etc. Additionally, Thomas Cook’s AI booking platform assists customers in planning their personalized vacations in real-time by checking availability and making reservations in a matter of minutes.

Travel Trends from Ahmedabad:

• Gujarati’s are avid travellers and in addition to the peak vacation periods of summer, festive season and year-end, customers from the State are maximising on public/holidays and weekends for multiple mini-cations
• Gujarati-Specific Group Tours and Regional Departures Driving Demand: Gujarati customers have a strong preference for group travel. Tours featuring Gujarati-speaking managers and pure vegetarian cuisine remain popular, catering to the group-sensitive market. Regional group departures, such as Caravan tours and Pure Veg tours, continue to be highly sought after
• Longer stays: Short vacations now extend to 5-8 days, while longer trips span 10-15 days, reflecting a shift towards more immersive experiences
• Growth of experiential travel: Unique experiences such as Northern Lights tours in Finland, Cherry Blossom viewing in Japan, and whale watching in Sri Lanka are gaining popularity
• Emergence of fresh new destinations: Driven by easy visa regimes and connectivity, increased demand for CIS countries/destinations such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia
• Growing Demand for Luxury Travel & Cruise Vacations: Luxury cruise holidays are becoming increasingly popular among Gujarati travellers, offering a perfect blend of opulence and adventure. Top destinations include Lakshadweep, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Egypt
• Top destinations:
  • International: Japan, Vietnam, Switzerland, France,Spain-Portugal, Canada, South Africa, Australia, USA, Kenya, Finland, Norway, United Kingdom
  • Domestic: Kashmir, Kerala, AndamanIslands , Bhutan, Ladakh, Himachal, , North-East India

Strong demand for Pilgrimage Tourism continues: Char Dham, Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Amritsar, Varanasi and  Prayagraj