NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, OCT 22
Acceptance of India’s vaccine by several European states, reopening of borders and easing of travel restrictions is resulting in significant and growing travel desire. Thomas Cook India reveals that over 74% of Gujaratis from Ahmedabad are keen to resume travel in 2021. While 67% prefer international destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives/Mauritius, Thailand, Bali, Europe (Switzerland, France, Austria), USA, Canada, Australia 79% prefer domestic holidays like Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans being favourites, says a top official of the company hereon Thursday
With a focussed intent to leverage this strong pent up demand, Thomas Cook has announced attractive deals like Buy One Get One – Companion Free across select India & International holidays; an Early Bird offer of Rs 60,000 per family on select Europe Tours; Taj Vouchers valued at Rs 10,000 on India Extravaganza holidays – an approx. 10-day extensive itinerary for in-depth exploration.
- Thomas Cook India reports strong travel demand from Ahmedabad in Gujarat
- Over 74% customers keen to travel in 2021 itself
- Significant pent-up travel demand driving 65% Month-on-Month growth
- Recovery back to 55% of pre-pandemic levels overall:
- Surge of 290% domestic and 60% international – led by Expo 2020 Dubai
Ahmedabad is a prime travel market for the state and surrounding areas, reports Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading integrated travel services company. After 18 months of restrictions, with positive announcements on re-opening of borders and vaccine acceptance, the company’s data reveals strong travel desire from Ahmedabad’s customers – resulting in a noteworthy 65% month-on-month increase in demand.
The upcoming Festive & Winter Season together with Expo 2020 Dubai is resulting in encouraging recovery at 55% of pre-pandemic levels overall; an impressive 290% for domestic travel; 60% international (acquisition data Sept 2021 vs Sept 2019). Favourite outbound destinations for Ahmedabad customers are Maldives, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Egypt and Russia.
In addition to its holiday business, Thomas Cook India has observed increased uptick from the wedding and honeymoon segment; also, students from Ahmedabad – for overseas education.
Thomas Cook India’s extensive footprint in Gujarat spans across 10 outlets (owned and franchise), covering Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and Tier 2 – 3 cities like Bhavnagar, Mehsana, Kalol, and Himatnagar). Ahmedabad serves as a convenient hub for nearby regions too.
Customers from Ahmedabad enjoy travelling with family and multi-generational family (55%); as a group of friends/colleagues (20%); couples (20%); solo (5%)
To further accelerate demand, as authorized ticket re-sellers (India), Thomas Cook India has launched very special deals: Rs. 52,000 (air-inclusive holidays) and Rs. 28,000 (land only).
Romil Pant, Senior Vice President Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Gujarat customers have been showcasing a growing travel appetite with 74% eager to travel and explore new destinations after 18 months of being confined to their homes. In addition to Maldives; Europe, Turkey and Expo 2020 Dubai are seeing a strong surge and garnering high interest amongst families, couples and students. In domestic travel – Kashmir, Goa, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, and Leh-Ladakh are doing exceptionally well”
“To accelerate demand for Q4 2021, we have launched a range of attractively priced festive and winter tours, including escorted group tours – with unbeatable offers like Buy One – Get One Free, family discounts, early bird specials and crazy deal packages,” Pant added.
Importantly, all offers come along with TravShield – a comprehensive Safety Commitment & Assured Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics.
