Thomas Cook India reports strong travel demand from Indore andMadhya Pradesh

Over 74% customers keen to travel in 2021 itself

Significant pent-up travel demand driving 65% Month-on-Month growth
Recovery back to55% of pre-pandemic levels overall:
Surge of 290% domestic and 60% international – led by Expo 2020 Dubai
*Data comparison: Sept 2021 Vs Sept 2019

Indore, October, 2021: Indoreis a prime travel market for the state and surrounding areas, reportsThomas 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 Indore’s customers- resulting in a noteworthy 65% month-on-month increase in demand.The upcoming Festive & Winter Season togetherwith 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). Favouriteoutbound destinations for Indore 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 Indore– for overseas education.

Thomas Cook India’s extensive footprint in Madhya Pradesh spans across 3 outlets (owned and franchise), covering Indore and Bhopal.Indore being thefinancial capital and a key catchment for travel, given the strong potential, Thomas Cook plans to open a new outletby the end of this year.

IndoreTravel Trends:Thomas Cook India’s survey has revealed insightful consumer behaviours& travel trends fromIndore

Strong Travel Demand: over 74% respondents from Indoreare keen to travel in 2021 itself

International/Domestic Mix &Preferred Destinations:
• 67% prefer international destinations; favourites includeDubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives/Mauritius, Thailand, Bali, Europe (Switzerland, France, Austria), USA, Canada, Australia
• 79% prefer domestic holidays;Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans being favourites
(data not equal to 100% as multiple choice options were provided to customers)

TopExperiences: include outdoor activity trips like Biking in Ladakh-Kashmir,Rajasthan andSouth India; water sports like sea-karting and snorkeling in Andamans, etc.,unique stays at plantation bungalows in tea/coffee estates,resort stays; picnic lunches in Manali’s apple orchards, etc. Winter holidays with festivities of Christmas markets in Switzerland & France or Russia’s Lapland & Northern Lights, Nile cruises, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia (Turkey) and Expo 2020 Dubai are top favourites

Key segments driving demand: families, millennials/young professionals, honeymooners, business & b-leisure

Travel Companions: Customers from Indoreenjoy travelling with familyand multi-generational family (55%); as a group of friends/colleagues (20%); couples (20%); solo (5%)

EXPO 2020 Dubai is leading the growth for Q4 2021
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).
Special Offers for the Festive Season: Thomas Cook India 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.

Mr. Romil Pant, Senior Vice President Leisure Travel Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Madhya Pradeshcustomers 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.

Importantly, all our offerscome along with TravShield -comprehensive Safety Commitment & Assured Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics:
• Vaccinated Travel Advisors & Contactless Bookings • Free Re-scheduling & Cancellation • Covid Insurance Cover with 24/7 Doctor on Call • Vaccinated / Covid negative fellow travellers • Covid negative / Vaccinated Drivers, Hotel Staff • Sanitized Rooms & Vehicles.”