* Thomas Cook India data indicates strong travel demand from Bengaluru
* Karnataka contributes largest market share for Thomas Cook India
*Over 72% customers keen to travel in 2021 itself
* Significant pent-up travel demand driving 70% Month-on-Month growth
* Recovery back at 55% of pre-pandemic levels overall:
* Surge of 290% domestic and 60% international – led by Expo 2020 Dubai, Europe
Bengaluru, October 29, 2021: Karnataka is the largest contributor to the holidays business for Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading integrated travel services company. Post 18 months of restrictions, customers from Bengaluru have been displaying a strong travel desire, with positive announcements on reopening of borders and vaccine acceptance driving a 70% month-on-month increase in demand. With a surge in queries for the upcoming Festive & Winter Season, together with Expo 2020 Dubai, Thomas Cook India reports a healthy recovery from Bengaluru at 55% of pre-pandemic levels; with domestic travel at a spectacular 290%, and international at 60% (basis acquisition data Sept 2021 vs Sept 2019). Favourite outbound destinations for Bengaluru customers are Maldives, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Egypt and Russia; Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Andamans & North-East.
In addition to its holiday business, Thomas Cook India has observed increased uptick from the b-leisure segment in Bengaluru as Corporates are exploring options for leisure travel as a tool for employee engagement.
Thomas Cook India’s extensive footprint in Karnataka state spans across 23 outlets (owned and franchise), covering Bengaluru and Tier 2 – 3 cities like Mysuru, Mangalore, Udipi, Hubli, Shimoga and Gulbarga; and 4 foreign exchange counters at Kempegowda International Airport. Bengaluru serves as an important hub for nearby regions like Hosour and Tumakuru.
Bengaluru Travel Trends: Thomas Cook India’s survey has revealed insightful consumer behaviours & travel trends from Bengaluru
Strong Travel Demand: over 72% respondents from Bengaluru are keen to travel in 2021 itself
International/Domestic Mix & Preferred Destinations:
- 66% prefer international destinations; favourites include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Turkey, Egypt, Russia, Europe (Switzerland and France)
- With positive news of Dubai re-opening to fully vaccinated travellers there has been an uptick for closed groups of community/business associations, family & friends
- Customers are displaying strong intent to visit Expo 2020 Dubai
- 76% prefer Domestic holidays – Kashmir, Himachal, Andamans, Rajasthan, Goa, being favourites (*data not equal to 100% as multiple choice options were provided to customers)
Top Experiences: include active holiday trips like Biking in Ladakh-Kashmir, Sikkim, Rajasthan; unique stays at tea estates and coffee plantation villas/resort stays; picnic lunches in Manali; water sports like sea karting, snorkeling, etc. Switzerland winter holidays along with Christmas markets, Russian Lapland & Northern Lights, Nile cruises, hot air ballooning in Cappadocia (Turkey) and Expo 2020 Dubai are top favourites
Key segments driving demand: families, honeymooners, young professionals, trade association, business & b-leisure
Travel Companions: Customers from Bengaluru enjoy travelling with family or 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 India & International holidays; Early Bird offer of Rs 60,000 per family on select Europe Tours; Taj Vouchers valued at Rs 10,000 on India Extravaganza holidays- 10 day extensive itinerary for in-depth exploration.
Santhosh Kanna, Vice President, Leisure Travel said, “Bengaluru customers have been showcasing a growing travel appetite with 72% eager to travel and explore new destinations after 18 months of being confined to their homes. While India and Maldives have been the top destinations, Europe, Turkey and Expo 2020 Dubai has been garnering high interest amongst families, couples and students.
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 offers come 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.”
