Thomas Cook India Reports Significant Pent-up Travel Demand & Recovery Back Pre-pandemic levels

• Chennai leads travel demand for Tamil Nadu
• Over 70% customers keen to travel in 2021 itself
• Significant pent-up travel demand driving 70% Month-on-Month growth
• Recovery back to55% of pre-pandemic levels
• Surge of 290% domestic and 60% international* – led by Expo 2020 Dubai

Chennai, October 21, 2021: Chennai is a prime travel market for the state of Tamil Nadu 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 Chennai’s customers- resulting in a noteworthy 70% month-on-month increase in demand since re-opening in June 2021.

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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). Favourite outbound destinations for Chennai customers include Maldives, Switzerland, France, Turkey, Egypt, Russia and Dubai is experiencing a brisk demand currently due to Expo 2020 Dubai.

In addition to its holiday business, Thomas Cook India has observed increased uptick from the wedding and honeymoon segment; furthermore, students from Chennaiare highly interested inoverseas education and Thomas Cook India has delivered well in that sector with their quarantine packages.

(R to L) Santosh Kanna, Vice President –Leisure Travel; Prasoon, Head- South India Operations

Thomas Cook India’s extensive footprint spans across 11outlets in Tamil Nadu with 6 outlets in Chennai (owned & franchise).Chennai serves as a convenient hub for nearby regions including Vellore, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu.

Chennai Travel Trends:

Thomas Cook India’s survey has revealed insightful consumer behaviour& travel trends fromChennai

Strong Travel Demand:over 70% respondents from Chennai are keen to travel in 2021 itself.

International/Domestic Mix & Preferred Destinations:

65% prefer international destinations; favourites includeDubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives/Mauritius, Europe (Switzerland, France, Austria), USA, Russia, and Iceland

75% prefer domestic holidays;favourites include Andamans, Kashmir, Himachal, Rajasthan and Goa

Top Experiences: People from Chennai enjoy outdoor activity trips like Biking in Ladakh-Kashmir, Rajasthan and water sports like sea-karting and snorkeling in Andamans etc.,unique stays at plantation bungalows in tea/coffee estates,villas/resort stays; mountain destinations and experiences like ATV rides;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 among the top favourites.

Key segments driving demand: families, honeymooners, young professionals, trade associations, business & b-leisureand spiritual tourism.

Travel Companions: Customers from Chennai enjoy 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.Santosh Kanna, Vice President –Leisure Travel at Thomas Cook(India) Limited said, “Chennai customers have been showcasing a growing travel appetite with 70% 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 andExpo 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 with: 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.”

*Data comparison: Sept 2021 Vs Sept 2019

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