Tag: SOTC

Business World

Thomas Cook (India) Limited announces results for Q2 FY21

Nov 17, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Mr. Madhavan Menon, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook India

Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) India’s largest integrated travel services company, today announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

Highlights:

· Standalone entity reported a loss of Rs. 38 Mn for Q2 FY21 versus a loss of Rs. 27 Mn in Q1 FY21

· At a consolidated level loss reduced to Rs. 1229 Mn versus Rs. 1361 Mn in Q1 FY21

· Focus on cash conservation & cost optimization resulted in:

o At a standalone level Rs. 687 Mn representing a savings of 48% for Q2 FY21

o At a consolidated level Rs. 2.3 Bn representing a savings of 51% for Q2 FY21

o The company expects to exceed its annual cost savings target of Rs. 5.6 Bn representing approximately 41% savings YoY for FY21

· TCIL continues to maintain short-term liquidity & balance sheet strength given the uncertain environment. The consolidated cash and bank balances are at Rs. 6978 Mn as of September 30, 2020, and is adequate to deal with the commitments for the coming quarters

· The Foreign Exchange business has delivered over 79000 transactions, registering a gross volume of Rs. 12.1 Bn YTD FY21, with a revenue recovery of 43%

· The Corporate Travel business has issued over 44,000 tickets for FY21 since the restart of domestic travel, with a revenue recovery of 16%. 44 clients of the recently acquired dnata Travel’s corporate travel portfolio have been integrated with the business unit

· The Holidays business that reopened in phases post-May 4th, leveraged pent up demand, with over 8000 customers YTD FY21 – primarily for domestic holidays, as well as Maldives and Dubai

Other updates:

· Foreign Exchange: The entire Foreign Exchange branch network is currently operational along with all the airport centres. The business continues to focus on technology-enabled customer-centric solutions to build a contactless experience for the customer.

· MICE verticals across Thomas Cook & SOTC have re-imagined their business maximising on digital/virtual hybrid models: digital R&R events were successfully completed for top corporates in addition to physical events in key cities like Mumbai and Delhi while adhering to all health and safety protocols as per the Companies’ Assured guidelines. The innovative Gourmet Genie has also seen encouraging uptake from Corporates towards gifting for the festive season; immunity booster snacks and hotel gourmet meals seeing high demand.

· Leisure Travel businesses of Thomas Cook & SOTC have reopened 153 retail outlets across 72 cities pan India. The Companies launched Virtual Roadshows across 50 cities pan India to activate latent demand and ensure a contactless customer experience in the COVID environment. Over 150 new holiday packages have been launched with attractive pricing and offers. Additionally, Thomas Cook and SOTC recently conducted India’s first physical holiday roadshows since lockdown – Thomas Cook India’s Freedom Month Celebrations and SOTC’s Freedom Month Carnival – a series of customer centric roadshows, in association with Accor and Marriott hotels.

· Business Travel has commenced implementation of bots to enhance the customer experience. E-submissions have been initiated for select customers.

DMS (Destination Management Service) Business:

o Asian Trails Ltd.: Asian Trails has been officially certified with the Safety and Health Administration Certificate by the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The company has also received recognition with official endorsement by the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travel Protocols for Tour Operators – for the implementation of global standard health and safety procedures

o ATM – Australia: A monthly newsletter has been initiated to keep all partner agents updated on the current situation in Australia

o TCI-HK: Launched an Online Travel Talk series on social media channels like Facebook and YouTube featuring seasoned tour managers showcasing highlights and their unique experiences when travelling to the selected destinations of key markets. This is an entirely in-house production with the scriptwriting, shooting and video editing managed by the sales and marketing teams

Vacation ownership & resorts business (Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited):

o The process of opening up of resorts began in Q2 basis government easing restrictions; at present all resorts are operational

o Expect to see the reasonable gain in momentum in Q3 with the upcoming holiday season, post relaxation of restrictions in many locations

o Membership business complemented with the addition of a new 10-year Vantage product

o Sterling CARES, a new hygiene and sanitation program, continues to be a highly focused area, especially in locations where the business has recommenced

o A tight control on opex spends continues to help maintain cash flows

o Initiatives to promote weddings at resorts is being done with the branding of Sterling Weddings, which will be an attraction in the resorts

o Positioned Nature Trails resorts as Sterling Nature Trails which is expected to bring in some traction

DEI Holdings Limited:

o Despite the impact of the pandemic, DEI has managed to achieve revenue of Rs. 374 Mn in Q2 FY21 Vs Rs. 82 Mn in Q1 FY21. Losses at EBIT level have reduced to Rs. 111 Mn in Q2 FY21 v/s Rs. 173 Mn in Q1 FY21

o Given travel restrictions in most overseas markets, DEI has effectively targeted local GCC customers to generate strong per cap (per person spend). Attendance recovery is currently between 20-30% of 2019 levels

o While revenue margin has been impacted due lower sales, strategic initiatives undertaken include partner negotiation on lower revenue share terms, waiver on MG/Sponsorship for rest of the year 2020

o Direct labour control in China, Malaysia and Singapore resulted in better labour productivity

o DEI has acquired imaging rights at Dubai Safari Park. With an anticipated annual footfall of over 3.7 Mn and DEI’s expertise in capturing animal interactions, it is expected to be one of its key clients in the region. DEI has also started a unique presold VIP experience for a more photo immersive experience for the guests

o In its 25th year of operations, Global Village, UAE’s largest multi-cultural festival park (4th largest daily footfall- globally), has chosen DEI as its photography partner. DEI managed to secure this account without any Minimum Guarantee

o The region’s largest aquarium, The National Aquarium, Abu Dhabi has partnered with DEI for its photography operations. Set to be open for public in December 2020, this family destination is expected to receive close to 1 Mn guests annually

o DEI is in the concluding stages of finalizing the agreement for providing imaging services and solutions to Expo 2020- stated to be UAE’s biggest event ever with an expected footfall of 18 million guests.

Management comments:

Mr. Madhavan Menon, Chairman and Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “At the TCIL Group, we have navigated through the worst phase of the global pandemic with a balance of prudent cost management, cash conservation and focused sustainable business activity.

Our Forex business will continue their focus on remittances and cards; our Holidays business on domestic tourism along with reopened international destinations & Corporate Travel, primarily on domestic travel and international sectors as businesses resume normal operations.

Looking ahead, I am confident that with the recent positive news of an effective vaccine test and confidence returning worldwide, the TCIL Group is best poised to make the most of the opportunity – as travel rapidly rebounds.”

Innovation and new products-services:

o Thomas Cook India and SOTC introduced exciting savings for customers with the launch of the Holiday Card – with an attractive 15% cashback on the prepaid value and offering total flexibility of destination/dates of travel

o Thomas Cook India and SOTC launched India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline – a free service to assist and support customers in safe holiday planning, with comprehensive guidance across country-specific health & safety protocols, visa and travel updates with documentation, requirements including COVID-19 negative certification, etc.

o Thomas Cook India joined hands with PAYBACK India, the country’s largest multi-brand rewards & loyalty program

o Thomas Cook India introduced a series of unique products, including premium, chauffeured Van Tours – Private Journeys, Honeymoon Specials & Romantic Breaks, City Escapes, Durga Puja Specials, A La Carte Holidays

o On the Domestic front, Thomas Cook India & SOTC launched Jungle Experiences & Safaris on International Tiger Day, Ramayana Trails and India’s Hidden Gems and Great Indian Journeys – a unique partnership with India’s favourite storyteller Amar Chitra Katha to take India’s young explorers and parents on an epic journey through time to discover India’s rich heritage and culture

o Virtual Consumer Roadshows across over 50 cities offered India’s consumers a pioneering virtual platform towards contactless and convenient holiday planning together with travel experts

o Thomas Cook India & SOTC announced a Virtual Mega Customer Event – Relive the Dreams Mega Event for Thomas Cook India’s customers and Blockbuster Evening for SOTC’s customers

o Thomas Cook India and SOTC announce the launch of a unique Customer Loyalty Program, Priority, for their most valuable customers offering priority services, special offers, previews and special partner offers among others

India Network expansion:

o Thomas Cook India opened a new franchise (Gold Circle Partner) outlet in Panchkula, Chandigarh

Business World

Thomas Cook India & SOTC leverage the festive season to catalyse travel demand Introduce Freedom Month

Nov 3, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #festive season, #Freedom Month, #Holiday Readiness Travel Report, #Mr. Daniel D’souza, #Mr. Rajeev Kale, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook India

With the onset of the festive season, India is already witnessing green shoots in consumer spending and this positive sentiment augurs well for the travel industry. Domestic travel is seeing a significant easing of travel restrictions and several destinations are re-opening their borders. The festive time hence serves as the perfect opportunity to escape the stress and hectic pace of work-life and indulge in the freedom of a well-deserved getaway – to relax and rejuvenate.

To give a fillip to demand, Thomas Cook India, India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group company, SOTC Travel, have launched Freedom Month, inviting customers to avail of a host of special deals, value benefits and flight-inclusive holidays attractively priced starting at Rs. 10 790.00* – with a free holiday to Dubai* – every day! The Freedom Month offers are available across Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s websites, apps and outlets pan India, till November 30, 2020.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s Holiday Readiness Travel Report – Future of Travel post-COVID-19, revealed that the festive season is the Indian consumers’ top choice for travel in 2020: November (29%) and December (50%). With Indians displaying an increasing desire to get out/ break free from the stresses of the lockdown and extended work-from-home, the festive season offers much potential for a well-deserved break.

In an endeavour to inspire bookers, Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s Freedom Month hence comes with an array of attractively priced holidays and offers to favourite domestic destinations like Goa, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Himachal, Uttarakhand, etc.; also Dubai and Maldives.

A range of benefits includes flat 15% cashback on Thomas Cook India & SOTC Holiday Cards, zero-cost EMI, flat 5% cashback (up to Rs. 5 000.00 on ICICI Bank Cards*) and 30 free holidays to be won to Dubai with one lucky couple winning a Dubai holiday, every day! Thomas Cook India’s customers can also avail of extra loyalty points via Payback.

Thomas Cook & SOTC have also launched a special digital campaign that captures customer angst through the prolonged lockdown and their longing for freedom – to get back to the joys of travelling again. Featuring a range of exciting locales, the film invites customers to enjoy worry-free holidays with the companies’ Assured, Insured and Secured program.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “The festive season has always brought good cheer and India is already seeing green shoots in consumer spending across sectors. Given the growing demand to break free from the stresses of the lockdown and easing of travel restrictions, travel-hungry Indians are keen to leverage this season for a much-needed break.

Our Freedom Month is perfectly timed to bring customers an unbeatable price-value proposition and catalyse holiday demand via our special deals and additional savings on the Holiday Card, zero-cost EMI offers, extra loyalty points via Payback and the backing of our unique Assured, Insured and Secured program.”

“Our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics ensures meticulous health & safety protocols and to further assist our customers, we have tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India. Our Safe Holiday Helpline is yet another meaningful consumer initiative – a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning.”

Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “Given the strong pent-up travel demand over the last few months, SOTC continues to simplify the travel experience, offering complete savings and benefits for the aspiring Indian traveller. The festive season in India has always been about family and loved ones, and so offers customers the perfect holiday opportunity to escape from the stresses of the lockdown.

In a focused plan to boost travel demand, SOTC’s strategically planned Freedom Month aims at catalysing demand. The attractive zero-cost EMI, big savings and big value offerings promise priceless experiences and a great opportunity for travellers to maximise on the discounts and offers available. Having always been a customer-centric travel company, our endeavour is not only to provide value-for-money but to create memories of a lifetime.”

Click here to book SOTC Travel’s Freedom Month Holidays

*T&C apply

Business World

Thomas Cook India & SOTC Introduce Attractive Air Inclusive Holidays – Partner with IndiGo to launch Crazy Deals IndiGo Special

Oct 30, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #IndiGo, #Mr. Daniel D’souza, #Mr. Rajeev Kale, #Mr. Sanjay Kumar, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook India

The upcoming festive season is a perfect opportunity to escape the pressures of lockdown. Travellers are yearning to holiday and explore new places and experiences. Eyeing the pent-up demand for travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel Ltd., have introduced Crazy Deals in partnership with IndiGo with a wide range of options and value add ons – at great pricing!

On offer are an array of top domestic destinations such as Goa, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kerala, Himachal, North East, Ranthambore, Mussoorie, Rishikesh, Chittorgarh, Andaman, among others, starting at an attractive price of Rs. 10 999.00* and international short-haul destinations such as Dubai and Maldives starting at Rs. 32 640.00* and Rs. 45 710.00* respectively.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “We always strive towards delighting customers by striking the perfect balance between affordability and experience. And for the upcoming festive season, to benefit Indians who are hungry to travel again, we have curated Crazy Deals in partnership with IndiGo. These great value air-inclusive holidays are so easy to book and go! With our attractive pricing and inclusions, we aim to catalyze demand across a wide segment of travellers from India’s metro, tier 2 and 3 cities as well.”

He added, “Our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics ensures meticulous health & safety protocols across every touch-point and to further assist our customers, we have tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless, contactless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services – across India. Our Safe Holiday Helpline is yet another meaningful consumer initiative – a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning.”

Click here for details on Thomas Cook India’s Dekho Apna Desh Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special), Dubai – Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special), Dubai Fully Loaded – Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special), Maldives – Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special)

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “While Indian travellers are price-conscious, they also seek value in their holiday package. They long to spend some quality vacation time with their family and friends. Understanding this need of customers, SOTC has launched Crazy Deals in partnership with IndiGo. Travellers with pocket-friendly budgets can now avail the best deals that offer air-inclusive value-driven packages to domestic and international destinations. As customers recognise the value and peace of mind of booking with reputed brands, we have introduced a range of assured, insured & secured holidays in line with our Safe Travel program to suit customer requirements.”

He added, “As health and safety is a key concern, all our holidays come with ‘Assured’ – a comprehensive program to safe travel in the COVID-19 era in partnership with Apollo Clinics. To further assist our customers, we have launched India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service to the public – offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country-specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, travel documentation, health certification, etc. and have also tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India.”

Click here for details on SOTC Travel’s Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special)

*Per person on twin sharing basis

*Terms and conditions apply

Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy & Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to partner with Thomas Cook India and SOTC to introduce air-inclusive holiday deals. We also introduced products like 6E double seat, multiple hotel partnerships and accelerated reward points on Ka-ching card in-line with consumer demand over the last few months. We have been consistently working towards stimulating customer demand, resulting in the 6.4Mn travellers placing their trust in IndiGo post lockdown, for a safe and hassle-free travel onboard our lean clean flying machines.”

Highlights:

Dubai – Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special)*

· Return Airfare on IndiGo

· 5 night’s accommodation with breakfast

· Return Airport Transfers (Dubai International Airport)

· Dubai Visa Charges Included

· 5% VAT Charges Included

· Travel Insurance

Dubai Fully Loaded – Crazy Deals (IndiGo Special)*

· Return Airfare on IndiGo

· 5 night’s accommodation with breakfast

· Return Airport Transfers (Dubai International Airport)

· Dubai Visa Charges Included

· 5% VAT Charges Included

· Travel Insurance

· Sightseeing and Attractions include Dubai City Tour on Seat In Coach Basis, Desert Safari with Barbeque Dinner and transfers, Dhow Cruise with Dinner, At the Top Burj Khalifa – 124th Floor along with entry ticket to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Maldives – Crazy Deals based on Arena Beach Resort (IndiGo Special)*

· Return Airfare on IndiGo

· 4 night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Sea View Room with breakfast, lunch and dinner

· Travel Insurance

Maldives – Crazy Deals based on Sheraton Full Moon Resort & Spa (IndiGo Special)*

· Return Airfare on IndiGo

· 4 night’s accommodation in a Deluxe Room with breakfast and dinner

· 1 Child (between 3 – 11 years) stays free on sharing basis with parents

· Travel Insurance

Goa – Crazy Deal (IndiGo Special)*

· Return Airfare on IndiGo

· 3 night’s accommodation with breakfast

Business World

Thomas Cook India & SOTC host a series of Virtual Customer Events in partnership with Marriott International

Oct 21, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Marriott International, #Mr. Arun Kumar Pandya, #Sonia Ajay Agarwal, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook India, #Virtual Customer Events

In a follow up to the launch of the Holiday with Confidence portfolio in collaboration with leading hospitality company, Marriott International, Thomas Cook India, India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have come together, bringing a series of exclusive, virtual events for valued customers across India.

In an initiative to celebrate the spirit of the upcoming festive-holiday season and to catalyse travel demand, the companies hosted 19 engaging virtual consumer events- the Thomas Cook India Holiday Showcase & SOTC Holiday Preview at select Marriott brands such as The Ritz-Carlton, The St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Sheraton, Westin, Renaissance and Courtyard by Marriott covering key metros, mini metros and tier 2 cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Baroda, Chandigarh, Surat, etc.

The event invited customers to a preview of a range of Holiday with Confidence packages curated in partnership with Marriott International along with exciting deals on Dusshera, Diwali, Christmas and New Year holiday packages. The fun-filled virtual event also included live culinary experiences with Marriott’s top chefs and mixologists, enthralling participants on classic twists and handy tips towards curating their signature cocktails, immunity booster drinks, acclaimed dishes, etc.

The virtual event also gave customers an opportunity to interact with Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s holiday experts and avail of exciting holiday offers- from the comfort and safety of their homes. At each city, one lucky winner attending the Thomas Cook India Holiday Showcase was given a free stay at a Marriott property; with one lucky winner per city attending the SOTC Holiday Preview, receiving a free Marriott restaurant meal voucher.

To convert the strong pent-up demand and build customer confidence in travel, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have been at the forefront of a series of innovative customer centric initiatives, including, the comprehensive Assured Safe Travel Program that focusses on health and safety, the Safe Holiday Helpline, COVID-negative certification services, along with the flexibility of date changes and attractive deals and savings to benefit the aspiring Indian traveller.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “With the festive season around the corner we are witnessing an encouraging uptick in consumer demand to celebrate special occasions and anniversaries/birthdays at short drivable distances. And so, we are delighted to offer our customers a preview of attractive holiday options courtesy our partnership with Marriott – via the innovative Thomas Cook India Holiday Showcase. This unique virtual platform has been designed to help our customers plan their holidays and avail of special offers- all from the safety/comfort of their home.”

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “The upcoming festive season presents multiple avenues for travellers to avail the best of offers. With an increasing number of Indians investing in staycation experiences, there has been a significant rise in queries and bookings this festive season.

As customers adopt safe, smart and digital approaches to travel planning with a strong preference for contactless services, our virtual SOTC Holiday Preview events in collaboration with Marriott International, have given us the ideal opportunity to interact, showcase our combined offerings and services while planning the perfect safe holiday for our valued customers.”

Mr. Ramesh Daryanani, Vice President, Global Sales, Asia Pacific said, “We are pleased to be partnering with Thomas Cook & SOTC India to engage customers via this unique virtual event. These events give us the opportunity to showcase some of our exciting destinations around the world combined with curated experiences for the upcoming holiday season.”

Customer Testimonials:

“I enjoyed participating in Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Showcase event. It is a great platform to plan your dream holiday with the experts and also avail of the special offers and discounts that they have in store for you. I also had the exciting opportunity to interact with Marriott’s Chef Dane Fernandes from The St. Regis Mumbai and learn to prepare the signature Avocado 2.0. Definitely going to try this delicious dish at home!” – Mr. Arun Kumar Pandya, Mumbai.

“We are extremely delighted to have been a part of the Virtual SOTC Holiday Preview with Marriott International. The live culinary experience with a Marriott chef sharing convenient tips and a step by step method to creating their finest dish was interesting and fun. It was a great opportunity to view and enquire about the exclusive holiday specials such as the city break and staycation options within the Holiday with Confidence portfolio. We look forward to many more interactive events with SOTC.” – Mrs. Sonia Ajay Agarwal, Pune.

Business World

Thomas Cook India and SOTC partner with Accor Launch Holiday Safe

Oct 19, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Accor, #Mr. Madhavan Menon, #Mr. Puneet Dhawan, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company SOTC Travel Ltd., have partnered with Accor, a global leader in augmented hospitality, to launch Holiday Safe. The holiday portfolio aims at reassuring customers with comprehensive health and safety protocols incorporated via Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, together with Accor’s Cleanliness and Prevention ALLSAFE label, developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas. The attractively priced holidays, starting at Rs. 5 999.00*, include unique experiences and value additions across a range of domestic and international destinations.

While extended lockdowns and work-from-home stress have resulted in strong pent up travel demand for short drivable distance vacations, Indian consumers have understandably rated health-safety as their priority. The Thomas Cook India & SOTC Holiday Readiness Travel Report reiterates this – with 75% respondents stating health and safety to be their overriding concern and 72% displaying preference for reputed travel brands. Thomas Cook India, SOTC and Accor have hence leveraged their collective expertise in curating the Holiday Safe range that delivers on their comprehensive measures towards hygiene and safety while ensuring customers a memorable holiday experience.

With the easing of travel restrictions and to reignite the love for travel, the Holiday Safe portfolio in addition to health and safety protocols, offers a range of vacation options such as staycations, workations, drivecations, quick breaks to celebrate special occasions and the upcoming festive season.

Accor’s extensive footprint across gateway cities and favourite holiday locales has been leveraged by Thomas Cook and SOTC’s experts to offer customers a wide selection of luxury to economy options at the Fairmont, Sofitel, Pullman, Mövenpick, Grand Mercure, Novotel, Mercure, ibis and ibis Styles. The Holiday Safe portfolio offers customers exclusive pricing starting from Rs. 5 999.00* for a variety of domestic themed holidays: weekend breaks, wellness, romantic breaks, family getaways, magic moments, among others. International holidays start at Rs. 20 720.00* to destinations like Dubai and Maldives.

Mr. Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “As Indian travellers look to maximize their experiences while minimizing risk, our focus on customer health and safety remains our top priority. To build consumer confidence in the COVID era, we are delighted to announce our association with the Accor Group, one of the world’s largest and most respected hospitality brands.

Our Holiday Safe collection incorporates the comprehensive measures of the Thomas Cook India & SOTC Assured Safe Travel Program and Accor’s Cleanliness & Prevention ALLSAFE label – with standards developed with and vetted by Bureau Veritas. This collaboration aimed at building a safe travel environment for customers is inbuilt with clean-safe protocols across every step of the customer journey, and also incorporates unparalleled holiday experiences to delight the Indian traveller.”

He added, “Holiday Safe, together with our COVID-19 travel insurance cover, zero cancellation charges, and free rescheduling will ensure that our customers are assured, insured and secured.”

Commenting on the partnership Mr. Puneet Dhawan, Senior VP Operations, Accor India & South Asia, said, “In the current environment, we believe the ultimate determinant of guests returning is health and safety blended with innovative experiences and rewarding benefits. As an industry, this is the time to show solidarity and work together reassuring guests that it is safe to travel. Taking forward our endeavour to instil confidence amongst guest for safe holidays, we are proud to partner with Thomas Cook and SOTC and look forward to providing a holistic experience to our guests.”

Business World

Thomas Cook India & SOTC partner with India’s favourite storyteller Amar Chitra Katha

Sep 19, 2020 by Gouri Achary 0 Comments #Amar Chitra Katha, #Mr. Anant Pai’s, #Mr. Daniel D’souza, #Mr. Rajeev Kale, #Ms. Preeti Vyas, #SOTC, #Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel Ltd., have partnered with India’s favourite storyteller, Amar Chitra Katha, to
take travellers on an enchanting journey through time, re-living India’s vibrant history and culture with the launch of its Great Indian Journeys. Much loved historical characters have been hand-picked to act as a personal guide through each epic journey, including – Birbal (the witty/wise advisor of Mughal emperor, Akbar), Tenali Raman (poet and social thinker of the mighty Vijayanagar empire), Sudama (a childhood friend of Lord Krishna) and Chetak (Rana Pratap’s true warhorse and faithful companion).

The itineraries carefully curated by Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s holiday experts and creatively illustrated via graphic comic strips in the distinctive Amar Chitra Katha style, present India’s young explorers and parents with an engaging format to discover India’s rich heritage and iconic attractions – in a very special route to their roots.

The Great Indian Journeys welcomes travellers on a voyage of discovery via an easy-paced 4-5 day
itinerary through locales steeped in history – Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mathura, Hampi, Delhi, Agra and more – that chronicle India’s golden ages. Each itinerary incorporates exclusive elements such as personalised storytelling sessions around favourite historical characters, spectacular sound & light shows, local culinary experiences, and more.*

In addition, customer benefits include:

1. Quality accommodation options with daily breakfast
2. Private transfers in AC vehicles
3. Affordable pricing starting at Rs.19 999.00*
4. Flexible cancellation options & a minimal booking deposit
5. Easy payment and EMI options
6. Meticulous health & safety under the Company’s Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics
7. Additionally, COVID-negative certificate facilitation services are also available
8. A 3-month gift subscription to both – the Amar Chitra Katha and the Tinkle Comics Reading Apps worth Rs. 1 150.00

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said,
“Children have emerged as clear decision-makers when it comes to holidays! So, in a strategic initiative to engage with this powerful segment and bring alive India’s rich heritage, we are delighted to announce our partnership with Amar Chitra Katha to present Great Indian Journeys. Vibrant itineraries have been
designed by our holiday experts to showcase epic journeys with a child-friendly format of Amar Chitra Katha’s graphic comic strips.” He added, “Travel is a great storyteller and our Great Indian Journeys endeavour to bring India’s history to life with much-loved characters as personal guides/narrators. Starting at an attractive price of Rs. 19 999.00*, the selection of enchanting experiences across historical destinations like Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Udaipur, Mathura, etc. offer a delightful combination of fun and learning/discovery, while also ensuring a memorable family holiday.”

He added, “Our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics ensures meticulous health & safety
protocols across every touch-point and to further assist our customers, we have tied up with ICMR accredited labs to offer seamless end-to-end COVID-negative certification services with contactless facilitation – across India. Our Safe Holiday Helpline is yet another meaningful consumer initiative – a free service to support customers in safe holiday planning.”

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President and Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “At SOTC Travel, we
continue to believe in bringing families closer and creating their best memories with us. India’s favourite
comics- Amar Chitra Katha plays an important role while growing up and has become an integral part in
shaping a million childhoods. The Great Indian Journeys gives our travellers an opportunity, to reconnect and relive their fondest childhood memories with their children and families, by visiting India’s most iconic historical places. These specially designed itineraries, in the form of creative graphic comic strips, bring to life a unique combination of edutainment devoted to Indian culture and history. Through the Great Indian Journeys, we continue to help create delightful holiday experiences for our customers.”

He added, “To ensure health and safety for travellers, we have associated with ICMR accredited labs across India to provide a first of its kind COVID-negative certification services. This, along with our Assured Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, has been incorporated in every holiday proposition for a hasslefree journey for all our customers. To further assist our customers, we have launched India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service to the public – offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country-specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, travel documentation, health certification, etc.”

Ms. Preeti Vyas, CEO and President, Amar Chitra Katha said, “As India’s favourite storytellers, our vision at Amar Chitra Katha has always been to inspire children and families through our vibrant stories about India’s glorious past and culture. The Great Indian Journeys by Thomas Cook India & SOTC, is an exciting collaboration which offers families a unique opportunity to directly experience and engage with India’s heritage through these specially-curated & memorable family holidays. Amar Chitra Katha has been telling stories for over 53 years and has always been a ‘route to your roots’.

She added, “As we firmly establish ourselves in the digital age, we are passionate about taking our founder Mr. Anant Pai’s legacy forward, by reaching out to our audiences via multiple platforms and experiences, including, films, apps, games and videos to tell India’s stories. Our association with SOTC-Thomas Cook is another powerful step in enabling Indian families to experience our stories real-time, not just in 2D or 3D but indeed in 5D, with emotions, feelings and a sense of awe. Through this new property – The Great Indian Journeys, travellers can be assured of the finest travel experience combined with an authentic and vibrant depiction of itineraries through storytelling; which is the hallmark of Amar Chitra Katha.”