Gujarat – a key and powerful source market for Thomas Cook India Company pioneers special direct flights ex Ahmedabad to Bhutan

Gujaratis displaying high year-round travel demand; unique experiences/destinations

Strong appetite for Gujarati regional tours

Growing demand for pilgrimages – Thomas Cook India expands Spiritual Tourism portfolio

Ahmedabad, January 8, 2024: Gujarat represents a critical and high-growth opportunity for Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel travel services company. To leverage on this significant potential, Thomas Cook has rolled out a 2 pronged strategy:

1. Expanded Distribution & Omni channel presence
2. Strategic Product Development

Extensive Distribution – 10outlets across 5 cities in Gujarat. Top source markets include Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and Rajkot. Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Anandand Mehsanaare displaying noteworthy growth from Gujarat’s emerging tier 2 and 3 cities.

Strong omni channel presence –Phygital Clicks & Bricks model with apps (sales & servicing), chat bot, portal, call centres and expansive retail network.

Strategic Product Development:

1. Thomas Cook has launched special holiday packages with direct flights to Bhutan ex Ahmedabad – capitalizing on strong outbound demand.

This strategic move leverages a significant market gap, as no commercial air services currently operate between Gujarat and Bhutan. The six-night Bhutan itinerary has been meaningfully designed incorporating unique Bhutan experiences and authentic Gujarati cuisine, Veg/Jain meals —meeting a critical demand for Gujarati travellers.

• Expanded its Spiritual Journeys portfolio:Thomas Cook’s spiritual tourism segment is witnessing an exponential growth – over 100% YoY for circuits like Char Dham, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Amritsar, Varanasi and Prayagraj; Ramayana trails in Sri Lanka. While historically India’s seniors/Gen S comprised a key segment for spiritual tours, the Company is seeing strong demand from multigenerational families, honeymooners/couples, millennials/Gen Z.
• SpecialGujarati regional/festive group departureslike Albelu Europe, Aneru Europe, Adhbhut Asiawith an experienced Thomas Cook Gujarati-speaking Tour Manager, comfort of Gujarati, vegetarian/Jain food preferences on tour.

Ahmedabad-Gujarat Travel Trends:

• Gujarati’s are avid travellers and in addition to peak vacation season, Gujaratisare maximizing on public holidays and weekends for multiple mini-cations
• Gujarati-Specific Group Tours and Regional Departures Driving Demand: Gujarati customers have a strong preference for group travel. Tours with our Gujarati-speaking managers and pure vegetarian/Gujarati cuisine remain highly popular
• Increased travel demand (40-45% Vs 2019); Increased spend appetite (25-30% Vs 2019)
• Longer stays: Short vacations now extend to 5-6days, while longer trips span 12-20 days, reflecting a shift towards more immersive experiences
• Strong growth of experiential travel: Unique once-in-lifetime experiences such as Northern Lights tours in Norway, Sweden and Finland; Cherry Blossom tours in Japan& Korea; Australia-New Zealand
• Growing Demand for Luxury Travel & Cruise Vacations:Europe; Morocco; Polar & Scandinavian cruises)
• FavouriteDestinations:

International: Europe’s Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland; Australia-New Zealand; Japan-Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Thailand, Vietnam

Emergence of fresh new destinations: Driven by no/easy visa regimes and connectivity, increased demand for CIS countries/destinations such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan

Domestic: Kashmir, Ladakh, Kerala, Andamans, Himachal Pradesh, North-East India, Lakshwadeep

• Strong demand for Pilgrimage Tourism continues: CharDham,Kumbh Varanasi-Prayagraj-Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Amritsar, Ramayan trails in Sri Lanka

Mr. Romil Pant, Executive Vice President & Business Head – Holidays, Thomas Cook (India) Limitedsaid, “The launch of our special flights from Ahmedabad is a smart strategy to leverage the strong and growing interest for Bhutan. In the absence of commercial operations from Gujarat to Bhutan, our pioneering direct flights will fill a crucial market gap – offering a seamless travel experience for Gujarati travellers with unique Bhutan itineraries. Cuisine forms a very critical factor for Gujarati travellers, we have hence stationed our Gujarati chefs in Bhutan to ensure preparation of authentic Gujarati cuisine including vegetarian/Jain options.

Ahmedabad represents a strategic gateway, giving the Company increased access via a hub & spoke model, to the powerful regional source markets of Gujarat. In addition to our specialBhutan direct flights, our enhanced portfolio encompasses Spiritual Tours and Regional Tours (Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand)

We are very bullish on the powerful and strong growth market that Ahmedabad and Gujarat represent and expect a significant uptick from Gujarat in 2025. “