Kolkata: After 18 months of restrictions, with positive announcements on re-opening of borders and vaccine acceptance, a study by Thomas Cook India reveals strong travel desire from Kolkata’s customers – resulting in a noteworthy 70% month-on-month increase in demand since re-opening in June 2021.
The city features as a top source market for Thomas Cook India. A surge in demand for the upcoming Festive & Winter Season, Expo 2020 Dubai and honeymoon travel is powering travel growth from Kolkata.
Thomas Cook India reports that the demand is back to 55% of pre-pandemic levels overall: domestic travel at an impressive 300%; international at 50% (acquisition data Sept 2021 vs Sept 2019). Maldives, Switzerland, France, Russia, Turkey and Egypt are the top destinations, while Expo 2020 Dubai is seeing a brisk demand currently.
Additionally, Kolkata is also witnessing a strong demand for overseas education travel and Thomas Cook India has delivered well on student travel to USA and Canada with quarantine packages.
Thomas Cook India’s network covers 7 owned/franchise outlets in Kolkata and a total of 13 outlets across Eastern Region, including Kolkata and key Tier 2-3 cities like, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Guwahati.
Thomas Cook India’s survey has revealed insightful consumer behaviours & travel trends for Kolkata: 62% prefer international destinations; favorites include Maldives, Dubai, Egypt, Switzerland, France and Russia. 78% prefer Domestic holidays; Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Andamans and Uttarakhand; with North East, Rajasthan now seeing strong demand.
Bengali customers enjoy experiential holidays i.e. experiencing a country, city, history and culture and food Ladakh, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Himachal, and beaches destinations with water sports like sea karting, snorkeling, 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 favorites.
Romil Pant, Senior Vice President, Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Kolkata continues to be one of our best performing markets and contributes significantly to our Holidays business–international and domestic. This year we have seen high demand for travel within India, Kolkata customers preferring outdoor adventure and mountain locations like Himachal Pradesh, Leh-Ladakh, Uttarakhand and North East; our bike trips are doing exceptionally well. While Maldives has been Kolkata’s top destination, we are seeing a strong surge for Europe, Turkey, along with the Expo 2020 Dubai across families and business/trade associations.”
Romil Pant said, “I am excited to announce our special offers and discounts on our Festive Holidays for Diwali and New year holidays. This is my personal invitation to our Kolkata customers to come and visit our branches and plan a truly memorable holiday with family and friends for the festive and winter season ahead.”
The Company’s packages/trips are equipped 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. Thomas Cook India has also announced attractive deals and offers.
