Tamil Nadu regional tour market powering holiday growth by over 45%, says Thomas Cook India

• Launches exclusive Vanakkam group series tours
• Comfort and joy of travelling with all-Tamil co-travellers, Tamil tour managers, and Tamil cuisine on tour

Chennai, October 22, 2019: Tamil Nadu is a critical source market for Thomas Cook India and forms a vital part of its Strategic Plan 2019-20 with strong YoY growth of over 15%. Fuelled by the demand of over 45% for regional tours, Thomas Cook India has launched exclusive ‘Vanakkam’ group series tours to Europe, Asia, Middle East and Australia.

Thomas Cook India’s internal data has revealed that travellers from Chennai keen to explore new destinations. While Switzerland, France, Spain, Singapore, Australia-New Zealand, U.K., South Africa, Egypt, and the USA are some of the international favourites; some of the emerging destinations include South America, Japan and Korea, Hungary-Czech Republic and Scandinavia. Domestic destinations like North East, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand continue to remain preferred choices.

Apart from witnessing a significant growth among GITs (Group Inclusive Tours) for smooth travel experience and FITs (Fully Inclusive Tours) from Chennai, Thomas Cook India has observed a surge in Gen S travellers with a growth 20% contributing only from Tamil Nadu. Some of the unique customized experiences that are gaining popularity include Singapore Vespa tours, South Africa’s shark cave diving, F1 drives in Abu Dhabi. Cruises too are seeing growing popularity reporting strong growth of 36%.

Post extensive customer research, in a focused attempt to cater to its Tamil travellers and catalyse demand, Thomas Cook India has curated special Regional Tamil Tours to Asia, Europe and Australia including the Grand Bargain Tour of Europe – South Special and Europe for All – South Special. Key elements include friendly Tamil speaking experienced Tour Manager, along with with the company of Tamil speaking co-travellers, and the comfort of delicious Tamil food like as Idli, Dosai, Vada, Sambhar, Rasam, curd rice and filter coffee while on tour.

While metros like Chennai, Coimbatore and Salem continue to pave growth for the region, Thomas Cook has witnessed a strong emergence of the regional traveller from Tier 2 and Tier 3 regional towns like Madurai, Erode and Trichy catalysing demand.

With a view to increasing its customer access in Tamil Nadu, Thomas Cook India’s extensive network covers 14 consumer access centres – 6 owned branches and 8 Gold Circle Partners (franchisees) to reach right to its customer’s doorstep.

Mr Rajeev Kale, President and Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “Tamil Nadu currently contributes a significant 10% to our overall Thomas Cook India’s holiday business. Given the strong YoY growth and high potential, we have identified Chennai as one of the key strategic focus markets for our Company. In order to cater to our loyal and growing customer base from Tamil Nadu, we have curated special regional tour packages across Europe, USA, Asia & Australia. Included are experienced Tamilian Tour Managers, local south Indian cuisine and brochures in Tamil, to make our customers comfortable and feel at home, whilst exploring unique destinations.”