Thomas Cook India Limited, India’s leading integrated travel services company has expanded its footprint in Uttar Pradesh with the launch of a new Gold Circle Partner franchise outlet in Varanasi. The

expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Uttar Pradesh to 7 consumer access centres: 1 owned branch and 6 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets – across Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Prayagraj and Varanasi.

Thomas Cook India’s Holiday Readiness Report has revealed that significant 67% respondents are keen to travel in the next 6 months and a sizeable 84% prefer reputed brands especially when travelling in the COVID era. Hence to support its customers in the high potential market of Uttar Pradesh, Thomas Cook India has set up its Varanasi outlet to offer end-to-end travel solutions, including: international & domestic holidays (group tours, personalised holidays, cruises, etc.), travel Insurance and visa services.

To build consumer confidence in travel, the outlet will also offer Thomas Cook India’s Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics and seamless COVID-negative certification services with doorstep delivery. Of additional advantage, especially during the COVID era is Thomas Cook India’s Doctor on Call 24×7 and Safe Holiday Helpline services. Customers from Uttar Pradesh are displaying strong interest in both domestic favourites like Andamans, North East, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and international destinations of Maldives, Dubai and the recently reopened Russia, Seychelles, Nepal, Egypt and Turkey.

The demand is across segments such as families/extended families, business professionals, ad hoc groups of friends, among others. An interesting trend is the growing preference for multiple short breaks among customers from Varanasi with a preference for cooler climates and hilly destinations such as Mussoorie, Shimla, Nainital and others. Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. Said in a statement that with the opening of the Gold Circle Partner outlet at RathYatra Chauraha, the company is delighted to offer customers in Varanasi attractive range of holidays – right at their doorstep. He mentioned Varanasi offers a strong growth potential and the location have been carefully selected i a key commercial centre to access a diversity of consumer segments.