Thomas Cook India expands reach in Ahmedabad with new outlet in South Bopal

In a strategic move aimed at tapping into Gujarat’s high-growth travel market, Thomas Cook India has unveiled a new franchise outlet in South Bopal, Ahmedabad. This expansion marks the company’s continued effort to cater to the robust demand for travel services in the region, especially during peak seasons like summer and Diwali. Thomas Cook India, known for its broad range of travel services, aims to address the needs of diverse customer segments in the city, from families and millennials to business professionals and seniors.

Located in the heart of South Bopal, a thriving residential area in western Ahmedabad, the outlet offers proximity to the city’s transportation hubs, including the airport, railway, and metro stations. This accessibility is expected to enhance customer convenience as demand for personalized and efficient travel services surges. South Bopal’s rise as a preferred locality due to its connectivity to IT hubs and business parks makes it an ideal location for the new outlet.

The timing of this expansion is key, as Gujarat is seeing a consistent rise in travel enthusiasm, particularly around public holidays, festive seasons, and year-ends. The company’s strategy includes promoting Gujarati-specific group tours, catering to the unique preferences of the state’s travelers, including the provision of Gujarati-speaking tour managers and vegetarian cuisine options tailored to the community’s tastes.

Thomas Cook India’s President & Country Head for Holidays, MICE, and Visa, Rajeev Kale, highlighted Ahmedabad as a significant source market for the company. With the increasing demand during peak travel periods like Diwali, he emphasized the importance of providing seamless services tailored to local preferences. The new outlet is expected to serve as a one-stop-shop for international and domestic holiday bookings, travel insurance, and more, enhanced by the company’s AI-powered booking platform, which allows customers to plan personalized vacations in real-time.

This expansion builds on Thomas Cook India’s robust footprint in Ahmedabad, bringing the total number of outlets in the city to four and ten across Gujarat. The outlet offers a variety of services, including group tours, personalized holidays, cruises, and even luxury vacations. The company is also seeing growing interest in experiential travel and emerging destinations, such as the CIS countries—Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia—thanks to easier visa regimes and improved connectivity.

Expert opinion: Rising travel trends in Ahmedabad and beyond

Travel expert and President of Thomas Cook India, Rajeev Kale, noted that Gujaratis have become increasingly avid travelers, seeking not only vacations during the festive season but also quick getaways throughout the year. He pointed out that a significant portion of the state’s population is now embracing longer trips and immersive travel experiences, a shift from the traditional shorter holidays.

Kale also discussed the growing demand for luxury and cruise vacations among Gujarati travelers, mentioning popular destinations like Lakshadweep, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Egypt. Additionally, pilgrimage tourism remains a strong driver in the region, with religious tours to destinations like Char Dham, Kashi, and Rameswaram continuing to attract significant interest.

A shift towards immersive travel and unique experiences

The company has observed a shift towards longer vacations, with Gujarati travelers now opting for trips lasting between 10 and 15 days. Experiential travel is on the rise, with unique experiences like viewing the Northern Lights in Finland, whale watching in Sri Lanka, and cherry blossom tours in Japan gaining popularity. In the domestic market, popular destinations include Kashmir, Kerala, Ladakh, and North-East India.

With this expansion, Thomas Cook India is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing travel demands of the Gujarati market, offering a blend of traditional and innovative travel experiences. The company’s strong omnichannel presence and commitment to delivering personalized services ensure it remains at the forefront of India’s burgeoning travel industry.