Latest news with #ThomasCookIndia
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Thomas Cook facilitates addition of its forex prepaid cards to Google Pay
For contactless payment via mobile In a strategic initiative, Thomas Cook (India) has announced its partnership with Google Pay to facilitate contactless payments via its range of prepaid forex cards. This makes Thomas Cook India the first in India in the cross-border payments category to enable customers transact effortlessly using their mobile devices across retail tap & pay (contactless) or online - using Google Pay. Thomas Cook's cardholders are assured an extra layer of security via Google Pay's state-of-the-art network tokenisation standards. The launch commences via Thomas Cook's partnership with Visa. Given the increasing need for seamless digital solutions in cross-border transactions, Thomas Cook's partnership with Google Pay aims at equipping India's consumers when traveling overseas across transactions for accommodation, transport, dining, shopping and more. Customers merely need to add their Thomas Cook forex cards (Borderless Travel, One Currency, Study Buddy and EnterpriseFX) to Google Pay, to enjoy a simple, swift, secure and seamless payment experience. Key Benefits: Seamless addition of Thomas Cook's range of forex prepaid cards to Google Pay Contactless and quick payments via mobile Enhanced security with tokenization Eliminates the need to carry physical cards, reducing stress of card loss/theft; avoids the hassle of card replacement and need for emergency cash Global access transact smoothly and seamlessly in 95 countries
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Business Standard
08-07-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Passport-first moments rise: 32% visa surge from small-town India
First-time international travel by Indians is surging, with 32% growth led by Tier 2 and 3 cities like Surat, Lucknow and Jaipur, shows new visa application data New Delhi Travelling for the first time, and that too to a foreign land? You're not alone. A growing wave of first-time Indian travellers is stepping onto the global stage, driven by rising incomes, digital convenience, and ambitions that now go well beyond India's biggest cities. According to new data from Atlys, a visa application platform, international visa requests from first-time applicants jumped 32% over the past year. Of this, 56% came from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities—places like Chandigarh, Surat, Pune, Lucknow, and Jaipur. This cohort isn't travelling for business or to visit family. They're chasing long-awaited holidays, celebrating honeymoons or anniversaries, booking friends' trips, or ticking off their first stamp in a passport. Atlys' data shows the most active segment includes: Young adults under 35 Newlyweds and honeymooners Families going on their first overseas trip Destinations such as the UAE and nearby Southeast Asian countries are topping the list. Dubai remains a firm favourite thanks to its frequent flight connections and ease of travel, but places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia are drawing in budget-conscious explorers looking for immersive and affordable experiences. Digital visa tools and cheaper flights are unlocking global access 'Travel is no longer seen as a luxury, it's become an essential part of life,' said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys. 'We're seeing year-on-year growth in first-time international travellers. This segment is being driven by affordable international flights, simplified digital visa processes, and rising income levels. Countries that streamline access and approvals will be the biggest winners in this next chapter of Indian outbound tourism.' The trend isn't limited to one platform. In May, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel released the 'India Holiday Report 2025', showing Indians are not just travelling more—they're planning to travel *much* more. According to the report: — The number of Indians travelling abroad crossed 3 crore for the first time in 2024 — 85% of survey respondents plan to double their holiday frequency to four-six times a year, compared to two-three previously — 84% said they would increase travel spending by 20% to 50% this year 'The survey reflects a shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said. Passport offices have grown, but coverage remains low A critical enabler of this boom has been the growing passport infrastructure. According to the Ministry of External Affairs' Performance Smart Board, over 100.9 million passports were issued between 2014 and 2023. Of these, 85% were issued domestically, with the number of Passport Seva Kendras growing from 153 in 2014 to 523 by 2023. But passport penetration still has a long way to go. Despite the infrastructure gains, only 8.71% of India's population currently holds an active passport, as per MEA data. That leaves a vast pool of potential first-time international travellers, many in smaller cities, still waiting to take that first step.
India Today
13-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
Air India crash rattles hotel and ticketing stocks, as investor confidence wavers
The tragic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad has not only left the nation grieving but has also shaken investor confidence, triggering a sharp fall in travel and tourism-related stocks on June PLATFORMS STOCKS SEE REDOnline travel companies were among the most affected. Shares of Thomas Cook India fell by 2.39%, trading at Rs 160.03 as of June 13, 1PM. TBO Tek dropped 1.10% to Rs 1,287.40, while Mahindra Holidays slipped 1.47% to Rs and Yatra Online also saw losses, down by 1.18% and 2.73%, respectively. Kranthi Bathini from WealthMills Securities said the decline in travel-related stocks is a short-term effect of the Air India crash. "In the longer run, we expect resilience in air travel. The travel and hospitality industries should do well over the medium to long term," he Bathini doesn't see any major fundamental impact from this one incident. Long-term investors, he said, can continue holding these stocks unless they no longer find them attractively priced. 'If the investor is a long-term investor, they can hold on to the stocks until and unless they don't find any valuation comfort in the particular stock,' he COMPANIES ALSO FEEL THE HEATHospitality stocks followed the downward trend. Shares of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), the group behind the Taj Hotels, fell by 1.35% to Rs 734.75. Chalet Hotels and Lemon Tree Hotels also saw declines of about 1% and 0.03%, Schloss Bangalore, the newly listed company that operates Leela Hotels, saw its stock dip by over 3% to trade at Rs OPERATORS AND AIRLINES FEEL THE PINCHThe impact wasn't limited to hotels and airlines. Adani Enterprises, which runs the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, also saw its shares fall by more than 2%, trading at Rs 2491.40. The airport has been shut for operations following the GMR Airports' shares declined by around 1%. Airline stocks weren't spared either. Shares of IndiGo and SpiceJet also witnessed a decline in their share prices as investors weighed the possible impact of the crash on the TURN CAUTIOUS AFTER CRASHThe crash involved a London-bound Air India flight carrying more than 200 passengers, which went down in a residential area near the Ahmedabad airport. Tragically, nearly all 242 people on board lost their incident has reignited concerns over flight safety, prompting a cautious stance from investors and sending several sector stocks lower in early Watch
Hindustan Times
11-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Have you heard of Satvik Travel? Here's why it's becoming a favourite choice among Indian travellers
It's that time of the year when we are either setting off for vacays or planning our holidays for the upcoming months. If Nature is your calling and you want to break away from the regular, touristy kind of sojourn, try satvik travel, a trend that has seen a rise lately. Satvik comes from the word sattva, which associates with qualities like calmness and balance. It's a travel trend that focuses on sustainable and eco-conscious experiences that also emphasise on spiritual and holistic well-being. It's all about prioritising ethical considerations, minimal environmental impact, and connection with Nature. From places of spiritual significance to those offering natural beauty and vegetarian-friendly food, satvik travel has been attracting people across ages. 'Satvik travel is seeing growing resonance with India's evolving travellers — particularly wellness-seekers, solo explorers and spiritually inclined millennials. In fact, satvik travel is becoming a defining pillar of India's wellness travel movement. We've witnessed a marked uptick in demand for journeys that offer inner stillness, clean satvik cuisine, and soul-nourishing experiences. Destinations like Rishikesh, Auroville, Sikkim and Kerala's tranquil backwaters are gaining popularity for their blend of mindfulness, Nature and simplicity. Interestingly, it's not just leisure travellers — corporates, too, are embracing satvik-led itineraries, curating offsites focused on wellness, reflection, and conscious living,' says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook India. Some travel reports, too, showcase an increasing rise in the trend this year. 'In India, mindful travel has become a priority. From adopting sustainable choices to supporting local culture and businesses, these values are shaping how Indians travel. Our Travel & Sustainability Report 2025 highlights how 99% Indian travellers want to make more satvik travel choices this year,' says Santosh Kumar, Country Manager, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia, Living up to the philosophy of satvik travel, nearly '77% travellers seek authentic local vegetarian experiences and 68% want the money they spend to go back to the local community', says Santosh adding that nearly '55% people are willing to reduce energy consumption by turning off air conditioning and lights in their room' or opting for places that don't require air conditioning. Radhika Sharma, a Chartered Accountant from Mumbai, is a satvik travel aficionado. She says, 'I visit an eco resort by the Kundalika river in Kolad (Maharashtra) regularly, as it fulfils all that I desire in a satvik experience – from simple, home-cooked food made using locally grown veggies to sleeping in rooms with mud flooring and walls that naturally stay cool and don't require air conditioning. What adds to the experience is the jungle trek they organise. It helps you feel so connected to Nature and yourself.' Many young travellers, 'aged 16 to 30, opt for satvik packages to address personal wellness goals -- ranging from managing lifestyle ailments to improving fitness, emotional healing, reducing anxiety and stress,' says Nikhil Kapur, founder-director, Atmantan Wellness, Mulshi, Maharashtra. He explains what a satvik stay encompasses: 'Our guests get to be surrounded by Nature, supported by a plant-based cuisine that nourishes the body while calming the mind. This helps enhance emotional well-being and spiritual awareness' Other than the youth, couples opt for such packages too. 'Many couples also opt for satvik travel for their babymoons. We also get a lot of female solo travellers,' says Rajesh Srinivas, General Manager, Swastik Wellness Sanctuary, Pune, adding, 'We serve organic and plant-based food. We also have sustainable facilities such as a solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, no use of single-use plastic and organic waste recycling to live up to the philosophy of satvik travelling.' Satvik travel has become a conscious lifestyle choice. 'Today's travellers seek meaningful journeys that offer inner peace, cultural depth, and holistic wellness. In fact, a lot of youngsters opt for spiritual tourism at places such as Ayodhya, Varanasi`–Sarnath, Haridwar–Rishikesh, Mathura–Vrindavan, Shirdi–Nashik and the Char Dham Yatra. We also curate satvik travel itineraries that blend journeys with serene environments, sustainable choices and meals cooked without onion and garlic,' says SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel. Spiritual and cultural travel: It includes visiting religious sites, indulging in yoga retreats and meditation workshops or learning traditional crafts from local artisans. Eco-conscious travel: It prioritises sustainable tourism practices, such as choosing eco-lodges, supporting local communities, and consuming organic and locally grown vegetarian food. Ethical travel: Supporting small businesses and avoiding activities that exploit or harm Nature and local communities. Holistic well-being: Engage in activities that promote physical and mental health, such as hiking/trekking, yoga, spa treatments, or healthy eating.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Indian Express
As Indians look to travel more in 2025, overseas holidays likely to pick up further
After crossing the 3-crore mark for the first time in 2024, the number of Indians travelling overseas appears set for another increase in 2025, with as many as 85 per cent of respondents in a survey saying they plan to more than double the frequency of their holidays—both domestic and overseas—this year to four to six. According to Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel's India Holiday Report 2025, which was released Wednesday, not only are Indians planning to go on more holidays, they are also looking to spend more, with around 84 per cent of respondents considering spending anywhere between 20 per cent and 50 per cent more on travel this year 2025. 'The survey…reflects a significant shift driven by rising disposable incomes and the growing aspirational value of travel, including experiential holidays,' the report said. Growing number of globetrotters Indians are travelling overseas like never before, with international departure numbers recovering rapidly since the pandemic ebbed, and now at record levels. Among other factors, driving this surge is the growing international footprint of Indian airlines and various countries offering simplified and hassle-free visas to Indians. The number of countries offering visa-free entry to Indian citizens has also grown over the past three years. In 2024, Indian nationals' departures to foreign countries rose 8 per cent to 3.02 crore after 2023 saw a 29 per cent year-on-year jump to 2.79 crore, crossing the pre-pandemic peak of 2.69 crore that was achieved in 2019, as per Ministry of Tourism data. In the first two months of 2025, 50.9 lakh Indians travelled abroad, up 6 per cent from the corresponding period last year, tourism ministry data showed. According to the report, 44 per cent respondents are more likely to visit countries offering simplified visa processes like e-visa or visa-on-arrival options such as Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Sri Lanka, while countries that issue long-term visas—like Australia, Japan, and the US—are also seeing an uptick. More international trips, while indicative of premiumisation in travel preferences, does not necessarily mean that Indian travelers have become spendthrift. As many as 39 per cent of the 2,500 survey respondents said that they actively seek promotions, discounts, and special offers while making their travel decisions. In fact, according to Reserve Bank of India data, Indians' outward remittances for travel under the central bank's Liberalised Remittances Scheme (LRS) edged down by 2 per cent to $16.71 billion in 2024, accounting for 57 per cent of total outward remittances under the scheme. There does seem to be a discernible premiumisation of Indians' travel plans, as has been the case in the domestic market for goods and services in the post-pandemic years. According to the survey, more than 36 per cent of respondents want 'premium experiences' such as luxury cruise holidays in Scandinavia countries, the Mediterranean, and the US, private island dining in Australia, stays in boutique hotels and chalets and heritage properties in India. Where to next? In terms of preferred international destinations, Europe continues to top the list with half of the respondents naming the continent among their destination preferences. Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany lead the European pack, with Eastern European destinations like Czech Republic, Hungary, and Croatia also gaining popularity. 'Short-hauls like Southeast Asia follows with favourites like Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore (46%); also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman, Ras Al-Khaimah (37%); Japan & South Korea (35%) and Australia-New Zealand (26%); Island locales – Mauritius, Maldives, Bali, Sri Lanka (22%); South Africa & Kenya (12%),' the report said. Central Asian countries like Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgystan were among other emerging destinations mentioned by respondents, while Morocco, Iceland, and Greenland 'emerging on the radar'. Inbound tourism still behind pre-pandemic levels While Indians are now travelling overseas in droves, foreign tourist arrivals are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. In 2024, total foreign tourist arrivals rose to 97 lakh, well short of the 1.09 crore arrivals witnessed in 2019. Foreign tourists are a key source of earnings for the domestic tourism economy, with 2024 seeing total foreign exchange earnings rising 18 per cent to $33.19 billion. In rupee terms, this was equivalent to Rs 2.78 lakh crore. According to the government, the tourism sector contributed 5 per cent to India's GDP in 2022-23, with the total number of jobs supported directly and indirectly due to tourism rising 9 per cent to 7.6 crore.
