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Thomas Cook teams up with Muthoot Forex for wider payments reach
Through this collaboration, both prepaid forex cards will now be available across Muthoot's extensive network of over 7,000 branches, including 43 full-fledged forex branches across India's metros, mini-metros, and tier II to tier IV source markets, the travel company said in a release.
'Our alliance with The Muthoot Group leverages our powerful synergies — combining our expertise in travel and foreign exchange with Muthoot's extensive network across India's tier I to IV source markets,' said Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President, Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook India. 'Through this partnership, we aim to bring our Borderless Travel and Study Buddy cards closer to consumers across India's metros and regional markets, making international travel and study abroad even more convenient and accessible.'
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India Today
a day ago
- India Today
Floating hotels, silk trails and jungle safaris: India's cruise story
The Indian middle class grew up watching cruises as the ultimate luxurious holidays, meant only for the idea? Sipping wine in the middle of the oceans, trying your luck at the casinos as the ship sails towards its next stop, watching unreal sunsets where the ever-so-vast waters gulp down the giant golden sun, soaking in the strong breezes on the deck. Add to that elaborate buffets, live music and the sheer indulgence of doing it all at many, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio's Titanic (1997) was the introduction to these indulgent cruise holidays. Aamir Khan and Manisha Koirala's Mann (1999) too gave a glimpse of how rich Indians jetted off on long cruise holidays. Years later, Dil Dhadakne Do (2015) set cruise goals for Indian families (minus the family drama, of course). Nearly a decade since we watched the ultra-rich dance to Gallan Goodiyan aboard a luxurious 10-day Mediterranean cruise, such holidays are no longer a rarity or the domain of just the ultra-elite in growing cruise cultureIn fact, cruises are emerging as the next big travel trend in India. A travel trend report by SOTC and Thomas Cook recently noted that Indians are increasingly opting for new and unique travel formats, with cruises topping the across domestic and international (both ocean and river options) are now popular among Indian travellers. Industry experts believe that this shift reflects the growing appeal of immersive and slow travel over rushed itineraries. There is an increased demand from first-time cruisers as well as repeat travellers Anish Sharma, a 54-year-old businessman based in Delhi, took his family on a Cordelia cruise (Chennai - Sri Lanka - Chennai) for the first time two years ago, it was an unforgettable experience for his entire family. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Deepak Saran // The Cravings Mania (@ we plan a long trip, it usually means hopping between hotels, catching multiple flights, or enduring long road journeys. But the cruise took all that hassle away. There was no constant packing and unpacking - the ship was like a floating hotel. We disembarked at various stops and explored Sri Lankan cities like Hambantota and Trincomalee, without the stress of wondering whether the next hotel would meet our expectations,' he tells India Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore are among the international destinations you can set sail to from India. Cordelia Cruises, an Indian cruise line that launched operations in 2021, is at the forefront of this trend. A 5-night, 6-day cruise trip originating from Chennai can cost around Rs 50,000 per person. If you're based in Mumbai, this does not include your travel to and from from this affordable luxury segment, premium and ultra-luxe options like the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Greek Islands and Scandinavia cruises have always existed. These require flying to international departure cities. India's growing cruise interest is significant for players like Disney Cruise Line that recently entered the Asia market, with the cruise set to sail from Singapore this cruises jet offWhile the vast oceans and endless sea escapades come with hefty prices, domestic river cruises are emerging as budget-friendly alternatives for many first-time cruisers in sailings start at Rs 20,000 per person and international sailings from Rs 45,000 the Brahmaputra and Ganga to the Hooghly, domestic river cruises in India offer a range of experiences - from short 2 to 3 day getaways to extended journeys lasting up to 20 days. Growth in river cruises in India (Source: PIB) advertisementWhile Mumbai-Goa has been one of the most sought-after routes, many are now also opting for other options, like Kolkata to Varanasi by Antara Cruises, which lets you witness the untouched beauty of the stops in between on the way. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antara Cruises (@ Bengal Navigation offers cruises on the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers. The Assam Despatch, named after an old mail route from Kolkata to Dibrugarh, operates on the Brahmaputra. These voyages, lasting 4 to 10 nights, provide a relaxed way to explore Assam. Many destinations along the river are difficult to access by road, making the cruise a unique and convenient way to experience this slice of paradise in the - Lakshadweep - Mumbai is another popular domestic route.'The arrival of cruise lines like Costa and Cordelia in India has sparked strong interest on domestic waters offering sailings from Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Goa and to scenic destinations like Lakshadweep and Sri Lanka, driving demand among first-time cruisers and repeat travellers alike,' says SD Nandakumar, president and country head, holidays and corporate tours, SOTC international sailings with MSC Cruises, Star Dream Cruise and Norwegian Cruise Line continue to gain traction,' he adds. Angriya Cruises, with a capacity of 400, operates between Mumbai and Goa. (Photo: Arun Sharma/Unsplash) Theme-based cruises are also gaining popularity. Artisans of Bengal by Antara Cruises lets you explore various textile weaving traditions and indigenous crafts, along with insights into erstwhile colonies like French Chandernagore and Danish the Brahmaputra River Cruise offers Silk & Rhinos – a 4-day expedition from Guwahati to Silghat. It includes a stop at Sualkuchi, the hub of Assamese silk production, where visitors can tour weaving workshops and witness the entire silk-making process - from cocoon and spinning to dyeing and hand-weaving exquisite mekhela chadars. The journey also features a stop in Silghat for a jeep safari in Kaziranga National Park, offering a chance to spot the majestic Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos. Themed cruise options by Antara Cruises advertisementNot just an old-gen activityDriving the cruise culture in India are youngsters. Unlike the perception, retirees are not the only ones keen on cruising.'While cruising has traditionally been popular with senior citizens globally, it's Young India — Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals — that's showing strong interest, thanks to high-adrenaline onboard activities and value pricing,' says Rajeev Kale, president and country head, holidays, MICE, visa, Thomas Cook (India) especially for the younger generation, is no longer about taking trains or flights and following itineraries. Thrill, seclusion, slow travel and unique experiences top their list of travel them, the number of fridge magnets collected from their travel escapades is worth more than a new affordable SUV or a 2BHK in a semi-posh society. Experiences are considered superior to material purchases, and affordable luxury is what appeals to them. Unlike buying houses and cars, travel does not involve a massive financial experts believe that it is also the all-inclusive nature of cruises that resonates with families, couples and young professionals who look for stress-free vacations. Nandakumar of SOTC Travels also admits to a growing interest from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.'To meet this demand, we've curated regional cruise tours aligning with regional festivals (regional tour managers speaking the local language and the comfort of local home food), bringing both comfort and cultural connection onboard,' he tells India anniversaries and family reunions are moving to cruises India's cruise story unfolds, the government is also obviously pushing for it with the Cruise Bharat Mission (announced in September 2024) and Maritime India Vision vision is to make India a significant player in the global cruise market, both for ocean and river cruises.'Indian cruise market has the potential to grow by 8X over the next decade, driven by rising demand and disposable incomes,' says a PIB FY 2023-24, the number of cruise passengers was 4.71 lakhs. The government aims to double cruise passenger traffic to over 1 million by Indian middle class is no longer watching cruises from afar - it's on board, and the journey has just begun.- EndsTune InMust Watch
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Love lost or not, they're off to find themselves: Travel cos' unique itineraries for Gen Z & millennials
New Delhi: Nursing a broken heart, and want to travel solo but not entirely? Travel companies offer ' break-up holidays ' that will put you in touch with like-minded travellers who are similarly single. There are also options like the Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara-inspired La Tomatina Festival trip or pub crawls in Madrid to uplift your spirits. Literally. With roughly 65% of India's population under the age of 35 years, travel services providers are charting out new and unusual itineraries for the Gen Z digital natives and millennials who want more than mere sightseeing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo "They need stories, visuals, feelings and moments to share," said Govind Gaur, chief executive of WanderOn . Live Events His company offers itineraries ranging from break-up getaways to holidays in places that offer material for OTT-style travel reels. These include fossil hunting in the high-altitude village of Langza in Spiti Valley, nights spent under star-lit skies by the Chandratal Lake in Himachal and a trip to the musical hamlet of Kongthong in Meghalaya where people communicate via tunes. Leisure travel has picked up after Covid, with young people being key drivers of the trend as they seek to explore new places and experience. While remote work has made it possible to travel without taking leave from work, social media is boosting the appeal of travel and often influencing the decision on travel destinations. Young India's millennials and Gen Z are power-driving India's travel story, said Neeraj Singh Dev, executive vice president and head of ecommerce and domestic and short haul holidays at Thomas Cook (India). The company has designed packages around concerts and pop culture references, seeing the strong influence of OTT content and global events. "We incorporate street food trails, themed cafes, filming locations, and fan experiences like wearing Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace or visiting BTS landmarks into our itineraries," said Dev. Travel companies are keeping the starting price for such packages attractive to serve as a hook. For instance, Thomas Cook's Krabi-Phuket five nights/six days tour starts at ₹52,500 per person on twin share, including airfare. The Langkawi-Kuala Lumpur package starts at ₹55,220, with add-on options like scuba diving, ATV rides and nightlife experiences. The hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with millennials and Gen Z travellers expected to represent 83% of hotel guests by 2030, said MP Bezbaruah, secretary general at the Hotel Association of India. Hotels are responding by curating eco-friendly initiatives, wellness retreats, and culinary experiences, while also adopting and integrating technology to meet customers' personalized needs and convenience. Some newer hotel concepts include check-ins at the bar, extended breakfast timings or even all-day breakfast options, and experiences such as drunches and bar marathons. Data from SOTC Travel show a drop in the average age of its customers by nearly 10 years since the pandemic, said SD Nandakumar, president and country head for holidays and corporate tours. While the company's packages now have inclusions like super-car racing at autodromes or circuits in Dubai-Abu Dhabi, sake and soju sampling in Japan and bar-hopping in Ibiza with many takers, the pilgrimage-darshans portfolio is also witnessing strong demand from millennials and Gen Zs, especially for the Char Dham Yatra and spiritual circuits like Ayodhya, Prayagraj and Dwarka, he said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
In case telcos missed the message earlier, OTTs do a voice over
WhatsApp's entry into enterprise voice calling is poised to disrupt telecom companies' revenue streams, challenging traditional IVR systems with AI-powered solutions. Businesses like Redcliffe Labs are already adopting WhatsApp voice, anticipating a significant shift in customer interactions. This move threatens telcos' enterprise voice revenue, a crucial and rapidly growing segment, as OTT apps continue to dominate business communication. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Over-the-top (OTT) communication platforms such as WhatsApp are set to eat into the enterprise voice revenues at telecom companies after seizing a lion's share in business messaging that is now increasingly routed through apps instead of recent foray into voice calling for enterprises is set to challenge the traditional IVR telephony. And coupled with AI agents, the development could well remodel India's call centres from what they are such as Thomas Cook , Redcliffe Labs, HCG Hospitals and Sobha Realty have already gone live with WhatsApp Calling, which is scheduled for general availability beginning July Kandoi, CEO, Redcliffe Labs expects WhatsApp voice to account for 30-40% of its voice interactions within the next 2-3 years, while traditional telephony will serve as a fallback and for specific use the last 6-7 years, feature-rich OTT apps have made a headway into the $1 billion commercial messaging market once dominated by traditional SMSes. Gartner forecasts that out of the CPaaS (communication-platform-as-a-service) market expected at $3.2 billion by 2028, $1.6 billion will be dominated by OTT channels like WhatsApp and Google RCS.A similar conquest is expected in voice services. UK-based consulting firm GlobalData projects that India's telecom voice services revenue will shrink at a compound annual rate of 2.49%, falling from $11.5 billion in 2024 to $10.1 billion by companies referred to communication OTT players, or apps, as a "direct substitute" of telecom services which have long eroded the business of telcos without being regulated for issues like spam and fraud. Meta, though, said that instead of competing, the US major is keen on collaborating with telecom companies. "We partner closely with Telco Solution Partners who have enabled WhatsApp Business Calling API as part of their services and offerings," Nikila Srinivasan, vice-president (business messaging) at Meta told ET."We see an opportunity to drive strong partnerships with our telco partners to enable this innovative new calling feature."Thomas Cook, which introduced WhatsApp Calling for its forex prepaid card customers last month, has already shifted 14% of its toll-free queries to the platform within just 10 days. The move has helped the global travel firm reduce reliance on international telco partnerships by consolidating support through a single 24/7 WhatsApp account, said Deepesh Varma, executive vice-president, foreign exchange, Thomas Cook India. The app transitioned into a revenue channel for the company."Because of WhatsApp, we were able to reduce our call center cost by 25%, which we utilised for sales and made it a revenue center rather than a cost center," he said, adding that the company processes 600 sales transactions on WhatsApp within a diagnosis firm Redcliffe Labs said that 5-10% of the IVR calls have shifted to WhatsApp, particularly from digitally savvy and younger demographics as well as tier 2/3 cities. Wait times of calls have also reduced 25%.Further, AI agents can now empathise, engage and resolve customer queries remarkably well without the need of any human agent.
