Thomas Cook India announces Subodh Bhave as a Brand Ambassador for Maharashtra market

Pune, December 6, 2019: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and related financial services company, has revealed an impressive 27% growth in demand for its Regional Tours from Maharashtra- led by key source markets of Pune, along with the surrounding regional towns of Nasik, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Solapur among others.

In a strategic initiative to maximise the growth opportunity from Maharashtra, Thomas Cook India has appointed Subodh Bhave as its Brand Ambassador. Thomas Cook India’s customers benefit from this association with an exclusive opportunity to interact with their favourite superstar at a gala event during their Europe holiday. Subodh will spend an evening interacting with Thomas Cook India’s customers while sharing his views on films, famous characters that he has portrayed and his journey to stardom. Subodh, who strongly resonates with the Marathi Manus, is highly acclaimed for his roles in renowned films such as Lokmanya – Ek Yug Purush, Bal Gandharva and Ani… Dr. Kashinath Ghanekar.

Thomas Cook India has successfully introduced regional Maharashtrian tours such as Aakarshak and Avismarniya Sahli series across Europe, USA, Asia and Australia, and key elements include a friendly Marathi speaking experienced Thomas Cook Tour Manager, fondly referred to as ‘Bhau’, the company of Marathi speaking co-travellers and the comfort of delicious Maharashtrian cuisine while on tour (poha, upma, aam ras, etc.).

Thomas Cook India’s strategic focus on the Maharashtra market caters to the holiday segment, business travellers, leisure travellers, and its b-leisure segment (business plus leisure). The Company’s high growth segments from Maharashtra include the powerful family segment; along with millennials, young working professionals, couples/honeymooners, student study tours, Gen S/Seniors, ladies-only groups and corporate MICE groups. The primary driver segment in the next five years, however, is expected to be made up of millennials, and women travellers.

With accessibility and convenience as a key priority for the company; Thomas Cook India has created an extensive network in Maharashtra that covers 42 consumer access centres: 20 owned branches and 22 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets at key locations such as Mumbai, Pune, Jalgaon, Aurangabad, Kolhapur, Nashik, Nagpur. With its focus on customer delight and personalized service, Thomas Cook India has established itself as a trusted and preferred comprehensive travel solutions provider, among the Maharashtrian audience. In addition to a wide on-ground network, Thomas Cook India’s hybrid bricks and click omni-channel platform along with online bookings caters to the millennials, along with customized doorstep delivery.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE & Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “We are proud of the strong 27% growth in demand that our regional tours from Maharashtra have witnessed. In order to cater to our loyal customers in the region, we have strategically partnered with Subodh Bhave to fortify the brand connect, provide an immersive experience and offer a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to our consumers.

With our special ‘Avismarniya Sahli’ – Marathi product category across Europe- travellers will get a chance to meet their favourite star, engage and spend some quality time with him as he hosts the exclusive event, Ru-Ba-Ru.”

Mr. Subodh Bhave, Brand Ambassador (Maharashtra), said, “I am proud to be associated with Thomas Cook India which holds a strong legacy and has been a preferred tour operator for Indian travellers. The brand’s regional tour packages have a personalised touch and strongly resonate with Marathi travellers. I look forward to interacting with my fans during the Europe tour and it will be my sincere effort to make this holiday truly unforgettable.”

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has operated the Thomas Cook brand name uninterrupted in India since 1881 and has recently signed an agreement to acquire the rights to the Thomas Cook brand in India, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The agreement ensures brand use rights in perpetuity and means that TCIL can use the brand in perpetuity on a royalty-free basis.