Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s recent Second Holiday Readiness Report (December 2020) has revealed that Indian women travellers are displaying a strong appetite for holidays: 65 per cent of women respondents are keen to travel in the next six months; a significant 72 per cent displaying confidence in air travel. Basis this demand, Thomas Cook India, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel Ltd. have focussed on women-centric products and have curated special flight inclusive women-only tours to India and Dubai to commemorate International Women’s Day (March 8) and Women’s Month (March).
The evolution of India’s women traveller segment has been exponential and represents a significant and growing opportunity. Their holiday wish list is no longer restricted to safe destinations and shopping, but includes a diversity of eclectic experiences including, outdoors-adventure, self-drives, culture, spa-wellness and gastronomy; interest based itineraries are witnessing strong uptick. In addition to India’s corporate women segment driving the B-leisure potential, a sizable demand has been emerging from the solo woman traveller, millennials, girl gang/ BFF (best friend forever) vacations, bachelorette tours, kitty party getaways, etc.
To commemorate International Women’s Day/Month and celebrate women, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have conceptualised special women-centric tours to Dubai with fixed departures on March 5 & 6, 2021. Besides Dubai, packages are available across an array of domestic destinations such as Goa, Kerala, Jaipur and Udaipur with fixed departures on March 7 & 8, 2021. In addition, the companies have also launched a vibrant portfolio of customized tours for women travellers.
Some of the exceptional experiences are vintage car drives around Udaipur’s picturesque lake, spa and wellness in Thekkady, backwater cruises and martial arts in Kerala, casino and pub hopping in Goa, a jeep safari amidst the lush plantations in Munnar, unique stays in forts, havelis or palaces, adrenalin infused experiences like dune-bashing/sand surfing, shopping experiences at the Gold/Perfume/Spice souk, etc. in Dubai.
As safety is one of the top concerns of women travellers, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have put together a holistic three pronged customer confidence-building Assured-Insured-Secured program that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to provide complete peace of mind. The companies have launched several meaningful initiatives: Doctor on Call 24×7 service in partnership with Apollo Clinics; India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, health certification, etc. and seamless COVID-negative certification services via a tie up with ICMR accredited labs.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said, “India’s women travellers are leading the way in pushing traditional travel boundaries! They are hungry to explore fresh new destinations and indulge in the unique and off-beat travel experiences – across outdoor/adventure, wildlife and eco-tourism, local experiences, culture-cuisine-art, health-wellness, etc. To celebrate women travellers and give a boost to this high potential segment, we have launched memorable women-only holiday experiences to India and Dubai – to enthuse solo travellers, kitty party groups, groups of friends and more.”
Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel, said, “Women travellers are emerging as major growth drivers for the travel sector and they have shown interest in adventure trips, leisure, wellness breaks, shopping getaways and more! To catalyse this demand, we have launched exciting air inclusive packages for Indian women travellers across price points – from pocket friendly budgets to affordable luxury. The new age Indian woman traveller is eager to explore the world based on to her unique preferences/interests. Besides sightseeing, she is keen to explore a multitude of activities that help her gain unique experiences and even new skills.”
