Thomas Cook (India) (TCIL) has introduced its new product line, “Silver Breaks”, exclusively focusing on an untapped growth segment of over 58 years of age – senior citizens or “Silvers”. According to the research by Amadeus & Frost & Sullivan (2013), the market for outbound Indian senior citizens is projected to grow significantly from 1.3 million to over 7.3 million over the next 15 years and to add to this, Thomas Cook India expects the domestic segment to increase by a minimum of the same 7x multiple – and on a much larger base.
Given this strong potential, TCIL intends to focus on serving the needs of middle and upper middle class senior citizens who have taken care of all their personal and professional responsibilities, have the means – and most importantly the time, to take top quality, competitively priced, specialised holidays where they do not have to worry or compromise.
The specialised Siler Breaks itineraries offer support for special dietary needs, on- trip medical assistance, handpicked elder friendly hotels, experienced tour managers accompaniment, pre departure meetings, entertainment evenings and high quality easy access vehicles covering destinations such as Thailand, UK and Italy in the outbound segment as well as the Golden Triangle and Kerala on the domestic front.
Rajeev D. Kale, President and Chief Operating Officer – MICE, Domestic & Sports Tourism, TCIL said, “At Thomas Cook India, we continue our tradition of innovation by introducing a product line for a largely subserviced segment. The potential outbound senior citizens market is poised to grow rapidly from 1.3 million to over 7.3 million in the next 15 years, and our expectation that the domestic senior citizen traveller opportunity will also grow by at least the same 7x multiple – on a much larger base – is truly exciting!”
To ensure an in-depth understanding of the Silvers market segment, Thomas Cook India has worked extensively with members of the Dignity Foundation, a leading NGO in the elder space, to create special customised products for its Silver Breaks portfolio.
“Middle and upper middle class Indian senior citizens have taken care of all their responsibilities and have the means – and most importantly the time to take holidays where they do not have to worry or compromise. By working with members of Dignity Foundation, we were able to further understand their key needs– and hence our packages include airfare, all meals, elder friendly hotel accommodation and sightseeing, porter assistance, assistance for special dietary needs, on- trip medical assistance, handpicked experienced tour managers, pre departure meetings, entertainment evenings and easy access transport – all at very attractive price-value points. With the holiday season around the corner, Silver Breaks assures Silvers an unforgettable experience,” Kale added.
