Thomas Cook (India) has ramped up its network presence with leaner, more efficient, technology-assisted outlets. The strategic expansion includes thirteen locations like Jodhpur, Tirunelveli, Udipi, Jalgaon, Kumbakonam, Zirakpur and Panchkula and augments Thomas Cook’s pan-India distribution reach to 233 locations, supported by a strong partner network of 110 franchise outlets (gold circle partners) and 112 preferred sales agents.
The technology assisted outlets will operate via tablets and mobile apps that enable transactions across the Thomas Cook range of products and services, including domestic and international holidays, flights, hotels, insurance and Foreign Exchange.
Thomas Cook India foresees significant growth emerging from Middle India and hence its plan of setting up smaller outlets– right where its customers are located. The combination of Thomas Cook owned and franchise outlets, intends to target high footfall/ viable catchment areas to tap a diversity of retail consumers- across families, business travellers, honeymooners, senior citizens and ad hoc groups.
Commenting on the expansion, Madhavan Menon, managing director, Thomas Cook (India), said, “Middle India markets have been a powerhouse in our success story and our expansion plan focuses on small, efficient, two-man stores equipped with mobile devices or tablets to transact. Thomas Cook India will focus more on operations through mobile and online platforms- via thomascook.in. The first quarter of 2015 has seen the shift to online and online- assisted selling via our focused hybrid omni-channel ‘brick and click’ model.”