Mumbai based Thomas Cook India Ltd (TCIL) recently introduced a new luxury holiday division called Indulgence, which is targeting high net worth travellers. The main focus of the division is to provide luxurious getaways across the world. Packages are available in nine different categories – Royale, Romatic Hideways, Rejuvenation & Spa, Adventure, Family Interludes, Heritage Trails, City Rendezvous, Luxury on Wheels and Luxury Sailing. The company has tied up with over 50 luxury hotels across the global for packages while more tie-ups are expected in coming months.
According to Amod Thatte, General Manager – Products, TCIL; a product like 'Indulgence' was required in a market like India where disposable income of travellers is increasing every year. He mentioned that the product is quite unique in its offerings and will definitely satisfy travellers. The division will assign an exclusive relationship manager for each client, have meet and assist services, provide lounge passes at 150 airports in 35 countries along with chauffeur driven luxury airport transfers.
Speaking about the idea behind 'Indulgence', Thatte said, “Thomas Cook had been planning to introduce a luxury division for quite some time. Since there was no such product in the market, we thought of introducing the division. There is a great demand for such packages in India as high end Indian travellers have not cut down spend on holiday as compared to the frequency of holiday. We have already received good number of inquires and we expect the division will perform exceptionally in the coming months.” Adding about the marketing plan for the division, Thatte said, “Marketing for Indulgence brand cannot be mass marketing, as our target segment is very niche. We plan to tie up with luxury brands which have the same target audience for joint promotional activities. We will also organise events and promotional activities with our hotel partners.”
Recently, TCIL along with Thailand based Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co., Ltd organised a first hand experience for elite segment in Mumbai at Mahalaxmi Race Course. Claire Leslie, Director – Sales & Marketing, Chiva-Som Resorts said, “Currently, India’s share is two per cent of our total global sales with about 250 over nights a year. India seems to be one of the most potential markets for us and we were looking for a perfect opportunity to make our entry in this market. Indulgence provided us the best opportunity as the target segment is the same for both. We are expecting to receive 300 over nights from India by the end of this year from Thomas Cook and are positive about the targets.” Similar events are expected to take place in various cities of India by other hotel partners of Indulgence to provide first hand experience of the products and services.
|
|
