Thomas Cook Expands with New Dombivli Outlet Amid Mumbai Region’s Growing Travel Demand

Thomas Cook Expands with New Dombivli Outlet Amid Mumbai Region’s Growing Travel Demand

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on November 17, 2024

Thomas Cook (India) Limited has opened a new franchise outlet in Dombivli, located in Thane district, to cater to the increasing demand for travel services across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. With a focus on expanding its retail reach, the new Dombivli outlet is set to serve families, millennials, seniors, and business travelers in the area.

The Dombivli location offers an array of travel services, including international and domestic holidays, group tours, customized vacations, luxury cruises, and value-added services like travel insurance. By incorporating an AI-powered booking platform, Thomas Cook’s new outlet enables customers to design and book their vacations in real time, providing a seamless and convenient travel planning experience.

Demand for travel has surged among Maharashtra residents, who are now choosing to travel not just during peak seasons but throughout the year. Weekend mini-vacations and extended holidays are increasingly popular as people seek to make the most of public holidays and festive breaks. There is also a noticeable trend toward longer, more immersive trips, with short vacations extending to 5-8 days and longer journeys lasting 10-15 days.

Unique experiences continue to draw travelers from this region. Millennials and Gen Z travelers show a particular interest in experiential vacations, including adventures such as Northern Lights tours in Norway, hiking in Switzerland’s alpine landscapes, and immersing themselves in South Korea’s K-wave culture, which includes K-Pop and K-drama experiences. Marathi-special group tours, led by local Marathi-speaking guides and featuring regional cuisine, also remain popular among Maharashtra’s tourists.

Luxury travel is another area of growth, with a rising demand for high-end vacations and cruise tours. Some of the favored international destinations include Switzerland, France, Spain, Portugal, and Australia. Additionally, newer destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Morocco are becoming popular among Indian travelers.

For those seeking convenience, destinations that offer easy visa options are highly preferred. Visa-free countries like Thailand and Malaysia, as well as eVisa destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Indonesia, remain in high demand.

Popular Travel Destinations

International: Switzerland, France, Austria, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Morocco, and Turkey.

Domestic: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andaman Islands, and the North-East.

Pilgrimage Sites: Char Dham, Ayodhya, Kashi, Rameswaram, Amritsar, and Prayagraj.

In response to the demand for both digital and physical interaction, Thomas Cook’s “phygital” strategy integrates online and offline experiences. This approach allows customers to enjoy a digital-first experience but also receive personalized service in-store from travel experts. This combination enhances convenience and flexibility, catering to a wide range of customer needs.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, commented on the new outlet: “Thane district is a vital source market for us, and we are seeing significant demand from Dombivli and Kalyan. Our new Dombivli outlet, strategically located, will help us serve the growing needs of customers in the region. We warmly welcome our Dombivli customers and look forward to crafting memorable holidays for them, both within India and internationally.”


Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines Announce New Codeshare and Loyalty Partnership

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on November 23, 2025

Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines have taken their partnership forward with the launch of a new codeshare agreement. This move builds on Etihad’s recently introduced Abu Dhabi–Hanoi service, creating smoother travel options between the UAE and Vietnam.

With this partnership, Etihad guests can now book onward journeys to major domestic destinations in Vietnam as well as popular cities across Asia, all on a single ticket. Travellers also benefit from one check-in and automatic baggage transfer, making Abu Dhabi an easy connection point to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer, Etihad Airways, said: "This partnership with Vietnam Airlines delivers significant value to our guests by unlocking access to some of Asia's most dynamic and popular destinations. Our new Abu Dhabi-Hanoi service has been warmly received, and this codeshare agreement transforms it into a gateway to Vietnam's most exciting cities. Combined with our frequent flyer partnership, which enables loyalty members of both airlines to earn and redeem miles across our combined global networks, this collaboration underscores our commitment to providing our guests with greater flexibility, broader reach, and superior travel experiences."

From Vietnam Airlines’ perspective, this collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier. Nguyen Quang Trung, Director of Corporate Planning and Development, Vietnam Airlines, said: “Vietnam Airlines is pleased to advance our partnership with Etihad Airways through this new codeshare agreement, following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. The collaboration offers seamless access to Etihad’s network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, while allowing more travellers to experience Vietnam Airlines’ signature warmth and hospitality. Together with our expanded frequent-flyer partnership, this agreement enhances convenience, broadens destination choices, and strengthens tourism and economic ties between Vietnam and the UAE.”

The rollout of the codeshare will take place in phases. As it expands, passengers of Vietnam Airlines will gain access to six destinations beyond Abu Dhabi, Athens, Addis Ababa, Bahrain, Muscat, Cairo, and Istanbul, opening up a wider network across the Middle East, Europe, and Africa through Etihad’s strong connectivity.

Etihad and Vietnam Airlines already have a frequent flyer partnership in place. Launched in July 2025, it allows Etihad Guest and Lotus Miles members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines’ networks. This loyalty integration adds more value to the newly announced codeshare, giving travellers broader options and smoother travel experiences.


IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

IndiGo Launches Direct Flights Between Delhi and Manchester

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

IndiGo, India’s preferred airline, has launched direct flights between Delhi and Manchester, starting 15th November 2025. This follows the airline’s successful first long-haul route connecting Mumbai to Manchester earlier this year.

The new 5x weekly service is operated on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, leased from Norse Atlantic Airways. The plane offers a two-class cabin with 56 IndiGoStretch seats and 282 Economy Class seats, ensuring comfort for long-haul travellers.

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), one of India’s top global gateways, now hosts IndiGo’s long-haul operations from the capital. On the UK side, Manchester Airport serves as a key hub, providing easy connections to Northern English cities including Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle.

By linking Delhi and Manchester, IndiGo aims to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and the UK, making international travel faster and more convenient.

Flight Schedule (Effective 15 November 2025)

Delhi to Manchester

  • Flight No.: 6E 0033

  • Days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 04:05 (local time)

  • Arrival: 09:30 (local time)

Manchester to Delhi

  • Flight No.: 6E 0034

  • Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

  • Departure: 11:15 (local time)

  • Arrival: 02:10 (+1, next day)

Note: All timings are in local time zones; +1 indicates arrival the next day.

About IndiGo
IndiGo is India’s preferred carrier and one of the fastest-growing airlines globally. Focused on affordability, punctuality, and hassle-free travel, the airline operates 2,300+ daily flights across 90+ domestic and 40+ international destinations. With a fleet of over 400 aircraft, IndiGo inducted 58 aircraft in 2024 and served 118 million passengers in FY25. It was also named ‘Best Airline in India and South Asia’ by Skytrax at the 2025 World Airline Awards.

For more details, visit www.goindigo.in or download the IndiGo mobile app.


Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

Cox & Kings Unveils ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ as Indians Choose Offbeat Winter Destinations

By Hariharan U

Published on November 19, 2025

As Europe settles into its most scenic season, Indian travellers are increasingly looking beyond the usual winter hotspots. This year, Central and Eastern Europe have become strong favourites, leading Cox & Kings to introduce its new ‘Winter Tales of Europe’ collection. The series focuses on handpicked journeys through quieter, cultural, and lesser-explored regions, offering an intimate view of Europe away from the typical tourist trails.

Booking patterns show a clear trend: places like Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Bulgaria are seeing higher demand among Indian travellers. These destinations offer a mix of heritage, calm winter beauty, and good value. From snow-covered old towns to peaceful mountains and festive markets without long queues, the region appeals to travellers seeking a more soulful winter holiday.

The new itineraries, ‘Eastern Wonders: A Winter Tale’, ‘Essence of Europe: Winter Journey’, and ‘Passionate Europe: A Winter Tale’, have been curated to highlight the slower and more immersive side of Europe. While winter does bring affordability with airfares and stays dropping up to 40% across Europe between November and March, Cox & Kings says the real focus is on meaningful experiences rather than seasonal discounts.

"There's a kind of quiet grandeur to Europe in winter especially in the regions that aren't yet overrun by tourism," says Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox & Kings. "Our Winter Tales itineraries bring that to life for travellers who want to go beyond the obvious and experience Europe as it truly feels to locals."

The Winter Tales series is open to a wide range of travellers: families looking for festive breaks, honeymooners, solo travellers joining group departures, senior explorers, and all-women groups under Cox & Kings’ Group Inclusive Tours (GIT) format. There is also flexibility for travellers who prefer independent travel, as the itineraries can be customised. Bookings for these journeys remain open until mid-March 2026.

About Cox & Kings
Cox & Kings is the world’s first and one of the most iconic travel houses, with a legacy of over 260 years. Established in 1758, it has been a pioneer in global travel across leisure, business, and specialised segments. Known for its deep expertise and curated experiences, the brand continues to guide generations of travellers with a blend of tradition, innovation, and customer-first hospitality.

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