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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.”
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By Hariharan U
Published on December 19, 2025
As the countdown to 2026 begins, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels & Resorts invite travellers to celebrate the New Year in style with thoughtfully curated packages across some of India’s most picturesque destinations. From lakeside luxury and hill retreats to wildlife escapes, these celebrations promise a perfect blend of fun, relaxation, and indulgence.
ZANA Luxury Resorts – Jim Corbett: Guests at ZANA Luxury Suites & Cottages and ZANA In The Wild can enjoy an energetic New Year under the stars with DJ entertainment, fireworks, lucky draws, and a live performance by acclaimed percussionist Nishant Gugnani. A dedicated kids’ zone and special buffet ensure fun for all ages.
ZANA Lake Resort, Udaipur: Celebrate amid the shimmering lakes of Udaipur with a serene yet festive lakeside gala dinner. Guests can enjoy gourmet breakfasts, leisurely hi-teas, and even bring their own alcohol for a personalised experience.
ZANA By The Ganges, Rishikesh: This newest luxury address offers a soulful start to 2026 with a lively gala dinner, live singing, and tranquil views of the Ganges and Himalayas—perfect for those seeking festive celebrations with a touch of serenity.
ZANA Forest Resort, Ranthambore: Spread across 11 acres, the resort blends luxury cottages, green spaces, and a festive gala dinner, making it ideal for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet memorable New Year.
Country Inn Nature Resort, Bhimtal: Surrounded by hills and crisp mountain air, guests can enjoy a DJ, fireworks, Kumaoni folk dance, live singing, bonfire, and a lavish gala dinner, providing a joyous and family-friendly way to welcome 2026.
Country Inn Premier, Mussoorie: Step into the New Year with panoramic hill station views, warm hospitality, a lively DJ, and gala dinner, creating a relaxed yet festive celebration in Mussoorie.
Country Inn Riverside Resort, Jim Corbett: Adjacent to ZANA In The Wild, this property offers a nature-centric celebration with fireworks, bonfire, DJ entertainment, lucky draws, and live percussion performances, ensuring a memorable New Year getaway.
Across all locations, guests can enjoy live music, curated gastronomic experiences, and immersive entertainment designed to create unforgettable memories. With these New Year packages, ZANA Luxury Resorts and Country Inn Hotels offer the perfect blend of celebration, comfort, and scenic beauty.
Published on December 10, 2025
PRISM, the parent company of OYO, has announced a full refund policy for guests who could not check into their hotels between December 5 and 15, 2025 due to the widespread flight disruptions across India. With more than 1,400 flights cancelled over the weekend and multiple delays crossing four hours, thousands of travel plans were affected at the peak of the wedding and holiday season.
Under this policy, guests who booked through the OYO or CheckIn apps will receive automatic refunds once they submit valid proof of cancellation or delay. PRISM is also coordinating closely with its hotel partners to ensure the process is smooth and does not burden small and mid-sized properties that depend heavily on seasonal business.
Sharing more details, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, PRISM Asia, said, “Our early estimates indicate that significant bookings across our hotel network may be affected by the ongoing flight disruptions. Coinciding with the peak wedding and holiday season, both leisure and business travel plans are being impacted. Our decision to offer full refunds is guided by empathy and a sense of responsibility to ensure our guests are not financially burdened by circumstances entirely beyond their control.”
PRISM today operates 13,000+ hotels under brands such as Townhouse, Sunday and Palette across India. To support the increased volume of queries, the group has also expanded its customer service team to help guests with refund requests and clarity on documentation. The company will continue to monitor the situation and extend the refund window if required.
Guests can access detailed policy information or raise requests through the CheckIn policy page or contact the dedicated support helpline.
By Manu Vardhan Kannan
Published on December 8, 2025
Christmas in India brings together beaches, hills, colonial heritage, and cultural celebrations, creating a festive atmosphere that feels unique to every region. Showcasing this diversity, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have highlighted seven destinations that capture the country’s holiday spirit and inspire travellers to plan memorable year-end trips.
Goa remains one of India’s most popular festive escapes, glowing with lights, carols, and its signature Christmas flavours. Churches such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception host soulful midnight masses that attract visitors from across the country. Travellers can explore lively Christmas markets, enjoy beachfront music sessions, or savour traditional Goan feasts.
In Kerala, Christmas blends coastal charm with serene celebrations. Cities such as Kochi, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram come alive with star lanterns, nativity displays, and warm community gatherings. A backwater cruise on Christmas Eve, a Kathakali show in Kochi, and the beautifully lit streets of Fort Kochi offer a relaxed yet festive holiday experience.
Puducherry brings together French elegance and coastal simplicity for a peaceful Christmas getaway. White Town turns into a picture-perfect festive setting lined with cafés, heritage buildings, and soft illumination. Visitors can attend midnight mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, enjoy French-Indian festive menus, or spend quiet evenings by the sea.
For travellers seeking a hill destination, Meghalaya offers a vibrant yet serene celebration. Shillong shines with decorated churches, choir performances, and lively music nights that reflect the state’s strong musical culture. Christmas fairs, colourful lights at Police Bazaar, and outings to Umiam Lake make it an inviting winter retreat.
A culturally rich experience awaits visitors in Nagaland, where community feasts, gospel performances, and beautifully decorated churches define the celebrations. Kohima and Dimapur showcase the state’s strong sense of togetherness, while travellers visiting in early December can also experience the energy of the Hornbill Festival.
Kolkata brings timeless charm to Christmas with its Anglo-Indian traditions and festive street scenes. Park Street turns into a hub of lights, music, and food, drawing crowds throughout the season. Midnight mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral, treats from heritage bakeries, and the warm celebrations of Bow Barracks add to the nostalgic experience.
Those dreaming of a winter escape can head to Shimla, where pine trees, colonial architecture, and the possibility of snow create a classic Christmas mood. The Ridge and Mall Road glow with decorations, while Christ Church offers a peaceful setting for Christmas services. Visitors can enjoy scenic walks, warm cafés, and short trips to Kufri for snow-filled adventures.
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s curated selection offers travellers a chance to choose a Christmas holiday that suits their festive mood, be it relaxed, cultural, adventurous, or nostalgic.
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