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.”