Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, strengthened its presence in Thiruvanthapuram, with the launch of a new branch outlet at Kazhakootam, and the relocation of its flagship retail branch to a prime hub on M. G.  Road. This strategic expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in the State of Kerala to 18 consumer access centers: 10 owned branches, 3 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets, and 5 Airport counters (Thiruvanthapuram & Kochi international airports)

Thomas Cook’s internal research had highlighted Kerala as a high potential market and the Company has hence chosen the state as a key driver of its 2 pronged strategic plan:

1. Distribution and Reach: Focused expansion in viable metros/non-metros and Tier II & III markets of Kerala via an optimal mix of owned and franchisee outlets. Innovative and impactful consumer access via its unique “shop-in-shop” model (e.g. its pioneering LuLu Mall outlet in Kochi)

2. Launch of a consumer empowering Product-Service Portfolio:
Remittances (both Inward and Outward); its “Send Money Abroad” covering over 120 countries
Multi currency Borderless Prepaid Card in partnership with MasterCard- a first in the non bank space with the reassurance of safety, access and convenience.

‘Easy ways to Book Thomas Cook’s innovative suite for Kerala’s rapidly evolving on-the-move consumer
1. Online Forex
2. Forex on Mobile
3. Booking via phone, call, sms or even a tweet!
Student ‘U-Special’ with discounted air fares, excess baggage, insurance and foreign exchange products

In addition to Thomas Cook’s diversity of offerings including travelers cheques, 26 global currencies, Draft & Wires money to universities in 120 countries

The new Thomas Cook shop at Kazhakootam in Thiruvanthapuram is centrally located and will offer a range of foreign exchange and holiday products and services (domestic and international packages, individual and group tours), cruises, visa, & insurance.

Commenting on the inauguration, Mr. Mohan Krishna H, Vice President & Head - Sales & Relationship Management Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, “Our new Kazhakootam outlet and M. G. Road relocation is an emphatic delivery of our strategic intent to expand Thomas Cook’s footprint in Kerala. We are already seeing impressive growth of 25% YoY from the State and with the launch of our unique and innovative consumer centric products-services already witnessing strong uptake, we are confident of Kerala powering our growth story for 2014-16.”

He added, “Our focus has always been easy access for our customers and our initiatives in Kerala we hope will get us right to our customers doorstep!”