Thomas Cook Indiaoptimistic about Punjab market

Chandigarh, May 20, 2016 : Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, strengthened its presence in Punjab with the inauguration of a new branch at Hoshiarpur,inaugurated by Mr. Sham Sunder Arora (MLA- Hoshiarpur)

This expansion augments Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in the State of Punjab to 20consumer access centers:11 owned branches, 09Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets.

Thomas Cook’s internal research has highlighted Punjab 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 of Punjab via an optimal mix of owned and franchisee outlets.

2. Consumer empowering Product-Service Portfolio:
• Remittances (both Inward and Outward); its “Send Money Abroad” covering over 120 countries
• Prepaid Travel Cards:
o Multi-currency Borderless Prepaid Card in partnership with MasterCard- with 8 global currencies
o Thomas Cook One Currency Card – India’s first prepaid card with Zero cross currency conversion fees
• Easy ways to Bookfor Punjab’s rapidly evolving on-the-move consumer
o Forex App; Online Forex; Forex on Mobile.
• Education Forexfor Punjab’s strong overseas student segment with discounted air fares, excess baggage, insurance and foreign exchange products

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

Thomas Cook India’s new outlet at Roshan Road, next to Vishal Mega Mall, Hoshiarpur is a prime location providing the Company a viable catchment area for a range of consumers: NRIs, families, business travellers, students and senior citizens. Thomas Cook’s new retail outlet will offer travellers end-end Foreign Exchange services.

Mr. Mohan Krishna H, Sr. Vice President & Head - Sales & Relationship Management Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, said, “Punjab is a significant source market and is delivering strong growth of 25% YoYfor our Foreign Exchange business. Punjab is a prime growth driver and our new Hoshiarpur branch, being a key residential area and a viable NRI & student hub, gives our consumers convenient access to a range of travel and foreign exchange services.”

He concluded by adding, “We have just launched our innovativeThomas Cook One Currency Card&FOREX mobile app, and we are confident of seeing strong uptake from Punjab’s tech savvy travellers.”