Tuesday, January 30, 2024
In the post-pandemic era, as Indian travelers become more discerning and seek novel destinations, Bhutan is gaining prominence, witnessing a remarkable 25% growth in demand compared to the previous year. Seizing this lucrative opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, the leading omnichannel travel services company in India, along with its Group Company, SOTC Travel, has introduced an innovative initiative – exclusive charter flights to Paro (Bhutan) from Bengaluru, scheduled to commence in April 2024.
Southern India plays a pivotal role as a source market for Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel, currently contributing over 45% to their business in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, with a trajectory of growth. However, a significant challenge arises from the absence of direct air connectivity from the southern region of India, leading to increased costs (approximately 15%) and inconveniences such as multiple flights, changing airports/terminals, and various check-ins and baggage procedures. Addressing this gap, the companies have devised a Blue Ocean strategy by launching special charters to Bhutan from Bengaluru.
Bengaluru serves as a strategic gateway, allowing Thomas Cook and SOTC to enhance access through a hub-and-spoke model, not only to Karnataka but also to the broader Southern region’s powerful and expanding source markets.
The Thomas Cook and SOTC Bhutan charters encompass group tours (GIT), individual travel (FIT), and ad-hoc groups, targeting a diverse audience, including multigenerational families, groups of friends, couples/honeymooners, and the vibrant youth.
Bhutan, renowned as one of the happiest and greenest countries globally and the first carbon-negative nation, offers travelers breathtaking scenic vistas, distinctive monasteries, romantic hotspots, nature reserves, Himalayan terrain, lush green valleys, and rejuvenating hot-stone baths. Its unique culture and warm, welcoming people serve as strong USPs, making Bhutan an ideal destination for every discerning traveler.
Exclusive experiences offered in the Companies’ Bhutan Charter product include visits to Bhutan’s most sought-after monasteries, such as Taktsang Palphug, Rinpung Dzong, and the ancient Punakha Dzong. Travelers can explore the weekend market in Thimphu, learn archery, indulge in hot stone therapy at natural hot springs, and sightsee near Bhutan’s oldest walking suspension bridge – the Punakha Suspension Bridge. The tour also encompasses local Bhutanese meals, lunch at a farmhouse, beer tasting with snacks at Paro, and a local Bhutanese guide throughout the journey.
For outdoor/adventure and nature enthusiasts, the charter provides opportunities for white-water rafting at Po Chu and Moochu confluence or kayaking at Wang Chhu. Additionally, there is a trek to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) and bird watching to witness over 600 species of rare birds.
To ensure customer reassurance and support, all Thomas Cook and SOTC’s charters to Bhutan will be accompanied by the Companies’ expert tour managers from Bengaluru.
Tour Highlights:
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Innovation is in our DNA, and the launch of our exclusive charters from Bengaluru is a smart strategy to leverage the growing interest towards the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. South India has contributed the largest share to Bhutan and is a significant and growing market that we intend to tap via the launch of our charter departures. To inspire customers from this high growth market, we have designed a unique portfolio of products that offer the best of Bhutan. Bengaluru was chosen due to its central location and ease in connectivity across key source markets of South India.
Bhutan is truly a hidden gem and perfectly in sync with India’s rapidly evolving new age customers. The beautiful country is a harmonious blend of unique history, culture, breath-taking natural beauty, architecture, adventure, gastronomy and more.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “2024 marks the 75th anniversary of SOTC, and our announcement of charter departures to Bhutan is a first mover to capitalise on the uptick in demand. Our newly launched charter departures to Bhutan with Bengaluru as the gateway, offers our travellers from South India the benefits of ease and convenience with direct and exclusive flights to the destination.
Based on customer feedback, we have included experiences that are different from our traditional products.
We are working closely with Bhutan Tourism and key local partners and will continue to enrich our products to delight Indian customers.”
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