The Indian travel landscape is witnessing a rapid evolution. Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s India Holiday Report 2023 highlights unique trends – including a 70% surge in cruise holidays/ sea-cations. To capitalise on this significant potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of Cruise Holidays: from short cruise getaways/weekenders, river cruises, Polar cruises (Arctic/ Antarctica), round-the-world cruises and more. The companies intend to target their diverse range of segments – across leisure, corporate, b-leisure and MICE.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s consumer data reveals a stark contrast in Indian consumer trends. While globally cruising is predominantly a market for senior citizens, it is Young India’s Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals that are displaying a strong appetite for cruises (over 80% vs. pre pandemic). A combination of factors has increased the appeal for this younger demography: An expanded portfolio of sailings in South/SE Asia – Middle East, range of high adrenaline activities onboard and affordable price points coupled with easy access to financial models.
Domestic sailings have seen rapid revival post pandemic: Thomas Cook & SOTC have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 8 000 customers booked since travel restart.
Additionally, India presents a significant opportunity with its diversity of river-scapes. The companies have curated unique river cruise + land products: Antara cruises (from Kolkata); also Ganga river cruises like MV Ganga Vilas to explore exceptional routes from Varanasi to the North East. Kerala’s backwater cruises are also in high demand – offering a relaxed/leisurely experience amidst nature.
The Government of India aims at positioning India as a global cruise hub with state-of-art infrastructure for both ocean and river cruises. This is expected to further fuel the growth of the segment.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “At Thomas Cook India, we are bullish on the cruise opportunity and are witnessing a strong 60% YoY surge in demand. What is noteworthy is that we are seeing appetite across consumer segments from young India’s Gen Z/millennials, couples, multigenerational families and Corporate MICE. There is an increased preference for luxury experiences and higher categories like ocean-view cabins and suites. Our extensive cruise holidays portfolio offers a diversity of products to suit every consumer preference and price-point and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard!”
Daniel D’souza President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “Cruise Holidays offer Indians a perfect all-inclusive holiday – onboard a luxurious floating hotel. Our extensive portfolio of Cruise Holidays offers a wide range of cruise experiences, from entertainment and exciting activities, diverse cuisines, wellness-spa, shopping, to exploring new and exotic locales. We are witnessing strong growth emerging from regional India’s tier 2-3 markets; this is in addition to metros and mini-metros. Our forward pipeline highlights the strong potential for Cruise Holidays and with our extensive partnerships we look to introduce exciting new sailings in the coming months!”
Nalini Gupta, Managing Director Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA Costa Cruise India, said, “We are excited to launch the Costa Serena India domestic sailings programme for Indian travellers in November and December 2023, bringing international cruising at the very doorstep of an Indian guest. The cruise market in India is poised to experience significant growth over the next five years and we are very happy to be partnering with Thomas Cook Group for our repertoire of sailings within India, Middle East & Europe.
