Mumbai, March 12, 2021: With the roll-out of the vaccine ushering in positive corporate sentiment, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading integrated travel services company, has set its sights on the re-start of MICE travel. In a focussed initiative aimed at building corporate confidence in MICE, the company conducted a unique physical corporate outreach at JW Marriott Aerocity - tapping into the strong market potential of NCR & North India. The event themed The Art of Travel, in partnership with Marriott International and New Zealand Tourism, showcased the Thomas Cook India Assured-Insured-Secured program, together with Marriott International’s Commitment to Clean to ensure reassurance from a health and safety perspective.
The event witnessed strong participation from over 48 leading multinational corporations and Indian corporate houses across sectors that included BFSI, automobiles, electronics, manufacturing, export, etc.
The inaugural address was delivered by Mr. Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head - Global Business Travel - Thomas Cook (India) Limited and the keynote address by Mr. Jatin Khanna, Market Vice President - North India, Bhutan and Nepal, Marriott International. An engaging panel discussion on the future of MICE Travel was moderated by Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head - MICE, Holidays, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited. Given the significant domestic opportunity in the face of limited re-opening of borders, Thomas Cook India’s MICE Travel Mart featured the diversity of Destination India’s MICE locales and exceptional experiences - countrywide. Thomas Cook India’s MICE team also showcased its eclectic #NextinMICE portfolio – customisable based on the corporate requirement/s.
With renewed corporate interest in international travel, the event introduced destinations like New Zealand – a favourite with the premium MICE segment. The New Zealand Tourism Board Country Head, Ms. Neha Bhola, welcomed the participants and presented unique experiences together with MICE focussed programs/incentives to benefit India’s corporates once borders reopen.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Following the resounding success of our first MICE Travel Mart in Mumbai, we had received strong interest from our NCR & North India based corporates. And I am truly delighted with the strong participation for our first physical event in Delhi since lockdown – with over 48 corporates attending. We’ve received unprecedented demand for our #NextInMICE products and our comprehensive Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics, has worked very well to build confidence in MICE travel. We are truly grateful to Marriott and New Zealand Tourism who have partnered with us in this innovative platform that has created invaluable space for insightful discussions and one-on-one interactions.”
Mr. Neeraj Govil, Senior Vice President of Operations, APEC, Marriott International said, “MICE is a key driver of economic, intellectual and cultural growth. With the MICE industry gradually opening up across markets, our partnership with Thomas Cook India has turned out to be extremely beneficial in restoring guest’s confidence for business travel. Where historically events followed a certain set pattern of operation, Covid has forced the industry to completely rethink and reimagine the way meetings and events should be conducted today. Domestic tourism is currently at its peak and customers are constantly looking for services that work best with socially distanced norms. The MICE Travel Mart addressed accurate measures that support the recommencement and continuation of this vital industry, keeping in mind the recalibrated approach for travellers who now feel confident about stepping out for business.”
Mr. Steven Dixon, Regional Trade Marketing Manager, Asia, Tourism New Zealand said, “New Zealand’s stunning scenery, unique Māori culture, and outstanding visitor experiences help to create a memorable event. World-class venues, from purpose-built convention centres to international hotel brands, provide the infrastructure and service for smooth organisation. New Zealand’s warm welcome is a source of national pride, and our dramatic landscapes and lively cities offer some of the world’s most awe-inspiring experiences. New Zealand has something to offer groups of all sizes and tastes. From exhilarating jet boat safaris, breath-taking glow-worm caves and world-class golf courses to award winning cuisine and fascinating Māori culture. New Zealand is the perfect place for high performers to relax and recharge. And because it’s compact, it’s easy to pack a lot into your incentive programme, meaning participants get to experience a lot in one trip.
We are pleased to partner with Thomas Cook India to build engagement and deliver quality incentive experiences for corporates. We look forward to maintaining a strong relation with the company as we continue to expand our reach in-market.”
Mr. Puneet Anand, Associate Vice President & Group Head, Corporate Affairs and Corporate Communications, Hyundai Motors India Limited said, “I am delighted to be part of Thomas Cook India’s MICE Travel Mart and happy to see so many people attend. While COVID-19 has pushed us to re-look at the use of technology in the world of MICE, going forward we will see a growing mix of phygital events. As all of us get more confident to participate in the new normal, the health and safety measures put in place by Thomas Cook India and Marriott International help us with a renewed sense of confidence and we look forward eagerly to our future events.”
Assured Insured Secured Program: To ensure health and safety of customers, Thomas Cook India has put together a holistic three pronged customer confidence-building program in the form of Assured-Insured-Secured that covers every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security to give the customer complete peace of mind. The company has launched several meaningful initiatives: The Assured Safe Travel Program and Doctor on Call 24x7 service in partnership with Apollo Clinics; India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline, a free service offering expert guidance & assistance for safe holiday planning, visa assistance, country specific updates, on-ground health and safety measures, health certification, etc. and seamless COVID-negative certification services via a tie up with ICMR accredited labs.
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