As Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, India’s couples are displaying high interest for an extended weekend getaway to nearby destinations
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Thomas Cook (India), the largest travel firm in India, says that a 35 pc surge in demand for romantic holiday travel to celebrate the occasion of love has been witnessed by it as well as its subsidiary SOTC Travel.
In a press statement, the companies say that as Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, India’s couples are displaying high interest for an extended weekend getaway to nearby destinations. This being India’s wedding season, there is an uptick from the honeymoon segment, in addition to couples and double income no kids (DINKs). To cater to this demand, both the companies have launched a diverse range of Valentine’s Day holidays that offer exclusive activities for couples to create memorable experiences, says the statement.
Besides several domestic destinations that have been long-time favourites for Indian travellers, the two companies are offering a variety of short haul destinations, especially that offer visa on arrival or e-visa like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman. All these destinations are seeing brisk demand, says the statement.
The statement says that besides these, popular international locales such as Switzerland, France, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea are also in demand for Valentine’s Day.
The companies say that their packages for romantic escapades offer sundowners, private dining, couple spas-wellness, wine tasting; outdoor-adventure experiences like yachting, kite-sailing, scuba diving, camping, trekking, hot air ballooning; biking trips to scenic terrains; safari drives and jungle experiences.
The statement adds that cruises represent a unique value proposition for couples: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/ check-out and transfers. Popular international cruise liners include Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Resorts World Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
“To cater to the 35 pc surge in travel demand for the upcoming Valentine’s Day week, we have designed memorable experiences for India’s couples and honeymooners to celebrate this occasion. Our range of Valentine’s Day holidays allows our customers to indulge in stunning natural beauty, romantic private dining and wellness, unique local experiences, visit to vineyards, outdoor/adventure activities and cruise holidays. We want our customers to make the most of this special opportunity and so our romantic breaks come with a host of exciting deals, discounts and value offers,” says Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).
“Indian couples are looking forward to travelling together and make special memories. This being the wedding season, there is growing travel demand from honeymooners as well. We have created romantic escapades and honeymoons – to help our couples relax, rejuvenate and spend quality time together and make out of the world memories. To ensure a once in a lifetime experience, we have included exclusive romantic and fun elements in our products, with great pricing and unbeatable deals,” says Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel.
