Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s consumer insights reveal that while Europe continues to see strong demand, consumers are often faced with challenges of super peak pricing and limited availability. The new age traveller seeks experiences, shorter booking windows with immediate end-to-end fulfillment. This formed the genesis of the Companies’ Readymade Holidays to Switzerland and Paris, that ensures instant online bookings, backed with confirmed inventory and unbeatable pricing, starting at Rs. 84,900.00* for 6 days.

Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data indicates that Switzerland and Paris feature as favourites, comprising over 40% of consumer demand for Europe. What is noteworthy is that this demand is emerging from not just India’s metros and mini-metros, but also tier 2-3 cities. With a strategic intent to capitalize on the high potential and bring the best of both destinations, the Companies’ Readymade Holidays are carefully designed by experts based on years of experience and customer feedback. The portfolio offers an optimal mix of value including best deals, non-standard/handpicked experiences that appeal to segments from Gen Z to Gen S (seniors) – with special focus on families and honeymooners/couples.

The product range offers a seamless, instant book & buy process available via the Companies’ self-booking tools – apps and portals. Additionally, to support customers, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s omnichannel clicks & bricks model empowers customers with choice and convenience: speaking to a call centre executive for clarifications, walking into a nearby store to consult with a holiday expert or both.

Unique Experiences:
The Readymade Holidays include handpicked experiences like peak walk on the suspension bridge at Glacier 3000, the adrenalin rush of a canyon swing through a narrow glacial gorge at Interlaken, an exciting ride in an open-air cable car on the CabriO cableway at Stanserhorn, jet boating on Lake Brienz, river rafting in the Gstaad region, etc. Also included is a Bollywood Tour covering picturesque locales that form the backdrop of iconic films, pub-crawls, heady nightlife, concerts and more in Paris.

Additionally, the tours are packed with favourites like a visit to the PSG Football Stadium and Museum Tour, Louvre, Disneyland Paris, Schilthorn, Mt. Titlis, Olympic Museum – Lausanne, Swiss Transport Museum, Chillon – the island castle on Lake Geneva, a guided city tour with a local through the medieval alleys of the Zurich’s old town.

Accommodation and transfers:
The Companies’ Readymade Holidays guarantee stay in premium (4 star) accommodation across hotels and apartments, including a premium alpine stay in the uber luxe ski resort of Gstaad and stays in the heart of Paris – walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.

Included are private local transfers and magical train rides through stunning vistas across Switzerland. The holiday range also includes the Swiss Travel Pass that allows travellers to enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus and boat to visit more than 90 cities, special offers/discounts on mountain excursions and experiences.

Gastronomy:
Customers can experience authentic local flavours and attractions; this includes dining at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant located 1,322m above sea level overlooking Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offering stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Also, bar hopping to famous nightspots or the Grand Casino Lucerne and more. Chocolate connoisseurs can enjoy an interactive journey of discovery in the chocolate museum at Lindt Home of Chocolate, fondue experience…

Keeping vegetarian customers in mind, the Companies have also introduced dedicated vegetarian tours. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said: “Switzerland and Paris hold a strong allure for Indians and our internal data reiterates high demand for the upcoming summer season. We have hence handpicked experiences and locales that are sure to delight our customers with the launch of our Readymade Holidays. This special portfolio offers customers picturesque train journeys, premium accommodation, and once-in-a-lifetime-experiences! All products are ready-to-book with confirmed inventory and our promise of guaranteed best prices.

Food is a crucial aspect for Indians, and thus the locations of hotels and apartments have been chosen with care with easy access to Indian restaurants. We have also introduced special vegetarian tours for our vegetarian and Jain customers.”

Daniel D’souza President & Country Head – Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said: “Our Readymade Holidays portfolio has been created to offer our customers with simple, convenient and seamless online booking processes. All itineraries are designed with great care to ensure a balance of leisure and adventure as per customer preference.

Switzerland is famed for its Bollywood allure, and so, customers can choose to witness the iconic locales in-person. Other unique experiences include visits to the PSG Football Stadium and Museum Tour, Louvre Museum, Disneyland Paris, Chillon Castle in Lake Geneva; taking a guided city tour through Zurich with a local and more. In addition, customers can avail the benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass and enjoy unlimited access to public train, bus, and boat in Switzerland.

For customers who love to explore, we have created a special list of recommendations to help them add on to their itinerary.”