Travel company launches a `holiday first, pay on return' scheme to boost tourism

MUMBAI: In a move that would be a shot in the arm for the ailing tourism industry, two major travel companies have come together to offer a scheme under which tourists can pay for their holiday after they return.
Moreover, the travel companies said that they have ensured not only financial safety, but also `every aspect of physical safety' that comes into play when travelling during a pandemic.
Given that the conventional strategy of tour companies has been to offer heavy discounts for early bookings and payments, the current scheme takes off in an entirely new direction.
"To provide guidance and build confidence that it is safe to travel again, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Ltd have announced a two-pronged strategy: TravShield and Holiday First and Pay When You Return to cover every aspect of physical and financial safety," said a statement released by Thomas Cook.
"TravShield, a comprehensive safe travel commitment is designed with meticulous health and safety protocols to safe guard customers across Holidays, MICE and Business Travel and encompasses and enhances the companies’ existing Assured Insured Secured Travel Program," it said.
"To provide much needed financial support, the companies have introduced a unique Holiday First and Pay When You Return scheme to provide customers the flexibility and benefits of paying only once they return from their holiday," said the release, which did not speak about the cost of these trips.
The scheme is a result of a survey undertaken by the two companies in June 2021 to learn about consumer behaviour, needs and anxieties that come with travelling and holidaying during the pandemic.
The data analysis of the survey which covered over 4,000 consumers revealed strong pent up demand/travel desire along with key pain points/needs while travelling in the COVID era, the release said.
"A significant 69% respondents indicated keen interest to travel in 2021 post ease in restrictions - with 18% ready to travel immediately post unlock and 51% within 3-6 months. Approximately 81% respondents reiterated their need for refundable/zero cancellation products and 52% selected complete re-sanitation of rooms as a key requirement. Fully vaccinated hotel staff and drivers was a need highlighted by 48% and 34% respondents, respectively,'' it said.
TravShield was conceptualised to cover every aspect of physical safety as well as mental and financial security. "The comprehensive and meticulous health and safety Assured Program, in partnership with Apollo Clinics, is inbuilt into TravShield," it said.
TravShield offers benefits like contactless interactions during the sales and servicing stage, pre travel; sanitised branches with safety protocols, vaccinated travel advisors and contactless payment options. The scheme offers free rescheduling and cancellation, the release said. Then there is a COVID-19 insurance cover, 24/7 concierge and emergency contact assistance and 24/7 Doctor-On-Call in association with Apollo Clinics, it added.
Madhavan Menon, managing director, Thomas Cook (India) Limitedsaid, “TravShield encompasses and enhances our existing Assured Safe Travel Program, ensuring meticulous health and safety protocols at every stage of the customer journey. To benefit our customers and allay their fears, TravShield offers significant flexibility in rebooking/cancellations, guidance on travel protocols via our Safe Holiday Helpline; also our emergency Doctor On Call service while on tour." He added that to ease the financial burden of our customers, the company has also launched a unique and meaningful Holiday First and Pay When You Return scheme.