Thomas Cook, SOTC launched a travel scheme among concerns

However, concerns of health and constant changes in protocols hang in the balance.

To ensure that it is safe to travel again, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Limited have announced a two-stage strategy--TravShield and Holiday First and Pay When You Return.

TravShield, a comprehensive safe travel commitment, is carefully designed with health and safety protocols to safeguard customers across holidays, MICE, and business travel, thus enhancing the companies’ existing Assured Insured Secured Travel Program, the company officials said.

To understand consumer behaviours and travel needs, Thomas.Cook India and SOTC surveyed over 4,000 customers in June.

The data analysis revealed strong pent up demand and essential needs while travelling in the current scenario.

The analysis revealed that 69 per cent of respondents showed keen interest to travel in 2021 post ease in restrictions with 18 per cent ready to travel post-unlock immediately and 51 per cent within 3-6 months.

Also, around 81 per cent of respondents emphasized their need for refundable/zero cancellation products and 52 per cent selected
complete re-sanitation of rooms.

A Thomas Cook release here said fully vaccinated hotel staff and drivers were other factors highlighted by 48 per cent and 34 per cent of respondents, respectively.