Thomas Cook India leverages UAE growth opportunity

Based on strong demand and growing traffic from India to the UAE (an approximately 14% YoY increase in 2017), Thomas Cook India’s inclusion of the Dirham to its multi-currency Borderless Prepaid Card portfolio, reiterates its strategic intent to harness this growth momentum. 

The new prepaid card will now create a seamless payment experience for its customer base of over 500,000, offering convenience, ease and security in spending while travelling across the UAE.

Kailash Gupta, SVP and Head of Payment Solutions, Thomas Cook (India), said, “The UAE is a top destination for Indian travellers; its convenience both as a short haul and stop-over holiday, coupled with extensive air access, new attractions (Dubai Parks & Resorts, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros-Yas Island, La Perle, etc.) are proving to be strong growth drivers for repeat visits. 

Data reveals that Dubai witnessed a noteworthy 15% YoY increase in 2017 with 2.1 Mn. visitors; India retaining the top spot as its largest source market. In addition, India is equally a leading source market for Abu Dhabi with an 11.4% YoY increase in 2017. The introduction of the AED to our multi-currency Borderless Prepaid Card portfolio intends to capitalise on this growth momentum and offer our UAE bound travellers a simple, smooth and secure payment solution.”

He added one of the pillars of today’s ‘new age of travel’ is the role of e-commerce platforms and services at each stage of the journey; before during and post travel. 

“Today’s ‘new age of travel is increasingly defined by experiences that are genuinely personal and personalised, that have a deeper meaning or purpose, and which are facilitated at all stages via technology and the Internet.”

Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director of Promotion and Overseas Offices Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “India is one of our largest overseas source markets having contributed over 2 million visitors from a total of around 5 million in 2017. As such, we continue to make relentless efforts to offer Indian visitors a hassle-free experience and entice them to visit the Emirate and enjoy its top attractions and unique culturally-enriching experiences.”

“India has a massive potential to expand the tourism inflow to Abu Dhabi and we are aiming to increase the share of Indian tourists from the overall target number of 5.5 million visitors by the end of 2018. Moving forward, we will keep leveraging our network of partners and stakeholders as to cement the Emirate’s position as a destination of distinction for world-class tourism, family vacations, leisure and weddings,” he added.