Thomas Cook launches five new partner outlets

MUMBAI: Travel and travel-related financial services company Thomas Cook (India) today launched five new partner outlets expanding its reach across the country.

These franchisee outlets cover a diversity of socio-economic markets, including Mumbai and Ahmednagar in Maharashtra, Gulbarga in Karnataka, Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh and Pondicherry, the company said in a release issued here.

"In keeping with our vision to expand our distribution network across India, we have implemented our expansion strategy via opening five new Gold Circle Partner outlets in the first quarter of 2012," TCIL Chief Operating Officer- Leisure Travel (Outbound), Madhav Pai said.

The company sees a large potential customer base in these cities and these outlets will provide all travel-related servicesa.

"While we will continue our expansion in the Tier I and Tier II cities of India, our focus will be strong on the emerging Tier III markets like Ahmednagar and Gulbarga, and tap into the growth potential of these cities," Pai said.

The company's footprint currently extends to over 206 locations (including 25 airport counters) in 78 cities across India, Mauritius and Sri Lanka and is supported by 112 Gold Circle Partners and 166 Preferred Sales Agents.

Meanwhile, Thomas Cook, UK, the parent company is reported to be close to selling its stake in the Indian company. About half a dozen companies as also some private equity firms have shown interest in picking up the British company's stake.