The Hindu Business Line : Thomas Cook ushers in franchise model

Speaking to Business Line, Ms Nalini Gupta, President and Head (Travel Business), said: "The network of franchisees, called Thomas Cook Gold Circle, will be an endeavour to fulfil the needs of discerning Indian travellers through a network of branded travel shops with a common look and feel."

The company's product range of card, travel insurance, forex and other end-to-end travel solutions will be available at these outlets.

As part of the business model, the partners will use the brand and logo of the company.

Thomas Cook will share 50 per cent of the basic salary of two staff members, including training of all in product, services and sales, Ms Gupta said.

Thomas Cook, which has presence in 11 countries outside India, plans to open representative offices in South Africa and Brazil shortly.

In India, it currently operates in over 55 cities through 196 outlets.

Recently, the company was travel partner for the IIFA Awards held at Yorkshire.

"We will also be a part of GIFA-Global Cine Awards, likely to happen by the end of 2007 or early 2008. The entire transportation, look-outs and others travel-related needs of film stars will be managed by us."

Thomas Cook caters to the travel requirements of one million customers in India annually and is looking at substantial growth, said Ms Gupta.

"The travel and tourism industry in India is growing at 20 per cent, and we will be looking at beating the industry growth," she added.

Thomas Cook posted net profit of Rs 2.39 crore during the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

However, the figures are not comparable with those of the corresponding previous quarter, said a senior official.

This is because of amalgamation of LKP Forex Ltd with the company, effective from April 1, 2006, inclusion of results of Travel Corporation of India Ltd, which was acquired last year, and exclusion of results of Hindustan Cargo Ltd, which was sold.

The accounting year of the company has also been changed from November-October to January to December.

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