By BW Hotelier

THOMAS COOK (India) Ltd has inked a pilot partnership with Airbnb to target high potential market for unique outbound travel experiences. Together they will offer Indians looking to travel abroad, access to a range of unique accommodation experiences at a variety of price points.

Thomas Cook India’s internal consumer research has revealed that for today’s Indian traveler, holiday accommodation goes beyond merely hotel categories or room types. Over 25 per cent of the Company’s individual traveler segment has stated their growing preference to explore authentic local stays and a desire for deeper engagement and an immersion into the destination, its culture and its people.

Hence, in an initiative to tap this increasing market potential, Thomas Cook India has signed a pilot agreement with Airbnb to leverage first mover advantage over this yet untapped segment. Thomas Cook India intends to offer significant value and flexibility to families, ad-hoc groups of friends and business-cum-leisure travelers via access to Airbnb’s unique stay options- across apartments, private rooms, castles, boats, manors, tree houses and private islands.

Madhavan Menon, Chairman & Managing Director, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, (see photo) said, ’The Indian traveler is evolving rapidly and for many, standard stays no longer find favor. Our partnership with Airbnb for outbound Indian travelers, aims to address this viable and yet untapped market need.’

He added, ’Our strategic focus is to target high potential growth opportunities via innovation in products and partnerships and our tie-up with Airbnb reiterates delivery of this intent.’

Varsha Rao, Head of Global Airbnb Operations, Airbnb, said, ’We are excited to work with a leader in India’s travel market to give Indian travelers the opportunity to have unique and truly authentic local experiences by staying in one of our more than two million properties around the world.’