Cox & Kings to adopt franchisee model
MUMBAI, Close on the heels of travel firm Thomas Cook (India) announcing major expansion plans, it is now the turn of another travel major Cox & Kings to line up an extensive strategy for growth.
In a largely dis-organised travel market where a number of small players co-exist, Cox & Kings intends to target these entities and other entrepreneurs and enlist them as franchisees of the company.
Thomas Cook’s India CEO Urrshila Kerkar says, “We are looking at having close to 700 such franchisees over the next two-three years in primary, secondary and tertiary cities.”
The travel company will continue to retail its products through travel agents or GSAs (general selling agents). “Our network includes close to 200 GSAs. They would be, however, distinctly different from our franchisees,” Kerkar said.
The company will assist franchisee operators in setting up their businesses. The initial investment of around Rs 10-15 lakh, however, will have to be borne by the operator.
The franchisee operations is expected to boost Cox & Kings’ distribution might. Increasingly, players in the travel industry are looking at enhancing their distribution networks.
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