The global travel and tourism industry is still struggling due to the coronavirus pandemic. In India, domestic travel has opened, and international travel too will soon open in phases, but people are still wary of traveling. And not just that, travel today has completely changed from what it was pre-COVID.
An essential element of travel now is a COVID-negative certificate, but people are confused about how to obtain one. And travel agencies Thomas Cook and its group company SOTC will now help travelers get the certificate in association with ICMR accredited labs. They are the first travel service providers to offer seamless, end-to-end COVID-negative certification services. This initiative is an extension of their Assured Safe Travel Program in partnership with Apollo Clinics.
The company will now ensure that travelers have the option for a smooth and seamless end-to-end process with contactless COVID-negative certification services. It will help travelers get the certificate within 24-48 hours.
The Thomas Cook & SOTC COVID-negative certification services include, assistance on requirements/procedures for COVID testing via ICMR accredited centers, information on multiple locations/options available for the test, scheduling an appointment for the test pan India, making payment to the medical center on behalf of the customer, coordination between customer and medical center for a simple process and test report sent on email.
“Our expertise ensures that we manage all the complexities of the process seamlessly - be it the specific formats, differing time frames required by each authority and coordination between the medical centers - to deliver a delightful, hassle-free experience for all our customers,” said Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head - Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India).
Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “As hygiene and safety have become vital factors for Indian travelers, our priority has been to ensure that our customers feel safe and comfortable while traveling with us. In aiming to ensure health and safety for travelers, we are pleased to associate with ICMR accredited labs across India to provide a first of its kind contactless COVID-negative certification. This would certainly go a long way in easing the current concerns of travelers and build trust and confidence. The services, guarantee the necessary sanitary measures and will assure travelers of hygiene standards thus rebuilding confidence in a hassle-free journey for all our customers.”
The company has been launching several initiatives to revamp its business in India. Earlier this month, Thomas Cook and SOTC had launched Private Journeys – premium chauffeured van tours as the company believes the new era of travel will focus on personalization, hygiene, and safety.
