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Thomas Cook unveils gee-whiz multicurrency travel card for Indian globetrotters
MUMBAI: Thomas Cook India today launched its revolutionary borderless prepaid multi-currency travel card, crafted specifically for India’s burgeoning overseas holiday market amid record-breaking foreign travel spending.
The card—unveiled in partnership with Mastercard and Visa—arrives as Indian travellers splashed out a staggering $17 billion on overseas travel in FY 2024, marking a 25 per cent year-on-year surge. Industry projections suggest this figure could rocket to $55.4 billion by 2034.
This first-of-its-kind eco-friendly travel card, made from recycled plastic, supports 12 global currencies and offers cardholders seamless spending power across more than 70 million merchant establishments and three million ATMs worldwide.
“We’ve built this card to address the evolving needs of India’s leisure segment,” said Thomas Cook India executive vice-president of foreign exchange Deepesh Varma. “It offers smooth multi-currency access, worldwide acceptance, and exclusive travel benefits—all with the reliability and security that our customers demand.”
Security features include embedded chip and pin technology, complimentary insurance cover up to Rs 7.5 lakh, and free emergency cash assistance if the card is lost or stolen.
The borderless travel card also packs a punch with exclusive perks, including:
* Free airport lounge access at select international airports in India
* Complimentary porter services
* A free international sim card
* 25 per cent off select global attractions
* Reward points redeemable for Thomas Cook holidays, flights and hotels
Mastercard senior vice president for South Asia Anubhav Gupta highlighted the changing landscape: “Today, the number of Indians travelling abroad in a single quarter is comparable to annual numbers from just 10 years ago.”
The timing of the launch—at the start of India’s key travel booking season—appears strategic as Thomas Cook seeks to reinforce its position as “India ka Forex Specialist” while tapping into the growing demand from tier two and three cities.
Visa India country manager Rishi Chhabra called the new offering “a joint commitment to financial inclusion and delivering unparalleled convenience to Indian globetrotters.”
The card represents Thomas Cook’s latest innovation in its prepaid portfolio, which already includes Study Buddy for students and EnterpriseFX for business travellers.
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Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
