MAM
Thomas Cook India eyes strong growth in Maharashtra
MUMBAI: Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., India’s leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company, has identified Aurangabad as one of the high growth markets for its holiday business. In an initiative to leverage this opportunity, Thomas Cook India has strengthened its presence with the opening of a new Gold Circle Partner (GCP) franchise outlet at Hotel Amarpreet Square, Jalna Road. The outlet was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Mr. Dinesh Rathi, Managing Director, Rajuri Steels – Jalna in the presence of Mr. Ashish Gupta, Regional Manager – Leisure Travel – Maharashtra & Goa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. and Mr. Shreyas Khapre, General Manager – Leisure Travel, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.
Thomas Cook India’s distribution and reach in Maharashtra extends to 42 consumer access centres: 21 owned branches and 21 Gold Circle Partner (franchise) outlets.
The new Gold Circle Partner outlet at Jalna Road in Aurangabad offers consumers end-to-end travel solutions with a bouquet of travel and travel related financial services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group Tours, Personalised holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head Leisure Travel & M.I.C.E, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Maharashtra contributes a significant 20% to our overall Thomas Cook India holiday business. One of the key markets driving this growth is the city of Aurangabad showcasing over 25% YoY growth in demand. The new GCP outlet at Hotel Amarpreet Square, Jalna Road, is situated at a prime locality with an attractive catchment of segments- across families, business professionals and students.”
Brands
PRCI appoints Baldev Raj as Delhi chapter chairman
Six-month leap signals push for bold, AI-led shift in communications strategy
NEW DELHI: Public Relations Council of India has appointed Baldev Raj as chairman of its Delhi chapter, marking a swift elevation just six months after he took on the role of vice chairman.
The move comes amid growing churn in the communications industry, with trust deficits and misinformation reshaping how brands engage with audiences. According to the latest Edelman Trust Barometer, public trust in institutions continues to decline, while concerns around misinformation remain high.
Industry insiders say Raj’s rapid rise reflects the momentum he has built at Prius Communications, which has picked up five major industry awards in the past four months. His appointment signals PRCI’s intent to bring sharper, more future-facing leadership to the fore.
Under his leadership, the Delhi chapter is set to roll out a series of initiatives aimed at repositioning public relations as a strategic business function. These include an AI ethics and integration framework, a C-suite advisory council, and a revamped young communicators programme focused on mentorship and leadership development.
Commenting on the appointment, Public Relations Council of India chairman emeritus and chief mentor M. B. Jayaram said, “This wasn’t a question of succession; it was a question of strategic necessity. Baldev’s track record of innovation made it clear that we needed his vision and velocity at the helm now.”
For his part, Baldev Raj framed the role as a turning point for the profession. “Our profession stands at a crossroads. We can either be consumed by the tidal wave of AI-generated noise, or become the strategists who restore trust and clarity,” he said. He added that the focus will be on a ‘human plus machine’ approach, blending artificial intelligence with human insight.
Raj, founder of Prius Communications, operates across reputation management and strategic advisory, with specialised verticals in healthcare and brand consulting.
With this leadership shift, PRCI appears to be betting on speed, strategy and a stronger voice for communicators at the decision-making table.
