In response to the rising demand for foreign exchange among Indian travelers, Thomas Cook India has partnered with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to introduce the first RuPay AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) forex card. This innovative product is tailored to enhance the travel experience for Indians visiting the UAE, a destination that has seen a significant increase in visitors from India.
Surge in Indian Travelers to the UAE
The launch comes at a time when outbound travel from India, particularly to the UAE, is witnessing exponential growth. In fact, statistics reveal a significant 12% year-on-year increase in Indian visitors to Dubai during the first quarter of 2024. Consequently, Thomas Cook’s foreign exchange business has seen an extraordinary doubling in transactions during this period. Moreover, this upward trajectory underscores the escalating demand for seamless and cost-effective travel solutions, thereby amplifying the importance of the new RuPay AED forex card. Additionally, as more travelers seek convenient options, the card’s unique benefits make it an even more attractive choice for those visiting the UAE.
Key Features of the RuPay AED Forex Card
The Thomas Cook RuPay AED card offers a comprehensive range of benefits designed to provide convenience and value for Indian travelers. Key features of the card include:
- Complimentary Travel Vouchers: Cardholders receive travel vouchers worth INR 13,900.
- Lounge Access: Enjoy access to lounges at international airports in India.
- Free ATM Withdrawals: Benefit from free ATM withdrawals in the UAE.
- Insurance Coverage: Complimentary insurance coverage up to INR 7.5 lakh.
- Exclusive Discounts: You can also avail a 50% discount on photography experiences at popular UAE attractions such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and more. In addition, these discounts offer a great opportunity to capture memorable moments at some of the UAE’s most iconic locations.
- KrisFlyer Miles: Earn miles on every forex purchase.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, commented on the significance of this new offering: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for Thomas Cook as we continue to innovate and meet the evolving needs of our customers. The RuPay AED card is a testament to our commitment to providing world-class travel solutions.”
Kunal Kalawatia, Chief of Products at NPCI, highlighted the collaboration’s role in enhancing the forex experience for Indian travelers: “The RuPay AED card is a step towards providing convenient and secure payment solutions for Indians visiting the UAE.”
This strategic collaboration between Thomas Cook India and NPCI aims to offer a seamless and cost-effective travel experience for the growing number of Indians exploring the UAE.
