Cox & Kings strengthens its franchise network

Travel operator, Cox & Kings India, plans to increase its franchise network across the country. The company would focus on enhancing its distribution reach within India, through franchise sales outlets as well as through the Internet.

Speaking to Abha Garyali of Franchise India Holding Limited (FIHL), Thomas C Thottathil, Head, Corporate Communications, Cox & Kings said, “The company would be strengthening its footholds across India by taking its count to 150 by this year’s end.” Cox & Kings plans to launch its outlets in tier-II and III cities through the franchise route.

Cox & Kings currently has 80 franchise sales outlets in 44 locations across India. The company is betting big on the inbound tourist traffic from the US, UK, Russia and Japan because it feels that a recovery in the foreign markets would further enhance its earning prospects. Besides, it expects to attract more business from international tourists through the Maharajas’ Express, India’s first pan-India super luxury train that began its first journey last month from Mumbai to Kolkata.

Moreover, the company is also planning to acquire travel firms in English speaking markets such as the US, Canada, England, Australia and New Zealand. Cox & Kings, which raised Rs 610-crore through a public issue in December last year, has earmarked Rs 150-crore to fund such acquisitions.