Mumbai, 30th April, 2024
Thomas Cook and SOTC successfully operate their inaugural Charter to Bhutan from Bengaluru on April 27th, 2024
Flight operated at 100% capacity
• Sold-out inaugural charter flight underscores strong appetite from Bengaluru & Karnataka for unique destinations & experiences
• Bookings for upcoming Bhutan charters also at 100% capacity - demonstrating significant interest for Bhutan
• Bengaluru Airport serving as a crucial hub for burgeoning travel market of Karnataka & South India
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services provider, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have achieved a significant milestone with their inaugural charter taking off from Bengaluru to Paro (Bhutan) at 100% capacity. This exceptional delivery underscores the robust demand from Bengaluru and Karnataka for premium destinations-experiences.
Post announcement of their ground-breaking Bhutan charters ex-Bengaluru, Thomas Cook & SOTC have witnessed a surge in demand for the Himalayan Kingdom. This has resulted in an enviable 100% booking status for all its charters of April 27th, May 4th and 11th. To leverage this strong and growing appetite, Thomas Cook & SOTC have launched two additional charters on May 18th and 25th, 2024.
Thomas Cook and SOTC identify South India as a vital market, contributing over 50% to Bhutan's business, with significant growth potential. Launching special charters from Bengaluru to Bhutan addresses the challenge of limited air connectivity, offering its customers convenience and cost-effectiveness. The Companies charters cater to diverse traveller preferences, with unique experiences appealing to families, friends, couples, and young India.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, at Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, "We are delighted with the overwhelming response from our consumers, across Karnataka and the Southern region – resulting in a sold-out status of our inaugural Bhutan charter flight! And this has given us the confidence to operate two additional charters on 18th and 25th May.
We had handpicked Bengaluru airport as the hub/gateway for this initiative based on 3 clear opportunities: 1. Karnataka is our top source market 2. The high demand for consumers for unique destinations-experiences 3. The absence of direct connectivity for Bhutan from South India.
What is noteworthy is that all our flights are currently at a 100% booking position – reflecting a resounding success of our pioneering Bhutan Charter strategy.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, "Our charter initiative to Bhutan reiterates SOTC’s sustained commitment to innovation and exceptional customer experience in this our 75th anniversary year. Our exclusive charters from Bengaluru, are aimed at empowering travellers from South India with access and convenience to Bhutan – a destination that represents a delightful diversity of stunning vistas, culture, cuisine and warm people.
Drawing on our customer feedback, and in partnership with Bhutan Tourism, Bhutan Airways and our local destination partners, our charter programs offer experiences that ensure an unforgettable journey for our customers.”
Carissa Nimah, Chief Marketing Officer of the Department of Tourism Bhutan said, “This is a wonderful initiative from Thomas Cook India & SOTC, as the flight will help to boost tourism and foster closer ties between India and Bhutan. Through this charter flight, Bhutan becomes more accessible to travellers eager to explore Bhutan’s unique culture and stunning landscapes, driving economic growth and cultural exchange. We see a lot of demand to visit Bhutan from the southern states of India, and a direct flight is a wonderful opportunity to simplify the journey for the guests.”
Satyaki Raghunath, Chief Operating Officer at Bangalore International Airport Ltd, commented, "We are happy to welcome this charter service that will connect BLR Airport to Bhutan’s Paro International Airport. This move further strengthens BLR Airport’s vision to serve as a crucial hub for South and Central India, facilitating connectivity and encouraging diverse and enriching travel opportunities to captivating destinations. We are committed to fostering such valuable partnerships and will continue to work together to ensure passengers enjoy smooth and seamless travel experiences."
For further details click here:
Thomas Cook
SOTC
*T&C Apply
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is the leading omnichannel travel company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services and Visa Services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景), Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa.
As one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region, The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.
TCIL has been felicitated with The Best Tour Operator at India Travel Awards North 2023, MICE Travel Operator of the Year at the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Awards 2023, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award (Travel Tourism & Hospitality) at the Corporate Citizen Conclave & Award 2023, The Outbound Tour Operator of the Year 2022 & 2019 at the SATTE Awards, IAMAI India Digital Awards 2022, CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2022 & 2021, CIO100 Award for digital innovation 2022, ‘Innovation in Omni-experience’ Award at International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Industry Innovation Awards 2021, The Best Travel Agency – India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2019 & 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019-2021, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance 5 years in a row and the Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - ‘CRISIL AA- / Stable’ on the long-term bank facilities of TCIL and ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating on the short-term bank facilities and short- term debt of the company.
For more information, please visit www.thomascook.in
Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 63.83% of its paid-up capital.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. V. Prem Watsa, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.
About Subsidiaries of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL):
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is a leading leisure hospitality company with 40+ resorts, hotels and retreats across hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, adventure, heritage, pilgrimage and drive-to locations. Sterling provides a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited
SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) (operating brands Sita, TCI and Distant Frontiers), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is the leading Destination Management Company in India that offers tailor-made travel and related services to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
DEI Holdings Limited
Thomas Cook India Group holds 51% stake in DEI Holdings Limited (DEI), one of the world’s leading imaging solutions and services providers.
For more information, visit:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Ancy Johnas | +91 97678042720 | Ancy.Johnas@sotc.in
Mumbai, 23rd April, 2024
In its 75th year, SOTC Travel expands retail network with a new Holiday Store in Mumbai
Mumbai features among top 3 source markets for SOTC
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, inaugurated its new outlet in Thakur Village, Kandivali. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel and Himanshu Sampat, Associate Vice President, B2C Sales, SOTC Travel. This new addition expands SOTC’s network strength to eleven stores in Mumbai (3 retail and 8 franchise), reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city. The new outlet will also cater to nearby areas of Malad, Dahisar, Borivali.
With a rich heritage of 75 years of being an Indian-grown brand, SOTC firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. Mumbai is among the Company’s top 3 source markets, and the newly inaugurated outlet, underscores SOTC’s intent to enhance access and convenience for the city’s powerful consumer base.
Maharashtra/Mumbai Travel Trends
• Increased travel intent in 2024: 30% YoY
• Desire for multiple trips: 25% higher compared to pre-pandemic
• Higher spends: 26% compared to pre-pandemic
• Top destinations
o Domestic: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Andamans; Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal in the subcontinent
o International: Europe (Switzerland, France, Spain); Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA (for visa holding customers).
New emerging: Japan & South Korea
• Strong demand for spiritual journeys and darshans
• Unique preferences: high interest for experiential holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips
• Top customer segments: families, business owners, millennials and Gen Z
Customers from this region are very mindful of their food preferences and hence the Company has introduced a wide range of ‘Gurjar Vishwadarshan holidays’ - curated tours that offer vegetarian and Gujarati meals
The Company is popularly known for its group escorted tours - international and domestic and customized holidays. To boost demand, SOTC Travel has announced an exciting inaugural offer – customers can avail a discount of up to Rs. 20,000/- per family on SOTC’s European Holidays.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
Shop no. 57, Jupiter CHS Limited,
Thakur Millenium Paradise, Thakur Village (East)
Mumbai - 400101
Contact Number: +91 9594749573
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, "Maharashtra is a high potential region and Mumbai continues to be one of our top 3 source markets at SOTC. We are witnessing robust demand of 30% YoY from this region. We are delighted to open our new store in Kandivali - this new addition increases our network strength in the city to eleven stores, and caters to customers from western part of Mumbai. Our new store is centrally located and allows us to target valuable segments of families, millennials, business owners, and Gen Z. We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
SOTC Travel’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.
About SOTC Travel: SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
SOTC has been felicitated with Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE 2024, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President's Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau 2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador's Travel Awards 2019.
For more information, visit:
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Ancy Johnas | +91 97678042720 | Ancy.Johnas@sotc.in
Kolkata, April 16, 2024
In its 75th year, SOTC Travel expands retail network with a new Holiday franchise in New Town, Kolkata
Kolkata features among top 5 source markets for SOTC
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, inaugurated its new franchise in New Town, Kolkata. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Rakesh Bawa, Sr. Vice President & Head - National Sales - SOTC Travel. This new addition expands SOTC’s network strength to six stores in Kolkata (1 retail and 5 franchise), reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city. The new outlet will also cater to nearby areas of Newtown Action Area 2 and Rajarhat.
With a rich heritage of 75 years of being an Indian-grown brand, SOTC firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. Kolkata is among the Company’s top 5 source markets, and the newly inaugurated outlet will cater to a range of customer segments including multigenerational families, Gen S/seniors, couples, millennials and Gen Z.
Kolkata Travel Trends
• Increased travel intent in 2024: 25% YoY
• Desire for longer stays: 20% higher compared to pre-pandemic
• Higher spends: 25-30% compared to pre-pandemic
• Top destinations
o Domestic: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Andamans, Kerala, Goa, Bhutan and Nepal in the subcontinent
o International: Europe’s Switzerland, France, Spain, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, UK, sUSA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore
• Unique preferences: increased demand for personalized holidays and group tours, and high interest for experiential holidays, spiritual journeys, domestic cruises, eclectic stays, safaris and biking trips
Customers from Kolkata are inclined towards culture and spirituality, hence to cater to their unique preferences SOTC has introduced a range of Durga Puja special departures specially designed around the preferences of Bengali travellers including the comfort of local food on tour and SOTC’s Bangla speaking expert tour managers.
The Company is popularly known for its group escorted tours - international and domestic and customized holidays. To boost demand, SOTC Travel has announced an exciting inaugural offer – discounts of up to Rs. 50,000 on select holidays.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
BLOCK AE - 39, 1st floor,
New Town, Kolkata - 7001561
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, "Kolkata is a high potential market for us and features among our top 5 source markets for leisure travel at SOTC. We are witnessing a robust growth in demand of 25% YoY from this region, and the addition of our new store in New Town increases our network strength, and caters to customers from New Town Action Area 2 and Rajarhat. This new addition increases our network strength in the city to six stores, and offers easy accessibility thus allowing us to cater to a range of customers segments.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
SOTC Travel’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.
About SOTC Travel: SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
SOTC has been felicitated with Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE 2024, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President's Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau 2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador's Travel Awards 2019.
For more information, visit:
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Ancy Johnas | +91 97678042720 | Ancy.Johnas@sotc.in
Mumbai, April 10, 2024
Targeting the surge in demand for spiritual tourism
Thomas Cook and SOTC partner with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
Launch unique aerial yatras to Dev Bhoomi (Adi Kailash and Om Parvath)
• 5 days tour covering the second abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati
• Two helicopter darshans to Adi Kailash and Om Parvath
• ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) for convenient journey to Parvati Sarovar (mandir)
• All meals included – vegetarian
• Exclusive discount in partnership with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have partnered with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to launch special aerial darshans to Adi Kailash & Om Parvat (Dev Bhoomi). This unique 5 day spiritual helicopter tour has been launched at an attractive price of Rs. 90,000.00 – subsidized by Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB).
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data indicates a significant demand of 100% YoY for Spiritual Tourism. While, pilgrimage tours to Adi Kailash/Vyas Valley have always been of strong appeal to Indians, the limited seasonality and tough terrain have posed numerous challenges. Hence, the Companies’ unique aerial darshans via helicopter will usher in increased accessibility and open up the spiritual sector in the country.
This spiritual soujorn promises travellers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to offer darshans at the sacred Dev Bhoomi and from an unparalleled aerial perspective. The journey covers transportation via helicopter and ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) to ensure convenience and comfort of pilgrims.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, at Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “We are honoured to partner with Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to introduce exceptional aerial tours to Adi Kailash & Om Parvath, offering our customers an enriching spiritual experience. Our aim is to redefine spiritual tourism in India, by unveiling hidden gems /sacred sites while also ensuring accessibility."
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, "Over our history of 75 years, we are delighted to witness a resurgence in spiritual tourism - not just from India seniors, but also from families, Young India’s millennial and Gen Z. Our partnership with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to launch aerial tours to Dev Bhoomi (Vyas Valley) offers both - helicopter and temple darshans, also ATV transportation across mountainous terrain. The pricing has been subsidized in partnership with UTDB to ensure affordability for our Indian consumers."
*T&C Apply
For further details click here:
Thomas Cook
SOTC
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is the leading omnichannel travel company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services and Visa Services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景), Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa.
As one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region, The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.
TCIL has been felicitated with The Best Tour Operator at India Travel Awards North 2023, MICE Travel Operator of the Year at the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Awards 2023, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award (Travel Tourism & Hospitality) at the Corporate Citizen Conclave & Award 2023, The Outbound Tour Operator of the Year 2022 & 2019 at the SATTE Awards, IAMAI India Digital Awards 2022, CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2022 & 2021, CIO100 Award for digital innovation 2022, ‘Innovation in Omni-experience’ Award at International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Industry Innovation Awards 2021, The Best Travel Agency – India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2019 & 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019-2021, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance 5 years in a row and the Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - ‘CRISIL AA- / Stable’ on the long-term bank facilities of TCIL and ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating on the short-term bank facilities and short- term debt of the company.
For more information, please visit www.thomascook.in
Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 63.83% of its paid-up capital.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. V. Prem Watsa, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.
About Subsidiaries of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL):
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is a leading leisure hospitality company with 40+ resorts, hotels and retreats across hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, adventure, heritage, pilgrimage and drive-to locations. Sterling provides a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited
SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) (operating brands Sita, TCI and Distant Frontiers), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is the leading Destination Management Company in India that offers tailor-made travel and related services to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
DEI Holdings Limited
Thomas Cook India Group holds 51% stake in DEI Holdings Limited (DEI), one of the world’s leading imaging solutions and services providers.
For more information, visit:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Ancy Johnas | +91 97678042720 | Ancy.Johnas@sotc.in
Mumbai, 29th March 2024
SOTC signs up with Mumbai Indians as an ‘Official Partner’
SOTC Travel Limited has collaborated with Mumbai Indians – one of the most popular teams, for the ongoing T20 cricket season as an ‘Official Partner’. As part of this association, SOTC would have the rights to use imagery of Mumbai Indians’ players.
As part of SOTC’s 75th year celebrations, the collaboration leverages India’s biggest passion – Cricket, and is timed perfectly for India’s peak summer travel season. SOTC will leverage this association across its promotional activities in varied mediums including print, digital, social, point-of-sale, activations etc.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “At SOTC, we take immense pride in being an Indian-grown brand, born of Indian entrepreneurship. To celebrate our rich heritage of 75 years, we have partnered with Mumbai Indians – one of the most popular teams among the T20 franchise. Cricket and travel are an emotion in India and this iconic partnership is a winning combination of Cricket & Travel Adventures!
Our exciting campaign aims to introduce new destinations and experiences to Indians across segments, blending the thrill of cricket with the adventure of travel. Together with Mumbai Indians, we are proud to champion the spirit of India, uniting hearts and inspiring dreams.”
About SOTC Travel: SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
SOTC has been felicitated with Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE 2024, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President's Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau 2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador's Travel Awards 2019.
For more information, visit:
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Ancy Johnas | +91 7678042720 | Ancy.Johnas@sotc.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, 6th March, 2024
SOTC Travel wins Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange)
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, has been honoured with the award for ‘Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’ at SATTE. One of Asia’s leading travel and tourism platform, SATTE provides a platform to all industry players to conduct business, share knowledge and exchange ideas on the emerging scenario of the travel industry.
With a legacy of 75 years, SOTC firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. The Company’s sustained focus on digitization resulted in a significant drop in the average age of its customers by approx. 10 years.
SOTC’s Regional focus inspired strong demand from India’s tier 2 and 3 cities. The Company launched its website in multiple regional languages - Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi and Tamil, to support customers and target the strong travel intent, high disposable income, combined with aspirational value of holidays emerging from Middle India’s powerful source markets.
SOTC Travel leveraged special occasions, public holidays, long/extended weekends and the festive season to create exceptional holiday portfolios for customers across every segment from Gen Z to Gen S (seniors) and strategically developed a wide range of products that played a vital role in maximizing its domestic business potential.
SOTC Travel’s impressive portfolio of products offer immersive experiences across the Country starting at affordable prices showcasing fresh new locales and engaging experiences. The Company’s Short Getaways feature a range of holidays to multiple destinations including hill stations, beaches, drivable destinations across India; outdoor & adventure holidays feature immersive experiences like trekking, hiking, camping, biking, safaris, river rafting, paragliding. SOTC’s Spiritual/Darshans portfolio offers a diverse range of ready-to-book and personalized tours to spiritual locales across India and the subcontinent including Char Dham, Jyotirlinga Tours, Ayodhya, Varanasi & Prayagraj, Shirdi Darshan, Rath Yatra, Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari, Ramayan Anant Yatra, Dwarkadish, etc.
Luxury and ‘Affordable Luxury’ have been a key focus area, with inclusions like the Palace on Wheels; unique accommodation in jungle lodges/tree houses or havelis, uber-luxury resorts, glamping and more.
SOTC Travel consistently leveraged technology to drive scale of change in delivering benefits for customers and the business thus ensuring seamless delivery of contactless, scalable, secure solutions. The Company was a first mover to launch a Live Video Connect platform enabling customers to connect with holiday experts via a video call and chat.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “We are honoured to be selected as the Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award for two consecutive years by SATTE. This prestigious award acknowledges our leadership in the space and recognizes our product innovation and efforts towards delivering exceptional experiences across India.
2024 marks our 75th year as a Company, and we take immense pride in being an Indian-born brand. We firmly believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than us! We are committed to cater to a spectrum of travel requirements, always keeping in mind the unique tastes and preferences of our customers. Our wide range of products and offers ensure the best deals for our customers, and we continue to create more such exciting offers/value propositions.”
SOTC Travel’s powerful hybrid omnichannel network continues to offer customers the choice and convenience of selecting their preferred mode or a combination of channels: virtual holiday store, website, call centre, or extensive retail network pan India.
About SOTC Travel: SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of nearly 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
SOTC has been felicitated with Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE 2024, Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President's Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau 2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador's Travel Awards 2019.
For more information, visit:
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, February 29, 2024
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel focus on the growing segment of customers seeking to combine pilgrimages with local cultural & soft adventure experiences across India
Darshans and Pilgrimage Plus Holidays cover destinations like Rishikesh, Dwarka, Varanasi and Rameshwaram with hand-picked local experiences, food and sight-seeing
• Diversity of spiritual locales: Char Dham, Jyotirlinga Tours, Varanasi & Prayagraj, Shirdi Darshan, Rath Yatra, Madurai-Rameshwaram-Kanyakumari, Ramayan Anant Yatra, Dwarkadish…
• Experience driven tours including unique cultural and adventure elements
• Extensive range: group escorted tours; ready-to-book; customized options
• Guided VIP darshans with local tour guides
The pandemic influenced YOLO (You Only Live Once) sentiment has created a strong impact on the Indian traveller. The New Age traveller prefers to immerse into a destination and experience it like a local. Spiritual locales are no longer restricted to only sacred sites but also experiences - adventure, wellness, food, culture and history. Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s data reflects a surge in demand of 100% YoY for spiritual locales with a high preference for cultural experiences and adventure. The recent inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, along with improved connectivity and infrastructure, has accelerated online searches by 10x. In a focused endeavour to tap into this high potential yet unorganized segment, the Companies have expanded their spiritual tours portfolio with a diverse range of ready-to-book and personalized tours to spiritual locales across India and the subcontinent.
While historically India’s seniors/Gen S comprised a key segment for spiritual travel, Thomas Cook & SOTC are witnessing an uptick in demand from segments like multigenerational families, honeymooners/couples and Young India’s millennials and Gen Z.
The Companies’ consumer data reveals that demand is not restricted to traditional pilgrimages, but also for unique local experiences. Thomas Cook and SOTC have hence curated an attractive product range - Pilgrimage Plus - featuring a combination of spiritual breaks with local experiences: outdoor adventure like mountain biking and paragliding in Vaishno Devi, Rameswaram - a hub for fun or diving with PADI professionals, river rafting and kayaking in Rishikesh, camping in Uttarakhand, jungle trekking in Gujarat, etc. Also, unique experiences like sunset boat rides in Varanasi, the Chhau dance - that blends classical Indian dance with martial arts and folk traditions, the nesting of the Olive Ridley turtles at Gahirmatha and Rushikulya in Odish, the stepwell in Rani ki Vav in Gujarat or learning the martial art of Kalayaripayattu in Kerala.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s range of spiritual tours also include customized spiritual/wellness options like meditation, yoga, and wellness programs like the Panchakarma ayurvedic program at Kumarakom, Yoga Centre/Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, etc.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Spiritual Tourism portfolio features a range of themes including:
• Spiritual Journeys - handpicked tours to India’s most popular religious sites including Char Dham, Do Dham, Kashi-Vishwanath corridor, Vaishno Devi, Varanasi, Rath Yatra, Amarnath Yatra, Kailash Mansarovar, Bodhgaya, Dwarkadish; the Tamil Nadu temple circuit of Chennai, Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram; Muktinath in Nepal and more
• Ramayana Trails - private guided tours featuring locales associated with the life and times of Lord Ram, within India and in Sri Lanka, including Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Hampi, Madurai and Rameshwaram
• Jyotirlinga Darshan Trails - dedicated tours to the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines across India
• Anant Kashi Ayodhya Yatra
• Navagraha Temple Tour - Tamil Nadu
Inclusions:
• Guided/VIP darshans at temples
• Guide cum storyteller to explain the nuances and historical-cum-spiritual perspective of the locales
• Satvik meals
• Escorted group tours with expert regional language speaking Thomas Cook/SOTC tour manager
• Accommodation ranging from hotels to tents
Thomas Cook and SOTC have introduced special offers like Travel Now Pay Later and zero interest EMIs.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said “Indians are increasingly drawn to spiritual journeys, more so with the pandemic increasing appreciation for life, in gratitude and to invoke blessings. Spiritual locales are attracting interest from not only seniors and families, but also from the younger segment - millennials and group of friends. With the government’s strong focus on connectivity and infrastructural development, we have seen an uptick of 100% YoY. To tap into this high growth segment, we have expanded our spiritual plus tours to feature a range of popular sites coupled with unique local experiences – across culture, cuisine and outdoor-adventure. Customers can book a hassle-free darshan with us as we seamlessly handle their end-to-end comfort while they focus on their spiritual experience.
To offer customers ease and convenience, we also offer them the choice of Travel Now Pay Later and zero interest EMIs”
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Spiritual tourism has witnessed significant growth in India: our data reflects an uptick of 20-30% month- on-month. Over our 75 years as a company, we have witnessed the evolution of Pilgrimages with Indians now combining darshans with leisure and this was the genesis of our extended range of Pilgrimage Plus tours.
Pilgrimage Plus tours provide a spiritual core together with a getaway amidst tranquil nature or in combination with outdoor-adventure and authentic local experiences. Our ready to book and personalized spiritual tours have been designed with care and offer a range of price points to suit every consumer segment.”
*T&C Apply
For further details click here:
Thomas Cook
SOTC
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is the leading omnichannel travel company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services and Visa Services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景), Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa.
As one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region, The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.
TCIL has been felicitated with The Best Tour Operator at India Travel Awards North 2023, MICE Travel Operator of the Year at the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Awards 2023, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award (Travel Tourism & Hospitality) at the Corporate Citizen Conclave & Award 2023, The Outbound Tour Operator of the Year 2022 & 2019 at the SATTE Awards, IAMAI India Digital Awards 2022, CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2022 & 2021, CIO100 Award for digital innovation 2022, ‘Innovation in Omni-experience’ Award at International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Industry Innovation Awards 2021, The Best Travel Agency – India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2019 & 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019-2021, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance 5 years in a row and the Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - ‘CRISIL AA- / Stable’ on the long-term bank facilities of TCIL and ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating on the short-term bank facilities and short- term debt of the company.
For more information, please visit www.thomascook.in
Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 63.83% of its paid-up capital.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. V. Prem Watsa, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.
About Subsidiaries of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL):
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is a leading leisure hospitality company with 40+ resorts, hotels and retreats across hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, adventure, heritage, pilgrimage and drive-to locations. Sterling provides a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited
SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) (operating brands Sita, TCI and Distant Frontiers), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is the leading Destination Management Company in India that offers tailor-made travel and related services to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
DEI Holdings Limited
Thomas Cook India Group holds 51% stake in DEI Holdings Limited (DEI), one of the world’s leading imaging solutions and services providers.
For more information, visit:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, January 19th, 2024
In its 75th year, SOTC Travel reiterates its focus on the India market
Expands its distribution with a new Holiday Store in Bhopal
Bhopal features as one of the top 10 markets for SOTC
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, expands its retail footprint in Central India with the inauguration of its new store in Bhopal’s renowned Arera Colony. This new addition increases SOTC’s network strength to 2 stores in Madhya Pradesh (1 retail and 1 franchise). The new outlet will also cater to nearby areas of Narmadapuram, Vidisha, Raisen, Beena, Sehore etc.
With a legacy of 75 years, SOTC firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. Bhopal features among the Company’s top 10 source markets, and the newly inaugurated outlet, reiterates the SOTC’s strategic Regional focus to expand its footprint in India’s high potential tier 2 and 3 markets.
Madhya Pradesh/Bhopal Travel Trends
• Increased travel intent in 2024: 20% YoY
• Desire for longer stays: 32% higher compared to pre-pandemic
• Higher spends: 20-30% compared to pre-pandemic
• Top destinations
o Domestic: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala, North East; Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent
o International: Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Mauritius, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore
• Unique preferences: increased demand for personalized holidays and group tours, and high interest for experiential holidays, spiritual journeys, domestic cruises, eclectic stays, safaris and biking trips
• Top customer segments: families, Gen S/seniors, millennials and new age travellers/Gen Z
The Company is popularly known for its group escorted tours – international and domestic. To boost demand, SOTC Travel has also introduced value driven offers like Buy One Get One Free, Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Europe Holidays and cashback offers.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
E-4/283, Near RajPushp School, Near Starbucks Coffee,
10 No. Market, Arera Colony, Bhopal M.P. 462016
Contact Number: +91 6267513917 | 0755 3100417
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, "Central India is a high potential market and Madhya Pradesh and Bhopal are among our top ten source markets at SOTC. We are witnessing brisk demand of over 20% YoY from this region, and the addition of our new store in Bhopal increases our network strength, and caters to customers from Narmadapuram, Vidisha, Raisen, Beena, Sehore as well.
This year we celebrate SOTC’s legacy of 75 years, and this store opening is truly a special one as it marks the first store inauguration of the year for us. Our new store in Bhopal is centrally located and allows us to target valuable segments of families, Gen S/seniors, millennials and new age travellers/Gen Z.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
SOTC Travel’s new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions with an array of services, including: International & Domestic Holidays (Group tours, Personalised Holidays, Cruises, etc.), Value Added Services like Travel Insurance; Visa Services, etc.
About SOTC Travel: SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
SOTC has been felicitated with Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year awards at 2nd The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Conclave & Awards 2023, an award for Marketing Excellence at PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’, MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards 2023, Best Outbound Travel Operator and Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards 2023, Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023, Top Agents Award for 2022-23 by Singapore Airlines, honoured with the prestigious President's Award by Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau 2023, Top MICE Contributor to Singapore Airlines and Tourism Australia 2022-23, French Ambassador's Travel Awards 2019.
For more information, visit:
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, January 11th, 2024
Thomas Cook and SOTC announce exclusive charter flights to Bhutan
Special Summer departures from Bengaluru
• Fresh-Unique experiences: archery, authentic local meals, lunch at a farmhouse, beer tasting
• Experienced local Bhutanese guides
• Attractive pricing. Special discount: Rs. 10,000.00 per person
Post pandemic, with Indians becoming increasingly discerning travellers and seeking fresh new destinations, Bhutan is emerging strongly on the radar - displaying a growth in demand of 25% compared to last year. To capitalise on this high potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched a ground-breaking initiative – exclusive charter flights to Paro (Bhutan) from Bengaluru, starting April 2024.
South India represents a key source market for Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel, already contributing over 45% to the companies’ business to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, and growing. However, the significant challenge is the lack of direct air connectivity from India’s southern region, resulting in both an increase in cost (approximately 15%), and inconvenience (multiple flights, changing airports/terminals, multiple check-ins and baggage drop/collection, etc). This gap formed the genesis of the companies’ Blue Ocean strategy - with the launch of special charters to Bhutan from Bengaluru.
Bengaluru represents a strategic gateway, giving Thomas Cook and SOTC increased access via a hub and spoke model, to the powerful and growing source markets – of not just Karnataka, but also the larger Southern region.
The Thomas Cook and SOTC Bhutan charters include group tours (GIT), individual travel (FIT) and ad-hoc groups, in a focussed endeavour that targets multigenerational families, groups of friends, couples/honeymooners and Young India.
Bhutan is known to be one of the happiest and greenest countries in the world and the first carbon-negative nation. The destination offers travellers spectacular scenic vistas, distinctive monasteries, romantic hotspots, nature reserves, Himalayan terrain and lush green valleys, rejuvenating hot-stone baths; with its unique culture and its warm welcoming people being a strong USP. Bhutan offers something for every discerning traveller.
Unique Experiences:
The Companies’ Bhutan Charter product includes handpicked experiences: a visit to Bhutan’s most sought after monasteries- Taktsang Palphug, Rinpung Dzong, the ancient Punakha Dzong; exploring the weekend market in Thimphu; learning archery; hot stone therapy at natural hot springs; sightseeing near Bhutan’s oldest walking suspension bridge - the Punakha Suspension Bridge. The tour also includes local Bhutanese meals, lunch at a farmhouse, beer tasting with snacks at Paro; and a local Bhutanese guide throughout the tour.
Outdoor/adventure and nature enthusiasts get to experience the adrenalin rush of white water rafting at Po Chu and Moochu confluence or kayaking at Wang Chhu; a trek to the Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest Monastery); bird watching to witness over 600 species of rare birds.
To reassure and support customers, all Thomas Cook and SOTC’s charters to Bhutan will be accompanied by the Companies’ expert tour managers from Bengaluru.
Tour Highlights:
• Charter departures: April and May 2024
• Duration of tour: 8 days
• Destinations included: Thimpu, Punakha and Paro
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Innovation is in our DNA, and the launch of our exclusive charters from Bengaluru is a smart strategy to leverage the growing interest towards the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. South India has contributed the largest share to Bhutan and is a significant and growing market that we intend to tap via the launch of our charter departures. To inspire customers from this high growth market, we have designed a unique portfolio of products that offer the best of Bhutan. Bengaluru was chosen due to its central location and ease in connectivity across key source markets of South India.
Bhutan is truly a hidden gem and perfectly in sync with India’s rapidly evolving new age customers. The beautiful country is a harmonious blend of unique history, culture, breath-taking natural beauty, architecture, adventure, gastronomy and more.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “2024 marks the 75th anniversary of SOTC, and our announcement of charter departures to Bhutan is a first mover to capitalise on the uptick in demand. Our newly launched charter departures to Bhutan with Bengaluru as the gateway, offers our travellers from South India the benefits of ease and convenience with direct and exclusive flights to the destination.
Based on customer feedback, we have included experiences that are different from our traditional products.
We are working closely with Bhutan Tourism and key local partners and will continue to enrich our products to delight Indian customers.”
For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook
SOTC
*T&C Apply
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is the leading omnichannel travel company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services and Visa Services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景), Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa.
As one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region, The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents.
TCIL has been felicitated with The Best Tour Operator at India Travel Awards North 2023, MICE Travel Operator of the Year at the Economic Times Travel & Tourism Awards 2023, winner of the Corporate Citizen Award (Travel Tourism & Hospitality) at the Corporate Citizen Conclave & Award 2023, The Outbound Tour Operator of the Year 2022 & 2019 at the SATTE Awards, IAMAI India Digital Awards 2022, CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2022 & 2021, CIO100 Award for digital innovation 2022, ‘Innovation in Omni-experience’ Award at International Data Corporation’s (IDC) Industry Innovation Awards 2021, The Best Travel Agency – India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2019 & 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019-2021, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance 5 years in a row and the Condé Nast Traveller – Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - ‘CRISIL AA- / Stable’ on the long-term bank facilities of TCIL and ‘CRISIL A1+’ rating on the short-term bank facilities and short- term debt of the company.
For more information, please visit www.thomascook.in
Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 63.83% of its paid-up capital.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is primarily engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and the associated investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. V. Prem Watsa, the company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Its common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol FFH and in U.S. dollars under the symbol FFH.U.
About Subsidiaries of Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL):
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is a leading leisure hospitality company with 40+ resorts, hotels and retreats across hills, beaches, jungles, waterfront, adventure, heritage, pilgrimage and drive-to locations. Sterling provides a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited
SOTC Travel Limited is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC Travel is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Established in 1949, SOTC is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of 75 years. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe to various destinations around the globe. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI) (operating brands Sita, TCI and Distant Frontiers), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is the leading Destination Management Company in India that offers tailor-made travel and related services to India, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
DEI Holdings Limited
Thomas Cook India Group holds 51% stake in DEI Holdings Limited (DEI), one of the world’s leading imaging solutions and services providers.
For more information, visit:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: http://www.sterlingholidays.com
SOTC Travel Limited: http://www.sotc.in
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
SOTC Travel Ltd. |
Registered Office: 11th Floor, Marathon Futurex, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India |
Corporate Identification no: U63040MH2001PLC131691 |
Tel (00 91 22) 4905 9100 / Fax (00 91 22) 4905 9800 |
For Press Related queries and issues, please contact: Ancy Johnas: |
Copyright © 2015, 2017 SOTC Travel Limited. (Formerly SOTC Travel Pvt. Ltd.) |