Mumbai, 06th December, 2024

Thomas Cook and SOTC's data reveals strong demand for Winter Tourism Online searches surge by 33%
Winter Wonderland experiences emerge as a significant trend

• Top Winter experiences/attractions: festive Christmas markets and decor/light ups, soft adventure and winter sports, seasonal gastronomy and unique stays
• Top destinations: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, UK, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Japan (International); Gulmarg, Spiti and Solang Valley, Auli, Nainital, Rajasthan, North East, Darjeeling, Siliguri, Coorg, Ooty and Kodaikanal (Domestic)
• Emerging on the radar: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Iceland, Greenland, Denmark, Croatia

The emergence of Winter Tourism is reshaping travel trends for Indian travellers, with a growing preference for destinations that offer an ideal blend of festive charm, scenic beauty and outdoor adventures. The allure of winter landscapes, combined with Christmas and New Year celebrations, has become a significant draw, especially for working professionals seeking to utilise their annual leave; also multigenerational families, honeymooners, groups of friends and GenS/seniors. Recognizing this shift, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of ready-to-book, air-inclusive, land-only and customizable Winter Holidays, catering to all budgets and preferences, across top domestic and international destinations.

Showcasing the best of winter, the Companies’ portfolio features fun and exciting experiences – snowmobiling, snowboarding and tobogganing in Scandic Lapland; chasing the Northern Lights on husky safaris in Norway/Finland; skiing in the Swiss Alps or Nagano; ice skating, sleigh rides and carnival games in Georgia; exploring magical Christmas markets and festivities in Strasbourg, France— the "Capital of Christmas", the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan.

Additionally, the Companies’ domestic winter portfolio offers a variety of experiences from snowy mountain escapes to cultural festivals. Soft adventure and winter activities like mountain biking/gondola rides in Gulmarg; ice skating/snowboarding in Shimla, skiing in Auli; winter festivals including Gujarat’s Rann Utsav or Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival; glamping in Rajasthan.

Top Winter Tourism trends:
• Growing demand for soft-adventure: skiing, snowshoe trekking, crab fishing safaris, snowboarding and snowmobiling, panoramic cable car ride and leisurely hikes across Europe’s Alpine regions of Switzerland, France, Austria and Germany, reindeer sleigh in Norway and horseback rides in Georgia
• Scenic Vistas: panoramic and sustainable train journeys like Switzerland's Golden Pass Line from Lucerne to Montreux offering breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps; Austria’s historic Semmering Railways with views of alpine landscapes, viaducts and tunnels carved into the mountains, wine tasting across quaint villages in France offering charming views of the French countryside
• Unique Accommodation: eco-friendly glamping in geodesic domes amidst the Swiss Alps; stargazing through glass igloos in Lapland; châteaux/palaces amidst vineyards in France, Italy and Austria; traditional mountain lodges/log cabins in Scandinavia/Georgia
• Distinctive Gastronomy experiences: fondue aboard Zurich’s Fondue Tram in Switzerland, chocolate and cheese experience amidst spectacular views at Glacier 3000, ice wine in Germany/Austria or glögg/gløgg by the fireside in Sweden/Norway, trdelník (fried dough), sachertorte in Austria, Kjötsúpa (lamb meat soup) in Iceland, bredele cookies and gourmet dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in France; local wine tasting in Kakheti of Georgia
• Spa-Wellness retreats: spa-wellness rejuvenating experiences that include the endorphin rush of thermotherapy, with alternating temperatures of wood-fired/circular sauna baths followed by plunging into freezing waters of an Arctic ice hole, like ice bathing in Sweden’s Uppsala and Fjällnora; Norway’s Tjuvholmen and Svalbard, renowned Swiss spa town of Bad Zurzach, winter saunas and thermal baths in South Korea, onsen hot springs in Japan and Sulphur baths in Georgia
• Demand for Cruises: winter cruises and whale watching on board majestic Scandinavian fjords
• Top destinations:
     o International: Switzerland, France, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Georgia
     o Domestic: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, North East
     o Emerging Destinations: Georgia, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Iceland, Greenland, Denmark, Croatia

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Our Winter Holidays are designed to offer not just stunning winter landscapes but also a range of unforgettable experiences. From family bonding over snow filled adventures, couples on romantic getaways, to friends savouring winter cuisine and wine, our offerings cater to the need and preferences of every type of traveller. Europe’s Christmas markets and festive displays in Switzerland, France, Austria; winter wonderland and Santa’s Village in Finland feature as top favourites for the season. Azerbaijan and Georgia have emerged strongly on India’s radar due to direct connectivity and easy visas while on domestic front, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kashmir, Rajasthan and North East continue to be the top destinations.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Winter tourism is experiencing a remarkable surge this season, driven by a growing appetite for unique and value-driven travel experiences. For value-conscious Indians, winter offers the perfect combination of lower prices and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time for exploration. Millennials and working professionals are leveraging their balance year-end leave and opting for our unique winter tours that offer offbeat experiences like ice skating, tobogganing, glacier hunting in Iceland, spa-wellness retreats in Sweden, Norway, Japan and more. Winter cruises, featuring whale watching in the majestic Scandinavian fjords, and chasing the magical Northern Lights are also in high demand. What is encouraging is the growing interest we're seeing from India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets and the powerful MICE segment.”

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

Mumbai, 03rd December, 2024

Thomas Cook India Group wins top honours at the ET Travel & Tourism Annual Awards 2024 across categories

Best Outbound Travel Operator (Thomas Cook)
Best MICE Travel Operator (Thomas Cook)
Best Domestic Tour Operator (SOTC)
Best Inbound Tour Operator – Jury recognition (TCI - Sita)

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, along with its Group Companies, SOTC Travel and Sita, celebrated a stellar achievement at the ET Travel & Tourism Annual Awards 2024. The Group emerged as winners across multiple prestigious categories:
• Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Outbound Travel Operator of the Year and MICE Travel Operator of the Year
• SOTC Travel: Domestic Tour Operator of the Year
• Sita: Inbound Tour Operator of the Year (Jury Recognition)

The ET Travel & Tourism Awards recognize excellence in the travel industry, celebrating companies for their innovation and exceptional service. Winners are selected through a rigorous, multi-tiered jury process monitored by a credible external audit agency, ensuring transparency and credibility.

By winning accolades for its outbound, inbound, domestic travel operations and MICE, the Group has demonstrated its unmatched ability to cater the evolving needs of travellers in India and around the world. These awards celebrate the Group's excellence and highlight its achievements over the past year, driven by a strong omnichannel ‘phygital’ strategy that integrates digital and physical experiences, digital acceleration with innovations like the Thomas Cook Holidays App and AI-powered platform, the expansion of its physical footprint across India to reach customers’–right at their doorstep, and a customer-centric approach focused on delivering bespoke travel solutions and seamless end-to-end experiences. The Group’s rapid recovery and accelerated growth further underscore its leadership in the travel industry.

Mr. Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Winning across categories at the ET Travel & Tourism Annual Awards 2024 is a proud moment for the Thomas Cook India Group. These recognitions across our businesses reflect our continued leadership and commitment to excellence in meeting the diverse needs of our customers. This recognition is a shared celebration with our team and loyal customers who inspire us to excel every day. As we celebrate these achievements, we remain dedicated to pushing boundaries and setting new benchmarks in the travel and tourism industry.”

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

Mumbai, 25th November, 2024

Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data reveals shifts in Honeymoon travel trends
Expansion of opportunity to Mini-Moons, Mega-Moons, Baby-moons and Milestone anniversary celebrations
Strong demand: 30% increase in searches

• Top honeymoon destinations: Andamans and Bali top the demand leaderboard; followed by Kerala and Manali (domestic);Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia (short-haul);Switzerland, France, Greece, Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye (mid/long-haul)
• Emerging on the radar: Vietnam, Fiji, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, Hungary, Czech Republic
• Shift to experiential: From merely romantic, new-age couples opting for outdoor-adventure, cuisine…
• Top Honeymoon experiences:
      o Outdoor-adventure: Mangrove kayaking (Abu Dhabi), white/black water rafting (Rishikesh/New Zealand)
      o Unique stays: underwater villas (Maldives), treehouses (Malaysia), lighthouse (California)
      o Culinary experiences: private island dining (Queensland/Maldives), Chocolate Express (Switzerland), cheese and wine (France)
• Increase in duration and spends:
      o Domestic: Rs. 1-1.5 lakh (5-6 nights) Vs Rs.80,000-1 lakh (4-5 nights)
      o International Mid-Short Haul: Rs. 1-2 lakh (5-8 nights) Vs Rs.95,000- Rs.1 lakh (4-6 nights)
      o International Long Haul: Rs. 4-5 lakh (8-15 nights) Vs Rs.3-4 lakh (7-12 nights)
      o Increased spend appetite:10-15% YoY

With the onset of India’s wedding season, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have identified strong demand from the high opportune couple segment – both honeymooners and couples celebrating anniversaries and special occasions. The Companies’ consumer data reveals both a significant shift in honeymoon travel trends as well as increased demand with an uptick in online searches by over 30%. To capitalize on this strong opportunity the Companies have introduced a range of Honeymoon & Romantic Holidays.

With demanding work schedules and limited vacation time, today’s young newlyweds are opting for Mini-moons – a short 3-4 days honeymoon to nearby destinations, followed by a longer 7-15 days Mega-moon later in the year. Before the birth of the baby, India’s couples are also taking time off to travel, to celebrate the good news and spend quality time with their spouse – resulting in the emergence of Baby-moons. Additionally, couples are also travelling to celebrate wedding anniversaries, including milestones like their 25th and 50th celebrations.

What is noteworthy, is that Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data reveals growth in the extended honeymoon trend - not just from metros, but also mini-metros and regional India’s tier 2-3 cities.

Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s Honeymoon & Romantic Holidays portfolio features a range of handpicked destinations - from favourites like Switzerland, France Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye to new emerging romantic destinations like Vietnam, Fiji, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, Hungary, Czech Republic. On offer are an array of island locales: Mauritius, Maldives, Hawaii, Bali, Thailand (Krabi, Kho Pha-Ngan, Hua-Hin), Malaysia (Tioman, Redang, Taman Negara). Also featured are the sub-continent’s honeymoon favourites: Andamans, Kashmir, Himachal, Kerala, North East, Goa, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Top honeymoon trends include:
• Top destinations:
      o Domestic and Indian subcontinent: Andamans, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, North East, Goa, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bhutan and Sri Lanka
      o International favourites: Indonesia (Bali), Thailand, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Switzerland, France, Greece, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye
      o International emerging: Vietnam, Fiji, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, Hungary, Czech Republic
• Growing demand for outdoor-adventure: Mangrove kayaking in Abu Dhabi, white/black-water rafting Rishikesh/New Zealand, waterfall abseiling in Malaysia, wadi-hopping in Oman, paragliding in Bir Billing, biking trips in Leh-Ladakh, jeep safaris in Jaisalmer/Thekkady, hiking/sledding/snowboarding in Switzerland
• Couples prefer exclusive and premium accommodation-: Chalets stays in Switzerland, chateaus in France, underwater villas/water bungalows in Maldives/Mauritius, lighthouses in California/Greece, treehouses in Malaysia/New Zealand, private pool villas in Bali, havelis in Rajasthan, private wildlife resort tents in Madhya Pradesh, glamping in Himachal Pradesh
• Average age of travellers: 25-34 years for newlyweds; 25-65 years for anniversaries and milestone celebrations
• Gastronomy experiences: Cappadocia balloon rides with champagne breakfast, dining on a private island/sandbank in Queensland/Maldives, Bustronome (gourmet dining onboard a double decker bus) in Paris/London, pub crawls/clubbing in Ibiza, masterclass with a local chef in France/Malaysia/Thailand, chocolate and cheese experience amidst alpine views at Glacier 3000
• Scenic Vistas: panoramic train journeys via the Glacier Express in Switzerland, private helicopter rides in Australia/New Zealand, Vespa rides in Singapore, couple snowmobiling in Scandinavia, self-drives via sports cars/convertibles or sightseeing on a Harley in New Zealand
• Couples are opting for in-depth mono-destination honeymoons be it Norway, Türkiye, Greece, Kenya; multi-city destinations in Paris, Switzerland, Italy, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand
• Increase in travel spends: 10-15% YoY
      o Travel budget (per couple): Rs. 1-1.5 lakh (domestic); Rs. 1-2 lakh (mid-short haul); Rs. 4-5 Lakh (long-haul) Vs Rs. 80,000-1 lakh (domestic); Rs.95,000-1.5 lakh (mid-short haul); Rs.3-4 lakh (long-haul) last year
• Extended duration of stay: 5-6 nights (domestic); 5-8 nights (mid-short haul); 8-15 nights (long-haul) Vs 4-5 nights (domestic); 4-6 nights (mid-short haul); 7-12 nights (long-haul)
• High demand for personalized services: private fine dining (sunrise breakfast, sunset dining), couple spa and wellness/Ayurveda, private chauffeur personalized local tours/ guided heritage walks, photoshoots at top attractions
• Couples are celebrating milestone anniversaries at vineyard estates (France and Italy); Premium cruises (Scandinavian Fjords, Caribbean, Polar, Mediterranean, Singapore, Abu-Dhabi)

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “Honeymoons have emerged as a strong and growing travel driver and what is noteworthy is the growing trend – an extension to mini-moons, mega-moons, baby-moons and milestone anniversary celebrations. What is also interesting is that Indian couples are demonstrating higher spend appetite and interest in longer stays. Hence, our Honeymoon & Romantic Holidays portfolio has been launched with a host of stunning locales, exciting experiences and great offers.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “With a legacy of 75 years as an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand, we believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. And so, to inspire India’s rapidly evolving couple segment, our honeymoon products have been carefully curated to include fun outdoor-adventure elements, unique cuisine experiences and personalized services. What is encouraging is that we are seeing strong demand not just from metros but also regional India’s tier 2-3 cities.”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook I 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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 18th November, 2024

SOTC Travel wins big at the World Travel Awards!
Voted as Asia’s Leading Travel Agency 2024

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company celebrating its 75th anniversary, has been voted Asia’s Leading Travel Agency 2024 at the World Travel Awards 2024. This recognition reflects SOTC’s continued excellence, innovation, and leadership in the travel sector.

The World Travel Awards celebrates and rewards the highest achievements in travel and tourism globally. The Asia’s Leading Travel Agency award is a highly coveted accolade, recognizing the Company’s exceptional service, strategic growth and commitment to providing unparalleled travel experiences to customers. This prestigious win further underscores SOTC’s strong presence and influence in the Asia region serves to address SOTC as a leading travel company for its diverse customer base.

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “At SOTC, as we celebrate our 75th anniversary, we are humbled to be recognized as Asia’s Leading Travel Agency at the World Travel Awards 2024. I would like to dedicate this award to our exceptional team at SOTC. This reflects our team's dedication to delivering unique and enriching travel experiences to our customers, along with the strength of our partnerships and the trust we have built over the years. This award inspires us to continue raising the standard of excellence across the travel and tourism industry.”

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

Mumbai, 04th November, 2024

Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel launch Europe 2025 Summer Holidays to inspire early bookers for India’s key vacation season

• Extensive Holiday range: 60+unique group escorted tours with guaranteed departures from key metros; also diverse customised tours co- curated basis unique customer preferences
• Attractive price points to suit every wallet – premium, value and budget. Starting at ₹149900.00* per person for 7 days
• Curated Indian meals with a taste of local delicacies and international cuisine
• Unbeatable deals: free holidays, free cruises, early bird discounts on select tours
• Diverse destinations: favourites like Switzerland, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain & Portugal, Hungary & Czech Republic; new emerging destinations: Balkans (Croatia, Slovenia, Greece), Poland, Iceland; extending beyond Europe: Azerbaijan & Morocco

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched their much anticipated Europe 2025 Summer Holidays. The strategic intent behind the Companies’ early launch and attractive offers/discounts is to inspire value-conscious Indian consumers and drive both early bookings and visa processing. Thomas Cook & SOTC’s significant bulk buying strength bring economies of scale – with significant pricing benefits for customers. Special offers are available on bookings made till November 15, 2024/ basis availability.

Thomas Cook & SOTC’s ready to book, air-inclusive group tours present travellers with unmatched opportunities to explore every corner of Europe. The portfolio also includes special mono-destination itineraries allowing customers an in-depth exploration. For customers seeking a personalized experience, customized holidays are available, tailored to individual preferences.

Europe 2025 Summer Holidays: USP and Highlights
• Ready to book, air-inclusive group tours
• Experienced tour managers accompany each group to ensure guidance and reassurance
• Range of multi destination and mono country options (UK, Italy, Switzerland, France, Austria, etc.)
• Scenic rail & cruise journeys: Golden Pass Line, Scandinavia Fjords cruise, Lakes & River cruises onboard renowned cruise lines like Cunard, Costa, Miray
• Exclusive offerings like 2 nights stay in luxury alpine resort town of St. Moritz only available on the Thomas Cook and SOTC group tours
• Premium products, handpicked quality hotels; exceptional customer service
• Indian and local cuisine with diverse culinary experiences
• Range of attractive price points
• Luxury shopping experiences (McArthurGlen)

Unbeatable launch offers
For a limited time, customers booking Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Europe 2025 tours can choose between free holidays, free cruises or a discount of up to ₹35,000.00* per person on select itineraries.
1) Free Holiday:
      o 4 Nights Morocco free on booking 12 Days Highlights of Spain and Portugal
      o 4 Nights Balkans free on booking 11 Days Enchanting East Europe
      o 3 Nights French Riviera free on booking 8 Days Swiss French Magic
2) Free Cruise: 4 Nights Cunard Cruise (UK), 3/4 Nights Costa Cruise (Italy, Spain), 3 Nights Miray Cruise (Greece)

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “At Thomas Cook we have leveraged our unparalleled expertise and experience in Europe to create over 60 diverse group itineraries. Additionally with our data reflecting that demand for summer is already up by 12-15%, we have strategically launched our Europe 2025 Summer Holidays early to inspire the value-seeker Indian consumer. Our intent is to get consumers to book in advance, take advantage of exclusive offers, and start the visa process early to avoid last-minute stress. The special offers range from early bird discount, free holiday and free cruise in Europe.

Based on our customer research, we have introduced new experiences and destinations that reflect evolving consumer preferences, making our itineraries unique and memorable. Highlights include the Midnight Sun in Norway; a medieval knight tournament in Hungary; horse carriage rides in the town centres of St.Moritz, Seville, and Krakow, luxury cruising on the Queen Mary 2 cruise (UK). In addition to our group holidays we also offer a range of customised tours co- curated basis unique customer preferences.

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “Over our 75 years as a company, we firmly believe that, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. And so, our Europe 2025 Summer Holidays feature attractive group tours and customised offerings aligned with the evolving interests of today’s travellers. With cruise experiences in high demand, our launch offer includes a complimentary 3-4-night cruise across the UK, Spain-Portugal, and Greece.

Food forms a key element and targeting the evolving tastes of Indians, we offer Indian meals with local cuisine; also unique culinary experiences…chocolate tasting at Lindt, champagne lunch atop Jungfraujoch, beer tasting in Norway, traditional Horchata in Valencia, Belem pastries in Lisbon and vineyard with wine tasting in France.

To tap into the strong demand emerging from India’s metros and regional markets, our omnichannel network offers customers the convenience and choice of selecting their preferred mode of contacting us: via our holiday app, website, call centre or extensive retail outlets pan India – that reach right to their doorstep!”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook I 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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 9th October, 2024

Nature & Outdoor experiences driving Indian travel demand
Thomas Cook and SOTC launch a range of Autumn Holidays

• Key Drivers:
o Allure of Autumn’s vibrant colours and favourable weather
o Trend towards off-peak/low-season travel with advantages of attractive pricing and fewer crowds

• Top Autumn Destinations:
o International: Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, South Korea, Türkiye, Georgia, USA, Canada
o Domestic: Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, North-East, Kerala, Karnataka

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched a unique range of Autumn Holidays to strategically leverage the strong and growing Indian consumer demand for nature and outdoor experiences. With the Companies’ data revealing a notable trend towards low/off-season travel, in addition to vibrant fall colours, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Autumn Holidays also serve to drive momentum with added benefits of attractive off-season pricing and fewer crowds at destinations.

The pandemic having created a clear shift in demand for nature and outdoor experiences, Autumn/Fall is now emerging as a viable holiday season for Indian consumers. Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s new portfolio of Autumn holidays hence intends to maximise on this opportunity by offering enchanting journeys as leaves turn into fiery shades of gold, orange and red.

Against this picturesque backdrop, the Companies’ Autumn Holidays offer fun-engaging experiences to appeal to multi-generational families, couples/groups of friends, Gen S, as well as Young India's millennials and Gen Z. In addition to group escorted tours, Thomas Cook & SOTC offers personalised programs with hiking and e-biking along Alpine autumn trails – from Switzerland, Türkiye, Georgia to Japan & South Korea; also stargazing while glamping; in unique geodesic eco-pods or a log cabin in Lapland. Adrenaline-fueled experiences include white-water rafting, wakeboarding or exploration on horseback/ segway. Unique gastronomy elements include gourmet walks, wild truffle strolls and vineyard tours with accommodation as varied as a chateau, palace or villa in France, Spain, Portugal, Georgia and Italy. Wellness options range from Finland’s famed saunas, South Korea’s Jjimjilbang/thermal bathhouses, Japan’s onsens or a mud bath in Azerbaijan.

Closer to home, India’s own autumn gems include nature walks/treks amidst the vibrant chinars in Kashmir or a kaleidoscope of colours in Himachal and Uttarakhand, picturesque terrace tea/coffee gardens and stays in plantation bungalows in Darjeeling or Wayanad, to white water rafting in Coorg/Rishikesh and jungle safaris in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and more.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “With changing consumer behaviour patterns, our data reflects growing appetite for travel during non-traditional peaks. And Autumn has been emerging as an attractive option, offering spectacular vistas with leaves changing to orange, rust and burgundy. This hence formed the genesis of the launch of our Autumn Holidays. With cooler climes, less crowded locales and off-season pricing, our aim is to fuel Indian demand and extend the traditional peak summer season!

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore India, be it the Himalayan regions or hillscapes of the South; indulging in spa-wellness or setting off on an exciting safari. Europe, Japan - South Korea, Türkiye, USA-Canada are top outbound favourites; with the short hauls like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan’s emerging due to easy access and visas.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “With a legacy of 75 years of being an Indian-entrepreneurial brand, SOTC believes that ‘no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC’. Our intent was to build on the emerging demand for outdoor experiences and we have crafted engaging and memorable Autumnal getaways to catalyse this growing trend. In addition to group tours, our holiday experts co-curate exceptional Autumn itineraries, based on each customer’s unique preferences.

What is particularly interesting is the growing interest we're seeing from India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets, highlighting a broader shift towards outdoor and off-season travel across the country.”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook I 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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 8th October, 2024

SOTC Travel unveils its brand new regional films
6 stories, 6 languages, 1 shared passion for travel!
Reinforcing SOTC’s regional connect across multiple geographies pan-India as part of its 75th Anniversary celebrations

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company announced the launch of its latest campaign featuring six vibrant films in six key regional languages. This innovative initiative aligns with the brand’s positioning: “No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC.” As the Company celebrates its 75th Anniversary, this campaign underscores its commitment to being a truly Indian brand that resonates with the diverse rhythms of its travellers, positioning itself as India’s favorite travel partner.

The campaign artfully connects with the modern young Indian traveller, weaving unique cultural narratives into an engaging storytelling format and a fun, playful manner. Each of the six films has featured young couples from the Company’s key markets; capturing the essence of the respective region along with global aspirations. For example, the West Bengal film features passion for football, Maharashtra with cricket, Gujarat with business, Tamil Nadu with education, Karnataka with technology and North India with fashion. Despite their diverse holiday dreams, all the couples share one common choice of booking with India’s favorite travel partner SOTC. This highlights that SOTC understands the complexities of holiday planning, while catering to varied regional preferences of its customers.

SOTC is an Indian-born entrepreneurial brand with a pioneering legacy of 75 years. The Company firmly believes that ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. The Company has introduced special regional holidays targeting major source markets such as West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and North India. These tours have been specially crafted, keeping in mind the diverse preferences/passions of the respective region.

To make travel planning even easier, our deep investments in AI empower customers to effortlessly customize itineraries, access personalized recommendations, and explore budget options—all designed to create memorable journeys.

Film Links: Hindi | Marathi | Tamil | Kannada | Gujarati | Bengali



S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “At SOTC, we take pride in being a homegrown Indian brand and recognize the importance of connecting with the diverse regional travellers across the country. We are delighted to launch this unique campaign, which reflects our understanding the passions and preferences of each region.

This inspires us to create holidays that incorporate local passions, ensuring that our products resonate with each regional traveller. To enhance the experience, our website is also available in Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati and Tamil, making travel planning more accessible for our regional customers.”

Speaking about the campaign, Asif Riaz, Vice President & Head of Marketing at SOTC Travel Limited, said "Celebrating SOTC Travel’s 75th anniversary, we’re delighted to unveil a campaign that truly embodies our brand’s core belief: No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC. Each of our six dynamic films captures India’s cultural richness and diverse regional nuances, reflecting our commitment to creating memorable holidays. Given how discerning today’s traveller has become, it was important for us to have a personal connect communicated in our messaging through their local language. Our brief to our creative agency was to showcase SOTC as their ideal travel partner of choice for India – to plan their perfect holiday.”

Sudhir Nair, Founder & CEO, 21N78E Creative Labs, added “While you can take a traveller out of India, you can’t take India out of the traveller. In a country as diverse as India, every state and region has their distinct cultural underpinnings and nuances. We tapped into these unique local insights and idiosyncrasies to mount a campaign that stays true to its essence and yet when put together threads itself into a consistent brand narrative. Each film explores the dynamics between a modern progressive couple and how their contrasting ideas of an ideal international holiday get bridged by SOTC.”

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

Mumbai, 30th September, 2024

Thomas Cook India Group enters into a Joint Venture to build Generative AI solutions for the Travel Domain with Atirath Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Focus on growth & enhanced customer experience

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the entire Travel ecosystem. Digital First customers are driving demand for diverse travel experiences that are customised to their preferences and want these seamlessly fulfilled. Travel providers on the other hand, are challenged with personalisation to scale and providing relevant recommendations, while delivering a seamless customer experience.

The Thomas Cook India Group intends to better serve the rapidly growing travel market and evolving travellers to create growth opportunities – via custom built, generative AI powered, voice enabled solutions with local language transcribing and speech capabilities, capable of learning and improving continuously.

To achieve a robust, scalable and custom built Gen AI solution for the Travel Domain, the Thomas Cook India Group has entered into a Joint Venture with Atirath Technologies Private Limited.

Projected benefits to the Thomas Cook India Group:
• Ability to extend reach and serve more customers
• Address them better with local language capabilities
• Create a seamless digital journey moving customers directly to online transactions
• Reduce human dependence to scale up
• Assist sellers - improving productivity and customer experience
• Create a completely new distribution model

Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman Thomas Cook India Group, said, “I am delighted to announce our JV with Atirath Technologies Private Limited that is aimed at creating potent growth and customer experience capabilities for the TCIL Group in the rapidly evolving space of AI solutions.

This is a business imperative, given the need to scale volumes and productivity without a corresponding linear cost structure and is aligned with our Customer & Digital First strategy.

Today, AI (especially Gen AI) has found its way into every customer use case and is becoming the new normal in terms of meeting customer expectations and improved service delivery. I am sure this partnership with the dynamic team at Atirath, will help enhance TCIL’s leadership in the travel industry and give us an early mover advantage in the exciting new frontier of Generative AI.”

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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 26th September, 2024

Maximizing on the growing demand for Sports tourism,
Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel partner with Cricket Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25

• Curate unique Cricket-centric tours with Test match tickets for all 5 fixtures across Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide
• Range of attractive group escorted tours, customized holidays and MICE programs across segments and price points
• Agreement covers product development, marketing- promotions, booking services for travel that incorporates match tickets

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel have partnered with Cricket Australia for the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. On the back of the collaboration, the Companies’ have curated exceptional products offering cricket aficionados an unforgettable travel experience centered around the 5 thrilling Test matches from November 22, 2024 - January 7, 2025. The matches include the coveted Boxing Day fixture at the hallowed MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), the iconic Gabba at Brisbane and Sydney Cricket Ground.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have been granted the right to operate as Licensed Travel Operators for the 2024-25 International Summer of Cricket fixture which includes the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The agreement covers product development, marketing and promotions, booking services for travel programs that incorporate match tickets and ancillary services. The Companies’ intend to target a wide range of segments including Leisure, B-Leisure and MICE.

For Indians, Cricket is akin to a religion. Hence the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series offers a unique opportunity, not just to cricket fans, but also groups of friends, multi-generational families, couples, as well as India Inc.’s powerful MICE segment. The fierce rivalry between the two great cricketing nations has already seen a 7x surge in interest for the quarter compared to the previous with respect to online searches for the Border Gavaskar Trophy.

To maximize on the partnership, Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have curated a range of attractive group and customized tours around the 5 Border-Gavaskar Test matches including top destinations such as Sydney, Cairns, Gold Coast, Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide. The Thomas Cook and SOTC ready-to-book holidays range from 4-10 nights with the option of flexible add-ons. The portfolio enables customers to immerse themselves in both thrilling cricketing action and experience Australia's stunning landscapes, vineyard tours and gastronomy, private yachting, 360 degree tours by helicopter, scenic self-drive tours and vibrant cosmopolitan culture and nightlife.

In addition to the special Border-Gavaskar products, customers who have booked Thomas Cook and SOTC tours to Australia can also include tickets to the 5 Test matches.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, "We are delighted to announce our partnership with Cricket Australia for the exciting Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. Building on our successful track record of operating group tours and customized holidays for major global cricketing events and the rising interest in sports tourism over the last few years, we’ve crafted an exceptional Border-Gavaskar portfolio to leverage this demand. This includes not only the 5 Test matches but also unique Australian experiences like sand boarding, sunset kayaking under the Sydney Harbor Bridge, snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef, vineyard tours, dolphin watching on the Moonshadow Cruise, stargazing, Michelin-star dining in Melbourne, and scenic drives along the Great Ocean Road and South West Edge.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, "We are honoured to have Cricket Australia select SOTC Travel as a Licensed Travel Operator for the Border-Gavaskar Test series. As we celebrate 75 years of delivering exceptional travel services, this partnership underscores our commitment to delivering remarkable travel experiences by blending the thrill of cricket with the adventure of exploring Australia. Maximizing on the growing interest in sports tourism across India, our unique tours cater to both metros and regional tier2-3 markets of India. Additionally, we look forward to designing premium hospitality programs for our corporate MICE segment. At SOTC we believe nobody understands the Indian consumer better than us and we have and have crafted programs featuring diverse Australian experiences centered around cricket.”

Rich Ostroff, Acting EGM Broadcast & Commercial at Cricket Australia, said, “This collaboration with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel is all about enhancing the travel experience for cricket fans heading to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Series. Our shared love for cricket is a key part of the strong connection between Australia and India, and this partnership is one of many travel operator partnerships that will make that bond even stronger."

Steph Underwood, Acting Managing Director, Tourism Western Australia, said, “India remains a key market for Tourism Western Australia, and we are proud to partner with Thomas Cook to enhance our engagement with travellers from India and showcase the beauty and diversity of Western Australia – the Dream State. Tourism Western Australia was also proud to collaborate with Australian cricket legend Adam Gilchrist and his son Harry on our recent campaign promoting day trips from Perth which showcases the stunning landscapes and diverse attractions of the Swan Valley, Rockingham, the Pinnacles, and Perth, inviting travellers from India to discover the wonders of our state. 'Drive the Dream' with Adam Gilchrist was launched ahead of the highly anticipated West Test this November, the opening cricket series of the summer between Australia and India at Perth’s award-winning Optus Stadium.”

Shae Keenan, Visit Victoria Chief Marketing Officer, shared, “We look forward to welcoming even more Indian visitors to Victoria through our partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel. There will be simply nothing like the magical atmosphere of the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne’s iconic MCG, which kicks off Melbourne’s incredible events – highlights include the Australian Open, Formula 1® Australian Grand Prix and Melbourne Food & Wine Festival showcasing our sporting, culinary and creative credentials.”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook I 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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 24th September, 2024

Experiential travel is emerging a key demand driver for Indians
To capitalize on the potential, Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel launch unique Northern Lights tours

• Enhanced visibility of the Northern Lights due to exceptional Solar Maximum season 2024-25
• Thomas Cook & SOTC tours incorporate unique experiences: chasing the Aurora Borealis, Santa Claus Village - Rovaniemi, husky safaris, snowmobile rides, reindeer sledding, interaction with the local natives – Sami
• Distinctive accommodation: bubble hotels, glass igloos, snow lodges, Arctic tree houses, light houses
• Key destinations: Rovaniemi, Saariselka-Lapland,(Finland); Tromso, Kirkenes (Norway); Kiruna (Sweden), Murmansk (Russia)

Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, reveals that the Indian appetite for experience-driven travel is witnessing significant growth. The exceptional solar activity (solar maximum) occurring once every 11-15 years offers an increased chance to view the Northern Lights and has heightened interest for Aurora Borealis experiences between September 2024 - April 2025.

To maximize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Thomas Cook and SOTC have designed a diverse range of Arctic tours, including top locales like Santa Claus Village - Rovaniemi, Saariselka-Lapland (Finland); Tromso, Kirkenes (Norway); Kiruna (Sweden) and Murmansk (Russia). Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Northern Lights tours offer awe-inspiring views of the Aurora Borealis on an exciting husky dog, reindeer and snowmobile safaris. Additionally, authentic local experiences have been woven into the programmes: ice-floating, king crab fishing safaris; engaging and dining with the local Sami people; snowmobiling, visit to a reindeer farm, husky sledding, sea kayaking, fissure snorkelling in the fjords and whale watching.

The Companies’ have incorporated exceptional local accommodation options: from Artic tree house stays, snow lodges, glass igloos, bubble stays, ice hotels to lighthouses.

In addition to a range of Northern Lights group tours (escorted by an experienced tour manager), Thomas Cook and SOTC’s experts have curated a delightful portfolio of personalized programmes - based on unique customer preferences/passions.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, "With the 2024-2025 solar maximum season offering a rare chance of witnessing spectacular northern light displays, we have launched exciting and immersive Arctic Tours to drive demand. Immersive experiences that we’ve created include Aurora Borealis safaris, eclectic accommodation in igloos, glass hotels and Arctic tree houses/lodges; and fascinating destinations to explore like Santa Claus Village - Rovaniemi, Lapland, Tromso and Kiruna.

We are encouraged by the demand that we are witnessing – and this is across segments - from Young India’s Millennials & GenZ, couples, multi-generational families to Corporate MICE.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, "Celebrating our 75th year, we are delighted to offer specially curated experiential tours that reflect our deep understanding of the Indian traveller. We have launched our Northern Lights portfolio, timed perfectly with the exceptional solar activity of September 2024 - April 2025. Our intent is to offer Indians a breath-taking experience of the ethereal Aurora Borealis, together with exciting activities like ice floating, fissure snorkelling, king crab fishing safaris and engaging with the local Sami people.

The growing Indian demand for experiential travel like the Northern Lights is driven by increasing disposable income and social media propelling the desire for braggable travel rights. What is noteworthy is that, this is not limited to India’s metros but also witnessing uptick from our regional Tier 2-3 travellers.”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook I 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 76780 42720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 23 September, 2024

SOTC Travel expands its retail presence in Karnataka
Opens it first outlet in Mysuru

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its first franchise outlet in Mysuru. This new addition expands SOTC’s network strength to 11 in the state, reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city.

Karnataka is a strong source market for the Company’s holiday business and is witnessing strong travel demand with Mysuru and its surrounding catchments being strong growth drivers. SOTC’s new franchise outlet is strategically situated in the city center, to serve both leisure and business segments.

The Mysuru 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.

Contact Details
SOTC Travel Limited,
30/A, 1st Floor,
D.Devaraj URS,
Mysuru
Pin code: 570001
Ph: +91 9964643961 | Syed.Hussaini3@sotc.in

Rakesh Bawa - Senior Vice President & Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said "Mysuru is strongly emerging as a viable source market for SOTC and we are witnessing robust demand from this region. We are delighted to announce the opening of our first store in the city, enhancing our network in Karnataka to 11 locations, serving customers from Mysuru and its surrounding catchments. Our new store is centrally located and allows us to target valuable segments of families, millennials, business owners, and Gen Z.

We have introduced a host of special offers and products that are dedicated to cater to this market and its discerning travellers. Our holiday experts at Mysuru extend a warm welcome to our customers and look forward to co-curate and plan a memorable holiday.”

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years, pioneering group escorted tours in the country. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’

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

Mumbai, 19 September, 2024

SOTC Travel targets strong travel growth potential in Haryana Opens it first outlet in Karnal

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company inaugrated its first franchise outlet in Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the Company’s expansion strategy. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Jagmohan Anand (BJP candidate from Karnal Assembly Constituency) and Mr. Ravinder Kadian - General Manager - Sales, North, SOTC Travel Limited

Haryana is witnessing strong travel demand with Karnal and its surrounding catchments being strong growth drivers. SOTC’s new franchise outlet is strategically situated in the city center, to serve both leisure and business segments.

The Karnal 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.

Contact Details
SOTC Travel Limited,
SCO – 76 Ground floor,
Mugal Canal,
Karnal – 132001
Ph: +919167171685 | Ashtik.Soni@Sotc.in

Rakesh Bawa - Senior Vice President & Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said "Haryana is an important market for us, and we are witnessing strong travel desire from the region. To harness this potential we are delighted to inaugurate our first franchise store in Karnal – to service a wide consumer base of families, working professionals, Young India’s Millennials & GenZ, GenS, etc.

Over our 75 years as a company, we firmly believe that, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveler better than SOTC’.

Our holiday experts at Karnal look forward to co-curating delightful holiday experiences starting with the upcoming festive holiday season.”

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years, pioneering group escorted tours in the country. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’

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

Mumbai, 9th September, 2024

Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel ink MOU with Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines) Strategic Partnership to leverage the growing Indian Outbound traveller appetite - for Malaysia and beyond

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel announced an exclusive 24-month strategic partnership with Malaysia Aviation Group (Malaysia Airlines). The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in Kuala Lumpur by Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President and Group Head, Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services and Innovation at Thomas Cook (India) Limited & SOTC Travel and Mr. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer at Malaysia Aviation Group.

This collaboration aims to tap into the growing interest among Indian consumers for multiple holidays each year by offering a seamless travel experience for the customers of Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel - leading travel brands in India, and also to leverage Malaysia Airlines’ position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. With the airline providing extensive connectivity across India’s metro and regional markets, this partnership aims to significantly boost and enhance the travel experiences for Indian tourists to and via Malaysia to other countries, like Australia, New Zealand and Japan, among others.

The strategic agreement will focus on a multipronged engagement strategy, including joint consumer promotions and marketing communications to enhance visibility and attract visitors from the Indian market. As leading travel service providers, Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel cater to diverse consumer segments across India’s major metros, mini-metros, and emerging Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. In line with the agreement, Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel will offer a range of travel options, including group and customized holidays to Malaysia, Malaysia Airlines airfare-inclusive group and customized packages, and combo holidays that feature Malaysia as a stopover. This allows customers to enjoy the benefits of two holidays in one, with Malaysia being a visa-friendly destination for Indian travellers.

Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President and Group Head, Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services and Innovation at Thomas Cook (India) Limited & SOTC Travel said, “Indians are travelling like never before, and Malaysia offers both a compelling destination and a strategic stopover. Its rich cultural tapestry and flavorful cuisine make it particularly appealing to Indian travellers. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines provides a convenient hub for exploring Malaysia, as well as seamless connections to Asia and long-haul destinations like Australia-New Zealand. Through our strategic partnership with the Malaysia Aviation Group, we are excited to create new opportunities for exploration and deliver unforgettable travel experiences for our customers across holidays, B-Leisure, and MICE segments.”

Speaking on the partnership, Mr. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer at Malaysia Aviation Group, commented, “Partnering with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel represents a significant step in our commitment to strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ presence in the Indian market. This collaboration allows us to leverage the strengths of both companies to offer tailored travel solutions and exceptional experiences for Indian travellers. We are confident that this partnership will not only boost tourism between our countries but also enrich the travel experiences of our customers, showcasing the best of Malaysia and beyond.”

About Malaysia Airlines
Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia, offering the best way to fly to, from and around Malaysia through its premium and full-service offerings. Malaysia Airlines carries up to 40,000 guests daily on memorable journeys and embodies the incredible diversity of Malaysia; capturing its rich traditions, cultures, and cuisines via its inimitable Malaysian Hospitality. The airline is part of the Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), a global aviation organisation that comprises different aviation business and lifestyle travel solution portfolios aimed at serving global air travel needs.

The airline is committed to facilitating safe and seamless travels by placing safety and hygiene as the anchor across all end-to-end consumer touchpoints in line with its MHFlySafe initiative. Via its alliance with oneworld®, Malaysia Airlines offers superior connectivity to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories across the globe. In India, the airline operates flights 71 weekly flights from nine key destinations, comprising New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Trivandrum, and Ahmedabad.

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

Mumbai, 2nd September, 2024

Thomas Cook and SOTC witness a growing trend for festival tourism in the country
Launch unique festive tours for Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali

• Includes special Regional Group Tours targeting high potential source markets like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra
• Special Tours accompanied by an experienced tour manager with regional flavours
• Attractive discounts and early bird offers

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have leveraged the new trend of festive tourism through the launch of unique festive tours for Dussehra, Durga Puja and Diwali. Indians are shifting focus from traditional home-based ceremonies to traveling with family for fun/bonding celebrations while also discovering new destinations. This trend reflects a significant evolution among Indian travellers.

The Evolving Festive Tourism Trend
Traditionally, Indian festivals have involved family gatherings at home. However, there's a marked and growing trend where families, including multiple generations, are choosing to celebrate these special occasions – for bonding time and celebrations, while exploring favourite/new destinations. With school holidays coinciding with major festivals, families are seizing the opportunity to travel. In addition to families, young working professionals are combining festive holidays with weekends towards a welcome break to relax and celebrate.

Festive Tour Highlights
• Durga Puja Specials: all-inclusive tours with fixed departures around Durga Puja (e.g., Darsaniya Europe, Akorshonio France/Swiss, Osaadharon Great Britain/Japan/Vietnam, Swapner Spain & Portugal, Monomughdo Scandinavia), Vietnam and the USA, Asia Te Hoi Choi, Asia Te Sathe Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal. Domestic options include Andamaner Samudra Sikate; Kashmir, and Kerala

• Diwali Specials: Himachal Pradesh, the North East, Kerala, and Kashmir. International: Bhutan, Bali, Singapore, and select European destinations. Festive tours: Albelu Dubai, Manmohak Asia, Akarshak Asia

Personalised Holidays are also available, co-curated by Thomas Cook and SOTC holiday experts with customers.

Festive tourism trends
• Longer stays and increased spends: Indians are opting for longer vacations, from the traditional 3 days to 6 -15 days. The appetite to spend has increased by 10-15% YoY. Young India is embracing extended trips, combining weekends with festival holidays for a 5- 6 days break

• Destinations:

Favourite destinations:
     o Domestic/Sub-Continent: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East, Sri Lanka and Bhutan

     o International: Dubai, Abu-Dhabi, Maldives, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Oman, Australia-New Zealand, Switzerland, France, Finland

Emerging Destinations: Fresh new and unique destinations such as Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Georgia, Japan and Western Europe (to view the vivid autumn colours)

• Visa-Free and easy-visa destinations: Thailand, Malaysia, Sri Lanka; eVisa and easy visa: Dubai-Abu Dhabi, Indonesia (Bali), Maldives, are also in high demand

• Pilgrimages and spiritual journeys: Leveraging the festive-religious fervour, Thomas Cook and SOTC have focused on spiritual journeys with their Pilgrimage Plus tours in Kashi, Ayodhya, Rameswaram, Tirupati, Amritsar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka and Sri Lanka: ‘Ramayan Anant Yatra,’ and ‘Ramayan Trail’

• Strongly emerging tier 2-3 source markets: Regional India is emerging as a powerful market and capitalising on this trend, Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched regional departures in Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, and Maharashtra

• Premium/affordable luxury travel: Travellers are opting for luxury resorts and spas, with destinations like France, Switzerland, Scandinavia, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Morocco

• Cruises: Domestic, South East Asia, and Middle East sailings (Costa Cruises, Resort World Cruises, Cordelia)

Attractive pricing and special offers
To inspire demand, Thomas Cook and SOTC are offering exclusive discounts on their festive tours

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “We are observing a discernible shift in how families are celebrating festivals. Travel has become non-negotiable, with customers increasingly using festival periods as an opportunity to both celebrate and explore new destinations. Our specially curated festive tours are crafted to cater to this evolving trend, seamlessly blending cultural celebrations with immersive travel experiences. This approach not only meets the growing demand but also enhances the way customers engage with both festivals and travel”

Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “As we celebrate our 75th year, we are delighted to offer specially curated festive tours that reflect our deep understanding of the Indian traveler. Our new portfolio addresses the increasing demand from family/multi-generational and young India - ensuring a memorable festive season for all. Additionally, our SOTC Holiday Bazaars across key markets highlight offer customers easy access to book their holidays – right at their doorstep!”

For further details, click here:
Thomas Cook | Durga Puja | Diwali
SOTC | Durga Puja | Diwali
*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
Shourya Rawool | +91 9619745154 | shourya.rawool@thomascook.in
Ancy Johnas | +91 7678042720 | ancy.johnas@sotc.in

Mumbai, 21st August, 2024

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel launch Customer Self-Service app Empowering holiday customers with end-to-end post-booking services

• Comprehensive details, real-time updates and tracking of holiday bookings
• Access and download key documents - visas, itineraries, tickets, hotel vouchers, invoices, receipts

Building momentum on its digital-first strategy, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched a Customer Self-Service (CSS) holiday app. Available for both iOS and Android users, the app offers customers a seamless end-to-end post-booking experience.

Traditionally, the post booking process was time-consuming and stressful for customers – involving coordinating for various elements including visas (getting details on documents required, visa forms, processing time and tracking), flights, hotel vouchers, itinerary, attractions, invoices and receipts. Hence, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s innovative CSS app will now serve to empower customers with a convenient, easy-to-access interface - making their post-booking experience simple and intuitive.

Having piloted the CSS app in April 2024, the app has seen significant enhancements and currently enjoys a strong customer adoption of 50%.

Key features of the Customer Self-Service app:
• Comprehensive Booking Details: Customers can view all aspects of their booked trips, including flights, hotel reservations, sightseeing schedules, transportation, guides, and meal preferences
• Instant Accessibility: Round-the-clock access from any location
• Travel Documentation: Customers can now access important travel documents such as flight tickets, visa document requirements, process and downloadable forms, hotel vouchers, and insurance details on the go
• Real-Time Updates: invaluable visa status tracker, updates on weather conditions and other critical travel information significantly reducing the turnaround time for customers
• Omnichannel advantage: The app is channel agnostic and hence available to customers who have booked online, offline or a combination thereof

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, said “We are consistently exploring ways to deliver a truly seamless experience for our customers. I am hence delighted with the launch of our CSS app - that empowers our customers with simplified post-booking services at their fingertips. With the festive season approaching, this launch is perfectly timed to elevate our customers experience for their upcoming holidays.”

Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “With a legacy of 75 years of being an Indian-entrepreneurial brand, SOTC believes that ‘no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC’. Whether customers book their trips online or through our stores, we understand that the post-booking phase can be a stressful period. Through the launch of our innovative CSS app, we look forward to providing our customers with the comfort and convenience of a smooth post-booking experience.”

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

Mumbai, 12th August, 2024

Thomas Cook India launches new AI-powered platform to help customers plan their customised holidays, check availability and book – in minutes

• Customizes itineraries in minutes –basis individual customer preferences
• Intelligent recommendations based on Deep Learning & AI algorithms
• Integrated with global suppliers for seamless, real time check of availability & booking of flights, hotels, experiences and local transport
• Platform deployed with sellers currently. Will extend the platform via company websites and apps to end customers in a few months

Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel have announced the launch of an AI-powered platform to help customers plan their customised holidays, check availability and book – in minutes.

The platform has been deployed with sellers initially. Over the next few months, end customers will have direct access to the platform via the company websites thomascook.in & sotc.in and the company apps.

Creating a customised travel program has traditionally been an arduous task for holiday experts: from the discovery-research stage to creating an itinerary and then pricing and booking. This involves coordination with several disparate sources, with multiple external suppliers for various components, be it air, hotels, attractions, local transportation, etc. The average time frame involved being between 48 - 72 hours, or more. With the Thomas Cook and SOTC AI-based platform, customised trip planning will now become seamless – in under 10 minutes!

Leveraging a combination of Deep Learning & AI algorithms, intelligent recommendations intuitively tailor travel itineraries by analyzing unique customer preferences. With access to a global network of partners for flights, hotels, experiences and transport, holiday planning and booking is now more personalized and streamlined than ever before.

Capabilities of the AI platform:
• Inspire Engine: AI-driven suggestions to optimize time and budget based on customer interests
• Swift Personalization: Build a customized trip in just minutes with tailored recommendations
• Speed: Turnaround time reduced - to under 10 minutes
• Convenience: Curate a trip at ease - anytime, any day
• Flexible Customization: Book recommended options or adjust every element of the itinerary to suit individual preferences.

Key Features:
• Theme-based destination rankings
• Flight price predictions and recommendations
• Activity ranking and scheduling
• Hotel price predictions and recommendations
• Optimization within budget

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, said ”The new age Indian consumer is increasingly demanding personalized trips - unique, tailor-made programs based on their preferences. Extending our digital-first strategy, I am delighted to announce our AI-powered platform, to help customers plan their customised holidays, check availability and book – in real-time. This will empower both our frontline and customers to create deeply personalized programmes in minutes. This cutting-edge AI technology will transform how Indians plan their travel, and as travel pioneers, we continue to improve our customer experience.”

Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “We are excited to unveil our AI-powered platform to help customers plan their customised holidays in real time. This platform will ensure the delivery of real-time recommendations and optimize every aspect of trip planning - personalizing travel like never before. We believe that AI is the key to unlocking intuitive, efficient, and personalized experiences in this new age of travel, and we at SOTC are excited to lead the way."

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

Mumbai, 6th August, 2024

SOTC Travel enters Jharkhand market with first outlet in Ranchi
Strong demand for both domestic and international holidays

• Favourites include Europe, Australia-New Zealand, Japan (International)
• Domestic destinations include Kashmir, Ladakh, Andamans

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company opened its first outlet in Jharkhand. The outlet was inaugurated by Leader of Opposition & ex-Tourism Minister Govt of Jharkhand – Shri. Amar Kumar Bauri & Shree Ganesh Mishra State Secretary (BJP) Jharkhand.

Jharkhand is emerging as a strong travel market and this new franchise out strategically located in the city center, to serve both leisure and business segments.

SOTC Travel’s Ranchi 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.

Contact Details
SOTC Travel Limited,
Shop No F4A, 1st Floor,
City Centre, Club Road,
Ranchi - 834001

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head Leisure, SOTC Travel said "Jharkhand is emerging as a high potential source market for our holiday business and we are delighted to inaugurate our first franchise store in Ranchi. The location has been selected to target wide consumer segments including of families, working professionals, millennials, GenZ, GenS, etc.

Over our 75 years as a company, we firmly believe that, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveler better than SOTC’.

And we look forward to welcoming our Ranchi customers and designing their perfect holiday.”

He added, “What is noteworthy is that customers are travelling beyond the traditional summer and are leveraging every opportunity like the festive Pujo season. This gives customers an opportunity to celebrate with their loved ones while travelling to their favorite destinations. We have hence introduced a specially designed Pujo portfolio of over 35 tours across group escorted tours and customized options.”

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years, pioneering group escorted tours in the country. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’

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

Mumbai, 23rd July, 2024

Indians are maximizing long weekends in August to take multiple mini-cations
Thomas Cook & SOTC introduce a range of attractive weekend getaways

● Companies leverage extended weekends of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan & Janmasthami
● Products include both Domestic & Short hauls destinations
● Targeting working professionals, couples, millennials/GenZ, group of friends, solo travellers and families

Travel-hungry Indian consumers are leveraging three key holidays in August - Independence Day (15th August), Raksha Bandhan (19th August) & Janmasthami (26th August). By clubbing the holiday with a weekend, Indians are smartly converting the opportunity into a getaway/mini-cation. With a strategic intent to maximise on this potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced a range of products for quick weekend getaways this August.

Key Travel Trends:
• Strong travel appetite: Increase in searches by 25% for both domestic and short haul destinations
     o Top Domestic: Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Leh-Ladakh, Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East
     o Indian subcontinent: Sri Lanka and Bhutan
     o International: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam
• Customer segments driving demand: Working professionals, couples, Young Indian’s millennials and GenZ, multigenerational families
• Average holiday duration: 3-5 days for shorter stays/mini-cations; 5-9 days for longer holidays
• Unique experiences: Wildlife safaris and cruises

Product details - Special Thomas Cook & SOTC tours

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Leisure Travel, MICE, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd, said "With multiple festivals/bank holidays in August, travel hungry Indians are making the most of the opportunity and displaying high interest for short driveable trips; weekend & extended weekend getaways. To catalyse demand, we have launched an exciting range of mini-cations in August with attractive deals/discounts. In addition to domestic favorites like Kashmir, Ladakh, Andamans, customers are displaying interest for short haul and visa free/easy visa destinations such as UAE, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam & Bali.

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head Leisure, SOTC Travel added, "Indian travellers are value seekers. With the perfect combination of long weekends in August coupled with off-season monsoon discounts, travellers are now opting for multiple short breaks. Multi-generational families, couples, working professionals, millennials and group of friends are driving demand. Also, this being an election year, there has been an extension in the traditional holiday season upto end August.”

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

Mumbai, 22nd July, 2024

SOTC Travel witnesses strong demand for Janmasthami festive travel from its Gujarat market
High preference for international cruises to South East Asia Launches unique Janmasthami products: Manmohak Bali; Romanchak Vietnam with Danang; Manmohak Asia with Cruise

• Demand drivers: Multigenerational families, couples, Millennials & GenZ
• 25-28% increase in spends as compared to last year
• Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam & Indonesia are the preferred destinations for Janmasthami celebrations; also Azerbaijan & Georgia

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company’s data reveals that consumers from Gujarat are displaying high interest for travel during the upcoming Janmasthami festive season.

Key trends include:
• Popular destinations: Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam & Bali. Cruises to South East Asia (Malaysia with Singapore; Indonesia) mono Vietnam with Danang; Kashmir
• Indian subcontinent: Sri Lanka and Bhutan
• New emerging destinations: Azerbaijan and Georgia

Spiritual Tourism on a rise
• Popular Spiritual/Pilgrimage tours: Jyotirlinga. Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwara, Dwarka, Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Rameswaram; Ramayana Trails in Sri Lanka
• High demand for unique local experiences tours coupled with darshans, such as cuisine trails and outdoor/adventure

Unique travel trends
• Increase in demand for long-weekend/extended weekend getaways
• High preference for curated tours like ‘SOTC Gurjar Vishwadarshan’ offering pure vegetarian / jain meals, and accompanied by son of soil Gujarati Tour Managers for travelers
• Shorter Booking window for Janmasthami travel under 20 days (short haul), 7-10 days (domestic)

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Gujarat is a top source market and a powerful growth driver for SOTC’s holiday business. Our data indicates that Gujaratis are leveraging their festive holidays like Janmasthami to for travel on both International short haul and domestic break. We have witnessed a strong demand for Janmasthami travel – led by cruises to South Asia. To cater to this unique demand, our special tours like ‘Gujar Vishwadarshan’ that offer pure vegetarian/jain meals and accompanied by Gujarati Tour Managers have been introduced and we are seeing a high interest for such holidays.”

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years pioneering group-escorted tours in the country. The company firmly believes that today, 'No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC.'

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, 8th July, 2024

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel capitalise on the continued appetite for travel post the peak summer season Witnesses 25% increase in demand for Monsoon travel

● Uptick in outdoor/nature-led experiences: hiking, bike trips, rafting, waterfall rappelling/trekking
● Indian’s maximizing on off-season rates and monsoon discounts
● Demand trend of weekend-extended weekend/ mini-cations
● Key segments: Young India’s millennials & GenZ, working professionals, multigenerational families
● Spiritual tourism/pilgrimage continue to be in demand

Indian consumers are displaying sustained interest in travel post the traditional peak summer season. With the onset of the monsoons, ushering in pleasant weather and nature at its best, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s reports an increase in demand for monsoon travel - with a growth of 25% compared to last year.

Monsoon being a traditional low travel season, demand vs supply works well to the consumer’s advantage: with special deals/discounts offered by airlines and hotels creating strong inspiration for “travel savers”. Thomas Cook India and SOTC have also announced value-options that make Monsoon travel a truly attractive value proposition for Indians.

With the rains transforming arid landscapes into lush green locales, rivulets, and waterfalls, the Companies’ trends reveal a growing interest in nature-forward experiences, such as nature trails and photography tours to Uttarakhand’s Valley of Flowers, Maharashtra’s Khaas-Pathar Valley. Kerala has emerged a favourite with its hill retreats of Munnar and Vagamon, pristine backwaters of Kumarakom, forests of Thekkady and the Silent Valley. Outdoor experiences like trekking and hiking in Tawang’s forests & lakes (Arunachal Pradesh), the magical root bridges in Meghalaya’s Cherrapunjee, the thermal Tiger Spring of Mahabaleshwar, Jog Falls in Karnataka are also seeing demand.

The season is seeing uptick in unique stays in tea/coffee plantations in places such as Ooty, Coorg and Coonoor and Yercaud.

Key Highlights:
• Destinations: Domestic and short haul demand uptick of 22% and 25% respectively
o Popular destinations: Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Andamans, Kerala, Rajasthan, Goa, Karnataka, North East
o Indian subcontinent: Sri Lanka and Bhutan
• Demand for Spiritual/Pilgrimage tours: Jyotirlinga. Varanasi, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwara, Dwarka, Somnath, Mallikarjuna, Rameswaram; Ramayan Trail in Sri Lanka
• Customer segments driving demand: Working professionals (20%), Young Indian’s millennials and GenZ (25%) and multigenerational families (18%)
• Average holiday duration: 3-5 days for shorter stays/mini-cations
• Unique destinations: Indian’s are displaying high interest to unique monsoon destinations like Ooty, Coorg, Wayanad, Coonoor and Munnar; Western Ghats and coastal belt
• Experience-led activities: trekking, hiking, river rafting, waterfall repelling, biking in Rishikesh, body surfing in Kerala & Karnataka, zipling in Davki, whale watching in Sri Lanka
• Wildlife & Safari tours: Jawai Dam and Desert national park in Rajasthan, Nagarhole and Bandipur national parks in Karnataka; Sunderbans in West Bengal
• Regional/State festivals: boat race in Kerala, Puri Rath Yatra in Odisha, Kandy Perahera festival in Sri Lanka, France day in Puducherry
• Rise in Wellness tourism: Interest for traditional Ayurveda wellness treatments, retreats and resorts in Kerala

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, at Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, Monsoon travel is seeing growing popularity from Indians. We are witnessing a 25% increase in demand for this monsoon season compared to last year. Short driveable holidays; weekend & extended weekend getaways are witnessing an uptick from young professionals/millennials & GenZ, couples, families. Our customers are showcasing interest in offbeat & adventure experiences like bike trips, hiking, rafting, waterfall rappelling/trekking. To cater to this demand we have curated a diverse portfolio of over 150 monsoon holidays designed to inspire travel hungry Indians.

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, "The monsoon season offers travellers a unique opportunity to explore India’s greener locales, cooler and serene wellness retreats. With our rich heritage of 75 years, we firmly believe that no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC. India travellers are maximizing their holidays with off-season rates and incredible monsoon discounts to unique monsoon destinations like Ooty, Coorg, Wayanad, Coonoor and Munnar, Western Ghats. Our Monsoon Holidays are curated for customers who want to experience India’s untapped beauty amidst the rains”

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

Mumbai, 3rd July, 2024

North India drives strong demand for SOTC's Holiday Business Reports an increase of 30% in demand from this region

• 20% higher holiday spends compared to last year
• Growth of multiple trips per year (Domestic & International)
• Favorites:
      o Domestic & Indian subcontinent: Pilgrimage/Spiritual tours, Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Goa, Andamans and North East; domestic cruises; Bhutan
      o International Europe (Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria, Germany), Japan, Australia, USA (Long Haul); UAE, Singapore, Vietnam, Türkiye and Kenya (Short-Mid Haul)
• Emerging destinations: South Korea, Azerbaijan and Georgia emerge as new favorites with visa-free/easy visa travel

SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company has released data on North India travel trends. The data highlights a robust 30% growth in travel demand for summer 2024; with an increase in travel spends by approx. 20% compared to the previous year.

North India Travel Trends:
• Increased travel intent in 2024: 30% increase in demand
• Higher spending: 20% compared to last year
• Increased demand for multiple trips: longer vacations + shorter weekend/extended weekend getaways
• Increase in spontaneous travel
      o Booking windows have reduced to: 30-45 days for long-haul destinations; 20 days for short-haul and domestic travel
• Top Destinations:
      o Domestic/sub-continent: Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Goa, Andamans and North East; Bhutan
      o International: Europe (Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria, Germany), Japan, Australia, USA, UAE, Singapore, Vietnam, Türkiye and Kenya
• Consumer Preferences:
      o Increased preference for customized holidays
      o Growth in demand for outdoor & adventure experiences like safaris, biking, white water rafting, parasailing, etc
      o Family holidays seeing increased demand (approx. 25%) due to extended summer holidays (election year)

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, "The North Indian market continues to show robust demand and is a key driver for our holiday segment. With a significant increase in travel intent and spending, what is noteworthy is the demand for customized holidays. We are witnessing a growing trend for multiple trips, both longer vacations and weekend getaways.

Europe remains the top choice, while we're seeing exciting growth for newer destinations like Georgia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, thanks to visa-free/ easy-visa travel. The reduced booking windows indicate a spontaneous travel spirit from our North customers, especially for domestic and short-haul destinations."

SOTC is an Indian-grown entrepreneurial brand with a legacy of 75 years pioneering group-escorted tours in the country. The company firmly believes that today, 'No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC.'

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, 18th June, 2024

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel see significant growth in Domestic Travel demand
Surpass full CY 2023 domestic travel numbers in first 6 months of CY 2024 Release India Domestic Travel Trends

• Top Destinations: Kashmir, North East, Andamans, Kerala and Goa
• Summer demand up by 30% vs last year; extended booking season due to elections
• Higher average spends: up by 25% over last year
• Longer duration of stay: while short breaks 4 to 5 nights remain popular, significant growth in long stays of 15 days
• Shift in Traveller Preferences: more opting for higher category accommodation; prioritising in-hotel experiences like spa, wellness and dining
• Rise in experience-led travel: outdoor, soft adventure, biking trips, safari holidays, domestic cruises, culinary trails, sporting events, music festivals, etc
• Spiritual/ Pilgrimage Tourism on high growth trajectory - over 45% vs pre-pandemic

Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, latest insights on domestic tourism.

Key trends include:

Top destinations in demand
• Kashmir: 30%
• North East: 26%
• Andaman: 22%
• Kerala: 20%
• Goa: 20%

Spiritual Tourism seeing surge of over 45% vs pre-pandemic
• Traditionally, a favorite of seniors, spiritual tourism is witnessing strong uptick from younger travellers: working professionals, millennials and GenZ; growth of younger segment is up by 75%
• High demand for unique local experiences coupled with darshans, such as cuisine trails and outdoor/adventure
• Thomas Cook and SOTC’s newly launched aerial darshans (Dev Bhoomi – Om Parvat) were sold-out early this summer. Forward booking pipeline robust for winter tours to Char Dham, Varanasi, Ayodha, Jagananth, Rameshwaram, Tirupathi, etc

Shifts in traveller preferences
• Increase in spends: 15% YoY
• Increase in longer stays: 20% YoY
• Increase in multiple holidays per year: 2-3 shorter holidays in addition to longer vacations
• Impulse bookings on the rise for weekenders/mini-cations
• Increased demand for in-hotel amenities such as fine dining, spa and wellness services, and clubs facilities

Favourite summer locales
• Leh-Ladakh and cooler climes of Gangtok, Sikkim, Darjeeling, Munnar, Ooty, Coorg
• Kashmir maintains its year-round appeal

New emerging locales
• North East India’s Seven Sisters, Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh’s Kargil for a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure
• Growing demand for experiential travel

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd said, "Domestic tourism has been powering our growth trajectory this summer. What is noteworthy is that we have achieved both our top-line and passenger numbers of 12 months of 2023, within the first six months of 2024.Indians are displaying keen appetite to explore their own country and we are witnessing exponential demand for multiple domestic trips - Young India’s working professionals and DINKs are opting for multiple mini-cations, combining public holidays with weekends for short getaways, in addition to longer domestic vacations lasting 15 days.”

Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “"We are excited to share our delivery on our Domestic business: we have achieved our 2023 business numbers within just six months of 2024! Our strategy to motivate Indians to explore our own country is clearly working very well and this is a great motivation for our Teams. India offers an incredible diversity of hidden gems and exceptional experiences, and our data trends reveal that Indians are actively exploring them. We are bullish on India’s Domestic segment and at SOTC we are ready to set new goals for the next six months and year ahead.”

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

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