Mumbai, December 20, 2023
Double win for SOTC Travel for the 2nd time at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards
Honoured with awards for ‘Outbound Travel Operator of the Year’ and ‘Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, has been honoured with two awards for the second time this year at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards. The Company won the awards for ‘Outbound Travel Operator of the Year’ and ‘Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’. The second edition of The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards brought together top leaders from the travel and tourism industry on a single platform. The selection criteria covered a range of parameters, with the nominations being judged by a grand jury and validations by Ernst & Young.
SOTC was recognized for both its innovative product development, curated based on the deep understanding of its customers preferences and trends. The Company’s Regional focus inspired strong demand from India’s tier 2 and 3 cities. SOTC 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’s sustained focus on digitization resulted in a significant drop in the average age of its customers by approx. 10 years. To empower India’s digital native, the Company launched a portfolio of 'Book Easy. Go Easy. - Instant Holidays by SOTC' - ready-to-book options for domestic and visa-free international destinations where customers can simply pick a holiday of their choice and book it seamlessly online, without any human interaction; also exciting/experiential elements in its long-haul portfolio.
The Company also leveraged multiple opportunities including special occasions, long/extended weekends, summer/winter breaks and the festive season to create exceptional holiday portfolios. This played a vital role in maximizing their business potential.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, , “It is a special honour to win at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards for the second time this year! The prestigious awards ‘Outbound Travel Operator of the Year’ and ‘Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’ acknowledge our leadership in the travel sector and recognizes our innovation in product development and efforts towards delivering exceptional holiday experiences.
On the cusp of our 75th year, we take immense pride in being an Indian-born brand, and 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 to ensure unforgettable journeys that encompass comfort, convenience, and excellent value for money.
Our Regional focus has successfully resulted in strong travel demand emerging from India’s tier 2-3 cities. Regional India is a critical market for us and making our website available to customers in a language of their choice, builds reassurance and deepens our customer connect. To cater to our customers we have curated a wide range of holidays/special departures to match their unique requirements that include local food, regional language speaking expert tour managers, etc.
I dedicate this win to our teams and thank them for their sincere efforts to create exceptional holiday experiences for our customers.”
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 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, November 03, 2023
SOTC Travel bags an award for Marketing Excellence
Wins PATA Gold Awards 2023 for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company, has been honoured with an award for Marketing excellence for ‘Kick - starting travel again & connecting diverse Indian travellers’ at Pacific Asia Travel Association’s (PATA) Gold Awards 2023.
PATA Gold Awards recognizes exceptional achievement in a range of endeavours, acknowledging and rewarding the very best that the Asia Pacific’s travel industry has to offer. Since its inception in 1984, the PATA Grand and Gold Awards have been setting industry standards for excellence and innovation.
SOTC won the award for their initiatives to build consumer confidence in travel. Post pandemic, to encourage and kickstart holiday bookings, the Company launched its ASSURED Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics; TravShield - a 360° safety commitment: physical, financial and mental safety; Doctor on Call 24x7 – to connect with top quality doctors while on holiday; Covid-negative certification; India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline - free expert advice – on travel/health protocols and regulations; also a dedicated online Travel Guidelines section updated with ongoing changes in protocols.
SOTC also pushed the envelope to enhance its regional connect by via the launch of its website in three regional languages, in addition to English. The Company’s curated range of holidays focuses on the cultural nuances of regions including Gujarat, Bengal and South India. To ensure added comfort and reassurance, all SOTC group tours are escorted by their expert tour managers who also speak the regional language.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “We are truly honoured to accept the PATA Gold Award 2023 for Marketing. This award recognizes our team’s efforts to innovate and inspire customers to travel post the challenges of the pandemic. We re-conceptualized our strategy post pandemic to build confidence to travel and create apt products/experiences to ensure a memorable holiday.
Regional India is a critical market for us and thus to deepen our customer connect, we launched our website in three regional languages and introduced special departures from various geographies that highlight cultural nuances of the region. To ensure customer comfort and reassurance, all our group tours are escorted by our experienced tour managers speaking the regional language.
I would like to thank PATA for recognizing our team’s efforts with this prestigious award.”
The PATA Award Winners were presented to outstanding entries in two principal categories: Marketing, and Sustainability and Social Responsibility. The winners were selected by an eminent jury consisting of industry stalwarts from the travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.
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. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 74 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, November 01, 2023
SOTC Travel Unveils its Refreshed Brand Position
Customers define what SOTC means to them
SOTC Travel, one of India’s leading travel and tourism companies, is an Indian-grown brand with a legacy of over 74 years. The Company firmly believes that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveller better than SOTC’. In keeping with its rich heritage and guiding principle, SOTC has unveiled its refreshed brand position focused on its singular mission dedicated to serving the diverse travel needs of Indians with unparalleled excellence.
As a key element of its refreshed brand position and Customer First philosophy, SOTC’s customer will define what SOTC means to them. To showcase this intent, SOTC has launched an extensive multimedia campaign encompassing a viable mix of digital, social and print media. The campaign stands out for its creativity and innovation. For instance, 'Swimming Over The Corals' ingeniously integrates each letter of SOTC, weaving captivating narratives of travel. This unique approach not only underscores SOTC's exceptional understanding of the Indian traveller but also underscores its position as the Indian Pioneer in not just group travel but also a diverse range of customised holidays.
The brand’s refreshed strategy ultimately signifies that SOTC transcends being a mere travel agency/tour operator; it embodies the quintessential Indian Travel Expert – a customer focused travel partner known for its innovation and reliability.
Link to brand video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=IoiifDC-Aek&feature=youtu.be
Reiterating its strategy, SOTC has launched its Europe 2024 collection of holidays - epitomizing the Company’s commitment to offering an array of experiences that SOTC co-creates with and for its customers.
Mr. Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel Limited said "At SOTC, we take immense pride in being an Indian-grown brand, born of Indian entrepreneurship, dedicated to serving the diverse travel needs of Indians with unparalleled excellence. We firmly believe that today, ‘No one understands the Indian Traveler better than Team SOTC.’ As we enter our 75th year in 2024, we aim to leverage this wealth of industry expertise and customer insight. Hence via the launch of our brand refresh, our customers will define what SOTC means to them.
We continue to stay committed to deliver exceptional travel experiences to our customers that truly resonate with their preferences and aspirations. Our journey ahead promises to be more exhilarating and more rewarding than ever before."
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. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for nearly 75 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, October 31, 2023
To capitalise on high demand for Europe
Thomas Cook and SOTC launch European Holidays 2024
Diverse range of ready-to-book group-escorted tours and customised holidays with special offers to inspire bookings
• Extensive range of top destinations across Europe and UK
• All group tours escorted by experienced Thomas Cook and SOTC Tour Managers
• Attractive range of price points
• Unbeatable early bird offers: Complimentary 3-night European cruise experience across Savona, Barcelona and Marseille*; 4-night free European holiday*; air-inclusive super saver offers*; cash discounts of up to Rs. 25,000.00 per person*
Despite visa challenges, Europe continues to lead preferences of Indian travellers, and this is reiterated in Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data – with over 55% of its customers indicating keen interest to travel to Europe for Summer 2024. Hence, aimed at catalysing demand and accelerating bookings, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched their European Holidays 2024, exclusive group-escorted tours - with multiple departures from key metros and customised holidays, commencing March 2024. This first mover initiative by Thomas Cook and SOTC will benefit early bookers by enabling them apply well in advance for their visas.
Highlights & Inclusions:
• All-inclusive tours: airfares, accommodation, sightseeing, transfers, meals, visa and insurance included
• Expertise of accompanying experienced tour managers
• Range of destinations: Switzerland, France, Austria, Scandinavia, Italy and Vatican, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and Portugal, Hungary, Greece, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia; England, Scotland and Ireland
• Unique experiences: Horse carriage ride in Krakow Old Town (Poland), historic tram ride in Prague (Czech Republic), fondue on Glacier 3000 (Switzerland), wine cellar tour with port wine tasting in Porto (Portugal), local lunch at the Renaissance restaurant at Visegrad (Hungary)
• Diversity of transportation: air, coach, rail – EuroStar, Flåm, scenic Swiss trains and LeShuttle; private boat, ferry and cruises – Costa cruises to Scandinavian Fjords and the Greek Islands, luxury Queen Mary Cunard cruise
Exclusive Early Bird Offers & Deals on group tours:
• Complimentary 3-night Mediterranean Costa cruise across Barcelona, Savona and Marseille on booking a European holiday
• A luxurious Queen Mary cruise - free, on booking a UK holiday
• 4-night holiday in Europe - free, on booking a cruise holiday or select products
• Cash discounts of up to INR 25,000.00 per person
Food forms a key element and thus to cater to the palette of Indian customers, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s European Holidays offers a choice of Indian (vegetarian and non-vegetarian) and fusion options; also an opportunity to sample local cuisine.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Summer is the best time to visit Europe and we are witnessing strong demand for the destination. Thomas Cook is synonymous with European tours - with a pioneering legacy of over 140 years. Leveraging on our expertise, we have designed a diverse range of European Holidays that feature favourite locales and unique experiences for our customers.
Our early launch of our summer departures is aimed at supporting our customers with their visa applications - well in advance.
To sweeten the deal, we have announced early bird offers that include complimentary cruise experiences, a free holiday in Europe and cash discounts per family. We encourage our customers to make the most of these deals and book their dream European Holiday with us!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Europe continues to be a favourite for Indians – be it the continent’s scenic vistas, history-culture to its diverse cuisine.
What is noteworthy is that our data reflects high demand equally from metros and Regional India. We have launched our summer special European Holidays group tours in advance so our customers can book their holidays and plan for their visas.
SOTC is an Indian-grown brand, and having built a formidable reputation of over 74 years, we understand our Indian customers better than anyone else! Our tours offer the comfort of Indian meals, along with fusion and local cuisine – for both our vegetarian and non-vegetarian customers.
For added reassurance to our customers, all our group tours are accompanied by our experienced Indian tour managers.”
Customers can book their holiday via Thomas Cook and SOTC’s omnichannel model that offers customers both choice and convenience: customers have the option of choosing a holiday from the Company’s website or Holiday app, walk into a nearby store to consult with a holiday expert, schedule a video chat, speak to a call centre executive, or a combination of all channels.
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, 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 Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘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, promotes TCIL by holding 72.34% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. 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 (SOTC), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL and a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Group, is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
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, October 09, 2023
Thomas Cook & SOTC launch a wide range of Vegetarian & Jain Tours to meet the growing demand for the festive season, from Gujarati travelers
• Extensive range of authentic vegetarian and Jain cuisine on-tour
• Groups Tours accompanied by Thomas Cook and SOTC’s expert Gujarati speaking Tour Managers
• Range of destinations: India and International
Cuisine plays a critical role while planning a holiday for Indians – especially vegetarians. Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, indicate that travellers from India’s West Region – specially Gujarat and Maharashtra are displaying an increased travel appetite for the upcoming Diwali festive season, and this has resulted in a strong uptick in demand of 90% YoY. To leverage on this strong and growing opportunity in India’s vegetarian segment, Thomas Cook and SOTC have launched exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours that combine the best of cuisine and cultural experiences to a range of favourite locales, for customers in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours offer customers a diverse range of India and International locales to choose from, with departures from Ahmedabad and Mumbai. The portfolio features air-inclusive, land-only and customizable holidays to target India’s high potential segments including multigenerational families, owing to schools closing for mid-term break; also honeymooners/couples/DINKs, millennials/young professionals, Gen Z, seniors/Gen S and more.
The Companies’ special Vegetarian and Jain Tours portfolio features a range of handpicked favourite destinations like Europe’s Switzerland, Paris, Italy and Vatican City; Turkiye, South Africa, Australia and Egypt. Closer to home/easy-visa destinations like Singapore, Singapore + cruise, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Domestic locales feature Kashmir, Himachal, Andamans, Kerala, North East; also Bhutan - known to be the happiest and the greenest country in the world and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent. What is noteworthy is that all group tours will be escorted by expert Gujarati speaking tour managers, and international tours will also be accompanied by a special chef.
Popular Gujarati dishes served on-tour Include Gujarati Dal, Aam Ras, Aloo Methi Nu Shak, Bhindi Masala, Gata Nu Shak, Pani Puri, Aloo Jeera, Bhakri, Gujarati Moong Khichidi, Gujarati Kadi, Papdi Chaat, Methi Na Gota, Dhudi Nu Shak, Pav Bhaji, Basundi, Jalebi and more.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “The Gujarati community loves to travel with family and loved ones, and are known to take the festival where they go. With schools closing for mid-term breaks, our data indicates that Gujaratis across customer segments, especially families, are increasingly looking to travel during Diwali. Vegetarian food especially during travel is critical for Gujarati customers; this was the genesis of our Vegetarian and Jain Tours. These special tours with handpicked locales have been crafted to delight our customers. Our team of travel experts have meticulously planned and curated experiences to make them memorable for all segments. Additionally, we are also offering our customers with free hotel upgrades, also fun activities like a gala dinner and garba nights.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “We understand the quintessential Indian traveller better than anyone else, and our years of expertise has helped us design this strong portfolio of Vegetarian and Jain Tours to cater to India's vegetarians. Indians love their food, especially Gujaratis and finding vegetarian and Jain meals while travelling may be a challenge - especially outside the Country. To cater to the unique food preferences of our Gujarati customers, our exclusive Vegetarian and Jain Tours offer customers with sumptuous meals on-tour, this includes the best of local specialities in India, and international departures are accompanied by an expert chef. To ensure added comfort and reassurance, all our tours are escorted by our expert Gujarati speaking tour managers to make it a truly memorable holiday.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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, promotes TCIL by holding 72.34% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. 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 (SOTC), a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL and a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Group, is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
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, September 11, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel introduce Private Journeys Personalised, premium, chauffeured van tours
Empowers customers to design their holiday, their way!
The India Holiday Report from Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel reveals that Indians are becoming increasingly discerning travellers with an increased appetite for premium and experience led travel (78%) and higher spends (80%). Thus, with a strategic intent to target this increased demand, perfectly timed for the upcoming festive season, the Companies have introduced Private Journeys: personalised, premium, chauffeured van tours.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Private Journeys are designed to target HNIs, multigenerational families, ad-hoc groups of friends, and honeymooners/couples.
Private Journeys are fully customisable, private holidays with a closed/known group of friends/family that allows for a leisurely exploration of a destination: its history, culture, cuisine, and hidden secrets! Right from choosing the locales, the driving route, stops enroute, outdoor activities, shopping/dining experiences – can be entirely chosen by the customer as per their preference making these tours truly private.
Curated by experts, the Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Private Journeys feature exclusive experiences including: a panoramic tour of Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire with exclusive photo stops of Anne Hathaway’s cottage, visiting Shakespeare’s wife’s childhood home - a beautiful timber-framed thatched farmhouse before travelling South through the stunning Cotswolds, witness Britain's greatest medieval experience with a private tour of Warwick Castle and Windsor Castle. Football enthusiasts can explore the Paris Saint-Germain Football club, from top of the stands to the subs bench, the VIP boxes to the conference room and the renowned trophy wall. Private Journeys also offers exploration of Turkiye’s turquoise coast from Izmir, outdoor/adventure like ATV Rides/Jeep Safaris or paragliding over Turkiye’s unique rock formations. Unique elements also include personalized photo shoots with panaromic backdrops of the Swiss Alps, a Bustronome gastronomic dinner experience under the stars and more!
Highlights of Thomas Cook and SOTC’s Private Journeys:
• Premium, private vehicles at one’s disposal with professional local English-speaking drivers
• Centrally located 4-star hotels; inclusive of breakfast
• Itineraries cover festivals, wildlife experiences, unique elements of culture & history…
• 24x7 on ground local emergency helpline for customer safety/reassurance
MMr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Indians are displaying an increased appetite for exclusive and premium experiences. Our Private Journey portfolio is hence aimed at addressing unique preferences of our discerning customers. These personalised tours are a hybrid between a group tour and a self-drive holiday with an expert local chauffer - making it a perfect option for an in-depth exploration. These tours are fully customisable, private holidays that empower customers - to design their holiday, their way!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “We are witnessing increased preference for non-standard experiences and leisurely paced holidays. This was the genesis of our Private Journeys with the onset of India’s festive season offering us an opportune time to launch this unique portfolio. What makes Private Journeys distinct is that it empowers the customer to be spontaneous and choose experiences as per their preferences and on-the-go!”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, August 7, 2023
To target India’s high growth cruise market
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch an extensive range of Cruise Holidays
Across Domestic and International Destinations
• Great value of an all-inclusive holiday
• Diverse range: high sea sailing (cruise to nowhere) to uber luxury Polar/round-the-world cruises
• Attractive price points starting from Rs. 22,000.00* for a 2-night sailing
• Choice of cabins: inside to ocean view staterooms, balcony cabins, family suites, royal suites…
• Dedicated cruise section with live-booking capability on thomascook.in and sotc.in
The Indian travel landscape is witnessing a rapid evolution. Thomas Cook India & SOTC’s India Holiday Report 2023 highlights unique trends – including a 70% surge in cruise holidays/sea-cations. To capitalise on this significant potential, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched an extensive range of Cruise Holidays: from short cruise getaways/weekenders, river cruises, Polar cruises (Arctic/Antarctica), round-the-world cruises and more. The Companies intend to target their diverse range of segments - across Leisure, Corporate, B-Leisure and MICE. Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Cruise Holidays include options from value, premium to uber luxury - starting from Rs. 22,000.00* for 2-night to over Rs. 11 Lakhs* on a 14-days Antarctica ice-breaker cruise! *(per person on twin-share cabin basis)
Cruises represent a unique value proposition for Indians: an all-inclusive holiday with an array of gastronomic options; without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers. Cruises offer an exciting diversity of onboard entertainment: Broadway shows/gala events, casino/ nightclubs; play zones for children; sports & adventure activities like rock climbing, zip lining and water sports; learning snorkeling/scuba diving; also, shopping and rejuvenating options like spa-wellness. Extensive world-class dining options include cafes and buffets to multi-gourmet restaurants. With shore excursions at ports of call, cruises also allow for exploration of unique locales.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s consumer data reveals a stark contrast in Indian consumer trends. While globally cruising is predominantly a market for senior citizens, it is Young India’s Gen Z, millennials and young working professionals that are displaying strong appetite for cruises (over 80% vs. pre pandemic). A combination of factors has increased the appeal for this younger demography: an expanded portfolio of sailings in South/S.E Asia – Middle East, range of high adrenaline activities onboard and affordable price points coupled with easy access to financial models.
Domestic sailings have seen rapid revival post pandemic: Thomas Cook & SOTC have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 8000 customers booked since travel restart.
Additionally, India presents a significant opportunity with its diversity of river-scapes. The Companies have curated unique river cruise + land products: Antara cruises (from Kolkata); also Ganga river cruises like MV Ganga Vilas to explore exceptional routes from Varanasi to the North East. Kerala’s backwater cruises are also in high demand – offering a relaxed/leisurely experience amidst nature.
The Government of India aims at positioning India as a global cruise hub with state-of-art infrastructure for both ocean and river cruises. This is expected to further fuel the growth of the segment.
International cruises have been witnessing accelerated uptick from the India market. To maximize on this demand, Thomas Cook and SOTC were the first to launch an unbeatable offer - a complimentary 3-night premium European cruise experience (Barcelona, Savona, and Marseille) on select European tours - over 1500 passengers booked this summer.
The Companies’ range of international cruises include short haul options like, Costa Toscana voyages (starting December) to the UAE, Oman, Doha; Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises (Singapore; Hong Kong); mid to long haul destinations onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian cruises in Europe (Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal, The Canary Islands and Scandinavia’s fjords). Cruises in the Americas include: Alaskan and Mexican Revieria sailings of the Norwegian Cruise Line.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s data reflects increased consumer appetite for premium and uber luxury cruises such as Antarctica’s ice-breaker sailings on PONANT that offer an exceptional polar expedition experience; also luxury river cruises like Avalon Waterways.
The India Corporate MICE market is a powerful demand driver for cruises – for reward/recognition incentive programs, CXO meetings, milestone celebratory events and networking engagements. Thomas Cook & SOTC have successfully managed a range of MICE movements of between 50 to over 600 corporates each; with a robust pipeline for the year ahead.
The Companies’ Digital First strategy has seen delivery of an end-to-end online cruise booking platform: empowering customers with the choice to select from a range of cruises/cabins/offers with real-time availability.
MMr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “At Thomas Cook India we are bullish on the cruise opportunity and are witnessing a strong 60% YoY surge in demand. What is noteworthy is that we are seeing appetite across consumer segments from young India’s Gen Z /millennials, couples, multigenerational families and Corporate MICE. There is an increased preference for luxury experiences and higher categories like ocean-view cabins and suites. Our extensive cruise holidays portfolio offers a diversity of products to suit every consumer preference and price-point and we look forward to welcoming our customers onboard!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Cruise Holidays offer Indians a perfect all-inclusive holiday - onboard a luxurious floating hotel. Our extensive portfolio of Cruise Holidays offers a wide range of cruise experiences, from entertainment and exciting activities, diverse cuisines, wellness-spa, shopping, to exploring new and exotic locales. We are witnessing strong growth emerging from Regional India’s tier 2-3 markets; this is in addition to metros and mini-metros. Our forward pipeline highlights the strong potential for Cruise Holidays and with our extensive partnerships we look to introduce exciting new sailings in the coming months!”
Ms. Nalini Gupta, Managing Director Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA Costa Cruise India, said, “We are excited to launch the Costa Serena India domestic sailings programme for Indian travellers in Nov & Dec 2023, bringing international cruising at the very doorstep of an Indian guest. The cruise market in India is poised to experience significant growth over the next 5 years and we are very happy to be partnering with Thomas Cook Group for our repertoire of sailings within India, Middle East & Europe.
Mr. Varun Chadha, CEO, TIRUN said, “Our Association with Thomas Cook and SOTC, goes back nearly 30 years. Together we have introduced many destinations to the Indian consumer, from the Bahamas and Caribbean to Alaska, closer to home in Singapore, and the ever favourite Mediterranean. We are very excited as newer ships and newer experiences in private islands, are coming into our fleet across all our brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, SilverSeas and Azamara too, and to present these to Thomas Cook and SOTC’s customers. We are also excited about like-minded travel groups and the MICE segment along with continuing to grow repeat cruisers, as we open up the world.
Further we rely on their packaged tour business and hope to continue to work with them, with all their experience and expertise to grow this side of the business, as this is a great way for new to international/ cruise customers to become our advocates.”
Julie Roger, Director of Sales, Asia Pacific said, “PONANT’s association with SOTC and Thomas Cook India has proven crucial over the years in establishing a solid foothold in the Indian subcontinent. As global leaders in Luxury Polar Expedition, this partnership has enabled excellent business outcomes for PONANT in India and an exceptional customer experience. The impact is evident in this ongoing and ever-growing collaboration for journeys across the Arctic, Antarctica, Japan, Africa, and so much more between the two poles.”
Jurgen Bailom, President and CEO of Waterways Leisure Tourism Pvt Ltd, Cordelia Cruises said, "We are thrilled to witness the growing enthusiasm for cruising among travelers across segments. Our partnership aims to provide travellers with unparalleled experiences onboard the luxurious Empress, where they may embark on a journey filled with excitement, adventure and rejuvenation. At Cordelia Cruises, we recognise the value of creating cherished memories with loved ones and our diverse portfolio of Cruise Holidays promises to cater to every guest’s unique preferences. From exploring captivating destinations to venturing to new and exotic ports, we offer a delightful array of experiences that will surely captivate all hearts. With the collective expertise and commitment of Cordelia Cruises, Thomas Cook India, and SOTC Travel, we look forward to elevating the cruising experience and inviting travellers to embark on an extraordinary journey at sea."
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, August 1, 2023
SOTC Travel sets its sights on growing demand for festive travel in West Bengal Launches a Digital Campaign focusing on Durga Pujo Holidays
SOTC Travel’s consumer data reveals high travel intent especially during the festive season – across multiple segments driven by multigenerational families. West Bengal and East India feature as a key source markets for the Company and are witnessing over 50% surge in demand YoY for Durga Pujo Holidays. Therefore, with a focused intent to maximise on the significant demand, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company has unveiled its new campaign targeting the Pujo season.
The Company’s consumer insights highlight that art, culture and poetry are core to a quintessential Bengali traveller. Keeping this in mind, SOTC Travel’s Durga Pujo brand film features a Bengali family, where each member describes their perfect holiday and how they would plan each day of Durga Pujo.
Highlights of SOTC’s Durga Pujo Holidays:
• Range of destinations: Western Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, Egypt, South Africa, Vietnam with Da Nang, Singapore with Malaysia, Bali, Thailand, Dubai & Abu Dhabi, Andamans, Bhutan
• Special features: best price guarantee, Bengali cuisine on tour, Bengali speaking tour manager, all-inclusive tours, guaranteed early check-in, late check-out, departures ex-Kolkata
• Offers: discounts up to Rs. 60,000/- per family, on spot offers, gifts on booking
Link to film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpXQC-eILKw
SOTC Travel’s campaign is being extensively promoted across digital & social platforms, primarily YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “West Bengal and East India are leading source markets for us, and we are witnessing over 50% surge in demand YoY for festive travel for the upcoming Durga Pujo season. Also, with schools and offices closing for Pujo break, the most awaited festive season makes for an opportune time to take a much needed holiday with loved ones.
To cater to our customers from these valuable markets, we have carefully designed holidays to domestic and international destinations, based on their unique preferences. We have added special touches like a Bengali speaking Tour Manager, special Bengali cuisine for our customers from Kolkata; also guaranteed departures from Kolkata for our Durga Pujo special tours. Our tours come with Best Price Guarantee, discounts up to Rs. 60,000/- per family, on spot offers and gifts on booking. This is our gift to our Bengali customers – enabling them to indulge in their passion for travel while celebrating their favourite festival.”
Customers can book their preferred holiday via a video chat or make a request for a call, or select from SOTC Travel’s omnichannel network – that offers choice and convenience via the Company’s website, call centre, or extensive retail network pan India.
For further details, click here:
SOTC
*T&C apply
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. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, August 1, 2023
SOTC Travel sets its sights on growing demand for festive travel in Gujarat Launches a Digital Campaign focusing on Diwali Holidays
SOTC Travel’s consumer data reveals high travel intent especially during the festive season – across multiple segments driven by multigenerational families. Gujarat features as a key source market for the Company and is witnessing over 50% surge in demand YoY for Diwali Holidays. Therefore, with a focused intent to maximise on the significant demand, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company has unveiled a new campaign targeting the festive season.
SOTC’s Gujarati Diwali Holidays brand film focuses on family holidays and plays on the stereotypical mother-in-law – daughter-in-law dynamics where the film’s main character – the daughter-in-law narrates her holiday plans for the Diwali break with the excitement of taking the whole family on an international holiday.
Highlights of SOTC’s Gurjar Vishwadarshan Diwali Holidays:
• Range of destinations: Europe, Vietnam, Turkey, Malaysia and Singapore with Cruise, Bali, Kashmir, Himachal, Sri Lanka
• Special features: Gujarati cuisine (vegetarian and Jain meals prepared by an accompanying maharaj), each tour comprises of fellow Gujarati co-travellers guided by SOTC’s Guajarati speaking tour managers, all-inclusive tours at attractive pricing, departures ex-Ahmedabad/Mumbai, Gujarati snacks provided on every tour
• Offers: discounts up to Rs. 60,000/- per family, free upgrades to 4/5 star hotels in Asia, spot cash discounts, special gifts on booking and complimentary sightseeing
Link to film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ooVXNACuZk
SOTC Travel’s campaign is being extensively promoted across digital & social platforms, primarily YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Gujarat is a leading source market for us, and we are witnessing over 50% surge in demand YoY for festive travel for the upcoming Diwali season. Also, with schools and offices closing for festive break, the festive season makes for an opportune time to take a much needed holiday with loved ones. To cater to our customers from this valuable market, we have carefully designed holidays to domestic and international destinations, based on their unique preferences.
We have added special touches like a Gujarati speaking Tour Manager, special vegetarian and Jain meals specially made by our maharaj accompanying on tour; also guaranteed departures from Ahmedabad/Mumbai for our Diwali special tours.
Our tours come with all-inclusive tours at attractive pricing, discounts up to Rs. 60,000/- per family, free upgrades to 4/5 star hotels in Asia, and special gifts on bookings. This is our gift to our Gujarati customers – enabling them to indulge in their passion for travel while celebrating their favourite festival.”
Customers can book their preferred holiday via a video chat or make a request for a call, or select from SOTC Travel’s omnichannel network – that offers choice and convenience via the Company’s website, call centre, or extensive retail network pan India.
For further details, click here:
SOTC
*T&C apply
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, July 31, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel ink MOU with Sentosa Development Corporation Reiterates Strategic Partnership to target the high growth India market
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s consumer data indicates significant and growing Indian demand of 82% for multiple mini-cations; hence closer to home destinations with easy visas are witnessing increasing uptick. To leverage this high potential market opportunity, Thomas Cook and SOTC have respectively signed a strategic agreement with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), Singapore, the premier island resort getaway and Asia’s leading leisure destination. The strategic partnership aims at capitalizing on the Companies’ viable leisure segments. The multi-pronged initiative focuses on deepening product development and marcom to create top of mind visibility and drive visitations to Sentosa
Singapore’s e-visa and extensive air connectivity offers easy/convenient access for multiple getaways to Sentosa. With Thomas Cook & SOTC’s consumer data revealing high Indian appetite for experiential travel, Sentosa’s diversity of unique leisure and entertainment makes it an Indian favourite. Exciting developments include The Palawan @ Sentosa, Shangri-La Group’s first standalone lifestyle and entertainment precinct which features eight distinct experiences like HyperDrive (electric go-kart circuit with gamification features), UltraGolf (an 18-hole mini golf course) and two beach clubs. Additionally, Tipsy Unicorn Beach Club (only beach club in Sentosa with live bands) to be launched in September. These new experiences add to perennial favourites like Madame Tussauds Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore Cable Car, SkyHelix Sentosa, Skyline Luge Sentosa, Trickeye Museum, Universal Studios Singapore, and Wings of Time.
The Memorandum of Understanding aims to deepen the relationship between Thomas Cook, SOTC and Sentosa, and drive destination awareness to increase Sentosa’s capture rates from the Country’s powerful metros-mini metros; equally the strongly emerging Regional India/Bharat’s tier 2 and 3 cities.
Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President & Group Head - Marketing, Service Quality, Value Added Services & Innovation, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Indians are travelling like never before! With short hauls and exciting experiential travel steering demand, Sentosa is perfectly poised to capture the strong and growing appetite from the India market. Our MoU with Sentosa Development Corporation hence aims to showcase the premier island getaway’s engaging and enriching experiences – to India’s families/multigenerational families, Young India’s Millennials/Gen Z, couples, ad-hoc groups of friends/colleagues and our power driver corporate MICE segment.
Our strategic partnership with Sentosa will focus on extensive product curation, consumer engagement and promotions to drive visitations.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Singapore’s convenient e-visa and extensive air connectivity have served to drive demand for the premier island getaway of Sentosa – its diversity of attractions and experiential elements making it a preferred destination for Indians. Our strategic partnership is aimed at deepening our relationship with Sentosa while creating vibrant products that appeal to our customers from across metros, mini metros, and Regional India/Bharat’s tier 2 and 3 cities.
To inspire demand, our joint marketing campaign intends to promote the destination across optimal media platforms.”
Mr. Chin Sak Hin, Assistant Chief Executive, Sentosa Development Corporation said, “As a key leisure destination in Singapore with a diverse range of experiences to be discovered, Sentosa remains a favourite for travellers from around the world. We hope that the partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel will further enable Indian travellers to discover new possibilities in Sentosa, whether it be enjoying leisure time with the family or participating in extraordinary MICE events on Sentosa’s shores. The Sentosa team will continue to collaborate with our valued travel and MICE trade partners in India and position Sentosa as a destination of choice as the tourism industry recovers.”
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
About Sentosa
Sentosa, where discovery never ends, is Asia’s leading leisure destination and Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, located within 15 minutes from the central business and shopping districts. The island resort is managed by Sentosa Development Corporation, which works with various stakeholders in overseeing property investments, attractions development, and operation of the various leisure offerings and management of the residential precinct on the island.
The 500-hectare island resort is home to an exciting array of themed attractions, award-winning spa retreats, lush rainforests, golden sandy beaches, resort accommodations, world-renowned golf courses, a deep-water yachting marina and luxurious residences – making Sentosa a vibrant island resort for business and leisure. Sentosa is also home to Singapore’s first integrated resort, Resorts World Sentosa, which operates Southeast Asia’s first Universal Studios theme park.
Situated on the eastern end of Sentosa Island is Sentosa Cove, an exclusive waterfront residential enclave bustling with more than 2,000 homes, quayside restaurants, retail and specialty shops. The island is also proud to be home to Sentosa Golf Club and its two acclaimed golf courses, The Serapong and The Tanjong. Sentosa Golf Club has hosted a number of high-profile professional and amateur tournaments, including the Singapore Open and HSBC Women’s World Championship, welcoming international star players and world-class golf professionals from across the world.
Welcoming a growing number of local and international guests every year, Sentosa is an integral part of Singapore’s goal to be a global destination to work, live and play.
For more information, please visit: www.sentosa.com.sg.
About Sentosa Development Corporation
Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) was established on 1 September 1972 as a Statutory Board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. As a master planner, its charter since inception has been to oversee the development, management, marketing and promotion of the island of Sentosa as a resort destination for locals and tourists. SDC wholly owns its subsidiaries Sentosa Cove Resort Management Pte Ltd and Sentosa Golf Club Pte Ltd. SDC also owns the Singapore Cable Car Sky Network, managed by Mount Faber Leisure Group Pte Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary which operates as an autonomous commercial arm. As a testament to its commitment to sustainability, SDC has been conferred the Global Sustainable Tourism Council – For Destinations (GSTC-D) certificate, making Sentosa the first island destination in Asia to receive this accolade.
Media Enquiries: Kelvin Pang | +65 9784 8140 | Kelvin_pang@sentosa.gov.sg
Mumbai, July 13, 2023
SOTC Travel harnesses rising demand for short holidays with launch of ‘Book Easy. Go Easy’ - Instant Holidays
Great deals on Easy Visa, Easy Travel destinations for the value conscious customer
• Range of ready-to-book international short haul and domestic destinations
• Attractive additional discounts/deals on great pricing
SOTC Travel’s consumer data reveals high interest (87%) for multiple short breaks from Indian consumers – across segments of couples/DINKs, group of friends, millennial/young working professionals and Gen Z. With a focused intent to target this rising demand for short getaways, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company has launched Book Easy. Go Easy - Instant Holidays by SOTC - an exciting range of ready-to-book holidays to international short haul and domestic destinations. In addition to its affordable pricing, the portfolio also offers attractive discounts/deals.
The Company’s sustained focus on digitization has resulted in a significant drop in the average age of its customers by approx. 10 years. Book Easy. Go Easy - Instant Holidays by SOTC has hence been designed to empower this digital native segment - to simply pick a holiday of their choice and book it seamlessly online, without any human interaction. The special range of holidays feature easy visa/visa-on-arrival/e-visa destinations to help plan a quick weekend/extended weekend getaway, starting from 3 nights - 4 days.
SOTC Travel’s Book Easy. Go Easy. - Instant Holidays have been co-curated by its holiday experts based on customer feedback. The Company has handpicked favourite international destinations with easy visa regimes like Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bhutan, Sri Lanka - to quicken turnaround time; also attractive domestic locales including, Kashmir, Goa, Kerala, and Madhya Pradesh.
Inclusions: meals, quality hotels, insurance, transfers, sightseeing; airfare and visas (where applicable).
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “To make holidays quick and easy for customers, our ‘Book Easy. Go Easy - Instant Holidays by SOTC’ offers a range of handpicked closer to home international destinations that require easy visa/e-visa/visa-on-arrival to help customers book their quick getaways with ease and confidence, at affordable price points. Also on offer are top domestic locales. Starting at just Rs. 14,900.00*, our ‘Book Easy. Go Easy - Instant Holidays by SOTC’ offer great discounts and include meals, quality hotels, insurance, sightseeing, transfers; flights and visas (where applicable), thus ensuring a smooth holiday experience. All products in the portfolio are designed to ensure easy and effortless planning. All our customers need to do is simply book and go.”
For further details, click here:
SOTC
*T&C apply
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, July 11, 2023
SOTC Travel wins ‘MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel’ at
The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company, has been honoured with the award for ‘MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel’ at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards. The first edition of The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards brought together top leaders from corporates, industry experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from the dynamic sectors of MICE and wedding.
SOTC’s MICE Team was recognized for innovative product development that reassured and inspired corporates to travel once again. The Company built & leveraged strong partnerships & alliances to deliver distinctive experiences to its MICE corporates.
SOTC has successfully managed multiple large MICE groups ranging from 500 to over 1300 each to Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam and Phuket in 2022.
The Company’s MICE team successfully demonstrated innovation, agility and digital astuteness in consistently leveraging technology - ensuring seamless delivery of contactless, scalable, secure solutions to its corporate customer.
Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel said, “We are truly honoured to be selected as the MICE Travel Agency of the Year - International Travel at The Economic Times MICE & Wedding Tourism Awards. At SOTC Travel, we aim to deliver superior experiences to our corporate MICE customers and this prestigious award acknowledges our leadership in the sector and recognizes our efforts towards revival and growth post the challenges of the pandemic.
With more corporates displaying increased interest to organize incentive trips for their key growth contributors, we witnessed high demand among India Inc. and seized the opportunity to successfully manage multiple mega groups ranging from 500 to over 1300 to various destinations. Additionally, we leveraged technology to deliver seamless, contactless and secure solutions to our MICE corporates while also reassuring them of their safety during their travel.
We are grateful to our customers for investing their trust in us and inspiring us in our continuous service. We dedicate this award to them!”
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, July 5, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch Monsoon Getaways
To capitalise on the continued appetite for travel post the peak summer season
Indians are displaying continued appetite for travel post the peak summer season. With the monsoon season ushering in a cooler climate, Indians are keen to travel and this has resulted in a 15-20% increase in demand compared to last year - for monsoon travel. To capitalise on this increased demand, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have curated exciting monsoon getaways that include short driveable holidays, air-inclusive holidays, weekend & extended weekend getaways and multiple shorter trips/mini-cations of approx. 3-7 days starting at Rs. 7,099.00* for 4 days.
Indians are quintessential value seekers and are showcasing interest in availing attractive off-season pricing. Thomas Cook & SOTC’s monsoon getaways offer low season discounts, together with special offers/complimentary add-on benefits to India’s millennials/working professionals, couples, group of friends and families.
Travelling in India during the monsoon creates a memorable experience for travellers with its cool climate, lush green landscapes and replenished water bodies.
The Companies’ Monsoon portfolio extends across popular locales like Kerala backwaters, Wayanad, Coorg, Munnar, Vagamon, Alleppey, Chikmagalur, Ooty, Kodaikanal, Manali, Shimla, Nainital, and Pondicherry. Also, Himalayan ranges and off-beat destinations like Dharamshala, Spiti Valley and the North-East; beach destinations like Goa and Andamans.
Travellers from Delhi-NCR are keen on short and drivable holidays to Shimla, Manali, Dharamshala, Mcleodganj, Nainital, Mussoorie; travellers from Maharashtra & Gujarat are visiting Rajmachi, Lohagad, Igatpuri, Lonavala, Matheran, Mahableshwar and Panhala; and travellers from Karnataka/Tamil Nadu are visiting Hampi, Gokarna, Coorg, Pondicherry, Kanyakumari.
Outdoor enthusiasts can opt for thrilling game drives at leading national parks like Kanha, Bandhavgarh and Corbett or monsoon hiking/trekking. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice with high adrenaline experiences such as body surfing, waterfall rappelling/trekking in Rishikesh and Lonavala; white water rafting in Ladakh, zip lining in Dawki, kayaking in Kerala, etc. Leisurely biking trips among quaint hamlets, lush meadows and tea/coffee plantations are also a top draw across India. This is an ideal time for Kerala’s famed ayurveda treatments and a tour of the backwaters and forests of Thekkady.
Additionally, short haul international destinations are witnessing high demand during this season with increased interest for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi; island destinations like Maldives, Mauritius. Strongly emerging on the radar are Vietnam, Cambodia and Japan; also Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
Cruises represent a unique value proposition for travellers for monsoon travel: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers. On the domestic front, Thomas Cook & SOTC have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 8000 customers booked from restart of travel. Popular cruises during the monsoon include domestic sailing of Cordelia Cruise (Chennai - High seas - Chennai) and Chennai to Sri Lanka; on the international front, Resorts World Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruises in Singapore.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, Monsoons in India have a special attraction - an experience in itself to witness the rains across different parts of the Country. Being a traditionally low season for travel, Monsoon is the perfect time to embrace the great outdoors and experience slow travel at discounted rates with special offers. Our Monsoon Getaways include a diversity of offbeat experiences such as biking trips, trekking, hiking, and more for customers across segments including millennials/working professionals, group of friends, couples and families. We invite our customers to book their monsoon getaway with us and have a memorable experience.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Travelling in India during the monsoon season creates an out of the world experience with beautiful scenery and weather. It’s the perfect season for self-drive holidays, nature trails and offbeat outdoor & adventure experiences like bike trips, hiking, rafting, waterfall rappelling/trekking, and more. Our Monsoon Holidays are curated for customers who want to experience India’s untapped beauty amidst the rains. Additionally, value-options like special deals/discounts, complimentary transfers, dining or spa-vouchers make Monsoon travel a truly attractive value proposition for Indians.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, June 29, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel capitalise on surge in demand for Minications
Launch India’s Incredible Short Breaks
Wide range includes approx. 150 air-inclusive and land-only minications specially curated for quick getaways
With a strategic intent to target the growing demand for quick getaways, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have expanded their portfolio with the launch of ‘India’s Incredible Short Breaks’. The extensive range of approx. 150 short breaks include value to luxury air-inclusive and land-only, ready-to-book and customizable holidays. The Companies have maximised the current low-season to offer attractive pricing and special deals/discounts to accelerate demand.
The Thomas Cook and SOTC India Holiday Report – May 2023 reveals high intent for short breaks: 82% respondents indicating preference for multiple (3-4) minications. This formed the rationale for the launch of India’s Incredible Short Breaks. What is noteworthy is that this demand is emerging from not just India’s metros and mini-metros, but also tier 2-3 cities.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s India’s Incredible Short Breaks feature a wide range of destinations including Kashmir, Himachal, Rajasthan, Andamans, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, North East, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh. Also drivable destinations like Shimla, Palampur, Dalhousie, Kufri, Chail, Manali, Uttarakhand from Delhi; Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, Nashik, Aurangabad from Mumbai and Pune; Coorg, Kabini from Bengaluru; Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram from Chennai. Spiritual options include Varanasi, Prayagraj, Dwarka, Somnath, Puri, Shirdi.
The product range focusses on experiences including: guided heritage walks at a tea estate with a traditional tea tasting session in Palampur or wine tasting in Sula, tractor ride across the streams of Amritsar, evening Ganga aarti on Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi. Stay in a stylish nature retreat with Sufi vibes in Srinagar, the uber luxurious Khyber Himalayan Resort & Spa in Gulmarg, or a European style luxury Wilderness Resort in Coorg, and more. Adventure seekers can opt for activities like snorkelling in Andamans, kayaking in Kerala, riding ATV bikes in Solang Valley, or game drives at India’s leading national reserves including Bandhavgarh, Pench, Tadoba, Sunderbans, Ranthambore.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, India’s fascinating diversity offers a wealth of experiences to every traveller. Our recent India Holiday Report reiterates strong demand for short breaks, and so to inspire customers to explore our country’s myriad facets we have introduced a diverse range of India’s Incredible Short Breaks. The portfolio features nearly 150 minications of 3-5 days (air-inclusive and land-only) to a wide range of destinations. Our India’s Incredible Short Breaks are designed to ensure easy and effortless planning/booking. All our customers need to do is pack their bags and go!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Our exciting range of India’s Incredible Short Breaks cover the length and breadth of our Country. We have introduced a range of options from spiritual, nature to adventure, to cater to unique customer preferences emerging not only from India’s metros and mini metros but also Regional India. Customers get to choose from closer to home drivable breaks or air-inclusive options. Our India’s Incredible Short Breaks come packed with experiences like tea tasting sessions at a tea estate, wine tasting sessions, guided heritage walks, witnessing the famed Ganga aarti in Varanasi, tractor ride across the streams of Amritsar; also spiritual getaways, adventure activities, game drives, and more. To delight our customers, our product offers value to luxury, ready-to-book and customized programs co-curated by our experts.”
*T&C apply
Thomas Cook
SOTC Travel
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Prathama Tripathi | +91 8777723664 | Prathama.Tripathi@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, June 12, 2023
Targeting the growing market opportunity of Regional India
SOTC Travel launches website in three regional languages
In a strategic initiative to target the high potential market of Regional India-Bharat, and cater to the evolving digital savvy language segments, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel Travel and Tourism Company launched its website in three regional languages - Hindi, Gujarati and Tamil, in addition to English. This initiative enables the Company to enhance its regional connect by offering customers their language of choice as a content interface for its range of products and services.
The Company’s recent India Holiday Report – May 2023, indicates that 60% of its customers from India’s tier 2-3 markets are displaying significant travel desire. Strong travel intent, high disposable income, combined with aspirational value of holidays emerging from Regional India is contributing to a noteworthy 35% of SOTC’s holiday business, thus making these markets key growth drivers for the Company. The launch of SOTC’s website in three key regional languages hence intends to reach out to this rapidly growing market.
Based on unique preferences from its customers from Regional India, SOTC Travel has curated a wide range of holidays/special departures to match such requirements. For instance, local food preferences are a key requirement for Gujarati customers, hence the Company has launched ‘Gurjar Vishwadarshan holidays’ - that offer vegetarian and Gujarati meals across key destinations like Europe, South East Asia and other destinations.
SOTC Travel was the first Indian travel company to launch group holidays and has been at the forefront of rapid evolution in India’s travel habits. A homegrown and trusted travel brand with a legacy of over 70 years, SOTC Travel has always been at the cutting edge of innovation in the travel sector.
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of our website in Hindi, Gujarati and Tamil languages. Regional India is a critical market for us and making our website available to customers in a language of their choice, builds reassurance and deepens our customer connect. We aim to deliver exceptional experience customer experience and this starts right from research and booking on our regional language website.”
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. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, May 26, 2023
Mumbai features as a key source market for SOTC Travel Inaugurates newest store in Ghatkopar
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its new outlet in R Odeon Mall, Ghatkopar (East). The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited and Mr. Himanshu Sampat, Associate Vice President - Sales, SOTC Travel. This new addition further increases SOTC’s network strength to ten stores in Mumbai (3 retail and 7 franchise), reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city.
Mumbai features among SOTC’s top 3 key source markets, and the Company’s newly inaugurated outlet, located at a prime location in Ghatkopar, serves as a hub for nearby areas of Vikroli, Powai, Bhandup and Mulund. Ghatkopar is a hub for cosmopolitan travelers and forms a critical source market for SOTC Travel, offering the company a range of valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travelers, millennials, families, couples, Gen S/seniors and business owners.
SOTC Travel’s customer insights from Mumbai and Maharashtra indicate brisk demand of over 30% vs. pre-pandemic. The Company is witnessing high demand for personalized holidays and group tours in the region, and anticipate robust demand for experiential holidays, adventure holidays, domestic cruises, eclectic stays, safaris and biking trips. To cater to the preferences of travelers, SOTC Travel has expanded its portfolio and introduced ‘Customized Holiday Experts’ with destination expertise to help customers plan their memorable holidays as per their preferences, this is in addition to the Company’s highly popular group escorted tours – international and domestic.
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.
To boost demand, SOTC Travel has also introduced value driven offers like Buy One Get One Free, Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Greece Holidays and cashback offers.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
Level 1, Shop No B-2, R Odeon Mall,
Vijay Vihar Co-op Housing Society Ltd, Pant Nagar
Ghatkopar (East) - 400077
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Mumbai continues to be one of our top 3 source markets at SOTC, and we are witnessing strong continuum - brisk demand of over 30% vs. pre-pandemic. We are delighted to open our new store in Ghatkopar - this new addition increases our network strength in the city to ten stores, and caters to customers from Vikroli, Powai, Bhandup and Mulund as well. Our new store is centrally located and a hub for cosmopolitan travelers thus allowing us to target valuable segments of Gen Z/new age travelers, millennials, families, couples, Gen S/seniors and business owners. Our extensive range of holidays has something for everyone – from customized holidays to luxury and premium holidays, also group escorted tours.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
Top international and domestic destinations in demand – Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Greece, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Mauritius, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore; also Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala, North East; Bhutan and Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
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. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, May 09, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel release India Holiday Report - May 2023
Reiterates highly positive consumer sentiment and strong resurgence of holidays
• Increased travel intent in the next 6 months (84% respondents) Vs. 45% pre-pandemic: shorter multiple mini-cations; higher spends
• Experiences driving demand for over 78%: bucket list elements 65%; gastronomy 45%; outdoor-adventure-fun 50%; culture-history 30%
• Powerful growth segments: Regional India-Bharat; Young India (Gen Z & Millennials) and Gen S!
• Key considerations: Entry barriers - Visas (70%); Flexibility with zero change penalties (66%)
• High demand for Phygital models
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel surveyed over 3500 consumers, covering a comprehensive market (including India’s metros, mini metros like Pune, Chandigarh, Coimbatore and key Tier 2-3 markets of Jaipur, Indore, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Nagpur, Surat, Baroda, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Mysore, Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Patna, etc.) to release the India Holiday Report - May 2023. The survey was conducted over a period of one month and administered via the Companies’ online channels. The India Holiday Report - May 2023 reflects highly positive travel sentiment with insightful consumer behaviour and travel trends.
Key findings include:
• Increased holiday intent: Travel is clearly back on the Indian consumer radar with over 84% respondents indicating increased intent to travel in the next 6 months Vs. 45% pre-pandemic
o Multiple shorter trips/mini-cations: in addition to at least one/two long annual trips of approx. 10-12 days, 82% respondents indicated preference for multiple (3-4) shorter trips/minications (domestic and international short haul)
o Higher spends: despite supply constraints leading to higher pricing, over 80% respondents displayed appetite for higher spends of approx. 20% Vs. pre pandemic
• High growth segments: While multigenerational families (75%), Couples/DINKS (62%) continue to display a strong travel desire, high growth segments that are emerging include:
o Rise of Young India: As the youngest demography in the world, approx. 65% of India’s population is below the age of 35. Young India (millennials and Gen Z) form the new powerhouse for the sector with highest intent to travel (95%). Concept of YOLO (you only live once) is driving travel demand
o Gen S: India’s Silvers/Seniors have significant disposable income post retirement, topped up with funds from their children, and are displaying high travel appetite (58%), especially for premium holidays like cherry blossom tours in Japan and cruises
o Regional India-Bharat: Rising disposable incomes + aspirational value of holidays is resulting in strong desire (60%)
• Experiences driving demand: pandemic induced restrictions has increased appreciation for life. 78% respondents opted for experience led travel to create memories of a lifetime with deeper exploration and distinctive local elements Vs. regular sightseeing: bucket list destinations/elements (65%); gastronomy (45%); outdoor-adventure-fun (50%); culture and history (30%)
• Surge across both - domestic and international travel: While only domestic holidays were preferred by 40% respondents and only international by 66%; a significant 90% opted for both
o Domestic destinations favoured were Kashmir (60%); Himachal and Uttarakhand (50%), Ladakh (35%), North East (40%) Kerala (25%), Andamans (30%), Goa (30%); Bhutan in the Indian subcontinent (30%)
o International tourism is witnessing a strong resurgence. Despite visa challenges, Europe is a clear favourite preferred by over 46% of respondents led by Switzerland, France, Spain and Italy. Short hauls (50%) are witnessing rapid growth with increased interest for Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Oman; island destinations like Maldives, Mauritius (28%). Strongly emerging on the radar are destinations like Japan and S. Korea (25%); also Vietnam-Cambodia due to new flights and increased connectivity (30%). Long hauls like Australia with end-to-end digital visa processes are seeing uptick of 20%. USA continues to face visa challenges and was selected by 8%
• Key considerations for travel:
o Visa challenges: formed a barrier for 70% respondents
o Flexibility: 66% respondents are keen on zero penalties for date changes/rebooking, etc.
o Access to multiple/convenient payment options is of value to 35% respondents (Travel loans, EMI, BNPL…)
o Health & Safety continues to be a consideration for travellers, however reduced to 30% respondents
• Mode of travel: 85% respondents displayed clear return of confidence in air travel with increased demand for air-inclusive packages, 15% for drivecations; cruise holidays/sea-cations seeing a surge of 70%
• Customers opting for Hybrid/Omni-Channel routes to choose their Holiday: while digital models continue to see uptick of 66%; 58% respondents require the guidance of a holiday expert and prefer to purchase their holiday through retail outlets; 95% prefer phygital channels (combination of physical+digital models), based on their convenience
• Sustainability: 30-35% respondents are becoming more mindful about the environment/local communities
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd., said, "Holidays are witnessing rapid rebound, with travel clearly emerging as a non-negotiable/ must-do for Indians! Our India Holiday Report – May 2023 reveals that not only are multiple mini-cations back for 82% respondents (in addition to 1-2 long holidays), but also that they are willing to pay 20% more. Also noteworthy is the rise of Young India’s Gen Z and millennials; equally Middle India/Bharat as significant power-centres in the evolution of the sector. The pandemic having created a deeper appreciation for life, the YOLO (you only live once) mindset is driving travel desire: Indians are now seeking immersive travel experiences and wanting to live like a local! This highly positive consumer sentiment will serve a key catalyst to our Teams in creating customized holidays and exceptional experiences – that build memories of a lifetime!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza, President & Country Head, Leisure, SOTC Travel said, “Our India Holiday Report – May 2023 showcases India's strong and growing holiday appetite with 84% respondents reflecting increased intent. With experiential travel being a key driver for over 78% respondents, the deep desire to explore fresh and unique bucket-list opportunities resonated with 65%. The impressive travel appetite emerging from regional India-Bharat has accelerated our focus on this high potential segment via our expanded regional product and vernacular content/marketing. With the increasing demand for consumer convenience and the comfort of human-touch/expertise, omnichannel/phygital channels are clearly seeing high demand (95%). As Indian travellers becoming more discerning in their choices, as a leading travel company, we are committed to meeting their evolving needs.”
* Values may exceed 100% because of multiple-choice responses
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Prathama Tripathi | +91 8777723664 | Prathama.Tripathi@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, April 28, 2023
SOTC Travel expands retail presence in Mumbai
Inaugurates new holiday store in Chembur
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its new retail store in Chembur. With a strategic focus to leverage on the rapidly growing travel opportunity in Mumbai, this expansion increases SOTC’s network strength to nine stores in Mumbai (3 retail and 6 franchise) reiterating the Company’s focus to expand its footprint in the city. The outlet was inaugurated by Himanshu Sampat, Associate Vice President – Sales, SOTC Travel.
The Company’s new outlet is centrally located at Chembur, thus serving as a hub for nearby areas of Wadala and Sion as well. Chembur is a hub for cosmopolitan travelers and forms an important source market for SOTC Travel, offering the company a range of valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travelers, millennial, families, couples and business owners.
SOTC Travel’s customer insights from Mumbai and Maharashtra indicate brisk demand of over 55% for escorted and customized tours vs. pre-pandemic. The Company is witnessing high demand for personalized holidays in the region and anticipate robust demand for experiential holidays, adventure holidays, domestic cruises, eclectic stays, safaris and biking trips. To cater to the preferences of travelers from the region, SOTC Travel has expanded its portfolio of customized holidays and introduced ‘Customized Holiday Experts’ with destination expertise to help customers plan their memorable holidays as per their preferences, this is in addition to the Company’s highly popular 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 Greece Holidays and cashback offers.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
Vijay Vihar Co-op Housing Society Ltd, Shop No B-2,
ST Road, Opp Sanduwadi, CTS No 1634A
Chembur – 400071
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “We continue to witness strong continuum - brisk demand of over 55% for escorted and customized tours vs. pre-pandemic emerging from Mumbai and Maharashtra since the pandemic, and they remain key source markets for us at SOTC. We are delighted to open our new retail outlet in Chembur, with this new addition our network strength in the city increases to nine stores in Mumbai. Our new store is centrally located and a hub for cosmopolitan travelers thus allowing us to target valuable segments of Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials, families, couples and business owners. Our expanded holidays portfolio has something for everyone – from customized holidays to luxury and premium holidays, also group escorted tours.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
Top international and domestic destinations in demand – Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore; also Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala, North East; and Bhutan, Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, April 13, 2023
SOTC Travel opens a new retail store in Dadar
Targets growing travel demand from nearby locations of Mahim and Prabhadevi
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its new retail store in Dadar. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Dhananjay Mahadik, Member of Parliament – Rajya Sabha, Mr. Ashish Shelar, Member of Legislative Assembly, Ms. Arundati Mahadik, Chairman – Baghirati Mahila Organization, Mr. Prasad Lad and Mr. Shrikant Bhartiya, Member of Legislative Council – Vidhan Parishad, Mr. Ashok Jadhav, Ex MLA, Mr. Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel Limited and Mr. Daniel D’Souza, President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited. With this, SOTC’s network strength increases to nine stores in Mumbai (3 retail and 6 franchise) reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city.
Having a strategic focus to tap into Mumbai’s high potential market and expand the company’s footprint, the Company’s new outlet is centrally located at Shivaji Park. The new outlet will serve as a hub for nearby areas of Mahim and Prabhadevi as well, offering the company a range of valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials, families, couples and business owners.
SOTC Travel’s customer insights from Mumbai and Maharashtra indicate brisk demand of over 30% v/s pre-pandemic with customers displaying growing interest for experiential holidays, spiritual getaways, group escorted holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips. To cater to the preferences of travellers from the region, SOTC Travel has expanded its portfolio of customized holidays and introduced a special array of luxury and premium holidays, this is in addition to the Company’s highly popular group escorted tours – international and domestic. Customers are also displaying growing interest for eclectic stays, experiential holidays, adventure holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips.
To boost demand, SOTC Travel has also introduced offers like Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Greece Holidays and cashback offers.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
3/4, Ground floor 237, Upasana,
Lady Jamshedji Road, Shivaji Park
Mahim – 400016
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Mumbai and Maharashtra have been key source markets for us at SOTC, and we see strong continuum - over 30% growth in demand since the pandemic. We are delighted to open our new retail outlet in Dadar that is centrally located thus allowing us to target valuable segments of Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials, families, couples and business owners. Our expanded portfolio of holidays has something for everyone – from customized holidays to luxury and premium holidays, also group escorted tours.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
Top international and domestic destinations in demand – Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore; also Kashmir, Leh-Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala, North East; and Bhutan, Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, April 13, 2023
To capitalise on the high demand for Spiritual Tourism
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel expand Spiritual Journeys/Darshans portfolio
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s consumer data indicates that the Companies’ Spiritual Tourism segment is witnessing a significant uptick of approx. 40% vs. pre pandemic. With a strategic intent to target this increased demand, the Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have expanded their Spiritual Journeys/Darshans portfolio with ready-to-book and customizable tours across India’s top preferred spiritual locales like Char Dham, Do Dham, Ramayan Trails (Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Rameshwaram), Prayagraj, Kashi-Vishwanath corridor, Vaishno Devi, Varanasi, Rath Yatra, Bodhgaya; also the Tamil Nadu temple circuit of Chennai, Tirupati, Kanchipuram, Pondicherry, Mahabalipuram, and more. The specially crafted Spiritual Journeys/Darshans range across price points, starting at Rs. 11,270.00* to premium-personalised tours include VIP Darshans and Chardham Yatra by Helicopter.
Exclusive offers include Early Bird Discounts and upto Rs. 2,000.00 off on select bank cards.
While historically India’s seniors/Gen S comprised a key segment for Pilgrimages Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel have seen an uptick in demand from segments like multigenerational families and honeymooners/couples.
What is noteworthy is that the Companies are witnessing a discernable shift – with increasing demand (over 25% Vs 2019) from India’s millennials and Gen Z. However, consumer data/insights reveals that the demand is not restricted to traditional pilgrimages but for pilgrimage plus or spiritual products. Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have hence designed an attractive range that features a combination of spiritual breaks with unique local experiences and outdoor adventure like white-water rafting and night trekking in Vaishno Devi, Rameswaram - a hub for fun or diving with PADI professionals, bungee jumping in Rishikesh, etc. Also, unique experiences like magnificent views of sunsets from the ghats, boating on the Ganges or exploring the weaver’s village in Varanasi; birding at Chilika Lake and visiting a heritage crafts village in Puri; learning a local art like Kalayaripayattu and authentic local food trails in Kerala.
For added comfort and convenience, select tours include helicopter services and VIP darshans.
Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel’s range also includes customized pilgrimage plus tours include meditation, yoga, and wellness programs like the Panchakarma ayurvedic program at Kumarakom, Yoga Centre/Ashram in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, etc.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,“The concept of Spiritual tourism is evolving rapidly and is gaining momentum not only from Gen S but also young India’s Gen Z and millennials. We are witnessing an uptick in demand emerging from India’s metros and mini metros, in addition to tier 2 and 3 cities. To tap into this significant opportunity we have expanded our Spiritual Journeys/Darshans portfolio to include unique and customizable experiences like outdoor/adventure such as white water rafting/bungee jumping and local cuisine trails. Our diverse range extends across affordable to luxury price points.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “The pandemic has resulted in a strong revival of spiritual tourism, and we are witnessing a significant and growing demand for spiritual locales like Char Dham, Do Dham, Prayagraj, Kashi-Vishwanath corridor, Ramayan Trails to Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Rameshwaram, the Tamil Nadu temple circuit and more. What is interesting is that customers are now combining their spiritual tours with leisure holidays and this was the genesis of our pilgrimage plus holidays that offers our customers with an eclectic mix of options they can choose from and comes with special offers to sweeten the deal.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Prathama Tripathi | +91 8777723664 | Prathama.Tripathi@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, April 10, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel ink exclusive long term agreement with Mandai Wildlife Group to target the high growth India market
Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have signed an exclusive long-term MOU with Mandai Wildlife Group (MWG) to leverage the significant and growing India market opportunity. Thomas Cook & SOTC’s consumer data reveals strong travel appetite from Indian consumers - with a significant surge in demand of over 200% for short haul destinations Vs. 2022. Under the MoU, Mandai Wildlife Group and the Companies will partner to maximize on India’s rapid recovery-growth post pandemic and drive visitations to Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the integrated nature and wildlife destination in northern Singapore, home to the Night Safari, River Wonders and Singapore Zoo. The MOU comes at an opportune time as Mandai Wildlife Group’s latest wildlife park, Bird Paradise, soft opens on May 8, 2023. The partnership extends across two axes of product development and marketing to offer Indians exciting multi attraction combo deals and special meal inclusive programs.
Given current visa challenges for long haul destinations, Singapore’s easy visa and extensive air connectivity offers convenient access to Mandai Wildlife Reserve. The wildlife destination is a favourite across Thomas Cook & SOTC’s consumer segments and via the MOU, the Companies intend to target multi-generational families, young professionals, couples and groups of friends for the upcoming summer holidays and beyond. Additionally, with the overall drop in consumer age by approx. 10 years, Thomas Cook & SOTC aim to tap into the growing demand from young India’s Gen Z and millennials segment.
With the pandemic having created newfound appreciation for nature, Mandai Wildlife Reserve offers India’s visitors a window into the wild through the Singapore Zoo, known for its 'open concept' habitats; River Wonders, Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park and Night Safari, the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. MWG’s partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC will also focus on promoting the new Bird Paradise, Asia’s largest bird park. At 17 hectares, Bird Paradise houses 3500 birds and over 400 species across 10 zones including 8 large walk-through aviaries, a penguin habitat and a zone dedicated to birds of high conservation value. Guests can also look forward to new avian presentations as well as keeper-led experiences such as Keeper Talks and feeding sessions for close encounters with the birds and interactions with the animal care team.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,“Singapore is world renowned for its spectacular wildlife parks and we are delighted to partner with Mandai Wildlife Group to jointly promote its diversity of parks and experiences to our extensive range of customer segments. While our MOU showcases the existing parks of Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, we plan a special focus on the new Bird Paradise that opens on May 8th – perfectly timed for India’s school vacations!
To inspire demand, our joint marketing campaign intends to leverage on special offers promoted across optimal media platforms.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, “Singapore has always been a top destination for Indians and our partnership with Mandai Wildlife Group allows us an exciting opportunity to benefit customers with attractive products and offers. From adventurous wildlife experiences, a range of cuisine options within the parks, to nature inspired memorabilia, we want to create unique memories for our customers.
Via our joint marketing campaign, our aim is to accelerate demand across segments for the upcoming summer holidays and beyond.”
Ms. Jean Choi, Chief of Sales & Marketing, Mandai Wildlife Group said, “Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have been long-time partners and we look forward to deepening our partnership through this MOU, particularly with India as a key market for us. Aside from Bird Paradise, we have many exciting additions in store for the next few years at Mandai Wildlife Reserve that will entice Indian travellers to return time and again. With new immersive experiences and upgraded facilities, we are committed to providing our visitors with a truly unforgettable and educational journey that also contributes to protecting wildlife and nature.”
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, March 21, 2023
SOTC Travel wins ‘Best Outbound Travel Operator’ and ‘Best MICE Travel Operator’ at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company, has been honoured with two awards for ‘Best Outbound Travel Operator’ and ‘Best MICE Travel Operator’ at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards. The first edition of The Economic Times Travel and Tourism Annual Awards brought together top leaders from the travel and tourism industry on a single platform. The selection criteria covered a range of parameters, with the nominations being judged by an eminent grand jury and validations by Ernst & Young.
SOTC Travel was recognized for innovative product development across its Outbound and MICE teams that reassured and inspired customers to travel once again. The Company was the first to deliver a mega group of over 750 delegates each to Dubai and Switzerland. Further, they also successfully managed multiple mega MICE groups ranging from 700 to over 3500 to destinations across India and international.
SOTC Travel strategically developed products based on sustained consumer research to target the strong travel desire emerging from India’s metros, mini-metros, tier 2 - 3 cities. The Company leveraged multiple opportunities like special occasions, public holidays, long/extended weekends, summer/winter breaks and the festive season to create exceptional holiday portfolios. This played a vital role in maximizing their business potential.
SOTC Travel launched a range of offers: Holiday Now and Pay After You Return, Buy One-Get One Companion offers, family discounts and more; also consumer roadshows to assist customers with travel and health protocols and accelerate spot bookings. The Company built & leveraged strong partnerships & alliances to deliver distinctive experiences to its MICE corporates and leisure travel customers.
SOTC Travel’s Outbound and MICE teams successfully demonstrated innovation, agility and digital astuteness in consistently leveraging technology - ensuring seamless delivery of contactless, scalable, secure solutions. The Company launched a Virtual Holiday Store and a Live Video Connect platform enabling customers to connect with experts via a video call and chat.
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.
To build customer confidence in travel, SOTC Travel launched its Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics; “TravShield” – with only vaccinated staff and co-passengers among many other precautions featured a 360° safety commitment.
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel said, We are truly honoured to be selected as the Best Outbound Travel Operator at the first Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards. This prestigious award acknowledges our leadership in the outbound sector and recognizes our efforts towards revival and growth post the challenges of the pandemic.
With the reopening of borders and restart of commercial aviation, our multipronged strategy across product development, health & safety initiatives, technology and Marcomm has served us well in inspiring customers to go on their much awaited holiday. Our wide range of products and offers ensured the best deals for our customers, and we continue to create more such exciting offers/value propositions.
I would like to thank the grand jury and the team for recognizing our sincere efforts to create exceptional holiday experiences for our customers with this prestigious award.”
Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to be awarded as Best MICE Travel Operator at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards. At SOTC Travel, we aim to deliver superior experiences to our corporate MICE customers and this special award recognizes our strong delivery.
With the pandemic putting a halt on MICE travel, India Inc. displayed increased interest to organize incentive trips for their key growth contributors as restrictions began to ease. We were quick to seize the opportunity and were the first travel company to a deliver mega group of 750 delegates each to Dubai – as early as January 2021 - followed by another mega group of 750 to Switzerland. Post this, we continued to successfully managed multiple mega groups ranging from 700 to 3500 to various destinations across India and international. Further, we leveraged technology to deliver seamless, contactless and secure solutions to our MICE corporates while also reassuring them of their safety during their travel.
We are grateful to our customers for investing their trust in us and inspiring us in our continuous service. We dedicate this award to them!”
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, March 16, 2023
Thomas Cook & SOTC powered Vistara Getaways Holidays, now include attractive discounts + Club Vistara Frequent Flyer Program benefits
• Flat Rs. 4000.00 off on over 150 Indian and International holidays starting March 18th onwards
• Club Vistara members earn 8 CV Points on every Rs. 100.00 spent
• Bookings can be made on the Vistara Getaways portal, by calling Thomas Cook or SOTC call centers or via their extensive branch network pan India
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have expanded their partnership with Vistara, India’s finest full-service carrier (a joint venture of the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines), to benefit customers with Club Vistara (CV) Points on every Vistara Getaways purchased. This exclusive partnership of India’s leading travel brands empowers Club Vistara members with 8 CV Points on every Rs. 100.00 spent on purchase of a Vistara Getaways holiday with Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel. The CV Points earned are on land-only components (accommodation, sightseeing and transfers) and will be credited into the member’s account within 60 days post travel. Members can then redeem their CV Points by upgrading their cabin class, opting for award flights across the Vistara and partner network or towards part payment of a Vistara flight.
The Companies have announced an attractive offer, Club Vistara members can avail a flat discount of Rs. 4000.00 on purchase of Vistara Getaways holidays starting March 18th onwards.
The Vistara Getaways product extends across over 150 domestic and international holidays and can be purchased across a convenient phygital network: the Vistara Getaways portal or through Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s call centers and extensive branches - pan India. Vistara Getaways offers customers a choice of holidays specially designed by Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel: from minications, family getaways, spiritual sojourns, wildlife safaris, wellness retreats, city breaks to honeymoon specials and romantic breaks. Based on their personal preference, customers can opt for ready-to-book holidays, add-on experiences or co-curate personalised itineraries together with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel’s holiday experts.
With travel demand at an all-time high, this partnership intends to leverage India’s multiple and highly opportune segments of Gen Z, millennials, multigenerational families, couples/honeymooners and Gen S.
The Vistara Getaways range of destinations include domestic favourites (Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, the North East, Punjab, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Goa, Andamans, and more) and top international locales of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman, Thailand, Singapore, Mauritius (starting March 26th); also Sri Lanka and Nepal in the Indian subcontinent.
Vistara Getaways’ spiritual sojourns include Varanasi, Prayagraj, Puri, Dwarka and Somnath.
Vistara Getaways, powered by a cutting-edge technology platform designed and built by Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel, presents customers with dynamic inventory and ready-to-book holidays. Each Vistara Getaways comes with flights (Vistara), transfers, value to premium hotel stays, sightseeing/experiences, visas (where required) and a dedicated concierge service. The seamless digital interface empowers customers with speed and convenience with the added advantage of support from the Companies’ holiday experts via its call centres and extensive retail outlets pan India.
Mr. Mahesh Iyer, Executive Director & CEO, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. said, “At Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel, we value strong alliances that ensure an exceptional customer experience. We are hence delighted to expand our exclusive partnership with Vistara Getaways for their Club Vistara program. Club Vistara members can now earn CV Points on every purchase of Vistara Getaways holidays via the portal or Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s exclusive call centers and extensive retail outlets - across India. This strategic partnership leverages on the strengths of the three brands, to benefit our customers with attractive CV Points in addition to truly memorable holiday experiences.”
To become a member and start redeeming accumulated CV Points, click here
To book your Vistara Getaway, click here
*T&C Apply
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Prathama Tripathi | +91 8777723664 | Prathama.Tripathi@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, March 3, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch a wide range of immersive
Holiday experiences exclusively for women, ahead of International Women’s Day
• Unique experiences for Gen Z, millennials, girl gang/BFF travel, bachelorette tours, kitty party getaways and more
• Range of destinations – India and International
• Offers include: Buy One Get One Free, exclusive 10% discount for all women travellers*
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s consumer data indicates a significant growing demand of over 40% from India’s women travellers – this is across segments of Gen Z, millennials, girl gang/BFF travel, bachelorette trips, kitty party getaways, solo travellers and more. With a strategic intent to target this high potential segment and commemorate International Women’s Day, the Companies have reintroduced a range of attractive holidays that offer an eclectic blend of leisure, wellness breaks, shopping getaways and adventure trips. The extensive range of holidays offers ready-to-book and personalised products to a host of domestic and international destinations – with exclusive offers like Buy One Get One Free and an exclusive 10% discount for all women travellers*.
Woman travellers today are bold, independent and looking to explore new and authentic experiences by venturing outside their comfort zones, willing to experiment with destinations and activities. To support women design their perfect holiday, the Companies’ holiday experts have carefully designed a range of budget, value, affordable luxury as well as luxury products; with a diversity of interest based itineraries including: outdoor-adventure, self-drives, cruises, culture, spa-wellness, gastronomy and shopping. Based on insights from its women travellers, Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel have incorporated an array of immersive experiences like indulging in authentic local cuisine, supporting local businesses, learning a new skill/craft, exploring the hidden gems of the destination and more.
Additionally, the Companies have organized exclusive women’s group tours will be accompanied by expert lady tour managers to offer added assurance and safety.
Women want to have fun while they travel and hence the Companies’ have incorporated an eclectic mix of exciting and exhilarating experiences. Options include: fun pub crawls and Vespa rides in Singapore, bicycle trips - Spain, Muay Thai (kick boxing) and spa wellness - Thailand, cooking with a local chef and rainforest experiences like ziplining - Malaysia, staying in a chateau or taking a culinary course at the famed Le Cordon Bleu – France, scenic rail journeys across Switzerland using the Swiss Travel Pass. Also, spiritual retreats - Indonesia, snorkeling/scuba diving – Maldives; exploring the famed Jeju Islands or shopping K-beauty cosmetics, experiencing the famed Jimjilbang spas/saunas - South Korea, whiskey trails in Japan; vineyard tours and wine tasting at Hunter Valley, Yarra or combined with the thrill of whale watching - Western Australia, and more.
Adventure seekers can opt for sky diving or white/black water rafting in the adventure capital of the world – New Zealand’s Queenstown, mangrove canoeing - Abu Dhabi, game drives at India’s leading reserves, surfing - Pondicherry, biking across the panoramic vistas from Srinagar to Leh, trekking in Ladakh, Himachal, Uttarakhand & Sikkim and more.
Retail therapy enthusiasts can go shopping with a personal shopper in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, or shop till you drop at McArthurGlen luxe designer outlets across Europe and La Valle Village, Paris
Cruises represent a unique value proposition: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/check-out and transfers. Cordelia continues to be a domestic favourite, while popular international sailings include Mediterranean cruises, Scandinavian Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Genting Dream Cruises. Besides sea/ocean cruises, luxury river cruising like Avalon Waterways, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking Cruises are also witnessing noteworthy demand.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
“Indian women have emerged as a valuable customer segment for us. Travel makes one feel empowered, and the quintessential woman traveller today seeks non-standard experiences. They are keen to explore new locales, cuisines, learn new skills that stay with them for life. To appeal to this important customer segment, and to commemorate International Women’s Day, we have reintroduced a host of products that include an eclectic mix of outdoor-adventure, self-drives, cruises, culture, spa-wellness and gastronomy.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “The evolution of India’s women traveller represents a significant opportunity as they continue pushing the boundaries of traditional travel and indulge in unique and offbeat experiences. The new age Indian woman traveller prefers to explore the world based on to her unique preferences/passions. To cater to this evolving segment, our expert travel planners have handpicked experiences that are sure to delight every woman traveler and help them plan a well-deserved break. We welcome our women customers with exclusive offers, exceptional pricing and range of attractive products - to celebrate this special day!”
*T&C Apply
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, March 1, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel introduce Readymade Holidays
Individual tours designed to cater to India’s on-the-go travellers
• Book and buy real time - Simple and seamless online process
• Confirmed inventory - across accommodation & sightseeing
• Best Price Guaranteed
• Itineraries across Switzerland and Paris starting at Rs. 84,900.00* for 6 days
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel’s consumer insights reveal that while Europe continues to see strong demand, consumers are often faced with challenges of super peak pricing and limited availability. The new age traveller seeks experiences, shorter booking windows with immediate end-to-end fulfillment. This formed the genesis of the Companies’ Readymade Holidays to Switzerland and Paris, that ensures instant online bookings, backed with confirmed inventory and unbeatable pricing, starting at Rs. 84,900.00* for 6 days.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s data indicates that Switzerland and Paris feature as favourites, comprising over 40% of consumer demand for Europe. What is noteworthy is that this demand is emerging from not just India’s metros and mini-metros, but also tier 2-3 cities. With a strategic intent to capitalize on the high potential and bring the best of both destinations, the Companies’ Readymade Holidays are carefully designed by experts based on years of experience and customer feedback. The portfolio offers an optimal mix of value including best deals, non-standard/handpicked experiences that appeal to segments from Gen Z to Gen S (seniors) – with special focus on families and honeymooners/couples.
The product range offers a seamless, instant book & buy process available via the Companies’ self-booking tools - apps and portals. Additionally, to support customers, Thomas Cook and SOTC’s omnichannel clicks & bricks model empowers customers with choice and convenience: speaking to a call centre executive for clarifications, walking into a nearby store to consult with a holiday expert or both.
Unique Experiences:
The Readymade Holidays include handpicked experiences like peak walk on the suspension bridge at Glacier 3000, the adrenalin rush of a canyon swing through a narrow glacial gorge at Interlaken, an exciting ride in an open-air cable car on the CabriO cableway at Stanserhorn, jet boating on Lake Brienz, river rafting in the Gstaad region, etc. Also included is a Bollywood Tour covering picturesque locales that form the backdrop of iconic films, pub-crawls, heady nightlife, concerts and more in Paris.
Additionally, the tours are packed with favourites like a visit to the PSG Football Stadium and Museum Tour, Louvre, Disneyland Paris, Schilthorn, Mt. Titlis, Olympic Museum - Lausanne, Swiss Transport Museum, Chillon – the island castle on Lake Geneva, a guided city tour with a local through the medieval alleys of the Zurich’s old town.
Accommodation and transfers:
The Companies’ Readymade Holidays guarantee stay in premium (4 star) accommodation across hotels and apartments, including a premium alpine stay in the uber luxe ski resort of Gstaad and stays in the heart of Paris - walking distance from the Eiffel Tower.
Included are private local transfers and magical train rides through stunning vistas across Switzerland. The holiday range also includes the Swiss Travel Pass that allows travellers to enjoy unlimited access by public train, bus and boat to visit more than 90 cities, special offers/discounts on mountain excursions and experiences.
Gastronomy:
Customers can experience authentic local flavours and attractions; this includes dining at the Harder Kulm Panorama Restaurant located 1,322m above sea level overlooking Lake Brienz and Lake Thun offering stunning views of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. Also, bar hopping to famous nightspots or the Grand Casino Lucerne and more. Chocolate connoisseurs can enjoy an interactive journey of discovery in the chocolate museum at Lindt Home of Chocolate, fondue experience…
Keeping vegetarian customers in mind, the Companies have also introduced dedicated vegetarian tours.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
Switzerland and Paris hold a strong allure for Indians and our internal data reiterates high demand for the upcoming summer season. We have hence handpicked experiences and locales that are sure to delight our customers with the launch of our Readymade Holidays. This special portfolio offers customers picturesque train journeys, premium accommodation, and once-in-a-lifetime-experiences! All products are ready-to-book with confirmed inventory and our promise of guaranteed best prices.
Food is a crucial aspect for Indians, and thus the locations of hotels and apartments have been chosen with care with easy access to Indian restaurants. We have also introduced special vegetarian tours for our vegetarian and Jain customers.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Our Readymade Holidays portfolio has been created to offer our customers with simple, convenient and seamless online booking processes. All itineraries are designed with great care to ensure a balance of leisure and adventure as per customer preference.
Switzerland is famed for its Bollywood allure, and so, customers can choose to witness the iconic locales in-person. Other unique experiences include visits to the PSG Football Stadium and Museum Tour, Louvre Museum, Disneyland Paris, Chillon Castle in Lake Geneva; taking a guided city tour through Zurich with a local and more. In addition, customers can avail the benefits of the Swiss Travel Pass and enjoy unlimited access to public train, bus, and boat in Switzerland.
For customers who love to explore, we have created a special list of recommendations to help them add on to their itinerary.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Prathama Tripathi | +91 8777723664 | Prathama.Tripathi@thomascook.in
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Gujarat, February 28, 2023
SOTC Travel expands retail presence in Gujarat
Inaugurates new franchise store in Anand Provides easy access to customers from Nadiad, Dakor and Khambhat
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its new retail store in Anand. The new store will serve as a hub for nearby areas of Nadiad, Dakor and Khambhat as well, thus reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the state. Gujarat features as an important source market for SOTC Travel and offers the company a range of valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials/young professionals, families, couples and business owners/traders.
The Company’s internal survey highlights insightful travel trends from Gujarat. A significant 70% of Gujaratis are keen to take a holiday and to cater this high potential market, SOTC Travel has introduced an array of offers like special Gujarati tours Gurjar Vishwadarshan, Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Europe Holidays, ready to book and customized holidays. Customers are also displaying growing interest for experiential holidays, adventure holidays, domestic tours and cruises.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
202, Maruti Skand, V.V Nagar Rd,
Above Metro Shoes, near Sony Centre,
Anand, Gujarat 388001
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Gujarat has been a strong source market for us at SOTC, and we continue to witness high uptick in demand. We are delighted to open our new franchise store in Anand that also caters to nearby locations of Nadiad, Dakor and Khambhat. The store is centrally located thus allowing us to target valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials/young professionals, families, couples and business owners/traders. Our expanded portfolio of holidays have something for everyone – from customized holidays to luxury and premium holidays, also group escorted tours.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers and forward to plan your next holiday with us.”
Top international and domestic destinations in demand – Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria; Turkiye, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), South Africa, Japan, South Korea, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore; also Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andamans, Kerala, North East; and Bhutan, Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, February 17, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel win Best Outbound & Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards at SATTE 2023
SATTE (South Asia’s Travel & Tourism Exchange) is recognized as Asia’s leading platform for the travel and tourism industry
Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have been honoured with the Best Outbound and Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Awards respectively at SATTE 2023. The SATTE Awards serve to showcase leaders in India’s travel and tourism sector who have contributed significantly towards revival and growth of tourism with reopening of borders. The selection criteria covered a range of parameters, with the nominations being judged by an eminent jury and validations by Ernst & Young.
Thomas Cook was recognised as the ‘Best Outbound Tour Operator of the Year’ for its innovative product development that inspired customers to take a much needed holiday. The Company launched Easy Visa Holidays to short haul international destinations, as also exciting/experiential elements in its long-haul portfolio.
While SOTC won the award for ‘Best Domestic Tour Operator of the Year’ for catalyzing on the strong travel sentiment emerging from India’s metros, mini-metros, tier 2 - 3 cities. With the pandemic putting the spotlight on domestic tourism, the Company strategically developed a wide range of products including the India Extravaganza holidays that played a vital role in maximizing its domestic business potential.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s in-depth product development was based on sustained consumer research and surveys like the Holiday Readiness Travel Reports - revealing emerging consumer behaviours and travel trends. The Companies leveraged: festive seasons, summer/winter, honeymoons, special occasions, public holidays, weekends/extended weekends to curate a wide range of holiday options for customers across every segment from Gen Z to Gen S (seniors). The extensive portfolio of products offer immersive experiences showcasing fresh new locales, engaging experiences, outdoor & adventure (including trekking, hiking, camping, biking, safaris, river rafting and paragliding); wellness getaways; spiritual journeys, culture & heritage, gastronomy, unique accommodation (jungle lodges/tree houses or havelis, uber-luxury resorts, glamping and more), short getaways and cruises. In addition, Luxury and ‘Affordable Luxury’ have been a key focus area.
To catalyse demand, the Companies launched a range of offers: Holiday Now and Pay After You Return, Buy One-Get One Companion offers, family discounts and more; also consumer roadshows to assist customers with travel and health protocols.
Thomas Cook & SOTC displayed unerring focus on Health & Safety to build consumer confidence in travel. The Company launched the ASSURED Safe Travel Program in association with Apollo Clinics; TravShield - a 360° safety commitment: physical, financial and mental safety; Doctor on Call 24x7 – to connect with top quality doctors while on holiday; Covid-negative certification; India’s first Safe Holiday Helpline - free expert advice – on travel/health protocols and regulations; also a dedicated online Travel Guidelines section updated with ongoing changes in protocols.
The Companies successfully demonstrated innovation, agility and digital astuteness in consistently leveraging technology - ensuring seamless delivery of contactless, scalable, secure solutions to customers. Thomas Cook & SOTC were the first to launch virtual Holiday & Forex stores; a Live Video Connect platform; and AI enabled tools to enhance the customer experience.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s omnichannel clicks & bricks model empowered its customers with the safety of contactless processes & the choice/convenience of selecting their preferred channel- its apps, portals, call centres, retail or a combination – book online and walk into a store to consult with a holiday expert.
The Companies built & leveraged strong partnerships & alliances with Tourism Boards (Maldives, Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Turkiye, Saudi, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.); attractions like Resorts World Sentosa and Mandai; cruises (like NCL, Costa Cruises) to enhance visibility and visitations to outbound destinations. The Companies also partnered with Tourism New Zealand to conduct India’s first physical event since lockdown; inked a long-term agreement with KrisFlyer (the loyalty programme of Singapore Airlines); also Mastercard & HDFC Bank for offers on S. E. Asia Holidays.
The Companies collaborated with a range of accommodation partners and signed strategic agreements with airline partners like Vistara, Air Arabia, Air Asia and GoAir to offer air inclusive holidays; and was appointed as Preferred Sales Agents (PSA) for the Indian market by Emirates Holidays, the tour operating arm of Emirates Airlines.
Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel have emerged as the top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 7500 customers booked since travel restart; also river cruises like Antara Cruises.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
“We are truly honoured to be selected as the Outbound Tour Operator of the Year by SATTE 2023. This award reiterates our leadership position in the outbound sector and recognises our sustained efforts towards revival and growth post the challenges of the pandemic.
With the reopening of borders and restart of commercial aviation, our multipronged strategy across product development, health & safety initiatives, technology and Marcomm has served us well in inspiring customers to go on their much awaited holiday. Our re-imagined strategy throughout pandemic was customer centric with high focus on health and safety.
This award is a special honour and we are grateful to our customers for investing their trust in us and inspire us in our continuous service. We dedicate this award to our customers!”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “We are honoured to accept the Domestic Tour Operator of the Year Award at SATTE and we dedicate this win to our domestic holidays team for their sustained efforts. The restrictions across international destinations and absence of commercial aviation gave rise to significant demand for domestic holidays and our strategic product development inspired customers to explore our beautiful country in-depth. We rapidly scaled up our domestic business as an Indian homegrown brand with a customer centric approach. Our wide range of products and offers ensured best deals for our customers, and we continue to create more such exciting offers/value propositions.
We were quick to seize the opportunity and leverage technology to deliver seamless, contactless and secure solutions to our customers while also reassuring them of their safety during their travel.
I would like to thank SATTE for recognizing our team’s sincere efforts to create exceptional holiday experiences for our customers with this prestigious award.”
About Thomas Cook (India) Limited: Set up in 1881, Thomas Cook India) Limited. (TCIL) is the leading integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, February 9, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel witness high travel demand for Valentine’s Day
Announce romantic holidays with special experiences for couples and honeymooners
With Valentine’s Day approaching, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have witnessed a 35% surge in demand for travel to celebrate the occasion of love. As Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, India’s couples are displaying high interest for an extended weekend getaway to nearby destinations. This being India’s wedding season, there is an uptick from the honeymoon segment, in addition to couples/DINKs. To cater to this demand, the Companies announced an exciting range of Valentine’s Day holidays that offer exclusive activities for couples to create memorable experiences.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Valentine’s Day portfolio includes favourite romantic destinations like Manali, Dalhousie, Auli, Nainital, Coorg, Ooty, Munnar, Pondicherry, Darjeeling, the North East, Jaipur, Udaipur, Agra and Alleppey; also beach destinations like Andamans and Goa. Closer to home destinations that offer visa on arrival/e visas like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Oman are seeing brisk demand. Additionally, popular international locales such as Switzerland, France, Austria, Turkey, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea are also in demand for Valentine’s Day.
The Companies romantic escapades offer sundowners, private dining, couple spas-wellness, wine tasting; outdoor-adventure experiences like yachting, kite-sailing, scuba diving, camping, trekking, hot air ballooning; biking trips to scenic terrains; safari drives and jungle experiences. India’s couples are exploring unique accommodation from tree-top stays, in a fort, havelis-palaces, plantation bungalows in verdant tea/coffee estates, cave hotels to private villas with a private chef and concierge services; also uber-luxury resorts and vineyards.
Cruises represent a unique value proposition for couples: an all-inclusive holiday without the hassle of multiple check-in/ check-out and transfers. The Companies have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 7500 customers booked since restart of travel. Popular international cruise liners include Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Resorts World Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
“To cater to the 35% surge in travel demand for the upcoming Valentine’s Day week, we’ve designed memorable experiences for India’s couples and honeymooners to celebrate this occasion. Our range of Valentine’s Day holidays allows our customers to indulge in stunning natural beauty, romantic private dining and wellness, unique local experiences, visit to vineyards, outdoor/adventure activities and cruise holidays. We want our customers to make the most of this special opportunity and so our romantic breaks come with a host of exciting deals, discounts and value offers.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Indian couples are looking forward to travelling together and make special memories. This being the wedding season, there is growing travel demand from honeymooners as well. We have created romantic escapades and honeymoons - to help our couples relax, rejuvenate and spend quality time together and make out of the world memories. To ensure a once in a lifetime experience, we have included exclusive romantic and fun elements in our products, with great pricing and unbeatable deals.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, January 25, 2023
On National Tourism Day
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel launch an extensive range of India Holidays
Encourage customers to explore India’s diverse locales and experiences
On the occasion of National Tourism Day, Thomas Cook (India) Limited - India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have reiterated their Domestic Tourism focus. The Companies have expanded their India Holidays portfolio to showcase fresh new locales, engaging experiences, unique accommodation, spiritual & wellness getaways and domestic cruises in addition to culture and heritage holidays. The range extends from value to luxury vacations, with attractive deals to inspire demand.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s sustained initiatives during the pandemic have led to a strong resurgence in domestic tourism. Further, the Companies’ consumer insights continue to reflect high demand of over 40% for their India Holidays. What is noteworthy is that this demand is emerging from not just India’s metros and mini-metros, but also tier 2-3 cities. This formed the rationale for the Companies’ extended India portfolio.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s India Holidays has been carefully designed to cater to customers across every segment, from Gen Z to Gen S (seniors). From adventure experiences (including trekking, hiking, camping, biking, safaris, river rafting and paragliding); wellness getaways incorporating yoga/hydrotherapy/Ayurveda; spiritual journeys and gastronomy, the Companies have designed an impressive portfolio of products that offers immersive experiences.
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.
Thomas Cook & SOTC have emerged as top sellers of India cruises (Cordelia), with over 6000 customers booked since travel restart.
The Companies have witnessed a discernible trend of customers booking mono destinations with longer stays and hence the Companies have focused on in-depth exploration with state specific itineraries via their India Extravaganza Holidays.
Thomas Cook & SOTC’s product range showcases India’s hidden gems: surreal landscapes of Kashmir’s Gurez and Doodhpathari valleys, Chenab Bridge - the world’s highest rail bridge or Dal Lake’s floating post office; Arunachal Pradesh’s Damro - the longest hanging bridge, Ziro Valley and majestic monasteries of Tawang; Maharashtra’s Lonar Lake - a meteoric marvel and Meghalaya’s awe inspiring living root bridges. For wellness and rejuvenation, India’s choices are plentiful: Kerala’s Ayurveda, yoga in the Himalayas to Tibetan medicinal therapy in Uttarakhand
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
“India’s fascinating diversity offers a wealth of experiences to every traveller. Our India Holidays portfolio has been designed to inspire customers to explore our country’s myriad facets– be it culture, cuisine, local traditions or landscapes. Her hidden gems include quaint offbeat locales, spiritual sojourns, wellness getaways, outdoor-adventure experiences, and more. India is waiting to be explored and our India Holidays portfolio is intended to inspire Indians to set off on a voyage of discovery.
And we’ve added special deals and exciting offers – to make for a truly attractive value proposition.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “India's landscapes are as enchantingly varied as her culture. Our exciting range of India Holidays offer unique and offbeat experiences: wildlife to beaches and backwaters, adventure, luxury getaways, cruises and spiritual holidays - quality time in scenic settings. We invite our customers to discover the diverse experiences our beautiful country has to offer.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, January 25, 2023
To capitalize on growing travel demand
SOTC Travel expands retail network in Mumbai
Opens new outlet at a prime location in Andheri West
On the occasion of National Tourism Day, SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company inaugurated its new retail store in Andheri West. The outlet was inaugurated by Mr. Vishal Suri, Managing Director, SOTC Travel Limited. The new outlet will serve as a hub for nearby areas of Lokhandwala, Juhu, Versova, Santacruz and Vile Parle as well. With this, SOTC’s network strength increases to eight stores in Mumbai (3 retail and 5 franchise) reiterating the Company’s strategic focus to expand its footprint in the city. Andheri West is an upmarket locality and forms an important source market for SOTC Travel, offering the company a range of valuable segments like Gen Z/new age travellers, millennials, families, couples and business owners.
SOTC Travel’s customer insights from Mumbai and Maharashtra indicate brisk demand of over 25% v/s pre-pandemic with customers displaying growing interest for experiential holidays, spiritual getaways, group escorted holidays, domestic cruises, safaris and biking trips. To cater to the discerning travellers from the region, SOTC Travel has expanded its portfolio of customized holidays and introduced a special array of luxury and premium holidays, this is in addition to the Company’s highly popular group escorted tours – international and domestic.
To boost demand, SOTC Travel has also introduced offers like Early Bird discounts, complimentary cruise experience on Europe Holidays. Additionally, the Company also offers ready to book and customized air-inclusive holidays with Air Arabia, Emirates Holidays and Vistara Getaways.
Contact Details
SOTC Holiday World
Unit 40 A-wing, Building No. 8 Ground floor Laxmi Business Park,
Laxmi Industrial Estate Link Road, Opposite Sab TV Lane
Andheri West - 400053
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said,“Mumbai and Maharashtra have been key source markets for us at SOTC, and we see strong continuum - over 3x growth in demand since the pandemic. We are delighted to open our new retail outlet in Andheri West’s upmarket commercial cum residential area to target HNI families, couples, business owners; also Gen Z, millennials/young professionals. Our expanded portfolio of holidays has something for everyone – from customized holidays to luxury and premium holidays, also group escorted tours.
We extend a warm welcome to our customers, and we look forward to plan their next holiday with us.”
Top international and domestic destinations in demand – Europe’s Switzerland, France, Finland, Austria, Iceland; Turkiye, Australia, United Kingdom, USA (for visa holding customers), Japan, South Korea, Arctic, Abu Dhabi, Maldives, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore; also Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans, Kerala, North East; and Bhutan, Sri Lanka in the Indian subcontinent.
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 | Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
Mumbai, January 24, 2023
Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel witness high demand for the upcoming long weekend of Republic Day
Launch special offers across domestic and international holidays
• Ready to book and personalized Domestic & International holidays starting at Rs. 12,549.00* for 4 days
• Unique experiences, outdoor adventure, wellness and spa-cations; also spiritual getaways
• Buy One Get One – Companion Free across select India & International holidays
With Republic Day falling on a Thursday, the second last week of January offers an ideal opportunity for an exciting extended weekend getaway. We are seeing a brisk demand of over 25% from families, young professionals/millennials and couples. To capitalise on this opportunity, Thomas Cook India, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have introduced a range of exciting holidays with special offers across domestic and international destinations starting at Rs. 12,549.00* for 4 days.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s consumer data reveals growing demand for short holidays/mini-cations – with 63% of respondents displaying a keen interest in the upcoming Republic Day long weekend. Over 70% of the respondents indicated a preference for domestic locales, while 30% were open to short-haul international options.
To tap into the extended weekend demand Thomas Cook India and SOTC have launched an exciting holiday range to favourite Indian locales including Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and the North East; also beach destinations like Goa and Andamans. Closer-to-home and easy visa destinations like South East Asia’s Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia; also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives and Mauritius are in demand for this extended weekend.
Thomas Cook and SOTC’s extended weekend holidays include a range of ready-to-book and personalised experiences: outdoor and adventure, including safaris, biking, hiking/trekking, camping, river rafting and paragliding; lunch in the midst of an apple orchard and stays in coffee plantations/tea estates; visiting nearby locales, spa-wellness getaways and cruise holidays; also spiritual tours. Additionally, cultural experiences such as Odisha’s Konark Eco Retreat, Varanasi Tent City, Jal Mahotsav in Madhya Pradesh and Rann Utsav in Gujarat.
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said,
“With Republic Day falling on Thursday, customers are offered a great opportunity of an extended weekend getaway! To help our customers plan a memorable holiday, we have launched an exciting range of tours across domestic and closer-to-home destinations with an attractive offer like Buy One Get One Free – Companion offers across select India and international destinations. Customers can select from our array of options: safari-outdoor-adventure, wellness getaways, cruises and plenty more.
Additionally, our unique omnichannel network offers customers the convenience of selecting their preferred mode of contacting us: via our holiday apps, virtual holiday store, portal, call centre or extensive retail outlets pan India.”
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head - Holidays, SOTC Travel Limited said, “Public holidays that are closer to the weekend can be utilised for an exciting holiday getaway. For this upcoming long weekend of Republic Day, we are seeing a 25% increase in travel demand from various segments including families; millennials/young professionals and couples to explore both domestic and international locales. Our long weekend getaways include unique experiences at attractive price points to a range of favourite destinations including Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Goa, Andamans and the North East; South East Asia’s Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia; also Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Maldives and Mauritius.”
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 integrated travel and travel related financial services company in the country offering a broad spectrum of services that include Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, Visa and Passport services. It operates leading B2C and B2B brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied T Pro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Luxe Asia, Travel Circle International Limited (TCI 勝景遊), 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 25 countries across 5 continents
TCIL has been felicitated with CNBC-TV18 & ICICI Lombard India Risk Management Award - Travel & Leisure Category 2021, The Best Travel Agency - India at TTG Travel Awards 2019, The Best Outbound Tour Operator at the Times Travel Awards 2018 & 2019 and Leading Company with Cutting Edge Travel Innovation at the Times Travel Awards 2018, Silver award for Asia's Best Integrated Report (First Time) category at the Asia Sustainability Reporting Awards 2019, Best Risk Management-Framework & Systems at the India Risk Management Awards 2019; Best Cash Management Solution - India at the Asset Triple A Treasury, Trade, Supply Chain & Risk Management Awards 2018, Best Outbound Tour Operator at the SATTE Awards 2019, Excellence in Domestic Tour Operations at the SATTE Awards 2018, The French Ambassador’s Award for Exemplary Achievements in Visa Issuance – 2015 to 2019 and the Condé Nast Traveller - Readers’ Travel Awards from 2011 to 2019.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programmes and bank facilities of Thomas Cook (India) Limited - ‘CRISIL A+/Negative 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 promotes TCIL by holding 65.60% of its paid-up capital and is responsible for the execution of acquisition and investment opportunities.
About Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited: Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited is a holding company which, through its subsidiaries, is engaged in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance and investment management. Founded in 1985 by the present Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, 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:
Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading Indian Leisure Hospitality company with 37 resorts across the country, providing a variety of offerings: Leisure holidays through FIT packages, Meetings & Conferences, Weddings, Reunions, Picnics and Holidays through Memberships.
SOTC Travel Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL, is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel.
Travel Corporation (India) Limited (TCI), 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.
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
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Suzanne Pereira | +91 98202 97665 | suzanne.pereira@thomascook.in
Mumbai, January 18, 2023
SOTC Travel unveils new Digital campaign “Your Holiday is calling”
Will drive customers to a dedicated Deals page offering exciting holiday deals and themes - designed for easy digital discovery and fulfillment via calls/video calls
• Range of themes: Adventure & Experiences, Romantic Getaways, Wildlife & Nature, Relaxation & Wellness, Short Breaks – India and International - as per traveler preference
• Special offers and deals every week
SOTC Travel, a leading omnichannel travel and Tourism Company launched its new brand campaign aimed at reiterating the brand’s longstanding legacy of over 74 years and motto ‘We are for Holidays’. Focusing on the preferences of the new age traveller, the Company has created an extensive range of experiential holidays across various themes and destinations starting at affordable prices.
India is known to be the youngest demography in the world driving accelerated e-commerce and digital discovery. SOTC Travel’s Digital First focus has resulted in a significant drop of approx. ten years in the average age of its holiday customers, thus encouraging the Company to enable smooth digital processes – from evaluation, to booking and fulfillment. With a strategic intent to ensure a seamless digital experience for its new age customers, the video promotion campaign features a link to a newly created microsite– ‘Holiday Deals’ featuring SOTC Travel’s best offers and holidays categorized under various themes such as, Adventure & Experiences, Romantic Getaways, Wildlife & Nature, Relaxation & Wellness and Short Breaks – India and International.
The ethos of the brand film is that holidays leave a positive impact on a traveller’s mind and thus bridge sensory cues to holiday experiences and emotions. The film will be promoted in 8 languages i.e. English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Bengali.
SOTC Travel’s campaign is strongly promoted across digital & social platforms, primarily YouTube, Facebook, Instagram & OTT Platforms.
Watch Here
Customers can book their preferred holiday of choice via a video chat or make a request for a call, or opt for a combination of SOTC Travel’s powerful omnichannel network offering customers the choice and convenience of selecting their preferred mode or a combination of channels: holiday app, virtual holiday store, website, call centre, or extensive retail network pan India.
Mr. Daniel D’souza President & Country Head, SOTC Travel said, “At SOTC Travel, we take pride in our legacy of over 74 years with 5 million happy customers. Our new campaign reiterates that ‘we are for holidays’, and so to cater to our new age customers we have created a short/crisp film that encapsulates how holidays leave a positive impact on a customer’s mind making them relive their favourite moments.
The newer generation seeks experience led holidays at a great value proposition, thus to cater to our young customer segment we have created a dedicated page that offers thematic holidays with exceptional itineraries coupled with unique deals making them a great value proposition.
We invite all our customers to book their much-awaited summer holidays with us.”
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 India is a leading omnichannel travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted millions of travellers across the globe for more than 70 years to various destinations around the world. A new age innovative holidaymaker, SOTC strives to make holidays a priority for every Indian. ‘We are for holidays’ and we want Indians to prioritize their holidays.
Media Enquiries:
Priyanka Banik | +91 9967195977 Priyanka.Banik@sotc.in
SOTC Travel Ltd. |
Registered Office: 11th Floor, Marathon Futurex, NM Joshi Marg, Lower Parel (East), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013, India |
Corporate Identification no: U63040MH2001PLC131691 |
Tel (00 91 22) 4905 9100 / Fax (00 91 22) 4905 9800 |
For Press Related queries please contact: Ancy Johnas: |
Copyright © 2015, 2017 SOTC Travel Limited. |