Thomas Cook India and SOTC present

India Extravaganza Holidays & Grand India Holidays

Inviting Indians to discover the diversity of incredible India

In-depth exploration of locales with unique/exciting experiences

  • Each tour is accompanied by an experienced Tour Manager
  • All meals including special local dining experiences
  • Unique experiences
  • Taj Vouchers of Rs. 10,000 free with every booking

Mumbai, August, 26, 2021:India is a carnival of colour, culture and cuisine! The country offers a myriad of exceptional locales - each with its own unique local flavours, heritage and communities. With limited reopening of international destinations but significant relaxation of domestic restrictions, there is a significant opportunity for an in-depth exploration of India. Thomas Cook India, India's leading integrated travel services company, and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, havehence launched India Extravaganza Holidays & Grand India Holidays to welcome Indian's on memorable journeys across incredible India.

Thomas Cook & SOTC's Third Holiday Readiness Report (June 2021) reflects a strong pent-up domestic travel demand, with 54% respondents indicating keen interest for Indian destinations; 65% preferring longer duration holidays of over 5 days. And so, the India Extravaganza Holidays & Grand India Holidays have been designed with extensive itineraries of 9-12 days across an array of favourite destinations, including Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal, Rajasthan, Andamans, Kerala, and more.

Gastronomy forms a vibrant element of each product - with local cuisines from Kashmiri Wazwan, to the sumptuous Sadhya in Kerala, a fun BBQ in the hills, rooftop dining or lunch on board a backwaters cruise. Based on the growing appetite for non-standard options, the portfolio offers handpicked experiences such as the exciting ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu, a monastery visit with your own Lama guide, a coir-making session, a tea museum set amidst lush plantations; adrenalin infused ATV rides at the Nubra Valley, white water rafting/zorbing/paragliding and wildlife experiences at Periyar sanctuary/ Eravikulam National Park. Unique historical/heritage elements incorporated include, a visit to the Cellular Jail, JallianwallaBagh, the Taj Mahal, Leh Palace, Chand Baori stepwell, Jaisalmer Fort, Kumbhalgarh Fort, Attari border, etc.

The pandemic having brought with it a renewed spirituality, the India Extravaganza & Grand India Holidays offer a visit to the Mata Vaishnodevi Temple by helicopter, The Golden Temple,GurdwaraPatharSahib, Shankaracharya temple, Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, Kali Mata temple, Dhramshala's St. John in the Wilderness, St. Francis Church - the oldest European church in India and a Jewish synagogue.

With health and safety being a key consideration for 70% respondents, Thomas Cook and SOTC's TravShield - Travel Safety Commitment is a significant inclusion in the Indian Extravaganza series. It encompasses meticulous safety protocols in association with Apollo Clinics:

  • Vaccinated Travel Advisors & Contactless Bookings• Free Re-scheduling & Cancellation• Covid Insurance Cover with 24/7 Doctor on Call• Vaccinated / Covid negative fellow travellers• Covid negative / Vaccinated Drivers, Hotel Staff• Sanitized Rooms & Vehicles

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head - Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited. said, "We have been witnessing exponential growth in domestic travel demand over the last 16 months and with most countries yet to open their borders, Indians are displaying a strong desire to discover India. Our grand 'India Extravaganza Holidays' are thoughtfully designed allowing Indians to explore the delightful diversity of India - her exceptional culture, cuisine and warm hospitality. The spotlight is on experiencing local hidden gems and also indulging in exciting/fun experiences our country has to offer."

Mr. Daniel D'souza President & Country Head, SOTC Travel said, "The pandemic has created strong pent-uptravel desire that has been getting stronger with the upcoming festival season. And so, our Grand IndiaHolidays, offer our customers a wonderful opportunity to explore India along with extended family and friends - with longer vacations of 9-12daysat handpicked hotels, exclusive culture and cuisine elements. For our young professionals/millennials, we have added thrilling outdoor- adventure activities and unique experiences.To boost customer confidence,our Grand India Holidays include our 360 degree safety program - TravShield - a travel safety commitment in partnership with Apollo Clinics."

For details on the India Extravaganza series: click here:

Thomas Cook

SOTC

*T&Capply

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 and E-Business. 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, Kuoni Hong Kong, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, TC Forex, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, TC Visa, Travel Circle International Limited, Ithaka, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), 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, a team of over 8388 and a combined revenue in excess of Rs. 6948.3 Cr. (over $ 0.93 Bn.) for the financial year ended March 31, 2020.

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, PremWatsa, 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, wholly owned subsidiary of TCIL is engaged in time share and resort business.

SOTC Travel Limited, 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 brand owned by TCIL through its wholly owned subsidiary company, 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 (Formerly SOTC Travel Pvt. Ltd.) is a step-down subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Group; held through its Indian listed subsidiary, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL). SOTC India is a leading travel and tourism company active across various travel segments including Leisure Travel, Incentive Travel and Business Travel and Foreign Exchange. SOTC was established in 1949. Since then, it has escorted lakhs 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

Attachments

  • Original document
  • Permalink

Disclaimer

Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. published this content on 26 August 2021 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 27 August 2021 09:11:06 UTC.