Thomas Cook (India) Limited has inaugurated a new travel services outlet in Manapakkam, Chennai, expanding its physical footprint in the southern market. The opening brings the company’s total number of locations in the city to 10, contributing to a broader network of 16 outlets across Tamil Nadu.

The expansion targets the emerging residential and IT hub of Manapakkam, which management identifies as a key catchment area for diverse traveller segments, including families, business travellers, and younger demographics.

Strategic Expansion

The new outlet offers end-to-end travel solutions, including international and domestic holidays, cruises, and value-added services such as travel insurance. Thomas Cook stated that the location will leverage its AI booking platform to assist customers in planning personalised vacations in real time.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, noted that Chennai remains an important source market not just for Tamil Nadu but for wider South India. He highlighted strong year-round travel aspirations among customers seeking new destinations and diverse experiences.

Market Trends

The company cited several shifting consumer behaviours driving the expansion:

• Year-round travel: Increased use of public holidays and weekends for short breaks and mini-cations.
• Spiritual tourism: Growing demand for pilgrimage packages to destinations such as Kailash Mansarovar, Char Dham, Puri, Kashi, Ujjain, and Ayodhya.
• New destinations: Rising interest in emerging locations including the Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Iceland, Antarctica, and Seychelles.
• Unique experiences: Preference for differentiated itineraries beyond conventional tourist spots.

Top international destinations listed include Switzerland, France, Austria, Italy, Spain, Scandinavian countries, Eastern Europe, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Key domestic focuses remain Kashmir-Leh, Northeast India, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Kerala, Sri Lanka, and Andaman.

What the Numbers Show

The expansion to 10 outlets in Chennai represents a significant concentration of retail presence in a single metropolitan area, suggesting a strategy to deepen market penetration rather than broaden geographic reach across new cities immediately. With 16 total outlets in Tamil Nadu, nearly two-thirds of the state’s network is anchored in Chennai, highlighting the city’s role as the primary revenue driver within the region.

About Thomas Cook (India) Limited

Thomas Cook (India) Limited is an omnichannel travel services company offering foreign exchange, corporate travel, MICE, leisure travel, and visa services. It operates brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, and Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited. Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, through its subsidiary Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, holds a 64.77% stake in the company.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited announced on August 28, 2026, that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, has launched Sterling Naman Bastar in Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.

The new property marks the company's 80th resort in India, expanding its footprint beyond established hill stations into emerging cultural and nature destinations.

Entering Chhattisgarh

Located on Chitrakote Road in Jagdalpur, the 45-room Sterling Naman Bastar is spread across approximately 3.21 acres. It is the first property in Jagdalpur to operate under a national hospitality brand. The resort offers rooms across five categories, including garden-facing rooms, spacious suites, and a private pool villa.

The location serves as a gateway to the Bastar region, known for its waterfalls, forests, caves, and tribal culture. Key attractions include Chitrakote and Tirathgarh Falls and the limestone caves of Kanger Valley. Jagdalpur's airport provides direct air connectivity with Hyderabad and Raipur, improving accessibility for urban travellers.

Destination Architect Strategy

Sterling described the launch as part of its Destination Architect philosophy, which focuses on understanding a location's distinctive character to develop connected travel experiences. Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, stated that the strategy aims to introduce travellers to under-discovered regions like Bastar by providing a comfortable hospitality base.

Jayesh Sangani and Rachit Sangani, owners of Sterling Naman Bastar Jagdalpur (a unit of Dishi Resort Pvt. Ltd.), noted that the partnership combines local regional knowledge with Sterling's brand reach and distribution expertise.

Portfolio Overview

Sterling Holiday Resorts operates in more than 66 unique destinations across India with over 3,800 keys currently operational. The company remains a 100% independently managed subsidiary of Thomas Cook (India) Limited and is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited.

The launch of Sterling Naman Bastar adds to the company's network, aiming to provide integrated journeys across emerging micro-markets.