Thomas Cook India has entered into a partnership with the Tourism Ministry aimed at enhancing travel experiences throughout the country. The collaboration focuses on improving travel services and experiences for travelers across India.

Meanwhile, Thomas Cook India's subsidiary, Sterling Holiday Resorts, has announced the launch of its newest property, Sterling Rampath Ayodhya, marking a significant expansion in its portfolio of spiritual destinations. This launch represents the company's 67th property overall and its 11th spiritual location, underscoring Sterling's commitment to catering to the growing spiritual tourism segment in India.

Strategic Location and Amenities

Sterling Rampath Ayodhya is strategically positioned just off the ceremonial Ram Path, providing guests with convenient access to the iconic Ram Mandir. This location makes it an ideal retreat for pilgrims, families, and cultural travelers visiting the sacred city of Lord Ram.

The new property features 35 thoughtfully designed rooms across various categories, including Cocoon Doubles, Deluxe, and Classic rooms. Each room is crafted to offer serenity and comfort to guests after their temple visits and darshan experiences.

Culinary Offerings

Catering to the spiritual ethos of Ayodhya, the hotel's dining experience is centered around 'The Divine', a pure-vegetarian multi-cuisine restaurant. The restaurant offers sattvic-inspired meals, with Jain options available upon request, aligning perfectly with the city's spiritual atmosphere.

Expanding Footprint in Spiritual Tourism

Vikram Lalvani, MD & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, commented on the significance of this launch, stating, "Ayodhya is at the heart of India's spiritual and cultural renaissance. Sterling Rampath Ayodhya is more than a hotel — it is a gateway to devotion and discovery, serving guests who arrive with faith, families, and a sense of cultural curiosity."

The opening of Sterling Rampath Ayodhya also marks the company's entry into its 18th state, Uttar Pradesh, and represents its 57th destination overall. This expansion aligns with Sterling's vision of creating soulful journeys that combine devotion with comfort, catering to the increasing number of travelers seeking spiritual and cultural immersion across India.

A Partnership for Enhanced Guest Experience

Rishi Uppal, Director of Kalyan KK Hotels India Pvt Ltd., emphasized the partnership's vision: "Our aim was to create a property that not only serves pilgrims with comfort and care but also honors the cultural fabric of the city. In Sterling, we found a partner who shares this vision—bringing operational depth, brand trust, and guest-centric hospitality that ensures every visitor leaves with a truly blessed experience."

Continued Growth in Spiritual Destinations

Sterling Holiday Resorts has been actively expanding its presence in sacred geographies across India. Recent openings in Guruvayur, Vellore, and Rudraprayag further demonstrate the company's commitment to building a transformative travel narrative where tradition, devotion, and hospitality converge.

As spiritual tourism continues to grow in India, Sterling Holiday Resorts is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of travelers seeking both spiritual fulfillment and comfortable accommodations in some of the country's most revered destinations.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited , a leading integrated travel services company, has announced significant expansions in its travel offerings, including an extended partnership with Disney Cruise Line and the launch of a new boutique resort through its subsidiary.

Expanded Disney Cruise Partnership

Thomas Cook India is set to offer Disney Wonder cruises in Australia and New Zealand, broadening its portfolio of premium travel experiences. The company plans to introduce premium group tours and tailored holiday packages for the winter 2025-26 season, focusing on the Australia and New Zealand routes. This strategic move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for unique and high-end travel experiences in the Asia-Pacific region.

The collaboration will feature the Disney Wonder, one of Disney Cruise Line's four classic ships. Known for its family-friendly amenities and entertainment, the Disney Wonder is expected to attract a diverse range of travelers, from families to couples seeking a magical cruise experience in the Southern Hemisphere.

New Boutique Resort in Sakleshpur

In a separate development, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Thomas Cook India, has launched Sterling Kadumane Hills Sakleshpur, a boutique resort in Karnataka's Western Ghats. The property spans 14 acres and features handcrafted wooden cottages with valley and forest views. This marks Sterling's first boutique resort in Sakleshpur and fourth property in Karnataka.

The resort focuses on digital detox, wellness experiences, and nature immersion, offering amenities including Ayurvedic therapies, vegetarian dining, and adventure activities. Located 17 km from Sakleshpur town and 224 km from Bangalore, the property targets couples, families, and wellness travelers.

Expanding Travel Options

These expansions mark significant steps for Thomas Cook India in diversifying its travel offerings. By partnering with a globally recognized brand like Disney Cruise Line and launching a new boutique resort, the company is positioning itself to cater to various segments of the travel market, from premium cruise experiences to wellness-focused getaways.

Market Implications

The move to offer exclusive cruises and unique resort experiences could potentially strengthen Thomas Cook India's competitive position in the travel industry. It reflects the company's strategy to focus on high-value, experiential travel options, which could appeal to both domestic and international travelers looking for diverse holiday experiences.

These developments demonstrate Thomas Cook India's commitment to evolving its product portfolio and adapting to changing travel trends, particularly in the post-pandemic era where unique, premium experiences are increasingly sought after by travelers.

Currently, Sterling Holiday Resorts operates over 66 properties across 56 destinations in India with more than 3,400 operational keys, further solidifying Thomas Cook India's presence in the hospitality sector.