Thomas Cook India , a leading omnichannel travel services company, has been appointed as the exclusive transport and accommodation partner for the 11th edition of the Asian Aquatic Championships 2025. This prestigious event marks India's first time hosting the championships, showcasing the country's growing prominence in international sports.

Event Details

The Asian Aquatic Championships 2025 is set to be a multi-sport extravaganza, featuring:

• Over 650 athletes
• 60+ support staff and dignitaries
• Participants from 29 Asian countries
• Competitions in swimming, artistic swimming, diving, and water polo

The event will take place at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, organized by the Swimming Federation of India (SFI) and supported by the Sport Authority of Gujarat (SAG).

Thomas Cook's Role

Thomas Cook India's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) team will manage end-to-end services for more than 1,100 participants. Their responsibilities include:

To ensure smooth operations, Thomas Cook has deployed a dedicated team of over 40 members to manage the 15-day event.

Culinary Offerings

The company has partnered with leading hotels to provide a wide range of dining options:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Halal
• Kosher
• Gluten-free
• Asian, Middle Eastern, and continental cuisines

This diverse menu aims to cater to the varied preferences of the international participants and delegates.

Company Statement

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, expressed the company's honor in being selected as the exclusive MICE partner for this significant event. He emphasized Thomas Cook's leadership in the MICE sector and their experience in managing large-scale, government-led sporting events.

Significance for Thomas Cook India

This partnership underscores Thomas Cook India's capabilities in handling major international events and reinforces its position in the travel and hospitality industry. The company's involvement in the Asian Aquatic Championships 2025 demonstrates its commitment to excellence and its ability to manage complex logistical operations on a grand scale.

As India hosts the Asian Aquatics Championships for the first time, Thomas Cook India's role as the exclusive partner for accommodation and transport services highlights the company's significant contribution to this landmark event in Indian sports.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited's subsidiary, Sterling Holiday Resorts, has announced the launch of Sterling Ameris Kasauli, marking its fifth resort in Himachal Pradesh. This strategic expansion underscores the company's commitment to growth in key leisure destinations across India.

Resort Highlights

Sterling Ameris Kasauli is positioned as a boutique retreat that celebrates the timeless charm of Kasauli. The resort features:

• Shivalik-facing rooms with private sit-outs
• Contemporary mountain chic design with natural elegance
• A pure-vegetarian restaurant, Valley View, offering local classics with a modern twist
• A terrace that transforms from a yoga deck to an open-air lounge

Strategic Location and Accessibility

The new property is located along the scenic Dharampur–Kasauli Road, offering easy access for travelers:

• Short drive from Chandigarh and Delhi NCR
• Ideal for quick getaways and mindful mountain living

Expansion Strategy

Vikram Lalvani, Managing Director & CEO of Sterling Holiday Resorts, commented on the company's growth strategy:

"Sterling Ameris Kasauli reflects our intent to grow with purpose — expanding into destinations that embody serenity, design, and discovery. As travel evolves from movement to meaning, Sterling is reimagining how guests experience journeys — not as isolated stays, but as connected stories."

Branded Experiences

Sterling is focusing on creating curated circuits that link destinations:

• 'What a Trip' branded circuits connect Kasauli, Chail, Shimla, and Kufri
• Designed for both short and long-haul travelers
• Aims to create a more immersive and seamless travel ecosystem across India

Partnership and Local Integration

The resort is a result of a partnership with Satvik Bliss Pvt. Ltd. Madhav Gupta, Director of Satvik Bliss, emphasized the alignment with Sterling's vision:

"Partnering with Sterling was a natural choice — their deep understanding of India's leisure segment, regional presence, and ability to blend local character with national scale make them an ideal collaborator."

Sterling's Growing Footprint

With this addition, Sterling Holiday Resorts now boasts:

• Five resorts in Himachal Pradesh (Chail, Kasauli, Kufri, Shimla, and Manali)
• A presence in over 45 destinations across India

This expansion aligns with Sterling's strategy to offer diverse and immersive travel experiences tailored to today's explorers, further solidifying its position in India's hospitality sector.

As Sterling Holiday Resorts continues to expand its portfolio, investors may want to monitor the potential impact on Thomas Cook (India) Limited's performance in the leisure and hospitality segment.