Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel have forged a strategic alliance with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) to capitalize on the growing Indian travel market. The memorandum of understanding, signed on February 6, 2026, represents a comprehensive approach to promoting Mauritius as a premier destination for Indian travelers across multiple segments.

Strategic Partnership Details

The MOU was formalized by key executives from all three organizations, establishing a framework for long-term collaboration:

The partnership leverages Thomas Cook India's omnichannel capabilities and destination expertise to showcase Mauritius across India's diverse market segments, including metropolitan areas and emerging Tier 2 and 3 cities.

Market Positioning and Target Segments

The collaboration will focus on positioning Mauritius beyond its traditional beach destination image. The partnership aims to highlight the island's rich Creole heritage, vibrant cultural diversity, and French influences that create natural connections with Indian travelers. Key target segments include:

• Honeymoon and leisure travelers
• Multi-generational families
• Millennials and Generation Z travelers
• MICE and corporate travel segments
• Business travelers seeking premium experiences

Mauritius offers several advantages for Indian travelers, including visa-free access, short flight durations, and accommodation options ranging from premium luxury resorts to value-driven properties.

Executive Perspectives

Mr. Rajeev Kale emphasized the strategic importance of the appointment as MTPA's partner for the Indian market, highlighting plans to leverage Thomas Cook India's extensive network and destination expertise. The partnership aims to showcase Mauritius' evolving proposition across leisure, MICE, and business travel segments while tapping into both established metro markets and emerging regional centers.

Mr. S.D. Nandakumar described the MOU as a significant milestone in repositioning Mauritius as a multifaceted destination. He highlighted the island's unique blend of French influence, Creole heritage, diverse religious traditions, and distinctive culinary landscape as key differentiators that resonate with Indian travelers.

Mr. Benoît Harter expressed enthusiasm about the partnership's potential to accelerate growth in the Indian market through a multipronged approach targeting both metropolitan and regional markets across leisure and MICE segments.

Implementation Strategy

The collaboration will implement a comprehensive three-pillar approach:

Destination Knowledge and Education

• Training programs for travel consultants
• Familiarization trips and educational initiatives
• Product knowledge enhancement across distribution channels

Product Development

• Customized packages for different traveler segments
• Integration of cultural and heritage experiences
• Development of MICE-specific offerings

Marketing Communications

• Joint promotional campaigns across multiple channels
• Digital marketing initiatives targeting specific demographics
• Participation in travel trade shows and consumer events

About the Organizations

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, established in 1881, operates as India's leading omnichannel travel company with services spanning foreign exchange, corporate travel, MICE, leisure travel, and visa services. The company has received multiple industry recognitions, including MICE Powerhouse at MaxiiiMICE Awards 2025 and Outbound Travel Operator of the Year (2024) at The Economic Times Travel & Tourism Annual Awards.

SOTC Travel Limited, a step-down subsidiary with over 75 years of legacy since 1949, specializes in leisure travel, incentive travel, and business travel segments. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, established under the MTPA Act 1996, serves as the official body promoting Mauritius as a tourist destination globally.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the company's regional expansion strategy. The partnership was formalized through a strategic MOU aimed at unlocking India's substantial market potential for South Asia's first and largest integrated resort.

Official MOU Signing Details

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by key executives representing both organizations, formalizing the strategic collaboration between the travel service providers and the integrated resort destination.

Strategic Partnership Objectives

The collaboration focuses on a multi-pronged initiative encompassing product development, knowledge and training, integrated marketing communications, and consumer activations. The partnership aims to accelerate visitation from India to Cinnamon Life by jointly developing enriched travel products and creating elevated, seamless experiences for Indian travellers.

Executive Leadership Statements

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook India, emphasized the partnership's potential to deliver differentiated offerings across segments through their strategic omnichannel model and deep market expertise. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, highlighted the alignment with evolving expectations of Indian travellers seeking luxury stays, curated dining, and premium lifestyle zones.

Integrated Resort Destination

Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka represents South Asia's first and largest integrated resort, offering luxury hospitality, entertainment, gaming, retail, dining, and convention facilities within a single landmark destination. The resort brings together contemporary accommodation, diverse culinary landscape, premium retail, entertainment, event and wellness facilities, providing Indian travellers with a comprehensive proposition for leisure, business and MICE travel requirements.