Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel Sign Strategic Partnership with Mauritius Tourism Authority
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel have signed a strategic MOU with Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority on February 6, 2026, to boost travel from the Indian market. The partnership will focus on destination promotion, product development, and marketing communications to position Mauritius across leisure, MICE, and corporate travel segments. The collaboration leverages Thomas Cook India's omnichannel strength to target metro cities and emerging Tier 2 and 3 markets, highlighting Mauritius' cultural connections with India and diverse travel offerings.

*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
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:
| Role | Name | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| President & Country Head | Mr. Rajeev Kale | Thomas Cook (India) Limited |
| President & Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours | Mr. S.D. Nandakumar | SOTC Travel Limited |
| Director | Mr. Benoît Harter | Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority |
| Chairman | Mr. Dinesh Burrenchobay | Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority |
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.
Historical Stock Returns for Thomas Cook
| 1 Day | 5 Days | 1 Month | 6 Months | 1 Year | 5 Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -4.43% | -11.53% | -23.40% | -26.60% | -23.29% | +141.55% |


































