Thomas Cook India , a leading omnichannel travel services company, has unveiled an extensive China holidays collection in collaboration with its group company SOTC Travel. This strategic move capitalizes on the resumption of direct flight connectivity between India and China, as well as the growing demand for China as a travel destination among Indian tourists.

New Destinations and Experiences

The expanded portfolio offers a blend of popular attractions and exciting new destinations:

Unique Experiences

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated a range of special experiences for travelers:

• Ride on the world's fastest train – the Shanghai Maglev
• Immersive storytelling at Chongqing 1949's 360° rotating theatre
• Spectacular drone shows at Yangtze River waterfront
• Michelin-starred dining experiences
• Private Baijiu distillery sampling

Tailored for Diverse Travelers

The new holiday packages are designed to cater to a wide range of travelers, including:

• Multi-generational families
• Young professionals (GenZ and millennials)
• Couples
• Seniors
• Solo travelers

Enhanced Comfort and Convenience

To ensure a comfortable travel experience, Thomas Cook India and SOTC have incorporated several features:

• Travel via high-speed trains for group tours
• Porter services at major train stations
• Pre-planned menus blending Indian favorites with regional Chinese cuisine
• Indian chefs flown in for vegetarian preferences

Business Travel and MICE Potential

The companies are also witnessing increased interest from corporates for:

• Business travel
• Meetings
• Incentive programs
• Conferences

Cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu are emerging as key hubs for these activities.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook (India) Limited, stated, "Announcement of direct flight connectivity has opened the doors to China and driven consumer interest. Leveraging on this opportunity, we have enhanced our China portfolio to go beyond the conventional, introducing new regions and experiences that resonate with India's new age holidaymaker."

This expansion of Thomas Cook India's China holiday portfolio, in partnership with SOTC Travel, marks a significant step in catering to the evolving travel preferences of Indian tourists, offering them a diverse range of experiences in one of Asia's most fascinating destinations.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have introduced a novel travel concept called Van Tours, blending the affordability of group tours with the flexibility of personalized holidays. This innovative service targets small groups of 4-12 travelers, offering a unique way to explore various international destinations.

Key Features of Van Tours

Destination Coverage

The Van Tours cover a wide range of visa-free or easy-visa destinations, including:

• Southeast Asia: Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos
• East Asia: Japan, South Korea, China
• Middle East: Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi
• Central Asia: Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan

Target Audience

This new travel service is designed to cater to various traveler groups:

• Families and multi-generational family units
• Groups of friends
• Women travelers
• Mini-reunions
• Celebratory getaways (birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor/bachelorette trips)

Additional Benefits

• Unlimited bottled water and soft drinks
• Flexibility to customize itineraries
• Leisurely exploration at the customer's pace

Executive Insights

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook India Limited, emphasized the growing demand for convenience, affordability, and flexibility in travel. He stated, "Our Van Tours offer a perfect solution to the growing demand for convenience, affordability and flexibility. This unique concept of premium, chauffeur-driven vans is thoughtfully designed for smaller groups of families/extended families and friends."

S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours at SOTC Travel, highlighted the appeal to value-seeking travelers from both metro and regional markets. He noted, "Our newly launched Van Tours are perfectly suited for intimate groups of 6 to 12 travellers – offering comfort and attractive pricing and the handholding of any accompanying driver-cum-guide."

This innovative travel concept by Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel appears to address the evolving needs of modern travelers, offering a balance between structure and spontaneity in international travel experiences.