Thomas Cook has officially launched a new store in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, through a press release dated March 11, 2026, marking a strategic expansion in one of India's key travel markets. The new outlet brings the company's total network in Maharashtra to 29 locations, demonstrating its commitment to capitalizing on strong travel demand from the state.

Store Launch Details

The Kolhapur outlet represents the company's second location in the city and enhances access to comprehensive travel services for customers across diverse segments including families, couples, millennials, GenZ, business travelers, and seniors.

Travel Trends and Market Focus

Kolhapur, identified as a key commercial hub in southern Maharashtra, is witnessing rising affluence and growing appetite for premium travel experiences. The outlet caters to travelers from Kolhapur and neighboring catchments with comprehensive services including international and domestic holidays, group tours, personalized holidays, cruises, and value-added services like travel insurance.

Strategic Positioning

According to Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa at Thomas Cook, the launch reflects the company's strategic focus on strengthening presence across high-potential Tier-2 markets. The outlet offers customers seamless access to Thomas Cook's extensive portfolio along with the company's AI booking platform that assists in planning personalized vacations in real-time.

Company Background

Established in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited operates as the leading omnichannel travel company offering services including foreign exchange, corporate travel, MICE, leisure travel, and visa services. The company spans 28 countries across 5 continents and has received multiple industry recognitions including MICE Powerhouse at MaxiiiMICE Awards 2025 and maintains CRISIL's highest rating for a travel and tourism company in India.

Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel have announced a strategic partnership with Booking.com under Regulation 30 of SEBI regulations. The collaboration aims to deliver comprehensive accommodation solutions for Indian corporates through enhanced digital booking platforms.

Regulatory Filing and Partnership Announcement

The partnership was formally announced through a press release dated March 10, 2026, filed under Regulation 30 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The announcement was communicated to both BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration.

Partnership Scope and Global Reach

The collaboration provides Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel's corporate clients with access to Booking.com's extensive accommodation inventory. Booking.com's accommodation content is now live on both companies' corporate booking tools, offering immediate access to a vast global network.

Enhanced Service Features

The partnership introduces several key features designed to address specific requirements of Indian business travel and procurement teams. The program focuses on providing wider choice while maintaining company travel policy compliance.

Key Service Components:

• Price transparency at scale: Property-issued invoices with clear audit trails and GST compliance
• Segment-wise curation: Tailored content for SMEs, mid-market, and large enterprises
• Content depth and coverage: Comprehensive reach across Indian metros and tier 2-3 cities
• Business-friendly stays: Verified traveller reviews and essential business amenities
• Enterprise support: Co-developed servicing model for booking changes and coordination
• Integrated policy control: Budget management, approvals, and real-time updates

Strategic Leadership Perspectives

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, emphasized the partnership's focus on redefining accommodation access by expanding global choice while enhancing compliance frameworks. The collaboration includes future integration into the TravelOne platform with planned additions of rate activation, long-stay solutions, and city-wise safety clusters.

Mark van der Linden, VP Partnerships, Booking.com, highlighted the partnership as a strategic step in making Booking.com's global inventory enterprise-ready for the Indian market, addressing the digital transformation demands of India's business travel sector.