In a move to cater to the burgeoning Indian travel market, Thomas Cook India and its affiliate SOTC Travel have formed a strategic partnership with Malaysia Airlines. This 24-month agreement, signed in Kuala Lumpur, aims to enhance travel experiences for Indian tourists by providing a seamless and integrated travel journey.
The partnership acknowledges the increasing desire among Indians to embark on multiple vacations annually. This collaboration leverages the strengths of both companies to offer tailored travel solutions, taking advantage of Malaysia Airlines’ extensive network connecting both metro and regional areas within India. This will open doors for Indian travelers to explore Malaysia and beyond, including destinations like Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
The agreement encompasses a multifaceted strategy focusing on joint marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns to raise brand visibility and attract Indian tourists. Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel, prominent travel service providers with a broad customer base spanning major Indian cities, will offer a diverse range of travel packages under this partnership. These packages include group tours, personalized vacations to Malaysia, airfare-inclusive Malaysia Airlines packages, and combination holidays that position Malaysia as a stopover destination. This allows Indian tourists to enjoy two vacations in one, maximizing their travel experiences.
Malaysia’s favorable visa policies contribute to its attractiveness as a destination for Indian travelers. Mr. Abraham Alapatt, President and Group Head of Marketing, Service Quality, Value-Added Services, and Innovation at Thomas Cook (India) Limited and SOTC Travel, highlighted the appeal of Malaysia to Indian travelers. He stated, “Indians are travelling like never before, and Malaysia offers both a compelling destination and a strategic stopover. Its rich cultural tapestry and flavorful cuisine make it particularly appealing to Indian travellers. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines provides a convenient hub for exploring Malaysia, as well as seamless connections to Asia and long-haul destinations like Australia-New Zealand. Through our strategic partnership with the Malaysia Aviation Group, we are excited to create new opportunities for exploration and deliver unforgettable travel experiences for our customers across holidays, B-Leisure, and MICE segments.”
Mr. Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer at Malaysia Aviation Group, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of the partnership in strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ presence in the Indian market. He stated, “Partnering with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel represents a significant step in our commitment to strengthening Malaysia Airlines’ presence in the Indian market. This collaboration allows us to leverage the strengths of both companies to offer tailored travel solutions and exceptional experiences for Indian travellers. We are confident that this partnership will not only boost tourism between our countries but also enrich the travel experiences of our customers, showcasing the best of Malaysia and beyond.”
This partnership promises to create a win-win situation, fostering tourism between India and Malaysia, and enriching the travel experiences of Indian tourists by providing access to unique destinations and seamless travel connections.
