Mumbai, February 24, 2025: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its group company SOTC Travel, have signed a strategic 24-month partnership with Korea Tourism Organization – a collaboration that focuses on Special Projects towards increasing visibility for the destination in the high-potential India market. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited, SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel and Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization.

Korea Tourism Organization’s exclusive partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel leverages on Special Projects to drive year-round awareness and inspiration for Korea. The collaboration extends across exchange of knowledge, best practices and development of unique-innovative products designed specifically for Indian travellers, fostering long-term growth in leisure, business and MICE segments for Korea.

Korea offers a vibrant and enriching experience for Indian travellers, blending luxury, culture, wellness and exceptional cuisine. The global Hallyu wave has elevated Korea’s cultural influence, with the rise of the K-beauty industry, K-pop and K-drama experiences captivating audiences worldwide. Korean cuisine, or Hansik, known for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, adds another layer to the country’s appeal, offering a delightful culinary journey. Expanding beyond Seoul and Busan, regions like Jeju Island, Gangwon Province and Jeollanam-do offer untapped potential for immersive travel experiences focused on wellness and relaxation, with state-of-the-art spas and wellness centers. This diverse offering positions Korea as a prime destination for India’s affluent and wellness-conscious market, driving sustained growth in tourism.

Rajeev Kale – President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa – Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “With new destinations and exciting experiential travel driving demand, South Korea is perfectly positioned to inspire the growing appetite of new-age Indian travellers. Our MOU with the Korea Tourism Organization not only endorses South Korea as a dynamic and vibrant destination but also opens new avenues for enriching travel experiences. We aim to foster long-term growth across our viable leisure, business, and MICE segments. Our MOU will focus on product development, destination education and marcom to create top-of-mind visibility and drive transactions. By leveraging our expertise in the Indian market, we aim to create greater visibility for South Korea, facilitating seamless travel experiences and fostering memorable, value-driven journeys for our customers”

SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours – SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to partner with Korea Tourism Organization. South Korea stands out as a destination that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, not just from India’s metros but also regional India’s Tier 2 and 3

markets. With its blend of rich culture, cutting-edge innovation, and exciting experiences, it holds immense potential to captivate a diverse range of travellers. Our collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization signifies our shared commitment to enhancing travel experiences for Indian visitors. This partnership is an opportunity to curate distinctive travel products and elevate destination awareness, leveraging joint initiatives that connect with the needs of the Indian market. Together, we aim to elevate the appeal of South Korea and create sustainable growth across leisure, business, and MICE sectors.”

Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said, “We are delighted to formalize this strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, both prominent players in the Indian travel industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance awareness and engagement for South Korea as a premier travel destination among Indian travellers. By leveraging their extensive distribution network, expertise, and innovative approach, we look forward to introducing unique and immersive travel experiences tailored to Indian tourists.”