Thomas Cook and SOTC ink pact with Turkey Tourism to boost travel from India

In a planned initiative to give fillip to travel to Turkey in the high potential India market, Thomas Cook (India), and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have recently signed an agreement with Turkey Tourism. The collaboration will focus on building awareness and boosting visitations to the destination.

Thomas Cook & SOTC’s internal data reveals that with strong pent up demand and easing of entry/restrictions, Indian travel sentiment is at an all-time high. Destinations like Turkey that offer an added advantage of a simple and easy visa process are seeing significant interest. To inspire Indians and catalyse demand, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s partnership with Turkey Tourism focusses on both product development and wide-ranging marketing initiatives.

The product portfolio has been carefully designed by Thomas Cook & SOTC to showcase multifaceted Turkey – and its unique position at the crossroads of both Europe & Asia. The extensive range features ready-to-book holidays, group tours, personalised holidays and covers price points from value, affordable luxury to premium.

The partnership aims at targeting India’s high viable segments including millennials/young working professionals, families, couples, solo travellers, B-Leisure and corporate MICE groups from India’s key source markets: metros, mini-metros, as well as Tier 2 & 3 cities.

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “Turkey is one of the world’s most culturally rich destinations renowned for its warm hospitality, unique history, immense natural beauty, breathtaking architecture, and diverse gastronomy. We are delighted to collaborate with Turkey Tourism to jointly promote the destination to our range of customer segments as an aspirational destination for Indians. To inspire demand, we will strategically focus on digital advertisements, branding at Mumbai & Delhi international airports and a joint marketing campaign across media platforms. Additionally, we have also extended special offers like Buy One Get One Free.”

Deniz Ersoz, Culture and Tourism Counsellor, Embassy of the Republic of Turkey said, “Turkey is one of the most popular tourism destinations for Indian travellers with the interest of Indian visitors in the country, being on a consistent rise over the recent years. In 2019, which was the pre-pandemic period, Turkey welcomed 51 million international visitors of which Indians comprised a significant share. With Covid related travel restrictions easing up, Turkiye has been amongst the top travel destinations for travellers from India in the past months. This includes all segments such as FITs, MICE and even Wedding groups.