Partnership Announcement
Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its Group Company SOTC Travel have entered into a strategic partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) under the destination's Visa Subsidy Programme.
Offer Details
The partnership enables eligible Indian travellers booking leisure holiday packages with a minimum continuous three-night hotel stay in Abu Dhabi to avail of complimentary UAE entry visas at no additional cost. DCT Abu Dhabi covers the full cost of UAE entry visas for eligible bookings.
Programme Timeline
The offer is applicable for eligible bookings made between August 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026, for travel until October 31, 2026. The programme is subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Strategic Objective
The initiative reinforces the long-standing partnership between DCT Abu Dhabi, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, reflecting a shared commitment to creating greater value for Indian travellers. The collaboration aims to drive awareness and encourage more Indian travellers to experience Abu Dhabi's unique blend of cultural heritage, world-class attractions, family entertainment, adventure, luxury hospitality and immersive experiences.
Market Context
India is identified as one of the largest source markets for international travel and continues to play a key role in Abu Dhabi's tourism growth strategy. Through strategic collaborations with leading travel partners, Abu Dhabi aims to strengthen its engagement with the Indian market by making travel planning more seamless, accessible and rewarding.
Management Commentary
Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited stated: "Our long-standing partnership with Abu Dhabi has enabled us to consistently curate enriching holiday experiences for Indian travellers. We are delighted to be among the select travel partners for Abu Dhabi's Visa Subsidy Programme, which further enhances the value proposition for our customers."
Mr. SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel stated: "Indian travellers today seek holidays that combine enriching experiences with exceptional value. Abu Dhabi continues to enjoy strong appeal across families, couples, young professionals and groups, thanks to its diverse tourism offerings and year-round attractions."
Company Background
Thomas Cook (India) Limited is India's leading omnichannel travel services company established in 1881, offering services including Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, and Visa Services. The company operates multiple brands including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Asian Trails, Allied TPro, Australian Tours Management, Desert Adventures, Travel Circle International Limited, Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited, Distant Frontiers, TC Tours, Digiphoto Entertainment Imaging (DEI), Go Vacation, and Private Safaris East & South Africa.
The Thomas Cook India Group spans 28 countries across 5 continents and is one of the largest travel service provider networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region. Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, a subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, is the promoter of TCIL with a shareholding of 64.77% of its paid-up capital.
CRISIL has reaffirmed the rating on debt programs and bank facilities of TCIL - 'CRISIL AA/Stable' on the long-term bank facilities and 'CRISIL A1+' rating on the short-term bank facilities and short-term debt of the company, representing the highest rating for a travel & tourism company in India.