Document Type: Regulatory Disclosure & Market Update

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company SOTC Travel, have released a comprehensive report on evolving Indian traveler behaviors coinciding with World Tourism Day 2026 under the theme "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism".

Key Travel Behavior Trends Identified:

Experience-First Travel Planning:

  • Holiday searches now begin with desired experiences rather than destinations
  • Popular experience categories include wildlife safaris (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa), culinary trails (Italy, Japan), cultural immersion (Rajasthan, Vietnam), adventure (New Zealand, Switzerland), and stargazing (Ladakh, Norway)
  • Premium travelers seeking expedition cruises, premium rail journeys, Grand Slam tennis, premium golf, and Formula 1 experiences
  • Spiritual travel expanding beyond pilgrimage to include heritage, cuisine, architecture, wellness and local experiences in destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, Ujjain, Rishikesh

Digital Payment Transformation:

  • 25% of Thomas Cook India's customers transact through digital forex purchase channels
  • 57% of forex card spending occurs through contactless and online transactions
  • Clear preference shift toward convenience, flexibility and digital control over cash
  • Payments becoming integrated into seamless travel experience rather than separate pre-trip consideration

Tier-2/3 City Growth:

  • International travel expanding beyond metros with significant growth from Lucknow, Indore, Surat, Kochi, Bhubaneswar, and Vijayawada
  • Drivers include rising disposable incomes, better connectivity, growing global aspirations
  • Travelers from these markets seeking premium experiences (Northern Lights, Arctic cruises, wildlife safaris, multigenerational holidays)
  • Reduced dependence on metros as gateways due to improved air connectivity

Moment-Based Travel Planning:

  • Travel increasingly planned around festivals, concerts, sporting events, and cultural occasions
  • Traditional long annual holidays being complemented by more frequent short breaks
  • Long weekends, festive holidays, and work gaps converted into domestic getaways, road trips, and short-haul international holidays

Digital Discovery Channels:

  • Travel inspiration originating from OTT series, movies, social media reels, and creator recommendations
  • Artificial Intelligence enabling personalized destination and experience recommendations based on individual interests
  • Discovery process becoming increasingly personalized from initial inspiration phase

Quality Journey Expectations:

  • Holidays judged by quality of journey experience alongside destination quality
  • Growing demand for cruises, premium rail journeys, distinctive stays, glamping, and wildlife experiences
  • Practical factors like connectivity, visa convenience, and ease of access becoming more influential in destination selection

Management Commentary:

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa:

"Indian travellers are becoming more intentional about what they want from a holiday. The focus is moving beyond simply visiting a destination towards experiences that offer discovery, immersion and personal relevance. The opportunity for the travel industry is to bring together the right experiences with greater simplicity and relevance for each traveller."

Mr. S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours:

"Technology is becoming an increasingly integral part of how Indians discover and experience travel. The next phase is about using technology meaningfully — to simplify planning, provide more relevant choices and create a smoother experience across the journey. Digital innovation can play an important role in making travel more accessible, intuitive and personal."

Company Background:

  • Thomas Cook India Limited established in 1881
  • Leading omnichannel travel company offering Foreign Exchange, Corporate Travel, MICE, Leisure Travel, Value Added Services, and Visa Services
  • Operates 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, Go Vacation, Private Safaris East & South Africa
  • Operations span 28 countries across 5 continents
  • CRISIL rating: 'CRISIL AA/Stable' on long-term bank facilities, 'CRISIL A1+' on short-term facilities (highest rating for travel & tourism company in India)
  • Fairbridge Capital (Mauritius) Limited, subsidiary of Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, holds 64.77% shareholding

Subsidiary Information:

  • Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited: 78+ resorts, hotels and retreats across 48 locations in India
  • SOTC Travel Limited: Established 1949, over 75 years in travel industry
  • Travel Corporation (India) Limited: Leading Destination Management Company for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka
  • DEI Holdings Limited: 51% stake held by Thomas Cook India Group, leading imaging solutions provider