Mumbai, October 30, 2025: Data from Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its group company SOTC Travel, highlights that with increasing travel intent, and frictionless access via visa free/easy visa regimes, Indian consumers are actively considering holidays – as a year-round opportunity. To maximize on this potential, the Companies have introduced Van Tours — a convenient and affordable solution with in-built flexibility, ideal for India’s new age travellers.

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s Van Tours offer an ideal blend of structure and spontaneity — allowing customers to explore a destination at their own pace with the expertise and support of an English-speaking local driver-guide, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience.

Designed for small intimate groups of 4 to 12 travellers, Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s Van Tours are ideal for family/multi-generational family units, adhoc groups of friends, women travellers, mini-reunions, or celebratory getaways such as birthdays, anniversaries and bachelor/bachelorette trips.

Each itinerary spans an average of 7 days, offering an exciting combination of discovery and relaxation across a range of short-haul destinations, including Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, Oman, Philippines, China, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Cambodia and Laos. The Van Tours include must-see attractions, along with the comfort of premium private vehicles and four-star hotel stays with breakfast.

Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel’s Van Tours, starting at just INR 38,000 per person for 7 nights to Bali to INR 3 lakhs to Japan (exclusive of airfare and meals) make outbound travel both comfortable and value-driven. Additional benefits include unlimited bottled water and soft drinks.

Mr. Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “With Indians embracing frequent and year-round travel, our Van Tours offer a perfect solution to the growing demand for convenience, affordability and flexibility. This unique concept of premium, chauffeur-driven vans is thoughtfully designed for smaller groups of families/extended families and friends. In addition to the set itinerary, customers can also personalize their journeys: start their day a little later, extend time at preferred attractions, add-on local hidden gems and increase the length of their trip. The accompanying chauffeur-guide is a valuable inclusion and our careful selection of local English-speaking driver-guides, adds to the reassurance and comfort of our customers.”

Mr. S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel, said, “We are witnessing growing travel intent not only from metros, but also from regional India’s tier 2 and 3 markets. India’s families, groups of friends/ frolleagues are value seekers – they want enriching experiences at attractive pricing, without compromising on comfort. To capitalize on this evolving consumer trend, our newly launched Van Tours are perfectly suited for intimate groups of 6 to 12 travellers – offering comfort and attractive pricing and the handholding of any accompanying driver-cum-guide. We have carefully selected visa-free/easy visa short-haul destinations for our Van Tours to enhance access and appeal for our customers.”