Thomas Cook India & SOTC Travel Unveil Private Van Tours Across Key Destinations

As Indian travellers increasingly seek year-round holiday opportunities, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, along with its group company SOTC Travel, has unveiled Van Tours a new, flexible way to explore global destinations. This innovative offering capitalizes on rising travel intent and expanding access to visa-free or simplified visa regimes, making international holidays more accessible and seamless.

A Perfect Blend of Structure, Flexibility, and Comfort

Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s Van Tours are designed to offer travellers the perfect balance of guided discovery and personalised freedom. With the support of an English-speaking driver-guide, travellers can enjoy a smooth, stress-free experience while exploring a destination at their own pace.

Ideal for small, intimate groups of 4 to 12 travellers, the tours cater to:

• Family and multi-generational groups
• Groups of friends
• Women travellers
• Mini-reunions

Celebratory getaways such as birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor or bachelorette trips

Each itinerary typically spans 7 days, combining must-see attractions with moments of leisure for a truly enriching holiday.

Curated Destinations Across Asia and Beyond

Van Tours are available across a range of short-haul international destinations, offering convenience and quick access:

• Vietnam
• Japan
• South Korea
• Oman
• Philippines
• China
• Dubai
• Abu Dhabi
• Georgia
• Uzbekistan
• Kazakhstan
• Cambodia
• Laos

Travellers enjoy premium private vehicles, expert guidance, and comfortable four-star hotel stays with breakfast, ensuring a high-quality experience at attractive price points.

Affordable Pricing for Premium Experiences

Van Tours begin at INR 38,000 per person for a 7-night trip to Bali, going up to INR 3 lakhs for Japan (exclusive of airfare and meals). Additional perks include unlimited bottled water and soft drinks, enhancing comfort throughout the journey.

This makes Van Tours a value-driven solution for travellers seeking affordability without compromising on comfort or quality.

Leadership Insights

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, shared: “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.”

S D Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays & Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel, added: “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.”

A New Era of Small-Group Travel

With Van Tours, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel are tapping into the evolving preferences of India’s modern travellers those who value flexibility, privacy, affordability, and premium comfort. As year-round travel becomes the new normal, this innovative offering is set to reshape the way Indians explore the world.