Nature & Outdoor experiences driving Indian travel demand Thomas Cook and SOTC launch a range of Autumn Holidays

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Key Drivers:

    • Allure of Autumn’s vibrant colours and favourable weather 

    • Trend towards off-peak/low-season travel with advantages of attractive pricing and fewer crowds

      Top Autumn Destinations: 

    • International: Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, Scandinavia, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Georgia, USA, Canada

    • Domestic: Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, North-East, Kerala, Karnataka

Mumbai, October 2024: Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India's leading omnichannel travel services company and its Group Company, SOTC Travel, have launched a unique range of Autumn Holidays to strategically leverage the strong and growing Indian consumer demand for nature and outdoor experiences. With the Companies’ data revealing a notable trend towards low/off-season travel, in addition to vibrant fall colours, Thomas Cook & SOTC’s Autumn Holidays also serve to drive momentum with added benefits of attractive off-season pricing and fewer crowds at destinations. 

The pandemic having created a clear shift in demand for nature and outdoor experiences, Autumn/Fall is now emerging as a viable holiday season for Indian consumers. Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel’s new portfolio of Autumn holidays hence intends to maximise on this opportunity by offering enchanting journeys as leaves turn into fiery shades of gold, orange and red. 

Against this picturesque backdrop, the Companies’ Autumn Holidays offer fun-engaging experiences to appeal to multi-generational families, couples/groups of friends, Gen S, as well as Young India's millennials and Gen Z. In addition to group escorted tours, Thomas Cook & SOTC offers personalised programs with hiking and e-biking along Alpine autumn trails – from  Switzerland, Turkey, Georgia to Japan & South Korea; also stargazing while glamping; in unique geodesic eco-pods or a log cabin in Lapland. Adrenaline-fueled experiences include white-water rafting, wakeboarding or exploration on horseback/ segway. Unique gastronomy elements include gourmet walks, wild truffle strolls and vineyard tours with accommodation as varied as a chateau, palace or villa in France, Spain, Portugal, Georgia and Italy.  Wellness options range from Finland’s famed saunas, South Korea’s Jjimjilbang/thermal bathhouses, Japan’s onsens or a mud bath in Azerbaijan.

Closer to home, India’s own autumn gems include nature walks/treks amidst the vibrant chinars in Kashmir or a kaleidoscope of colours in Himachal and Uttarakhand, picturesque terrace tea/coffee gardens and stays in plantation bungalows in Darjeeling or Wayanad, to white water rafting in Coorg/Rishikesh and jungle safaris in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and more. 

Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “With changing consumer behaviour patterns, our data reflects growing appetite for travel during non-traditional peaks. And Autumn has been emerging as an attractive option, offering spectacular vistas with leaves changing to orange, rust and burgundy. This hence formed the genesis of the launch of our Autumn Holidays. With cooler climes, less crowded locales and off-season pricing, our aim is to fuel Indian demand and extend the traditional peak summer season!

Autumn is one of the best seasons to explore India, be it the Himalayan regions or hillscapes of the South; indulging in spa-wellness or setting off on an exciting safari. Europe, Japan - South Korea, Turkey, USA-Canada are top outbound favourites; with the short hauls like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan’s emerging due to easy access and visas.”

S.D. Nandakumar - President and Country Head - Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “With a legacy of 75 years of being an Indian-entrepreneurial brand, SOTC believes that ‘no one understands the Indian traveller better than SOTC’. Our intent was to build on the emerging demand for outdoor experiences and we have crafted engaging and memorable Autumnal getaways to catalyse this growing trend. In addition to group tours, our holiday experts co-curate exceptional Autumn itineraries, based on each customer’s unique preferences. 

What is particularly interesting is the growing interest we're seeing from India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets, highlighting a broader shift towards outdoor and seasonal travel across the country.”