Saudi Tourism Authority partners with Thomas Cook India

An MOU has been signed to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination to the Indian market

Thomas Cook India, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company, and its Group Company SOTC Travel, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote Saudi Arabia as a tourist destination.

The partnership will leverage Thomas Cook India and SOTC’s diverse segments, including leisure and ‘bleisure’ (business and leisure travel), coupled with the companies’ omnichannel clicks & bricks model. The companies’ shared retail presence pans India, online portals, holidays apps, virtual holiday stores and call centres.

Saudi Arabia offers rich cultural heritage and a wide variety of outdoor adventure experiences, set against striking natural landscapes. The destination is home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites, untouched nature and a rapidly evolving entertainment and events calendar.

The MOU between Thomas Cook, SOTC and Saudi Tourism Authority will focus on content curation, product development and a joint marketing campaign across media platforms.

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Speaking about the partnership, Thomas Cook India president and country head of Holidays, MICE and Visa, Rajeev Kale said: “Saudi is an unexplored and exciting new destination that offers much opportunity for the Indian traveller. Our unique omnichannel model is a significant advantage to this partnership, offering customers the choice and convenience of selecting their preferred mode of contacting us: via our holiday app, virtual holiday store, website, call centre or extensive retail network pan India.”

SOTC Travel president and country head of Holidays, Daniel D’souza added: “Traveller preferences have evolved in the new normal and our data indicates strong consumer interest for new and untapped destinations – Saudi offers exciting potential! This hidden gem offers unique facets like outdoor adventure, from diving, snorkelling and yachting to biking and hiking, plus a multitude of UNESCO World Heritage sites.”

Underlining what Saudi has to offer, Saudi Tourism Authority chief markets officer for the APAC region, Alhasan Aldabbagh said: “Saudi is on an incredible journey of transformation with tourism at the forefront and as the world continues to open up, we remain committed to building the world’s biggest new destination.

“This partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC is critical in helping us achieve our ambitious tourism goals, and unlocking opportunities for growth for our partners as we increase destination awareness, develop products and drive inbound visitation of Indian travellers.”

For more information, visit www.sta.gov.sa