Thomas Cook (India) and its group company, SOTC Travel, have signed a long-term strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tourism and Events Queensland to boost travel from India to Queensland, Australia. The MoU was signed in the presence of Hon David Crisafulli MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Veterans.
The collaboration will focus on joint marketing, content creation, and education & training programmes. Leveraging Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel’s phygital model—digital platforms and an extensive retail network—the partnership aims to position Queensland as a year-round destination for leisure, MICE, B-leisure, and sports tourism across metro, mini-metro, and tier 2 and 3 markets.
Highlighting Queensland’s appeal, the state is home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, along with diverse experiences from Gold Coast theme parks to Whitsundays island stays, Brisbane’s cosmopolitan lifestyle, and Cairns’ rainforest adventures. Queensland caters to multi-generational families, millennials, Gen Z, couples, and MICE groups, while also benefiting from India’s passion for cricket and global events such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India), said, “Experiential travel is a key demand driver, highlighted in our India Holiday Report – with 75% respondents seeking experiences over traditional tours. And Queensland offers just this: from spectacular natural vistas, world-class gastronomy to global sporting events and more! Our MOU with Queensland is a great opportunity to expand our product portfolio and showcase Queensland as a year-round destination. Our intent is to create innovative, immersive, experience-led itineraries that appeal to our range of segments across multi-generational families, millennials and GenZ, couples, working professionals and our powerful MICE corporates.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel said, “We are excited to partner with Queensland Tourism! With our powerful legacy of over 75 years and our extensive pan-India reach, we look forward to inspiring Indians, not just from metros, but also our regional tier 2 and 3 markets. Our strategy will focus on the key pivots of product development, education and marcom. We intend to spotlight Queensland’s iconic natural beauty while also showcasing the state’s hidden gems and exciting experiences – ensuring truly memorable and repeat visitations.”
Craig Davidson, CEO, Tourism and Events Queensland said, “This strategic connection with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel is a powerful step forward in our mission to position Queensland as the destination of choice for India travellers. From the Great Barrier Reef to the Scenic Rim, Queensland offers unforgettable experiences across every season. Through collaborative marketing, education and content creation, we’re excited to inspire more India visitors to discover ‘Australia’s Holiday Feeling’, which can only be experienced in Queensland.”
