In a strategic move to strengthen Mauritius’ presence in the high-potential Indian travel market, Thomas Cook (India) Limited and its group company SOTC Travel Limited have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). The long-term strategic partnership is aimed at maximising the India market opportunity by enhancing destination visibility and driving increased visitation from India.
The MOU was signed by Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head at Thomas Cook (India) Limited; S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited; and Benoît Harter, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, in the presence of Mr. Dinesh Burrenchobay, Chairman, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.
The collaboration seeks to promote Mauritius beyond its pristine beaches, turquoise lagoons and lush landscapes, spotlighting the island nation’s rich Creole heritage and vibrant cultural tapestry reflected in its cuisine, festivals and religious diversity. With deep-rooted cultural links to India, visa-free access, short flight durations and a wide spectrum of premium to value-driven resorts, Mauritius offers a familiar yet distinctive appeal for Indian travellers. The destination continues to attract honeymoons, multi-generational families, millennials, Gen Z, Gen S and leisure travellers alike.
Mauritius is also gaining prominence as a MICE and corporate travel destination, supported by world-class convention facilities, luxury resorts with integrated meeting infrastructure and distinctive team-building experiences set against stunning natural backdrops.
The multi-pronged partnership will focus on destination knowledge and education, product development, and integrated marketing and communication initiatives to position Mauritius as a top-of-mind destination across India’s metro, mini-metro, and Tier 2 and 3 markets.
Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head – Holidays, MICE, Visa, Thomas Cook (India) Limited, said, “We are delighted to be appointed by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority as a strategic partner for the Indian market. Our partnership intents leverage on Thomas Cook India’s omnichannel strength, destination expertise and extensive reach, to showcase Mauritius’ evolving proposition across leisure, MICE and business travel. We aim to tap into India’s metros as well as the strongly emerging Tier 2 and 3 markets.”
S.D. Nandakumar, President & Country Head – Holidays and Corporate Tours, SOTC Travel Limited, said, “The signing of our MOU with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority marks a significant milestone in positioning Mauritius as a truly multifaceted destination. Beyond its scenic allure, Mauritius offers a compelling blend of French influence, Creole heritage, vibrant culture, diverse religious traditions and a distinctive culinary landscape—creating a deep cultural connection with Indian travellers. This partnership will enable us to showcase the destination’s depth and diversity, while driving sustained demand across leisure, honeymoon, multi-generational families, MICE and corporate travel segments from India.”
Benoît Harter, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said, “We are delighted to work with Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel as part of our strategy to grow the Indian market for Mauritius and accelerate visitation from both metro cities and regional markets. Our multipronged approach aims to leverage opportunities across the leisure and MICE segments through this partnership. We look forward to working closely with Thomas Cook and SOTC.”
With this strategic alliance, Mauritius is set to further strengthen its position as a preferred, year-round destination for Indian travellers across leisure, business and experiential travel segments.
